PSALM 9; 1-2, I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High..Meditate on the above scripture and have a specially blessed day
Friday 21 April 2017
HE'S BROUGHT YOU INTO A LARGE PLACE
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, 21ST APRIL, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:
✨He’s Brought You Into “A Large Place”✨
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:19).
TOPIC:
✨He’s Brought You Into “A Large Place”✨He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:19).
“A large place” means a wealthy place; being born again, you’re the
seed of Abraham, and a joint heir with Christ. Effectively, this means
the whole world belongs to you. It’s too late for you to be poor or be
counted as the poor. The only way you can be poor is by choice or
ignorance, because God has already brought you out of poverty into your
wealthy place.
2 Corinthians 8:9 says, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”*_ Notice that it doesn’t say, “…so that ye might pray to be rich,” no; He’s already done it. In Christ Jesus, you’ve been made rich. The Holy Spirit, writing to the Church through Paul, declared, “…all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21). Refuse to think small or see yourself as small; you own this world.
Another beautiful thing is that everything that belongs to you is perfect; your portion is the good one. The Psalmist said in Psalm 16:6: _*“The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.”*_ Some Christians don’t realize this; so they envy others and covet what belongs to others; there’s no need for that. You have “a goodly heritage”; an incorruptible inheritance, with your name on it.
Acknowledge, and affirm this truth about yourself and walk in the light of it. God has given you all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3); they’re in your spirit. Therefore, have no sense of lack, disadvantage, or limitation. Whatever you’re looking for, be it spiritual or material, pull it out from within, for out of your spirit are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for blessing me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. I acknowledge, and walk in the fullness of your blessings in my life. I’m the seed of Abraham, a joint-heir with Christ; the world belongs to me. I lack nothing, because you’ve graciously granted me all things that pertain to life and godliness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.
Psalm 16:5-6 The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Philemon 1:6 ASV that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 19:1-27,
1 Samuel 14-15
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 4:13-20,
Leviticus 21
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
2 Corinthians 8:9 says, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”*_ Notice that it doesn’t say, “…so that ye might pray to be rich,” no; He’s already done it. In Christ Jesus, you’ve been made rich. The Holy Spirit, writing to the Church through Paul, declared, “…all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21). Refuse to think small or see yourself as small; you own this world.
Another beautiful thing is that everything that belongs to you is perfect; your portion is the good one. The Psalmist said in Psalm 16:6: _*“The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.”*_ Some Christians don’t realize this; so they envy others and covet what belongs to others; there’s no need for that. You have “a goodly heritage”; an incorruptible inheritance, with your name on it.
Acknowledge, and affirm this truth about yourself and walk in the light of it. God has given you all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3); they’re in your spirit. Therefore, have no sense of lack, disadvantage, or limitation. Whatever you’re looking for, be it spiritual or material, pull it out from within, for out of your spirit are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for blessing me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. I acknowledge, and walk in the fullness of your blessings in my life. I’m the seed of Abraham, a joint-heir with Christ; the world belongs to me. I lack nothing, because you’ve graciously granted me all things that pertain to life and godliness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.
Psalm 16:5-6 The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Philemon 1:6 ASV that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 19:1-27,
1 Samuel 14-15
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 4:13-20,
Leviticus 21
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Tuesday 18 April 2017
IT MATTERS WHAT YOU SEE
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, 18TH APRIL, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨It Matters What You See ✨
_*Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).
Our opening scripture begins with the word “Behold,” which means, “See!” The same word is used in 2 Corinthians 5:17; it says, _*“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”*_ Now that you’re in Christ, you ought to “see” that all things are now new. If that isn’t what you’re seeing, it means you’re looking at the wrong thing. You’re not supposed to see the old, weak, sickly, poor and struggling “you”; that person doesn’t exist anymore. You must see yourself differently now.
The word “see” is akin to the Hebrew word “chazah” in the Old Testament. It means to see from a spiritual standpoint, to see with the eyes of the Spirit. He wants you to “see” that you’re righteous, prosperous, and sound. See that God has lavished His love on you, and has accepted you. See that He has conquered the world for you, and given you peace. He said in John 14:27, _*“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”*_
It is for the same reason that, in Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, writes, _*“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”*_ He’s already made your life glorious; see and walk in the light of who you are in Him, and all that He’s given you and done for you.
The Word of God is the True Light; under that light, see that you’re God’s best; the effulgence of His glory, and expression of His righteousness. See that He’s with you, and in you everywhere you go; to love, lead and guide you triumphantly through life.
*CONFESSION*
*The glory of God is on my life. He has made me bold, courageous and sound. He’s my righteousness; He’s made me excellent in all things! I’m triumphant always through the Word and by the Holy Spirit. I rejoice, for in Christ I see my salvation, wholeness, preservation, promotion and victories. Blessed be God!*
*Further Study:* *||* *Genesis 15:5-6* And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Luke 17:1-19,
1 Samuel 3-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 3:8-19,
Leviticus 18
*EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional*
TOPIC:
✨It Matters What You See ✨_*Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).
Our opening scripture begins with the word “Behold,” which means, “See!” The same word is used in 2 Corinthians 5:17; it says, _*“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”*_ Now that you’re in Christ, you ought to “see” that all things are now new. If that isn’t what you’re seeing, it means you’re looking at the wrong thing. You’re not supposed to see the old, weak, sickly, poor and struggling “you”; that person doesn’t exist anymore. You must see yourself differently now.
The word “see” is akin to the Hebrew word “chazah” in the Old Testament. It means to see from a spiritual standpoint, to see with the eyes of the Spirit. He wants you to “see” that you’re righteous, prosperous, and sound. See that God has lavished His love on you, and has accepted you. See that He has conquered the world for you, and given you peace. He said in John 14:27, _*“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”*_
It is for the same reason that, in Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, writes, _*“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”*_ He’s already made your life glorious; see and walk in the light of who you are in Him, and all that He’s given you and done for you.
The Word of God is the True Light; under that light, see that you’re God’s best; the effulgence of His glory, and expression of His righteousness. See that He’s with you, and in you everywhere you go; to love, lead and guide you triumphantly through life.
*CONFESSION*
*The glory of God is on my life. He has made me bold, courageous and sound. He’s my righteousness; He’s made me excellent in all things! I’m triumphant always through the Word and by the Holy Spirit. I rejoice, for in Christ I see my salvation, wholeness, preservation, promotion and victories. Blessed be God!*
*Further Study:* *||* *Genesis 15:5-6* And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Luke 17:1-19,
1 Samuel 3-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 3:8-19,
Leviticus 18
*EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional*
TODAY'S 30 MINUTES MEDITATION EXERCISE.
1 Peter 2:24
- Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye
were healed.. Meditate on the above scripture for 30 minutes and experience the power in God's word..... Agoha Obed
Tuesday 11 April 2017
THE LIFE OF FAITH
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, 11TH APRIL, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨THE LIFE OF FAITH✨
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Every Christian has faith. The Bible says, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). “Every man that is among you” means every one of us in God’s house; God has made available to us, “the measure” of faith, not “a measure” of faith. This means each of us received the same measure of faith when we received salvation.
If a Christian should then say, “I know why my life is full of ups and downs: it’s because I really don’t have faith.” That wouldn’t be true, because without faith, it’s not possible to receive salvation. When you heard the Gospel, it came packaged with faith, and when you acted on it, faith was imparted to your spirit, to use for the rest of your Christian journey. By using it, you strengthen it, and by hearing more of God’s Word, you increase it.
The Lord Jesus, through His teachings and parables, unveiled faith as a lifestyle; it’s not something to exercise once or twice, but all the time. The best way, therefore, to cultivate the faith lifestyle is by having a perfect understanding of His message. For instance, in Mark 9:23, He said, “…If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” He didn’t say that because of a particular day’s challenge. He wanted you to have the mentality that anything is possible; you can do anything, and achieve anything!
Have the mindset of possibilities and victories only. That vision, idea, target, or dream is possible! Stay your mind on the Word; fuel your faith and take the required step. You’re the believing one, and anything is possible with you. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
The God-kind of faith is stirred in my spirit, even now! My life is an endless stream of the miraculous, because I live in, and by, the Word, prevailing over circumstances and winning always. Nothing is impossible to me, because my faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Hallelujah!
Further Study:
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 12:49-59, Judges 10-11
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 1:14-28, Leviticus 11
TOPIC:
✨THE LIFE OF FAITH✨But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Every Christian has faith. The Bible says, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). “Every man that is among you” means every one of us in God’s house; God has made available to us, “the measure” of faith, not “a measure” of faith. This means each of us received the same measure of faith when we received salvation.
If a Christian should then say, “I know why my life is full of ups and downs: it’s because I really don’t have faith.” That wouldn’t be true, because without faith, it’s not possible to receive salvation. When you heard the Gospel, it came packaged with faith, and when you acted on it, faith was imparted to your spirit, to use for the rest of your Christian journey. By using it, you strengthen it, and by hearing more of God’s Word, you increase it.
The Lord Jesus, through His teachings and parables, unveiled faith as a lifestyle; it’s not something to exercise once or twice, but all the time. The best way, therefore, to cultivate the faith lifestyle is by having a perfect understanding of His message. For instance, in Mark 9:23, He said, “…If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” He didn’t say that because of a particular day’s challenge. He wanted you to have the mentality that anything is possible; you can do anything, and achieve anything!
Have the mindset of possibilities and victories only. That vision, idea, target, or dream is possible! Stay your mind on the Word; fuel your faith and take the required step. You’re the believing one, and anything is possible with you. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
The God-kind of faith is stirred in my spirit, even now! My life is an endless stream of the miraculous, because I live in, and by, the Word, prevailing over circumstances and winning always. Nothing is impossible to me, because my faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Hallelujah!
Further Study:
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 12:49-59, Judges 10-11
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 1:14-28, Leviticus 11
TODAY'S PRAYER FOR YOU
The beautiful, righteous, glorious, fruitful, precious, amazing, holy,
incorruptible, eternal, priceless, miraculous, indestructible, immortal, fearless,
abundant, prosperous, flourishing, triumphant, divine and
gracious live of God is at work in you now, in Jesus name.... Agoha Obed.
Wednesday 5 April 2017
DON'T SUCCUMB TO PRESSURE
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY, 5TH APRIL, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨Don’t Succumb To Pressure ✨
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
TOPIC:
✨Don’t Succumb To Pressure ✨For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Why should a Christian read the Scriptures, like our theme verse above
and still gripe and moan about challenges? It makes no difference the
pressure you face from the adversary; refuse to budge, because the
greater One lives in you. Never find yourself wearing a sad look,
frustrated, because of the challenges you might be facing. That’s what
Satan wants; he likes to see that you’re under the pressure; but don’t
give him that luxury.
Christ lives in you. Therefore, when you face crises declare, “Greater is He that’s in me than all the pressures and challenges that could ever come against me!” Whatever you may be going through is a light affliction; always remember that. Learn to laugh no matter the pressure, because every adversity you face will produce for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Word says so; hence, it’s the only outcome to expect. That’s why you must rejoice in the face of adversity. The Bible says, _*“…the joy of the LORD is your strength”*_ (Nehemiah 8:10).
Learn to celebrate, and rejoice in the Lord, especially when the squeeze is on. Refuse to focus on the problem. Fix your gaze on God’s eternal Word. The Holy Spirit who lives in you will make you triumphant always, and in every situation.
*CONFESSION*
I celebrate the Word, its effectiveness in me, and power to put me over all adversities. I’m reigning in righteousness, growing in the grace, wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I cause circumstances to align with the perfect will of God for my life through my faith-filled confessions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.
Jeremiah 17:7-8* Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 10:25-42,
Joshua 23-24
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 27:38-44,
Leviticus 5
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Christ lives in you. Therefore, when you face crises declare, “Greater is He that’s in me than all the pressures and challenges that could ever come against me!” Whatever you may be going through is a light affliction; always remember that. Learn to laugh no matter the pressure, because every adversity you face will produce for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Word says so; hence, it’s the only outcome to expect. That’s why you must rejoice in the face of adversity. The Bible says, _*“…the joy of the LORD is your strength”*_ (Nehemiah 8:10).
Learn to celebrate, and rejoice in the Lord, especially when the squeeze is on. Refuse to focus on the problem. Fix your gaze on God’s eternal Word. The Holy Spirit who lives in you will make you triumphant always, and in every situation.
*CONFESSION*
I celebrate the Word, its effectiveness in me, and power to put me over all adversities. I’m reigning in righteousness, growing in the grace, wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I cause circumstances to align with the perfect will of God for my life through my faith-filled confessions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.
Jeremiah 17:7-8* Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 10:25-42,
Joshua 23-24
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 27:38-44,
Leviticus 5
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Tuesday 4 April 2017
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Worry, hurry, desperation and unreasonable deadlines are some of the strongest weapons of the Devil, pray against all these, so you will be able to overcome them... Agoha Obed
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW COVENANT III
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
TUESDAY 4TH APRIL 2017
THEME: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW COVENANT III
MEMORISE:
He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. Matthew 19:8
READ: Matthew 5:31-32
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Leviticus 8-9 & Jeremiah 7:8-26
MESSAGE
The paradigm shifts introduced by the Lord Jesus Christ ever since He came to reveal the perfect will of the Father to us are indeed numerous. One of these is in the area of divorce and remarriage. The Jewish leaders hated the teachings of Jesus and the change He came to introduce; for this reason, they wanted him dead fast! Indeed, no man ever spoke like Jesus did. The amazing thing is that these leaders believed they were doing the will of God by killing Him. John 11:49-50 says,
"And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."
Just like these Jewish leaders of yesteryears, some church leaders and pastors today try to justify their error in the area of divorce and remarriage, thinking that they are doing what is expedient for themselves or for the parties concerned. In our Bible reading for today, in opposition to the accepted standard of His time, Jesus revealed the perfect will of God concerning this. Hear what He said:
"But l say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." Matthew 5:32
In Matthew 19:3-10, when Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees on the issue of divorce as applied from the time of Moses, they were shocked to learn His standpoint on this matter. Jesus revealed to them that they had been living under the permissive will of God in this area (Matthew 19:8), and He also reinforced what He had already said about divorce and remarriage in His Sermon on the Mount. Just as so many people are perplexed by this teaching today, even the disciples of Jesus were also perplexed by it (Matthew 19:10). However, that is the verdict of the new covenant. We have to accept the standard the Master has set and walk in it. Whoever has ears, let them hear what Jesus Christ is saying to those who want to enjoy the provision of the new covenant in His Blood.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, help me to meet up to the standard of the requirements of the new covenant, and bless me through it, in Jesus’ Name.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
TUESDAY 4TH APRIL 2017
THEME: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW COVENANT III
MEMORISE:
He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. Matthew 19:8
READ: Matthew 5:31-32
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Leviticus 8-9 & Jeremiah 7:8-26
MESSAGE
The paradigm shifts introduced by the Lord Jesus Christ ever since He came to reveal the perfect will of the Father to us are indeed numerous. One of these is in the area of divorce and remarriage. The Jewish leaders hated the teachings of Jesus and the change He came to introduce; for this reason, they wanted him dead fast! Indeed, no man ever spoke like Jesus did. The amazing thing is that these leaders believed they were doing the will of God by killing Him. John 11:49-50 says,
"And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."
Just like these Jewish leaders of yesteryears, some church leaders and pastors today try to justify their error in the area of divorce and remarriage, thinking that they are doing what is expedient for themselves or for the parties concerned. In our Bible reading for today, in opposition to the accepted standard of His time, Jesus revealed the perfect will of God concerning this. Hear what He said:
"But l say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." Matthew 5:32
In Matthew 19:3-10, when Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees on the issue of divorce as applied from the time of Moses, they were shocked to learn His standpoint on this matter. Jesus revealed to them that they had been living under the permissive will of God in this area (Matthew 19:8), and He also reinforced what He had already said about divorce and remarriage in His Sermon on the Mount. Just as so many people are perplexed by this teaching today, even the disciples of Jesus were also perplexed by it (Matthew 19:10). However, that is the verdict of the new covenant. We have to accept the standard the Master has set and walk in it. Whoever has ears, let them hear what Jesus Christ is saying to those who want to enjoy the provision of the new covenant in His Blood.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, help me to meet up to the standard of the requirements of the new covenant, and bless me through it, in Jesus’ Name.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
A LIFESTYLE OF REST
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, 4TH APRIL, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨A LIFESTYLE OF REST✨
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things (Matthew 6:31-32).
Many today are burdened with stress and anxiety. They’re worried about their work, family, business, finances, etc. God doesn’t want that for any of His children. Worry sets before you a magnetic force that attracts things that are consistent with it. It has its fears, fears of negative possibilities. If you keep worrying about losing your job, for example, soon enough you’ll lose it.
The cure for worrying is to stay your mind on God’s Word. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”So, rather than worry, ask and receive whatever you require, and live in the consciousness of His victory, grace and excellence in the different areas of life!
Anything short of a life of absolute rest, joy, and fulfilment in Christ Jesus, isn’t God’s best for you. Hebrews 4:3 says, “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” This is very powerful and touching. God finished all His works from the foundation of the world before He made man, and now He’s at rest. He’s not working or creating new things today nor is He modifying the things He already made. He’s seated in heaven, not pacing and wondering what else needs to be done. This is the kind of life He’s given us; a life free of struggles.
The Bible says, There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:9-11) . Living in God’s rest is one of the blessings for the new creation, and the way to live in it is living by faith in God’s Word. Embrace the Master’s invitation to a stress-free life, and live accordingly. He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
PRAYER.
Dear Father, thank you for the life of rest, joy, and fulfilment you’ve granted me in Christ Jesus. I’m seated together with Christ in heavenly places, ruling and reigning with Him. Now and always, I function from the vantage position of peace, and dominion in Christ. Blessed be God!
Further Study:
Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 10:1-24, Joshua 20-22
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 27:26-37, Leviticus 4
TOPIC:
✨A LIFESTYLE OF REST✨Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things (Matthew 6:31-32).
Many today are burdened with stress and anxiety. They’re worried about their work, family, business, finances, etc. God doesn’t want that for any of His children. Worry sets before you a magnetic force that attracts things that are consistent with it. It has its fears, fears of negative possibilities. If you keep worrying about losing your job, for example, soon enough you’ll lose it.
The cure for worrying is to stay your mind on God’s Word. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”So, rather than worry, ask and receive whatever you require, and live in the consciousness of His victory, grace and excellence in the different areas of life!
Anything short of a life of absolute rest, joy, and fulfilment in Christ Jesus, isn’t God’s best for you. Hebrews 4:3 says, “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” This is very powerful and touching. God finished all His works from the foundation of the world before He made man, and now He’s at rest. He’s not working or creating new things today nor is He modifying the things He already made. He’s seated in heaven, not pacing and wondering what else needs to be done. This is the kind of life He’s given us; a life free of struggles.
The Bible says, There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:9-11) . Living in God’s rest is one of the blessings for the new creation, and the way to live in it is living by faith in God’s Word. Embrace the Master’s invitation to a stress-free life, and live accordingly. He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
PRAYER.
Dear Father, thank you for the life of rest, joy, and fulfilment you’ve granted me in Christ Jesus. I’m seated together with Christ in heavenly places, ruling and reigning with Him. Now and always, I function from the vantage position of peace, and dominion in Christ. Blessed be God!
Further Study:
Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 10:1-24, Joshua 20-22
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 27:26-37, Leviticus 4
Monday 3 April 2017
1JOHN 1 MSG
1 John 1The Message (MSG)
1 1-2 From
the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with
our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands.
The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And
now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was,
incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.
3-4 We
saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it
along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his
Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to
enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!Walk in the Light
5 This,
in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to
you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.
6-7 If
we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to
stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our
teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the
light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life
with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges
all our sin.8-10 If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
MEDITATION WITH CELEBRATION
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY, 3RD APRIL, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨MEDITATION WITH CELEBRATION✨
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success (Joshua 1:8 AMP).
TOPIC:
✨MEDITATION WITH CELEBRATION✨This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success (Joshua 1:8 AMP).
You can make your way prosperous, deal wisely and have good success in
every area of your life, and the key to making that happen is meditation
on the Word: meditation with celebration. You can literally set a time
for your prosperity and promotion. You can tell yourself, “In the next
two months, I’m going to achieve a higher level of success,” and it’ll
be so, if you’d meditate on God’s Word.
Meditation has three levels. The first level is when you quietly ponder over the Scriptures, speaking and muttering them under your voice. At this level, it’s quiet; someone close to you may not even hear you; however, it drives the Word deep into your heart.
The second level is when you speak the Word aloud, not for the benefit of those who may be present with you, but for your own benefit. In fact, you may be in your room, or any private place, but you’re talking the Word out loud, causing it to gain the ascendancy in you, and drown all negative thoughts.
The third level of meditation is actually the highest level, and that’s our focus in today’s study: it’s meditation with celebration. It’s when you shout or “roar” God’s Word in celebration of your victory. It’s likened to the roaring of a lion at his prey; a roar of joy and celebration: “Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it” (Isaiah 5:29).
At the third level, you’re shouting the Word in celebration because you know that you’ve got the victory! Come what may, nothing can take it away from you! You know that you’re more than a conqueror; an eternal victor in Christ Jesus! Practise this.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for stirring up faith in me, and granting me the wisdom to chart my course in the direction of your perfect will, enjoying the benefits of my transcendent life in Christ! I’m making my way prosperous, making progress, and dealing wisely in all my affairs, because your Word propels and inspires the right actions in me always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 9:37-62, Joshua 16-19
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 27:11-25, Leviticus 3
Meditation has three levels. The first level is when you quietly ponder over the Scriptures, speaking and muttering them under your voice. At this level, it’s quiet; someone close to you may not even hear you; however, it drives the Word deep into your heart.
The second level is when you speak the Word aloud, not for the benefit of those who may be present with you, but for your own benefit. In fact, you may be in your room, or any private place, but you’re talking the Word out loud, causing it to gain the ascendancy in you, and drown all negative thoughts.
The third level of meditation is actually the highest level, and that’s our focus in today’s study: it’s meditation with celebration. It’s when you shout or “roar” God’s Word in celebration of your victory. It’s likened to the roaring of a lion at his prey; a roar of joy and celebration: “Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it” (Isaiah 5:29).
At the third level, you’re shouting the Word in celebration because you know that you’ve got the victory! Come what may, nothing can take it away from you! You know that you’re more than a conqueror; an eternal victor in Christ Jesus! Practise this.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for stirring up faith in me, and granting me the wisdom to chart my course in the direction of your perfect will, enjoying the benefits of my transcendent life in Christ! I’m making my way prosperous, making progress, and dealing wisely in all my affairs, because your Word propels and inspires the right actions in me always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 9:37-62, Joshua 16-19
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 27:11-25, Leviticus 3
Friday 31 March 2017
GOD LOVES THE CHEERFUL GIVER
God loves the cheerful prompt to do it giver, whose heart is in his giving. The gospel of our lord Jesus is free but not cheap. Giving into the publication of the gospel is a privilege to participate in the divine nature. If you have been blessed reading our publications, that is because some people made the sacrifice to bring these publications to you. Now we are inviting you to join us to do more and reach more people with the gospel. Call +2348034967319 to find out how you can be part of this great company of publishers of the gospel.
BEYOND THE SENSES
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, 31ST MARCH, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨BEYOND THE SENSES✨
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
TOPIC:
✨BEYOND THE SENSES✨God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things
of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he
know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” This is because
Christianity is beyond the senses! The lack of understanding of this
truth accounts for the frustrations many experience in their faith-walk.
God contacts your spirit, not your mind. Faith emanates from your
spirit and not your mind; it’s the response of the human spirit to the
Word of God. It has nothing to do with the senses.
Our senses weren’t designed to perceive God; we walk with Him from our spirit; we serve Him with our spirit, and understand spiritual realities through the Spirit. Our minds weren’t fashioned for that; only our spirit can relate with God. And then, based on that relationship, we condition our minds from our spirit to go in the same direction, and control our senses to serve our purpose. That means, the character that we express outwardly will always be dependent on the condition of our spirit—who we are inside.
That’s why we need the Spirit of God to guide us from within. He alone can get deep into the human nature to effect the changes that God wants in us—changes from glory to glory. He alone can guide your mind to think like God, talk like Him, and live accordingly. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me by your Spirit, to think like you and see things from your perspective, and not merely from the natural standpoint. As I walk in the light of your Word, I experience supernatural growth from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Romans 8:12-14 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 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. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:40-56, Joshua 7-9
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:57-68, Exodus 40
Our senses weren’t designed to perceive God; we walk with Him from our spirit; we serve Him with our spirit, and understand spiritual realities through the Spirit. Our minds weren’t fashioned for that; only our spirit can relate with God. And then, based on that relationship, we condition our minds from our spirit to go in the same direction, and control our senses to serve our purpose. That means, the character that we express outwardly will always be dependent on the condition of our spirit—who we are inside.
That’s why we need the Spirit of God to guide us from within. He alone can get deep into the human nature to effect the changes that God wants in us—changes from glory to glory. He alone can guide your mind to think like God, talk like Him, and live accordingly. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me by your Spirit, to think like you and see things from your perspective, and not merely from the natural standpoint. As I walk in the light of your Word, I experience supernatural growth from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Romans 8:12-14 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 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. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:40-56, Joshua 7-9
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:57-68, Exodus 40
Thursday 30 March 2017
Wednesday 29 March 2017
A NEW PHASE OF INCREASED GRACE
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY, 29TH MARCH, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨A NEW PHASE OF INCREASED GRACE✨
But he giveth more grace… (James 4:6).
The Lord is doing something beautiful in our day. We’re in a new phase in the move of the Spirit, and in this new phase, tremendous things are happening. The glory of the Lord is everywhere. His righteousness has taken over. His grace has multiplied upon the earth. Here’s what you need to know: The Bible says: “…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20). Yes, we hear on the news, some of the most terrible things happening in different countries around the world today. But the truth is: Satan isn’t more wicked than God is gracious. If Satan can go to high levels in his wickedness, God can go higher in His grace. God’s grace is greater than Satan’s wickedness.
Even though the iniquity of man has so increased (Matthew 24:12), right now, in the realm of the spirit, there’re angels the Lord has dispatched that are more powerful, working with God’s people in leading men to righteousness. Because Satan has become so ruthless in his wickedness and evil, God also has thrown away the limits in these nations, in His pursuit of souls.
Zechariah 4:6 says, “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” We’re currently in an unprecedented move of the Holy Ghost, such as has never been witnessed in the earth. God’s people are going to be passionate about Christ, about the Holy Ghost, about the written Word more than ever before. There’ll be such insatiable hunger in God’s people for the things of the Spirit. Many today who are invoking calumnies against the Church, and persecuting Christians, are going to turn to Christ like Saul of Tarsus did. He went after the Church, but the Holy Ghost went after him.
Though we’re engaged in a warfare, we’re on the winning side. Satan can’t stand the move of the Spirit that’s going on in our day. So be bold and encouraged to preach the Gospel without fear. The Word of God in your mouth is God talking; nothing can stop it. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for granting me insight into your workings in our day, and for making me relevant and effective in establishing your perfect will in the earth. I pray that more of your children will understand the move of your Spirit in these last days, recognising that they’re not ordinary beings, but living tabernacles and epistles of the living Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Acts 2:17-21 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Ephesians 6:12-18 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]. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:1-21, Joshua 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:36-46, Exodus 38
TOPIC:
✨A NEW PHASE OF INCREASED GRACE✨But he giveth more grace… (James 4:6).
The Lord is doing something beautiful in our day. We’re in a new phase in the move of the Spirit, and in this new phase, tremendous things are happening. The glory of the Lord is everywhere. His righteousness has taken over. His grace has multiplied upon the earth. Here’s what you need to know: The Bible says: “…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20). Yes, we hear on the news, some of the most terrible things happening in different countries around the world today. But the truth is: Satan isn’t more wicked than God is gracious. If Satan can go to high levels in his wickedness, God can go higher in His grace. God’s grace is greater than Satan’s wickedness.
Even though the iniquity of man has so increased (Matthew 24:12), right now, in the realm of the spirit, there’re angels the Lord has dispatched that are more powerful, working with God’s people in leading men to righteousness. Because Satan has become so ruthless in his wickedness and evil, God also has thrown away the limits in these nations, in His pursuit of souls.
Zechariah 4:6 says, “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” We’re currently in an unprecedented move of the Holy Ghost, such as has never been witnessed in the earth. God’s people are going to be passionate about Christ, about the Holy Ghost, about the written Word more than ever before. There’ll be such insatiable hunger in God’s people for the things of the Spirit. Many today who are invoking calumnies against the Church, and persecuting Christians, are going to turn to Christ like Saul of Tarsus did. He went after the Church, but the Holy Ghost went after him.
Though we’re engaged in a warfare, we’re on the winning side. Satan can’t stand the move of the Spirit that’s going on in our day. So be bold and encouraged to preach the Gospel without fear. The Word of God in your mouth is God talking; nothing can stop it. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for granting me insight into your workings in our day, and for making me relevant and effective in establishing your perfect will in the earth. I pray that more of your children will understand the move of your Spirit in these last days, recognising that they’re not ordinary beings, but living tabernacles and epistles of the living Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Acts 2:17-21 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Ephesians 6:12-18 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]. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:1-21, Joshua 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:36-46, Exodus 38
Tuesday 28 March 2017
MATTHEW 5 NIV
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
1
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went
up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
The Beatitudes
2
and he began to teach them. He said:
3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12
Rejoice
and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way
they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Salt and Light
13
“You are
the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it
be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be
thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15
Neither
do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on
its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
18
For
truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest
letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from
the Law until everything is accomplished.
19
Therefore
anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches
others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but
whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the
kingdom of heaven.
20
For I
tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees
and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of
heaven.
Murder
21
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sisterwill be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
24
leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25
“Settle
matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it
while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you
over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and
you may be thrown into prison.
26
Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Adultery
27
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
29
If your
right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is
better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to
be thrown into hell.
30
And if
your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It
is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body
to go into hell.
Divorce
31
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’
32
But I
tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual
immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a
divorced woman commits adultery.
Oaths
33
“Again,
you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break
your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’
34
But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;
35
or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
36
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
37
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Eye for Eye
38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
39
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
40
And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
41
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45
that you
may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on
the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the
unrighteous.
46
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47
And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
YOU'RE FROM HEAVEN
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, 28TH MARCH, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨YOU'RE FROM HEAVEN✨
As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:48 NIV).
I want you to notice the tenses in the opening verse. It reads, “As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth….” He should have said, “…so were those who are of the earth…,” since the preceding verb is also in the past tense—“was.” He however used present tense, showing that though Adam is no longer here, the people who are not born again are born after him, and are like him—fallen.
The second part of the verse says, “…and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.” Again, examine the tenses closely: He used the present tense for Jesus. While on earth, Jesus boldly declared, “I’m from above” (John 8:23), even though He was born in Bethlehem. Understand that He became the second and last Adam, not when He was born in Bethlehem, but when He was raised from the dead. That’s when He was born again, and became the head of the new creation. So, Jesus “is…,” but Adam “was…!” If you’re born again, you’re born after the man from heaven, Christ Jesus.
You might have heard people say, “I don’t know that man from Adam?” They’re referring to Adam of the Garden of Eden, because that’s their origin. We never talk like that as new creations, because we’re from heaven. You’ve got to know who you are, and declare it. Moses said to God, “Who shall I say sent me?” God replied, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). He didn’t say, “I don’t know who I am”; He said, “Tell them, I AM sent you.” In the same way, always be bold to declare who you are, and where you’re from. You’re a God-man from heaven. Hallelujah!
Even now, declare, “I’m from heaven; born of the Word and Spirit of the Lord!” You can’t even say that without the anointing being stirred in your spirit! Such a declaration nullifies the thoughts of weakness or impossibility. Never talk like an earthling because you’re from heaven. You’re not ordinary. “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour” (Philippians 3:20 NLT).
CONFESSION
Nothing is impossible with me because I hail from above. All the forces of life and nature are at my disposal, they work together for my good because I’m the King’s kid. I’m conscious of my heavenly heritage and walk in the light of who I am; an associate of the God-kind! Glory to God!
Further Study:
John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
1 John 4:4-6 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. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:36-50, Joshua 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:26-35, Exodus 37
TOPIC:
✨YOU'RE FROM HEAVEN✨As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:48 NIV).
I want you to notice the tenses in the opening verse. It reads, “As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth….” He should have said, “…so were those who are of the earth…,” since the preceding verb is also in the past tense—“was.” He however used present tense, showing that though Adam is no longer here, the people who are not born again are born after him, and are like him—fallen.
The second part of the verse says, “…and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.” Again, examine the tenses closely: He used the present tense for Jesus. While on earth, Jesus boldly declared, “I’m from above” (John 8:23), even though He was born in Bethlehem. Understand that He became the second and last Adam, not when He was born in Bethlehem, but when He was raised from the dead. That’s when He was born again, and became the head of the new creation. So, Jesus “is…,” but Adam “was…!” If you’re born again, you’re born after the man from heaven, Christ Jesus.
You might have heard people say, “I don’t know that man from Adam?” They’re referring to Adam of the Garden of Eden, because that’s their origin. We never talk like that as new creations, because we’re from heaven. You’ve got to know who you are, and declare it. Moses said to God, “Who shall I say sent me?” God replied, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). He didn’t say, “I don’t know who I am”; He said, “Tell them, I AM sent you.” In the same way, always be bold to declare who you are, and where you’re from. You’re a God-man from heaven. Hallelujah!
Even now, declare, “I’m from heaven; born of the Word and Spirit of the Lord!” You can’t even say that without the anointing being stirred in your spirit! Such a declaration nullifies the thoughts of weakness or impossibility. Never talk like an earthling because you’re from heaven. You’re not ordinary. “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour” (Philippians 3:20 NLT).
CONFESSION
Nothing is impossible with me because I hail from above. All the forces of life and nature are at my disposal, they work together for my good because I’m the King’s kid. I’m conscious of my heavenly heritage and walk in the light of who I am; an associate of the God-kind! Glory to God!
Further Study:
John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
1 John 4:4-6 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. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:36-50, Joshua 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:26-35, Exodus 37
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
God is too good and has blessed man beyond his mind can comprehend. It takes only a recreated human spirit to start understanding the goodness of God and how blessed we are as children of God. This understanding can only be revealed by meditating on the word of God, which is God himself. Continue to meditate on the word, and soon you will perceive that all you are asking for and much more is already your in Christ... Agoha obed
CAN THERE BE ANY IMPOSSIBILITIES TO US IN CHRIST?
CAN THERE BE ANY IMPOSSIBILITIES TO US IN CHRIST?
YOU remember that Jesus said, "All things are possible to him that believeth." He walked in the spirit realm, and that is our realm today. What a challenge this is to the believer. The Greek word "believeth" means a "believing one." There never were any "believing ones" until the family of God came into being on the Day of Pentecost, so every one that comes into the family is called, "a believing one." Jesus, in that declarative statement, has issued a challenge to us; a challenge for us to live in the realm of the spirit; or, in other words, to live in the realm of miracles. Now, notice a few facts. We have God's nature . . . Eternal Life. This puts us into God's class of being. We have become by a New Creation the very sons of God.
When He says that we are heirs and joint heirs with Christ, we know that it is no metaphysical statement, but a statement of fact. Romans 4:13 tells us that "Jesus is the heir of the world." No one knows the limits of the possibilities of the sons of God. We not only have God's nature in us, but the great, mighty Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead has made His home in us. And "greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world." That "he that is in the world" is Satan. The "He that is in us" is God. We have limitless possibilities. The Church has been governed by Sense Knowledge philosophy. They have a philosophical Redemption, a philosophical New Birth, a philosophical relationship with God as Father. Only a few men have come into the realization of the realities of these mighty spiritual forces.
Let it be understood that spiritual forces are greater than physical. A Spirit created material substance, such as the world with all its minerals, metals and chemicals. This was brought into being by God, and God is a Spirit. Satan is also a spirit. He is the author of all the confusion, sin, wars, hatreds, jealousies, and every other wicked thing.
God is greater than Satan, and He has imparted to man, in the New Birth, His own nature. Jesus said a phenomenal thing when He gave the Great Commission as recorded in Mark 16:17, "In My Name, ye shall cast out demons." He lays down a law, and by this law, the believer is greater than demons, because he can cast them out. If he can cast out demons, then he is master of Satan. If he is master of Satan, then he is master of any of the works of Satan.
Satan is the author of sickness, the author of wars and all the unhappiness and misery in this old world. If the Word means anything to us, then we are masters of the circumstances and the forces that are governing the world today. The Church has not recognized it. The Church has been dabbling with unbelief. It has been praying for faith . . . the most absurd thing for which man ever prayed. "But," you say, "the disciples said, `O Lord, increase our faith'." Yes, but they were Jews under the First Covenant, with unregenerated spirits. You cannot find any such folly as that in the Pauline Revelation.
He calls his Revelation, the "Word of Faith," and it is the Word of faith. It is the Word that produces faith, that gives birth to faith.
Eph. 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." When you need a thing, you do not have to ask for faith to accept it, do you? Well, if you knew the Word of God was absolutely safe and reliable and could be acted upon as the word of a bank or any other large corporation, prayer would be a different thing, wouldn't it? If you knew that no Word from God was void of power; if you knew that Isaiah 55:11, which reads, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it," could be utterly depended upon; that no Word from God is void of fulfillment; that He watches over His Word to make it good; that the Eternal Throne is founded upon His Word; and Jesus is declared to be the surety of the New Covenant; and that Jesus is the surety of every word from Matthew to Revelation; and His throne is back of it, and His integrity is enwrapped in it; if this were real to you, then you would have no faith problem.
The Word of God is a part of God Himself. In John 14:13-14 Jesus said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do." You know that the word "ask" here means "demand." It is just as though Jesus said, "Whatsoever you demand in my name, I will make good." That is not prayer. When Jesus talks about prayer, we have it recorded in John 16:23, "And in that day ye shall not pray to me, but verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, He will give it to you in my name." That is prayer.
You are to go to the Father in that Name. Jesus has told us that whatsoever you ask of the Father in that Name, the Father will give you. The other Scripture has reference to demanding demoniacal forces broken over men's lives, like Paul casting the spirit of divination out of the woman, which is recorded in the sixteenth chapter of Acts; or Peter and John saying to the man at the Beautiful Gate, "In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." They performed so many miracles in that Name that the Sanhedrin arrested them and commanded them not to preach or teach in that Name.
That Name was the mightiest force in the entire country at that time, and that Name has lost none of its power or authority. He has given us, "the believing ones," the Power of Attorney to use it. In that Name, we may cast out demons, heal the sick, break Satan's dominion over men's lives. We have another mighty weapon called the Sword of the Spirit.
THE HIDDEN MAN
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YOU remember that Jesus said, "All things are possible to him that believeth." He walked in the spirit realm, and that is our realm today. What a challenge this is to the believer. The Greek word "believeth" means a "believing one." There never were any "believing ones" until the family of God came into being on the Day of Pentecost, so every one that comes into the family is called, "a believing one." Jesus, in that declarative statement, has issued a challenge to us; a challenge for us to live in the realm of the spirit; or, in other words, to live in the realm of miracles. Now, notice a few facts. We have God's nature . . . Eternal Life. This puts us into God's class of being. We have become by a New Creation the very sons of God.
When He says that we are heirs and joint heirs with Christ, we know that it is no metaphysical statement, but a statement of fact. Romans 4:13 tells us that "Jesus is the heir of the world." No one knows the limits of the possibilities of the sons of God. We not only have God's nature in us, but the great, mighty Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead has made His home in us. And "greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world." That "he that is in the world" is Satan. The "He that is in us" is God. We have limitless possibilities. The Church has been governed by Sense Knowledge philosophy. They have a philosophical Redemption, a philosophical New Birth, a philosophical relationship with God as Father. Only a few men have come into the realization of the realities of these mighty spiritual forces.
Let it be understood that spiritual forces are greater than physical. A Spirit created material substance, such as the world with all its minerals, metals and chemicals. This was brought into being by God, and God is a Spirit. Satan is also a spirit. He is the author of all the confusion, sin, wars, hatreds, jealousies, and every other wicked thing.
God is greater than Satan, and He has imparted to man, in the New Birth, His own nature. Jesus said a phenomenal thing when He gave the Great Commission as recorded in Mark 16:17, "In My Name, ye shall cast out demons." He lays down a law, and by this law, the believer is greater than demons, because he can cast them out. If he can cast out demons, then he is master of Satan. If he is master of Satan, then he is master of any of the works of Satan.
Satan is the author of sickness, the author of wars and all the unhappiness and misery in this old world. If the Word means anything to us, then we are masters of the circumstances and the forces that are governing the world today. The Church has not recognized it. The Church has been dabbling with unbelief. It has been praying for faith . . . the most absurd thing for which man ever prayed. "But," you say, "the disciples said, `O Lord, increase our faith'." Yes, but they were Jews under the First Covenant, with unregenerated spirits. You cannot find any such folly as that in the Pauline Revelation.
He calls his Revelation, the "Word of Faith," and it is the Word of faith. It is the Word that produces faith, that gives birth to faith.
Eph. 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." When you need a thing, you do not have to ask for faith to accept it, do you? Well, if you knew the Word of God was absolutely safe and reliable and could be acted upon as the word of a bank or any other large corporation, prayer would be a different thing, wouldn't it? If you knew that no Word from God was void of power; if you knew that Isaiah 55:11, which reads, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it," could be utterly depended upon; that no Word from God is void of fulfillment; that He watches over His Word to make it good; that the Eternal Throne is founded upon His Word; and Jesus is declared to be the surety of the New Covenant; and that Jesus is the surety of every word from Matthew to Revelation; and His throne is back of it, and His integrity is enwrapped in it; if this were real to you, then you would have no faith problem.
The Word of God is a part of God Himself. In John 14:13-14 Jesus said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do." You know that the word "ask" here means "demand." It is just as though Jesus said, "Whatsoever you demand in my name, I will make good." That is not prayer. When Jesus talks about prayer, we have it recorded in John 16:23, "And in that day ye shall not pray to me, but verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, He will give it to you in my name." That is prayer.
You are to go to the Father in that Name. Jesus has told us that whatsoever you ask of the Father in that Name, the Father will give you. The other Scripture has reference to demanding demoniacal forces broken over men's lives, like Paul casting the spirit of divination out of the woman, which is recorded in the sixteenth chapter of Acts; or Peter and John saying to the man at the Beautiful Gate, "In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." They performed so many miracles in that Name that the Sanhedrin arrested them and commanded them not to preach or teach in that Name.
That Name was the mightiest force in the entire country at that time, and that Name has lost none of its power or authority. He has given us, "the believing ones," the Power of Attorney to use it. In that Name, we may cast out demons, heal the sick, break Satan's dominion over men's lives. We have another mighty weapon called the Sword of the Spirit.
THE HIDDEN MAN
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Monday 27 March 2017
YOU'RE A LIFE GIVING SPIRIT
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY, 27TH MARCH, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨YOU'RE A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.✨
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).
TOPIC:
✨YOU'RE A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.✨But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).
The Bible says, “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a
living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit…The first man is
of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven” (1
Corinthians 15:45, 47). This is so powerful! The Lord Jesus Christ is
the second and last Adam; He’s the Lord from heaven, and the Bible
describes Him as a quickening or life-giving Spirit. No wonder,
everything He touched received life. The next verse says, “As is the
earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such
are they also that are heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:48). We hail from
Christ; this means we also are life-giving spirits!
This was what the Lord Jesus was referring to in John 7:38, when He said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” The Greek terminology signifies gushers or torrents of living water. Life is flowing out of you. How does it flow? The Scripture shows that it flows, first from your mouth, and then from your hands. Anyone who makes contact with you in faith or by faith can literally pull it out of you.
When Adam sinned against God, the law of death was set in operation. The Bible says through sin, death came into the world as a consequence of Adam’s transgression. Life has however come by the second and last Adam, Jesus Christ. He said: “…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10 AMP). Now, not only do you have life to the full, you’ve become a dispenser of life.
There’s no more hopelessness where it concerns you. You can bring life into anything, no matter how dead. The Bible says in Romans 4:17, “…even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” This shows what you can do, because you’re made in His image and in His likeness. As He is, so are you in this world (1 John 4:17).
CONFESSION
I live in the Spirit; I also walk in the Spirit, because I’m born of the Spirit. I’m heavenly; therefore, I live by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. I’m also a life-giving spirit, ministering the divine life to my world. Hallelujah!
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 15:49 AMP And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven.
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:1-35, Deuteronomy 33-34
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:14-25, Exodus 36.
This was what the Lord Jesus was referring to in John 7:38, when He said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” The Greek terminology signifies gushers or torrents of living water. Life is flowing out of you. How does it flow? The Scripture shows that it flows, first from your mouth, and then from your hands. Anyone who makes contact with you in faith or by faith can literally pull it out of you.
When Adam sinned against God, the law of death was set in operation. The Bible says through sin, death came into the world as a consequence of Adam’s transgression. Life has however come by the second and last Adam, Jesus Christ. He said: “…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10 AMP). Now, not only do you have life to the full, you’ve become a dispenser of life.
There’s no more hopelessness where it concerns you. You can bring life into anything, no matter how dead. The Bible says in Romans 4:17, “…even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” This shows what you can do, because you’re made in His image and in His likeness. As He is, so are you in this world (1 John 4:17).
CONFESSION
I live in the Spirit; I also walk in the Spirit, because I’m born of the Spirit. I’m heavenly; therefore, I live by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. I’m also a life-giving spirit, ministering the divine life to my world. Hallelujah!
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 15:49 AMP And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven.
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:1-35, Deuteronomy 33-34
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:14-25, Exodus 36.
Thursday 23 March 2017
GROUNDED AND SETTLED IN THE TRUTH
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES THURSDAY, 23RD MARCH, Pastor Chris
TOPIC:✨GROUNDED AND SETTLED IN THE TRUTH✨
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).
You might have come across certain people who, though have been Christians for long, yet are not grounded and settled in the truth. They still ask the same questions they’ve been asking for years. Even after showing them answers from the Scriptures, they return with the same questions after some time. You may even think they’re honestly seeking answers, but such attitude is the manifestation of their disquieted, roaming, and unsettled spirit. They’re tormented with worry, having difficulty accepting simple realities. How sad!
As a Christian, you need to be deeply rooted and grounded in the faith, and that happens when you give quality time and attention to God’s Word. Your personal study of, and meditation on the Word of God should remain paramount in your heart and on your mind. Don’t assume you already know enough of God’s Word, because you attend church every Sunday. You need to search the scriptures personally for yourself.
Read our opening verse again and observe those the Spirit praised; they were those who after receiving the Word, went back daily to search the Scriptures, to ascertain the veracity of what they’d been taught. They confirmed the Word for themselves and as a result, they couldn’t be deceived. They became settled and grounded on the truth of God’s Word that they’d been taught.
It’s for the same reason that Paul, by the Spirit, admonished the saints in Colosse, saying, “…continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister” (Colossians 1:23). That’s a message from the Spirit to you today: get grounded and settled! Give yourself wholly to God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:15).
Walk in the light of the things you’ve been taught, and have received; take a hold of them with your spirit. Then, the Holy Spirit will fill your heart and mind with thoughts of faith that’ll energize your spirit, such that you’ll always be victorious and unshakable.
PRAYER
Dear Father, as I study and meditate on your Word, I receive the impartation of faith, and your wisdom propels me to act accordingly; your Word prevails in my life and circumstances. I’m built strong, and established firmly in the faith, as I walk in the light of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Ephesians 4:14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 5:1-16, Deuteronomy 25-27
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 25:1-13, Exodus 32
TOPIC:
✨GROUNDED AND SETTLED IN THE TRUTH✨These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).
You might have come across certain people who, though have been Christians for long, yet are not grounded and settled in the truth. They still ask the same questions they’ve been asking for years. Even after showing them answers from the Scriptures, they return with the same questions after some time. You may even think they’re honestly seeking answers, but such attitude is the manifestation of their disquieted, roaming, and unsettled spirit. They’re tormented with worry, having difficulty accepting simple realities. How sad!
As a Christian, you need to be deeply rooted and grounded in the faith, and that happens when you give quality time and attention to God’s Word. Your personal study of, and meditation on the Word of God should remain paramount in your heart and on your mind. Don’t assume you already know enough of God’s Word, because you attend church every Sunday. You need to search the scriptures personally for yourself.
Read our opening verse again and observe those the Spirit praised; they were those who after receiving the Word, went back daily to search the Scriptures, to ascertain the veracity of what they’d been taught. They confirmed the Word for themselves and as a result, they couldn’t be deceived. They became settled and grounded on the truth of God’s Word that they’d been taught.
It’s for the same reason that Paul, by the Spirit, admonished the saints in Colosse, saying, “…continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister” (Colossians 1:23). That’s a message from the Spirit to you today: get grounded and settled! Give yourself wholly to God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:15).
Walk in the light of the things you’ve been taught, and have received; take a hold of them with your spirit. Then, the Holy Spirit will fill your heart and mind with thoughts of faith that’ll energize your spirit, such that you’ll always be victorious and unshakable.
PRAYER
Dear Father, as I study and meditate on your Word, I receive the impartation of faith, and your wisdom propels me to act accordingly; your Word prevails in my life and circumstances. I’m built strong, and established firmly in the faith, as I walk in the light of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Ephesians 4:14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 5:1-16, Deuteronomy 25-27
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 25:1-13, Exodus 32
Monday 20 March 2017
USE YOUR GIFTS FOR HIM
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES MONDAY, 20TH MARCH, Pastor Chris
TOPIC✨USE YOUR GIFTS FOR HIM✨
So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have (Romans 12:6 GNB).
TOPIC
✨USE YOUR GIFTS FOR HIM✨So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have (Romans 12:6 GNB).
As God’s children, there’s something unique about each one of us; we’re
all so uniquely graced and gifted by God. The Bible says, “…But every
man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another
after that” (1 Corinthians 7:7). Everything you are in Christ—all the
gifts, talents, and abilities God has given you—are to be used for His
glory. Whatever the Lord has taught you or is teaching you; whatever He
has exposed you to and helped you to know, are all for the furtherance
of the Gospel. Therefore, find the opportunity to use them to advance
His agenda of soul winning.
Prayerfully consider what more you can do for the Lord. What more can you contribute? Become available; let others benefit from the Lord’s investment in you. You may not even know what you can do, but as you make yourself available, God’s Spirit will help you bring your gifts and talents to the fore.
The Lord has called and chosen you. He’s counting on you; He believes in you. He counted you faithful, and gave you the enablement, the supernatural endowment, to do His work: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12).
Look out for the need around you; find out what’s necessary to be done in the house of God and be inspired to action. Don’t wait. Put all you’ve got into the furtherance of the Gospel. Be willing to spend and be spent for the Gospel. The gifts and talents that you have are “…for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I’m grateful and honoured for the privilege to be a minister of reconciliation. Through me, many are coming to the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ, which you’ve graciously committed to my trust. My passion for the Gospel is fuelled more than ever before, and I dedicate my all to ensuring that your righteousness is established in the hearts of men, all around the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Matthew 25:14-15 For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 3:1-38, Deuteronomy 16-17
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 24:23-33, Exodus 29
Prayerfully consider what more you can do for the Lord. What more can you contribute? Become available; let others benefit from the Lord’s investment in you. You may not even know what you can do, but as you make yourself available, God’s Spirit will help you bring your gifts and talents to the fore.
The Lord has called and chosen you. He’s counting on you; He believes in you. He counted you faithful, and gave you the enablement, the supernatural endowment, to do His work: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12).
Look out for the need around you; find out what’s necessary to be done in the house of God and be inspired to action. Don’t wait. Put all you’ve got into the furtherance of the Gospel. Be willing to spend and be spent for the Gospel. The gifts and talents that you have are “…for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I’m grateful and honoured for the privilege to be a minister of reconciliation. Through me, many are coming to the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ, which you’ve graciously committed to my trust. My passion for the Gospel is fuelled more than ever before, and I dedicate my all to ensuring that your righteousness is established in the hearts of men, all around the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Matthew 25:14-15 For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 3:1-38, Deuteronomy 16-17
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 24:23-33, Exodus 29
Thursday 16 March 2017
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Every season of your life will be characterized by certain
relationships, some people will play major roles at that period in time.
Serve with those individuals with all of your heart and be true to them with pure intent, however when that season is over and God is repositioning, emotional attachments may keep you from moving into the new phase.
The same people cannot be with you forever and you cannot afford to carry the burden of guilt for those who couldn't make it into the next phase of your life.
Serve with those individuals with all of your heart and be true to them with pure intent, however when that season is over and God is repositioning, emotional attachments may keep you from moving into the new phase.
The same people cannot be with you forever and you cannot afford to carry the burden of guilt for those who couldn't make it into the next phase of your life.
In the same way, you also couldn't make it into the next phase of
theirs. Things change and the seasons of life change. The only person
who has and will be with you through every season is God. Love people
but know when a season is over....Pastor Poju Oyemade
WISDOM THROUGH THE WORD
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES, THURSDAY, March 16th, Pastor Chris
TOPIC
✨WISDOM THROUGH THE WORD✨
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him (Proverbs 22:15).
TOPIC
✨WISDOM THROUGH THE WORD✨Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him (Proverbs 22:15).
There’re people who never make the right choices or decisions or ask
the right questions. What happened to such people? How did they become
that way? The answer is in our opening verse. It says, “Foolishness is
bound in the heart of a child….” Then it says the rod of correction will
drive that foolishness far away from him. The rod of correction isn’t a
stick or cudgel; that may help in some cases, but the actual rod of
correction is the Word of God in your mouth, and the Word of God is the
wisdom of God.
Meaning that, the wisdom of God, coming out of your mouth will drive foolishness away from a child so that as he grows up, he gets wiser. The Apostle Paul hinted on this in his address to Timothy. He charged him to continue in the Word, which he had learnt as a child and had made him wise: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
Many have grown up without the benefit of correction from the tongue of righteousness. Therefore, they’ve grown up in, and with, foolishness in their hearts, making unwise decisions that have made them victims in life. That can change, if such folks would embrace and begin to live out the Word. The Word in you will make you sagacious, discerning, and smart.
Psalm 119:98 says, “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser….” Through studying and meditating on the Word, your mindset is elevated to think like God. You become accurately insightful, prudent, and excellent. Open your spirit to the Word and you’ll always walk in the wisdom of God, fulfilling His perfect will. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for revealing your wisdom to me in your Word, which leads and guides me in all my affairs. Your Word in my heart makes me wise and excellent. My life is from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Joshua 1:8 AMP This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 1:26-56, Deuteronomy 5-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 23:13-22, Exodus 25
Meaning that, the wisdom of God, coming out of your mouth will drive foolishness away from a child so that as he grows up, he gets wiser. The Apostle Paul hinted on this in his address to Timothy. He charged him to continue in the Word, which he had learnt as a child and had made him wise: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
Many have grown up without the benefit of correction from the tongue of righteousness. Therefore, they’ve grown up in, and with, foolishness in their hearts, making unwise decisions that have made them victims in life. That can change, if such folks would embrace and begin to live out the Word. The Word in you will make you sagacious, discerning, and smart.
Psalm 119:98 says, “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser….” Through studying and meditating on the Word, your mindset is elevated to think like God. You become accurately insightful, prudent, and excellent. Open your spirit to the Word and you’ll always walk in the wisdom of God, fulfilling His perfect will. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for revealing your wisdom to me in your Word, which leads and guides me in all my affairs. Your Word in my heart makes me wise and excellent. My life is from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Joshua 1:8 AMP This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 1:26-56, Deuteronomy 5-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 23:13-22, Exodus 25
Wednesday 15 March 2017
YOUR RESPONSE IS IMPORTANT
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES, WEDNESDAY, March 15th, Pastor Chris
TOPIC✨YOUR RESPONSE IS IMPORTANT✨
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 (Acts 20:32).
TOPIC
✨YOUR RESPONSE IS IMPORTANT✨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 (Acts 20:32).
God’s Word requires your response. Some Christians haven’t realized
this; they don’t know what the Word is for. Imagine that when the elders
of the church at Ephesus got the message in our opening verse from the
Apostle Paul, they went home saying, “O, I love what he said.” That
wouldn’t have changed their lives or their situation.
Someone could tell you he has a gift for you and you’d be happy at the gesture. Though you haven’t received the gift, you may probably say to the person, “I’m so happy about what you’ve said; it’s a blessing to me.” You were blessed just because of what the person said; that’s because we can be blessed by words. The Word of God, certainly, will bless you, but it doesn’t mean you’ll walk in the light of the blessing it conveys. You’d have to respond by affirming the same thing in consent: “He hath said…so that we might boldly say…” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
The purpose of commending you to the Word is for the Word to build you up; the Word has the ability to do it. Now, your response should be, “The Word is building me up. Every time I hear and study the Scriptures, I’m transformed, elevated, energized, and my faith is built strong.” The moment this becomes a reality in your spirit, all you see will be strength, victory, progress, and endless possibilities. You’ll discover that you’re getting stronger and wiser by the day through the Word.
He gave us His Word so we can see, apprehend, and affirm all that freely belongs to us in Christ Jesus.
CONFESSION
I’m what God says I am. I accept and walk in the light of His Word concerning my salvation, righteousness, divine health, prosperity, and protection. I’ve overcome the world, because the greater One lives in me, and He causes me to triumph everywhere, and flourish in all I do. Glory to God!
Further Study:
Hebrews 13:5-6 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 1:1-25, Deuteronomy 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 23:1-12, Exodus 24
Someone could tell you he has a gift for you and you’d be happy at the gesture. Though you haven’t received the gift, you may probably say to the person, “I’m so happy about what you’ve said; it’s a blessing to me.” You were blessed just because of what the person said; that’s because we can be blessed by words. The Word of God, certainly, will bless you, but it doesn’t mean you’ll walk in the light of the blessing it conveys. You’d have to respond by affirming the same thing in consent: “He hath said…so that we might boldly say…” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
The purpose of commending you to the Word is for the Word to build you up; the Word has the ability to do it. Now, your response should be, “The Word is building me up. Every time I hear and study the Scriptures, I’m transformed, elevated, energized, and my faith is built strong.” The moment this becomes a reality in your spirit, all you see will be strength, victory, progress, and endless possibilities. You’ll discover that you’re getting stronger and wiser by the day through the Word.
He gave us His Word so we can see, apprehend, and affirm all that freely belongs to us in Christ Jesus.
CONFESSION
I’m what God says I am. I accept and walk in the light of His Word concerning my salvation, righteousness, divine health, prosperity, and protection. I’ve overcome the world, because the greater One lives in me, and He causes me to triumph everywhere, and flourish in all I do. Glory to God!
Further Study:
Hebrews 13:5-6 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 1:1-25, Deuteronomy 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 23:1-12, Exodus 24
Monday 13 March 2017
LET'S INTERCEDE FOR THIS COMMUNITY
Orogwe is a small community in South Eastern Part of Nigeria, this community has experienced a very high increase in death rate in the past few years. Young men and women in their 30s,40s and 50s die almost on monthly bases. Lets we join faith to come against the Spirit of death that has attacked this community. We are praying for the salvation of the souls of the unsaved in this community. We are also praying that the word of God will continue to grow and prevail in this community, in Jesus name.
EPHESIANS 4, NLT
1Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
5There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6one God and Father of all,
who is over all, in all, and living through all.
7However, he has given each one of us a special gift
through the generosity of Christ. 8That is why the Scriptures say,
through the generosity of Christ. 8That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10And
the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the
heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
10And
the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the
heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13This
will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and
knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up
to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14Then
we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and
blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced
when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the
truth. 15Instead,
we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more
like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16He
makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own
special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is
healthy and growing and full of love.
Living as Children of Light
17With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18Their
minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives
because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against
him. 19They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29Don’t
use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and
helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear
them.
30And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
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