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
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