RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨Win Them Back...✨ Thursday, January 5th Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨Win Them Back...✨ Thursday, January 5th  Pastor Chris

…bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found...(Luke 15:23-24).

In a church, particularly one with a large congregation, it’s possible for some members to be inconsistent in their attendance; some may even have stopped coming altogether. This may not be immediately obvious, especially if the church is always full during the services. As Christians and soul winners, we should be concerned enough to know if anyone in our congregation has strayed away or fallen by the wayside.

Soul winning must have accountability; we have to be accountable for the souls the Lord has given to us. In Luke 15, the Lord Jesus told the parable of a shepherd with one hundred sheep. One of them got missing, and he left the ninety-nine in the wilderness to search for the missing sheep. When he found it, he carried it home rejoicing, and invited his friends and neighbours to celebrate with him. Then, Jesus said, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

Jesus was preaching here to the Jews. He was talking to them about the lost. Understand that He wasn’t talking about one who had never come to the Lord, but one who had strayed away. There’s a difference between the one who has never been inside (the church) and the one who was inside, but strayed away. Remember, Jesus was dealing with Old Testament church here; so He wasn’t referring to the lost sinners of the world. Matthew 10:5-6 says, “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

The Lord is sending you today to that brother who went back into the world or to that sister who no longer comes to church. Don’t give up on them; find them, intercede for them and win them back. When you bring them back, the Bible says there’ll be great joy in heaven. This is something you have to do.

                   PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for making me genuinely concerned about your children who have strayed from the way. My bowels of compassion are opened to intercede for them. I pray that Christ be formed in them, and that they’d be established, rooted and grounded in your love, being fully persuaded that in you alone lie their joy and total fulfilment, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Ephesians 3:14-17 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, ||

|| Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, ||

|| Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 5:1-20,
Genesis 12-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 3:1-9,
Genesis 5

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨Build Your Faith Strong✨ Wednesday, January 4th Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨Build Your Faith Strong✨ Wednesday, January 4th  Pastor Chris

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

Observe what our opening verse says: God has given to every man the measure of faith. This doesn’t suggest that God is going to give you faith when you pray hard or fast long enough; He’s already done it. He’s given you “the measure of faith,” not “a measure of faith.” This means each one of us was given the same measure of faith when we received the Gospel.

According to the Lord Jesus, even the smallest ounce of faith can move mountains; it can do the impossible: “…verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). The Lord however doesn’t want you to remain at the level of small or mustard-seed faith; He wants your faith to grow and be strong. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The emphasis is on “hearing,” that is, the continued bombardment of your spirit with the Wordof God. But the way to build your faith strong and make it effective is by exercising it; that is, acting on the Word.

Your faith will be weak if you don’t exercise it. It’s like someone who keeps eating but doesn’t exercise; his muscles will grow big but weak. In the same manner, God’s Word is food to your spirit. If you keep receiving God’s Word and do nothing with it, your faith will be weak. Weak faith causes people to stagger, and as a result, fear grips them and they’re defeated by the crises of life. However, the cure for weak faith is putting the Word to work; acting on the Word.

The more you meditate on God’s Word, and put it to work, the greater, and stronger your faith. The Bible says about Abraham, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20). Build your faith strong by using it even in the seemingly small or simple matters of life. Exercise your faith all the time. Don’t allow that headache; use your faith against it. Do you require wisdom to move your business to the next level? Act on the Word, and build your faith strong.

                   PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for your Word that bolsters faith in my spirit and causes me to see and do the impossible. I’m developing my faith and building it strong by meditating, declaring and acting on the Word. I live in victory, always and forever, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Proverbs 24:10 [If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small. ||

|| Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. ||

|| 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 4,
Genesis 9-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 2:13-23,
Genesis 4

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨THINK HIGHLY OF YOURSELF✨ Tuesday, January 3rd Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨THINK HIGHLY OF YOURSELF✨ Tuesday, January 3rd  Pastor Chris

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3).

Some people’s understanding of our opening verse is that we should not think highly of ourselves, but that’s not what the Spirit is saying to us here through the Apostle Paul. God wants you to think highly of yourself, but not more highly than you ought to think. In other words, don’t think you’re higher than your fellow brothers or sisters in Christ. That’ll be pride, and God resists the proud.

You, however, have to think highly of yourself, because you’re valuable to God; you’re special; you’re royalty. To be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms means you’ve been raised high: “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Ephesians 1:21 gives further insight into your exalted position in Christ: “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” Do you see how high you are in Christ?

The Lord Jesus has been set far above all the different classes of spiritual beings: principalities, powers, might or thrones, dominions and every name that is named, and you’re in Him. The Father set Him in this high place of glory, placed all things under His feet, and legally declared Him to be the head over all things for the benefit of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23). The Church is His body; you’re seated with Him in the place of authority. That’s how high you are.

Think highly of yourself, because you’re chosen, royal and peculiar. You’re one of a kind! Read God’s description of you in 1 Peter 2:9 (AMP): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
I’m seated with Christ, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come! I carry myself with dignity, knowing my great value and worth in Christ Jesus; I’m chosen, royal and peculiar! Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

1 Peter 2:9 AMP
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] ownpurchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 3 Genesis 6-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 2:1-12 Genesis 3

Your Evidence . Monday, January 2nd. Pastor Chris

Your Evidence .

Monday, January 2nd.
Pastor Chris

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see…(Hebrews 11:1 AMP).

In essence, the above definition of faith means that you know something you’ve hoped for is real, though it’s not visible in the physical realm. Faith isn’t just an idea or an opinion; it’s a substance, the evidence of unseen realities.

Have you ever seen a snake’s tracks? Being a creature without limbs, a snake slithers on the ground, leaving sinuous prints on the path it treads. Now, the snake-track isn’t just an idea or an opinion, but the “evidence” of the presence of the creeping creature. Evidence is proof of something; it can be made available. Faith, therefore, is the evidence. And if it’s the evidence, then there’s something it represents.

If you had a property situated somewhere and I asked you, “How can I be sure you actually own the property?” you wouldn’t move it from wherever it is to show me; that wouldn’t be possible. What you’d simply do is to produce the title-deed. Faith is the “title-deed” (Hebrews 11:1 AMP). You may not even have been to the property yourself, but the title-deed is your evidence that it is yours. You’re so sure of that document, you can even use it as a collateral. That’s what faith is.

If the devil tries to question your right to prosperity, divine health or any of your blessings, privileges and inheritance in Christ, pull out your evidence—the title-deed. Your faith in the Word of God is your title-deed. Declare with confidence what the Word of God says: “…all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21).

The evidence of your right to divine health is the Word. Romans 8:11 says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (NIV). 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

                   PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for inspiring faith in me through your Word. My faith is the victory that overcomes the world, for with it, I see only pictures of health, prosperity, victory, and possibility. By faith in the Word, I consciously take advantage of what you’ve freely given to me; thus, my life is characterized by the beautiful and glorious realities of the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ||

|| Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 2,
Genesis 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 1:15-25,
Genesis 2

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

Global New Year's Eve Service* *With Pastor Chris*

*Global New Year's Eve Service*
*With Pastor Chris*

*2017, THE YEAR OF FLOURISHING!*

_*"...The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  92:13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.  92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing..." (Psalms 92:1-15)*_

The message of the year is more than a topic. It is an insight into what the Lord will do for us, in us and through us - it is God's direction for us. Times and seasons don't apply in heaven but in the earth.

*Three Key Things To Note:*

*1. My Year of Luxuriant Growth.*
Notice the verse above it says, they shall flourish like the palm tree. The palm tree flourishes irrespective of seasons. Its leaves are evergreen. And some grow very tall. One of the features of flourishing is spreading. Which means the spreading continues

*2. My Year of Significant Attainment.*
Attainment of higher heights. God wants to do marvelous things through us. Not just attainment but significant attainment (news making attainment).

*3. My Year of Persistent Productivity.*
The weather, economy, country and physical circumstances do not count. _"So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."_

*What does God want you to do?*

*1. Speak in tongues like never before.*

This is the refreshing by which you cause the weary to rest.

1 Corinthians 14:4 (AMP)
When you speak in tongues, your spirit becomes sensitive to spiritual realities.

Jude 1:20 (AMP)
Your most holy faith means your most sanctified faith (the highest faith you ever expressed - faith that had no doubt - your purest faith). Build on that faith by praying in the Holy Ghost. Speaking in tongues therefore purifies your faith.

Why was Paul so successful? 1 Corinthians 14:18 _"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"_  Speaking in tongues is important for the Christian to be very successful.

*2. Constantly walk and grow in Faith.*

Hebrews 11:1-4 _"...Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear..."_

The word of God talked about in the scripture above is talking about the Rhema of God and not the logos of God (the logos of God made all things). The Rhema of God is talking about how things work around you. This is the revelation received from God spoken through our mouth.

How 2017 will be your year of flourishing is in your mouth. The word has been spoken and as such the rest of 2017 must comply.

We are in the times of great tribulations in the world, increase in wickedness of men. But know this, "Satan is not much wicked than God is gracious". Romans 5:20 _"...But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:"_

We are about to see the move of the Holy Ghost like never before. We are going to love the word and be passionate about the Lord like never before. We are going to win many to Christ.

We are not ordinary people but the living tabernacle of the Almighty God. Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests. Count it all joy!

Jesus never asked us to preach the gospel with words only, He gave us power - to preach the gospel with signs and wonders; to preach the gospel through prosperity.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨See Good Things Happening For You✨ Saturday, December 31st Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨See Good Things Happening For You✨ Saturday, December 31st  Pastor Chris

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage (Psalm 16:6).

In Jeremiah 29:11 GNB, the Lord said something so beautiful; it reads, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” How comforting and uplifting this is! As you look to the coming year, be optimistic, full of faith and expectation because He has made your life glorious and your future is bright.

You need not be apprehensive or fretful about the coming year. God has already seen the year ahead; to Him, it’s already in the past. He’s already done all that needs to be done for you to have extraordinary victories and success in 2017. He has already perfected everything for you; all you need is to stick to His Word; follow the guidance, direction and leading from the Spirit concerning the coming year. Be sure to attend our December 31 st Night Service onsite, online or via Satellite for that sure word from God that’ll position you for transcendental blessings, and a triumphant 2017.

God already prearranged and made ready the good life for you to live. Refuse to be moved by the challenges and cares of this present moment! Jesus said, “...Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on....” (Matthew 6:25-26). God doesn’t want you to be anxious about the future. He wants you, rather, to “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks giving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

Keep your focus on the Word. Follow the Lord in the Word, and through the Word with all your heart. God’s Word is dependable and guaranteed to produce results. When you trust in the Lord and in His eternal Word, it doesn’t matter the heat or hardship others may experience, your path will be one of continual victory, progress, peace, health, and joy. Good things will keep happening for you, with you, and through you.

                   PRAYER

Dear Father, my trust is in you for an extraordinary 2017, filled with blessings, testimonies, and miracles. I’m excited to know that you’ve made my life glorious, and my future is bright; you’ve perfected all that concerns me, and granted me all that I need to live a successful life. Thank you for leading me in the path of your righteousness, wisdom, and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ||

|| Psalm 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 22,
Malachi 3-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 22:11-21,
Malachi 3-4

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨You Have Nothing To Fear✨ Friday, December 30th Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨You Have Nothing To Fear✨ Friday, December 30th Pastor Chris

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:10).

Being born again, you have nothing to fear, because the Holy Spirit lives in you. There’s a divine impact of His divine presence and power on your physical body that keeps it immune to sickness, diseases, and infirmities. Even at the worst case scenario: if your physical body has already been so ravaged, battered and bruised by sickness and disease, the Holy Spirit will revitalise and restore life back to it. That’s what we read in our opening verse. A better rendering is, “But if Christ lives in you, though your body be dead because of sin, the Spirit gives it life because of righteousness.”

The Holy Spirit raised the dead body of Jesus back to life; that same Spirit lives in you today. Romans 8:11 says, “And if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in you, that same Spirit shall give life to your mortal body.” This isn’t something futuristic; it’s something that happened at the instant the Holy Spirit took up His abode in you; He gave life to your hitherto mortal body. Your physical body is actually not mortal—death-doomed—anymore.

Therefore, if today you’re suffering terribly with sickness and disease, act on the Word. The power to make you whole isn’t coming from heaven; it’s in you. Declare, “The Holy Spirit lives in me and has given life to my physical body. My whole being is vitalised and energised by the divine power of the One who perambulates in me!” It makes no difference what the case is; if the health condition is so bad that you can’t declare it out loud, whisper it! If it’s so serious that you can’t even whisper, think it in your mind! When you whisper or contemplate it long enough, the Holy Spirit will overshadow you as He did the dead body of Jesus, and revitalise your entire being.

Understand something: the Holy Spirit is God, and He actually lives in you. That means the Healer, not just the healing power, lives in you! That settles the issue of sickness and disease forever. Therefore, if death has attacked your body through sickness, disease or infirmity, you have nothing to fear or worry about; trust the Healer in you to take care of it. He’ll restore you back to life! Glory to God!

                   PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the divine impact of your Spirit—the Healer—on my physical body. I refuse to fear, for His presence in me paralyses, destroys, eliminates and dispels every form of sickness, disease or infirmity. Therefore, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, I’m whole, sound, and excellent, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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

|| Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 21,
Malachi 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 22:1-10,
Malachi 1-2

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional