RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MAY FRIDAY 1ST. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨THE PERFECTION OF THE HEART✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MAY FRIDAY 1ST. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨THE PERFECTION OF THE HEART✨

Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. (2 Chronicles 25:1-2)

What we just read in our theme scripture is quite interesting; it says Amazia did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. God wasn’t judging the rightness of his action, but the perfection of his heart. His conduct was right; at least God said so, but he lacked the heartiness-the quality of hearty sincerity. 

We find another example in 1 Kings 15, with King Asa. 1 Kings 15:14 shows a flaw in his actions, which nevertheless, didn’t dent the perfection of his heart as far as God was concerned. It says, “But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with LORD all his days”

The foregoing show two people, one whose conduct was right in the sight of God but his heart wasn’t perfect with God; and then another one whose conduct wasn’t perfect, but his heart was perfect with the Lord. Here’s an imperfect heart (Amaziah) doing perfect things, and a perfect heart (Asa) doing imperfect things. But God called Abraham to a higher quality of perfection when He said,  “…walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1);  He was asking for the perfection that works from within; perfection of the heart that produces perfect actions. 

That’s what we have in Christ; you were born perfect after Him, with a perfect heart that produces righteousness. He’s given you that perfection of heart (that perfection of the spirit). Believe it; affirm it;  and act accordingly. Live from your heart, manifesting His virtues and perfections in you to your world; “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” (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC)

CONFESSION

Dear Father, I thank you for the perfection of my heart. I produce righteousness, because of the nature of Christ in me. My life is the expression of your glory and excellence, now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

1 King 15:14; Matthew 5:48; 1 John 4:47

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 24:13-35; 2 Samuel 9-11

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 2:1-11; Psalm 143-144

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL THURSDAY 30TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨BOLDLY DECLARE YOUR FAITH✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL THURSDAY 30TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨BOLDLY DECLARE YOUR FAITH✨

   

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).         

Why did Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ, deny Jesus three times? It was because of fear. He was afraid that he could be arrested and killed if he affirmed openly that he knew Jesus. And guess who confronted him? A maid, not even the soldiers. Yet, Peter, out of fear, denied the Master.

Such still happens today. Many live under the shadow of what others, most of whom they don’t even know, would say about them or do to them for openly identifying with Jesus. But not when you’re full of the Holy Spirit! Don’t worry if you’re ostracised, criticised or mocked because of Jesus Christ. It’s actually a blessing—a great one at that—to be “humiliated” or persecuted for His sake.

God gave you His Spirit to live in you and embolden you, so you’ll never be timid or intimidated to proclaim Jesus Christ openly and affirm your faith at every given opportunity. When the same Peter who was initially full of fear received the Holy Spirit, his life was completely altered; he became fearless! In spite of the large and intimidating crowd present on the day of Pentecost, he proclaimed the Gospel with such boldness and power that resulted in a mighty harvest of souls into the Kingdom. Hallelujah!

It’s an honour to know Jesus and to serve Him. Be bold about your association and union with Him. Don’t care what others would say or do to you because of your love for Him. Serve Him with all your heart and live for Him in truth.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I’m honoured and joyful to be identified with Jesus. I have the most sublime identity and I know it! I’m ever bold and confident, ever ready with utmost enthusiasm to proclaim the news of your saving power, fulfilling my ministry in the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Acts 18:9-11 AMPC; 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:8-9

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 23:50-24:1-12 ; 2 Samuel 7-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 1:22-31 ; Psalm 141-142

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL WEDNESDAY 29TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨IMPACTING LIVES WITH THE GOSPEL✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL WEDNESDAY 29TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨IMPACTING LIVES WITH THE GOSPEL✨

   

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14 MSG).         

We read in the Book of Acts that God wrought many unusual miracles through the hands of Paul. Handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from his body, and when those materials were brought in contact with sick people, they were healed and those who were oppressed of demons were set free.

But something interesting to note is that the handkerchiefs and aprons didn’t do anything; they had no intelligence or mind of their own. However, they had become impacted with the Spirit to become a conduit for God’s power. Nonetheless, even though the power of God was in them, they couldn’t do anything until someone transported them from Paul to where there was a need—to the sick and the oppressed.

This is what happens with you that are born again and filled with the Spirit. Until and unless you take or channel the power in you to where there’s a need, there’ll be no manifestation of the power in you. A Christian can be as “lifeless” as the handkerchiefs and aprons from Paul, until he or she comes in contact with the need in men’s lives. That’s why you must be about God’s business of soul winning.

Out in the world is where the need is; that’s where you find the rendezvous of broken humanity. You may never make impact with the power in you until you leave your comfort zone, and make contact with those in need. You were born as an agent of change; an influence and an answer to the cry of the needy in your world. Therefore, put the glory in you to work; manifest the virtues and perfections of Christ which are in your spirit.

It’ll be a great waste to have the Holy Spirit and live an ordinary life. If you were the only one that’s filled with the Holy Spirit in your town, city or country, there should still be a remarkable impact with the Gospel. Make the choice to rule your world; impact lives with the Gospel, for that’s the desire of the Spirit and His will for your life.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for your extraordinary grace and glory in my life; thank you for the special privilege to be a blessing to my world, bringing illumination and meaning to the lives of many through the Gospel. My light shines everywhere, dispelling evil, wickedness and ushering men into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Isaiah 60:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17; Acts 1:8

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 23:26-49 ; 2 Samuel 4-6 

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 1:10-21 ; Psalm 139-140

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL TUESDAY 28TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨YOU HAVE FAITH TO RULE YOUR WORLD✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL TUESDAY 28TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨YOU HAVE FAITH TO RULE YOUR WORLD✨

   

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).         

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, “…for 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.” Some people read this and say, “That’s my problem; I really don’t have faith.” But that’s not true. God has given to every one of us, the measure of faith. We all have faith. It came with the Gospel and was imparted to your spirit at the New Birth.

However, the difference between you and me is what we’ve done with our faith, because God gave to each one of us the same measure of faith. If I seem to have advanced beyond you or recorded greater successes, it’s because of how well I’ve grown and exercised my faith; what I’ve done with it. When you do more with your faith, you’ll achieve much and glorify the Father. It’s about your practise of the Word. That’s what faith is: the response of the human spirit to the Word of God.

When you face challenges, respond with the Word; that’s using your faith. And faith, the Bible says, abides (1Corinthians 13:13); it prevails whenever you put it to work. It’s the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). Once you understand this, you’ll have no fear or worries about anything, because with your faith, you can destroy sicknesses and diseases! You can paralyse and neutralise Satan’s works. You can destroy the lump, the diabetes or blood condition. You can alter circumstances and chart your course in the direction of God’s will and purpose for your life. Amen.

CONFESSION

I’ve got faith in my spirit. At all times and in all seasons, irrespective of the circumstances or contrary situations, I win, for whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and my faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

1 John 5:4; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 22:66-23:1-25 ; 2 Samuel 1-3

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 ; Psalm 137-138

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL MONDAY 27TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨FAITH FOR SOUL WINNING✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL MONDAY 27TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨FAITH FOR SOUL WINNING✨

   

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).         

There’s no better way to express your love for Jesus Christ than to win souls for Him; the souls for whom He died. He gave His life for all men, and if you were the only one that needed salvation, He would still have come to die for you. He didn’t do it because we were many; He did it because we were valuable to God. Therefore, soul winning is worth everything. Practise it. It’s the most important thing on earth. It’s something for which you must express your faith.

You can say, “In the Name of Jesus, I claim ten souls for Jesus Christ today, by the power of the Holy Spirit!” And after making that declaration of faith, you go out for evangelism. Faith isn’t all about getting something for yourself. Let your faith work in reaching people for Christ; the growth you’d experience, both in your personal life and in the harvest of souls, will be astounding.

In John 5:19, Jesus said, “I do what I see my Father do.” Copy the Master. He was the greatest soul winner; the master soul winner. As you win souls, you’re carrying out His passion, and the glory of His Kingdom is manifested in your life in an extraordinary way. This is how you shine in the Kingdom. Recall what Jesus said about John the Baptist: “He was a burning and a shining light…” (John 5:35). What a testimony!

