YOUR PRESENCE MEANS BLESSINGS

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨Your Presence Means Blessings✨ Thursday, December 22nd Pastor Chris
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian (Genesis 39:2).
As a Christian, no matter what happens around you, refuse to fret, fear or be discouraged, because you’re the seed of Abraham. Always choose to see things from that perspective. You might say, “But I’m going through difficult times right now; I even just lost my job.” Still, refuse to be discouraged or dismayed. In fact, if you’d only see from the perspective of who you really are in Christ, you’d realise that you didn’t lose your job; the organisation probably lost you!

You’re a treasure, a gem, a star, and a champion! Your presence anywhere means blessings, because you’re the blessed of the Lord! You own the world. Your potentials, abilities, and wisdom are limitless! Your presence in an organisation means blessings for the organisation and everyone in that organisation.
Now, this isn’t for the guy who’s ineffective at work and gets laid-off; no; I’m talking about Abraham’s seed! Abraham’s seed is effective; he’s fruitful and productive in every good work. Whatever he does prospers; that’s his heritage. This is how you must think. Consider Joseph, even though he had been sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned, he was still a blessing, so much so that he was placed in charge of all the other prisoners. Prior to that, as a slave in Potiphar’s house, Potiphar recognised that God blessed him because of Joseph, and made Joseph the overseer of his entire estate.
You’re blessed and you carry the blessing. Where you go, God goes; what and whom you bless, is blessed. Because of you, your school, neighbourhood, city or country is blessed. Recall God’s Word to Abraham, “…and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 26:4). That’s exactly what we do; we convey and distribute blessings. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for blessing me and making me a blessing. You’ve made me prosperous and effective; a blessing to this world, and a dispenser and distributor of your righteousness, love, kindness and goodness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. ||
|| Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time [that] he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 13:11-14:1-20,
Habakkuk 1-3
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 17:11-18,
Haggai 2
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

BELIEVERS WARFARE PRAYER

BELIEVERS WARFARE PRAYER ..Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before You. I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection. I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to You. I take a stand against all the workings of Satan that would hinder me in my prayer life. I address myself only to the true and living God and refuse any involvement of Satan in my prayer.
(I command Satan, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence with all of his demons. I bring the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ between Satan and myself.)
Heavenly Father, I worship You and give You praise. I recognize that You are worthy to receive all glory and honor and praise. I renew my allegiance to You and pray that the blessed Holy Spirit would enable me in this time of prayer. I am thankful, heavenly Father, that You have loved me from past eternity and that You sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to die as my substitute. I am thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ came as my representative and that through Him, You have completely forgiven me. You have adopted me into Your family; You have assumed all responsibility for me; You have given me eternal life; You have given me the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ so I am now justified. I am thankful that in Him You have made me complete, and that You have offered Yourself to me to be my daily help and strength.
Heavenly Father, open my eyes that I might see how great You are and how complete Your provision is for this day. I am thankful that the victory the Lord Jesus Christ won for me on the cross and in His resurrection has been given to me and that I am seated with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenlies. I take my place with Him in the heavenlies and recognize by faith that all wicked spirits and Satan himself are under my feet. I declare, therefore, that Satan and his wicked spirits are subject to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am thankful for the armor You have provided. I put on the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, and the helmet of salvation. I lift up the shield of faith against all the fiery darts of the enemy and take in my hand the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. I choose to use Your Word against all the forces of evil in my life. I put on this armor and live and pray in complete dependence upon You, blessed Holy Spirit.
I am grateful, Heavenly Father, that the Lord Jesus Christ spoiled all principalities and powers and made a show of them openly and triumphed over them in Himself. I claim all that victory for my life today. I reject all the insinuations, and accusations and the temptations of Satan. I affirm that the Word of God is true and I choose to live today in the light of God's Word. I choose, heavenly Father, to live in obedience to You and in fellowship with Yourself. Open my eyes and show me the areas of my life that do not please You. Work in me to cleanse me from all ground that would give Satan a foothold against me. I do in every way stand into all that it means to be Your adopted child, and I welcome all the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
By faith and in dependence upon You, I put off the old man and stand into all the victory of the crucifixion where the Lord Jesus Christ provided cleansing from the old nature. I put on the new man and stand into all the victory of the resurrection and the provision He has made for me to live above sin.
Therefore, today I put off the old nature with its selfishness, and I put on the new nature with its love. I put off the old nature with its fear, and I put on the new nature with its courage. I put off the old nature with its weakness, and I put on the new nature with its strength. I put off the old nature with all its deceitful lusts and I put on the new nature with its righteousness, purity and honesty.
In every way I stand into the victory of the ascension and glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ, whereby all the principalities and powers were made subject to Him. I claim my place in Christ as victorious with Him over all the enemies of my soul. Blessed Holy Spirit, I pray that You would fill me. Come into my life, break down every idol and cast out every foe.
I am thankful, heavenly Father, for the expression of Your will for my daily life as You have shown me in Your Word. I therefore, claim all the will of God for today. I am thankful that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I am thankful that You have begotten me unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I am thankful that You have made a provision so that today I can live filled with the Spirit of God with love and joy and peace, with long-suffering, gentleness and goodness, with meekness, faithfulness and self-control in my life. I recognize that this is Your will for me, and I therefore reject and resist all the endeavors of Satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God. I refuse in this day to believe my feelings, and I hold up the shield of faith against all the accusations and distortion and insinuations that Satan would put into my mind. I claim the fullness of the will of God for my life today.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I completely surrender myself to You, heavenly Father, as a living sacrifice. I choose not to be conformed to this world. I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, and I pray that You would show me Your will and enable me to walk in all the fullness of Your will today.
I am thankful, heavenly Father, that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, to the casting down of imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and to bring every thought into obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, in my own life today, I tear down the strongholds of Satan and smash the plans of Satan that have been formed against me. I tear down the strongholds of Satan against my mind, and I surrender my mind to You, blessed Holy Spirit. I affirm, heavenly Father, that You have not given me the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I break and smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my emotions today, and I give my emotions to You. I smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my will today; I give my will to You and choose to make the right decisions of faith. I smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my body today; I give my body to You, recognizing that I am Your temple. I rejoice in Your mercy and goodness.
Heavenly Father, I pray that now and through this day You would strengthen and enlighten me, show me the way Satan is hindering and tempting and lying and distorting the truth in my life. Enable me to be the kind of person that would please You. Enable me to be aggressive in prayer and faith. Enable me to be aggressive mentally, to think about and practice Your Word, and to give You Your rightful place in my life.
Again, I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and pray that You, blessed Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, all the work of the resurrection, all the work of the glorification and all the work of Pentecost into my life today. I surrender myself to You. I refuse to be discouraged. You are the God of all hope. You have proven Your power by resurrecting Jesus Christ from the dead, and I claim in every way this victory over all Satanic forces in my life. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving. Amen." BY  Victor Matthews, Emeritus Professor

