RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST SUNDAY 15TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ DIVINELY FAVOURED✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST SUNDAY 15TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ DIVINELY FAVOURED✨ 

📖 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (John 1:16 ESV).          

If you’re a child of God, you’re divinely favoured, and it’s important that you recognize it. When we talk about being divinely favoured, it means that God’s grace has been lavished upon you in Christ Jesus. The Bible says, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). 

Romans 5:17 says, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” That’s what we received: Abundance of grace! Our theme verse calls it “grace upon grace.” Hallelujah! Every so often, you should declare, “I’m walking and functioning in divine favour.”

Recall the salutation from the angel to Mary in Luke 1:28: “Hail, thou that art highly favoured….” The same expression is used in Ephesians 1:6, but wrongly translated as “accepted”: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” The Greek is “charitoō” and it means to grace or be imbued with special honour; make accepted or be highly favoured. So, we’re “highly favoured in the beloved.” Hallelujah!

You’ve got to take advantage of the grace of Jesus Christ at work in you. With that grace, everything works: The earth responds to you; the heavens respond to you; life is glorious; and whatever you lay your hands to do, prospers. Hallelujah!

 CONFESSION 

God has granted me abundance of grace; I’m in favour with Him! I’m divinely positioned by His grace for a supernatural and transcendent life. Therefore, I live and walk in the consciousness of the favourfactor! And no matter what happens in the world, I will not fret! Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY

John 1:16 AMPC; Psalm 5:12; Ephesians 4:7

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 16:1-27 & Psalms 102-103

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 16:13-18 & Ruth 3-4

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST SATURDAY 14TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ HE’S RIGHT INSIDE YOU

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST SATURDAY 14TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ HE’S RIGHT INSIDE YOU ✨

📖 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (John 14:10).          

Christianity is Christ in you, not Christ with you, or among you, but in you. There’s a clear difference. When it dawns on you that truly, this great God of glory, in all His fullness and power, lives in you, it’ll change the way you think and the way you live; you’ll have a completely different outlook on life. This is what you need to train and exercise yourself in: the consciousness of the indwelling Christ.

For some, God is in Heaven, so far away; so they pray and sing, “Draw me nearer to thee O Lord!” How much “nearer” do you want to get to someone who’s right inside you? Have the mentality of Jesus; when He was on earth, He lived in union with the Father, and was constantly mindful of the Father’s indwelling presence.

We read His words in our opening verse; He said, “…the Father that dwelleth in me…”; He was referring to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is coequal with God. He’s the Father that lives in you! So you see? He’s not far away; He’s in you! Some people worry that sometimes, it’s like their prayers don’t go beyond the ceiling; it doesn’t need to. The God to whom you pray is right inside you, where you are, under the ceiling.

1 Corinthians 6:17 talks about our inseparable union with Jesus; it says, “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” This is the reason you can enjoy rich fellowship with Him, and walk in union with Him. There’s no need to try to reach out to Him, crying out as though He were far away. Everywhere you are, He’s in you, and you in Him.

He is your home; you were born into Him when you were born again. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ…”; you live, move and have your being in Him. Like Jesus, be bold to say, “I am in the Father, and the Father is in me” (John 14:11). Blessed be God!

 PRAYER  

Dear Father, I thank you for making my heart your home, thus making me inseparably one with you to enjoy rich fellowship with you. Thank you for the glory of your presence in my life, and the transformation from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

John 14:16-18; Galatians 4:6; Colossians 1:26-27

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 15:14-33 & Psalms 99-101

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 16:1-12 & Ruth 1-2

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST FRIDAY 13TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨BOLD AND PASSIONATE FOR THE KINGDOM✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST FRIDAY 13TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨BOLD AND PASSIONATE FOR THE KINGDOM✨ 

📖 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen (Mark 16:20).          

Preach the Gospel with passion, and as you do, the Lord will confirm His Word with signs following. We have something to give to the world; it’s the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Recall what the Lord charged us to do: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). He has given us both the power and authority to do mighty works in His Name and demonstrate the character of the Holy Spirit to our world.

Therefore, take your place in the ministry of the Gospel. Never lose focus of the Master’s calling on your life. Serve Him selflessly, with an undying passion. If you’re passionate for Him, He’ll be passionate for you; He’ll stand up for you if you’d stand up for Him: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

The Bible says, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Here, the Apostle Paul says our love and passion for the Lord compels us with the truth of the Gospel.

The Lord is with you, strong and mighty; and with the faith of God in your spirit, take your partnership in the Gospel to a higher level. Get “wild” for God! Invest your time and resources in world evangelism. Keep winning souls and let nothing quench your love for the Lord.

The Bible says those that turn many to righteousness shall shine as stars forever (Daniel 12:3). Shine evermore by making an impact with the Gospel. Be so passionate for the Gospel that its impact in men’s lives, and spread around the world, is all that matters to you.

 CONFESSION  

I’m passionate about God’s Kingdom and its expansion in the earth, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only saving power for the world, and I’m its herald! I’m aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 4:15-17 CEV; Matthew 6:33; Acts 20:18-24

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 15:5-13 & Psalms 94-98

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:20-32 & Judges 21

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST THURSDAY 12TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ WE EXECUTE JUDGEMENT ON SATAN AND HIS DEMONS ✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST THURSDAY 12TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ WE EXECUTE JUDGEMENT ON SATAN AND HIS DEMONS ✨

📖 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgement written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord (Psalm 149:5-9)          

The Lord Jesus occupies the most exalted position there is. He’s seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all principality, and power, might, and dominion, and every name that is named. But the most exciting part is that you’re in Him. You’re seated with Him in glory, with dominion over Satan and the princes of darkness (Ephesians 2:6). 

That’s the reason in Christianity, we don’t fight the devil or negotiate with him; we cast him out. We exercise dominion and execute judgement over Satan and the principalities of darkness. They’ve been judged, and we’re the ones authorized to execute the judgement; it’s part of our heritage in Christ: “To execute upon them (Satan and his demons) the judgement written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 149:9). 

In John 16:11, Jesus said, “…the prince of this world is judged”; it’s your responsibility to keep him under your feet. That’s why the Bible says to cast him out! You don’t struggle with Satan. The resurrection of Jesus made a champion of you. You operate from a higher realm where your words are backed by Deity.

Even now, address Satan with words of power and break his influence over your town, city, country, home or environment. You’re the one in charge. Use your authority in the Name of Jesus to frustrate and overturn his activities. Jesus gave you all authority in heaven and in the earth (Matthew 28:18-19); use it every day against Satan and the demons of darkness. Glory to God!

 CONFESSION  

I walk in dominion over Satan and the princes of darkness, because I’m seated with Christ in glory, dominion and power. I reign and rule over circumstances and elements of this world, today and always, because I live in, and by the Name of Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 2:4-6; Matthew 28:18-19; John 12:31 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 14-15:1-4 & Psalms 90-93

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:11-19 & Judges 20

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST WEDNESDAY 11TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ THE DAY OF SALVATION✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST WEDNESDAY 11TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ THE DAY OF SALVATION✨ 

📖 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation) (2 Corinthians 6:2).          

More than ever before, there’s a burning passion in the hearts of God’s people to preach the Gospel, just as there’s a great hunger and yearning for salvation in the hearts of men and women around the world. The Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh. Recall the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

That’s the season we are in now! We’ve been endued with power to be effectual in soul winning. The message is available to everyone, and everyone can give their hearts to Christ, because this is the acceptable time! Jesus called it “...the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:19). And it’s aptly corroborated in our theme verse: “…now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation).” This is the day of salvation. Glory to God!

However, the acceptable time would wind up and judgement would begin. Jesus brought in the acceptable time; He’ll come back for the day of vengeance. But at the moment, we’re workers together with God in the acceptable time, bringing men and women into salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1). 

Help those around you receive salvation through the power of God that works in you in this hour of His grace. Take the Gospel to the lost, hopeless, hurting and downtrodden in your world and in the regions beyond. Remember, the time is short; therefore, glorify God by being fervent and effectual in leading souls to Christ.

 PRAYER 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. Thank you dear Lord for counting me worthy to be a co-labourer with you in saving souls, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Isaiah 49:7-9 TLB; Hebrews 3:7-8

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 12:17-13:1-14 & Psalms 89

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:1-10 & Judges 19

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST TUESDAY 10TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ SEPARATED FROM JUDGEMENT✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST TUESDAY 10TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ SEPARATED FROM JUDGEMENT✨ 

📖  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).          

There’s a word of judgement and condemnation that’s already working in the world. Anyone who’s born into this world inherits that judgement. But when you’re born again, a new life begins with acquittal: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

It parallels the words of Jesus in our opening verse; anyone who believes in Him is severed from judgement. You’re not numbered amongst them that perish; there’s a divine decree to that effect. All the negativities in the world: the darkness, diseases, sicknesses, infirmities, poverty, defeat and failure are a result of the curse, the judgement that’s at work in the world. But you’re not of this world (John 17:16); you’re from above; from a heavenly kingdom.

Keep yourself separated from, and in dominion over, all the negative influences and elements of this world through your faith-filled words. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 says “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak….” Keep declaring the Word of victory over your life.

Every so often, affirm that you live above this world and have overcome its failing systems! Your life is for the glory of God, for the expression of His righteousness, dominion and excellence. No sickness, disease or infirmity should be allowed to thrive in your body, because the Spirit of Him that raised Christ from the dead lives and perambulates in you! He’s invigorated your whole being with the divine life. Have this consciousness and make these affirmations always.

 CONFESSION 

My life is the expression of God’s righteousness, dominion and excellence. No sickness, disease or infirmity can thrive in my body, because the Spirit of Him that raised Christ from the dead, lives and perambulates in me. I’m far removed from the destruction or judgement that works in this present world of darkness, because I belong and live in the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Galatians 3:13 AMPC; Romans 8:1 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 12:1-16 & Psalms 85-88

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:25-35 & Judges 18

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST MONDAY 9TH. pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨OUR CULTURE IS IN CHRIST✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES AUGUST MONDAY 9TH. pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨OUR CULTURE IS IN CHRIST✨

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

As Christians, though we’ve been called and chosen out of the world, we still live among different people with different cultures, backgrounds and mindsets. Sometimes, some Christians find themselves caught in a conflict between their Christian faith and what obtains in an earthly culture. First, it’s important to understand that being born again, your primary culture is in Christ Jesus. You must imbibe the culture of the Word of God. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 says if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; you don’t have another nature, or belong to another culture; the Word of God is what guides your way of life and principles. Culture is often simply defined as the way of life of a people, and for us, Christ is our life (Colossians 3:4) and faith in the Word is our lifestyle (Hebrews 10:38, 2 Corinthians 5:7). 

Some people like to identify with, or participate in “cultural” ceremonies in their countries, cities, or towns of natural birth. However, such “sub-cultures” or cultural events must not negate or be contrary to the Word of God and your faith in Christ Jesus. 

When you’re cultured by the Word, your outlook on life changes. The Word will choose your new norms and become your reference for and in everything. You’ll only embrace and celebrate Christ-values; those things the Kingdom stands for—what you have, who you are—your heritage in Christ. Hallelujah!

 PRAYER 

Righteous Father, I rejoice at the transformation your Word brings to my spirit always; your Word has given me a culture and the mindset of success and greatness. I celebrate my great heritage in Christ—who I am and all the blessings of the heavenly Kingdom to which I belong, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Romans 12:2; Galatians 3:27-28

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 11:25-36 & Psalms 82-84

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:15-24 & Judges 17

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional