RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL THURSDAY 1ST. pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE IN HIM ✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES APRIL THURSDAY 1ST. pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE IN HIM ✨

 

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 (Romans 12:2).      

Before the coming of the Messiah, it was prophesied that Elijah would come first (Malachi 4:5-6). The Scribes used this prophecy as evidence against the messiahship of Jesus. But the disciples, having seen Elijah with their own eyes talking with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Read Matthew 17:1-3), asked Jesus, “...Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?” (Matthew 17:10). 

To their surprise, Jesus confirmed the Scribes insistence that Elijah must come first before the Messiah. He said, “...Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them” (Matthew 17:11-12). The Bible says, “Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:13). Elijah already came, but they didn’t know it, because they were looking in the flesh!

There’re many Christians who are like that today. All they’re dreaming, praying, struggling to be and have in God, they already are, and already have, but they don’t know it. This is why you must know the Word. Through the knowledge of the Word, you’re enlightened as to your identity and heritage in Christ. 

Nothing could be greater or better than Christ in you, and you in Christ. You’ve got to come to the full realization that as He is, so are you (1 John 4:17). You’re His righteousness, the expression of all the perfect things that are consistent with His nature—His goodness, His kindness, His love, His humility, and excellence!

This is why our theme verse admonishes that you renew your mind, because it’s only through the Scriptures, by the Spirit, that you discover what God has already made you and granted you in Christ. 

CONFESSION 

Everything I require for life and godliness has been granted me by God. I refuse to look in the flesh. I don’t struggle, and I don’t fret. Every provision of the Gospel is both legally and vitally my possession NOW! I walk in my inheritance, in the full blessings of the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

FURTHER STUDY

1 Corinthians 3:21-22; 2 Peter 1:3; Romans 8:17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 9:1-17 & Joshua 10-12

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:69-75 & Leviticus 1

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH WEDNESDAY 31ST. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ THE NEW AND LIVING WAY✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH WEDNESDAY 31ST. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ THE NEW AND LIVING WAY✨

  

 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh (Hebrews 10:19-20).         

How awesome this is! Jesus opened for us a new and living way to the Father; He took off the veil to the Father’s presence and ushered us in. Blessed be God! Remember His words in John 14:6: “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Recall that in Genesis, Adam had sinned against God and was driven away from the presence of God, together with his wife, Eve. They’d been in fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden, but the Bible says God sent an angel with a flaming sword to stay at the gate of the Garden to disallow them from re-entering the garden.

Suddenly, the rich fellowship man once had with God was over. That was the beginning of religion. Man began to do everything he could to get that divine presence again. All the religions of the world today are seeking the same thing: the divine presence. Man had no way to get back into that presence, until Jesus came. He made a startling statement which we read earlier. He said, “...I am the WAY…no one comes to the Father, but by me!” (John 14:6). 

This was what Adam needed. This was what the Patriarchs of the Old Testament all needed—the way to the Father’s presence. Jesus is that way. When He died on the Cross, the Bible says the thick veil that separated the temple from the Most Holy Place was torn in two, from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), making the presence of God accessible.

Today, there’s no veil, no separation anymore between you and the Father. You live in His presence, and the Bible says, “In His presence is fullness of joy and pleasures evermore” (Psalm 16:11). If you haven’t found your way into His presence, if you’re not yet born again, there’s no need to wallow in sin, defeat and ignorance anymore. There’s no need searching for the way; Jesus is the Way. All you have to do is confess His lordship over your life, and your spirit will be recreated to begin an exciting life in God’s presence for eternity. Hallelujah!

 CONFESSION 

I was born into God’s presence to live eternally in joy, glory and pleasures evermore. My life is upward and forward, because in His presence is the path of life; His light illuminates and all I see is blessings and the glorious benefits of my inseparable oneness with Christ. Glory to His Name forever.

FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 2:18-19; Romans 5:1-2

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:40-56 & Joshua 7-9

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:57-68 & Exodus 40

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH TUESDAY 30TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ THE SANCTIFIER IN YOU ✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH TUESDAY 30TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ THE SANCTIFIER IN YOU ✨

  

 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).        

Besides being your wisdom, righteousness, and redemption (riddance), Christ is also your sanctification. The word sanctification used in our opening verse refers to the act or process of making holy or setting apart unto God for His eternal purpose. It’s translated from the Greek word “hagiasmos” which means, “a purifier.” So, the sanctifier has come to live in you.

Christ isn’t in you, trying to sanctify you; He has sanctified you, and continues to sanctify everything you do. He’s your separator; He has separated you from the rest of the world, from sin and evil, unto the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Hallelujah! Just as you’re required to activate wisdom by speaking wisdom, you’re also required to speak sanctification—words that cleanse and purify.

Recall what Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:4-5: “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” You can purify or sanctify anything that belongs to you with the Word of God and prayer.

The Lord Jesus said in John 15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Jesus has gone to heaven, but He lives in, and through you today. You’re the one bearing those wonderful sanctifying words today. Keep speaking words of blessings, to cleanse and sanctify your environment. As you speak, people are purified; they’re transformed from glory to another. 

Hebrews 2:11 says, “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Christ the sanctifier is in you; He’s one with your spirit now (1 Corinthians 6:17). And through you, He’s carrying out His ministry of sanctifying all things to Himself.

 CONFESSION 

I rejoice evermore in Christ, my sanctifier, my righteousness, the One who washed me and presented me holy and unblameable before the Father in love. My life is for the glory of God. I’m the testimony of the Father’s love, the proof of His equity. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:22-39 & Joshua 5-6

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:47-56 & Exodus 39

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH MONDAY 29TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ IT’S SOONER THAN YOU THINK✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH MONDAY 29TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ IT’S SOONER THAN YOU THINK✨

  

 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book (Revelation 22:7).         

Some have wondered why we preach the Gospel the way we do, all around the world, with so much urgency, fervency and passion. It’s because the Master gave us a mandate to evangelize the world before He comes back, leading men and women into righteousness.

In Mathew 28:19, He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” He gave us a message for the whole world about what He came to do in the earth, so that when He comes back, many will be prepared for Him, and go with Him. Hallelujah!

This is our inspiration and the urgency of the moment. We’re not just trying to get people excited about Christianity; it’s about Jesus Christ and His living message: He came to die for the whole world, and God raised Him from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and He’s alive today, and will come back any time from now.

How ready are you for His return? If you’re still wondering when, and how soon He is coming back, I can tell you this: it’s a lot sooner than many realize, judging from the timelines revealed to us in Scriptures.

All the things He told us will happen before He comes are happening exactly the way He said they would. There aren’t too many signs or events left to be fulfilled before the Master’s return. This is why we must keep preaching the Gospel, preparing men and women all over the world for the Rapture. He was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin, unto salvation (Hebrews 9:28). Therefore, be prepared and ready for Him.

 PRAYER 

Dear Father, through the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of righteousness, your Kingdom is established in the earth and in the hearts of men. Many are snatched from destruction and damnation, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Thank you for the increased grace upon the Church to proclaim liberty in all the earth, in these last days, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 16:22; Revelation 22:20

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:1-21 & Joshua 3-4

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:36-46 & Exodus 38

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH SUNDAY 28TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ SERVE THE LORD HEARTILY✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH SUNDAY 28TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ SERVE THE LORD HEARTILY✨

  

 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:3).         

We’re in the final moments of the last days, and it’s important that you’re focused on the Lord, serving Him heartily. The Bible says, “You may as well know this too…that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian” (2 Timothy 3:1 TLB). Notice it doesn’t say, “It shall be impossible to be a Christian,” but “difficult.” So, it’s telling you to serve the Lord, regardless and independent of circumstances or persecution.

This isn’t the time to hide your Christian identity. Nothing whatsoever should be viable enough to take your attention away from the Lord and His Kingdom. Some are only fervent in serving the Lord when everything seems rosy, when their business is thriving and their finances are booming. But the true test comes when trouble strikes, and they get discouraged, and suddenly lose their fervour.

