RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 5TH JUNE

THEME: SERVE GOD WITH REVERENCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers (Romans 1:9).

When you study the life of the Apostle Paul, it’ll be very clear to you why he was so successful in ministry. Paul understood what it meant to serve God with, and from, your spirit—with true reverence. Isn’t that akin to what Jesus said in John 4:23-24? He said, “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him.” This was the life Paul lived.

When he said, “I serve God with my spirit,” he was simply stating how he lived every day. Now you can understand why he said in Philippians 3:3, “We are the true circumcision that worship God in the spirit….” There was a conditioning of his spirit through the Word and fellowship of the Holy Spirit that made him a true worshipper.

This is the life we’ve been called to live. We’re to serve and worship the Lord with, and from, our spirits, with the reverence that He deserves. The Bible says, “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne…” (Revelation 4:10). They showed reverence to the Lord in worship.

Sometimes, that reverence could be an outward prostration, but the prostration of the heart is more important. Many don’t understand what it is to have reverence for God. Some Christians speak in tongues irreverently, forgetting that they’re speaking to God and not man. The Bible says he that speaks in an unknown tongue isn’t speaking to men, but unto God: in the spirit, he’s speaking mysteries to God (1 Corinthians 14:2). Why then should a child of God speak to God so irreverently? Such irreverence among some Christians reflects in their lives, in their words and actions.

Always have the consciousness of the presence of God. It’ll help you maintain not just an attitude, but a life of reverence, where you give true worship to God.

PRAYER
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for you alone are God! You’re exalted as head over all, and I serve you with my spirit in the Gospel, in holiness and truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Revelation 4:10-11 (KJV)
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Psalm 103:1 (KJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

John 4:23-24 (KJV)
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 19:17-42 & 1 Chronicles 17-19

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 15:40-49 & Ecclesiastes 1-2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 6TH JUNE

THEME: THE NAME ABOVE ALL

THEME SCRIPTURE: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. ( Philippians 2:10)

Our opening verse is so profound! It says every knee should bow to Jesus. Who could this be? Who is this Jesus that at His Name every knee has to bow? There’s only One who claims that every knee should bow to Him, and that’s the Lord God: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear” (Isaiah 45:22-23). We then find in Psalm 138:2 that the name “Jehovah” is encapsulated in the very Name Jesus: “… for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Jesus is the Word magnified and personified. The Bible says He’s “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21 NIV). We’ve been given that Name to live by, to use, and it works all the time.

Some people have narrated how, when they were sleeping, some force came over them and pushed on their chest. They struggled to get rid of whatever it was to no avail and tried to call the Name of Jesus, but their mouths were heavy. However, the moment they were able to get the Name of Jesus out of their mouths, the thing disappeared instantly. Hallelujah! When we call the Name of Jesus, things happen in the realm of the spirit. Angels are dispatched on your behalf. Demons bow and limitations are destroyed. Situations turn around for your good. Call that Name today. Call it over your city. Call it over your state. Call it over your country. Call it over this world! We’ve been given a treasure so great, and it behooves us to use it. It’s the Name of Jesus!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the power in the Name of Jesus, the Name above all names. By the power of that Name, I declare the dominion of truth, righteousness, justice and peace over all nations. I declare that I’m living the higher life of glory you prearranged for me; I dwell in health, safety, peace and prosperity today and always. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Romans 14:11; Psalm 72:11; Philippians 2:9-11 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 20:1-18 & 1 Chronicles 20-22

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 15: 50-58 & Ecclesiastes 3-4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 7TH JUNE

THEME: THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life(John 6:63)

The excitement during our worship, praise and thanksgiving would not produce life if the contents of the songs aren’t delivered in words that are consistent with the New Testament of Christ. No matter the shouting, without the Spirit, it’s empty shout. The Spirit makes the difference. When you speak the right words, the Spirit acts upon them. For example, it’s the reason we can speak from where we are and say to someone who’s thousands of miles away, “Be healed,” and a blind person in China will receive his sight, or someone in faraway Mongolia who’s been crippled from birth starts walking. Such things happen because of the power of the Spirit in our words. Words recognize no seasons or barriers.

Words are things; they’re tangible and potent with creative energy. So, don’t say, “Well, I wasn’t serious when I said it”; in the realm of the spirit, everything you say is living and active. It’ll work for you or against you. That’s the reason we emphasize speaking the Word only; speaking truth. The Bible says, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Don’t use words carelessly. Know, think, talk and sing the Word—whether in merrymaking or in praise to God! Let your life be consistent with God’s truths, and you’d be amazed at the resultant blessings in your life.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me your Word to live by. I utter words that are consistent with your will, plans and purposes continually, knowing that my words are filled with power to produce results for your glory. I deal and speak wisely always; my words inspire faith in others, for healings, salvation and blessings, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 2:4 AMPC; Mark 11:23

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 20:19-31 & 1 Chronicles 23-25

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 16:1-12 & Ecclesiastes 5-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022.

Pastor Chris

THEME: THE BATTLE HAS BEEN WON

THEME SCRIPTURE:...help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee (2 Chronicles 14:11).

In the Scriptures, we find certain instances where God’s people were overwhelmed by their adversaries in numbers and weapons. In the days of King Asa, Judah was completely outnumbered by Zerah, the Ethiopian King, who invaded Judah with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots.

Asa cried out to the Lord and the Lord gave him supernatural victory (2 Chronicles 14:12). Then you find the story of Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah. Judah was surrounded by three enemy nations that were ready to attack her—Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. The king gathered all Judah together to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting, and God said through a prophetic message, “...fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17).

God told them how to approach the war and was definite: He said, “Tomorrow, go out against them!” Not only that, He revealed the exact location of the enemies’ camp and gave them the strategy to defeat them. Employing the strategy God gave them, Jehoshaphat organized and placed singers, the Levites, in front to praise the beauty of God’s holiness.

The result was a great victory for Jehoshaphat and all Judah. Think about it; not a single sword lifted, yet God’s people recorded an overwhelming victory against three enemy nations. This is our reality as new creatures in Christ Jesus; we’re undefeatable. The battle was already won before we came on the scene. What God expects is for us to give Him praise. This is what we must do in our churches. Our churches have to be filled with songs of praise to God.

It makes no difference what you face in this world, be full of praise, and worship the Lord, because the battle has been won! No wonder He says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). Then in Romans 8:37, He says, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

PRAYER
I thank you, Lord, for the victories, triumphs and successes that I experience always. You’re incorruptible and immortal, invisible, the only God; to you be honour and glory, majesty, might and dominion, power and authority, now and forever. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 20:7 Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Hebrews 2:12-13 AMPC For He says, I will declare Your [the Father's] name to My brethren; in the midst of the [worshiping] congregation I will sing hymns of praise to You. And again He says, My trust and assured reliance and confident hope shall be fixed in Him. And yet again, Here I am, I and the children whom God has given Me.

Hebrews 13:15 AMPC Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

Psalm 28:7 The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 21:1-25 & 1 Chronicles 26-29

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24 & Ecclesiastes 7-8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 9TH JUNE 2022.

Pastor Chris

THEME: PRAYER AND THE SPOKEN WORD

THEME SCRIPTURE: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)

In Ephesians 6:10-18, everything the Apostle Paul listed was a protective part of our armour. The only offensive tool is “the sword of the Spirit,” which is the “Rhema” of God—the Word of God that’s spoken from your mouth—the out-breathing of the inspired Word of God for the hour and the season.

This is akin to the Apostle John’s description of the Lord in Revelation 1:16: “…out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword....” We find a similar expression in Revelation 2:16: “…I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” This doesn’t mean a sword protrudes out of His mouth; rather, it refers to the Word of God!

Now, observe the connection between the 17th and the 18th verses of Ephesians 6 in the underlined portion: “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GOD: PRAYING always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

It says while you’re declaring the Word, getting on the offensive against the adversary, pray for all saints! He’s emphasizing prayer and the spoken word. So, declare God’s Word always, and pray that God’s people are strengthened and emboldened to continually take their place as agents of change in the nations of the world. Praise God.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m fully equipped and fortified with the whole armour of God, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Your Word from my lips prevails against adverse circumstances, producing righteousness and salvation, subduing darkness and evil and all manipulations of Satan, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

John 6:63* It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 & Ecclesiastes 9-10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 10TH JUNE

THEME: THE FLESH HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED

THEME SCRIPTURE: This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh(Galatians 5:16)

The flesh is basically about your senses and appetites, and the things you desire to do. And the Bible tells us, “…they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). Notice that verse doesn’t say, “They that are Christ’s are trying to or praying to crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts.” For the one crying to the Lord to help crucify the flesh, he’s praying the wrong prayer, struggling for nothing! Don’t find yourself in a struggle.

If that’s the case, stop right away and say, “From this day, Jesus Christ is the Lord over my mind, over my appetites and over my desires; I have overcome the flesh and its passions and appetites; I’m Christ-minded.” Fill your thoughts with the words of Christ; that’s what you need. If the Word of God controls your mind, you’ll be a master. The Lordship of Jesus is the end of all struggles. When Jesus is the Lord of your body, you do what Paul explained in Romans 12:1: you present your body to Him, because your body is His body. 1 Corinthians 6:15 says, “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.”

Be bold and confident that you’re God’s headquarters. The body in which you live is God’s property; you’re living inside as a tenant and custodian; you’re taking care of it for God. Romans 8:12-14 says, “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” You live in the Spirit; therefore, walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.

PRAYER
Dear Father, my body and all my members and faculties are a living sacrifice, holy, devoted, consecrated and well-pleasing to you, which is my service and spiritual worship. I have crucified the flesh with its passions and appetites and desires. My mind is yielded to your Word, and my heart is regulated by the Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1-5 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 2:1-21 & 2 Chronicles 5-7

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 1:12-24 & Ecclesiastes 11-12

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 11TH JUNE

THEME: GIVE ATTENTION TO PRAYER AND THE WORD

THEME SCRIPTURE: But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4 AMPC).

When we talk about being equipped and positioned for a life of consistent victory and dominion, it’s about giving attention to the Word of God, and prayer in its various dimensions and applications. In other words, prayer is of different kinds, and it’s important to know how to pray effectively by applying the different rules for different kinds of prayer.

Paul said, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18). So, you learn to pray ALWAYS. The Lord Jesus taught that, “…Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” All through the Scriptures, there’s such strong emphasis on prayer because of its profound blessings and benefits.

Also, God’s Word is of utmost importance in our lives; you must study, understand and live by God’s Word. Jesus said in John 8:31, “…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). In John 8:32, He said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” His Word is truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

In Colossians 3:16, the Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….” Place a premium on the study of the Word of God and prayer. It’s what you need for a balanced spiritual life, where you triumph gloriously every day.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for equipping me for the victorious life in Christ through the Word and prayer. As I make time praying in the spirit, pressing on for more knowledge of the Word, your glory is expressed in and through me; I’m thoroughly nourished and fortified, and my profiting is unstoppable, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 6:1-4 (KJV)
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 2:22-47 & 2 Chronicles 8-11

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 2:1-7 & Songs Of Solomon 1-2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 12TH JUNE

THEME: CHANGE THE COURSE OF YOUR WORLD

THEME SCRIPTURE: They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course (Psalm 82:5).

What a lamentation! It’s so striking that the Psalmist says, “…all the foundations of the earth are out of course.” This means things are out of direction; they’re in a state of confusion. It’s like what he says in Psalm 11:3: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In the world today, a lot of foundations are out of course. Some people have tried to destroy the economic foundations of different nations. They’ve also tried to crush the foundations of godliness in our societies. Same for health, education, family and more.

As Christians, we shouldn’t fold our hands and watch the devil wreak havoc in different nations and in the lives of men. God expects us to do something about it. He says, “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3-4). Don’t be ignorant of this. Don’t be content with only meeting your personal needs and chasing your own dreams. You have what it takes to change the course of your world.

Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand The word “framed” is “katartizō” (Greek), and it means to repair or adjust, to restore, mend or make perfect. This means that with faith, you can repair the foundations of the earth that are out of place and put them back on course. You can fix those circumstances and situations in your world that are inconsistent with the will of God.

By declaring faith-filled words, you give shape, structure and beauty to your world. It makes no difference how bad the current situation is, you can mend what needs mending, you can restore what needs restoration, and you can fix anything that’s been ruined. What you need is to use the Word to keep the adversary in defeat. Use it to frame the course of your world to line up with God’s plan and purpose. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the dominion over all things. The course of my life is consistent with your perfect will, plans and purposes. I refuse to be a victim. Rather, I live victoriously over the adversary and the adversities of life. With the Word of God on my lips, I reign in dominion over circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:19-21 (KJV)
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Obadiah 1:21 (KJV)
And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.

Jeremiah 22:3 (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 3:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 12-15

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 2:8-17 & Songs Of Solomon 3-4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 13TH JUNE

THEME: OPERATE FROM THE SPIRIT REALM

THEME SCRIPTURE: If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me… (1 Corinthians 15:32).

From studying the Scriptures on Paul’s ministry at Ephesus, we understand that he wasn’t fighting animals like a gladiator. It was actually illegal to make Roman citizens gladiators. We also know he never went into the bush to fight animals, neither was he engaged in any physical combat with men. So, what did he mean when he said he “fought with beasts at Ephesus?”

In 2 Corinthians 1, he again described this horrible experience, explaining that he and his companions were pressed beyond measure and despaired even of life: “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:.

God, however, delivered them from this great peril. But they had been in prayer, and other saints were also interceding for them: “Ye also helping together by prayer for us…” (2 Corinthians 1:11). They had been wrestling. Their struggle wasn’t with flesh and blood; it wasn’t against humans. It was spiritual.

Paul dealt with the wickedness of men against him from the realm of the spirit. When you come to spiritual maturity, you don’t confront human beings when they’re mistreating you; you confront the spirits responsible for their actions. That’s what Paul did when he said, “I have fought with beasts at Ephesus.”

When you exercise dominion over these evil spirits and break their influence over the people, they’ll stop thinking and acting the way they used to, because the spirits responsible for their actions have been bound or expelled.

Are the leaders of your country making wrong decisions? Don’t get angry with them. In many cases, they’re unaware that their wrong decisions are a result of demons talking to them and putting thoughts in their minds. With intercessory prayer and using our authority in the Name of Jesus over demons, we can change the situation in our cities and nations.

We must, in prayer, break the influence of demons over the governments and leaders of our nations. Be bold to exercise this power in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

CONFESSION
I’m sensitive to God, to spiritual realities, and to the spiritual realm where I function from a vantage position of victory and dominion in Christ Jesus. I’ve been granted the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus; therefore, I disallow all demonic activities in my life, in my environment and in the lives of my loved ones. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

James 4:7 (KJV)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 4:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 16-19

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 3:1-10 & Songs Of Solomon 5-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 14TH JUNE

THEME: SERVE GOD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOLINESS

THEME SCRIPTURE: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

From the verse above, we see the Apostle Paul’s careful use of words. In verse eighteen, he said, “We (all of us) have been given the ministry of reconciliation.” Then he presses home the importance of this ministry of reconciliation, urging the Corinthian church to take the message to the world.

But Paul was after something else as well, which he communicates to them. After asseverating the importance of reconciling men to God, he went on to his next subject and says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

When he said, “We are ambassadors for Christ,” he wasn’t referring to the whole church of Christ; rather, he was referring to himself and his companions who were with him such as Timothy, with whom he wrote this letter. He counselled the Corinthian church to be reconciled to God. The same people he had told to reconcile the world to God are now being told to be reconciled to God. Why?

It’s because they had not been living right. Therefore, he says to them, “Just as the Spirit has said, ‘go to the people of the world and reconcile them to God’, He’s also saying to you, repent and be reconciled to God.” This is important because as God’s people, we’re encouraged to be involved in the work of the ministry, to take the message of salvation to the unsaved and reconcile men to God. But while you’re at it, live a life that’s pleasing to the Lord.

Christianity is a call to righteousness and a walk in righteousness. Don’t live in sin. The Bible says sin shall not have dominion over you (Romans 6:14). Serve God in holiness and righteousness. Stay in the Word and practise your Christianity, regardless of the pressures. Live the life of a righteous person every day.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for imparting to me the nature of righteousness such that I’m able to live a righteous life. I walk in righteousness and produce works and fruits of righteousness. I’m a light in a dark world, lighting the paths of sinners that they may see and be ushered into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:20-24 (KJV)
20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (KJV)
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 4:32-5:1-11 & 2 Chronicles 20-22

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 3:11-18 & Songs Of Solomon 7-8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE

THEME: SUSTAIN THE GLORY THROUGH PRAYER

THEME SCRIPTURE: Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again (John 12:28).

Luke, by the Spirit, reports what happened to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration as He prayed: “And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering” (Luke 9:29). That means the glory increased. But that glory and power were from within Him. This is the transformation that each one of us can and should have through praying in the Holy Ghost. That’s the secret.

If you pray for a short time, you may not sustain the glory or it could fizzle out. For example, when we minister to people and lay hands on them, it does something for them at that moment. But it’s a completely different thing for that power to stay. To sustain the effect and the impact of the glory, you must give yourself to prayer—praying in the spirit.

You can’t spend your time in godless chatter and experience this. 2 Timothy 2:15-16 (AMPC) says, “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.”

If you want to see your life go from glory to glory, avoid empty, vain, useless, idle talk; rather, give yourself to the ministry of the Word and praying in the spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMPC says, “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”

If you’ve been studying the Word, beholding the glory of God, you’ve contacted something. Don’t let it leave you. Hold on to it. Sustain it through prayer and meditation on the Word.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your Word that has come to my spirit today; I’m transfigured, and the glory is resplendent even in my countenance as I pray in the spirit. I’m transformed in every area of my life, from glory to glory, and the light of your Word shines forth brightly in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 6:15 (KJV)
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Ephesians 5:18-20 (KJV)
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Luke 9:28-30 (KJV)
28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 5:12-42 & 2 Chronicles 23-25

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 4:1-6 & Isaiah 1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 16TH JUNE

THEME: HE GAVE US HIS NAME

THEME SCRIPTURE: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9).

At the mention of the Name of Jesus, the Bible says every knee should bow. This is the sovereign decree of Almighty God; it’s a law in the spirit-realm. When the Name of Jesus is called, everyone submits to it in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth. It’s impossible to resist the power of His Name. This is the Name He gave us to live by.

The Bible says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17). Do you know what this means? Many people pray in the Name of Jesus; but for some, it’s just a religious observation or rite. Some don’t even believe, but they pray in His Name anyway.

For those of us who believe in Him, the Bible says in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Hallelujah! Imagine all that we can do in His Name. Isn’t this amazing?

In His Name, you can cast out demons; if any deadly thing enters your system, it won’t hurt you. In His Name, we heal the sick, cleanse the lepers and raise the dead. The Bible says, “oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever” (Ephesians 1:19-21 MSG).

He gave us so much authority so we can fix things in our world. He gave us His Name so that we can use it to dominate and influence this world for His glory and establish His righteousness in all the earth, and we’re at it. Blessed be God!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for giving me the Name of Jesus to live by and function with in the earth. When I make requests in that Name, they’re granted; this takes the limits off life. I can do all things and become as successful as I desire because I’ve been given the Name of Jesus to live by. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 4:9-12 (KJV)
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 6:1-15 & 2 Chronicles 26-28

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 & Isaiah 2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY 17TH JUNE 2022.

Pastor Chris

THEME: A STRICT PRAYER REGIMEN

THEME SCRIPTURE: And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone (Matthew 14:23).

Prayer is part of our priestly ministry. The Bible says men ought always to pray and not to give up. The Lord Jesus showed us, with practical examples, the importance and power of prayer. Mark 1:35 MSG tells us, “While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed.” Luke 5:16 says, “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”

Jesus was disciplined with his prayer routine, and we ought to emulate Him. You’re a soldier in God’s army, and the hallmark of a soldier is discipline. Christianity is a call to a life of spiritual discipline. There’s a disciplined prayer life you ought to cultivate, and you can’t leave it out or leave it to chance.

You can’t say, “I’ll pray whenever I feel like”; no! In the army, you don’t do things when or because you feel like; you do things because you have to do them. You stick to the schedule; excuses aren’t tolerated. Scheduled times of prayer must be an integral part of your daily routine. First, you must have a personal prayer schedule. At such times, nothing else should be more important. Discipline yourself and pray; avoid distractions.

Secondly, take your corporate times of prayer seriously, whether you’re participating onsite or online. It’s one of the many benefits of being a member of a local church. Churches have structures, and members of the body of Christ generally belong to a church. Through the church structure, there could be prayer times allotted to different cell groups or even the whole church could be praying together at specific times. Be sure to be a part of it.

I send out notifications for prayer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for us to pray for 15 minutes at 12 noon and 10pm local time on Kingschat via the PastorChrislive superuser. If you haven’t been praying with us on that platform, sign up and turn on the notifications on your device to join millions around the world in these special times of prayer.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the privilege to pray and side with you to enforce your will in the earth and in the lives of men. Through prayer, my eyes are open to spiritual realities, and your thoughts are unveiled to my spirit, causing me to walk in ever-increasing glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.

Ephesians 6:18 AMPC Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 7:1-53 & 2 Chronicles 29-30

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 & Isaiah 3

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 18TH JUNE

THEME: USE HIS NAME WITH EXPECTATION

THEME SCRIPTURE: Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk (Acts 3:6).

The Bible tells us about a man in Acts 3 who was laid daily at the gate of the temple so he could beg for alms. He was above 40 years of age and had been lame from birth. One day, as Peter and John were going together into the temple, the man reached out to them for alms. They both stopped, and Peter spoke up and said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Confident that a miracle had happened, Peter got the man by the right hand and lifted him up, and the man’s ankle bones received strength; he was gloriously healed by the power of God. Jesus gave us the power of attorney to use His Name, to call His Name upon situations and circumstances. His Name has all power; use it with expectation.

If you believe in Jesus Christ, you have to trust His Name. You have to use His Name with confidence and faith. When Peter said to the man, “In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,” the Bible says the man’s ankle bones received strength.

But no one saw his bones receiving strength. No one saw how the power of God worked in his bones. In the realm of the spirit, when you use the Name of Jesus, there’s a change. You may not see it until you act, and you’ll only act because you’re expectant. Had Peter not been expectant of a miracle, he wouldn’t have pulled the man up.

Every one of us in Christ Jesus who has received the Holy Spirit has something to give to our city, our state, our nation, and the whole world. He sent us in His Name to announce the Good News to them, that righteousness has come; eternal life is now theirs. Go out in expectation that many will receive your message and turn to righteousness. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that gives me the assurance that whenever I pray in the Name of Jesus, I can always expect to have results. I use that Name with boldness and confidence, knowing that things are already activated in my favour in the realm of the spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Mark 16:17-18 (KJV)
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

John 14:13-14 (KJV)
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 7:54-8:1-8 & 2 Chronicles 31-32

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 5:11-21 & Isaiah 4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASYOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 19TH JUNE

THEME: THE RAPTURE ISN’T A HOAX

THEME SCRIPTURE: For soon and very soon, “The One who is appearing will come without delay (Hebrews 10:37 TPT).

Some people believe the Rapture of the Church is a hoax. Their argument is that the word “rapture” doesn’t appear anywhere in the Bible, and even Jesus never talked about it. Well, there are many things Jesus didn’t say much about. For instance, His disciples were with Him for the few years He ministered on earth, yet they knew nothing about the Gentiles receiving salvation. Though He had taught them many things, they couldn’t find anything that gave them a clear understanding that the Gentiles were to be brought into salvation.

In fact, when Peter went to the house of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, and the other disciples heard about it, they were angry with him. He had to explain to them his experience with the Spirit of God and how, without his (Peter’s) permission, the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles while he was still speaking to them.

James then opened the Scriptures and found where the prophets said the Gentiles would come into salvation. This was their first clue, until the mystery and revelation of the Body of Christ was given to the Apostle Paul.

It’s the same thing with the Rapture. You may not find the word “rapture” in any verse because at the time of writing, Paul described it as a mystery: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51). In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, the Scripture says, we shall be “caught up.” The Greek word is “harpazo,” which means to seize and take away. The Latin version translation is “raptura”, which in English is “rapture”; so it’s erroneous for anyone to suggest it’s not in the Bible.

Let no one deceive you; the Rapture is going to take place anytime soon. It’s closer than it’s ever been. It’s going to happen so fast that those who aren’t prepared and looking forward to it won’t have time to prepare and will be left behind. That had better not be you. Hebrews 9:28 says, “…Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the honour of revealing to me deep insights from your Word. Thank you for making known to me by your Spirit the reality of the Rapture, and how close it is. I’m committed to preparing others for it, as I eagerly await the soon return of the Master. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (KJV)
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 8:9-40 & 2 Chronicles 33-34

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 & Isaiah 5-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 20TH JUNE

THEME: WE’RE HIS SENT ONES

THEME SCRIPTURE: To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Every Christian is called into the ministry of reconciliation. That means we’re called to be soul winners. And in carrying out our ministry of reconciliation, we’re not alone. The Lord is working with us—confirming the Word with signs following.

We’re His witnesses to the world that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. He sent us to the whole world, to let them know that God isn’t counting their trespasses against them. There’s no one on earth today who’s suffering or would go to hell because of his or her sins. Why? Jesus already paid the full penalty for sin for everyone. Does that excuse sin? Emphatically no! But it’s important for us to see from God’s perspective and put things in their right places.

Did you know that Jesus went to hell? He did on our behalf because our sins were laid on Him. He suffered that no man would ever need to suffer. The only reason anyone would be condemned and go to hell is for the ignorance and rejection of salvation in
Jesus Christ. Then, they’d face judgment, because they didn’t receive what was paid for them—the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus—that’s the reason for hell and the lake of fire.

But it’s not God’s will that any should perish and go to hell. That’s why He sent us to tell them who Jesus is and what He’s done for them. They can only know, believe, and receive eternal life if we take the message to them: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent…” (Romans 10:13-15). We’re His sent ones. Jesus said in John 20:21, “…Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Hallelujah! We bear His message of love, salvation and righteousness.

CONFESSION
Today, through me, the light of God shines ever so brightly, delivering men from darkness into light and from the power of Satan unto God. I’m committed to preaching the Gospel, that men may embrace life and righteousness and the blessed hope in Christ Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV)
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Mark 16:15-16 (KJV)
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 9:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 35-36

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 6:11-18 & Isaiah 7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 21ST JUNE

THEME: THE TEACHER IN YOU

THEME SCRIPTURE: 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).

In the light of so many different Bible translations today, how can one know which is most accurate? Sometimes, some of them say the same things differently and that’s tricky enough; but at other times, they say opposite things and it becomes really tough. One might put a verse in a question form, while another puts it in the affirmative. So it makes you wonder: Which is right?

There are several rules for scripture interpretation, but those rules are mostly academic. When you use these academic rules, you’ll only be as good as the theologians can be. Having a theological explanation is good, but you won’t be any better than those who already have different or questionable interpretations of the Scriptures. The question then would be: How do you know the actual truth?

The Holy Spirit is the author of the Scriptures. He knows everything in the Scriptures because He gave them to us. The Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16); that God is the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and carries out His ministry inside us.

The Bible says, “…the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:17-18). The Holy Spirit is the One who opens the eyes of our understanding, unveiling mysteries and secrets to us in the Scriptures. He’s the Spirit of knowledge; He knows all things and teaches us all things so that we can deal wisely in all affairs of life. Take your fellowship with Him more seriously; He’ll unveil His truths to your spirit in ways you never thought possible.

CONFESSION
I’ll never be at a crossroads in life because the Teacher lives in me and unveils truths to my spirit. He teaches me, not some things, but all things— everything I need to know about life and godliness. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 54:13 (KJV)
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

John 14:26 (KJV)
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.

John 16:13 (KJV)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 9:32-43 & Ezra 1-3

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 7:1-8 & Isaiah 8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 22ND JUNE 2022.

Pastor Chris

THEME: INCREASING IN STRENGTH AND GLORY

THEME SCRIPTURE: “But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ” (Acts 9:22).

Years ago, while I was having a lot of opposition, I set my face like a flint and focused on something God had told me. He said, “Be courageous; I will not fail you, and I will not forsake you.” It was an instruction from God. Therefore, it made no difference who was against me or what was happening around me; I could not be bothered. There was not going to be any fear. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I was endued with courage, and I have been ever since.

When God tells you to be courageous, it is because He knows there is trouble out there. He knows some things will try to frighten you, discourage you and dissuade you; so He says, “Be courageous.” I made up my mind that I was going to do what God said, I was going to be very courageous.

Our theme verse says, “Saul increased the more in strength…” To increase in strength means that the Lord enabled him. The Greek actually expresses it as “to be made strong”. He was increased in strength; this is an inner strength. He was empowered from within to be able to accomplish more. This is what the Lord does for His children; He strengthens you from within.

As you increase in strength, you increase in glory. This is what has happened with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these last days: it has increased in strength and it has increased in glory. We are in a special time in the world today with Rhapsody of Realities reaching billions of people in their native language. Millions of ministries are partnering together with us for the common goal of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth!

These are not the kinds of things anyone could have planned. They are happening by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. That grace is at work in you today to accomplish more than you have ever done for the Lord. You won’t be afraid; you won’t falter. You will rise up to the occasion and win, because you are empowered from within. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your supernatural grace that is at work in me. I am strengthened and energized for increased productivity and greater effectiveness by your Spirit today. I can do all things and change the circumstances of my life to conform to your perfect will for me through your Spirit that is at work in me mightily. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY
Philippians 4:13 (KJV) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Colossians 1:29 (AMPC) “For this I labour [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.”

Acts 18:9-10 (KJV) “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace; For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.”

Joshua 1:7 (KJV) “Only be though strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.”

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 10:1-23 & Ezra 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 7:9-16 & Isaiah 9

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 23TH JUNE

THEME: HE DOESN’T ALWAYS GO FOR THE MOST QUALIFIED

THEME SCRIPTURE: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Many years ago, the Lord spoke to me as a young teenager. This was my very first time of hearing personally from God. He said to me, “I want you to take my people into their inheritance.” At that stage of my life, I knew nothing about any inheritance; I was just a beginner! No one had taught me that we had any inheritance in Christ.

In children’s church, we learnt about serving God with reverence and love, and many beautiful Bible stories, but no one ever mentioned an inheritance in Christ. However, when God said to me, “I want you to take my people into their inheritance,” I just accepted. I simply believed Him without understanding what the instruction was about. I knew He would have to show me what it was, and He did; and I’ve been about it ever since.

My experience with the Lord very much mirrors what Paul the Apostle said in Ephesians 3:8: “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God’s consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out” (AMPC).

Think about it: If He was looking for the most qualified people, Jesus should have been born of Caesar and brought up in a palace, but He wasn’t. The Bible says, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26).

2 Corinthians 3:5 says, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.” The word “sufficiency” can also be translated as competence or ability. He’s the One who has called you and endued you with supernatural ability to carry out His work. Never look down on yourself or think there’s nothing special about you. He’s made you competent; so, look beyond your physical ability. Always remember that you’re special to Him, and He’s divinely enabled you to fulfil His calling on your life.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for loving me and planning my life for your glory. You set me apart for your special work and committed the glorious Gospel to my trust. Through me, many will come to the knowledge of Christ and into their inheritance in Him, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 3:8 (KJV)
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

John 15:16 (KJV)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Galatians 1:15-16 (KJV)
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

2 Corinthians 3:5 (AMPC)
Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 10:24-48 & Ezra 7-8

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 8:1-8 & Isaiah 10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 24TH JUNE

THEME: WALK IN THE SPIRIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)

Our normal life in Christianity is walking in the spirit. To walk in the spirit is to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). That means our eyes are always on what the Word says, not on circumstances or feelings; not what the senses tell us.

When man committed high treason in the Garden of Eden, his spirit became subject to his senses: in other words, his spirit fell. Hitherto, his knowledge was spiritual, but when he fell through his disobedience to God, he became subject to his senses and this was what God warned him about: “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). This was spiritual death!

Man ate of the tree, and he died. He was separated from God instantly. Prior to that time, Adam loved to be in the presence of God, but after his disobedience, he hid himself from that same presence (Genesis 3:9-11). God is life; and once a man is separated from Him, he can’t see the things that God sees anymore; he can’t see the glory of God. No wonder Adam saw himself naked afterwards.

When you’re walking in the spirit, you see the glory of God, His light, His beauty; you see the things that God sees; you see from His perspective. But when your spirit isn’t walking in the light of God, you’ll see what darkness shows you; you’ll see what the senses see. That’s what happened to Adam in the garden.

Romans 9:8 says, “…They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God….” The children of the flesh are those who are ruled by their senses. But thanks be unto God! Your ties with the first Adam have been severed completely and forever. You’re born after the Lord from heaven, and should walk accordingly—in and by the Spirit.

If you walk in the spirit, you’ll see that you’ve been put over the elements, failures, frustrations, darkness, and corruption in this physical world. You’ll see that you live in, and are from, another realm, a heavenly realm that’s greater than this world. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for my faith is the victory that overcomes this world. I don’t judge situations or circumstances from the natural standpoint or from my five senses, but I see them from the perspective of your Word. I’m not a victim in this world, but a victor in Christ. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:3-8 (KJV)
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight

Galatians 5:16-18 (KJV)
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 11:1-18 & Ezra 9-10

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 8:9-17 & Isaiah 11-12

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 25TH JUNE

THEME: BE IN THE CENTRE OF GOD’S WILL

THEME SCRIPTURE: For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live] (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC).

Something I always wanted with God was to be in the centre of His will for my life. I didn’t want anything to push me out of it. I knew that being in the centre of His will is the perfect place of safety; nowhere else would satisfy. When I found out that He already had my life all planned out, I chose to run with that plan and no longer have to make my own plan.

We aren’t some form of afterthought in God’s plan; no, our lives were carefully orchestrated. The works God commanded us to do were planned beforehand. The question isn’t whether the plan has been made; the question is whether you’ll agree in your life to live according to His plan. Our theme verse says we’re to take “…paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”

Your path of life was prepared ahead of time. He planned for you, not just to live, but to live the good life! If you aren’t living a good life, it means you aren’t on the path that God prearranged for you; and I’m using the Word of God to correct you, even now.

In 2 Timothy 1:9, the Bible says God “…hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” Purpose and grace were given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. The plan was already there, and now, it’s made manifest (2 Timothy 1:10). Would you embrace it?

This is your time for a realignment. He wants you to have a full, deep and clear knowledge of His will, His purpose for your life, and fulfil it. Nothing could be more important.

CONFESSION
By the Spirit, and through the Word, I know and walk in God’s perfect will at all times. The Father’s heart, thoughts, plans, will, purposes, and the mysteries of the Kingdom are unveiled to my spirit continually. There’s an unveiling of His deep truths to my spirit. Praise God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 1:9;
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

2 Timothy 1:8-10;
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; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 11:19-30 & Nehemiah 1-3

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 4:1-13 & Deuteronomy 23

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY 26TH JUNE 2022.

Pastor Chris

THEME: THE WORD IN YOU

THEME SCRIPTURE:…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63).

Did you ever hear the expression, “You’re what you eat”? It’s true, because what you eat gets into your body. Anything that gets into your body and doesn’t become one with it passes out as waste. Only that which becomes one with your body remains in your body.

When you receive and digest the Word, it gets into your spirit. Through meditation, you cause it to go from your spirit through your mind. From your mind, it filters into your body and starts working in it. It becomes one with your flesh, and you become one inseparable entity. This is important because the Word of God is where the life of God is.

Remember the parable of the sower who went forth to sow his seed. Jesus said, _*“...The seed is the Word of God”*_ (Luke 8:11). What’s a seed? A seed is the life-giving principle of anything. This means the Word of God is the life-carrying principle of God; the Word is the seed of God. When the angel spoke to Mary and she believed, she received the Word from the angel, and that Word became Jesus.

When you receive the Word into you, it produces in you what it talks about. What does that mean? Remember, the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”_ (John 1:1). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ was the living Word, the Word in flesh. Now, we have the written Word. When you meditate on the written Word, it gets into you as the Word, and lives in you as God. Hallelujah! This is why we’re indestructible. We live and abide forever, because the Word in you, lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your Word that’s at home in me. Your Word produces in me what it talks about; therefore, I live a life of victory, success, prosperity and divine health always. Your Word is faithful and true, and I’ve given myself wholly to it, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 12 & Nehemiah 4-6

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 9:1-10 & Isaiah 14

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

MONDAY 27TH JUNE

THEME: WE’RE MORE THAN HUMANS

THEME SCRIPTURE: When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in human form’. (Act 14:11NIV)

The Bible tells us how in Lystra Paul healed a man that was lame from birth. When the crowd saw it, they went wild and called him and Barnabas gods. They were about to worship them when Paul and Barnabas rushed to stop them, saying, “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them” (Acts 14:15 NIV). At this point in their lives, the apostles thought they were mere humans; they said so and thought so. They said, “Look, we’re humans like you.” Their humility was right, but their answer was wrong. They were supposed to say to the people, “Don’t worship us.

This is the message we’ve brought to you: that you also have the potential to become gods if you believe in Jesus.” The people found out what these men really were. They discovered they weren’t humans; they were gods in the form of men, and they were right. The Bible says, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High” (Psalm 82:6). Yet, you hear some Christians say, “We’re just ordinary people.” They think talking that way makes them humble. No! It just shows how ignorant they are. We were ordinary until we were born again.

Now that we’re born again, we’ve become the house of God. Each one of us is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the creator of the entire universe, lives in you! Your body is His living tabernacle. This is a reality and it has to come into your consciousness. You have to think this way. Until you become conscious of it, the power therein won’t work for you. Never again say, “I’m just an ordinary human being.” When you believed in Jesus Christ, you became a God-man, an associate of the God-kind. You were literally born of God. You’re actually a supernatural being. God made you exactly like Himself, “…as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). You have the life and nature of God now. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for helping me discover who I really am and the priceless treasure you’ve deposited in my spirit through the knowledge of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge and walk in the light of my divine heritage, origin and glory in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen

FURTHER STUDY
John 10:34-36 NIV; Acts 28:3-6; Psalm 82:6

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 13:1-12 & Nehemiah 7-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 9:11-15 & Isaiah 15-16

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 28TH JUNE

THEME: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MASTER

THEME SCRIPTURE: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22).

When you study a story in Matthew 17:24- 27, you’ll discover that when some Jewish officials came to harass Peter about taxes, they didn’t ask him about his own taxes. Rather, they said, “… Doth not your master pay tribute?” (Matthew 17:24). In other words, “Doesn’t your Master pay taxes?” They overlooked Peter and focused instead on the Master.

It’s always been that way: it’s all about our Master. The world hates us, not because of who we are, but because of who we represent—Jesus Christ. They’ll hate you for your faith in Him. No matter how good you are, how helpful you are, how kind you are, how successful you are; it won’t make any difference to them because you’re associated with Jesus Christ.

The hatred of Satan for Jesus is called the spirit of the world. The world hates Jesus. Many individuals who don’t even know Jesus enough still hate Him, and you wonder why. How can they hate someone they don’t even know? It’s because of the spirit of the world. It has captured a lot of people in the world, and it moves them in a way that makes them think about the Master with hatred.

They want religion, they want to pray, they want to believe in something, but when you tell them about Jesus, they reject Him vehemently. A man named Simeon said that this Jesus is “set for a sign that shall be spoken against” (Luke 2:34).

There’re people now who claim that when we say Jesus is the only way, it’s “hate speech.” They’re construing many of the things we say as hate speech, thereby laying the foundation for a massive persecution of Christians in the last days.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:25, “…If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” When you’re persecuted, always remember that you were sent, not in your own name, but in the Name of Jesus. Therefore, the Lord Himself shall be your defense, and reward.

PRAYER:
I’m Christ’s ambassador, the bearer of the news of His saving power. I’m steadfast, undaunted, always abounding in the work of the Lord, irrespective of the distress or persecution in this world. I triumph gloriously in Him always, boldly proclaiming the righteousness and blessedness of Christ and His saving power to the ends of the earth. Amen!

FURTHER STUDY:
John 15:18-21 18
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.

Luke 2:34 34
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

Matthew 10:24-25 NIV 24
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 13:13-52 & Nehemiah 9-10

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 10:1-7 & Isaiah 17

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

WEDNESDAY 29TH JUNE

THEME: FOUR NAMES OF JESUS

THEME SCRIPTURE: …and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Our opening text was a major revelation from God to the Prophet Isaiah. He told him about a child that would be born and listed certain names by which He would be called. The first is “Wonderful Counselor.” In the original Hebrew text, the name, “Wonderful Counsellor” means “Extraordinary Strategist,” and this immediately reveals to us the ministry of the Holy Spirit: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever” (John 14:16 AMPC).

In God’s prophetic plan, the child is born, grows up as a son, and dies. After His death, burial and resurrection, He comes to minister to us throughout the Church Age through the Holy Spirit, the extraordinary counselor, who is a strategic guide that helps us win in life.

At the end of the Church Age, the Lord Jesus comes to deliver Israel as the mighty God: “…the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). During the Armageddon, Israel is the battlefront. The Jews go through Great Tribulation, and many of them would flee from the Antichrist in terror. Jesus, however, comes out of heaven with a great army of saints and delivers Israel. He takes actions against the Antichrist and all the enemies of God.

The next thing Israel experiences is the Everlasting Father. Though they’ve rejected Him for 2,000 years and haven’t believed in Him, they suddenly realize He’s the One who delivered them from the Antichrist, and they come to Him crying, “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities…Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:10-13).

Finally, He’s called the Prince of Peace. After delivering Israel and opening His arms to receive them, He establishes His Kingdom for 1,000 years. This will be 1,000 years of peace, and we’ll reign with Him over the nations of the earth (Revelation 20:4-6).

These days that I tell you about are not so far away. The first one, where Christ is manifested to the Church through the Holy Spirit, has been going on for nearly 2,000 years now and is coming to its climax. The Rapture isn’t so far away. So, live your life in preparation for the Master’s soon return.

CONFESSION
One generation shall praise your works to another, and they shall declare your mighty acts, O great God! You work out all your plans in conformity with the purpose of your will. How great is your wisdom! Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (AMPC)
6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Hebrews 9:28 (KJV)
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Revelation 20:4-6 (KJV)
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 14 & Nehemiah 11-13

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 10:8-18 & Isaiah 18

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

THURSDAY 30TH JUNE

THEME: THE CHOSEN RACE

THEME SCRIPTURE: Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God(1 Corinthians 10:32).

Before Jesus came, God recognized only two races in the world—the Jewish race and Gentile race. A Jewish race was the result of God’s choice and promise to Abraham and his seed. Every other person that wasn’t a Jew was a Gentile, no matter where they came from. When Jesus Christ came, He said in Matthew 16:18, “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

In Ephesians 1:22-23, He told us what that Church is: “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” The Church is His Body. Ephesians 5:30 tells us what the Body comprises: “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” So, Jesus said He’d build His Church—His Body—and we’re the members of that Body. Hallelujah! 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

The Church race is made up of those who are born again from among the Jews and the Gentiles. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14). In Christ Jesus, there’s neither Jew nor Gentile: “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” (Galatians 3:27-28).

You lost your identity as a Gentile when you were born again, the same way Paul lost his identity as a Jew when he was born again. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” You’re now a part of the Church race, and that, to God, is the chosen race: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV).

CONFESSION
I carry myself with dignity, knowing my great value and worth in Christ Jesus. I’m chosen, royal and peculiar! I’m seated with Christ, far above all principalities, powers, might, dominions, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come! Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Galatians 6:15 (KJV)
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

1 Peter 2:9 (AMPC)
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own [a]purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 15:1-21 & Esther 1-4

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 11:1-9 & Isaiah 19

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

FRIDAY 1ST JULY

THEME: SUMMER IS NEAR

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:32-34).

In 1948, Israel became a nation, which right now is still tender. It’s engaged in several conflicts and surrounded by enemies who want it completely annihilated. Jesus said, “When the branch is yet tender, it means summer is near.” What did He mean, and why summer? The Bible says, “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son…” (Proverbs 10:5). This shows us something about summer: it’s gathering time. So, the tender branch indicates that gathering time is near.

We see this also in the Book of Amos, where a prophetic word was given concerning the nation of Israel: “Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more” (Amos 8:1-2).

Israel wasn’t living for the Lord, and God was going to judge them. But He said to Amos, “See, I have a basket of summer fruit.” This meant that He would gather another harvest, referring to the Gentiles. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 says, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.” Our gathering together unto Him refers to the Rapture of the Church, and it’s closer than ever. We don’t have much time left.

The gathering can take place any moment from now. If there’s anything you want to do for the Lord, this is the time. Don’t wait; otherwise, it might be too late. The time to act is now.

CONFESSION:
Dear Father, my life is guided by your love and my expectation of the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. I’m compelled by your love to reach all men urgently with the Gospel, thereby preparing them for our great gathering together unto you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 13:11 TLB 11 Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah).

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 51 Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed) 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed).

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 15:22-35; Esther 5-7

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 11:10-33; Isaiah 20

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SATURDAY 2ND JULY

THEME: THE DAY OF CHRIST

THEME SCRIPTURE: That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by the spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand” (2 Thessalonians 2:2).

The expression, “the Day of Christ”, in our opening verse is wrongly assumed by many to generally mean “the last days”. There is a difference between the Rapture of the Church, the Second Coming of Christ, and the Day of Christ. The Day of Christ refers to the millennium that begins with judgment. This is not the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20:11 or the Judgment Seat of Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:10. No! It is the judgment of His enemies at His second coming, just before He sets up His millennial reign.

On that special day, the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven; He will come to rule in this world. At His appearing, the world, being at the Armageddon, will immediately unite against Him and the saints with Him, but these enemies will be destroyed, and all who reject Him: “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” (Luke 19:27). 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 also says, “…the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.”

However, before that great day of Christ, the Bible says there will be an apostasy: many who professed to be Christians will fall away from the faith: “Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first…” (2 Thessalonians 2:3 AMPC). What could bring about such a thing?

It is the cares of this world: the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust for its pleasures. That is why the Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…” (1 John 2:15). It is important that as the coming of the Lord approaches, you live your life stronger and stronger in Him so that you do not fall away.

Do not cling to the things of the world. Let your focus be on the Master and on that day when He shall be revealed from heaven. We all will be gathered unto Him to be with Him always. What a day that will be!

CONFESSION
My life is guided by Christ’s love, His Word, and my expectation of His imminent return. I am established in His righteousness, awake and alert in the spirit. Through me, many today are brought out of darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God as I minister the Gospel to them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 1:7-8 (NIV) “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Matthew 13:41-43 (KJV) “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 15:36 – 16:1-15 & Esther 8-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 & Isaiah 21

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

SUNDAY 3RD JULY

THEME: THE LAST TRUMP

THEME SCRIPTURE: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.(1Corinthians 15:52)

Someone once asked me, “What’s the last trump? Will it be blown after the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation?” No, this is a different trumpet, and to understand it requires a contextual analysis. When you read through some of the preceding verses in the same 1 Corinthians 15, you’ll observe a consistency of duality in Paul’s communication. In several verses, he wrote about the spiritual and the natural, the celestial and the terrestrial. He also used the terms, “the first and the last,” and then “the first and the second”: “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit….The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:45-47).

In this context, Paul considered “last” to mean “second.” So if we read our opening verse by the same token, it would go thus: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the second trump….” This means there’re two trumpets, not one like many people think. The Amplified Classic version of the verse corroborates this: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable….” Many missed it because they thought he was talking about the same trumpet. Why is this important? In the Old Testament, the Bible tells us about two important trumpets. The first one was sounded when the Lord showed up, and the second was sounded for the assembly. The first was for the manifestation of God’s glory, while the second was for gathering the assembly.

When the first trumpet sounds at the Rapture, the Lord Jesus will come out of heaven, and the dead in Christ will be raised incorruptible. The second and last trumpet is the one that’ll assemble all of us who are alive and remain. When it sounds, we’ll be changed and caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Prepare for the Master’s soon return. Brace up for greater evangelism so that we can reach more people and get them ready to meet the Lord in the air at the sound of the last trumpet. Imagine what a glorious meeting it’ll be! Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the supernatural ability and speed you’ve so lavishly granted your children to preach the Gospel and lead multitudes to salvation all around the world. We walk in the light of your Word today, seeking, above all, the rule and reign of your Kingdom in the earth and in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Exodus 19:16-18; Joel 2:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 16:16-40 & Job 1-2

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 12:11-21 & Isaiah 22

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY 4TH JULY 2022.

Pastor Chris

THEME: GOD’S LOVE-PACKAGE

THEME SCRIPTURE: And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them (John 17:26).

Does Jesus inspire you? If you read about Him in the Scriptures, you’ll surely be inspired. Glorious words came out of the lips of this man of Galilee. He spoke words so gracious that even the officers who were sent to arrest Him testified, “...No man ever spoke like this Man” (John 7:46 WEB).

Always, people gathered around Him to hear Him. Once, they were with Him for three days in the desert and didn’t remember to go home until their food was exhausted. Yet, no one complained of hunger; they were just content to be with Jesus. What was He giving them? Words! He was a Master of words. Glory to God!

Though encapsulated in the body of a Jewish man from Nazareth, Jesus was the Word of God that created the whole world: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3). The Bible also says in Hebrews 1:1-2, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”

Jesus Christ made the worlds! This isn’t just talking about the planets and the galaxies; He also made the times and the seasons of men’s lives. John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us….” Blessed Jesus! The Word that created the universe came in a body to love us. How can you explain that!

No wonder the Bible says, “…God is love” (1 John 4:. That’s His nature; He’s the description of love. The love of God is packaged in Christ Jesus! How I love Jesus! He’s the light and the beauty of Heaven, the brightness and the effulgence of God’s glory, the out-shining and out-ray of God’s light; that’s Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, how great and precious you are! Thank you for lavishly demonstrating your love for me. How glorious it is to know that I’m complete in you, the only true God. I worship you, eternal King of glory. I acknowledge and appreciate your grace at work in me. You’ve made me your glory and righteousness, and I love you forever. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 4:8-10 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.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 17:1-15 & Job 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 13:1-6 & Isaiah 23-24

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS

TUESDAY 05 JULY

THEME: THE GOD OF PEACE

THEME SCRIPTURE: Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen (Romans 15:33).

In the Old Testament, God was often called the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. However, in the New Testament, particularly in the epistles, God is known, more than anything else, as the God of peace. He’s called the God of peace more than He’s called the God of love or the God of righteousness. We see this referenced in Philippians 4:9: “…the God of peace shall be with you,” and in 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly….”

The word “peace” is from the Greek “Eirēnē”, which is akin to “Shalom” in Hebrew; it’s peace with prosperity. This is God’s desire for all men. No wonder the angels declared in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Think about it! He brought peace between us and Him: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

The chaos experienced in some parts of the world today didn’t happen by chance. They were inspired by demons of chaos who thrive in chaos. They use chaos as a tool for perpetrating their nefarious schemes through their human hosts and keep at it until people bow to their wishes. But God wants peace and tells us to proclaim peace to the nations.

In the prayer He tells us to pray for all men, His intent is that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2). That’s what He wants us to have. He’s always about peace. Even now, command peace for your city and your country. Declare in the mighty Name of the Lord Jesus that godly peace that brings liberty, grace, strength, health and prosperity will hold sway in your nation.

PRAYER:
Righteous Father, you’re the God of peace, and I proclaim your peace upon my nation. Your peace, which passes all understanding and brings liberty, grace, strength, health and prosperity holds sway in all nations, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV)
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV)
7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

John 14:27 (KJV)
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 17:16-34 & Job 6-8

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 13:7-14 & Isaiah 25

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 6TH JULY 2022.

Pastor Chris

THEME: PRAYER ISN’T THE “LAZY MAN’S WAY”

THEME SCRIPTURE: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18).

Have you ever heard anyone complain about someone who “prays too much”? They think that spending a lot of time in prayer is doing nothing, so they deride someone who prays often and term him or her as one who “does nothing but pray.” You’re actually “doing something” when you pray.

Those who don’t understand the power in prayer and don’t understand the spirit realm are the ones who think that prayer is the lazy man’s way. John Wesley, a great minister in the 18th century, once said, “It appears God will do nothing except we pray.” He made this important statement because he observed that changes took place in his life and ministry and in the society when he and others prayed.

There’re lots of results we’ll never see except we pray. It’s God’s way of relating with us; He asked us to do it. Jesus prayed and taught us to pray. He said, “…Men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Why did He pray so much? It’s because He was living in a world of darkness and needed to effect changes in men’s lives. It’s one of the reasons He was so effective.

With so much going on in our world today, we should never think we’re helpless. There’s something we can do. Any Christian can actually effect changes. Don’t be like the person who says with a note of defeat, “All I can do is just pray.” No. We don’t just pray. In our praying, we’re definite enough to make definite changes. God never told us to “just pray” as a form of religion. He told us to pray so that things can be changed to our advantage.

Remember what Jesus said: “You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:. That power is the dynamic ability to cause changes and it’s in you now. So, when next you take up a matter in prayer, no matter how urgent it is, don’t for a second think you’re wasting time by praying. Instead, be conscious that you’re bringing the power of the Spirit of God to bear on that situation.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege of prayer, which gives me the opportunity to side with you and enforce your will in the earth, exercise dominion over circumstances, Satan, and his cohorts of darkness. Thank you for the blessing of praying in the Spirit, thus, praying according to your perfect will and bringing the power of the Spirit to bear in every situation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 18:1-23 & Job 9-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Galatians 1:1-9 & Isaiah 26