YOU CAN MEET GOD TODAY

Believers love boat - Pst Festus Omorusi
You Can Meet God Today
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2
While the magi who visited the young Jesus have made their way into our Christmas story, we actually have very little information as to their identity. The Bible tells us very briefly that they came, they worshiped, and they went away just as quietly as they entered the biblical record.
We don’t really know how many there were, though tradition tells us three. We don’t know where they were from except that it was in the East. And, though they’re sometimes referred to as kings, the truth is the Bible never tells us that either!
But as we read the Scriptures along with ancient historical records, we can know something about these mysterious magi. In the ancient world, these men represented a priestly caste of the Medes and the Persians. They were philosophers of a particular way of thinking called Zoroastrianism and were well-versed in astronomy and astrology.
These men had little to do with Christ, yet God reached them even in their pagan ways. And just like those magi, God can often meet us in the strangest places. Let's take sinners to Jesus this season, this could be your own way of giving a gift (a soul) to the Lord this Christmas.
So wherever you are today, ask God to meet you there. If you’re open to Him, He’ll reveal Himself to you!
Open yourself to meeting God where you are, and let Him reveal Himself to you in the everyday!
Pray with me; lord I ask you for a fresh encounter and revival in Jesus name!
Have a blessed and beautiful week ahead in Jesus name!
You're unstoppable!
Good morning

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

God did not ask Adam if he wanted to be created. None of us were asked if we wanted to be born. But we are all asked if we want to be born-again. REINHARD BONNKE

LOOK IN THE WORD TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ✨Look In The Word To Know Who You Are✨ Monday, December 19th Pastor Chris
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures (James 1:18).
We’re the cream of God’s creation; the first and best of all that He made. We’re the manifestation of His glory; His dream come true. Hallelujah! You may look at yourself, and wonder, “Could this really be who I am?” You don’t seem to have light beaming off you as you walk the streets. You have unpaid bills; the last diagnosis you received from the doctors wasn’t quite encouraging. There’s trouble at home and at work. “How am I the manifestation of the glory of God?” you might be asking.
First, the Word of God is true, irrespective of your experience. What God wants is that you look to His Word always, and not at yourself or your experiences. Meditate on the Word, not on yourself! Meditate on what God says about you: you’re the express image of His person, and the effulgence or brightness of His glory; you’re His trophy! Meditate on that, and as you do, you become what the Word says.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” As you meditate on the Word, you become who and what God says you are. Too many people meditate on themselves and their problems, instead of contemplating the Word. They go through life feeling discouraged, because of what they’ve gone through, or what somebody did or said to them. It’s time to shift focus; fix your gaze only on the Word.
If you wanted to look at your body, you won’t check your shadow to know what you’re like, would you? You’d rather look at the mirror. Likewise, the only way you can know what the real you (your spirit) is like, and the power and glory in you, is to look in God’s mirror. God’s Word reveals who you are, what you have, your abilities, and limitless potentials in Christ; so look in the Word to know who you are.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your Word, which transforms my life and catapults me from glory to glory. I refuse to look at the shadows, but on the realities in your Word, and i’m thus positioned for the transcendent and ever-glorious life of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ||
|| Jonah 2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 11,
Micah 4-5
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 16:1-10,
Zephaniah 1-2
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

MEDITATE ON HIS LOVE

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
TUESDAY, 13TH DECEMBER.
MEDITATE ON HIS LOVE
Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13 GNB).
Mark Chapter 5 tells the story of a certain woman who suffered haemorrhage for twelve long years, but was made whole by Jesus. Her audacity of faith must have come from what she heard about Jesus: that He radiated, manifested, and expressed the love of the Father. She must have heard how Jesus restored sight to the blind, raised the dead, made the lame to walk, and even restored maimed limbs. She must have been inspired to hear how He spoke loving words to the hurting, the rejected, downtrodden, and broken-hearted.
She was therefore convinced that Jesus wouldn’t reject her if she came to Him. Thus, she pressed through the crowd at the risk of her life to get to Him. Remember, the Law forbade her to have physical contact with others; she’d have been stoned to death if discovered, for daring to appear in public in her condition. But she had heard that the Master touched and healed lepers: outcasts that were ostracised by society. This most certainly lifted her spirit and rekindled hope within her that she could be well again.
In the account rendered in the Book of Matthew 9:21, the Message translation says, “She was thinking to herself, ‘If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well....” Notice that it started with a thought. She thought she wouldn’t even need Him to notice her; she could as well tap into that love-power. She did, and she was healed instantly.
What are your thoughts about the Master? Do you consciously meditate on how much He loves you? Everything Jesus is and represents is love. His miracles that we read about in the Bible were all love-inspired. His communication and actions pointed everyone to the Father’s love. He was the revelation of God’s love. He said in John 15:9 (MSG), “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love.” He’s saying, “Meditate on my love; stay and be at rest therein!” His unrivalled and unconditional love for you should provoke in you such audacity of faith always.
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me the true nature of the Father, which is Love. I meditate, embrace, and take advantage of His love today, which in turn is expressed in and through me to everyone in my world; your love in me continually compels me to reach out to heal and bless others around me. Amen.
Further Study:
|| 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. ||
|| John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 5, Joel 1-3
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 12:11-17, Micah 3-4

GLORY IN A DRY LAND

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Glory In A Dry Land** Monday, December 12th Pastor Chris
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
The Lord testified of David that he was a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). When you study about David, you’ll discover he was so passionate about the glory of God. The pursuit of his soul was to have and to see the glory of God. In Psalm 63:1-2, he said, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.”
What a declaration! He described the land as “a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” “Water,” in this context, typifies the Spirit of God. “A dry and thirsty land” typifies a place that’s destitute of the Spirit of God; a desolate land. David saw in the visions of God that in the sanctuary of God, there’s glory, and there’s power; so he yearned to see the same glory in a land destitute of the Spirit of God.
That tells us something; it makes no difference what obtains in the city or nation where you live or the demons in that particular region that hold sway over men’s lives; you can seek the manifestation of the glory of God in that place. It doesn’t matter the wickedness that has festered or the hunger, depravity, terror, and fear that have kept men in bondage; in that “dry and thirsty” land, you can establish the glory of God.
You do this through intercession and proclamation of the Word. Get filled with the Spirit and proclaim the Word over such countries, regions, cities, and towns. Don’t be quiet; keep at it until the anointing wells up in you to proclaim the Word of God that’ll change things. Under that unction, declare with boldness that the glory of God in the Gospel of Christ fills that land. Soon enough, the light of God’s Word that brings salvation, deliverance, and prosperity will shine brightly in those hitherto dark regions, and there’ll be a great harvest of souls. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the glorious light of your Gospel that’s beaming intensely on the dark places of the earth, bringing salvation, deliverance, prosperity, and imparting righteousness to the spirits of men. I declare that your glory covers the earth, lighting men’s lives to do your will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Psalm 74:20-21 Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. 21 O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name. ||
|| Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 4,
Hosea 11-14
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 12:1-10,
Micah 1-2
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotiona

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Proverbs 16:28The Message (MSG)

Troublemakers start fights;
    gossips break up friendships.

THE MASSAGE OF FAITH

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Message Of Faith** Thursday, December 8th Pastor Chris
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
A clear understanding and communication of the message of faith is important, because faith is a principle by which we live in the Kingdom of God. The Bible says, “…the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). It shows you just how important faith is. You can’t understand and apply your righteousness in Christ without faith.

In Hebrews 11:6, the Bible says it’s impossible to please God without faith. By faith we activate or appropriate the blessings and provisions of Christ made available to us in the Gospel. It’s the reason Jesus taught the message of faith when He walked the earth; He taught the people the principle of asking and receiving. He said to them, “…whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23).
He said if you have faith, nothing shall be impossible unto you (Matthew 17:20). Recall His remarks to many of those He ministered to; He said to them, “Your faith has made you whole.” Don’t be amongst those who underrate the message of faith. It’s the message of victory and triumph. It’s the message Jesus brought, which He’s committed to us to use in changing our world. Glory to God!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to the world, and bringing us the message of faith through Him. Faith is stirred in my heart even now, and I’m strengthened in my spirit, and positioned for the life of endless victories and possibilities. I’ve overcome the world; I’m more than a conqueror; Christ is glorified in, and revealed through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. ||
|| Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. ||
|| Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 1,
Daniel 11-12
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 9:11-21,
Amos 8-9
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

THE POWER INSIDE YOU

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **THE POWER INSIDE YOU.** Wednesday, December 7th Pastor Chris
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20).
The responsibility for your life isn’t so much with God as it is with you. Some people blame God for every unfortunate event in their lives and in the world, and that’s because they don’t know Him.

Indeed, He’s God, and He’s all-powerful; with Him all things are possible. However, the power to change things—His power to produce the miracle you desire or require—is already inside you! It’s your responsibility to activate it.
Our theme verse says, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Whatever God will do in your life is to the extent of the operation of His power in you. So you see, you really can’t, and shouldn’t, hold God responsible for all happenings in your life, neither is He the one “delaying” the fulfilment of His Word in your life; you’re the one to activate the power in you.
It makes no difference what you need; be it healing, increased finances, a new job, a child, growth and expansion in ministry, business or in your career, success in your academics, etc., the power to make it happen is inside you. The Lord Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you....” That power is the dynamic ability to effect changes, and the quickest way to activate it is speaking in other tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:4 says, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself....” That means the one who speaks in other tongues energises or activates himself in the supernatural; he stirs up divine power from within. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift of God in him. He was referring to the power of the Holy Spirit, which can be dormant unless activated. Sadly, some Christians have allowed that power lie dormant in them. Don’t let that happen to you; pray in tongues often and stir up that power; put it to work.
The power of God is also activated when you affirm His Word with boldness. God and His Word are one. When you declare the Word concerning any situation, you’re invoking His power to bring about a change in that situation. If you want to see the release of the power of God in your life, maintain the habit of meditating on the Word; contemplate and voice the Word.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the awesome privilege of activating the power of your Spirit within me, to cause a change in circumstances and situations. As I speak in tongues, I’m transported into higher realms of glory, where I reign in righteousness and excellence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Micah 3:8 Matthew 17:20 Mark 11:23
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Jude Daniel 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Revelation 9:1-10, Amos 7

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A GOD'S GENERAL, WE LOVE SIR

JESUS, THE INTERCESSOR

Jesus, the Intercessor
Jesus, as High Priest, carried His blood into the Holy of Holies, satisfying the claims of Justice that were against natural man. As Mediator, He introduces the unsaved man to God. John 14:6, Jesus is the way to God, and no one can approach God except through Him. As soon as a man accepts the reconciliation work of Christ, he becomes a child of God. Then Christ begins His intercessory work for him.
Jesus is Mediator for the sinner, but He is intercessor for the Christian. The first question that comes to us is: "Why does the child of God need someone to intercede for him?" We can find the answer to that in Romans 12:2. At the New Birth, our spirits receive the life of God. The next need is that our minds be renewed. For the number of years that existed before we were born again, we walked according to Satan (Ephesians 2:1-3). He ruled our minds.
Now that our spirits have received the Life of God, our minds must be renewed so that we will know our privileges and responsibilities as children of God. Ephesians 4:22-24 shows us the need of a renewed mind. The New Birth is instantaneous, but the renewing of our minds is a gradual process. Its growth is determined by our study and meditation of the Word.
During this period we need the intercession of Christ. Many times we strain our fellowship with the Father, as in our ignorance of His will we many times say and do things that are not pleasing to Him. Then again, we need His intercession because of demoniacal persecution against us. Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake." This isn't the persecution of men but the persecution of demons. Matthew 5:11-12 refers to the persecution we receive from men.
Demons persecute us for righteousness' sake. They hate and fear us because God has declared us righteous. Because we have not fully learned of our authority they cause us to stumble many times. Regardless of this, He is able to save us to the utter-most because He ever lives to pray for us (Hebrews 7:25). No one can lay anything to the charge of God's child. God has declared him righteous. There is no one to condemn him. Jesus is living to make intercession for him (Romans 8:33-34).
The Bible in the Light of Our Redemption

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THE POWER OF YOUR TESTIMONY

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Power Of Your Testimony** Tuesday, December 6th Pastor Chris
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11).
Testifying to the power of God, the integrity and wonders of His Word, and power of the Spirit in your life is so important. Not only will it cause you to experience more blessings, it’ll keep the devil, his demons, and their nefarious schemes under your feet. When God does something for you, with you, or through you, tell it. Be glad to share your testimonies. Never consider anything the Lord does for you to be too small to talk about. Why is this so important?
Apart from your testimonies glorifying God, and inspiring faith in others, it also causes consternation in Satan’s camp. Not every demon knows you, because they don’t know everything. They may know you as a believer, but they don’t know what you have inside you. They really can’t tell what you think or know. They don’t know if you’re full of fear or full of faith; so, they’re going to test you, to find out.
But when they hear your testimonies; the things that your faith has produced, they take notice and flee from you. So, if for example you show up in a new environment, the first thing you should do is to start testifying. Declare your exploits of faith openly. Tell others about it, and in the process, the demons close by will hear and transmit the message to their cohorts to stay away from you, because they can see that you know who you are. Immediately, they’ll become full of fear and very careful of you because they’re very proud figures and they don’t like to be disgraced. They know if they try to mess around you, you’ll cast them out.
But if you don’t testify, they may not know what God has done with your life. Then they’ll start hanging around you, throwing little darts at you from time to time, just to test and distract you. But the Bible says we’re not ignorant of the devices of the enemy (2 Corinthians 2:11); paralyse him with your testimonies. There’s power in your testimony to completely neutralize the adversary and safeguard you against all his devices. The Bible says, “…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Resist him with the word of your testimony.
PRAYER
Thank you Father, for the opportunity to be blessed by your Word, living in, and by its power and dominion. I testify of your goodness and the victories you’ve wrought through me! I testify of the power of your infallible Word that has brought me into a place of strength, power, rest, and dominion. I testify of the miracles of salvation that you’ve wrought through me, and the deliverance, healings, and prosperity I’ve witnessed and experienced in my personal life. Hallelujah!
Further Study: || Mark 5:18-20 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. 19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. 20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel. ||
|| Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 3 John,
Daniel 7-8
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 8:1-13,
Amos 5-6
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

THREE CARDINAL VIRTUES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Three Cardinal Virtues** Friday, December 2nd Pastor Chris
And now abide these three, faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13 WESNT).
When Jesus walked the earth, there was something unique and different about His message; it was characterised by these three cardinal virtues: faith, hope, and love.
When He spoke, faith came alive in the hearers. He introduced the Father to them and unveiled the Father’s will for their lives. He let them know what God had done for them and how to walk in their divine inheritance.
Jesus also gave the people hope through His message; He made the future real and gave them a reason to believe in the future.
His message also expressed and communicated the love of God. Not only did He speak words of blessings to the people, He also touched them and related to them with love. He helped them know that the Father loved them, because of the way He (Jesus) loved them. He manifested “Liquid love”—ever-flowing love. You felt it when you were in His presence. Even those He reprimanded felt and experienced His love. He was love in motion.
That was what attracted even the little children to Him; they ran to Him whenever they saw Him. The crowd wouldn’t stop thronging Him; the Bible says, “…And the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37). People from everywhere came to Jesus, to hear Him, and be with Him, because in His words, they heard and saw love. In His presence, they were comforted, strengthened, filled with hope, and their faith came alive.
As a Christian or minister of the Gospel, if you desire the kind of results Jesus had, then these three virtues should be an awesome attraction in your life: faith, hope, and love. They must be evidently expressed in your actions, words, character, and behaviour. In ministering the Gospel, let faith flow from you to your listeners. Inspire hope in their hearts, and most of all, let them experience the love of Jesus, and know in their hearts that He loves them unconditionally. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
I’m an able, competent, and effective minister of the Gospel of Christ, manifesting the virtues of faith, hope, and love. I’m spreading the Gospel with passion, fervour and dedication; The love of Christ is evident in my actions, heard in my words, seen in my character, and reflected in my conduct. I’m bringing salvation to people everywhere, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Hebrews 11:6 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. ||
|| Romans 5:2-5 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ||
|| Galatians 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 3:11-24,
Ezekiel 47-48
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 6:1-10,
Joel 2
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional.

GOD WORKS THROUGH THE WORD

God Works Through the Word
Satan has always bitterly and subtly fought God's Word, because God works through His Word. When God desired to create a universe, He brought it into being by the power of His spoken Word. Hebrews 11:3. The worlds were created by the Word of God. Every child of God was begotten, born of the Word. James 1:18, "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth." I Peter 1:23, "Having been begotten again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever." Then, after man has become God's child, the food, the sustenance, and the maintenance of his spiritual life is the Word of God.

Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God." It is the Word which builds us up. Philippians 2:13, "For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure." He is working in us through His Word. Colossians 1:5-6, "Whereof ye heard before in the Word of truth of the gospel which is come unto you even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing as it doth in you since the day ye heard it."
Satan's Battle Against the Word
Every period of spiritual declension has been marked by a low conception of God's Word. When Satan found that the torturing and martyrdom of the Christians, and the destruction or burning of Bibles would not stop the church from growth, he employed a more successful method. That method has been subtly attacking the Word so that it is made powerless and ineffectual in the life of man.
For a period of one thousand years before the Reformation, the Word was not given its place in Christian circles. James Lord, in his writing, "Beacon Lights of History," shows that it was Oriental philosophy that for a period of one thousand years usurped the authority of the Word, and ruled and controlled the Christian world.
When the Word lost its place, Redemption lost its place, and faith became unknown. For a thousand years the Bible was locked up in monasteries, locked in a language that the common people could not understand. It was written in Latin only, and just the clergy had access to it. This is the reason for the spiritual darkness of the Middle Ages. This is why God seemed inactive during that dark period. When His Word lost its place, He lost His place in the lives of men. It was out of Oriental philosophy that penance, purgatory, monasteries, and the Crusades grew.
The Bible in the Light of Our Redemption, BY E.W KENYON
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CELAEBRATE THE WORD IN YOUR LIFE

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Celebrate The Word In Your Life** Tuesday, November 29th .
Pastor Chris
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).

Some people don’t know how to celebrate the Word of God in their lives. When they hear the Word, to them, it’s just another sermon; so they don’t give personality and honour to the Word. They’ve never placed a premium on the Word of God. The Word should mean everything to you, because our lives are built with it; God builds Himself into us through the Word.
The greatest thing you could ever have on this earth is the Word, because everything came from it; it created the whole world: “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). The Word of God is God. So, always be excited to give glory to, and celebrate the Word. To celebrate the Word is to celebrate Jesus, because Jesus is the living Word.
The true celebration of the Word is doing the Word; living in, and by the Word. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Some have only stored the Word in their hearts, but that’s not enough. You have to act on the Word. You have to keep meditating on the Word so it’ll grow mightily in you and prevail. As you celebrate the Word, your life becomes the expression and effulgence of His wisdom, glory, and grace. Hallelujah.
PRAYER
Holy Father, I thank you for the wonderful gift of your Word. As I celebrate your Word with joy and excitement, its power is released to accomplish what it talks about in my life, making me the effulgence and expression of your praise and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. ||
|| James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ||
|| Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Peter 3,
Ezekiel 41-42
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 3:11-22,
Hosea 11-12
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

BIBLE VERSES ON TESTIMONY, FROM KJV

Luke 8:39 - Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

2 Timothy 1:8 - Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Psalms 71:15-18 - My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].   (Read More...)

Matthew 10:32 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Psalms 66:16 - Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Psalms 119:46 - I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

1 John 1:1-4 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;   (Read More...)

1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1 John 5:11 - And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Titus 3:3-7 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.   (Read More...)

2 Timothy 1:8-9 - Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;   (Read More...)

i-TESTIFY

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. REVELATION 12:11 . As the year is coming to an end, we really believe the Lord has been good to you and we want you to share your testimony with us, because we are sure it will bless all our readers around the world. Also we want to assure you that if there are few things you still need to overcome before the end of the year, by sharing your testimony in the comment box, you will overcome them all in Jesus name. Thanks  .. Agoha Obed 

WHO ARE WE

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Who Are We?** Monday, November 28th . Pastor Chris
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).
In Acts 3:25, when the Apostle Peter was preaching to the Jews, he said to them, “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant….” Peter was speaking spiritually. He didn’t mean they were the children of the Prophets in the sense that they were born by the wives of the Prophets; no. There’s an understanding we need to get from this that’s very important: When he called them the children of the Prophets, he meant children of the promise, or the spoken Word.

Now, if they were the children of the Prophets and of the covenants, who then are we? A major problem in the world today is identity crisis. Many don’t know who they are. They’re still grappling with the questions: Who am I? What am I doing on earth? What’s my life about? The believers in the early Church didn’t argue with him (Peter), because they knew he was telling them the truth about their identity. They weren’t in the covenant; they were the children of the covenant.
Many Christians celebrate the idea that they’re in covenant with God. No! We’re not in covenant with God; we’re children of the covenant. That’s who we are; we’re the result of the covenant. Galatians 3:27-29 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
The Apostle Paul, in the foregoing scripture, lets us know that we’re as much Abraham’s seed as the Jews that Peter addressed in his epistle. The new creation is the actual spiritual seed of Abraham. We’re heirs of the promise. Romans 8:17 says, “…if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ….” That’s who we are; that’s our identity! It’s a present-hour reality. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
I know who I am, and what belongs to me. I’m Abraham’s seed, an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. Christ is in me; in Him I live and move and have my being. Greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. Satan and the world are under my feet. I live in victory, divine health and prosperity, and my life gravitates upwards and forward only, from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ||
|| 1 John 3:1 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. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Peter 2,
Ezekiel 39-40
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 3:1-10,
Hosea 9-10
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

i- TESTIFY

As the year 2016 is coming to an end, i look back from where we started in January and all i can say is thank you Lord, for blessing me in every area of my life, it has all been from glory to glory, despite every challenge, God you have been Faithful... OBED AGOHA

WORDS OF WISDOM

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THE ANIONTING IN YOU

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY, 26TH NOVEMBER.
THE ANOINTING IS IN YOU.
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him (1 John 2:27).

The Holy Spirit, the one who gives the anointing, lives in you in His fullness. What we need is the recognition and acknowledgement of the greater One that lives in us. He’s as much in you and with you when you “feel” the anointing, as He is when you don’t “feel” anything.
Don’t bring God to the realm of the senses; He doesn’t deal in that realm. Don’t base your Christianity on feelings. Sadly, that’s the only way some know to relate with God; they rely more on “feeling” the anointing to know that God is present. When they don’t “feel” it, they think something is wrong, and they start praying and crying, “O Lord, let the anointing fall on me; I want to feel your presence!” Some even start fasting for the anointing to come. What a misconception!
The anointing is the effect of the workings of the Holy Spirit. It’s also the impact or impartation of the Holy Spirit’s power. For example, when the anointing comes on a clothing material, like the handkerchiefs and aprons that were taken from Paul and laid on the sick (Acts 19:12), that’s an impartation of His power on that material. The question then is, the person of the Holy Spirit, compared to His effect and impartation, which is greater? The person of course! It’s like a man and his shadow.
Begging and crying for the anointing, when the Holy Spirit lives in you, is ignoring the real thing, and pursuing the shadow; that’s not going to work. Stop trying to receive more anointing. Stop wishing for more anointing from heaven. Look inside you. Get to know Christ who lives in you; He’s the anointed One and owner of the anointing. Since He lives in you, it means you can have all the power you could ever need, right inside you. Learn to stir up this gift of God that’s in you (2 Timothy 1:6).
PRAYER
Precious Father, thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit to live in me with His miracle- working ability. You’re able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I can ask or think according to your grace and power that’s at work in me. I recognize and activate that unction today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Peter 5 Ezekiel 35-36
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Revelation 2:1-12 Hosea 5-6
...Please do download more inspiring messages here

UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Understanding The Scriptures** Friday, November 25th . Pastor Chris
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures (Luke 24:45).
Many read the Bible but don’t understand the message of the Scriptures. The Bible contains the Word of God. It’s God’s testimony on what He said, what men said, what the devils said, what angels said, and what Jesus said. This means everything therein must be understood as to who’s talking and what the context of their speech or writing entails. It’s God’s testimony on the origin, life and destiny of man, spirits and their environments.
For example, in studying the Bible about the early Church in the New Testament, it’s important to notice the period of growth that the early Church went through. The disciples didn’t know everything at once in the early Church. When you study the first fifteen chapters of the book of Acts, the Church at the time didn’t quite believe that the non-Jews were supposed to be in Christ. It was in the fifteenth chapter that they had a debate, a serious one, and Peter had to explain it to them, while James supported with scripture references (Acts 15:6-29).
Therefore, when you’re studying the Bible, you should understand the thinking and culture of the people and writer at the time of writing. For instance, some of the teachings of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John weren’t meant for the new creation. Some of those teachings aren’t for Christians to live by; they were for the Jewish mind; not for those who have received eternal life. He said to His disciples on one occasion, “How come you don’t have any faith?” (Mark 4:40). You can’t read that and think to yourself, “O, perhaps the reason things aren’t working out for me is that I don’t have any faith.” That’ll be a wrong assumption because there’s no Christian who doesn’t have faith. The Bible says, “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). It was possible for those that lived under the Old Testament to not have any faith, because they weren’t born again. They were people of the senses, who lived under the Law, and faith isn’t of the senses but of the Spirit. But everyone among us in Christ was given the measure of faith.
Study the Scriptures with spiritual understanding and you’ll have a deeper insight into the past, present and future of God’s plans and purpose for the Church, for you, and for the world.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for granting me an understanding of the Scriptures and making me wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. I’m so privileged to be graced with the ability to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom. Thank you, precious Holy Spirit, for teaching me all things, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. ||
|| John 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Peter 4,
Ezekiel 33-34
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 1:1-20,
Hosea 3-4
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

No surgeon can operate and give us a sinless heart. No therapist can rid us of selfishness or hate. Science can do wonders, but science itself needs saving because it brings great evils as well as good. No computer could number our sins, or come up with a solution. The best people who ever lived shed tears over the evils of their own heart. But in the face of all this bad news, there is good news: Jesus saves! Only He! There is no other. Jesus saves today! Trust and receive Him. He will not pass you by. God bless you. REINHARD BONNKE

BLESSED ADA, SHOWCASING HER AWARDS FROM LIMA AWARDS 2016

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SETTLE IT WITH THE LORD FIRST

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Settle It With The Lord First** Wednesday, November 23rd . Pastor Chris
…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
A dear brother learnt about exercising spiritual authority and decided to act his faith. It had been cloudy and a downpour was imminent. Stepping out of his home, he commanded the rain to hold its peace. But soon enough, the rain started pouring down. He commanded the rain to cease, but the more he issued those commands, the heavier the downpour, and the more he got drenched.
He had read that Elijah stopped the rains from falling for three and half years (1 Kings 17), and so he thought, “If Elijah could do that, why couldn’t I?” But there’s something the young man didn’t understand.
If you only studied 1 Kings 17, you might run off with the view that Elijah merely proclaimed that there would be no rain, stormed out of Ahab’s palace, and the clouds were shut. James 5:17 shows us there was something more: “…he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” Before Elijah declared that there’d be no rain, he had already settled the matter with God. He had prevailed with God in prayer in his closet; it was an argumentative prayer, because it isn’t man’s jurisdiction to stop or cause rain to fall.
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 5:45 that sending down rain is solely God’s domain: “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” What Elijah did was to bring his strong reasons before the Lord in prayer, and the Lord granted his request.
This is what you do when dealing with cases, situations or issues outside your personal territory or jurisdiction. You must first prevail in prayer. There must first be moments of intense, heartfelt, earnest prayer, supplication, intercession, and giving of thanks. Such prayer, the Bible says, makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working (James 5:16 AMP).
CONFESSION
Blessed heavenly Father, it gladdens my heart to know I can set forth and plead my case with you, in earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer, and prevail against unfavourable circumstances. Thank you, Lord, for this awesome privilege, and the right to be heard each time I make decrees and entreaties in the Name of Jesus. Glory to your Name forever!
Further Study: || Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. ||
|| Isaiah 43:26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. ||
|| Isaiah 38:1-2 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Peter 1:22-2:1-25,
Ezekiel 29-30
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Jude 1:1-11,
Daniel 11-12
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WALKING IN LOVE IS WORKING IN THE GLORY

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, 22ND NOVEMBER.
WALKING IN LOVE IS WORKING IN THE GLORY.
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Hebrews 12:15).
In Exodus 23:25-26, God made certain promises to the children of Israel, who were God’s chosen people of the old covenant. He told them: “And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill.”
God didn’t say to them, “After you’ve prayed or fasted, I’ll bless your bread and your water; and I’ll take sickness away from you”; no! The only requirement was for them to serve the Lord, and the blessing will follow: there’d be no sickness in their midst. There wouldn’t be any miscarriages; neither would there be barren women in their land. He’d make sure the women carry their pregnancies full term, and the people lived healthy and strong, full and complete lives. How awesome!
It’s the same today. Ours is to walk in love. Jesus said to His disciples in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Sadly, many ignore this truth, and allow bitterness to take a hold of their hearts. It accounts for the terrible experiences of many, such as debilitating sicknesses that defy all medications. Bitterness, anger, and malice are some of the most common causes of cancer. To walk in divine health, such unwholesome traits must not be a part of your life.
You’re born to love. Love is your life. The Bible says the love of God is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Spirit. Walking in love isn’t a commandment for you as a new creation in Christ Jesus, but the only way for you to live. God is love (1 John 4:16 & 18); thus, to walk in love is to walk in God. No sickness, disease, or infirmity can thrive in your body, because you’re in the glory of God! Walking in love is walking in the glory.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of your love to my spirit, and the ability to express and manifest your love to others. You’ve made my life so beautiful, decorating it with your grace, love and righteousness. Thank you for your glory in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study:
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 NIV If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Peter 1:1-21 Ezekiel 27-28
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
3 John Daniel 9-10
...Please do download more inspiring messages here

HE'S GIVEN YOU ALL THINGS

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **He’s Given You All Things…Including Himself ** Sunday, November 20th . Pastor Chris
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours (1 Corinthians 3:21).
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” That’s a fundamental truth of the Gospel: the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ! However, as you get higher in the understanding of the Gospel, you’d discover that Jesus really doesn’t stand away and give you eternal life; He’s Himself eternal life. In giving you eternal life, He actually gave you Himself. Hallelujah.
No wonder, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, said, “...all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21). That’s because all things are in Christ, and He’s in you. Therefore, all things are yours, things present and things to come. He couldn’t see anything that wasn’t already yours. The day you come to terms with the fact that all things are yours, it’ll change your thinking and prayer life. You’d stop asking God for things. If it’s true that all things are yours (and it’s true), what then could you possibly be asking for?
Stop praying and asking God for healing; take divine health, for it’s yours in Christ Jesus. If all things are yours because Christ is in you, it means that divine health is already yours; you don’t have to pray or ask for what’s already yours. What you do is to acknowledge what belongs to you (Philemon 1:6); claim ownership of it in your words and actions. That’s how to walk in the Word and in the Spirit; affirming the Word in faith, irrespective and independent of circumstances.
Now, you can understand why the Lord Jesus said, “...Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on” (Luke 12:22). He’s your source and your sufficiency. In Him, you have all things. Refuse to be conscious of lack, because in reality, there’s nothing you don’t have. Christ is in you, and Christ is everything. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me all things in Christ Jesus. I cast all my cares upon you and lay all burdens down at your feet! I rejoice, knowing that all my needs are met, because Christ is my source and my sufficiency! He’s my all; in Him I have all I require for life and godliness; all I require to live triumphantly and please Him in the life of righteousness. Hallelujah.
Further Study: || 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: ||
|| Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: ||
|| 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. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 3:14-4:1-12,
Ezekiel 22-23
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 5:1-21,
Daniel 5-6
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

MAN'S INABILITY TO APPROACH GOD

Man's Inability to Approach God
In the life of Israel we have illustrations of man's attempting to force himself into the presence of God before Eternal Life came through Jesus Christ and justification on the grounds of His Finished Work. There are many acts of Divine Justice in the Old Testament which are hard to understand except in the light of man's need of a Mediator. Leviticus 10:1-3 is a recorded incident of one of the lessons that was necessary to cause Israel to know its spiritual condition before Deity.
What a calamitous closing of the dedication of the priesthood. Aaron and his family that morning had been aspiring to the highest point of Divine favor: the tabernacle had been reared; the Shekinah presence had filled it with glory; the majesty of Jehovah was resting upon Israel. Behind them lay a series of Divine Miracles that had marked them as God's chosen people, and now Aaron's firstborn heir to the priesthood with his brother is suddenly smitten with death before the whole congregation. What had occasioned it?
These two sons, lingering near the tent of meeting at noon, in a spirit of bravado or curiosity, took up censers with live coals, poured incense upon them, and entered the Holy of Holies, contrary to God's appointed way. No one but the High Priest could go there, and he could go only once a year. Suddenly, the young men stagger, stumble, and fall dead. As Aaron stands horrified, shocked and stunned in the presence of the dead, Moses cries to him, "Aaron, this is it that Jehovah spake, saying, I shall be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified." And Aaron held his peace. Israel had learned that man could not approach God uninvited and in his own way.
We have another sample of man's attempt to approach Jehovah unauthorized in Numbers 16. It is the story of Korah and his rebellion. Korah and a company of the leaders of Israel are jealous of Moses and Aaron, and insist that they have as much right to approach Jehovah as have God's appointed High Priests. Moses puts the issue to the test in the presence of the whole congregation. He invited Korah and his followers to appear before Jehovah with their censers, ready for worship.
As soon as they came, Moses warned the people to get up from the tents of these wicked men who dared to approach God uninvited and in their own way. No sooner had Moses ceased speaking than the earth opened its mouth, and the men with their families dropped down alive into Sheol. Israel ran away from the scene, frightened, filled with awe and reverence for such a holy God. Another illustration is given to us in I Samuel 6:19. The Ark of the Covenant had been captured because of Eli's great sin. It had been taken down into Gath by the Philistines; and after a series of judgments that had fallen upon the heathen cities because of their desecration of the Ark, they put it on a cart and sent it back to Bethshamesh.
The cattle that were drawing the cart turned off the road into the fields. When some of the people laboring in the field saw the Ark, the news spread rapidly over the hillsides until thousands of people gathered from the country round about, reverent and curious. Then a bolder spirit than the others drew near and threw off the heavy covering from the Ark of the Covenant, and the people for the first time saw that Holy Receptacle of the Ten Commandments.
Suddenly, a plague struck them, and fifty thousand men fell dead upon the ground. Awful fear and consternation fell upon the people; beating their breasts, they turned back to their homes. It has been shown again that no one can approach God but through a High Priest or over a bleeding sacrifice. Man, because of his Satanic nature, cannot come into God's presence uninvited. He needs a Mediator.
The Bible in the Light of Our Redemption, BY E.W KENYON

YOU CAN NOW WORSHIP WITH PASTOR CHRIS FROM ANY PART OF THE WORLD

BLW SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR 2016 GOES TO EBEN AND ADA, BIG CONGRATES TO THEM

BLW WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR 2016, HOLY SPIRIT BY TO MARTIN PK

CONGRATULATION TO SINACH, AS SHE WINS BLW SONG WRITER OF THE DACADE

TRANSMIT LOVE

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Transmit Love** Monday 14th November . Pastor Chris
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).
We’re in the last days, and it’s our discovery, and expression of the love of Christ that’ll usher us into that place where we’ll be ready for the King’s expected return. That’s what’s going to get us prepared for the rapture of the Church, and take us to the highest level of His grace. The earlier you make that discovery, the better. There’re no two ways about it: you have to walk in love.
A good number of Christians don’t know what it is to walk in love. It’s amazing how people carry out ministry for Christ without knowing that love is truly all that matters. It makes no difference what you do for the Lord; if it’s not from a heart of love, it’s useless. Be love-inspired all the time. Speak the love-language. Transmit love through your words and actions.
Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked….” Someone may deceive himself and pretend to be walking in love, but the Bible says God searches the heart. He sees your heart; and He knows whether or not you’re motivated by love or by selfishness. One sure way you can measure your love-walk is from your tongue—your communication. James explained thus: “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:1-2).
Tame your tongue to be gracious, and affectionate. Be inspiring in your communication. Let people remember you for how glorious, inspired, and strengthened you made them feel from the words they received from you. Your words locate you. They determine whether you’ve discovered His love.
It doesn’t really matter what anybody thinks about you or what you say or think about yourself; what matters most are the words that come out of your mouth every day, irrespective of who you’re talking to: God, men, yourself, circumstances or nature. Be sure that your words and actions transmit the love of God that’s in your heart.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me the ability to speak and express the God-life through my words and actions. My life is the daily expression and manifestation of divine love. You’ve anointed my mind to think and express your grace and love, guiding me to speak gracious and life-giving words only, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ||
|| 1 Corinthians 13:8 CEV Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. ||
|| 1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 11:17-40,
Ezekiel 8-10
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 2:1-14,
Ezekiel 45
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

THE RENEWED MIND

THE RENEWED MIND
THERE has never been a great deal of teaching in regard to the necessity of a renewed mind. We have stressed the need of being converted, being Born Again, but we have left the convert hanging in the air, as it were. Great enthusiasm and joy comes at the New Birth, but unless that is cared for and fed by the mind being renewed through feeding on the Word and practicing it, that joy will die out.
When you are Born Again your spirit is Recreated. It receives the Nature and Life of the Father, but the mind that has held your spirit in captivity is the same old mind.
It receives a mighty impetus when the spirit receives Eternal Life, but that is all.
You understand that all the knowledge the mind had, comes from the senses and the senses can never be renewed. They are a part of the physical body.
They can be brought into subjection; they can be controlled, but they can't be renewed.
The spirit is Recreated, but the mind, this brain of ours that receives its knowledge from the five senses, can be brought into subjection to the Word. I have come to believe that it can be purified by meditation in the Word. I don't mean purified like the blood of Christ has cleansed us, but I mean that it drops off much that is unnecessary and unwise.
In itself it may not be harmful but it is unnecessary. It takes up time. The mind slowly but surely as it feeds on the Word, meditates in the Word, practices and lives the Word, comes into the fellowship of the Recreated spirit. In Rom. 12:1, 2 we have one of the most important Scriptures in regard to the physical body and its thinking processes: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well-pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service."
Notice it very carefully now. He is asking you to present your body which holds the five senses. They are the most important part of that body, the seeing part, the hearing part, the feeling part, the tasting and smelling parts. They are the five channels to the brain over which travel all the impulses that have taught the brain all that it knows. Now He says, I want you to give this home of your five senses to the Lord. I want you to lay that body of yours, as it were, upon the altar.
As the Jew laid a dead offering upon the altar, you are to lay your living body upon the altar in the sense that you are dedicating it, giving it over to the Lordship of the Word.
Then He says in the second verse, "And be not fashioned according to this age, but be ye transformed (or transfigured) by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Your mind has been fashioned after the things of this world.
The world's ideals probably have been yours. Now your mind must come under the dominion of your Re¬created spirit through the Word. Your mind must recognize the three-fold Lordship through your Recreated spirit, the Lordship of the Word, the Lordship of Jesus and the Lordship of Love. It may be difficult for your mind to assimilate this ; to allow Love to become a part of yourself: to allow the Word to utterly dominate; to recognize the Love Lordship of Jesus.
I know how hard that is, but that must come or else the believer is going to live on the borderland between right and wrong, never knowing whether this is wrong, or that is wrong. He will be asking his friends, "Is it wrong to do this? Should I do that?" The reason is, his mind has never been renewed and he is living on the borderland in a sort of semi-spiritual darkness. But as his mind is renewed he will come to know the will of the Father. He will walk in the light of the Word.
He will get to know that three-fold will-the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of the Father. He will be claiming the highest will of the Father. He will not be satisfied with "the acceptable and the good," but will want the perfect and the well-pleasing will of the Father. In John 8:28 Jesus said, "I always do the things that are pleasing to my Father."
This New Creation man craves that kind of a life.
His spirit is reaching out, sometimes really agonizing in him to become well-pleasing to the Father. In Col. 3:5-10 He is unveiling the inner workings of the senses and their control of the mind. Read it carefully. He says, "For which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience."
He shows the uncleanness of the natural mind as it is dominated by the senses.
In the 9th verse He is speaking to you. He said, I don't want you to lie to one another any more, since you have put off the old man with his doings. You see, you are a New Creation and you put on the New Man, that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him.
This is a message to the new convert primarily. Old believers have already done this thing.
He wants that New Man to be brought into perfect harmony with his thinking faculties, and that can't be until his mind is re¬newed, until it comes to recognize its position in Christ.
You notice it said, "Put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of film."
That will be Revelation Knowledge. You will know your responsibilities and your ability to meet them. You see, the small faith man is almost invariably a man whose mind has not yet been renewed. If you find a believer that doesn't walk in love, it is because his mind has not yet been renewed. His mind can't be renewed by simply studying the Bible. He will have to live it. It has to become a part of His mind. Many of our Bible teachers have never seen this and their senses govern their mind.
That means their senses govern their teaching; that their Re¬created spirit has a very small place in their lives. 2 Cor. 4:16, "Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day." The inward man is your spirit that is feeding on the Word, that is being renewed continually. Your mind should feed on the Word too. There should he meditation in the Word.
You remember in Joshua 1 :8 Jehovah told him that he was to "meditate in the word day and night, and that he might observe to do according to all that there is written therein ; for then thou shalt make they way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
The same rule that God laid down for Joshua should govern the New Creation, this new man who has the mind of Christ.
Another Scripture that might help us a bit is Eph. 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them." He has prepared you to walk in His will. His ability has been given to you.
His strength is at your disposal. The good deeds that He would have you perform are within the range of your ability, that is, the ability that He has given to you.
He expects you to pray for sick folks.
You will teach the Word; witness to the unsaved ; walk in Love, and you will walk in the light of the Word and be a blessing to those around you, because your mind now is in perfect harmony with the Recreated spirit. The New Commandment "that you love one another" has become the very heart life of your conduct.
New Creation Realities,BY E.W KENYON

GOD OF VENGANCE

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...
DATE: SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2016
THEME: GOD OF VENGEANCE
Memorise:
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19
Read: Ezekiel 25:12-17
25:12 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
25:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.
25:14 And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.
25:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred;
25:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.
25:17 And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.
MESSAGE
God is against His children repaying evil to those who have done them evil. It is not in the place of any genuine child of God to seek revenge.
"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:9
No one can avenge like God. This is why I don't worry myself about my enemies, I just report them to my Father and I leave the rest to Him. When God fights your enemies, even you who was hurt will begin to pity them. This is because there is no one that can stand the anger of the Almighty God. Anytime you are trying to revenge, you are already playing God and the consequence is unbearable. Society may tell you to do otherwise. Reasoning may tell you to repay evil in return for the wrong done to you, but the scripture demands that you act differently. You are an ambassador of Christ, you are a peace maker, and you must do everything to proof that. In the world, people are taught to seek revenge, but the opposite is expected from the children of God. We should hand over those who have hurt us to God. Moses handed over the rebels to God. Joseph handed over his elder brothers to God. Job forgave his accusers and left them to their conscience.
It is even possible that some people within your team will for no reason antagonise all your actions and intents. They may show you so much hatred and make every move to work against the plan of God for your life. Some will habour hatred just because the Lord is prospering you. Some may wish you bad, and go to the extent of including such wishes in their prayer points. But you must not fight for yourself; just allow them to face the great Avenger. We must be harmless and inoffensive so that we don't give people reasons to quarrel with us. We must labour to preserve peace. The world hated Christ without a cause, yet he died for them. When they brought Him before Pontius Pilate, they could not find any blame against Him, yet they demanded that He must be crucified. This is the same Jesus who chose to love an unloving world. He died for us while we were yet sinners. He is called the judge of Israel (Micah 5:1). If He takes over your case, your enemies are in serious trouble. If He decides to advocate on your behalf, there can never be any appeal against His verdict. When He decides to be your witness, you can be sure that He will put all of them to shame. Is anybody troubling your peace in your home, office, neighborhood, school, the Almighty God will put them where they belong in Jesus' name. No matter what the enemy does, your prosperity, progress, provision and security is guaranteed in Him. The enemy that has lifted himself against you and all the voices that are fighting against your glorious destiny shall be truncated in Jesus' name. The Lord will show up for you and take over all the battles of your life, and you can be sure that victory is yours. The most important thing is to stay on the Lord's side.
Key Point:
When the Lord is on your side, you can sleep with your two eyes closed.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 18:22-20:18
Psalms 102:16-28
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE