RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 5TH MAY

THEME: LIFE THROUGH THE SPIRIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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 (Romans 8:11).

No one can live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit. It’s impossible! Some believe the Holy Spirit is in us only to help us speak in tongues; no! He does much more in us, for us and through us. Consider for example what we read in our opening scripture: the Holy Spirit in you quickens—vitalizes—your mortal body. He gives life to your body.

That means there shouldn’t be death in any part of your body, because the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of life—lives in you. Hallelujah! Many have chanted our opening verse in songs and quoted it in sermons but have never responded to it as they should. The Word always requires your response. Ponder it again: the Holy Spirit in you makes alive your mortal body. Your response, therefore, should be: My body is invigorated with the life of God. I live in absolute health in Christ Jesus. Amen.

God wants you to be bold and never afraid of death. Be like Paul, who when he was bitten by a venomous serpent wasn’t moved. Others were waiting for him to fall down and die, but he shook the serpent into the fire. This was what he knew; he was conscious that nothing could hurt or harm the one in whom the Holy Ghost dwells.

Now that you’re born again, you’ve been brought from humanity to eternity, which means you’ve become incorruptible, indestructible and imperishable; you’re not subject to failure, defeat and death! This should be your consciousness—a consciousness of life through the Spirit just as the Bible says that if Christ is in you, even though the body may be dead because of sin, the Spirit gives it life because of righteousness (Romans 8:10). Be eternal life conscious.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the victorious life you’ve given me. You’ve brought me from death to life and made me incorruptible, indestructible and imperishable. I’m not subject to death or the destructive system of this world. I’m a partaker of your divine nature; eternal life is at work in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:10-11 ESV – But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

John 1:12-13; But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

2 Timothy 1:9-10; Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 2:1-25 & 2 Samuel 20-21

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 4:1-10 & Proverbs 1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 6TH MAY

THEME: GROWING BY THE WORD

THEME SCRIPTURE: As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).

In Christ we already have everything. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” His divine power has given us everything we require for life and godliness, but you can only enjoy them through your knowledge of Him.

As we grow in the Lord and become more aware of His Kingdom which we’re a part of, we learn to apply more of all that He’s granted us. It’s very much like raising kids; though they’re heirs of whatever their parents own, they can’t enjoy some of those things until they attain a certain age or level of maturity. That’s the way it is in the Gospel.

The Bible says in Galatians 4:1, “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all.” An heir is someone who is legally entitled to an inheritance, rank, or title. He may be an heir to a throne or an heir to some wealth; but as long as that heir is still a child, he’s not different from a servant. Why is this important?

The word “child” is translated from the Greek word “Nepios,” and it refers to one who’s a child mentally and still unable to communicate or talk intelligently. Thus, a Christian who’s still a child (nepios), though all the blessings and wealth in Christ belong to him, he can’t enjoy them because he’s unable to “talk right.”

The blessings are activated by your words—your confessions—which must be based on God’s Word and not on sensory perceptions. But the “nepios” talks according to his senses. From his words, one can tell he’s not trained. That’s why the Bible says he’s placed under tutors and governors, to be trained until he grows to maturity (Galatians 4:2).

It’s one of the reasons everyone of us must grow by the Word. And one of the ways to ensure this is your active membership in your local church where the Word of God is taught and you’re trained with the Word to help you grow and talk right.

PRAYER:
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for all you’ve made available to me in Christ and for giving me your Word to live by. As I yield myself to the tutelage of your Word, more grace is released to me and I experience supernatural progress, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Galatians 4:1-2;
Now I say, [That] the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

2 Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Hebrews 5:12-14;
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 3:1-21 & 2 Samuel 22

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 4:11-21 & Proverbs 2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY, MAY 7TH 2024

THEME: HE SIDES WITH US IN PRAYER

THEME SCRIPTURE: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
(Romans 8:26).

The word translated “helpeth” in our opening verse is a complex Greek word: “sunantilambanomai.” It means “to strive to obtain together with” or “to take hold together with, against.” This expression gives us God’s picture of intercession; in fact, it’s the best explanation of how God expects us to carry out the ministry of intercession.

This means that in intercession, God takes hold together with us against the adversary. If, for example, I take hold together with you against someone else, it means I'm on the same side with you.

So, when Paul says “the spirit also helpeth our infirmities,” it means the Holy Spirit joins together with us in prayer against the adversary for those who are unable to help themselves. “Infirmities” is from another Greek word “Astheneia”, which refers to some form of limitation or weakness; when there’s a want of requisite capacity.

Imagine someone who has been sick for a long time and is probably dying. He’s so weak that he no longer can appropriate the blessings of Christ on healing and health for himself. Who’s holding him back? Satan. It’s God who wants to heal him. So, the Holy Spirit joins together with us to pray for that one. We take the place of that person in prayer and then rebuke the adversary.

This means the Holy Spirit is an intercessor and He carries out that ministry through us. It also means that He’s not the one holding back or causing the problem; He’s not the one we’re trying to persuade. He’s helping us.

Maybe you’ve been praying for years for someone to receive salvation. There’s no need trying to convince Him to save that person. The Holy Spirit sides with you in prayer against the adversary responsible for blinding the mind of that person from receiving the knowledge of God. Take advantage of this awesome blessing and ministry of the Holy Spirit today.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the extraordinary ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life as He sides with me in prayer against the adversary. Even now, as I pray, He takes over my vocal cords and gets me in sync with your will, helping me to pray aright, and causing circumstances to align with your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:26-27 AMPC; So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 - I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 3:22-36 & 2 Samuel 23-24

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 & Proverbs 3

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: YOU’RE THE TABERNACLE OF HIS PRESENCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19).

‭In the Old Testament, the children of Israel transported the presence of God from place to place every time they carried the Tabernacle of Witness, which contained the Ark of the Covenant.

In 1 Kings 8:9, the Bible tells us specifically that,“There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.” The only thing in the ark was God’s commandments.

Today, your heart is the ark of God; that’s where the Word is. Remember what the Lord said in Jeremiah 31:33: “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This was fulfilled in us when we were born again.

We were born again by the Word of God and have become one with the Word; we’re living epistles, “...written, not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone but in fleshy tables of the heart” (2 Corinthians 3:3). Blessed be God!

You’re now the living ark of testimony and the tabernacle of His presence, “…for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16). He dwells in you now. His hands are in your hands, and His legs are in your legs. He walks in you and talks through you.

Where you go, God goes. You’re in Him and He’s in you! Not only are you now in the presence of God, you carry the presence of God. Every time you show up, you come with the presence of God. No wonder the Bible says in Colossians 1:27, “...Christ in you, the hope of glory!”

CONFESSION
My life is for the glory of God, because the Holy Spirit lives in and operates from the quarters of my heart. Therefore, Satan and anything associated with darkness have no place in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 1:26-27
[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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:

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

John 14:16-17
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 4:1-26 & 1 Kings 1

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 & Proverbs 4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 9TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT MAKES YOU GLOW

THEME SCRIPTURE: Keep your eyes on the LORD! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame (Psalm 34:5 CEV).

Have you ever come out in the nighttime to look up at the stars? It’s such a beautiful sight to behold. But did you know that in the spirit, when you look down on the earth, the same way you see those stars up in the sky, that’s how you see stars of light in the earth? The difference is that these stars you see in the Spirit are us—God’s children.

The Bible says, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Even though we’re all stars, we glow differently. Some of us glow strongly, while others may not shine as brightly.

In Luke 9:29, the Bible says about Jesus, “And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.” There’s something about prayer that affects your spirit and causes it to glow.

Others may not see the glory all over you; their eyes may not be opened to see it on your face, but as you pray in the spirit, you’re constantly transfigured from glory to glory.It’s one of the reasons we emphasize praying in tongues.

When you pray in tongues often, the glory of God is revealed in your life as you charge yourself up in the spirit and stir up the power of God inside you.

The Lord Jesus said, “Let your light so shine…” (Matthew 5:16). This means you're responsible for making your light glow more and more. The more you pray in the spirit, the stronger your light. That’s what enables you to do the work of God effectively, and keeps you healthy and strong. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for giving me the ability to pray in tongues. As I pray in tongues today, I light up everywhere, glowing ever so brightly, radiating your goodness, kindness and graciousness to my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 12:11 AMPC
Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

Luke 9:28-29 AMPC
Now about eight days after these teachings, Jesus took with Him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance became altered (different), and His raiment became dazzling white [flashing with the brilliance of lightning].

Matthew 17:1-3
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 4:27-54 & 1 Kings 2-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 & Proverbs 5

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY 10TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: SPEAKING MYSTERIES IN THE SPIRIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory (1 Corinthians 2:7).

Life is full of mysteries, unanswered questions, events and activities beyond human understanding. As Christians, our way of dealing with these mysteries is by speaking mysteries. Rather than wonder about negative circumstances, we cancel them by speaking spiritual mysteries.

The Bible says, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2). When we pray in tongues, we’re uttering divine mysteries inspired by the Holy Spirit.

At such times, your spirit reaches into the realm of the spirit, just as the Bible says, “Deep calleth unto deep…” (Psalm 42:7). Then 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 says, “…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.”

These mysteries of the Spirit that are unknown to men are unveiled to us by the Holy Spirit: “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, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth...” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).

Notice that it says, “...Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth....” Cultivate the habit of speaking in tongues often. As you do, you speak things into your future. You settle matters and take care of things in the realm of the spirit so that when the time of crisis comes, you just laugh your way through.

This is why God wants us to pray all the time in the spirit:“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the privilege and blessing of speaking in other tongues and speaking forth mysteries about my life and the work you’ve committed to me. Thank you also for the gift of interpretation of tongues. As I interpret those mysteries, answers flood my mind, and I walk in your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Luke 8:10
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 5:1-30 & 1 Kings 4-6

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 & Proverbs 6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 11TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: ENERGIZING YOUR SPIRIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6).

‭When Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift of God in him, he was referring to the power of the Holy Spirit—the dynamic ability to effect changes. This was the same power Jesus talked about when He said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…” (Acts 1:8 ).

If you’ve received the Holy Spirit, that power resides in you. That power can however be dormant unless activated, and the quickest way to activate it is by speaking in other tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:4 says, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself....” As you speak in other tongues, not only are you building yourself, you’re also energizing yourself in the supernatural; you’re stirring up divine power from within to effect changes in every area of your life.

The glory of God is revealed in your life as you charge yourself up in the spirit and stir up the power of God inside you. In Ephesians 3:16, we see the Spirit’s desire for God’s people to be invigorated with miracle-working ability by the Holy Ghost; praying in tongues can make that happen for you.

Praying in other tongues also energizes your faith. The Bible says in Jude 1:20, _*“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.”*_ Faith comes to you when you hear the Word of God. The more you hear the Word, the higher your faith goes. However, you sustain yourself at the highest peak of faith by praying in other tongues.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your glory that’s manifested in my life today as I speak in other tongues. Your power in me is activated, energizing me to walk in divine wisdom, make progress, and rise higher and higher like an edifice, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 1:8 AMPC
But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

1 Corinthians 14:4 AMPC
He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness].

Jude 1:20 AMPC
But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 5:31-47 & 1 Kings 7-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 7:10-24 & Proverbs 7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY 12TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: WHAT PRAYER DOES FOR YOU

THEME SCRIPTURE:...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

‭Understand that prayer isn’t about getting God to do something for you. He’s done everything He would ever need to do for and about you in Christ Jesus. So, what does prayer do for you?

Prayer enables your spirit to operate at a level that’s beyond this world. It enables your spirit to get a hold of divine inspiration that helps you communicate at a realm that’s above this world. It helps you to function in union with Deity such that your spirit rises to God’s realm of operation, and then takes control of the situation.

Let’s say you’re praying and asking the Lord for something that you desire. As you pray and trust God for it, the Holy Spirit quickens your spirit to incubate upon that situation with God’s Word. Suddenly, you’re enabled to see. It’s like “stepping on the mountaintop” from where you’re able to look at the rest of the world.

Another way to explain it is like you pulling yourself over a wall to look, and then you see the glory of God! When you pull yourself over that wall and your spirit takes a hold of the vision, suddenly, words will come from your spirit, and you’ll begin to declare, “I have it in the Name of Jesus!”

At this point, nothing in this world can change your mind from it because you’ve already seen it as you prayed. That’s what faith is about; it’s declaring that what you’ve hoped for has presently become yours because you’ve seen and taken a hold of it with your spirit.

After seeing and taking a hold of it in the spirit like that, what you saw could happen on your first day of prayer or in the first week. In some cases, it could even be months or years. But that’s why Jesus said in Luke 18:1 that men ought always to pray, and not to give up. Keep declaring that you have it, for your spirit has already taken possession of it. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for giving me a deeper understanding of prayer and what it does for me. As I remain reverent and consistent in prayer, my heart is full of the revelation of your Word, giving no room for doubt or unbelief, and my faith prevails against all opposing circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 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.

James 5:16-18 AMPC
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. 17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. 18 And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual].

Luke 18:1 NIV
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 6:1-24 & 1 Kings 9

2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 & Proverbs 8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, 13TH MAY 2024
PASTOR CHRIS

THEME: PRAY FOR YOUR PASTORS

THEME SCRIPTURE: Brethren, pray for us (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

‭In the book of Acts, the Bible tells us how King Herod had the Apostle James put to death by the sword (Acts 12:1-2). He found that this pleased the Jews and he apprehended Peter also with a plan to have him killed.

When James was arrested and killed, the church hadn’t understood the importance of intercession. Upon Peter’s arrest, however, they immediately realized that they had serious business to attend to. The Bible says “…but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). The church prayed without ceasing. They needed to have a change and they got it.

Sometimes, I wonder how many people pray for their pastors and leaders. It’s really important to do this. You have to pray for them because you need them. The Lord put them there to help you and train you in the things of the Spirit.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Hebrews 13:18, “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” Why did he say, “Pray for us?” As you study more of the Scriptures, you’ll find there were 2 reasons.

The first reason was so that utterance would be given unto him to boldly make known the mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19). The second reason was because the Church needed him. In praying and interceding for him, he would be retained for their benefit because he said,“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24).

Imagine if Paul had passed on earlier than he did, with all the wonderful revelations God gave him. The world and the Church would have lost so much. They however prayed, and Paul gloriously finished his course.

That’s why he could say in Acts 20:26-27, “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Glory to God! Pray for your pastors and leaders; it’s very important, because they’re gifts of God to you.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I pray for pastors and ministers of the Gospel all around the world today, that their strength fail not. I declare that through them, the Gospel is spreading rapidly around the world with the speed of the Spirit. I pray that you grant them utterance and opportunities to impact many more souls as they preach the Gospel with miracles, signs and wonders, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all [men] have not faith.

Romans 15:30-32 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me; 31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which [I have] for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Ephesians 6:19-20 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
John 6:25-59 & 1 Kings 10-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 & Proverbs 9

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 14TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: CREATED FOR HIS GLORY

THEME SCRIPTURE: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath CALLED US TO GLORY AND VIRTUE (2 Peter 1:3).

Notice our underlined part in our theme verse; God has called us to glory and virtue. Virtue means excellence. He’s brought you into a life of glory and excellence. All you have to do to enjoy the life He's given you is to live in His Word! That’s the key to living in your inheritance in Christ and enjoying life to the full.

There’s nothing the Lord hasn’t given you or done for you already. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HATH BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST.” He has already granted you every blessing you could ever imagine. This is in sync with what we read in our opening verse.

Your life, therefore, should be one of praise, glory and thanksgiving to the Lord every day, everywhere and at all times. He’s given you the transcendent life; the overcoming life that makes you superior to Satan, darkness, disease, sickness, failure, defeat and death; life that’s beyond this world!

This extraordinary life, along with righteousness, was delivered to you in Christ through the Gospel. His vicarious sacrifice in our behalf ushered us into the glory-life. The Bible tells us that the prophets of old testified of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:11).

Christ suffered so that you would live in the glory. You’re in that glory now. Blessed be God! If, for example, you’ve had problems in your physical body, regardless of what it is, use the Word against it. Declare that you’re triumphant always and in every place. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
Dear Father, I thank you for the life of Christ in my spirit that’s made me one with you and brought perfection and excellence into my life. My life is for your glory and I function by the dominion of the Spirit today, in Jesus Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
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.

Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

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:

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 6:60-71 & 1 Kings 12-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 9:1-10 & Proverbs 10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 15TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: THE WORD IS IN YOU—SPEAK!

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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).

‭In John 15:7, Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you….” When you received His Word, you received Him; remember, “...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14 NKJV). You were born again by this incorruptible Word of God as our theme scripture above states. You’re the offspring of the Word.

This tells us something: it means God’s Word on your lips is God at work in and through you. It’s the reason nothing is impossible unto you. Now that you have His life in you, you can make anything happen; your possibilities and potentials are limitless.

Irrespective of what you might be going through today, you can do something about your situation. Speak peace like Jesus did to the raging tempest (Mark 4:39). Calm the storms around you with your faith-filled words. Address the contrary winds and waves that may be billowing against you and hush them to sleep.

The disciples of Jesus were so terrified when the winds became tempestuous. The Word, the Logos of God was right in the boat with them, yet they were afraid. Today, He’s not in the boat with you; He’s in you. When you speak the Word, He is manifested. So speak right now and you shall have what you say (Mark 11:23).

CONFESSION
I reign as a king in this life, changing situations and circumstances in my favour. I make decrees and they’re established, for the Word of God on my lips is God talking! I’ll never be discouraged or subject to the crippling principles of this world, because I reign and rule by the Word. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
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;

Romans 10:9-10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Mark 11:22-23:
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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 7:1-24 & 1 Kings 15-17

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 9:11-19 & Proverbs 11

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 16TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: PEACE IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE

THEME SCRIPTURE: Then Nebuchadnezzar…said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?…Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God (Daniel 3:24-25).

The Bible tells us how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace. While in the furnace, they were unruffled. They didn’t even pray to God to bring them out of the fire. But guess what God did; instead of bringing them out of the fire, He joined them as the “fourth man in the fire.” I love that!

The Bible says there wasn’t even the smell of smoke on their skin let alone being burnt. God doesn’t have to bring you out of the fire. He already said in Isaiah 43:2,“…when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

It makes no difference what pressures and obstacles you face in life; what’s important is that the Lord is with you and in you. He’s your peace in the midst of the storm. Is there a situation that has made you fret or given you sleepless nights? Relax. Jesus is your peace.

He said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Can you see why you should never be flustered by the adversary or any adversity that comes your way? The Lord already gave you victory and dominion over Satan and everything he’s capable of.

1 John 4:4 says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”Be ever mindful that the greater One lives in you; therefore, nothing can hurt or limit you. Expunge fear from your life by filling your heart with God’s Word. Even now, declare, “Father, I thank you, for you live in me and are with me. Therefore, I’m invincible; I’m a success. I’m making progress and can do all things through Christ who is my strength. Amen.”

CONFESSION
God’s Word has brought me to a place of absolute confidence and independence. I live free of worry, agitations, tensions, distress and confusion because Christ is my all. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 43:2 AMPC* When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Isaiah 54:7
For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 7:25-8:1-11 & 1 Kings 18-19

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 9:20-27 & Proverbs 12

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THEME: ANGELS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Friday, May 17th, Pastor Chris

THEME SCRIPTURE: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire (Psalm 104:4).

‭There’s a difference between how angels related to people in the Old Testament and how they relate with us in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, they had authority over people to the point they could even punish some who did something wrong.

A simple example is the story of Zechariah, which, though in the New Testament section of the Bible, happened in the Old Testament period. An angel brought a message to Zechariah that he and his wife would have a child in their old age, John the Baptist.

Zechariah however failed to believe the words of the angel, and the angel punished Zechariah for his unbelief; he became dumb until John the Baptist was born (read Luke 1:19-20). But in the New Testament, the angels are our servants; they actually serve us.

The Bible says angels are “…all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). We’re the heirs of salvation. The angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for us, that is, on our behalf. In the Old Testament, angels ministered to them; in the New Testament, they minister for us.

This is wonderful! It shows how real and powerful our Lord Jesus is, because we function in His Name. In His Name, we give instructions and even angels obey. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:22: “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the authority you’ve given me in Christ Jesus to reign and rule over all things. Thank you for your holy angels that minister for me. Right now, in the Name of Jesus, I dispatch them to bring to pass all that you’ve ordained to happen in my life and for me today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Hebrews 1:5-8 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Hebrews 1:13-14 NIV To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 8:12-30 & 1 Kings 20-21

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 & Proverbs 13

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 18TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: SEE THE RIGHT PICTURES

THEME SCRIPTURE: And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:5-6).

In our opening scripture, God was giving Abraham a very important training on how to see with the eyes of faith. The Lord brought him out at night and told him to count the stars in the sky. Of course, they were too many. While still trying to count, God said to him, “So shall thy seed be.” He believed, and that was the moment he got it. God trained him to use his spiritual sense of sight. It was something spiritual. It means looking beyond your thinking, your mind and your environment; seeing with the eyes of faith.

On another occasion, after Lot separated from him, God said to him, ..Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever” (Genesis 13:14-15).

By this time, Abraham had understood how to use his spiritual sense of sight. Upon God’s instruction, he looked and saw the whole world, and God gave it to him. Just like Abraham, you have to practise seeing with your spirit. You have to have times when you just sit down and use your spiritual sight.

What you see in those moments is what you get. The Bible says, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh …and your young men shall see visions… (Acts 2:17). Notice he says the young men shall see visions; what visions are you seeing even now? What pictures are being captured by your eyes of faith?

If it’s the wrong picture, shake it off. If you see pictures of fear, death, sickness, or failure, reject them! And then change your mind; change your thoughts; change the words that are coming to you. Realign yourself; refocus and look again; the right pictures will come. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your Spirit who leads me in the way I should go and guides me through your Word to see the right pictures and bring them into reality. I see your glory and goodness all around me, and I walk in the fullness of your grace and blessings today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 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.

Acts 2:17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 8:31-47 & 1 Kings 22

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 10:14-21 & Proverbs 14

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY 19TH MAY 2024. Pastor Chris

THEME: AN UNDERSTANDING HEART AND MIND

THEME SCRIPTURE: And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God…(Luke 8:10).

If you’re a child of God, it’s your divinely given right and ability to understand the Scriptures. Never agree with those who claim God is a mysterious God; He’s not a mystery to His children.

It’s one of Satan’s strategies to deceive God’s people and try to make them believe they couldn’t understand the Scriptures. Never agree with him. You have the understanding of the righteous. It is given to you to understand the Scriptures.

The Bible tells us that God has given us a sound mind. So, you say, “I’m sound; my mind is sound. I’m alert. I have good understanding.” Don’t accept the devil’s lies that God’s Word and His ways are mysterious. Accept that you have an understanding mind.

The power is in accepting and declaring what God has said. So even if you’ve been having difficulties with your understanding of the Word, right now, say, “I have an understanding heart and mind,” and right away your understanding will open up.

Part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life is to help you understand the Scriptures. In John 14:26, Jesus said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

The Bible also tells us how He breathed on His disciples and said, “...Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22), thus opening their minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). That’s a miracle, and that same miracle happened to you when you received the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for granting me an understanding heart; I have insight into the mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom, and the boundless treasures of wisdom that are in your Word are unveiled to my spirit even now as I study your Word. The eyes of my understanding are flooded with light to know and walk in your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 13:10-11
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Daniel 5:11-12
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers; 12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

Ephesians 1:17-18
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

1 John 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 8:48-59 & 2 Kings 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 10:22-33 & Proverbs 15