RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 15TH AUGUST

THEME: LIVE AS ONE WHO HAS ETERNAL LIFE

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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 (1 John 5:13 NIV).

The Apostle John’s emphasis in our opening verse above is for God’s people to “know” that they have eternal life. The word “know” is translated from the Greek word “eido” and it refers to having knowledge or awareness of something.

It signifies the understanding and certainty of the fact that you possess eternal life. Sadly, not many Christians know they have eternal life. So, they pray for it, some fast for it, and others hope to receive it. Some others even think they can only enjoy this God-life in heaven, no!

Eternal life isn’t a mere promise or a future expectation. When you were born again, eternal life was imparted to your human spirit, and at once, you were awakened to the Fatherhood of God. Eternal life is the God-life; it’s the transcendent life. It’s indomitable and uninfectable.

If someone had a tumour growing in his or her body, upon receiving eternal life, that tumour should die and dematerialize. Thank God for the teaching of His Word and the increased knowledge in the Body of Christ! Many are becoming more aware of the essence, import, and impact of this divine life in us.

When troubles strike, deal with them from the perspective of your knowledge of who you are and what you have in Christ. You live in the realm of incorruptibility, immortality, everlasting joy, peace, and glory; reigning and ruling over Satan, his demons and the elements of this world. Hallelujah!

Have that consciousness every day of your life. Live and think as someone who has eternal life. It doesn’t matter the troubles you face in this world, the solution is within you. Blessed be God!

CONFESSION:
I walk and function in the consciousness that my spirit has been imparted with eternal life—the God-type of life! Therefore, I live in the realm of incorruptibility, immortality, everlasting joy, peace and glory; reigning and ruling over Satan, his demons and the elements of this world. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

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.

John 17:3
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 16:1-27 & Psalms 102-103

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 16:13-18 & Ruth 3-4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 16TH AUGUST 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: THE DIVINE ESSENCE IN YOU

THEME SCRIPTURE: BUT WE HAVE THIS TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7).

The verse above was written to Christians; so, it’s talking about you; there’s a treasure in you. You carry the divine essence; you’re not ordinary. Acknowledge this about you all the time. That’s how to get it effectual in your life. The Bible says, “…the communication of thy faith may become effectual BY THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF EVERY GOOD THING WHICH IS IN YOU IN CHRIST JESUS” (Philemon 1:6).

Acknowledge that you’re a bearer or carrier of the divine life: a carrier of God’s divine presence, and as a result, the excellence of His power permeates through you, causing everything you do to prosper. Glory to God!

The Bible says the mystery of Christianity and the glory thereof is Christ in you (Colossians 1:27). Your life isn’t empty; there’s a treasure in you: a treasure of power, dominion and glory. Your body may be an earthen vessel, but the glory of God is in your spirit, and that glory inundates and perfects your physical body.

Even now, affirm that through you, the light of God, His glory, power and grace are revealed to your world. Make such proclamations often, because the effectiveness of the Word in your life depends on your response to the Word of God. You’re a God-carrying vessel: a package of divine blessings and treasures. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
Christ is in me; His perfection is in my spirit. The life and glory of God are manifested in and through me. I acknowledge the treasures in my spirit through the Word and bring them into operation and manifestation with my confessions of faith. In all that I do, I exude excellence, perfection and the Lord’s goodness, kindness, beauty, and grace. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
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.

Colossians 1:26-27 [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 1 & Psalms 104-106

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 16:19-31 & 1 Samuel 1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 17TH AUGUST

THEME: HE GAVE US LIFE AND MAKE US LIFE-GIVER

THEME SCRIPTURE: The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) (John 10:10 AMPC).

When we say that as Christians, we aren’t mere humans, some might view it as heresy or call it the ‘little god’ syndrome. Those who question the validity of our oneness with the Lord—our sublime identity with Him—lack the understanding of why Jesus came; His true purpose for coming to this world. Read our opening verse again.

Jesus didn’t come to merely save us from sin; that was a means to an end. So, what did He come to do? He came to give us life and to bring us into fellowship with God. John 5:26 says, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.”

Think about that: just as the Father has the fullness of life, so also, Jesus Christ has the fullness of life; He’s not drawing life from the Father. Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:45 NIV: “So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.” Jesus, the life-giving spirit, imparts the same life to us.

Therefore, just like Jesus, you’re a life-giving spirit. He gave us life and made us life-givers. Isn’t that amazing? When you show up, life is manifested, not in bits, but in its fullness.

No wonder Jesus charged us in Matthew 10:8, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils….” When you touch the sick and the afflicted, the life in you is transferred and transmitted into them, bringing them healing, wholeness and perfection.

The Bible says, “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Ephesians 5:30). Have you ever contemplated the significance of this statement? It means we are the very limbs of His body. In another of his letters to the Corinthian Church, Paul said, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

In 1 Corinthians 12:27, the Bible says, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” In other words, you’re the carrier of His divine essence. Eternal life is unveiled to others through you. Grasp the magnitude of this truth and walk in its reality.

CONFESSION:
Dear Father, I thank you for making me a life-distributor, and a dispenser of your blessings. I am your outstretched arm to a hurting and dying world, to heal, bless, and deliver. I’m full of power, even by the Spirit of the Lord, and the glory of God is released into my world through me today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 15:45-49
And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 John 5:11-12
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has [a]life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 2 & Psalms 107-108

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:1-10 & 1 Samuel 2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 18TH AUGUST

THEME: THE KINGDOM VENT FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

THEME SCRIPTURE: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).

Now that you’re born again, the Kingdom of God is at work and operational in you and through you. You’re a Kingdom vent for righteousness, the outworking of God’s righteousness.

When Jesus came, He offered the Kingdom to Israel, but they didn’t believe Him; they rejected His message. He then extended the offer to the Gentiles—to all nations. Today, anyone who believes in Jesus Christ has received the Kingdom—a magnificent kingdom!

In Isaiah 35:5-6, the prophet Isaiah declared, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” This is a manifestation of the Kingdom.

It was the understanding of this that made me go preaching in the backside of civilization where there was darkness, pain, and poverty. In those crusades, I’d command blind eyes to open, deaf ears to be unstopped, the mute to speak, and the lame to walk, and they did.

Knowing that the concluding part of the 6th verse referred to the end of poverty and lack, I’d declare to the crowds that irrespective of their circumstances, they possessed a supernatural life now that Christ was alive in them. They believed and were transformed by the Truth. The evidence of the Kingdom was undeniable!

Christ in you brings forth righteousness and the outworking of His Kingdom. It is a transformational reality that manifests in the ability to live righteously and experience the abundant life of God’s Kingdom. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your Kingdom that’s in my heart; your glory and righteousness are in me and revealed through me. I’m the Kingdom vent for righteousness, and the outworking of righteousness. Your Kingdom reigns and is established in the earth and in the hearts of men as the Gospel is proclaimed around the world today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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

Colossians 1:27 (KJV) – 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:

Luke 17:21 (KJV) – Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 3 & Psalms 109-112

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 17:11-19 & 1 Samuel 3

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 18TH AUGUST 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: CALLED TO EXCELLENCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).

Notice what the Apostle Peter said in the latter part of the scripture above; he said God has called us to glory and virtue. We have a calling to a life of glory and virtue, that is, a life of excellence. Poverty and sickness have no place in this calling. Hallelujah!

It’s important to know that your life of excellence isn’t a future plan or a promise to be fulfilled when we get to heaven; no! It's a present reality, for here and now! The Amplified Classic helps us to get a fuller grasp. It says, “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).”

There’s no room for mediocrity or mundanity in our lives. We are excellent in every way because we have been called to it. There’s more. In 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC, the Bible says, “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.”

You’re God's own purchased, special individual, bought by the blood of Jesus to set forth the wonderful deeds and showcase the virtues and perfections of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. Blessed be God. Never think less of yourself. Never underestimate your worth.

Every day you’re in this world, wherever you go, understand and be conscious that you’re born for excellence. It’s your destiny to be excellent. You have an excellent path of life. Therefore, do and manifest excellent things.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your life and nature in my spirit, and the life of excellence that I have in Christ Jesus. You've made my life beautiful, and you've enabled me to be an effective witness and representative of your Kingdom, showing forth your praises, and illuminating the dark places of the earth with the light of the glorious Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Peter 1:3 AMPC For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

1 Peter 2:9 AMPC 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.

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 4 & Psalms 113-116

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 17:20-30 & 1 Samuel 4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 20TH AUGUST

THEME: HIS FULLNESS IN US

THEME SCRIPTURE: For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (John 3:34).

“Christ in you” signifies that God resides in you in His fullness, not in parts, nor in a measure. This is an immensely significant truth, one that cannot be overstated.

Just as the Holy Spirit dwelt in Christ, He now dwells in you. Have you really taken the time to contemplate this truth? Colossians 1:19, referring to the Lord Jesus, says that in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. We can readily accept that the fullness of God dwells in Jesus. But the same is true of us in Christ Jesus. Just as we read that it pleased the Father to have all the fullness of God dwell in Jesus, Colossians 2:10 says, “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”

Now, you can better understand why Paul would pray in Ephesians 3:19 “…that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” He wanted them to experience this ministry of the Holy Spirit and come to the realization of this truth about the indwelling fullness of God. Ephesian 1:22-23 says we, the Church, are His body; we’re the fullness of Him that fills all in all. Hallelujah!

John 1:16 AMPC says, “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received….” This is God’spurpose for us—to be filled with His fullness. So, not only is this a possibility, it’s our reality in Christ. He lives within every fibre of your being; in your spirit, soul and body. Understanding this message is transformative. It is what will change the world, but we must act upon it.

CONFESSION:
I’m full of God; I’ve received of His fullness: His ability, wisdom, grace, power and strength! His glory is in me and expressed through me; therefore, my life is a continuous manifestation of Christ and the supernatural. I impact my world with the power and dominion of Christ’s righteousness that I bear, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 3:34
For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God’s own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit!

Colossians 2:9-10
For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].

10 And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 5 & Psalms 117-118

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:31-37 & 1 Samuel 5-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 21ST AUGUST

THEME: BEING BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST

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).

The first thing that happens when you come to Christ or receive eternal life is that you are baptized or immersed into Christ. Paul captures it vividly in 2 Corinthians 5:17, when he said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Therefore, to be in Christ or be born into Christ is to be recreated; you’re now a new person in Christ. This firstexperience is when the Holy Spirit receives you into Him, just as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free….” This is the new birth—being born again.

The second part of the verse refers to the second experience “…and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” This is receiving the Holy Spirit to dwell in you to become one with Him in the same body (1 Corinthians 6:17, John 7:37-39).

Receiving Him is a separate experience that follows the first experience. On the day of Pentecost, for example, the disciples were born again and also received the Holy Spirit to dwell in them on that same occasion.

The same experience happens to many people today; immediately they’re born again, they receive the Holy Spirit. But this isn’t always the case. In Acts 19, for example, the Apostle Paul encountered some disciples in Ephesus and asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed.

They replied that they hadn’t even heard that there was a Holy Spirit. So, for some individuals, there might be a period of waiting, maybe due to a lack of knowledge about the Holy Spirit and His ministry in the saints, like these disciples Paul encountered in Ephesus.

The Apostle Paul Himself received Christ and was born again on the road to Damascus, but received the Holy Spirit after three days when Ananias, a disciple of Damascus, came to him and laid hands on him (Acts 9:9-11,17).

So, being born again is actually being baptized into the Holy Ghost, into Christ, and into God. John refers to it as “being in God” and distinguishes that from “He in you” (1 John 4:15) much as Paul the apostle distinguishes ‘being in Christ’, which begins at the new birth, from ‘Christ in you’, which evidently is initiated when you receive the Holy Spirit into you (2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 1:27).

CONFESSION:
I’m inseparably one with Christ, for in Him I live, move, and have my being! I’m the embodiment and expression of His glory and divinity. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Acts 17:28
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 6 & Psalms 119:1-112

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 18:1-8 & 1 Samuel 7-8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: FERVENT AND PERSISTENT IN PRAYER

THEME SCRIPTURE: So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent prayer for him was persistently made to God by the church (assembly) (Acts 12:5 AMPC).

The Lord Jesus emphasised the need for us to watch and pray always. In Luke 21:36, for example, He said, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” In Luke 18:1, He also said, “...Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” The Apostle Paul further emphasises this in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” Why is there so much emphasis on us praying?

Recall the words of Jesus, “…Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). He wants His will established in the earth as it is in heaven. He holds His people responsible for making His will come to pass in the nations. He lets us run the world with Him, enforcing His will in the nations of the world through our priestly ministry of intercession.

Luke, in Acts 12:1-5, for example, shows us the impact of the heartfelt, continued, intercessory prayer of the saints. Herod, the king, sought to oppress the Church and executed James, one of the Lord’s disciples, in order to please the Jews. Motivated by the exciting response of the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter.

Herod must have considered killing Peter, the leader of the group, as the most strategic way to destroy everything the Church stood for. However, the Church remained steadfast in prayer for Peter. As the Church prayed fervently and persistently, there was an intervention from heaven. An angel of the Lord appeared and freed Peter from his chains and guided him to safety. He then went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, where the Church had gathered in fervent prayer (Acts 12:12).

Learn to be persistent and fervent in prayer. Remember what the Bible says in James 5:16 AMPC, “…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” Persist in prayer until there’s a change. We have the power to change anything through our prayers. God made it so. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I declare that the nations and leaders of the world are under the divine influence of your mighty power, and that wicked spirits responsible for evil and all forms of darkness in the nations are unseated, and peace reigns, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

James 5:16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: Pray without ceasing.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 7 & Psalms 119:113-176

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 18:9-17 & 1 Samuel 9

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

WEDNESDAY 23RD AUGUST

THEME: WE RULE BY HIS NAME

THEME SCRIPTURE: And now he is exalted as first above every ruler, authority, government, and realm of power in existence! He is gloriously enthroned over every name that is ever praised, not only in this age, but in the age that is coming! (Ephesians 1:21 TPT).

As you study the books of Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Amos, Hosea, and the book of Revelation, as well as 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, you’ll gain clarity about God’s timeline from the creation until the establishment of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem.

Some of these books tell us about different world governments that ruled the world as opportunities were given to them by God. These empires governed nations and kingdoms for thousands of years until the Church age. God didn’t give any individual or group the opportunity to govern the world in the Church age. Instead, He established the Name of Jesus Christ as the name by which anything can be legally done in this world, as far as heaven is concerned.

The Church age is exclusively left for the Name of Jesus Christ. His Name is to be used in governing things in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth. So, we’re the ones in charge and in control of things in this world; we’re the ones to determine the destinies of the nations, not Satan.

Until the Rapture of the Church, we have the final say on what becomes of our world. The Lord made us partakers of His divine nature; we’re members of the heavenly pantheon; and in His Name, we reassign the desolate heritages. That’s God’s plan.

Satan isn’t going to be able to enforce his will and exert his influence on the nations as long as we are in this world. We can discern his works and stratagems through the wisdom of God’s Word. And with our authority in the Name of Jesus, we cut him off from the nations and establish the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

CONFESSION:
The Name of Jesus is the name above all names; His Name is greater than every ruler, authority, government, and realm of power in existence. His Name replaces maimed limbs, opens blind eyes, unstops deaf ears, and raises the dead. In the Name of Jesus, I declare that there’s peace, wholeness, wellness, healing, prosperity and abundance in the nations of the earth, and the goodness of the Lord is continually experienced in the nations. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 1:1-3
In many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the Truth] and in different ways God spoke of old to [our] forefathers in and by the prophets,

2 [But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order].

3 He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the [c]out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins andriddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high,

Revelation 17:12-14
Also the ten horns that you observed are ten rulers (kings) who have as yet received no royal dominion, but together they are to receive power and authority as rulers for a single hour, along with the beast.

13 These have one common policy (opinion, purpose), and they deliver their power and authority to the beast.

14 They will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them; for He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and those with Him and on His side are chosen and called [elected] and loyal and faithful followers.

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,

10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 8 & Psalms 120-127

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 18:18-27 & 1 Samuel 10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 24TH AUGUST

THEME: IT TAKES THE SPIRIT AND THE WORD

THEME SCRIPTURE: So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed (Acts 19:20).

Imagine being invited to a special conference to minister the Word, and you undertake a long, tedious, journey to get to the city. You went through the mountains, sailed on a boat, or even encountered some dangers on the way.

When you finally arrive at the city, you’re greeted by a group of twelve people who express excitement at your arrival. After the pleasantries, you say enthusiastically, “Shall we proceed to the conference?” and they all chorus, “Sir, this is the meeting; it’s only us twelve in the city.”

That was Paul’s experience at Ephesus. He had heard reports about this city, but upon his arrival, he found only twelve disciples there, though he expected to meet more. Paul recognized the challenge before him and also knew the solution to the issue. We can tell from his question in Acts 19:2 and the answer the twelve disciples gave him: they hadn’t received the Holy Spirit.

Paul then explained to them the baptism of John and the need to believe in Jesus Christ. Upon hearing this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Afterwards, he laid his hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit and they began to speak in tongues and prophesy. Paul knew that when they received the Holy Spirit, they’d go wild for the Gospel.

Paul didn’t stop there. Learning that they had been baptized only with John’s baptism gave him clarity about their situation. He decided to do a “sewing machine job,” that is, a three-month step-by-step teaching of the Word (Acts 19:.

An important lesson to learn from Paul was that he wasn’t discouraged even though his audience was relatively small. He worked with the twelve men, ministered to them, and embarked on an evangelistic endeavour in the city, reaching out to both Jews and Gentiles.

The subsequent result was that all of Ephesus was impacted with the Word of God! As read in our opening verse, the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed throughout the nooks and crannies of the entire city. Hallelujah! If you’ve received the Holy Spirit, go wild for the Gospel! The power of God is at work in you to preach the Word and minister life to your hearers.

CONFESSION:
Dear Father, I thank you for the power of your Word and the ministry of the Spirit in the lives of men. I’m committed to preaching the Gospel, taking your Word to the ends of the earth, teaching all nations the way of righteousness, and imparting them with the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 19:8-12
And he went into the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, persuading andarguing and pleading about the kingdom of God.

9 But when some became more and more stubborn (hardened and unbelieving), discrediting and reviling and speaking evil of the Way [of the Lord] before the congregation, he separated himself from them, taking the disciples with him, and went on holding daily discussions in the lecture room of Tyrannus from about ten o’clock till three.

10 This continued for two years, so that all the inhabitants of [the province of] Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, heard the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God].

11 And God did unusual and extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,

12 So that handkerchiefs or towels or aprons which had touched his skin were carried away and put upon the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.

Acts 20:32
And now [brethren], I commit you to God [I deposit you in His charge, entrusting you to His protection and care]. And I commend you to the Word of His grace [to the commands and counsels and promises of His unmerited favor]. It is able to build you up and to give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God’s set-apart ones (those consecrated, purified, and transformed of soul).

Zechariah 4:6
Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 9 & Psalms 128-134

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 18:28-34 & 1 Samuel 11-12

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST

THEME: THINK LIKE THE APOSTLE

THEME SCRIPTURE: Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.(Acts 8:14)

In Acts 8:14, the apostles in Jerusalem received news that Samaria had embraced the Word of God. Promptly, they sent Peter and John to minister to them. These apostles possessed a remarkable mindset that we should emulate. To them, Samaria belonged to them because the Word of God had taken root there. Understand that not everyone in Samaria had become a Christian, but the seed of the Word had been sown, and the spiritual ground had received it. Consequently, the apostles considered Samaria taken over by the Gospel.

When Peter and John arrived in Samaria, the first thing they did was similar to what Paul did after he journeyed to Ephesus in Acts 19: they ministered to the people to receive the Holy Spirit (read Acts 8:14-17). We are to have the same mentality with the apostles. Their conviction stemmed from the words of Jesus, who likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed that grows into a towering plant, surpassing all others.

The growth is unstoppable (Luke 13:18-19). Once the Word of God was planted in a place, be it a city, town, community, country, or nation, the apostles knew they had taken over the place; they knew what to do with the Word in such places. We need to seize cities and communities with the Gospel. Think like the apostles; adopt their mindset. Think like Paul, who, when he arrived at Ephesus, knew he was conquering not only that place but the regions beyond.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for entrusting me with the divine responsibility of reaching those in my world and in distant lands with the message of the Gospel. The light of your glorious Gospel that I bear dispels the darkness in the hearts of the unconverted, destroying the bonds of wickedness, and establishing them in your righteousness. Indeed, the Word prevails in my city, and the regions beyond, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Matthew 28:19-20;
Mark 16:15

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 & Psalms 135-138

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 18:35-43 & 1 Samuel 13

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST

THEME: A PRODUCTIVE LIFE

THEME SCRIPTURE: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth (Genesis 1:28).

In Genesis 1:26-28, the Bible shows us that God created man in His image and in His likeness, and blessed them with the ability to have dominion over all the earth, including every living creature. “To bless” (Hebrew “Barak”) is to praise or give thanks. When you bless God, you’re praising and giving Him thanks! But when you bless another or God blesses you, it means to confer some benefit or to empower. So what God did in Genesis 1:28 was that He empowered Adam and Eve to be fruitful and productive, to multiply, replenish and refill the earth.

In John 15:16, Jesus tells us, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go forth and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” The word “may” in the King James translation carries a firm affirmation rather than mere speculation. Thus, we are called to go and bring forth fruits.

Secondly, our fruits are meant to remain and have a lasting impact. This means that He has made you efficacious. You have the ability to produce desired results. If you were given a target, your efficacy can be trusted. There’s an ability introduced into your life to produce desired results. It’s your nature in Christ.

You can approach life with confidence, knowing that every endeavour you’re engaged in, will turn into success. It’s the life God has given us—a life of purpose, power, and productivity. Embrace this truth and walk in the confidence of being chosen and appointed by God to live a productive life.

CONFESSION:
I’m like a well-watered garden, fruitful at all times. I’m the fruit-bearing part of God’s vine and I’m producing durable fruits—fruits of righteousness, because I’m a tree of righteousness. I’m standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life. I am ever blessed, ever prosperous. Amen.

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

John 15:1-2
Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

Psalm 1:1-3 TPT
What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! He won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s …

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 & Psalms 139-141

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 19:1-10 & 1 Samuel 14

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST

THEME: KEEP YOURSELF IN THE PURITY OF THE SPIRIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: …but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).

In Christ Jesus, we’ve been washed, sanctified, and justified in the Name of the Lord and by His Spirit so we can serve Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. Luke 1:74-75 says, “…we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.”

Some Christians want to manifest the glory of God in their lives, yet they don’t live right. They don’t maintain the purity of the Spirit. But Christianity is a call to righteousness. The Christ-life in you must be lived accordingly, and the Word of God is your light. You can’t live the way you choose.

The Lord Jesus in John 17:19 said, “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might besanctified through the truth.” Here, He emphasized the power of sanctification; the power of separating yourself from the wrong things; the power of purifying your mind and your life.

There’s a way of life that’s not right for a Christian, and if you’re going to fulfil the purpose of God for your life, you must live a pure and holy life. You’re God’s vessel; you’ve been sanctified to be in fellowship with the Holy Spirit on a clean life. Don’t jeopardize that communion because of a bad attitude, behaviour, or worldly lifestyle.

Don’t live in sin, for the Bible says sin shall not have dominion over you: “Remember this: sin will not conquer you, for God already has! You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God” (Romans 6:14 TPT). You’ve been called into liberty, to live righteously for the Lord. Yield to the authority and Lordship of the Word, and submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life. Romans 8:14 TPT says, “The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.”

CONFESSION:
Holy and righteous Father, I thank you for your love and for the gift of righteousness. Thank you for my dominion in Christ over Satan, sin and darkness. I stay on the path of purity, yielded to the Word and the authority and guidance of the Holy Spirit; and I’m transformed continually by the renewing of my mind through your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Timothy 2:21-22
So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.

22 Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity andlawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?

15 What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

17 So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor,

Romans 6:1-2
What shall we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow?

2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 11:2-34 & Psalms 142-145

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 19:11-19 & 1 Samuel 15

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY 28TH AUGUST 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: HE’S THE GLORY OF OUR LIVES

THEME SCRIPTURE: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Romans 8:9).

The Holy Spirit is the glory of the Father (Romans 6:4). He’s also called the Spirit of glory (1 Peter 4:14). He’s the glory of our lives and the glory of Christianity. You couldn’t know God or love Jesus without the Holy Spirit.

Christians who don’t have the Holy Spirit live as victims in life. They’re buffeted by Satan and vulnerable to the elements of this world. The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of having the Holy Spirit when he asked certain disciples he met at Ephesus: “…Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed...” (Acts 19:2).

When they answered and said, “…We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2), Paul was stunned. Forthwith, he explained the Scriptures to them and got them to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:3-6).

No one can live the authentic Christian life without the Holy Spirit. The one who’s born again but hasn’t received the Holy Spirit easily falls into temptations and sin; unable to control his fleshly appetites or restrain himself from evil. It’s only through the Holy Spirit that you mortify the deeds of the body and carnal desires: “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13).

Without the Holy Spirit, you can’t have the character of Christ. Jesus had to have the Holy Spirit. The apostles had to have the Holy Spirit. Life without the Holy Spirit is empty. So, if you’re reading this and you haven’t received the Holy Spirit, do so right away. Simply say, “Blessed Holy Spirit, I receive you into my heart now in the Name of Jesus Christ”; and be filled with the Spirit of God. Amen.Otherwise, you may go to your church Pastor or a trusted and faithful Christian who’s filled with the Holy Spirit to pray for you.

PRAYER
Lord, I’m grateful for the blessing of being in fellowship with you. You’ve made my life beautiful; thank you for making me ever fruitful and productive. Your glory is revealed in and through me today, and my whole world is impacted and transformed by the glory of your divine presence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 14:16-17 AMPC
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever-- The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.

Acts 19:1-6
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 12 & Psalms 146-150

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 19:20-27 & 1 Samuel 16

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: LOOK BEYOND YOURSELF

THEME SCRIPTURE: But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you... (Acts 1:8 AMPC).

2 Corinthians 3:5 AMPC says, “Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.” Blessed be God! This means you don’t lack ability for anything.

It brings to mind what the Scripture says in Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” The Holy Spirit makes you willing and able to perform; to deliver at the highest level of excellence all the time. No wonder the Bible says, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”(2 Corinthians 4:7).

It’s not your power, but His divine ability that’s at work in you. Therefore, look beyond yourself. Take advantage of the person, power, grace and ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life! The Holy Spirit is your advantage. In your ministry, career, business, job or academics, be conscious of His grace and power at work in you and through you.

Do all things by His mighty power. Follow His wisdom and guidance, conscious that you’re up to any task because He lives in you—walking and working in and through you. Zechariah 4:6 says, “...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” He’s filled you with supernatural ability to do things that are beyond human ability and comprehension. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
I’m sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I do all things by His mighty power, guided by His wisdom and grace. I walk in health, victory, strength, prosperity and glory, as the Lord walks in me, and works in and through me to perfect His will and good pleasure, 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.

Colossians 1:26-29 [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 13 & Proverbs 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 19:28-40 & 1 Samuel 17

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 30TH AUGUST 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: HIS NAME, THE WORD, AND THE SPIRIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6).

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Then John 1:3, referring to the Word, says, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” Then we come to Ephesians 5:18; Paul, by the Spirit tells us, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Hallelujah!

As you study the Scriptures, you find that it’s about these three: the Name of Jesus, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. The apostles ministered in the Name of Jesus, with the Word of God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s why they had such extraordinary results. It’s the same today. We do all things in His Name, live in and by His Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Name of Jesus never fails. Doing all things in His Name means that you live your life every day in and with the consciousness of the power, glory and dominion of His Name.

Some people try so hard to succeed through their own might and natural wisdom, yet, true success eludes them. This is because they’re not acting on the Word; they’re not living the Word. They function from the mind—the sense-realm—which is grossly limited. Yet, true and lasting success is the result of meditation on the Word of God (Joshua 1:.

Thirdly is the power of the Holy Spirit. If you’ve been trying to succeed by your own power or ability, it’s time to quit the struggle and rely on the strategies of the Spirit and His wisdom to guide you. Our competence—the ability, wisdom and grace by which we function are of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:5). Trust in Him. He’s the key to a life of joy, praise, endless victories and extraordinary success.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in my life, who causes me to be effective, productive and walk in your perfect will. I’m continually filled with the Spirit to effectively communicate the Gospel and impact my world with your divine presence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

2 Corinthians 3:5 AMPC Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 14 & Proverbs 3-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 19:41-48 & 1 Samuel 18

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 31ST AUGUST 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: RELY ON HIS GUIDANCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

There’s more to our existence than the ordinary thinking process we engage in, the guesswork, and even the dependence on so-called experts who often disappoint us.

The world has witnessed countless disappointments throughout the ages in various professions, fields of knowledge, and industries. It amplifies an obvious reality: you cannot rely solely on human wisdom to live a successful life. It’s with this understanding that we must appreciate and depend on the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit. Remember Jesus said, “...I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” (Matthew 28:20 NKJV). This He makes possible through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Consider the words of Jesus in John 16:13: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” Isn't that wonderful? The Holy Spirit is our sure and dependable guide.

With Him, you're not going to be left groping in the dark, speculating about what to do or where to go, wondering what to do in life, what choices to make, for He will guide you into all truth. He also reveals the future to you. We’re not left to guess and hope without direction. Our hope is focused and well-directed because the Holy Spirit shows us the future.

Something absolutely remarkable is the fact that He empowers us to change the future that He reveals to us that’s not consistent with His perfect will. We have the ability to shape our own destinies. Some may find this hard to fathom, but it’s the truth revealed in the Word.
So let your faith be in God’s holy Word, and be ever- reliant and dependent on the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction in and for all things. Blessed be God!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the blessed Holy Spirit who leads me into all truth, showing me the amazing, beautiful and glorious realities of the Kingdom and how to enjoy them. I’m ever-reliant and dependent on Him for guidance and direction in and for all things, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC;
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

John 16:13-14
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34 & Proverbs 5-7

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 20:1-8 & 1 Samuel 19

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: BUILD YOURSELF AND BUILD OTHERS

THEME SCRIPTURE: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).

The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, said, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Notice that he emphasizes showing yourself approved, not unto men, but unto God. This means you’re to present yourself to God as one who’s ready and trained for the work of the ministry, soul winning and discipleship.

There’re those who only study the Scriptures to preach; yes, this will benefit others because it’s the Word, but it is crucial that you consciously build yourself with the Word; allow the Word to work within you first! Merely being a conduit for the Word isn’t enough; how about your personal growth? You have to build your spirit with the Word.

Building yourself involves allowing the Word to mould and shape your character; allowing the Word to build your person and frame the way you think and live. The Word of God must determine your priorities and interests and regulate every area of your life.

In Romans 12:2, the Word shows you how to cultivate the right thoughts and experience continuous transformation: “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.”

By studying and meditating on the Word you establish proper priorities and align your interests with godly principles. The concluding part of our theme scripture talks about “…rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC).

The Bible instructs that the servant of the Lord must be apt to teach (2 Timothy 2:24). So, most definitely, you have the responsibility to teach and build others, but it begins with you. Build and edify yourself with the Word of God, and also build and edify others.

PRAYER
Dear Father, as I build myself with your Word, I experience its transformational power in my character; my mind is renewed, and my priorities are aligned with your divine principles. Thank you for the enablement to teach and share your Word effectively with others to build their faith strong, in Jesus’ Name.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Timothy 2:24 AMPC And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Romans 12:2 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.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 & Proverbs 8-9

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 20:9-18 & 1 Samuel 20

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: HONOUR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

THEME SCRIPTURE: He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm (Psalm 105:14-15).

In Numbers 12:1-16, the Bible tells us how Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife. They questioned Moses’ authority and claimed that God could also speak through them. God heard their words and called them, along with Moses, to the Tabernacle.

There, He appeared to them in a pillar of cloud and rebuked Aaron and Miriam, affirming Moses’ unique position as His servant. He declared that, unlike the other prophets that He spoke to through visions and dreams, He spoke to Moses face to face, revealing His glory, and He queried Aaron and Miriam who’d dared to speak against His chosen servant.

Here’s what I want you to notice as a consequence of their error; the Bible says, ..the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; AND HE DEPARTED” (Numbers 12:9). He gets angry and what does He do? He “walks away!” But here’s the thing: when the presence of God leaves like that, trouble comes.

There are many people who don’t realize this is what happens to them when they get unruly, create insurrection, become disobedient and dishonour authority in the house of God. They don’t even know when the presence of God leaves.

It also brings to mind the story of Samson. The Lord was always with him until he disobeyed. When the enemy came, Samson woke up thinking, ..I’ll get loose and go free, as always.” He did not know that the LORD had left him” (Judges 16:20 GNT). The Spirit of God didn’t come on him as He used to, and the enemies got a hold of him and took out his eyes.

It's important to honour the Lord always, follow His Word and His ways, and never dishonour spiritual authority as Aaron and Miriam did. Don’t speak against God’s ministers; don’t judge them. Remember what the Bible says: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand (Romans 14:4). Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for my leaders and those you’ve placed in positions of authority over me to nurture, train, and bring me up in the path of truth and righteousness. I willingly yield to the guidance and direction they provide by the Spirit. Your nature of love AND humility of Christ are manifest in and through me always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

Romans 13:1-3
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Acts 23:1-5
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men [and] brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [thou] whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, AND commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 & Proverbs 10-11

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 20:19-26 & 1 Samuel 21

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: THE OUTWORKING OF LOVE

THEME SCRIPTURE: Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10 NIV).

It makes no difference how others mistreat you; there’s only one way God expects you to respond: in love! The bad behaviour or attitude of others should never get you to be vengeful or resentful.

Even when you feel that your kindness is being taken advantage of, maintain who you are; remain loving, tenderhearted and forgiving. The only way to truly win is through the power of love. The outworking of love in your life is what elevates you.

The quality of your personality is measured by the outflow of God’s love from you. Before God, love is the ultimate measurement of everything. So walk in love without compromise; be the manifestation of God’s love.

Your nature as a child of God is the nature of love; you’re programmed to love. Speak the love language and sow seeds of love. The Bible says for us to be imitators of God in our love-walk: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV).

God is love (1 John 4:. Therefore, the outworking of God in your life is synonymous with the outworking of love. If the love of God remains unseen in your life, then God is also unseen. So, always let the Father’s love guide your thoughts, actions and interactions with others.

CONFESSION
I walk in love and respond always with love. The love of God governs my thoughts, actions and responses. I continually experience the fulfilment and blessings that come from walking in love and living in alignment with God’s truths. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Galatians 5:22-23* But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 1-2:1-4 & Proverbs 12-13

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 20:27-38 & 1 Samuel 22

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: CONTENDING FOR LOST SOULS

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NKJV).

When it comes to wining souls, we must recognise that we are engaged in a "fight." The Apostle Paul calls it the good fight of faith, because there're evil and desperately wicked spirits that seek to keep people away from experiencing salvation.

If the sinners don't receive the Gospel, it's not because our gospel is difficult or obscure; it's because Satan has blinded their minds. That's what we read in our opening verse. Satan is actively working to obstruct their understanding and reception of the truth; that's why we must intercede for them.

Soul winning is more than just telling someone about Christ; there's also the fight we fight in prayers. Even when they hear and accept our message, Satan still tries to hinder their growth and progress in Christ, attempting to impede their journey of spiritual maturity. What are we supposed to do? Fight! We contend for their souls in prayer.

It brings to mind what Paul said in Galatians 4:19, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." This is soul-travail! You pray passionately that every resistance to their spiritual growth and progress is broken; and that their desire for the things of the Spirit is sustained in them as they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have these in mind as you go forth preaching the Gospel everywhere. Always pray that those with whom you share the message will receive it with faith, and that Satan's bondage and deception are destroyed. Amen.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I am grateful you entrusted me with the sacred task of sharing the message of eternal life with those around me and in distant lands. I'm filled with a deepened sense of zeal for lost souls, and I affirm that the radiant light of your glorious Gospel shines brightly in the hearts of the lost. I declare that this light dismantles the chains of religious bondage and dispels darkness, bringing forth freedom and salvation, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 3:6;
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19;
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 2:5- 3:1-6 & Proverbs 14-15

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 20:39-47 & 1 Samuel 23

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: KEEP SATAN IN CHECK

THEME SCRIPTURE: So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you (James 4:7 AMPC).

Our opening scripture implies that you have a responsibility to keep Satan in check, to restrain him from carrying out his manoeuvres, manipulations and destructive acts of wickedness. The Bible describes him as a liar, the father of lies, and the originator of deception.

Jesus said in John 8:44, “...He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” That’s his role: he’s a killer.

Satan doesn’t seek friendship but rather aims to kill. Deception and destruction are among the many works attributed to him. He is referred to as the evil one and the wicked one, meaning that all his works are evil. These descriptions clearly demonstrate that we can’t give him a chance.

Thank God we have the ability to take action against him! In Mark 16:17, the Lord Jesus said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils....” So we must cast him out of our nations, cities, streets, homes and our environments. Otherwise, he will keep doing things that are inherent to his nature: evil, wickedness, killings, and deception.

God didn’t say, “...resist the devil and he might flee,” no! When you resist the devil, James, by the Spirit, tells us the result: he’ll run away from you in terror. When you see the works of Satan in your city, in your country, in your family or anywhere—do what the Word says: resist him by affirming the Word of God, and on certain occasions, cast him out.

PRAYER
In the Name of the Lord Jesus, I resist the devil’s influence in my life, in my family, city, and nation. Through the Word and by the Spirit, I discern and identify the works of the devil and stop him in his tracks from manipulating, deceiving and misleading the nations, the leaders and the people. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 3:7-4:1-18 & Proverbs 16-17

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 21:1-9 & 1 Samuel 24

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: MORE THAN A "MASTERPIECE"

THEME SCRIPTURE: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

There’re those who even though revere the Bible, merely think of it as a magnum opus. By this, they mean that the Bible is a great work or masterpiece, as it were, one of the most significant or renowned piece of work in any field, often used to describe a literary, artistic, or musical work of exceptional quality or significance.

But all such nice descriptions still fall short of what the Bible is and represents. First, the Bible is Spirit inspired: “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration)...” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMPC).

When we read the Bible, from the Old Testament into the New Testament, were reading God’s message, or what God said—His testimony. Of course, the Bible also contains what others said, such as angels, humans, demons, and even Satan. Even what an animal (a donkey) said is recorded for us in Numbers 22:28-30. But still, the Bible is God’s testimony that they all said what they said.

Therefore, much more than a magnum opus, the Bible is God’s document of truth, and it’s trustworthy and dependable. Let your faith in it be unshakeable.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege of having your Word, the Holy Scriptures. I acknowledge that your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. My heart and mind are open to receive the truths and wisdom contained therein. I’m guided by your Spirit and the Holy Scriptures, as my faith is strengthened and my mind renewed, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 119:105* Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMPC: Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 5:1-6:1-2 & Proverbs 18-19

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 21:10-19 & 1 Samuel 25

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: THE DEPTH OF HIS LOVE

THEME SCRIPTURE: O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever (Psalm 136:1 AMPC ).

Our heavenly Father is so gracious and kind. The depth of His love is infinite, absolutely unsearchable. The Bible says while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8 ). His love is for everybody, including the worst criminals; no one is too evil or wicked for Him to love.

No wonder the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, had to pray for the Church to be able to grasp—empowered to discover—the great magnitude of the boundless and amazing love of the Father. How deeply intimate, far-reaching, enduring and inclusive His love is; endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding (Ephesians 3:18 ).

Think about a man like King Nebuchadnezzar, for example; many only remember him as a devilish figure or an evil ruler because of what we read of him in 2 Kings 24:11-16. But not many observe God’s enduring love and mercy for him after he repented, and the incredible authority God granted him over the nations as revealed in Daniel chapter 4.

After he had lived like a beast of the field for seven years, God, in His love and mercy, returned Him to the palace, and everyone received him. God preserved the throne for him. Read of his beautiful testimony in Daniel 4:34-36.

Another astonishing example is that of Manasseh. Manasseh’s reign was marked by wickedness and rebellion against God. But when he repented of his sins, God showed him mercy. Then we come to King Ahab; the Bible says he did evil in the sight of God above all the other kings before him.

Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him (1 Kings 16:30-33). But as soon as Ahab repented, God spoke to Elijah, saying, “Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days...” (1 Kings 21:29 ).

Sometimes, when we think about people who have committed grave wrongs, we wonder why God tolerated them. It’s the depth of His love. He’s full of compassion. If God would show such grace to Nebuchadnezzar, Ahab and Manasseh, I don’t see anyone in this world whom He wouldn’t love. God didn’t send Jesus to die for us because we were living right; He did it while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8-9
).

PRAYER
Holy, righteous Father, thank you for your immense love for humanity and the provision of salvation through Jesus Christ; this love compels me to preach the Gospel to the lost, and turn them from sin unto righteousness, and from the power of Satan unto God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 3:16
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.

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 2:4-5 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

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1 & Proverbs 20-21

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 21:20-28 & 1 Samuel 26

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: SAVIOURS AND CHAMPIONS

THEME SCRIPTURE: And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S (Obadiah 1:21).

In Nehemiah 9, the prophet Nehemiah speaks of how God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, led them to the Promised Land and blessed them abundantly. They took strong cities, possessed fruitful lands and enjoyed God’s goodness.

However, the Bible says, “Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations” (Nehemiah 9:26). As a result, God delivered them into the hands of their enemies.

But here’s the beautiful part: In their time of trouble, when they cried out to God, He heard them from heaven. Out of His manifold mercies, He sent them saviours who rescued them from the hand of their adversaries. It’s amazing to see how God responded with grace and deliverance even after their disobedience—sending them saviours.

It also brings to mind the story of Joseph. Genesis 45:7 recounts how Joseph revealed himself to his brothers after they had sold him into slavery. Despite the years of separation and the hardships he endured, Joseph recognized that God had sent him ahead to Egypt to preserve his family’s posterity and save their lives through a great deliverance.

The foregoing mirrors what the Church is in the earth today. God has entrusted the Church with the responsibility to run His Kingdom, His reign of righteousness in the earth. We, the Church, are the posterity of faith just as Joseph preserved his family’s posterity.

We’re preservers of the earth. No wonder the Lord Jesus said we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Through us, the nations of the earth are blessed, because we’re the seed of Abraham. We’re the hope of the world, saviours and champions from Zion, empowered to bring people out of darkness into the glorious light of their inheritance in Christ. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I recognize your calling upon my life as one sent to take the message of the divine life to those in my world, thereby bringing them salvation, healing, and life, through the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 5:14
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

1 Peter 2:9
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:

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 & Proverbs 22-23

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 21:29-38 & 1 Samuel 27

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: IT’S THE RESULT OF HIS LOVE

THEME SCRIPTURE: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him (Psalm 8:4).

When you ponder on the words of the Psalmist in our opening scripture, you’ll come to one amazing conclusion: God loves man. The Psalmist was awed at God’s consummate and everlasting love for man.

How do you even begin to comprehend it; that the great God of glory, the Monarch of the universe, the maker of heaven and earth, would, not just “visit” man, but make man His dwelling place? It’s such an amazing reality. The Bible says the Angels are still looking into it; they’re unable to figure it out.

But it’s God’s love for us that made it possible. 1 John 3:1 says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God....” Then in Colossians 1:27, it says, _*“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.”

God Himself has tabernacled in us so that we are no longer ordinary beings but divine beings. Now we are full of God. That was God’s plan from the foundation of the world. That was the mystery, which was hidden for ages and from generations, which has now been made manifest to the saints. Hallelujah!

The fact that this was God’s plan and will for us is further revealed in Ephesians 3:17-19. It says, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Blessed be God! Think about that! It’s all the result of His love for us to be filled with all the fullness of God as Jesus was filled with the fullness of God. How He loves us!

PRAYER
Dear Father, your love is overwhelming as demonstrated through the vicarious death of Jesus Christ on our behalf. I walk every day in and with the consciousness of your indwelling presence; thank you for making me a vent of liquid love to my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 15:13* Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 8-9 & Proverbs 24-26

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 22:1-13 & 1 Samuel 28

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: YOU ARE THE LIGHT: PERSONALIZE IT

THEME SCRIPTURE: While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them (John 12:36).

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” The world is in darkness, but you’re the light of the world. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

He also said in John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Remember Jesus has ascended to heaven; therefore, we’re now the light of the world because we live in His stead; He lives in us and reigns through us.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 says, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” Being children of light means we’re light. You might say, “Pastor Chris, isn’t that a conjecture?” Read Paul’s beautiful revelation in Ephesians 5:8; it says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

Notice that it says we used to be darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. Blessed be God. As long as you’re in this world, you’re the light of the world. This should be your declaration! As long as you’re in that family, that school, town, community, city, or that region, you are the light! You have to personalize it.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you that I am the light of the world, illuminating, enlightening, revealing and manifesting the glory, manifold graces, beauties and perfection of divinity to my city, state, nation and region. I’m a city set on a hill that can’t be hidden. I’m making the Name of the Lord Jesus known and bringing men and women into righteousness. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world

Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 & Proverbs 27-28

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 22:14-23 & 1 Samuel 29

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: LEARN TO TALK TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

Many of us are familiar with praying to God the Father, and talking to the Lord Jesus Christ all the time. It’s also essential for us to recognize the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, and commune with Him often and about everything. Talk to Him every day. I talk to the Holy Spirit more than I talk to any human person. Practise it.

In the same way you’ve been talking to the Father and the Lord Jesus, consciously talk to the Holy Spirit. Address Him with recognition and reverence. Remember, He’s the conveyor of the presence and blessings of God; He’s the One who manifests God’s presence and His power wherever God wants it.

Think about the fact that this awesome infinite personality of the Godhead lives in you and wants to communicate with you always. Interestingly, although His name is not “Holy Spirit,” He understands that you’re referring to Him or addressing Him because that’s how the Scripture refers to Him. It’s also amazing to realize that every time you talk to the Lord Jesus or pray to the Father, it’s the Holy Spirit who acts in response.

So, while He responds to the Name of Jesus and fulfils the petitions you make of the Father, recognize and commune with Him as the doer of the work! Notice again what 2 Corinthians 13:14 says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” Who do we have the communion with? The Holy Spirit!

While our legal fellowship is established through the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to cultivate a vital relationship with the Holy Spirit. Talk to Him often. If you’ve been doing it, keep at it and encourage yourself in it. You’ll be amazed at how transcendent, impactful and excellent your life will be. Through His guidance, you’ll find your life propelled from glory to glory. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for dwelling in me, and for the privilege of such a great union and fellowship with you. Thank you for the transformation and glory that you bring to my life every day; as I yield myself to you for guidance and direction, I triumph gloriously always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

John 14:16 AMPC And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever--

Romans 8:14* For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 & Proverbs 29-31

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 22:24-34 & 1 Samuel 30

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY 12H SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: A CUE FROM ESTHER

THEME SCRIPTURE: Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I'll go to the king, even though it's forbidden. If I die, I die (Esther 4:16 MSG).

In the 4th chapter of the book of Esther, we read how Esther had become queen, enjoying a wonderful life in the palace. However, she was unaware of a decree issued by Haman—a prominent but wicked figure who held a high position in King Ahasuerus’s cabinet. Haman’s plan was to exterminate the Jews, including Esther herself.

Esther’s perspective changed when her uncle, Mordecai, sent her a message to convey the dire nature of the situation. He warned her not to be complacent as she herself, despite being queen, wouldn’t be spared should Haman execute his wicked plan.

Here was Mordecai’s thought-provoking question to Esther, ..and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”*_ (Esther 4:14). Perhaps, Esther had been divinely positioned in the palace to make a difference at that critical moment. She decided to take advantage of it and do something that’ll save her people.

She decided to go before the king to intercede for her people even though it was against the law and carried the risk of death. I love her resolve; she said, “...if I perish, I perish.” In other words, “I’m going ahead with this, even if it’s going to cost me my life.” That was the moment she won!

There comes a pivotal moment when you must make crucial decisions about the Gospel and your role in it, just like Esther. Until you learn to make such decisions, fear may keep you in bondage. It’s in those moments that fear must not hold you back.

Irrespective of the daunting challenges and the imminent perils or danger, stand your ground on the truth of God’s Word. Recognize and take advantage of God’s grace in you to win for others. Have the courage to act on the truth. Make bold choices, and be willing to face anything in pursuit of what is right. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the doors of opportunity you’ve opened for me to make a difference in this world and win for others. I acknowledge and embrace the abundant grace you’ve bestowed upon me to lead others in victory and fulfil their purpose in life and ministry, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Esther 4:14-16
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this? 15 Then Esther bade [them] return Mordecai [this answer], 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 11:16-33 & Ecclesiastes 1-2

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 22:35-43 & 1 Samuel 31

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: LEVERAGE ON HERITAGE

THEME SCRIPTURE: ...I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold (Acts 7:32).

Though the Word of God teaches us about greatness, being greater than another should never be your dream. You can desire to advance or surpass previous generations in your exploits, but don’t make it about greatness. Leverage on heritage.

For example, the children of Israel could never imagine or pray to be greater than Abraham, Isaac or Jacob; their greatness was dependent on the greatness of these patriarchs. Jacob couldn’t have imagined being greater than Isaac; he recognized that his blessing came from being Isaac’s son.

Likewise, Isaac honoured Abraham as his father, knowing that his own greatness stemmed from being the son of Abraham. In Exodus 3:15, the Bible says, “And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob became His memorial forever.

The Lord Jesus is another example. God had promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Read how Jesus was identified in Matthew 1:1: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

So, even if you’ve achieved higher educational success than your biological father, for example, remember that his role in bringing you into existence makes him greater than you. As great as you are, you’re his product, you came from him, so that makes him greater than you for you to honour him the way God wants you to.

Recognizing this principle is vital. It’s one of the reasons we have great honour for those whom God sent before us in ministry, because without them, we wouldn’t have what we have today. Through them, the Scriptures have been preserved through the ages; they diligently protected and passed down these precious teachings—the Scriptures that guide our lives. So, we remain grateful for what was done for us, leveraging on our heritage.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for my parents, spiritual leaders, mentors and everyone who has played a significant role in shaping my life and making me who I am today. Thank you Lord, for the wisdom I’ve gained from them, the experiences, and the examples they’ve set for me to live the victorious life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Exodus 3:15 AMPC* God said also to Moses, This shall you say to the Israelites: The Lord, the God of your fathers, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has sent me to you! This is My name forever, and by this name I am to be remembered to all generations.

1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Matthew 23:11-12 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 12:1-21 & Ecclesiastes 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 22:44-53 & 2 Samuel 1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: YOUR LEGAL AUTHORITY TO USE HIS NAME

THEME SCRIPTURE: And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils... (Mark 16:17).

In the days of Jesus, exorcism wasnt a new thing as the Jews knew that demons were responsible for some afflictions. Jesus referred to it in some portions of the gospels; so, it was already in existence in His day. For example, in Matthew 12:27, Jesus asked, "And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges."

But the people noticed something unique about the way Jesus ministered and cast out demons; He only spoke words and the demons were cast out. He exercised authority that others marvelled at. No wonder they wanted to know who He was, and why He was so different. Luke 4:36 says, "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out."

Today, He has given us the power of attorney to use His Name, the legal authority to act in His stead. Thus, you can cast out devils using the Name of Jesus. The Bible says, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..." (Mark 16:17).

Notice the three-word phrase: "In my name"; it means you can use the Name of Jesus and be heard. So, when He says "in my name, they shall cast out devils," it means that in dealing with satan and his demons, no need for fruitless arguments; cast them out! In His Name, you can frustrate the influence and manipulations of Satan in your family, workplace, city, and country.

No demon can resist or stand against the Name of Jesus. Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

CONFESSION
I exercise authority over all devils, as I have been given the authority in the Name of Jesus. My faith is a weapon of defence and an instrument of victory over and against the adversary and adversities. With it, I put out all the fiery missiles of the wicked one. The Word of God has taken full possession of my spirit, soul and body. I'm eternally triumphant in Christ because my faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Philippians 2:9-11 AMPC;

Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has [a]freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee [b]should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue [[c]frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Luke 10:17-19
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 13:1-14 &Ecclesiastes 6-8 2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 22:54-62 &2 Samuel 2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Pastor Chris

THEME: BE MINDFUL OF SATAN'S MANIPULATIONS

THEME SCRIPTURE: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).

In an crucial moment when Jesus spoke about His impending death, Peter, one of the foremost disciples, took Jesus aside, objected and rebuked Him, saying, "...Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall be unto thee" (Mathew 16:22). The Lord's response was swift and clear. He turned to Peter and said, "...Get thee behind me, Satan..." (Mathew 16:23).

The Lord Jesus recognized that it was Satan speaking through Peter. But here's something I'd like you to notice. In addressing Peter, Jesus didn't look into the air as though the devil was somewhere around speaking through Peter. He knew where the devil was; he was right in Peter.

Now, here's where a lot of people miss it. They say, "Can you imagine; Peter was once demon-possessed" no! Peter was not demon-possessed, but the words he spoke were influenced by Satan. When people accept Satan's words, they receive of him to themselves. This doesn't imply that they're now demon-possessed.

Demon possession occurs when an individual is completely overtaken by that spirit, in which case he can't free himself, as he's compelled to do only what that evil spirit dictates.

Another example similar to Peter's case is seen where Satan moved David to number Israel, as recorded in the old Testament (Chronicles 21, 2 Samuel 24). David, a righteous man, was unaware that he had been swayed by Satan's prompting. Similarly, Peter too was unaware that Satan was operating through him.

O, how important it is to learn to follow the Holy Spirit in the Word, by the Word, and through the Word! It's part of the reasons we pray and intercede for people, especially leaders, that they'll always have the will, desires and boldness to do what is right, be led by the Holy Spirit, and never be in conflict with the Scriptures.

Therefore, in line with the Scriptures, always make intercession and giving of thanks for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

PRAYER
Dear Father, I remain steadfast in the truth, aware of the tactics, wiles, manipulations, deceits, trickery and deceptions employed by the devil. I'm sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life, who causes me to walk in God's perfect will and in the glory of God. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Peter 5:8-9;
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

James 4:7;
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Chronicles 21:1-2
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Galatians 1:1-24 & Ecclesiastes 9-12

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 22:63-71 & 2 Samuel 3-4