You have to be a burning and a shining light, and there’s no other way than soul winning, impacting lives with the Gospel: “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). This is what you’ve got to do, because it’s your life, your calling and responsibility. 2 Corinthians 5:19 says, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

CONFESSION

With the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ that I’ve received, I dispel the darkness in the hearts of the unconverted, impacting them with the message of eternal life, and establishing them in righteousness. Through me, the knowledge of Christ spreads everywhere, and my triumphs of faith effuse exquisite fragrance of God’s glory in every place, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

John 4:34; Proverbs 11:30; Mark 16:15 

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 22:39-65 ; 1 Samuel 29-31

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 16:12-27 ; Psalm 135-136

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL SUNDAY 26TH. Pastor ChrisTOPIC ✨PERFECT AND EXCELLENT BY NATURE✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL SUNDAY 26TH. Pastor Chris

TOPIC ✨PERFECT AND EXCELLENT BY NATURE✨

   

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

When we talk about excellence, it simply means to excel, to go above and beyond; to be exceptional. But then, it’s a relative concept, meaning it can be measured at different levels of your life. Excellence, therefore, gives us the idea of growth, because of its relativeness. Thus, God wants you to be awakened to who you really are: a perfect and excellent person by nature.

This is why, as you study the Scriptures, you find that He always guides our minds into the idea and reality that He’s made us perfect beings after Him. That’s the nature that He’s given us. Once you’re taught and awakened to this reality, you’ll walk in the light of it. This is the reason we don’t strive for excellence; we exude it; it’s in the fabric of our very existence; the core of our nature. Hallelujah!

When people say they’re striving for excellence, they’ll never attain it, because they’re trying to be who they already are. A dog never strives to be a dog, neither does a cat strive to be a cat. You have an excellent spirit and mind because you were born that way. You’re the perfect and excellent being of a perfect God. Therefore, let your nature, which is the nature of God, produce works of righteousness, for excellence is walking in righteousness.

CONFESSION

I have an excellent spirit and I produce excellence in all I do. The Holy Spirit lives in me in His fullness, causing me to walk in perfection and righteousness, and to express the glory and divine virtues within me. I function with the wisdom of God, with an excellent mind, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Daniel 6:3; 1 John 4:17; 2 Peter 1:3 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 22:1-38 ; 1 Samuel 26-28

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 16:1-11 ; Psalm 133-134

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL SATURDAY 25TH TOPIC ✨FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL SATURDAY 25TH 

TOPIC ✨FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE✨

   

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazy fellow. Learn from their ways and be wise! For though they have no king to make them work, yet they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter (Proverbs 6:6-8 TLB).         

Financial discipline is very important, and it’s something the Spirit of God can train you in. Some don’t realise they’re not supposed to spend everything they get. Simple wisdom is that you spend less than you earn or receive; otherwise, you could end up in debt. The response of some to this might be, “What I earn isn’t even enough; after paying my tithe, giving my offering and doing other things I need to do, nothing is left.” No; don’t think or talk like that!

First, understand that you’re the seed of Abraham; therefore, your financial prosperity is independent of how much you earn or the economic situation around you. You’re an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ; you’re plugged to an unending supply. Thus, the idea of cultivating the habit to save isn’t about keeping your money in the bank to accumulate interest; it’s about discipline. Proverbs 21:20 TLB says, “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”

You may say, “What’s the essence of saving a small amount; it’s not going anywhere.” Don’t destroy it with your mouth. Never declare that what you have is small or not enough. Money is spiritual; it’s not that coin or note in your pocket, wallet or bank account. Money has ears and can hear you. So you must learn to bless your finances.

The issue isn’t the size of your income, but the size of your mind— your thinking, and what your faith can produce. Think about how much you might have received in the last one year; but then, how much of it did you reproduce? If your answer isn’t satisfactory, it’s time for a change. As long as the things you put money into aren’t such that can reproduce what you put in and more, then there’s a problem, and it’s expedient that you change things.

God’s Word imparts wisdom to you for financial intelligence and discipline. So, study and meditate on the Word more, and you’ll always deal wisely in handling your finances.

CONFESSION

God has given me riches and wealth, and the wisdom to multiply them! I’m the seed of Abraham; therefore, the world is mine! I lay up gold as dust; my prosperity is endless. I walk in abundance, having more than enough for myself and for others. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

Luke 15:14; Proverbs 15:6; Proverbs 6:6-8 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 21:5-38 ; 1 Samuel 23-25

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 15:20-33 ; Psalm 131-132

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional