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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