RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 8TH APRIL 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: HE’S ALL LOVE

THEME SCRIPTURE: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8 ).

Oftentimes, we say that God is loving; yes, He is. But it’s important to understand that love isn’t just a quality He possesses; it’s who He is. God is love. Love is His nature. Everything He does is love-inspired.

Ephesians 2:4-5 talks about His great and amazing love. It says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”

When Jesus restored sight to the blind, healed the deaf, made the lame to walk, restored maimed limbs and raised the dead, they were all acts of love. He was love made flesh; love personified. The Bible tells us how a certain woman who suffered haemorrhage for twelveyears pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment for healing. She pressed through the crowd at the risk of her life to get to Jesus. Remember, the Law forbade anyone to make physical contact with others during a blood issue; she’d have been stoned to death if her blood condition was discovered.

But the Bible says she thought to herself, "If I can just put a finger on His robe, I'll get well." She did and was healed instantly. Everything Jesus is and represents is love. His communication and actions pointed everyone to the Father’s love. He was the revelation of God’s love.

He said in John 15:9 (MSG), "I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love.” He loves you unconditionally and unequivocally. Let this inspire you today and always, and provoke in you such audacity of faith.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m conscious and grateful for your love for me. I know that above all things, you desire that I fulfil my destiny in Christ, prosper, walk in health and live triumphantly today, and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

Jeremiah 13:3 And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying,

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:37-54 & Judges 5-6

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 28:1-10 & Leviticus 8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 09 APRIL

THEME: HE DIDN’T DIE FOR “CHRISTIANS”

THEME SCRIPTURE: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When we speak generically, we say, “Jesus died for the whole world.” Yes, that’s absolutely correct. But in some sense, He didn’t die for Christians. There’s a huge difference when we say, “all of us,” meaning everyone in the world, and “all of us,” referring to Christians.

In the generic sense, Jesus died for all of us—the whole world; He was judged for us. But when you believed that He died for you and was raised back to life for your justification, it became possible for eternal life to be imparted to your spirit. Once that happened, you were born again; you became a Christian—a new creation.

The new creation is a brand-new man, a brand-new species of being; he has no past. You aren’t the same person that was born of your father and your mother; that’s the “old man” with the sin nature. That “old man” or “old you” died with Christ: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6).

The new you—the new creation—came from the resurrection: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). This “new you” is created in righteousness and holiness: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Hallelujah!

If it’s true that the new creation has no past (and it’s true), then he isn’t the one that Jesus died for. Understanding this will help you a great deal in your Christian walk. It’ll make it easier for you to understand why you’re justified. The Bible says Jesus Christ was raised back to life for our justification (Romans 4:25). You’ve been justified in Him. In other words, in the mind of justice, you never sinned. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ.

PRAYER
I worship you Father, Lord God of heaven and earth, for blessing me with your Word. I declare that I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus and the lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places. I refuse to struggle for anything, for you’ve blessed me richly with all things to enjoy. I walk in favour, divine health and prosperity all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 6:4 (KJV); Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 4:25 (KJV); Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Ephesians 4:24 (AMPC); And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 12:1-21 & Judges 7-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 28:11-20 & Leviticus 9

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 10TH APRIL

THEME: LIVING IN THE VICTORY OF CHRIST

THEME SCRIPTURE: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or unclothedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:35-37).

Life may be filled with adversities, but the Word says you’re more than a conqueror through Christ. This should give you comfort, peace and joy. You’re living in the victory of Christ. He assured us of victory over crises and challenges when He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The Bible says in 1 John 4:4, “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.” You’ve been lifted over and above the corrupting influences of this world.

Our opening scripture states clearly that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, unclothedness, peril nor sword could separate you from the love of God. Then it concludes by saying you’re more than a conqueror. Being more than a conqueror means you conquered in Christ before the foundation of the earth. Hallelujah! There’s nothing to struggle with or try to overcome anymore. When He arose from the grave a victor and a champion, you were in Him.

Don’t allow the circumstances of life make you a victim. You were born into the victorious life in Christ: “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” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

PRAYER:
Now thanks be unto God who always causes me to triumph in Christ and make manifest the savour of His knowledge in every place! Thank you Father, for my victorious life in Christ! I live in triumph over circumstances, in total fulfillment, joy, glory and dominion, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
James 1:2-3
2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

1 John 4:4
4 Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

1 Corinthians 15:57
57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:22-48 & Judges 9

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:1-13 & Leviticus 10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 11TH APRIL 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: WORDS ARE SEEDS

THEME SCRIPTURE: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).

While explaining the parable of the sower, the Lord Jesus emphasized in the eleventh verse that the seed the sower sowed was the Word of God. He lets us know that words are seeds and that what you sow is what you reap.

If you sow the right words into your life and future, they’ll produce the right harvest. Always steer your life in God’s direction for you with the right words. You can’t keep speaking negatively and expect to have an excellent life.

Proverbs 15:4 says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Here, see how Solomon connects words with seed, tree and fruits. A wholesome tongue is one that speaks life, health, healing, righteousness and abundance. That wholesome tongue is a tree of life.

Many unknowingly bruise their spirits by speaking words that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Gospel. This is why you must train yourself to talk right. Speak blessed words. Your life goes in the direction of your words.

Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech (your words) be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” In other words, don’t speak idle, inoperative and uninspiring words, for you’d give account of your words: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).

Your life today is the harvest of all the words you’ve been speaking. Therefore, always speak righteousness, peace, health, wealth and joy.

CONFESSION
My life is excellent. I’m the expression of God’s glory, grace, wisdom and righteousness! I’m a testimony of His love, the proof of His goodness. I walk in victory always to the glory of His Name. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Proverbs 18:21* Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

1 Peter 3:10* For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 12:49-59 & Judges 10-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 1:14-28 & Leviticus 11

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

WEDNESDAY 12TH APRIL

THEME: ALIVE TO SPIRITUAL REALITIES

THEME SCRIPTURE: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11).

What we just read is absolutely life-transforming: we’re alive to God, alive to spiritual realities of the Kingdom. The Apostle Paul made a similar statement in Ephesians 2:1; it says, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

To be quickened is to be made alive. When Jesus died, you died in Him. When God raised Him from the dead, you were raised together with Him. You were awakened in God; you came alive in the spirit. This is the reason you can understand the realities of God’s Kingdom.

The one who isn’t born again isn’t alive to God; he’s dead spiritually and gropes in the darkness. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In Luke 8:10, the Lord Jesus said it is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

Every so often, declare that you’re filled with the knowledge of God’s will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Affirm that you have an understanding heart. This is part of your heritage in Christ.

The Lord Jesus said in John 8:12, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” You have insight into the mysteries and realities of the Kingdom, into your inheritance, rights, benefits, privileges and blessings in Christ. Hallelujah!

PRAYER:
I thank you, blessed Father, for granting me insight into the mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom. I’m filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I know the hope of your calling and the riches of the glory of your inheritance for me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 2:7-12
7 But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God—[that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence].

8 None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [[a]who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].

10 Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring andexamining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].

11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.

Matthew 13:10-11
10 Then the disciples came to Him and said, Why do You speak to them in parables?

11 And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:1-21 & Judges 12-13

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:29-39 & Leviticus 12

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 13 APRIL

THEME: ALL BLESSINGS FULFILLED IN CHRIST

THEME SCRIPTURE: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11).

In Exodus 19:5, God spoke to Moses and instructed him to tell the Israelites that if they’d obey his voice, then they’d be His treasured possession—a priestly kingdom and a holy nation: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation…” (Exodus 19:5-6).

But thanks be unto God! The promise that was preconditioned on their obedience to God’s commandment has been given to us and fulfilled in us in Christ. God ushered us into this by the new birth in Christ. Hallelujah!

Hence the Apostle Peter declares in his epistle, “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).

In Revelation 1:5, observe the tenses used: “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” He loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood!

The 6th verse says He has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. No wonder the Spirit says through Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” Hallelujah!

PRAYER:
Dear Father, I thank you for granting me all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I’m delighted to know that I’m your treasured possession, ordained to show forth your wonderful deeds and display your virtues and perfections. Thank you for making me your righteousness and the effulgence of your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Romans 6:17
17 But thank God, though you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed.

Romans 5:18-19
18 Well then, as one man’s trespass [one man’s false step and falling away led] to condemnation for all men, so one Man’s act of righteousness [leads] to acquittal and right standing with God and life for all men.

19 For just as by one man’s disobedience (failing to hear, heedlessness, and carelessness) the many were constituted sinners, so by one Man’s obedience the many will be constituted righteous (made acceptable to God, brought into right standing with Him).

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:22-35 & Judges 14-16

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:40-45 & Leviticus 13

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 14 APRIL

THEME: THREE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRIESTS

THEME SCRIPTURE: And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelations 1:6).

As God’s people in the earth, we’re king-priests; that is, royal priests. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people….” What are the responsibilities of a priest? The responsibilities of a priest are in three folds.

First, a priest offers gifts to God. When people bring material gifts to the house of God, the priest is empowered by God to convert these from material substance to spiritual substance, useful to God. Without the office of a priest, material things presented to God remain mundane and thus of no spiritual value.

Secondly, the priest is called to intercede for men; he stands between God and men. It is his office to do so, and when he does that, God is also obligated to hear the priest’s voice and respond accordingly.

Thirdly, the priest is called to teach the Word and reveal the principles and way of life of the Kingdom of God to men. He’s called to teach the people how to live for God and towards God. These are the three assignments given to the priest. So, as God’s priests, we offer gifts, we intercede in prayer, and we teach the knowledge of God. Hallelujah!

PRAYER:
Dear Father, thank you for the awesome responsibilities you’ve given me as a king-priest. It’s my joy to bring your will to pass in the earth, leading many into the Kingdom and teaching them the way of the Kingdom. Thank you for the dominion and the authority to alter the course of events in the earth through intercessory prayer, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Peter 2:9 AMPC
9 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.

Revelation 5:10 AMPC
10 And You have made them a kingdom (royal race) and priests to our God, and they shall reign [as kings] over the earth!

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:1-24 & Judges 17-18

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:1-12 & Leviticus 14

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 15TH APRIL

THEME: OUR PRIESTHOOD IS NOW

THEME SCRIPTURE: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).

In our previous study, we outlined three important roles of the priest: to offer gifts, intercede in prayer, and teach the knowledge of God. These are responsibilities for us to carry out now, not at the millennial reign of Christ; it’s our ministry now!

A study of the prophetic writings concerning the millennial reign of Christ shows us what Israel will be doing during that time and also our own roles. The millennial reign of Christ is Israel’s restoration and millennial exercise of the Christ-life which we already had throughout the Church age.

Thus, the millennial reign isn’t towards the Church; the Church already reigned in the earth for two thousand years THROUGH Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17), and will reign WITH Him in the millennial period. But when do we function as priests? When do we teach the knowledge of God, intercede for men, and offer gifts? It’s NOW! Our priesthood is now!

Revelation 1:6 says, “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 5:10 also says He has “…made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” We’re in office as king-priests of God, in the earth.

He’s given us the responsibility to alter the course of events and happenings in our world today through intercession, sacrifices of praise to the Name of the Lord, and the propagation of His truth in all the earth. Blessed be God!

PRAYER:
Dear Father, by your Spirit, I fulfil my ministry of intercession as a king-priest, unveiling the mysteries of the Kingdom to my world, and offering spiritual sacrifices to the praise of your Name. I declare that today, your Word prevails in and through me as I proclaim your righteousness and salvation to the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Revelation 1:5-6 AMPC
5 And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood,

6 And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

Ecclesiastes 8:4 TLB
4 The king’s command is backed by great power, and no one can withstand it or question it.

1 Peter 2:9-10 AMPC
9 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.

10 Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you were unpitied, but now you are pitied and have received mercy.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:25-15:1-10 & Judges 19-21

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:13-22 & Leviticus 15

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 16TH APRIL

THEME: GUARD YOUR HEART WITH THE WORD

THEME SCRIPTURE: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness (2 Peter 3:17).

Notice some cautions and exhortations to the saints, given by the Spirit through the Apostle Peter in the verse we just read. When you study this same verse from the New International Version, it says, “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.”

Peter, by the Spirit, calls it the error of the lawless. The Living Bible renders it slightly differently. It says, “I am warning you ahead of time, dear brothers, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the mistakes of these wicked men, lest you yourselves become mixed up too.” Here, it’s called the mistakes of the wicked: their miscalculations because of their ignorance.

Then, the Bible also talks about an evil heart of unbelief which comes from disobedience: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). The Greek word for unbelief is “Apistia” which means disbelief, or arising from disobedience.

Then it says in the 13th verse, “… exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” How do we exhort one another daily? It’s with the Word. The Word is the only material to help us grow and be shielded from the error of the lawless and the miscalculations of the wicked.

With the Word, you can diligently guard your heart against unbelief and anything that tries to change or destroy the excellence that God already programmed in you. Study and meditate on the Scriptures until your whole spirit, soul and body are programmed to only think God’s thoughts and influenced only by His ideas and opinions. Hallelujah!

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I delight in your Word and yield to it for exhortation, doctrine and counsel. In your Word, I’ve found life, peace, righteousness and everlasting joy. As I live in your Word, your glory is revealed in my life; I’m constantly transfigured from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Colossians 3:16
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

2 Peter 3:18
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:11-32 & Ruth 1-4

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:23-28 & Leviticus 16

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY 17TH APRIL 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: A DIVINE PARENTAGE

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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 (1 John 4:4).

Being born again means you’re God’s offspring; you’re a divine being. You’re not an ordinary person, because you have in you the same life that God has. When Jesus walked the earth, He had this consciousness. In John 6:38, He said: "For I came down from heaven…." He affirmed His divine origin.

This is how you must think, talk, and live. Be conscious of your divine origin. You hail from God. Your true parentage is divine. Like the Lord Jesus, speak with confidence and authority in affirming who you are. Recall what the psalmist said in Psalm 82:6, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”

We're gods because we’re born of God. Just in case you’re thinking the psalmist might have gone too far, read the words of the Master Himself in John 10:34; He reiterated the same words. He said, “…Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?” Align yourself with God’s Word, His thoughts and visions of you, and speak accordingly.

Every so often, affirm that you’re an associate of the God-kind; as Jesus is, so are you: “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). Let your consciousness of who you are in Christ—the consciousness of your divinity—control everything you say and do. Let it control everything about your life.

CONFESSION
I walk in dominion over the elements of this world and over demons, disease and death, because I’m born of God! The life of Christ is manifested in me, from glory to glory, and I walk in the consciousness of my divine origin, in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

John 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

1 John 5:11-13 NIV And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 16 & 1 Samuel 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 3:1-7 & Leviticus 17

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 18TH APRIL

THEME: YOU HAVE ALL YOU NEED

THEME SCRIPTURE: And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation] – (2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC).

What we just read is simply mind-blowing. It unveils God’s will for you; the life that He’s given you: it doesn’t require aid or support. Meaning that it doesn’t matter what you face, the solution is inside you. Being born again, you’ve already been given everything you’d ever need: “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).

Colossians 1:27 says, “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” It doesn’t get better than that! Christ in you is everything. Jesus said in John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” The Holy Spirit is in you NOW! With the Holy Spirit in you, you have everything you could ever want in life; you can be anything and can do anything.

No level of greatness or height of success is too lofty for you to attain. You have infinite possibilities, limitless and unparalleled advantages in life. It’s part of the result of the God-life—the God-nature in you. God didn’t create you to be in want of anything. Everything is inside you. Eternity is in your heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

That’s why He said, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things…” (Matthew 12:35). What are the good things you desire? What do you want? What do you want to see? Bring them forth from within you with your faith-filled words! John 7:38 says, “Out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water”— words of life and power. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for my triumphant life in Christ! Thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives in me and in whom and through whom I can do all things and fulfil my destiny to your glory. Thank you for granting me all that I require for life and godliness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 3:21-23 (KJV); 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s; 23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

1 John 4:4 (KJV); 4 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.

Psalm 23:1-2 (KJV); 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 17:1-19 & 1 Samuel 3-7

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 3:8-19 & Leviticus 18

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

WEDNESDAY 19TH APRIL

THEME: THE NATIONS ARE HIS FOCUS

THEME SCRIPTURE: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38)

Some things happen by God’s choice. When they do, there’re often no human ways of explaining them. Only through the Scriptures do we discover the reason He does such things. In 2 Chronicles 9, for example, the Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame and came to Jerusalem to see for herself.

When she arrived, she was stunned! She asked every question she could think of and was left amazed at Solomon’s wisdom, his responses, and the many things she saw. This prompted her to extol God’s divine love for His people: “Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice” (2 Chronicles 9:.

God made Solomon the king of Israel because He loved Israel. He chose a man that He loved (2 Samuel 12:24), and made him the king of a people He loved. So, Israel was His focus.

It brings to mind something the Lord told me years ago; He said the number one thing He wanted me to do was to take healing to the nations. The nations were His focus—the rendezvous of broken humanity—the sick, the weak, and all those who had become incapacitated due to sickness and disease. He loved them. His focus was on them to bring them healing and health.

And thanks be unto God that He created the platforms and opportunities for us to reach them through the Healing Streams Live Healing Services. Previous editions have seen billions of participants from nations receive healing from chronic ailments in real-time, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for bringing healing, strength and vigour to the sick and causing them to walk in the finished works of Christ. You’ve made me a light in a dark world, and my light shines ever so brightly. I walk in your glory and perfection, manifesting your righteousness and exercising the dominion of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Proverbs 8:30-31 (KJV); Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

Acts 10:38 (AMPC); How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, [a]in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 17:20-18:1-14 & 1 Samuel 8-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 3:20-35 & Leviticus 19

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 20TH APRIL

THEME: ENTHRONED WITH HIM

THEME SCRIPTURE: For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).

Talking about the Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 tells us, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” That means He’s enthroned!

Notice that Paul didn’t say, “For he must reign, after he hath put all enemies under his feet,” no! Rather, he explained that He would reign till all enemies are under His feet. When did He start reigning? He started reigning when He sat down on the seat of the Majesty on high—at the right hand of the Father after His ascension.

Thanks be unto God! We’re seated together with Him, far above all principalities and powers. We’re enthroned with Him. He’s reigning right now through us over demons, hell and the grave. Romans 5:17 says, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

We’ve received abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Now, we’re in office, reigning through Christ over the world and its systems, circumstances, Satan and his demonic community. Refuse sickness, failure, defeat, and death. Reign in life as a king. Reject everything that’s not of God, and endorse only that which is consistent with His perfect will for you. You’ve been enthroned to reign. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
Christ reigns over all things for the glory of God and His Church. I’ve been graced to reign in this life, through righteousness. I exercise dominion through words, and I put Satan, his minions and the elements of this world in their place, for I function in, and with, the dominion of Christ. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Daniel 7:13-14 (KJV); 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Psalm 110:1-2 (AMPC); 1 The Lord (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool. 2 The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 18:15-43 & 1 Samuel 11-13

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 4:1-12 & Leviticus 20

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 21TH APRIL

THEME: SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR

THEME SCRIPTURE: Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).

In your life, you must learn to count your blessings and be genuinely grateful to the Lord for all He’s done in your life. A grateful heart is very important to the Lord. Some people hardly appreciate or recognize when they’re making progress or when God is doing something beautiful in their lives. It’s because they’re negatively programmed. They’ll rather wear a worried look, troubled all the time, only seeing their inabilities and what they don’t have.

Take stock of your life from the beginning of the year till now, for example, and you’d discover how much progress you’ve made. I’m sure you’ve learnt some new things; your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word improved. Perhaps you used to always arrive late to work or for meetings; but at the beginning of the year, you decided to work on it. Now, you’re always punctual; these are blessings the Lord has made possible for you that you should be grateful for.

Never think that such blessings are insignificant. Perhaps your prayer life has become richer; you pray better than you used to; that’s a huge blessing. Always consider these and other improvements the Spirit of God has brought into your life; centre your mind on them and be grateful.

Be thrilled by such blessings as the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit in your life! That’s greater than any material blessing or promotion you could ever get. In fact, it’s what will give rise to all other kinds of material blessings and promotions.

Therefore, learn to be content and grateful for all things, serving the Lord joyfully, irrespective and independent of circumstances. Praise God!

PRAYER
Dear Father, you’re great, gracious and glorious; you’re loving, holy, just and true. Thank you for your blessings in my life: the divine favours that you cause me to experience always. I’m grateful, Lord, for your faithfulness towards me! You’ve given me all that pertains to life and godliness; thank you for making my life the effulgence of your glory and righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 68:19 (KJV)
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Psalm 103:2 (KJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 19:1-27 & 1 Samuel 14-15

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 4:13-20 & Leviticus 21

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 22 APRIL

THEME: BE THE GIVER AND THE BLESSER

THEME SCRIPTURE: Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:4 MSG).

As a child of God, be known as one who remembers, cares for, and loves people genuinely. That’s what counts with God. Be the giver and the blesser. The Bible says, “…It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

The blessing you receive because of those who remember you is little compared to that which you receive when you remember others and give to them. When you receive from others, all you have is what you got. God’s promise isn’t to the one who receives but to the one who gives. So, rather than seek attention, give it instead. Don’t seek love; give love.

Demonstrate love to everyone, including those who might have offended you, and the ungodly that have no hope. That’s how God wants you to live. He said in Luke 6:27-31, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

There’re people who only want to receive from others and enjoy attention from others; they only crave for others to love them. But read what the Lord said, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” You’re the seed of Abraham, and the seed of Abraham reaches out in love; he hears the cry of the needy and responds.

Isn’t that what God said concerning Abraham and His seed? He said in you shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. You’re the answer; you’re the solution. Fulfil your calling as the blesser and the giver; it’s the higher way of life! Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your grace upon my life to help, lift and build others; thank you for your love that’s shed abroad in my heart, which I dispense lavishly to everyone in my world. I was born as the answer to the cry of millions, and through me, your blessing flows to others today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (KJV); 6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 11:24-25 (KJV); 24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 19:28-48 & 1 Samuel 16-17

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 4:21-29 & Leviticus 22

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 23RD APRIL

THEME: NEVER TOO LATE OR IMPOSSIBLE

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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).

It makes no difference where you are in life and the circumstances in which you find yourself today; you can still win; you can be a success. Perhaps you’ve had certain dreams and pursuits that you think are now impossible to achieve, or you think you’re now too old to achieve meaningful success in life; don’t give up. Renew your mind with the Word. Change your thinking.

Moses answered the call of God at the age of eighty. His old age didn’t truncate his destiny. It was the same with Abraham, who received the promise at seventy-five years of age. With God, nothing is ever too late or impossible. Therefore, don’t despair.

As you grow spiritually, there could be times of difficulties and tough challenges. But those challenges are your opportunities to demonstrate your faith in the Lord and prove His Word. God gave us His Word to live by, and to use in creating our glorious and triumphant lives. So, it’s your responsibility to use the Word; to work the Word.

Philippians 2:12 says, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” That was what Abraham did. God said to him, ” (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17).

At this time, Abraham was nearly a hundred years old and didn’t have a child, but he believed and acted on the Word. Romans 4:20 says He didn’t stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but he was strong in faith, giving glory to God!

The change you desire in your ministry, finances, health and family is possible and dependent on you. Act on the Word. Insist that nothing but what the Word of God says will prevail in your life, and it shall be so. Be ever joyful, declaring your glorious life, righteousness and victory in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:
My mind is constantly renewed by the Word to think and produce excellence. The Word of God is prevailing in my life, producing what it talks about. I make manifest the savour of God’s knowledge in every place, reigning with Christ, and bringing Him glory today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 1:1-3
1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

Mark 9:23
23 And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 20:1-19 & 1 Samuel 18-19

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 4:30-41 & Leviticus 23

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, APRIL 24TH

THEME: WE’VE RECEIVED THE KINGDOM

THEME SCRIPTURE: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).

Hebrews 12:28 tells us something similar to what we just read in our opening verse. It says, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

The King James almost gives the impression that you’re in the process of receiving the Kingdom, but when you study the verse in the original Greek rendering, that's not what it’s saying; you got the Kingdom already.

The Complete Jewish Bible makes it clearer. It says, “Therefore, since we have received an unshakeable Kingdom, let us have grace, through which we may offer service that will please God, with reverence and fear.” We’ve received the Kingdom that we should live in it and express the life of the Kingdom. What is the life of the Kingdom? How can we know the true Christian life that God expects us to live today?

The first thing to do is to study the Book of Acts. The epistles also give us a lot of insight. Finally, the prophetic Word of blessings to the Jews about the millennial reign of Christ shows us an amazing picture of what the life of the Kingdom is. That’s what He’s already given to us to live in and experience NOW! Anything less than these isn’t full Christianity, and isn’t the life of the Kingdom.

This is the reason we’re raising and educating God's people on the Kingdom-life and the Kingdom-way of doing things. There’s a Kingdom way to think. Now that you’re in the Kingdom, you must learn to live by the principles of God’s Word. His Word is our blueprint and roadmap on how to live the ever-glorious, joyous and transcendent life of the Kingdom.

PRAYER
Righteous Father, I thank you for not only bringing me into the Kingdom, but for also giving me the Kingdom. Thank you for your Word, which educates and enlightens me on the Kingdom-life and the Kingdom-way of doing things; I live the ever-glorious, joyous and transcendent life of the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Luke 17:20 - 21 AMPC Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display, 21 Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Luke 20:20-21:1-4 & 1 Samuel 20-22

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Mark 5:1-13 & Leviticus 24

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 25TH APRIL 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: RUN TO WIN

THEME SCRIPTURE: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24).

What we read in our theme verse lets us know that in Christianity, there’s godly competition; we run to win, to obtain the prize. We’re likened to sportsmen: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I thereforeso run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air” (1 Corinthians 9:25-26).

The Bible shows you what to do to be at the top of your game: become temperate in all things; exercise self-control. Like an athlete, there’re things you should do and there’re things you shouldn’t, just so you can keep in form. Those athletes do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we do ours for an incorruptible crown. Hallelujah.

Notice what He says in the 27th verse: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27). He instructs us to do everything to win, but according to the rules, so you’re not disqualified. Don’t run to miss the prize.

In Hebrews 12:1-2, the Bible says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith....”

As you run your race, as you fulfil your ministry in the Gospel, lay aside every weight. Don’t let sin be an encumbrance in your life. Refuse to allow anything to take your focus off the Master. Remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

CONFESSION
I’m a spiritual sportsman, disciplined to do the Word, and fully yielded to the leading of the Spirit. I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize and fulfil God’s call and destiny for me. I remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 AMPC THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, 2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 21:5-38 & 1 Samuel 23-25

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 5:14-20 & Leviticus 25

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

WEDNESDAY 26TH APRIL

THEME: THE THRONE OF GRACE

THEME SCRIPTURE: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

In the Old Testament, there was a place called the Mercy Seat; it was the place of grace. When the High Priest came into the Most Holy Place where the Ark of God was, he consulted with God from between the cherubim of glory, which sat over the Mercy Seat, where the blood was offered.

But in Hebrews 4, writing to the Jewish Christians to help them understand what God had done in the New Testament, Paul said, “…we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…” (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus is our High Priest. While all the other priests ministered in the first sanctuary, the High Priest alone went into the inner sanctuary.

But Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” That Mercy Seat in the Old Testament is now called the throne of grace, meaning that grace has now been enthroned! Hallelujah! Romans 5:2 says we have access by faith into this grace.

The word translated “throne” is the Greek, “thronos” and it means seat. Our underlined portion in our theme verse can read as “Let us come boldly unto the seat of grace!” We don’t need an intermediary anymore. We now have access in Christ Jesus into this “throne of grace,” to obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need.

The throne of grace is the place where grace reigns like a king! In that place or seat of grace, you don’t ask God for anything; you “obtain” what you want. The word translated “obtain” is the Greek, “lambanō”, which means you come in there to collect or obtain grace!

Do you require grace for anything in your life today? Collect the grace you want; you’re already in the throne room where grace reigns; so boldly obtain the grace you need for that assignment, and for your next and higher level of glory in your walk with God.

CONFESSION
I’m sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency, and His superabundant grace upon my life is sufficient for me in all things. Grace—the lifting power of God that attracts the right people, materials and resources—has put me ahead and positioned me for success and victory. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV); 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

2 Timothy 2:1 (KJV); Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

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

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 5:21-34 & Leviticus 26

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 27TH APRIL

THEME: NO SICKNESS IN OUR KINGDOM

THEME SCRIPTURE: And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity (Isaiah 33:24).

There’re those who aver stoutly that sickness is for everybody, but it’s not true. God doesn’t get any glory out of us being sick. We belong in His Kingdom, and the Scripture shows us that divine health is one of our Kingdom rights; it’s one of the blessings we have in Christ.

Read again the inspiring description of Zion by Isaiah in our theme verse! He calls it a beautiful place where the inhabitants have no reason to say, “I am sick,” because there’s no sickness in Zion! Hallelujah! Being born again, you’re an inhabitant of this glorious land of health and abundance.

In Colossians 1:13, it’s called the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. You’ve been translated into that Kingdom, and all the blessings of the Kingdom are yours. So, become Kingdom conscious; live in the blessings of the Kingdom of God, in health and in strength.

If sickness tries to attack your body, remember that you’re in the Kingdom of God where His will is operational and in force. Take charge and rule over your body with the Word of God. Refuse to yield your body to sickness, disease or infirmity!

God gave you a life that’s superior to sickness, so you can serve Him and live for Him; so you can manifest His glory and His grace, and impact your world with the message of Christ’s salvation.

CONFESSION
I was born into the Kingdom of God where I reign over sickness, disease and infirmity. I walk in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, basking in divine prosperity, beauty and honour. Through my faith-filled confessions, I enforce the will of God concerning my health today and always. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 12:22 (KJV); But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Mark 11:23 (KJV); 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.

Mark 16:17-18 (KJV); 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

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

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 5:35-43 & Leviticus 27

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 28 APRIL

THEME: A KINGDOM OF LIGHT

THEME SCRIPTURE: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13).

Being born again, you’ve been translated from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. But it’s important for you to understand the process. It wasn’t after you became a Christian that you were transferred from the place of darkness into the place of light. No! You were born from death: from darkness into light.

Remember, Jesus is called the first begotten of the dead (Revelation 1:5), because He died spiritually when our sins were laid on Him. He was cut off from God. Spiritual death isn’t just the cessation of life; it’s total separation from God (Ephesians 2:12).

Before you were a Christian, you were dead spiritually. You had to be born again! And when you were born again, you were born right into the Kingdom. You were born from the domain of darkness, into the Kingdom of God. So, your day one as a Christian was in the Kingdom of light—the Kingdom of God’s dear Son.

This is why you never have to pray that God would “deliver” you from darkness; you don’t need deliverance from Satan, because you’re not in his jurisdiction. You’re not in the darkness; you’re in the light. What you need is to know the truth, for the Bible says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

For the one who seems to be experiencing anything of darkness despite being born again, the solution is simple: Receive God’s Word—His light—into you and walk accordingly; it’ll eject every satanic presence. You dwell in the Kingdom, seated with Christ, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named (Ephesians 1:19-21; Ephesians 2:6). Blessed be God!

CONFESSION
I’ve been translated from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named. I’m permanently severed from sin, sickness, disease, depression, poverty, frustrations and everything associated with Satan and darkness. I walk in God’s eternal glory and reign in life through Jesus Christ. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV); 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Colossians 1:12-13 (AMPC); 12 Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the [a]portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light. 13 [The Father] has delivered and [b]drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son [c]of His love,

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

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 6:1-13 & Numbers 1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 29TH APRIL

THEME: LIVE IN THE WILL OF THE FATHER

THEME SCRIPTURE: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

The verse above is part of the prayer format that the Master taught His disciples. He said, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth…”, because when the Kingdom comes, God’s will is done. When Jesus came, He was the manifestation of the will of the Father; He was the will of God in human flesh. Hallelujah!

Jesus was the embodiment of God’s will; He was at the right place at the right time for the right purpose, in the right way. Even when they wanted to arrest Him on a certain occasion, and He sneaked out from there (John 10:39), He was still in the will of God.

God’s will is manifested in His Kingdom, and the Kingdom executes His will. This means that the will of God is expected to be wrought in your life one hundred per cent, as it was with Jesus.

Living in the will of the Father is very simple. All you have to do is to live according to the Word and walk by the Spirit. The Bible says, “…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). How could there be confusion in your life when you’re living in the will of the Father? Never!

The Bible says, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know…” (Ephesians 1:18). If the eyes of your understanding are enlightened—if your heart is flooded with light, with an abundance of the Word of God in your spirit—you become acquainted with the will of God, and the result is a life of unending victory!

CONFESSION:
Dear Father, thank you for granting me spiritual understanding, which transcends the use of the mind and the senses. As I live in accordance with your Word and by your Spirit, your will is wrought in my life every day, causing me to walk in prosperity, health and victory over the world and its systems, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Colossians 1:9
9 For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—

Hebrews 10:7
7 Then I said, Behold, here I am, coming to do Your will, O God—[to fulfill] what is written of Me in the volume of the Book.

Romans 12:2
2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

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

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 6:14-29 & Numbers 2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 30TH APRIL

THEME: HIS LOVE IS PERFECT AND ETERNAL

THEME SCRIPTURE: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).

Romans 5:8 tells us something remarkable. It says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Think about that! It’s the reason when Christians miss it and walk away from Him, to go the way of the world, the Holy Spirit never leaves them. He goes after them to win them back. Why doesn’t He ever give up on us?

It’s because He loves each one of us personally. He genuinely loves you. When He made you, He made you in His image. He sees Himself in you. Even when you’re badly behaved, He looks at your potentials. He knows that if you’d listen to Him, you’d make amends and do the right thing. So, in Hebrews 13:5, He says, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” How gracious He is!

The word “bestowed” in our theme verse also means “lavished”; the Father has lavished His love on you. It’s love without limits. When I found out that God loved me personally, it changed everything for me. I became bold and confident in His love for me. Hallelujah!

Maybe you’re a preacher, and some members of your congregation probably don’t like you. Perhaps, it’s even your children, your spouse or some family members; they don’t seem to be very proud of you. Or you have a neighbour or those at the office who despise you; don’t be bothered. God loves you and He’s always very proud of you. That’s what really counts.

He cares so much for you. You’re special and valuable to Him. His love for you is perfect and eternal; nothing can change it and nothing can taint it: “…Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, your love is pure and everlasting; you daily nourish me through your Word to lift my spirit and strengthen my faith, because you love me personally! I pray today, that sinners around the world will be drawn to this liquid love and be converted, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 13:5 (AMPC); 5 Let your [a]character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor [c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor [e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!]

Romans 8:37-39 (KJV); 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 4:10 (KJV); 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

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

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 6:30-44 & Numbers 3

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 01 MAY

THEME: ALL THE BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN IN YOU

THEME SCRIPTURE: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost…? (1 Corinthians 6:19).

I would to God every Christian would grasp the import and profundity of what we just read in our opening verse! In the preceding verse 16, the apostle Paul quoted God’s promise in the Old Testament to indwell man and the ensuing fulfilment of that promise. He said, “…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.”

What a blessing; what glory it is to have the Holy Spirit in our lives today! He’s the greatest blessing of all; your greatest advantage. He knows everything and owns everything. Having Him in you means you’re made for life. He’s all you need to be everything God destined you to be and fulfil your destiny in life and in the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” Without Him, you can’t know all that God has blessed and endowed you with in Christ. There’re blessings and benefits from God for you every day (Psalm 68:19, Matthew 6:11, Luke 11:3). The Holy Spirit guides you into those blessings and sees to it that you enjoy them.

Live every day with the consciousness that you’re indeed the temple of the Holy Spirit. He’ll perfect His work and ministry in your life. He’s the Spirit of grace; He’s the Spirit of excellence. His joy is to make your life excellent and full of glory; to perfect everything that concerns you.

The Holy Spirit in you is your assurance for an extraordinary life of victory, dominion, abundance and infinite possibilities. He’s the power and glory of your life. Become more conscious of Him; of His presence in you. In you abides all the graces, blessings, wisdom and goodness of heaven, because the Holy Spirit lives in you. Therefore, live from within. Praise God!

CONFESSION
In me abides all the graces, blessings, wisdom and goodness of heaven, because the Holy Spirit lives in me. I’m His living tabernacle. Everything I require for life and godliness is in me by the Holy Spirit. He’s the power and glory of my life. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY
Ephesians 1:3 (KJV); Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 (KJV); 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s; 23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

2 Peter 1:3 (KJV); 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:

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

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 6:45-56 & Numbers 4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 02 MAY

THEME: QUIT THE STRUGGLE

THEME SCRIPTURE: For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his (Hebrews 4:10).

Everything that God has placed in this world isn’t for the angels or for Himself, but for us! If this is true, why should any Christian labour endlessly in prayer just to get God to give him something which belongs to him in Christ? Think about it!

Sadly, I’ve heard those who gripe, “I’ve prayed for five years, with intense fasting, and even sown seeds just to get healed of this ailment!” Life, to them, has become a spiritual warfare, or as it were, an endless struggle in prayer, just to live in health, pay a meagre house rent, pass their exams, or to even have a decent job.

The problem usually stems from their ignorance of what rightfully belongs to them in Christ. Psalm 82:6-7 says, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.” Why would they die like men? Why would they fall like one of the princes? It’s because “they know not”; that is, their ignorance!

First, you belong to a great and winning Kingdom. So, square up, chest out and chin up because Jesus already paid the full price for you to walk in victory and enjoy all the blessings. How would you talk, walk, or act if you knew that you’re superior to sickness, disease and infirmities? It’ll put an end to these unnecessary health struggles!

If you found out that you’re the seed of Abraham, an heir of blessings untold, and have been imbued with a life that’s incapable of poverty or failure—a life that can’t be defeated or destroyed—wouldn’t that immediately change the contents of your prayer? Get to know the Word for yourself; be acquainted with these truths. Remember, the life of blessings is your heritage in Christ Jesus. God already blessed you beyond measure (Ephesians 1:3). Hallelujah!

CONFESSION:
I walk in the truths of God’s Word, getting acquainted with my inheritance in Christ and enjoying all of these numerous, multifaceted blessings. I live in the fulfilment and reality of God’s blessings. I’ve been brought into God’s rest. All things are mine. I take full advantage of all that’s available to me in Christ, and by my faith, I triumph gloriously always and in every place. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 3:21-22 AMPC
21 So let no one exult proudly concerning men [boasting of having this or that man as a leader], for all things are yours,

22 Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter), or the universe or life or death, or the immediate and threatening present or the [subsequent and uncertain] future—all are yours,

Hebrews 4:3 AMPC
For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest, in accordance with His declaration that those [who did not believe] should not enter when He said, As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest; and this He said although [His] works had been completed and prepared [and waiting for all who would believe] from the foundation of the world.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 24:36-53; 2 Samuel 12-14

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 7:1-13; Numbers 5

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

WEDNESDAY 03 MAY

THEME: THERE’S DIVINE PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

THEME SCRIPTURE: And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it (Colossians 4:17).

Several years ago, the Lord told me that one of the most important things for men to do is to discover their purpose and fulfil it, but most never do. Therefore, they live empty lives, never realizing that there was a divine plan for them. Ephesians 2:10: AMPC says, “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”

How important it is for you to discover your purpose! What joy and peace will flood your heart when you find yourself in the preordained paths in which you were born to walk! God doesn’t just do things; He has a purpose for everything. He has a purpose for the world, and He sure has a purpose for your life. It’s important that you find out God’s purpose for you.

A generic purpose for all of God’s children is that we were born for His glory; we were born to walk with God and bring Him honour. Let that basic purpose become established in your heart from today, and declare, “Lord, I thank you, because I was born for your glory.”

Beyond that, however, there’s a specific purpose for which you were created and placed on this earth. And it is in fulfilling that purpose that you truly bring glory and honour to God.

If you haven’t discovered that specific purpose, you can today. Be bold to ask the Lord and He’ll tell you. Sometimes, He’ll speak expressly as He did to Paul the Apostle (read: Acts 26:13-16). Other times, He’ll guide you into it, and every day, you’ll discover more and more of His purpose for your life as you walk by faith in accordance with His Word in all things.

CONFESSION:
Thank you, Father, for revealing to me the specific purpose for which I was created and placed on this earth. I’m a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, sent from your heavenly Kingdom for the salvation of souls in the earth. My daily passion is to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth and in the hearts of men and thus bring you glory and honour, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Ephesians 1:4-5
4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

5 For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]—

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
18 But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].

19 It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling andrestoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up andholding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).

20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ’s personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.

Colossians 3:1-2
If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:19-51; 2 Samuel 18-19

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 7:24-37; Numbers 7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 04 MAY 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: SUPREME AUTHORITY


THEME SCRIPTURE: And these signs will follow those who believe; In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17 NKJV).

There're two things I'll like you to observe in the theme verse. The first is the fact that the Lord Jesus gave us authority over demons. What is authority? Authority is delegated power; it's the right to command and be obeyed or the ability to command and enforce obedience. It's the right to command something, someone or anything and be obeyed! For example, when we use the Name of Jesus to effect a change or make a command, that's authority!

Secondly, He also gave us power of attorney, that is, the legal right to act on His behalf or in His stead as His agent: the legal right to act in His Name. So, having been given the power of attorney, how much power do you wield? How much force can you exercise? And how much authority do you really have? It depends on how much power is behind the one that gave it to you.

It doesn't matter how much power you've got; if someone with a higher authority than the one who authorized you comes, you have to submit.

Matthew 28:18-19 lets us in on the Master's authority. It says, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Notice He doesn't say some power, but ALL power; also observe that He didn't say all power is given unto Him to exercise in Israel or some parts of the world; no! He said in heaven and in earth.

The Lord Jesus has supreme and unrivalled authority. Hallelujah! When you issue commands to Satan, his demons, and the elements of this world in His Name, they'll hear and obey you, because you function in Christ's supreme authority and dominion.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for giving me the ability to command and enforce obedience, and the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus to effect changes and control circumstances. That name wields all power in heaven and in earth. Therefore I declare, in the Name of Jesus, that the gospel shall have free course in the nations of the world. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

John16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

DAILY BIBLE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
John 1:1-18 & 2 Samuel 15-17

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Mark 7:14-23 & Numbers 6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY 05 MAY 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: A HERITAGE OF VICTORY

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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 (2 Corinthians 2:14).

In Christ, we don’t pray to be victorious; victory is our heritage; it's our life! We were born to triumphant always and in every place. That’s what the Word says and it’s immutable. Let your spirit get a hold of this truth, and live accordingly.

This doesn’t mean you won’t encounter challenges; but it sure means you’ll always win, regardless of the challenges. So, it makes no difference what happens, where you find yourself or who’s against you; you’re more than a conqueror. You can never be disadvantaged.

God has given you everything it takes to live victoriously every day. He gave you the Holy Spirit, gave you His Word, and gave you the Name of Jesus. Then, He also gave you the ability to speak, to use words.

By your words, you can chart your course in victory and success. You can make your life permanently triumphant. Whatever you say will surely come to pass. Therefore, in the face of adversity, declare God’s Word.

Every so often, affirm that good things are coming your way and happening for you and around you because the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Use your mouth—your words—to keep yourself on the victory highway, to transform circumstances, and to change situations to conform to God’s perfect will for you.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your Word by which I live triumphantly today and always. It doesn’t matter what happens around me; I win always! I enjoy my days in success, progress, peace, joy, health and unending prosperity. With my faith-filled words, I transform circumstances and change situations to conform to your perfect will for me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 4:4 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.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 2:1-25 & 2 Samuel 20-21

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 8:1-9 & Numbers 8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 06 MAY

THEME: YOU’RE ON A UNIQUE ASSIGNMENT

THEME SCRIPTURE: But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness … (Acts 26:16).

There are billions of people on earth today and no two fingerprints are alike in the whole world. We’re all uniquely gifted, blessed and called of God. So, let your joy be in fulfilling the calling that God has given you. You’re on a unique assignment; stay in the grace that God gave you, as no one can do it exactly like you.

Think about Paul: He was an apostle to the Gentiles; that wasn’t something fashionable in his day, but he celebrated his unique assignment. He said in Romans 11:13, “…I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my office.” He didn’t wish to have been sent to the Jews; Peter had that.

It’s like Joshua too: though he walked closely with Moses before Moses died, he understood the uniqueness of what God wanted him to do. In Joshua Chapter 1, God said to him: “…go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them… for unto this people shall thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them” ( Joshua 1:2-6)

When Joshua got these marching orders, he understood that his assignment was unique from that of Moses. God has earlier told Moses, “I want you to bring my people out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:7-10). Moses brought them out of captivity in Egypt all right, but it was Joshua who took them into the land of promise and divided it for their inheritance (Joshua 1:2 & 6).

Have you established your unique assignment in that country, city, town, village, neighborhood, school, or office? Don’t think you’re just like everyone else, to do the same things they’re all doing. Understand that you’re on a unique assignment; fulfil your purpose with poise!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m immensely grateful and excited about the uniqueness of my assignments in the earth. I fulfil my purpose in Christ and walk in preordained paths that you planned before the foundation of the world, that I may serve and live for you. Through me, your kingdom reigns and expands in the earth, and in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Acts 26:16 (KJV); But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.

Colossians 4:17 (KJV); And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMPC); For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

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

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 8:10-20 & Numbers 9

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY 07 MAY 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: EVERLASTING LIFE

THEME SCRIPTURE: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Our opening verse is about the most popular verse of the Bible. It contains the most powerful and most informative words in the entire Scripture. It says anyone who believes in the Son of God has everlasting life, meaning they're separated from destruction, waste, failure, damage, etc.

What is everlasting life? Is it just life that goes on and on? No; that definition doesn't even scratch the surface of what it is. To understand everlasting life, you first have to know what eternal life is. This might come as a surprise to some people who thought they were the same; but there's a difference.

To be eternal is to be ageless: ageless without a beginning and ageless without an end. It's a life that has no beginning and it has no end; it's timeless. Eternity, thus, refers to timelessness and agelessness. More specifically, it's a life that's incorruptible, indestructible, imperishable, unending, and not subject to failure or death. This is the life and nature of God.

That's why He's called the Eternal One. The Bible says in Psalm 90:2, "Before you created the hills or brought the world into being, you were eternally God, and will be God for ever" (GNB).

Everlasting life is eternal life with a beginning; it has a beginning but no end. The angels, for instance, have eternal life with a beginning.
Though they live forever, they had a beginning. God, however, has no beginning; He's absolutely eternal. The angels became eternal because God, the Eternal One, made them everlasting. To make them everlasting, He had to impart them with eternal life.

When you're born again, you receive eternal life and become everlasting. You're brought from your humanity into eternity. Receiving that life is your first entry into it; that's the beginning of your life in eternity. From there on, you become a part of an endless life that's imperishable, indestructible and incorruptible.

PRAYER
I have received eternal life, and I'm absolutely death-free, incorruptible, indestructible, imperishable, not subject to failure, depravities and diseases because the law of life is operational in me! Divinity dwells in me, and I live the transcendent life! Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 5:11-13; And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

John 3:36; He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

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

2 YEAR BIBLE READINGPLAN: Mark 8:22-33 & Numbers 10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY 08 MAY 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: CHRIST IN YOU—THE WONDER OF CHRISTIANITY

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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 (Colossians 1:27).

To have the vital knowledge and live with the consciousness that Christ lives in you is one of the greatest blessings of Christianity. It is, in fact, your solution to all problems and answers to all questions. Christ in you is the wonder of Christianity.

When Jesus walked the earth, He was with the disciples as Emmanuel, God with us. But the Father’s dream was yet to be consummated. He wanted all of divinity in us, not just with us. He wanted His Spirit in us.

It’s the reason Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; 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” (John 14:16-17). The desire of the Father was actuated on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to live in us.

Consider the amazing truth in 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.”

This means Christ in you—the Holy Spirit in you—is the life of your physical body; it’s your health, your deliverance, wholeness, and preservation. Christ in you is your right to walk out of any pain. Christ in you is your power over every crisis; it’s your dominion over darkness, poverty, lack and want. Hallelujah! Christ in you is the greatest blessing of all. Blessed be God!

CONFESSION
Glory, wholeness, perfection, success and prosperity are guaranteed in my life because Christ is in me! He’s in every fibre of my being, in every bone of my body, and in every cell of my blood! I’ve been granted the grace and ability in Christ to reign and rule over all circumstances. I’m shielded from all evil and harm because I’m in Christ and Christ is in me! Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 4:4 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.

Romans 8:10 ESV But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

1 Corinthians 6:19 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?

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

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 8:34-9:1 & Numbers 11

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 09 MAY 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: PREDESTINATION AND PERSONAL CHOICE

THEME SCRIPTURE: For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which GOD PREDESTINED (PLANNED BEFOREHAND) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which HE PREARRANGED AND MADE READY FOR US TO LIVE] (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC).

Sometimes people ask if there’s such a thing as predestination. “Can I really say that God prearranged my life?” they wonder. Absolutely! The Bible says He did; we just read it! Also, Romans 8:29 says, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate....”

The question then arises: Is God, therefore, responsible for everything that happens in my life? Not really, because you’re a free moral agent; you’re responsible for your decisions and actions. Once you become an adult, you have a responsibility for your life, and the onus is on you to make the right decisions in line with God’s destiny and perfect will for you.

Just because God predestined your life for something doesn’t mean you'll fulfil it. People don’t necessarily become what God planned for them to be. It’s a personal choice you make to fulfil God’s plan for your life and be all that He’s destined you to be.

Paul, in his letter to the Colossian church, sent a specific instruction to Archippus, telling him: “...Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it” (Colossians 4:17). If the man didn’t have the responsibility of fulfilling the ministry that God committed to him, Paul wouldn’t have instructed him to see to it that he fulfilled it. This also meant it was possible for him not to fulfil it.

Make up your mind you’ll be everything God has destined you to be, you’ll have do all that He’s predestined you to do, and you’ll walk in His preordained pathways.

CONFESSION
I’m walking in preordained pathways, rightly positioned in God’s place of opportunity and set on the path of success, glory, victory, and divine destiny! The course of events in my life has been structured by God to bring Him glory, for He’s the One at work in me both to will and to do His good pleasure. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:29‭-‬30 TPT For he knew all about us before we were born and he destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him. 30 Having determined our destiny ahead of time, he called us to himself and transferred his perfect righteousness to everyone he called. And those who possess his perfect righteousness he co-glorified with his Son!

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

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

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 9:2-13 & Numbers 12