💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨THE INFLUENCE OF HIS KINGDOM✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨THE INFLUENCE OF HIS KINGDOM✨

 SCRIPTURE 📖:Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence (John 18:36). 

One of the charges for which Jesus was condemned was that He declared Himself to be a king. When Pilate asked Him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "…My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants f ight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36).

Pilate, intrigued by Jesus’ response, sought further clarification regarding His kingship. He asked again, “Are you a king then?” Jesus elaborated, saying, “…To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37).

The Lord Jesus stating that He was a king meant He was the ruler of a kingdom. But where was His kingdom? He clarified that His kingdom was not of this world, meaning it was foreign to this earthly realm. The rulers of the time couldn’t understand His kingdom because they couldn’t see it; they were perplexed by it.

The next important point is that Jesus had a mission to extend the influence and power of His heavenly kingdom to this world. He came to bring the blessings, the goodness, and the power of His kingdom to a world full of pain, darkness and struggles. This world, filled with destruction and suffering, needed change, and Jesus came with His kingdom to effect that change. Hallelujah!

 Through salvation, He extended the goodness of His kingdom to humanity. Now that you’re born again, you’ve become a citizen of Christ’s glorious Kingdom: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:12-13).

Therefore, walk in the consciousness of the full blessings of the Kingdom, and spread the influence of His reign everywhere. You represent the Kingdom; you carry it everywhere you go, for it is within you: Luke 17:21, “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” You’re the extension of His Kingdom and its influence, for the Bible says, “...he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10).

                               PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for your heavenly Kingdom and its blessings, impact and influence in the earth and in the hearts of men. I live the life of the Kingdom, and I walk in the fullness of its blessings, spreading the influence of your reign everywhere. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Luke 4:43; Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:20-21

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 22:15-46 & Exodus 22-23

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 11:21-30 & Genesis 32 7

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY JANUARY 31ST 2025. PASTOR CHRIS 💎✨TOPIC :✨LIFTED INTO HIS CLASS✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY JANUARY 31ST 2025. PASTOR CHRIS 💎✨

TOPIC :✨LIFTED INTO HIS CLASS✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 John 5:11).

When you receive eternal life—which is the unfading, unending and indestructible life of God—you receive the very nature and righteousness of God. This life lifts you into God's class of being. Let me explain this to you because it’s so important.

We often talk about who God is. God is not just a supernatural being who is so powerful that no one can resist Him, allowing Him to do whatever He pleases. While that’s true to some extent, there's more to God than just His power. The Bible tells us that God is holy, God is righteous, God is just, and God is love. He created everything, and nothing exists that He didn’t create. Everything belongs to Him.

 We are from God; He made us. He had a plan for us, and in His plan, He determined to give us eternal life so that we would be more than mere creatures. He gave us eternal life to lift us into His class of being. That’s what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “...If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature....” If you're born again, it means you’re in Christ, and if you’re in Christ, you’re a new creature, a new kind of man, a new type of being, in God's class of being.

 This doesn’t mean that you are equal with God but that you share in His nature. He remains your God and Heavenly Father, and He is greater than you, yet you can now relate with Him at a personal level, in a father-and- child relationship.

Just as a child relates to the parent as a human being, not as a dog or cat that belongs to a different class, we have been lifted into God's class to relate with Him as associates of the God-kind. That’s what receiving eternal life means, and it’s the life that God has given to us through Jesus Christ. This is the good news we preach. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why we proclaim it to the world that eternal life has come and that now, anyone who believes has been lifted into God's class of being.

                            PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I rejoice because I have been lifted into your class of being, with your divine nature and righteousness. I’m a new creation, born again with your unfading, unending and indestructible life in me. I walk in the consciousness of this life every day, influencing my world with your power, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 5:11-13; 2 Peter 1:4

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 21:33-22:1-14 & Exodus 20-21

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 11:11-20 & Genesis 31 6

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY JANUARY 30TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨SHINE BRILLIANTLY LIKE THE FIRMAMENT✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY JANUARY 30TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨SHINE BRILLIANTLY LIKE THE FIRMAMENT✨

SCRIPTURE :📖And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3).

Our theme verse isn't talking about every Christian; it is specifically referring to those who win souls, those who turn many to righteousness. These are the ones who shine like the brightness of the firmament. They minister like the heavens: Their voice, like the heavens, is being heard in every nation and in every language.

The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world...” (Psalm 19:1-4). You can’t shine like the brightness of the heavens if you don't function like the heavens.

Every Christian has a responsibility to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, just like the Lord instructed in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15. This is the way to shine as the brightness of the firmament. The Bible says, "...he that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). As we actively participate in sending the Gospel across borders, in all languages, into the nations of the earth, we’re functioning like the heavens—declaring the glory of God to all. One day, the Lord Jesus Christ will return, and He will honour us for preaching the Gospel to every man, in every nation, in all known languages. Think about it. You’ve been given the privilege to shine brightly, not just for a moment, but forever and ever. Praise God forevermore!

 Spread the Gospel beyond your borders. Rise to this call and get involved in this great work because the Lord’s return is imminent. Every day, do more for the spread of the Gospel. Together, let’s reach beyond our borders and regions. Let’s ensure that our voices echo like the heavens, declaring God's glory across the earth. This is our responsibility!

                          PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege of being a bearer of your glorious Gospel. As I win souls and turn many to righteousness, I shine like the brightness of the heavens. Thank you for empowering me to declare your glory in every language, to every nation, as we anticipate with excitement your glorious return, when you honour us for this great work. Thank you for the grace to do more in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Proverbs 11:30; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 21:1-32 & Exodus 18-19

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 11:1-10 & Genesis 30

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH 2025.💎✨TOPIC :✨A CALL TO ACT YOUR FAITH✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH 2025.💎✨

TOPIC :✨A CALL TO ACT YOUR FAITH✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not Seen (Hebrews 11:1)

In Luke 8:22-25, the Lord Jesus and His disciples set sail across the lake when a violent storm arose, causing the boat to be filled with water. The disciples,filled with fear, woke Jesus, saying, *"Master, Master, we perish!"* Jesus then arose, rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and the storm immediately ceased, resulting in a great calm. It was a marvellous display of divine authority.

Then the Bible says, *"...And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him"* (Luke 8:25). Now, here’s what’s important: after rebuking the wind and the waves, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, *“Where is your faith?”* That statement speaks volumes. He’s saying, *“You could have done it yourselves.”*

By asking, *“Where is your faith?”* the Lord Jesus revealed that what they needed all along was their faith. He demonstrated that with faith, even the forces of nature are subject to us. He expected His disciples to know that their faith could have handled the situation.

Hebrews 11:33-34 tells us what our forebears did through faith. They subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

We can do the same and even more in our day because we have the same spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13). Our faith is real, it is substance, it has power, and the beautiful thing is that every Christian has faith. We all have the same measure of faith (Romans 12:3), and with your faith, you can do anything. You can change anything. The forces of nature, hell and of this world are subject to you. 

Activate your faith even now and speak to the storm, and there’ll be a great calm. Speak to your body, your blood, your bones, your heart and kidneys. Speak to your job, your finances, and your business. Speak and declareperfection in your health, your home and family.

                             PRAYER

_Dear Father, my faith is anchored on your Word, and it produces tremendous results even now. I walk in health, strength, prosperity and unending victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._

                   FURTHER STUDY

*Mark 11:22-24* And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. *23* For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. *24* Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

*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;

*Hebrews 11:33-34* Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. *34* Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

*James 2:17* Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 20:17-34 & Exodus 16-17

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 10:34-42 & Genesis 29

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH 2025.💎✨TOPIC :✨FRAME YOUR REASONING WITH THE WORD✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH 2025.💎✨

TOPIC :✨FRAME YOUR REASONING WITH THE WORD✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :_And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..._ *(Romans 12:2)*

When your reasoning is framed by God's Word, you can’t think limitations, defeat, weakness or failure. God’s Word gives you a champion’s mentality; you just know that come what may, you’re always in victory. It brings to mind the story of Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, the land God had promised to the Israelites. While ten spies doubted and came back with a negative report, Caleb and Joshua had a different report.

Caleb’s faith and courage stood out, and God promised that he and Joshua would live to enter the land and that Caleb would inherit the land he had explored. Years later, at 85, Caleb reminded Joshua of God's promise and boldly declared, *“Now therefore give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day... ”* (Joshua 14:12 NKJV). Caleb could have said, *“You know, I’m 85 now, old and stricken with years. There're lots of giants in Hebron. Can we get some other land? Is there an alternative?”* But no; despite his age, Caleb was determined to claim Hebron. What a mindset!

Some people, even in their 50s, start to believe they are too old to accomplish certain things, simply because in today’s world that has become a popular belief. They’ve become more acquainted with the ways of the world than with the Word of God. Caleb didn’t care how great or fenced the cities were or how formidable the Anakim giants seemed. He knew that with God, victory was inevitable. All that was important to Caleb was the Lord with Him!

This same mentality should drive you today. You need to have the right mindset. God is calling you to think differently—to think as He would have you think. This is very important because the Lord has sent us in our day. He’s in us and always with us. You can do something about your family, business, work, finances, city, state and nation, knowing that victory is already yours in Christ Jesus. 

You’re not at the mercy of anyone. None of the powers of this world can dominate you. You’re the seed of Abraham; you’re an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ. You’re a God-man, a partaker of the divine nature. Have the right mentality about yourself; frame and construct it through the Word. Praise God! 

                          CONFESSION

_My mind is constantly renewed by God’s Word to think excellence, victory, glory and dominion. I’m victorious through the Word, confident that in Christ, I’m always and forever triumphant. Amen._

 FURTHER STUDY:

*Numbers 14:24* But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

*Philippians 4:13* I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

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

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 19:16-20:1-16 & Exodus 15

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 10:23-33 & Genesis 28

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨PRAYING LIKE HIM✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨PRAYING LIKE HIM✨

SCRIPTURE :📖And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples (Luke 11:1).

The Lord Jesus was so different from the religious leaders of His day and from what the people around Him were used to. Everything about Him was transcendent and awe-inspiring, including His prayer life and prayer language. His disciples, having watched Him for a while, came to Him one day and said, “Lord, teach us to pray." Now, why did they ask this?

Remember, they were Jews, and the Jews knew how to pray. The Jews prayed all the time; their entire life was centred around the temple and revolved around prayer. So, for a Jew to say "Teach us to pray," means something significant. They already prayed religiously because their religion demanded it. They prayed several times a day as a routine. But they noticed something different about Jesus; they saw that His prayers were effective. They saw results. His words had power. Something happened when Jesus spoke. 

When Jesus prayed, it wasn’t religious; it seemed like He was actually talking to someone who was listening. They never saw the religious leaders pray like that. And even more astonishing, it seemed as though whoever Jesus was talking to responded, as His life reflected answers to those prayers. This was what amazed the disciples, so they said, "Master, teach us to pray." Jesus taught them to pray, and they learned to pray like Him. 

As you study the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and the Epistles, you discover that they indeed learned to pray like Jesus. Through their writings, they taught us to pray as Jesus taught them, and now, we also pray like Jesus and have results like Jesus. When you get to know prayer like this, you’ll love to pray. You’ll realize that you can actually effect changes and make things happen through prayer. Prayer becomes a powerful tool to bring God's will to pass in your life, in the lives of others and in the nations of the world.

                       CONFESSION

My prayers are powerful and effective, imbued with the authority to cause changes in my life, my family and my world. Every word I speak in prayer carries power and produces results. Thank you, Lord, for making me an agent of change, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Mark 11:24; John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 19:1-15; Exodus 13-14

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 10:12-22; Genesis 27

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY JANUARY 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨WE EFFECT CHANGES WHEN WE PRAY✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY JANUARY 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨WE EFFECT CHANGES WHEN WE PRAY✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (James 5:16 AMPC).

Some people see prayer as the recourse of the weak-minded or of those who are helpless and hopeless. But that’s an outright misconception. When you understand prayer and the reason we pray, you’d realize that we never pray from a position of weakness or disadvantage; we don’t merely pray in hope. We pray to effect changes. 

Prayer in the Kingdom of God goes far beyond hope, even though hope is a great virtue. In fact, the very act of prayer arises from hope. But when you begin to pray, you’re no longer simply demonstrating hope—you’re now effecting changes. God never wants us to be in a hopeless situation where we feel hamstrung and hedged in. We can do anything and change anything in His Name in the place of prayer.

 When you study the Scriptures, you’d discover that each time God’s people prayed, miracles were wrought, adversities were turned into testimonies. It’s the same in our day; our prayers are effective. So, it makes no difference what the case is; pray! The Bible says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much; it makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working.  

 Pray according to the Word of God and exercise your authority and dominion in Christ. Use the Name of Jesus and change that seemingly hopeless situation. Whether you’re praying for yourself, a loved one, your nation, the salvation of souls, or the furtherance of the Gospel; pray with confidence, knowing that you have a right to be heard by God. He told us to pray because He planned to answer. Hallelujah!

Never see prayer as a last resort or something we do because we’re out of wits or options; no! When we pray, we’re taking action. It’s our means of influencing situations and releasing the power of God to effect changes and establish God’s will in the earth. Hallelujah!

                        PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege and power of prayer. My prayers are effectual, bringing about changes in my life and the lives of others as I exercise my spiritual authority over every situation and effect the will of the Father in my life, that of my loved ones, and in the nations of the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 5:14-15; Mark 11:24; Philippians 4:6-7; John 16:23

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 18:15-35 & Exodus 10-12

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:1-11 & Genesis 26

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY JANUARY 25TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨HE WAS OUR RANSOM✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY JANUARY 25TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨HE WAS OUR RANSOM✨

SCRIPTURE :📖When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses (Matthew 8:16-17).

Matthew, in his own writing, lets us know in the verses above that Jesus came to fulfil what Isaiah had prophesied: the removal of our sins. He gave His life as a ransom for many: “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:27-28). A ransom is the consideration or what is demanded to be paid for the release of a captive.

The whole world was captive to the devil, captive to sin and therefore condemned to die because of sin. We were legal captives of the devil until Jesus paid for us to be free from sins, free from Satan’s dominion, and from spiritual death. We were in the bondage of spiritual death and separated from God, having no hope and without God in the world. But all that changed when Jesus gave His life for your life. He was the price paid for your freedom. The Bible says, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18). That is substitution. He gave Himself that you may be free to serve God and live for Him. He was sinless, holy and righteous; and now you’re like Him; holy, righteous and sin-free. Colossians 1:21-22 says, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” This is amazing.

 Now you see why we so rejoice as Christians and are forever full of praise and joy. It’s because of this message of substitution; Jesus was our ransom! He took your place of sin so that you may take His place of righteousness. He took your place of poverty, suffering and shame so that you may have His life of glory, power, dominion and abundance. Blessed be God! So now what? Take your place in Christ! Live the life He’s given you—the life of glory and excellence. Hallelujah!

                             PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for sending the Lord Jesus to take our place of sin, suffering, shame and death, and give us His life of righteousness and glory, prosperity and victory. Now, I'm free from the dominion of sin and Satan. I walk in the glorious liberty of the sons of God, living a life of excellence, dominion and abundance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Mark 10:45; Colossians 1:21-22; 1 Timothy 2:5-6

 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 17:14-18:1-14 & Exodus 8-9

 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 9:27-38 & Genesis 25 5

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY JANUARY 24TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS 💎✨TOPIC :✨CHRIST JESUS OUR SUBSTITUTE✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY JANUARY 24TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS 💎✨

TOPIC :✨CHRIST JESUS OUR SUBSTITUTE✨

SCRIPTURE :📖For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The word substitution, even though not expressly used in the Scriptures, defines and properly encapsulates what Jesus came to do. It means to replace something or someone with another, to take the place of another or to put in another one’s place. Jesus being our substitute means He came to take our place so that we might take His place. How wonderful that is! No religious leader ever did that; no one ever did that for anybody, but Jesus did.

Even the Prophets prophesied about this in the Old Testament; they prophesied about the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:11). The Prophet Isaiah, for example, tells us in Isaiah 53:4-6, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” The Prophet Isaiah saw this in a vision back in his day; it hadn’t happened yet, but he spoke in the past tense because, in the mind of God, it already happened. The Bible calls Jesus the Lamb of God that was slain from the foundation of the world. Hallelujah! Notice the latter part of the 6th verse: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” All our sins were laid on Jesus; that’s what the prophet saw—the vision of the Messiah bearing upon Himself the sins of all humanity. Read verse 8; it says, “He was taken from prison and from judgment…for the transgression of my people was he stricken.” Eventually, when Jesus came, He faced Caiaphas’ judgment; He faced Pilate’s judgment. Afterwards, they killed Him.

 The Bible says it pleased the LORD to bruise Him, meaning it was God who gave Him up to die so His soul would be an offering for sin. His sacrifice, His substitutionary work, produced us! Think about that! No wonder we live in His Name today. We have been made His righteousness as stated in our opening text. We’ll learn more in our next study.

                             PRAYER

Dear Father, I’m so grateful for the gift of righteousness and the new life I’ve received through Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice. I live today in the victory of His finished work, fully conscious of my identity in Him. I walk in the light of this truth, declaring your glory and goodness to the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Galatians 3:13-14; 1 Peter 3:18 NIV; 2 Corinthians 8:9

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Matthew 16:13-17:1-13 & Exodus 6-7

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 9:14-26 & Genesis 24 5

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY JANUARY 23RD, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨THE FORMAL DECLARATION OF OUR INNOCENCE✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY JANUARY 23RD, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨THE FORMAL DECLARATION OF OUR INNOCENCE✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:24-25).

In our previous study, we learnt that we’re the proof of God’s fairness and impartiality. That’s what it means to be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Now the latter part of our opening scripture reveals something extraordinary; it’s one of the most mind-blowing verses of the Bible. It says Jesus Christ was delivered for our offences and raised back to life, not for our forgiveness, but for our justification.

This staggers the understanding of the human mind; it’s purely beyond belief. He was delivered to death for our offences and raised for our justification so that He (God) might be just and the justifier of the one who believes in Jesus Christ. How could an offender suddenly become justified? 

The Greek word for justification is “Dikaiosis” and it means acquittal, a legal or formal declaration of innocence. It means God looked at you and said, “You’re innocent; you’re not guilty of any sin.” He should have said you’ve been forgiven of all sins, but He said, “You’re innocent.” Now it should have been that you paid in Christ and are not a debtor anymore; you should have been described as a free man who has been forgiven. But that’s not what we have here. God is saying you have been acquitted; the records were checked and it wasn’t found where you sinned; therefore, you were formally declared innocent, not guilty. He’s saying you never sinned; how could that happen?

That’s what makes it Gospel—Good News. Some people hear it and don’t understand it. How is it that I never sinned? It’s the result of Christ’s redemptive work. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We’ve been declared righteous by faith; do you know why? Because you’re born again, you’re a new creature. The Bible says, “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 new creation never sinned because he’s a brand-new species that never existed before. Blessed be God!

                      CONFESSIONS.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ has made me a new creature, the very righteousness of God in Christ, justified and sin-free. I walk in the light of this truth, manifesting the glory of God and spreading the good news of His overflowing grace to others, in Jesus’ Name Amen. 

FURTHER STUDY: Romans 5:17 AMPC; Romans 3:26 AMPC; 2 Corinthians 5:21

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 15:29-16:1-12 & Exodus 3-5

 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 9:1-13 & Genesis 23 5

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22ND, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨ TOPIC :✨HIS FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22ND, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

 TOPIC :✨HIS FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY✨

SCRIPTURE :📖For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

What we just read is so huge; it’s one of the unexplored tablelands in the Christian experience. I would to God every Christian understood what it means for us to be called the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. It 's different from us being made righteous; the Greek word there is “Dikaiosune” and it means equity, the quality of fairness or impartiality.

 What this means is that we’re God’s proof of His fairness and impartiality. We’re the manifestation of His equity. This is so wonderful! Recall what the Bible says in Ephesians 3:10, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” It means that God points to us as evidence to all principalities and powers to judge that He is fair; He shows off with us as trophies of His goodness. Hallelujah!

 Romans 4:26 says, “…To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” What this means is that through the redemption that’s in Christ Jesus, God has proven Himself just, in justifying the sinner. Jesus Christ was delivered to death for our offenses, and raised back to life for our justification.

 When you study Romans 3:21-26, you’d understand this better. That portion says, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

 Think about that! God proves Himself to be just, while He justifies the sinner. How can He justify the sinner? Why are we His righteousness? Why are we His proof of His equity? We’ll learn more in our next study.

                         CONFESSION

I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, a living proof of God’s fairness, justice and goodness. Thank you Father, for making me the expression of your wisdom to the glory of your Name; I walk in this understanding, showing forth your righteousness and manifesting your equity to the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen

FURTHER STUDY: Romans 3:21-26 NIV; 2 Corinthians 5:21 AMPC; Romans 4:24-25

 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 15:1-28 & Exodus 1-2

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:23-34 & Genesis 22 4

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY JANUARY 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨JESUS HAS THE KEYS OF HELL AND DEATH✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY JANUARY 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨JESUS HAS THE KEYS OF HELL AND DEATH✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18).

One of the very important points we referenced in our previous study is that Jesus defeated Satan in hell, not when He was on the Cross. The whole subject of crucifixion was an entire process, describing Christ’s arrest, death and burial. His victory on the Cross was yielding Himself in obedience, even unto death, where as Adam disobeyed God: “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).

Adam didn’t yield himself in obedience to God’s will, but Jesus did. That’s why the Bible says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9), because He was obedient unto death—the death on the Cross. But as earlier stated, that wasn’t where He defeated Satan. If He had defeated Satan on the Cross, there wouldn’t have been the need for Him to descend to hell.

But in hell, He met Satan, defeated him, and collected from him the keys of hell and death. What does this tell you about Satan? He has no power to kill anyone; otherwise, he would have killed everyone. Jesus paralyzed him and gave us dominion over him. He frustrated the one that had the power of death, that is, the devil: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Don’t be afraid of the devil. If he shows up in your room and says, “I’m going to kill you”; jeer at him and say, “Nonsense.” You don’t need to argue with him. He’s a weak and defeated enemy. Glory to God! Understand that when Jesus died, you died in Him, for you were in Him. When He was buried, you were also buried, in Him. When He went to hell, you were in Him. Therefore, when He defeated Satan and the demons of darkness in hell, you were in Him. That means you defeated Satan and his cohorts in hell. It’s a present-day fact. Blessed be God!

                              PRAYER

 Dear Father, I thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus in whom I’ve conquered death, hell, and the grave. I live triumphantly over the elements of this world because of the authority and dominion Christ has given me over the forces of darkness. Thank you for this glorious reality, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 2:15 WNT

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 14:13-36 & Genesis 49-50

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:12-22 & Genesis 21 4

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY JANUARY 20TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨HIS VICTORY OVER SATAN IN HELL✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY JANUARY 20TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨HIS VICTORY OVER SATAN IN HELL✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:And the hostile princes and rulers He shook off from Himself, and boldly displayed them as His conquests, when by the Cross He triumphed over them (Colossians 2:15 WNT).

Christ’s victory on the Cross and in Hell wasn’t for Himself; it was for us. When He was crucified on the Cross, He took our place on that Cross. That means when He was crucified, you were crucified. When He died, you died. When they took His body off of the Cross and buried Him in the grave, you were buried in the grave.

Then the Bible says He went to hell; He was taken to hell because every sinner who died was taken to hell. So when Jesus died, He went to hell as a prisoner because He had taken our place of sin. The Bible says He was made sin, who knew no sin: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Therefore, on account of our sins, Jesus went to hell and consummated His victory over sin, Satan and the demons of darkness in hell. He defeated them in their domain. Recall what the Bible says in Ephesians 4:9, “Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?” It wasn’t possible for anyone who went to hell to come out of hell; but not Jesus. In hell, Satan and all the demons of darkness converged on Jesus; they grappled with Him, and it was in hell that Jesus defeated Satan.

 Everyone in hell had to submit and bow to Satan, but Satan couldn’t get Jesus to bow. The Bible pictures how the demons mounted on Jesus and tried to force Him to bow to Satan. But Jesus threw off from Himself powers; He threw off principalities; He disarmed the powers and authorities of darkness and made a public spectacle of them. He triumphed over them in that great combat in hell. "And the hostile princes and rulers He shook off from Himself, and boldly displayed them as His conquests, when by the Cross He triumphed over them" (Colossians 2:15 WNT).

All the demons of darkness saw Jesus defeat Satan and collect the keys of hell and death from him. We’ll learn more in our next study. Hallelujah!

                          🙏🏼 PRAYER

 Dear Father, I thank you for the victory that Christ wrought for me over Satan and the forces of darkness. His triumph over sin, death and hell is my triumph. I walk in the light of this victory, ruling over circumstances, principalities and powers of darkness. I live in the dominion and righteousness of Christ. I’m more than a conqueror. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Hebrews 2:14-15; Colossians 1:12-13

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 13:44-14:1-12 & Genesis 46-48

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:1-11 & Genesis 20

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨UNRUFFLED BY CHALLENGES✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨UNRUFFLED BY CHALLENGES✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:35-37).

What we just read should help you further understand why the Bible admonishes us to rejoice evermore (1 Thessalonians 5:16) and be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). Nothing is to your disadvantage; we win in the midst of adversities. Those who don’t know this spend their time writing down all the problems they want God to fix for them. They’re so consumed by their troubles that they forget the simple yet profound instruction God has given us in His Word. 

He said in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always)” (AMPC). Practice this. Make every day a day of joy. He didn't say rejoice only when things are perfect. No; He said, “Rejoice evermore.” There’re always things trying to steal your joy: bad news, disappointments or challenges that seem overwhelming. But you must refuse to be troubled or overwhelmed; do what the Word says: cast your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

He didn't ask you to carry your burdens or be anxious about them. Rather, He says, “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). It’s easy to think, "I won’t worry about the little things, but there’re some serious issues I must be anxious about." No! The Word says to refuse anxiety about anything. 

When the situation seems most serious, that’s when you should laugh. Troubles may come, but they don’t have to trouble you. Your responsibility is to live in the Word. Meditate on it day and night as the Scripture enjoins (Joshua 1:8). The Word of God builds your spirit and gives you purpose, direction, encouragement and enlightenment. It strengthens your spirit and shapes your personality to one of confidence, peace and joy in the midst of adversities. Glory to God!

PRAYER 

Dear Father, I thank you for your Word that builds me up and strengthens my spirit. I refuse to be anxious about anything because in Christ I have victory over adversities, and I triumph always. Your peace garrisons my heart and mind, and I rejoice evermore, for the joy of the Lord is my strength. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 8:28; Romans 8:35-37 AMPC; James 1:2

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 13:24-43; Genesis 44-45

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 7:21-29; Genesis 19

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH, 2025.💎✨TOPIC :✨JOY RELEASES BLESSINGS✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH, 2025.💎✨

TOPIC :✨JOY RELEASES BLESSINGS✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).

Years ago, I made a decision to always be grateful to the Lord and live happily every day. I discovered from the Word of God that no one was sent to make me happy. Jesus already accomplished everything necessary for my joy. The Bible says He gave us “Joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). That joy is in our spirits.

When you received salvation, it came with this joy, and Isaiah 12:3 tells us “...with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Joy comes from your spirit, and happiness is one of its fruits. If you’re joyful in your spirit, happiness naturally follows. Happiness is a state of mind, but joy produces so much more. The fruits of joy include laughter, celebration and dancing. Even giving is one of the fruits of joy.

Joyful people give freely. Have you observed that when someone asks you for something at a moment when you’re full of joy, it’s almost always a "yes?" You can hardly say no because giving flows naturally from joy. And guess what? When you’re full of joy in the presence of the Lord, He grants the desires of your heart as the Bible says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Your joy releases blessings. When your heart is filled with joy and delight for the things of God, your desires are fulfilled. It’s one of the reasons your personal praise and worship to the Lord is so important. Those are moments of spiritual ecstasy, where your heart is knit with the Spirit in joyful effusions of gratitude, in celebration of His great glory, goodness and awesome majesty.

So, learn to rejoice evermore in the spirit, in the presence of God. When you truly worship and express your joy before Him, it brings unimaginable blessings and unlocks in and around you a divine atmosphere for the miraculous.

                                PRAYER

Dear Father, I rejoice, knowing that as I delight in you, every desire of my heart is granted. I am full of joy, serving you in Spirit and in truth, basking in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, walking in prosperity, health and victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Peter 1:8; Psalm 37:4; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 16:11

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 13:1-23 & Genesis 42-43

 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 7:13-20 & Genesis 18

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY JANUARY 17TH, 2015. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨GOD’S HIDDEN WISDOM✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY JANUARY 17TH, 2015. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨GOD’S HIDDEN WISDOM✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:7-8).

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ was indeed a profound mystery. Satan, being a created being and not omniscient, couldn’t have known the full significance of Christ's redemptive work. The Bible reveals this truth in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

 Here, "the princes of this world" were unaware of the ultimate purpose of Christ's sacrifice. If they had understood the depth and power of this mystery, they wouldn’t have crucified Jesus. In John 12:31, Jesus refers to Satan as the “prince of this world,” which aligns with the description of these world powers of darkness in the above verses.

The ignorance of Satan and his principalities regarding the divine plan is a testament to the hidden wisdom of God. They didn’t know that the crucifixion of Jesus would lead to the salvation of mankind. 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 further elaborates: "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God."

Thanks be unto God that we know and understand the wisdom and mysteries of God; they’re not hidden to us. Christ, the Bible says, has been made unto us wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30), and we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

                         PRAYER

 Dear Father, I thank you for the wisdom hidden in your eternal plan and revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. I am grateful that Satan has no power over my thoughts and no access to the plans you have prepared for me. Thank you for the victory you’ve given me in Christ. I walk in the confidence of this knowledge, that I am secure in you, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 AMPC; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 12:22-50 & Genesis 40-41

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 7:1-12 & Genesis 17

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY JANUARY 16TH, 2025.💎✨TOPIC :✨CUT DOWN THE WORKS OF DARKNESS✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY JANUARY 16TH, 2025.💎✨

TOPIC :✨CUT DOWN THE WORKS OF DARKNESS✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

In John 8, the Lord Jesus addressed the inability of the Jewish religious leaders to understand His message. He said, "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word" (John 8:43). To them, His words were mere speeches—sermons that didn’t penetrate their hearts. But to others, it was the living and active Word of the Spirit.

 God’s active Word in your spirit, released by you, effects changes. When you want to change hopeless situations, you speak forth His Word. That’s what Paul calls the sword of the Spirit in the opening verse—the spoken, active Word. The “word” is translated from the Greek “Rhema.” It’s also translated “word” in Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword...."

 However, the Word, even though sharper than any twoedged sword, is in its sheath until you speak it. When you utter it, it becomes the sharp cutting edge that demolishes the works of darkness. In Revelation 1:16, the apostle John, referring to Jesus, said, "...out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword...." This doesn’t mean a literal sword was protruding from His mouth but that His words were a sharp weapon as they proceeded from His mouth.

The Greek word "stoma" is used for "mouth," and it refers to the front or edge of a weapon. Your mouth is the front or edge of a weapon. When the Word of God comes out of your mouth, you’re cutting down cancer, you’re cutting down growths, diseases and poverty; you’re discomfiting Satan and the works of darkness. Your mouth is a sword. Use it to cut down the works of the enemy in your city, nation and nations of the world.

                         PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the power of your Word in my mouth. As I utter your Word, situations align with the realities of the glorious life that you’ve ordained for me in Christ. Through my words, I bring healing and health, deliverance, victory and success to my world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Ephesians 6:17 AMPC

 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 12:1-21 & Genesis 38-39

 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 6: 25-34 & Genesis 16

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH✨

SCRIPTURE 📖: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

If you’re a leader in God's Kingdom, you must first understand that you’re an overseer, entrusted with the responsibility to take care of God's children, the souls for whom Christ died. The Bible says, “Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly…Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation)” (1 Peter 5:2-3 AMPC).

 It doesn't matter if the people are many or few; the responsibility is the same. Don’t let any one of them backslide! Intercede for them; pray about their needs and the challenges they might be going through. It’s important to have a prayer diary where you write out their names, calling each one by name as you contend for their souls in prayer. Pray passionately that every resistance to their

spiritual growth and progress is broken and their desire for the things of the Spirit is fanned aflame and sustained as they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

You have the privilege and responsibility to stand in the gap for others. You’re the priest over them; you’ve been given the office to minister and pray, and God will hear you. Perhaps you’re a cell leader, a church pastor, a coordinator, etc., when your members face challenges, go into intercession in their behalf.

 As their leader, you’re responsible for their spiritual growth. Help them; teach, and guide them in the things of God. As you teach train, and share the love of God with them, you’ll see them grow. This will become your joy because every time you witness the Word of God producing results in their lives, it excites you. And at the end, that’s what you’ll present to God, souls—those whose lives you’ve impacted and helped to transform. Hallelujah!

                           PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for making me an overseer of your f lock. I have the grace to care for each soul under my charge, interceding for them with passion and fervency. I declare that they are strengthened, built up in the Word, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Their desire for the things of the Spirit is aglow and sustained, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Acts 20:28 NIV; Ezekiel 3:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3 NKJV

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 11:1-30 & Genesis 36-37

 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 6:14-24 & Genesis 15

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, JANUARY 14TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨BE FAITHFUL WITH HIS INVESTMENT✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, JANUARY 14TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨BE FAITHFUL WITH HIS INVESTMENT✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…_ *(John 15:16)*

When God gives you an opportunity of service of any kind and at whatever capacity, it’s essential that you recognize and use it. God is not a wasteful investor. He doesn't invest in a place or person that yields no results. Think about it; if you were an investor, would you continue pouring resources into a project that shows no progress? Of course not! 

Now, if man, in his limited human wisdom, would be cautious with his investments, how much more would God? Each one of us is an investment of God. He expects us to bear fruits with the resources, gifts, talents, blessings and opportunities He’s entrusted to us. I love the way Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 4:1; he calls us stewards, and in verse 2 he says, *“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”* So, are you a faithful steward of God’s investment? 

In John 15:2, the Lord Jesus said, *“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”* He cuts off the supply to the unfruitful branch; no more testimonies because the supply isn’t there anymore. God won't waste His investment. So, let Him trust you.

He said in the 16th verse, *“…I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”* (John 15:16). What a privilege; what a blessing! The Lord Jesus Himself has chosen and ordained us to be fruitful. He ordained you to bring forth lasting fruits. Hallelujah! This is your mission. You’re a missionary to your world, chosen by God for this purpose.

As long as you remain faithful, God will continue to invest in you and trust you with more. Paul said, *"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry"* (1 Timothy 1:12). The Lord will enable you, promote you, and continue to pour His resources into your life as you bear fruits for His Kingdom.

                          PRAYER

_Dear Father, I thank you for choosing and ordaining me to bear fruit for your Kingdom. I acknowledge the great investment you have made in my life. By your Spirit, I remain connected to the vine, producing results in every area of my life. I am forever fruitful, productive, profitable and committed to using every opportunity for your glory, winning souls and sponsoring the Gospel, in Jesus mighty Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Matthew 25:14-21* For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. *15* And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. *16* Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. *17* And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. *18* But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. *19* After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. *20* And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. *21* His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

*Colossians 1:9-10* For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; *10* That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

*1 Corinthians 4:1-2* Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. *2* Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 10:24-42 & Genesis 34-35

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 6:1-13 & Genesis 14

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY, JANUARY 13TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨FAITH AND SACRIFICE✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY, JANUARY 13TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨FAITH AND SACRIFICE✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions (Hebrews 11:33).

In 1 Kings 3, we read about Solomon offering one thousand burnt offerings to God. As a result, God appeared to him that night and said, "...Ask what I shall give thee" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon was only required to offer one burnt offering, but he went above and beyond, offering a thousand. As a result, he received divine attention. 

Realizing the power of his offering, the next time he was to offer oblation to the Lord, he made it 22,000 burnt offerings. And once again, God responded by speaking to him and granting him promises. Also consider the example of Noah in Genesis 8. After the Flood, Noah’s first act was to build an altar and offer burnt offerings of every clean beast and bird. The Bible says, "And the LORD smelled a sweet savour..." and as a result, God made a promise: "...I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake..." (Genesis 8:21).

Noah’s offering was like incense rising to heaven, a sweet-smelling aroma for which God released promises and blessings for Noah and his sons, giving them dominion over all the earth: "...Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth... into your hand are they delivered" (Genesis 9:1-2).

Similarly, the Lord Jesus obtained promises through His sacrificial death for us on the Cross. Following His obedience and vicarious sacrifice, the Bible says, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). Jesus obtained dominion over all because He was obedient in offering Himself.

The Bible speaks of others who also obtained promises through their faith and actions as read in our opening scripture. The Greek word for promise in that verse is “epaggelia,” which means to get an announcement of something good that God has given you. This principle remains the same; you too can cause God to announce something good for you through your sacrificial offering, through the power of faith and the principle of sacrifice. It’s one of the reasons why giving to God is so important. You can be praying and He’ll say something to you in your spirit just as in the examples above. Hallelujah!

                               PRAYER 

Dear Father, I thank you for the power of faith and the principle of sacrifice. I walk in your grace today for answered prayers. My oblations of faith and righteousness rise as a sweet-smelling savour to you, and I walk in the fulfilment of your promises in my life. I live in dominion and walk in the victory of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Genesis 8:20-22; 1 Kings 3:5; Philippians 2:8-9

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 10:1-23; Genesis 31-33

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 5:41-48; Genesis 13

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY, JANUARY 12TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨THE POWER IS IN HIS NAME✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY, JANUARY 12TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨THE POWER IS IN HIS NAME✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:…In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:17-18).

When it comes to using the Name of Jesus, the power has nothing to do with your own ability, strength or how loud you shout! The demons have no choice; when you cast them out in the Name of Jesus, they know they’ve got to go. Ponder again some of the things listed in our opening scripture that the Lord said we can do in His Name: Cast out devils, take up serpents, unharmed by deadly poison, lay hands on the sick for them to recover.

This is absolutely transcendent. It lets you know the power in the Name of Jesus. His Name is an instrument of terror against devils, sickness, disease and infirmities. Peter understood this; that’s why in Acts 3, when he and John encountered a man who had been lame from birth, he used the Name of Jesus to effect a cure in the man’s impotent feet. When the man reached out for alms, Peter said, “...Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6).

The miracle drew a crowd, and Peter took the opportunity to preach Jesus Christ, explaining that it was the Name of Jesus that made the man whole. What this man couldn't do for years, he did in a moment because of the power in the Name of Jesus. Even now, I say to you in the Name of Jesus, you’re loosed from any infirmity that might have held you bound. 

What you haven't been able to do for years, you can do now in the Name of Jesus! Perhaps you have a child who has been unable to walk since birth, or maybe you've been held down by sickness or cancer; that child is healed now! And you’re free of that sickness in the Name of Jesus. Believe and activate these words in your situation, and they shall be so. Amen.

There’s power in that Name. That Name is the greatest Name in heaven, in hell, and in the universe! When you call that Name, all of heaven responds, Satan, hell and all demons tremble and bow to its authority. Call on that Name today with the understanding of its significance and power, and you’ll surely have a miracle.

                              PRAYER 

Dear Father, thank you for the power and authority in the Name of Jesus. In His Name, I walk in victory over sickness, lack and any form of oppression. I live in triumph, now and always because I recognize the greatness of that Name and use it with revelation. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 2:9-10; Acts 3:11-16; John 14:13-14

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 9:18-38; Genesis 29-30

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 5:31-40; Genesis 12

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES JANUARY SATURDAY 11TH, 2025.💎✨TOPIC :✨THE DAYS OF THE GREATER GLORY✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES JANUARY SATURDAY 11TH, 2025.💎✨

TOPIC :✨THE DAYS OF THE GREATER GLORY✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :...Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7).

The Lord Jesus referred to the Father as the husbandman, and we, the body of Christ, are the precious fruit of the earth that He waits for. The apostle James, in the theme verse, also tells us that the husbandman patiently waits until He receives the early and latter rain (James 5:7).

We understand that concerning Israel, the latter rain began on the Day of Pentecost. Peter confirmed this when he said, “…it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh...” (Acts 2:17). This was the beginning of the outpouring that had been prophesied to take place in the last days.

Hosea 6:3 gives us further insight into this promise: "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." This rain, spoken of in Hosea, pertains to both Israel and the Church. For Israel, the latter rain came at Pentecost, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the early Church.

 However, within the Church, that outpouring on the Day of Pentecost was not the latter rain but the early rain. The early rain is the seed-time rain, the rain that comes after the Word of God has been sown, causing it to sprout and grow. Acts 2 marked the start of the Church with the descent of the Holy Spirit, the beginning of a new era for the Church.

The prophet Haggai also spoke of a greater glory to come: “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former...” (Haggai 2:9). This means that even though the early rain was glorious, the latter rain, which we are now experiencing, will far exceed what we saw at the beginning. We are living in the days of that greater glory, where the Church will manifest even more of God's grace and power.

 Peter, James and John lived in the last days concerning Israel, but we live in the last days concerning the Church. The latter rain for Israel is the early rain for the Church, and we’re living in the time of the fullness of that latter rain. Hallelujah!

                         PRAYER

Dear Father, I rejoice in the knowledge that I’m a part of your precious fruit, nurtured by the early and latter rain. Thank you for the greater glory that is now manifest in the Church in these end times. I walk in the power and fullness of your Spirit today, impacting my world with the fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Acts 2:16-17; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Matthew 8:28-9:1-17 & Genesis 27-28

 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:21-30 & Genesis 11

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, JANUARY 10TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS💎✨ TOPIC :✨SATAN DOESN'T KNOW EVERYTHING✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, JANUARY 10TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS💎✨ 

TOPIC :✨SATAN DOESN'T KNOW EVERYTHING✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory_ *(1 Corinthians 2:7-8)*

There're those who think the devil has the ability to read human minds and know exactly what is going on in their thoughts. But that's untrue! The devil cannot read the human mind any more than an intelligent person can guess what's in your mind simply by observing your mannerisms, body movements and body language.

Satan is a created being and as such, he doesn't have the power or omniscience of God. Satan doesn't know everything. This limitation is evident in various instances throughout the Bible. For example, after Jesus was born, Herod, disturbed by the news of a new *"King of the Jews"* born in Bethlehem, secretly inquired from the Magi about the exact location of the child. After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, the Magi went back to their country via another route.

Herod, feeling deceived, ordered the massacre of all male children from ages two and below in Bethlehem and its vicinity, hoping to kill the prophesied new king. That's to show you that Satan's knowledge is limited. Even today, he's not privy to all that we know or all that God knows. His actions are based on his limited understanding rather than any ability to foresee the entirety of God's plan.

But thanks be unto God; the Bible says God has revealed these things to us by His Spirit: *"...for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God"* (1 Corinthians 2:10). Satan doesn't have access to these deep things; he isn't privy to the intricate details of God's plans for your life, unless they're revealed by your own actions or speech. And guess what? He can't stop the plans and blessings of God from coming to pass in your life, except with your cooperation of course.

That's why it's important to speak in tongues; as we do, we speak deep mysteries concerning God's plans, including those related to our lives. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:2 that no man understands what we're saying when we speak in tongues; not even the devil. But God reveals these mysteries to us through the Holy Spirit.

              

                         PRAYER

_Dear Father, I thank you for your omniscience and for the victory I have in Jesus Christ. l am grateful that you're all-knowing and that nothing escapes your understanding. I walk in your guidance and wisdom and rely on your perfect plan for my life, confident that you're aware of all things and have given me dominion over Satan and the powers of darkness, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY* 

*1 Corinthians 2:7-10 NKJV* But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the ages for our glory, *8* which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. *9* But as it is written: [" Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,] [Nor have entered into the heart of man] [The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."] *10* But God has revealed [them] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 

*1 Corinthians 2:12* Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 8:1-27 & Genesis 25-26

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Matthew 5:11-20 & Genesis 10

Registration for the upcoming healing streams for march 2025 

Use this link below 👇 

https://healingstreams.tv/zone/GEMHLS

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨FAITH AND WORSHIP✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨FAITH AND WORSHIP✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil (Matthew 15:22).

In our last two studies, we reviewed two important mysteries about prayer: lifting up of our hands and praying in the night watches. There’s also another mystery about prayer that has to do with faith and worship. I’ll explain this with an intriguing story in the Bible.

In Matthew 15:22, we read about a woman of Canaan who cried out to Jesus for help. The situation was dire; her daughter was afflicted by a demon, and the physicians couldn't help. Despite her desperate plea, the Lord Jesus initially remained silent. Verse 23 says, “...he answered her not a word....” The Master’s silence didn’t deter the woman as she remained importunate.

The disciples, uncomfortable by the Master’s silence, urged Him to rather send the woman away because she was causing a disturbance. Finally, the Lord spoke, saying, “...I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). Undeterred, the woman decided to add worship to her faith-request; the Bible says she came and worshipped Jesus, saying, “...Lord, help me” (Matthew 15:25).

At that moment, the conversation shifted; Jesus then responded with a seemingly strong statement: “...It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs” (Matthew 15:26). Yet unmoved, the woman still expressed her faith saying, “...Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table” (Matthew 15:27). Her response was a demonstration of great faith and humility. 

In verse 28, Jesus commended her; saying, “...O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt....” Her daughter was healed from that very hour. This story reveals a profound lesson: worship can be the key that unlocks divine responses when it seems like there’s silence from God. The woman’s persistent faith and worship led to her miracle.

Have you ever prayed and it seemed like you weren’t hearing anything from the Lord? You're wishing you could hear from God and it seems as though there’s no response? Do what the woman did. In faith, worship the Lord profusely and sincerely, and you’ll get a response. Hallelujah!

                                  PRAYER 

Dear Father, I worship and adore you, the everlasting King of glory, the only wise and true God, gracious, holy, righteous, pure and kind. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty and the splendour! You’re exalted as head over all, and I extol your majesty and praise you for your blessings and wondrous works in my life and in all the earth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

John 4:23-24; Matthew 15:22-28 NKJV; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 34:1

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 7:7-29; Genesis 23-24

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 5:1-10; Genesis 9

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨PRAYER IN THE NIGHT WATCHES✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨PRAYER IN THE NIGHT WATCHES✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children… (Lamentations 2:19).

Another mystery revealed to us in the Word is a secret about prayer that God's people need to understand. In Lamentations 2:19, we see a situation where the people needed deliverance for their children. Observe that the prophet didn’t just say "Cry out”; rather, he said, “Arise, cry out in the night....” There was a specificity; it had to be at night.

There’s something about praying in the night. Even though He didn’t say you should pray every night, there’re specific times when the Holy Spirit will lead you to pray in the night; that’s why walking with the Spirit is so important. Night here isn’t just 9 pm or 10 pm; it’s the wee hours of the morning, at the beginning of the watches, that’s after 12 midnight.

Notice what He tells you to do at that time of the night: “...pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord...” (Lamentations 2:19). This is no casual prayer; you pour out your heart before God. Then, what else? “Lift up thy hands toward Him for the life of thy young children.” Some parents have faced situations where a child had become wayward or errant, delinquent and unruly, ensnared by the devil. Don’t stand by helplessly, as if you can’t bring about a change in that child’s life; deal strongly in prayer and deliver your son or daughter.

Get up at midnight and pray! Use this secret of prayer that I’m sharing with you now. Lift up your hands and pray that child back into the will of God. Declare that he or she is turned away from the world’s influences, drawn to the Word, and inspired by the things of the Kingdom. Declare that Satan has nothing in your child and that henceforth, the visions of the Spirit will be kindled in the heart of that child, imbuing him or her with the boldness and courage to fulfil divine purpose with joy.

 Perhaps it’s sickness or disease that has taken hold of that child; you must deliver that child in prayer. Pray this way and the Lord will intervene in the situation and restore the child to perfection. The instruction is for you to pour out your heart and lift up your hands toward God at night. This is how you take charge and bring deliverance to your children. Hallelujah!

                          PRAYER

Dear Father, I pray against every influence of darkness that seeks to capture the hearts of children and young people, including peer pressure, negative media and worldly ideologies. I declare that they’re walking in the light and rejecting every unfruitful work of evil as they walk in righteousness and fulfil their purpose in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Psalm 63:6; Psalm 119:62; Luke 6:12

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 6:19-7:1-6 & Genesis 20-22

 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 4:12-25 & Genesis 8 2

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY JANUARY 7TH, 2025.💎✨TOPIC :✨VICTORY AND POWER THROUGH OUR HANDS

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY JANUARY 7TH, 2025.💎✨

TOPIC :✨VICTORY AND POWER THROUGH OUR HANDS✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed (Exodus 17:11).

In the next few days, I’ll be explaining certain mysteries, which you can practise and have amazing results as shown to us in the Scriptures. These mysteries are imperceptible to the human mind, but they’re things we learn from studying the Word. For example, Exodus 17:8-16 tells a beautiful story that shows one of such powerful mysteries. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses then instructed Joshua to lead the people in battle while he stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hand.

Then the Bible says, "And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed" (Exodus 17:11). Aaron and Hur noticed that there was a connection between the lifting of Moses’ hands and the victory in the battle. So, when Moses’ hands grew tired, they brought a stone for him to sit on and held up his hands, one on either side, ensuring that his hands remained raised until they vanquished Amalek by sunset.

God then told Moses, “...Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Exodus 17:14). This made Joshua to understand how the battle was really won. The secret was in the spirit: the lifting up of Moses’ hands.

There’s victory and power through your hands. The psalmist said in Psalm 141:2, "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." Also, the apostle Paul said, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands…” (1 Timothy 2:8). Practise this and you’ll see greater successes and profound victories in your life, in your finances, health, job, ministry and everything that concerns you. Even now, lift your hands to the Lord; it’s a strategy of the Spirit for your continual victory and life of ever-increasing glory. Hallelujah!

                            PRAYER

Dear Father, I lift up my hands in faith to you who always leads me in perpetual victory parade in Christ. My raised hands are as the evening sacrifice. I’m victorious and triumphant over the adversary; no opposition can prevail against me, and every challenge crumbles before me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Lamentations 3:41; Psalm 63:4; Psalm 141:2 NIV

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 6:1-18 & Genesis 18-19

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 4:1-11 & Genesis 7

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY JANUARY 6TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨TOPIC :✨WE’RE HEAVENLY BEINGS✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY JANUARY 6TH, 2025. PASTOR CHRIS. 💎✨

TOPIC :✨WE’RE HEAVENLY BEINGS✨

SCRIPTURE📖 :The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47).

Part of what we observed from our previous study is that if you have Christ, you have eternal life, and if you don’t have Christ, you don’t have eternal life. It’s as simple as that. Without Him, you’re still living in the state of the first Adam, 100% human, earthly, and of this world. The Bible paints a clear picture of this reality in 1 Corinthians 15:47: *_“The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.”_*

The first Adam represents humanity’s earthly nature, the fallen state that began with him. This nature is limited, bound by the world, and destined for destruction. That’s a painful truth to acknowledge, but it’s what the Bible says. Those who aren’t born again are doomed to judgement and destruction. They may be your family members, friends, or leaders in society, but without Christ, they are earthy, and reserved for judgement; hence we must preach the Gospel to them as the only means of salvation.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:48 (AMPC) and see the powerful contrast between the earthy and the heavenly: *_“Now those who are made of the dust are like him who was first made of the dust (earthly-minded); and as is [the Man] from heaven, so also [are those] who are of heaven (heavenly-minded).”_* Those who are not born again (the earthy) are earthly-minded, but those who are born again in Christ are heavenly-minded. This doesn’t mean we are simply thinking about going to heaven; it means that we operate with the mindset and principles of heaven here on earth.

Heavenly-mindedness means living and thinking in alignment with how things are done in heaven, following God’s will, operating by His principles and thinking His thoughts. That’s the transformation that takes place when you’re born again. Verse 49 (AMPC) continues: *_“And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven.”_* We once bore the image of the man of dust, earthly, fallen and bound to the limitations of this world. But now, as new creations, we bear the image of the Man from heaven: Jesus Christ!

We are no longer earthy but heavenly. We live in this world, but we are not of this world (John 17:16). You’re a heavenly man or woman, a heavenly being, living by the thoughts, principles and ways of God’s Kingdom. Hallelujah!

                              PRAYER

*_Dear Father, I refuse to be limited by the earthly system, for I bear the image of Christ, the Man from heaven, and I’m aligned with your will and your ways as it is in the Word. Thank you for my life in Christ. I walk in victory, being heavenly-minded and empowered by your Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Colossians 3:1-2* If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. *2* Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

*1 Corinthians 15:47-49 AMPC* The first man [was] from out of earth, made of dust (earthly-minded); the second Man [is] the Lord from out of heaven. [Gen. 2:7.] *48* Now those who are made of the dust are like him who was first made of the dust (earthly-minded); and as is [the Man] from heaven, so also [are those] who are of heaven (heavenly-minded). *49* And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven.

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

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN : Matthew 5:21-48 & Genesis 15-17

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN : Matthew 3:10-17 & Genesis 6

If you are not yet born again, we invite you to make Jesus Christ the LORD of your life by praying thus:

*_“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”_*

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY JANUARY 5TH. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨YOU RECEIVED SOMETHING WHEN YOU BELIEVED✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY JANUARY 5TH. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨YOU RECEIVED SOMETHING WHEN YOU BELIEVED✨

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

The most beautiful part of the Gospel is not only that Jesus bore our sins and sacrificed Himself for us, but that He gave us something in return—eternal life. One of the most well-known verses in the Bible is John 3:16 and it says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This means anyone who believes in Jesus Christ receives eternal life. It’s a guarantee! The moment you believe in Jesus, you have it. You don’t have to wait for it or hope for it; you have it immediately. John 6:47 says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” It’s not a promise of something to come in the future. If you believe, you already have it!

Often, I ask people, "Do you believe in Jesus?" and some would say yes. Then I’d say, "Did you receive anything when you believed?" I found that most weren’t sure. They weren’t taught that something extraordinary happened as a result of their believing in Jesus. The Master was clear: “...He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”

1 John 5:11-12 says, “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.” Notice the tenses: if you have Jesus Christ, you have eternal life. So, don’t pray for eternal life. The 13th verse is absolutely remarkable; it says, “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...” (1 John 5:13).

God wants you to know that you have eternal life. This knowledge changes everything. When you know that you have eternal life, it impacts the way you live. You no longer live in fear or uncertainty but in confidence and victory. Hallelujah!

                             PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I walk in the consciousness of this life, living boldly and confidently, knowing that I am secure in Christ. Thank you for this precious gift that changes lives and empowers men to live in victory, prosperity and health every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 5:11-13 NIV; John 3:36 NKJV; John 5:24

 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:1-20 & Genesis 12-14

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 3:1-9 & Genesis 5 1

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY JANUARY 4TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC :✨HIS SACRIFICIAL LOVE✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY JANUARY 4TH 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC :✨HIS SACRIFICIAL LOVE✨

SCRIPTURE📖: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

Our opening scripture brings to mind the words of the Spirit through the apostle Paul in Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Think about such sacrificial love. He was condemned in our place. No wonder the Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1).

 The word translated "condemnation" also means "judgment"; Jesus Christ was judged for us. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NIV) says, "…God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them…." Did you notice that? God isn’t counting men's sins against them because He laid their sins on Jesus. Jesus became the sin-bearer.

1 Peter 2:24 further makes it clearer; it says, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live untorighteousness….” It’s the reason when we pray for sinners, we pray that they’ll come to terms with the revelation that God has given: Christ bore their sins and they don't need to live in sin anymore. Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 5:14 says, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead." This is absolutely legal and logical: He died for everybody; therefore, everybody died. Verse 15 says, "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." Don't live unto yourself but unto Him. This is the right response to His sacrificial love. Hallelujah!

                          PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the priceless sacrifice of Jesus Christ who bore our sins and took our judgment upon Himself. Thank you for reconciling the world to yourself, and now we have the ministry of reconciliation, to share this glorious truth with others, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 4:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 2:20

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 4 & Genesis 9-11

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2:13-23 & Genesis 4 

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, JANUARY 3RD 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨TOPIC:✨STAY IN THE WORD✨

💎✨RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, JANUARY 3RD 2025. PASTOR CHRIS.💎✨

TOPIC:✨STAY IN THE WORD✨

SCRIPTURE 📖:Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:1-3)._*

Someone asked the question: “How powerful are curses or blessings spoken by parents over their children?” Such curses or blessings, according to the Bible, have impactful implications; they could be quite powerful. When you study the Bible, you’d find blessings by parents and curses by parents and how they came to pass.

Being born again, it’s important to understand that we’re called into a life of blessings by God. We were called to inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9). If, however, you had a problem with your parents before you were born again and they pronounced a curse on you, now that you’re born again, that curse will no longer have any effect. You should nevertheless go and reconcile with them. That’s important. If reconciliation is impossible or difficult, consult your pastor. Your pastor can counsel you and guide you on what to do next.

If you were already born again and then your parent cursed you, generally, that curse will not work. However, if your actions were contrary to the Word of God, you could face real trouble. This is because being outside the Word of God places you in a vulnerable position where such a curse could have an effect on you. Remember the Israelites in Egypt: when the death angel was to come into Egypt, God instructed them to mark their doorposts with blood. This marked them out from the Egyptians, protecting them from harm.

Similarly, staying within the Word of God and functioning according to God’s principles keeps you protected. If you live outside the Word, you open yourself to potential danger; you break the hedge as it were. And the Bible says, *_“...whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him”_* (Ecclesiastes 10:8). 

God wants us to live in peace, for He has called us to peace, especially with our parents. The Bible teaches us to honour our parents as stated in Ephesians 6:1-3, which is a quote from Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16. This commandment comes with a promise: that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth. Christian parents should also never curse their children but bless them.

                                PRAYER

*_Dear Father, I choose to live in the light of your Word, honouring my parents and those you’ve placed in my path as leaders and walking in peace and in the blessings that come from doing your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen._*

                      FURTHER STUDY:

*Colossians 3:20* Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

*Exodus 20:12* Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

*Deuteronomy 5:16* Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

*1 Peter 3:8-9* Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: *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.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN : Matthew 3 & Genesis 6-8

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN : Matthew 2:1-12 & Genesis 3

If you are not yet born again, we invite you to make Jesus Christ the LORD of your life by praying thus:

*_“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”_*