Some others only serve the Lord during times of challenges. But as soon as they have a miracle and are out of the dilemma, their commitment to the Lord immediately wanes. Something is wrong. Don’t let that happen to you. Be on fire for the Lord all the time. Be instant in season, and out of season.

Let nothing compete with, or inhibit your love for and commitment to Christ. The Bible says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58). When everything is going smoothly, be steadfast. And when it’s a period of adversity, serve the Lord heartily still. The Bible says, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Colossians 3:23 tells us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord….” Praise God!

 PRAYER 

Dear Lord, I’m always active in my service to you, in truth, with all my heart. I refuse to be slothful in the dealings of the Spirit; I’m fervent, serving you wholeheartedly, rejoicing in hope, and patient in times of trouble. I remain steadfast and unmovable, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Romans 12:11-12 AMPC; 1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 7:36-50 & Joshua 1-2

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:26-35 & Exodus 37

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH SATURDAY 27TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨MORE THAN LETTERS

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH SATURDAY 27TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨MORE THAN LETTERS✨

  

 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).        

The Word of God is more than letters; it’s spirit and life. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). The Word builds, lifts, and transforms us from glory to glory. It’s the reason we emphasize meditating on the Word of God.

Meditation gets the Word into your spirit to become personal to you. As you study or listen to God’s Word, every time there’s a stirring in your spirit to speak forth words on the basis of what you’re studying or being taught, don’t suppress it. Speak forth. Each time you hear the Word, it’s God talking to you, but He always wants you to respond; that’s where the glory is!

Until you respond to God’s Word, it won’t produce any results. The Word will be mere letters to you. But the Word in your mouth is God talking; it’s the sword of the Spirit with which you cut the devil down and prevail over the adversities of life.

That transformation you desire in your finances, health and family is dependent on you, your response to the Word. Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” His Word is settled in heaven, but you must settle it in your life through your affirmations of the Word. Hallelujah!

 PRAYER 

Dear Father, your Word is my life, and the light that guides my path in victory and glory. I’ll never walk in darkness, because my spirit is enlightened by the Holy Spirit to know and take a hold of my inheritance in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Isaiah 55:11; Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 7:1-35 & Deuteronomy 33-34

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:14-25 & Exodus 36 

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH FRIDAY 26TH. Pastor Chris.TOPIC ✨ CLOTHED IN GLORY✨

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MARCH FRIDAY 26TH. Pastor Chris.

TOPIC ✨ CLOTHED IN GLORY✨

  

 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:30).         

How beautiful this is! We’ve been called, justified and glorified. Your life is full of glory. That’s the reason you can manifest the glory of God; it’s what He called you to do: “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). 

Jesus said in John 17:22, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” It’s important that you see yourself in this light. See yourself in, and as, the glory of God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden, their fall made them “see” that they were naked, and they became ashamed and afraid (Genesis 3:7). When God called out to Adam in the Garden, he replied, “…I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10). 

The Lord’s response to him was, “… Who told thee that thou wast naked...?” (Genesis 3:11). Adam saw his guilt and his shame, but that’s not what God wants you to see. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The word “behold” is the Greek, “idou,” which is akin to the Hebrew word, “chazah.” It means to become spiritually aware, to see, and come alive to what you see. God wants you to see that you’re clothed with glory.

You were born to reign and manifest the glory of the Kingdom of God in the earth. Romans 8:19 says, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” What a life! The same way Jesus came to the earth to express God and manifest His glory, you’ve been chosen of God to show forth His glory. You’ve been called to display God. 

Read Colossians 1:27: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This means glory has been realized. Therefore, SEE that you’ve been glorified. There’s no reason to be afraid or run from God. He’s taken away all guilt, reproach and shame from your life. He’s justified you. Now, He wants you to live as His glorified one—in His righteousness—as a champion. Hallelujah!

 CONFESSION 

I’ve been chosen of God to show forth His glory; therefore, I see myself in the glory, walking in the glory and displaying God’s righteousness to my world. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

1 Peter 2:9; 2 Corinthians 3:18

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 6:17-49 & Deuteronomy 31-32

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:1-13 & Exodus 35

EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional