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).
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

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

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

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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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).
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.

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

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).
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

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.
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).
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

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).
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

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,
“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.
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.
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.
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.

CONSPIRACY AND FORNICATION

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
MONDAY 13TH MARCH 2017
THEME: CONSPIRACY & FORNICATION
MEMORISE:
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18
READ: Job 5:12-14, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
14 They meet with darkness in the day time, and grope in the noonday as in the night.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (KJV)
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 1-3 and Isaiah 58:13-59:15
MESSAGE:
A conspiracy can be defined as a secret plan by a group of persons to do something unlawful or mischievous. Whenever you agree or partner with one or more persons to do something against God’s express word or will, you are guilty of conspiracy. The attitude of the Holy Spirit towards conspiracy is clear from His judgement against Ananias and Sapphira, who conspired to test Him with their lie (Acts 5:1-11). Ahithophel and Absalom also engaged in conspiracy against the Lord’s anointed, King David (2 Samuel 15:12). They paid for this sin with their lives, and they both died similar deaths through hanging (2 Samuel 17:23, 2 Samuel 18:9-14). Do you know that many people still conspire to lie to the Holy Spirit today? When auditors are visiting some churches, their pastors will connive with accountants to present doctored records. On arrival, when the auditor asks the accountant if the books presented are the actual financial records, they would affirm that they are. That is conspiring to lie to the Holy Spirit! Those who engage in conspiracy often die together, just like it happened to Ananias and Sapphira, Absalom and Ahithophel, and Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 26:9-10). This is where married couples need to be extremely cautions. If your spouse is going the way of destruction, never follow him or her. Do all you can to deliver him, but if the fellow refuses, let him or her take the evil step alone. Are you engaged in a conspiracy to defraud your employer or government? It’s time to pull out of such schemes and repent.
In like manner, the Holy Spirit hates adultery and fornication. Why? It is because your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You are His dwelling place. Adultery separates God from His temple. It keeps God outside His throne in your heart. Some people erroneously think that they can fornicate without affecting the presence of the Holy Spirit in them. No way! How can you expect the Holy Spirit, whose personality is defined by holiness, to dwell in a body yielded to filthiness? The Bible in James 4:4 says,
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Fornication strips the glory of God away from you and clothes you in rags and shame. There is nothing glorious about sexual sin. It never adds anything to you; rather, it always takes away your prized possessions. Repent and flee fornication daily! Whatever separates God from you is something to resist by all means!
ACTION POINT:
Confess and repent of any form of conspiracy or sexual sins you are involved in. Break away from every form of relationship that facilitates these.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

DON'T PLAY LIGHT WITH SPEAKING IN TONGUES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES, MONDAY, March 13th, Pastor Chris
TOPIC: DON'T PLAY LIGHT ON SPEAKING IN TONGUES.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church (1 Corinthians 14:4).
Speaking in tongues is so important for us as Christians. The Bible says, “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing…” (Isaiah 28:11-12). Peter describes it as “…the times of refreshing….” (Acts 3:19). There’s refreshing, rejuvenation, and flourishing for the one who consistently speaks in tongues.
Also, speaking in tongues improves you. The Amplified version of our opening verse says, “He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself….” When you speak in tongues, you become sensitive to spiritual realities; you’re synchronised with the Spirit, and His voice becomes clear to you. Some people say they don’t know when God is talking to them. If they’ll speak in tongues, their spirits will become sensitive to God, to hear and understand His Word.
Another important benefit of speaking in tongues is the purification of your faith. Jude 1:20 says, “But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit” (AMP). Your most holy faith is your most sanctified faith; unalloyed faith, devoid of doubt or fear. It’s your highest, purest, and best expression of your faith so far. God expects you to build on that “most holy faith” through speaking in tongues.
The Apostle Paul revealed speaking in tongues as one of his secrets of success in ministry. He was bold to tell the Corinthian church, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all” (1 Corinthians 14:18). It goes to show how much he spoke in tongues. No wonder, he was so successful. Choose to speak in tongues more than ever. Edify your spirit. Improve yourself spiritually. Flourish and make progress in your life, with speaking in tongues!
CONFESSION
I flourish daily like the palm tree, because I’m continually filled with the Spirit. As I speak in tongues even now, I’m edified; my spirit is lifted to function from a vantage position of boldness, audacity and victory in Christ Jesus. I don’t struggle, but enjoy unstoppable growth and progress as I receive guidance and light from the Lord. Hallelujah!
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 14:2 AMP For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Jude 1:20 AMP But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 15:21-47, Numbers 34-36
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 22:23-33, Exodus 22

Friday 10 March 2017

FASTING INFLUENCES YOU , NOT GOD

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES, FRIDAY, March 10th Pastor Chris
Topic: FASTING INFLUENCES YOU—NOT GOD.
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words (Daniel 10:12).
The important thing about fasting is the “purpose” of the fast. There’re those who emphasize fasting for long periods, like forty days, the way Jesus did. Well, the quality of a fast isn’t so much the longevity as it is the purpose. Some people erroneously think that the longer the fast, the more God is moved to answer them; no! God isn’t altered or influenced by your fasting. Your fasting only influences and affects you.
Fasting helps you to become more conscious of the divine nature in you. I’m not talking about the kind of fast that’s done amidst all the distractions imaginable, but the kind where the flesh is completely subdued. I’m referring to the kind where you separate yourself from the rest of the world and spend time to pray, study, and meditate on God’s Word. At such times, it becomes easy for the Lord to get your attention, minister to you, and transform your life, because your affection is fully set on Him.
Through this kind of purposeful fasting, your spirit stands up like a giant; your humanity or the influence of the flesh wanes and your divinity rises. At such a time, when you utter a word, it transcends the arena of the human mind; it proceeds from your spirit with the potency and energy of the Holy Ghost. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Precious Lord, my heart rejoices at your Word today. I’m launched into higher realms of prosperity, blessings and glory. I walk in your perfect will for me, because I’m led by your Spirit from within, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 14:27-52, Numbers 27-28
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 21:33-46, Exodus 19

LETS INTERCEDE FOR THESE BROTHERS

Uche and Chidi are two young believers who gave their lives to Christ few years ago, but recently the pressures of life has pushed these two young babes in Christ to forget who they are. The are going back to their old life, and this is disheartening. Please lets join faith to intercede for these young men. We are praying that the hand of the enemy is removed from them, as they come back to faith. We are praying that the hunger for God, the word of god and the fellowship of the holy Ghost is rekindled in them in Jesus Name. Thank you for praying.

HOW DOES THE BELIEVER SIN?

HOW DOES THE BELIEVER SIN?
HIS has been a bone of contention in the Theological world. You see, man is a spirit being. He is in the same class with God. He was created in the image and likeness of God. He had to be in order to become a partaker of the Divine Nature. When he sinned, he became a partaker of Satan's nature, selfishness. Can you imagine the world free from selfishness? Can you imagine an eternity with people who have no selfish impulses? Man was like that before the Fall. The part of man that is recreated in his spirit. God imparts to our spirit His own nature, Eternal Life. The law that governs the New Creation man is love. God has shed that love abroad in our hearts. The Holy Spirit imparts to us that love nature so that our spirit becomes the fountain of love just as our senses are the fountain of knowledge.
The ultimate of the New Creation, yes, of Redemption, is fellowship. Man was created for fellowship with God. God was love-hungry, His heart craved love, so this spirit man came into being. God gave him a physical body so that he could live on the earth.
His body is the home of his spirit and of his five senses. It is through his senses that his brain receives all of its impulses. The senses give birth to all of the knowledge that natural man has. Let us look at man from another angle for just a moment. When man is recreated he comes into relationship with God. With that relationship comes fellowship.
The world is dominated by Satan, and we come into contact with it through our senses.
When man is Born Again, his spirit is recreated, but his mind is still dominated and ruled and receives all of its impulses from the senses. There is only one law that governs the New Creation, and that is love. We are to love "even as He loved us." For me to break the law means that I step out of the realm of love into the realm of the senses. Sin, then, is living in the realm of the senses and leaving the realm of love. When I step out of love, I step into selfishness. There are only two great forces in the world today; they are love and selfishness.
Every sin that a believer commits begins in selfishness. Selfishness may lead him into a host of different kinds of sin, but there is only one basic sin, and that is selfishness.
Someone has said that the "I, my, me and mine" are the four highways into the realm of broken fellowship. Sin then, for the believer, is reverting to the practices of the former life. It is a denial of the dominion of love. It is seeking to find satisfaction in the realm of selfishness. Selfishness causes all of the misery and heartache in our homes. The cure for broken fellowship is the study of the Word and the practice of the Word, the living of the Word, and the "doing of the Word."
If one is occupied in leading men to Christ, he will not sin. if he is occupied seeking to build someone up in the faith life, in helping someone, and bearing someone else's burdens, he will not sin. There is no sin in love. The sin is stepping out of love. Sin is never attractive when we have a deep rich fellowship with the Father. When fellowship is at floodtide, sin has no seductive power over us. Sin is breaking fellowship with love, leaving the spirit realm for the sense realm. Sin is letting the desires of the senses rule, letting the senses gain control. When the senses run riot, God is forgotten. The New Creation man is to practice love and develop his spirit so that it becomes a master over his senses.
I wonder if you have ever thought that a man could become a spiritual athlete, and develop his love and fellowship with the lather until he becomes so strong that Satan and all his hosts cannot touch him. Those martyrs must have been spiritual athletes as they faced year after year of torture, and still held true to their faith in God. Eph. 6:10-18, "Finally be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might (or power)." That could read, "be strong in His love and in the power of Ills grace. Be mighty in the deeds of love. Be a real Samson in the love realm. You see, the strength of God is love; the wisdom of God is love; and the beauty of God is love.
A strong healthy body is a beautiful body. By the same token, a strong healthy love walk makes a beautiful life. A literal translation of Eph. 6:10-18 gives us, "Finally, be strong in the Lord, be made powerful, and in the strength of His might put on the whole armour of God (or the whole armour of love) that you may be able to stand against the warring arrows of the devil." The only shield that the believer needs is love for his Master, and his desire to minister to others. We can conquer the adversary with our love life. "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood but against the powers. against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
If you will notice carefully, everyone of these battalions of the enemy are working against love. They are working against the mighty force that has ever been with us.
"God so loved that He gave . . . "For it is love that is at work within us." "Greater is love that is in yon than he that is in the world." "Wherefore take up the whole armour of love."
Do love deeds, think love thoughts, and then you will be able to stand in the evil day because you are standing in love. "Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness." Righteousness means here the ability to stand in the presence of the Father or of Satan without any fear or sense of inferiority. You can stand in the presence of the Father as a beloved son. You can face the hosts of darkness without any sense of fear. You are the righteousness of God in Him.
"Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Love is a peace maker. When it says that the "peace of God which passeth all understanding shall fill your hearts and minds," it means that love has gained such an ascendancy that doubt and fear have been driven out and love has taken the stronghold and is protecting it.
"And taking up the shield of faith wherewith you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy." Faith is a child of love. Hatred has no faith. Love is the faith builder and the faith giver. God is love, and God is a faith God. You are a partaker of the faith nature, of the Faith God. At the New Birth every man is given a measure of faith.
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." That is not only the sword of the Holy Spirit which he uses through the lips of faith, but it is also the sword of our recreated spirits. You see, your recreated spirit is the one that uses the Word, and that Word is always soaked in love so that it is never given in bitterness, but comes pouring out of a heart of love. You meet the needs of the people around you. You are standing before a large audience . . . there are many unsaved and many out of fellowship, and you are going to open the Word to them now . .. that Word comes from your lips drenched with the love of the Master. No human being has a shield that can protect them from words burning with love.
The tongues of fire in that upper room . . . that was the flame of love. That was love that had set the Words on fire. Man cannot resist the Word of love. The weapons described in Ephesians that we have been studying, are love's weapons for the army of God.
You remember that Jesus told the disciples that they were to tarry until they were endued with power from on High. They were to tarry until they were endued with Love's ability to reach the hearts of selfish men. It was God's ability let loose in them. Remember that sin is walking in selfishness. The moment that a believer steps out of love, he breaks fellowship, and steps into darkness and sin. The believer who sins is one who has stepped out of love.
We have tried to build faith in the Believer by condemning their wrong doings, and by preaching sin and condemnation. No one ever gets faith that way. Anyone can
see that this destroys what little faith one has. All prayer for faith is nothing but unbelief. Unbelief grows out of a sense of unworthiness. Now, what shall we do about it?
In the first place one must know clearly what he is in Christ. As a New Creation he has passed from death unto life. He now has Eternal Life, he is a son of God, an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ. This gives him legal grounds for a perfect fellowship with the Father. This fellowship is based on the fact that this New Creation has become the Righteousness of God in Christ. There is note no condemnation. He stands complete in Christ.
THE HIDDEN MAN, BY E.W KENYON
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Thursday 9 March 2017

THE BLESSINGS AND PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES, THURSDAY, March 9th Pastor Chris
Topic: THE BLESSINGS AND PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).
The victorious and triumphant life, which is God-ordained, and His will for you in Christ, isn’t really possible without prayer. The Bible says, “...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Christians who don’t take advantage of the blessings and privilege that prayer provides easily become victims in life. Prayer is a privilege, as well as a right given to us to approach the Father in faith through His Word, and by the Holy Spirit. That opportunity of fellowship is something the Father always wants us to seize and take advantage of.
In Luke 18:1, Jesus said, “…men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” The ensuing parable He told emphasized the connection we have with the Father in our constant communication that builds faith. It’s one of the beautiful benefits of prayer, in addition to the conditioning of your spirit. Thus, you need to be a praying Christian, and not a “playing” Christian; take your prayer life and routine seriously.
Prayer isn’t something you do when you have a need. That’s where a lot of people have missed it. They see prayer as the avenue to ask God for things, whereas, fellowship—deep communion with the Spirit—is the higher purpose of prayer. When you commit to spending time in fellowship with the Lord, you’ll always be synchronized with the Holy Spirit; His will and purpose will be clear to you.
The power and import of prayer isn’t so much in the answers we get when we pray as it is the impact it has on our spirits. Understand that before you ask, God hears you. However, there’s something about prayer, especially praying in tongues, that affects your spirit and causes it to glow. When you pray in tongues often, the glory of God is revealed in your inner man, causing you to function with divine wisdom.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege of prayer and the tremendous blessings and impact it brings to my spirit. My spirit, through fellowship with you is conditioned to know and walk in your perfect will, and manifest excellence always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
James 5:16-17 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. 17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. [I Kings 17:1.]
Jude 1:20 AMP But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 14:1-26, Numbers 24-26
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 21:18-32, Exodus 18

MY CONFESSION GIVES ME POSSESSION

My Confession Gives Me Possession.
I Want you to note this fact, faith is governed by our confession. If I say I have been prayed for and I am waiting now for God to heal me, I have repudiated my healing.
My confession should he this: the. Word declares that I am healed, and I thank the Father for It, and I praise Him for it, because it is a fact. You remember Phil. 4:6,7 "In nothing be anxious; 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 guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."
Why must prayer be made with thanksgiving? That means that I know the thing is done. I asked for it and now I have it, so I thank the Father for it. The seventh verse says, "And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, will fill my heart." I am not worrying any longer. I have it. I am not going to get the money I need . . . I have it. It is just as real as though it were in my pocket. I am not going to get my healing . . . I have my healing because I have His Word, and my heart is filled with rapture. Your confession solves the problem.
A wrong confession hinders the Spirit's work in your body. A neutral confession is unbelief. It is just as had as a negative confession. It is the positive, clear cut confession that wins. "I know in whom I have believed." "I know that no word from God is void of power or fulfillment." "I know that He watches over His word to make it good." These are the confessions of a victor. I want you to notice several facts about the relation of confession to faith. Your confession is your faith. If it be a neutral confession, you have neutral faith. If it is a negative confession, it is unbelief dominating your spirit.
Unbelief grows with a negative confession. A confession of failure puts failure on the throne. If I confess weakness, weakness dominates me. If I confess my sickness, I am held in bondage by it. These negative confessions are acknowledgments of Satan's dominion over God's tabernacle. Your spirit always responds to your confession.
Faith is not a product of the reasoning faculties, but of the recreated spirit. When you were Born Again, you received the nature of the Father God. That nature grows in you with your acting on the Word, and your confession of the Father's perfect dominion in your body, and it causes your spirit to grow in grace and ability.
You remember that your confession is your present attitude toward the Father. In some special testing that may come to you, your confession is either in the realm of faith or in the realm of unbelief. Your confession either honors the Father or Satan ... either gives Satan or the Word dominance in your life. Now you can see the value of holding fast to your confession. Your confession either makes you a conqueror, or it defeats you. You rise or fall to the level of your confession. Learn to hold fast to your confession in the hard places. John 8:36, "If the Son has made you free you are free indeed." The Son has made you free, now stand fast in that liberty.
Gal. 5:1 is of vital importance to every believer. "For freedom did Christ set us free; stand fast therefore." The time to make your confession is when Satan attacks You. You feel the pain coming in your body. You repudiate it. You command it to leave in the Name of Jesus. Romans 8:31-37 "If God is for us, who is against us" Your Father is for you. Disease cannot conquer you, nor can the author of disease. Circumstances cannot master you, because the Father and Jesus are greater than any circumstances. You have learned that in whatsoever circumstance or condition you are, to rejoice in your continual victory.
You know that 1 John 4:4 is true. "Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them." Notice who you are. "You are of God." "You are born of God." You are a product of His, and of His own will He brought you forth through the Word. The rest of the verse reads, "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." "For it is God who is at work within you, willing and working His own good pleasure." Phil. 2:13 has been my victory many many times. Now turn to Romans 8:11, "But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, He that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through His Spirit that dwelleth in you."
You must recognize this fact. All is yours by confession, or all is lost by a negative confession. You get God's best by the confession that you have it. The secret of faith is the secret of confession. Faith holds the confession that he has the thing he desires before he actually possesses it. Sense Knowledge faith confesses that he is healed when the pain leaves and the swelling goes down. There is really no faith in that.
Faith declares you are healed while the pain is still racking your body. Let me state it again, possession comes with confession.
THE HIDDEN MAN, BY E.W KENYON
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