₦airaland Forum

Ferisidowu:
ehn;!!! you don't ask SALVATION

Did you ask God to send Jesus to die for you?

HeyCorleone:
So I can commit murder or some other crime or sin and not move a muscle because Christ died for me?

1 John 3:9
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

I wish I can explain to you these things... It's the immatured in Christ (babes, nepios, toodlers ) that deliberately sin...and even when you do, the blood of Jesus speaks mercy. Read the opening verse again.

1John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

As a child of God, you shouldn’t be on the look out for your sins. In other words, don’t be conscious of sin. Our opening text says if we walk in the light (the Word) as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus automatically cleanses us from all sin. If this is true (and it is), then you don’t have to be confessing your sins all the time. If, for example, you do something wrong, just say, “Lord, I’m sorry for what I did; I receive forgiveness in Jesus’ Name” and that’s it. You might ask, “Is it that simple?” Yes, it is.

God didn’t tell you to ask Him for forgiveness. When you ask God to forgive you, it’s like asking Him to save you. If you do ask Him for forgiveness, when will you know He has answered? In the same way, if you’re asking God to save your soul, how will you know He has saved you? You’ll never know because there’s nothing for Him to do about saving you that He hasn’t already done.

Therefore, what you have to do is receive salvation; you don’t ask for it. It’s the same thing with forgiveness; you receive forgiveness; you don’t ask for it, because the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for the remission of your sins. Some Christians are always asking God for forgiveness, and because they’re asking for something that’s been provided for them, they don’t apply faith. You’re to receive forgiveness as an act of your faith. Afterwards, don’t go back again to receive forgiveness for the same offence, even when Satan brings it to your consciousness.

You’ve already been washed and purged of your sins. Colossians 1:21-22 says, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” This happened before you ever did anything right or wrong. Therefore, refuse to be sin-conscious. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; be righteousness-conscious.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die and shed His blood for the remission of my sins; I’m cleansed and purified. I walk in the finished works of Christ. Therefore, there’s no condemnation for me. I’m justified, free from the accusation of the evil one, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Don’t Be Sin Conscious - Saturday, January 6th .

Pastor Chris

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

As a child of God, you shouldn’t be on the look out for your sins. In other words, don’t be conscious of sin. Our opening text says if we walk in the light (the Word) as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus automatically cleanses us from all sin. If this is true (and it is), then you don’t have to be confessing your sins all the time. If, for example, you do something wrong, just say, “Lord, I’m sorry for what I did; I receive forgiveness in Jesus’ Name” and that’s it. You might ask, “Is it that simple?” Yes, it is.

God didn’t tell you to ask Him for forgiveness. When you ask God to forgive you, it’s like asking Him to save you. If you do ask Him for forgiveness, when will you know He has answered? In the same way, if you’re asking God to save your soul, how will you know He has saved you? You’ll never know because there’s nothing for Him to do about saving you that He hasn’t already done.

Therefore, what you have to do is receive salvation; you don’t ask for it. It’s the same thing with forgiveness; you receive forgiveness; you don’t ask for it, because the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for the remission of your sins. Some Christians are always asking God for forgiveness, and because they’re asking for something that’s been provided for them, they don’t apply faith. You’re to receive forgiveness as an act of your faith. Afterwards, don’t go back again to receive forgiveness for the same offence, even when Satan brings it to your consciousness.

You’ve already been washed and purged of your sins. Colossians 1:21-22 says, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” This happened before you ever did anything right or wrong. Therefore, refuse to be sin-conscious. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; be righteousness-conscious.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die and shed His blood for the remission of my sins; I’m cleansed and purified. I walk in the finished works of Christ. Therefore, there’s no condemnation for me. I’m justified, free from the accusation of the evil one, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Romans 8:1
[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:19-20
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.

Romans 5:7-11
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 5:21-48, Genesis 15-17

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 7:22-32, Nehemiah 10

Our Fellowship With Him - Friday, January 5th .

Pastor Chris

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3).

Fellowship means oneness. It’s a coming together; a union. And in the context of our opening text, it means being in the same class with God. We’ve been brought into an inseparable oneness with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. No wonder Peter calls us “comrades of the God-kind”; partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

The same life that flows in the vine (Jesus), flows in the branches (the church), because we’re one with Him. This is a marvelous thing about our Christianity; our oneness with the Lord. It’s the reason Jesus came. The Bible says, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

How could you be broke, poor, or live an ordinary life, when you’re in fellowship with God? Part of what that means is that you’re a joint-heir with Christ! Everything that belongs to Jesus Christ belongs to you, in the same way that it belongs to Him. That’s the grace of Jesus Christ. He’s brought you into oneness with Himself. The world belongs to you. Live and walk in this consciousness.

Nothing can work against you. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God….” It doesn’t matter how dark and gloomy things get, you’re a victor in Christ Jesus, because you’re in league—in partnership—with the Monarch of the universe. Anywhere you are in the world, God knows, God cares, God is concerned, and He’s mindful of you to do you good. This consciousness will change your perception of the world, and of yourself.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege of being in fellowship with you, with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit; my life is made! The world belongs to me! I’m unlimited; all things are mine in Christ. I express the life and character of the Spirit to my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

2 Peter 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Matthew 5:1-20, Genesis 12-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Acts 7:12-21, Nehemiah 9

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL



Our Completeness in Him - Thursday, January 4th .

Pastor Chris

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:9-10).

The totality of divinity resides in Jesus Christ. When you see Jesus, you’re looking at the fullness of the God-head; He’s the house of God in entirety. Whether or not you agree with this doesn’t make any difference. You may look at Him and say He’s just a man, like they said in Bible days, but He’s Himself God.

“Fullness” in our theme scripture is the Greek word “pleroma” which means a completeness, where nothing that’s necessary is out; where there’s no shortage; a perfect completion. And something most amazing about this is that the Bible says, “You’re complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power.”

When God looks at you, He sees completeness; everything you require for life and godliness is in you: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). Refuse to live with a consciousness of lack; as though there’re certain things you don’t have; live the higher life in Christ.

As long as you’re thinking, “If only the government would do this or that for me; if only XYZ would give me this or give me that, I’d be able to make it in life,” you’re confessing incompleteness, and that’s wrong. You’re sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. Become totally inundated with this consciousness. Affirm it. Live it.

Your confession, every so often should be, “Father, I’m not desiring anything, because I have all things! I’m complete in Christ! I’m sufficient in His sufficiency; there’s no shortage in my life, but completeness.” Do this consciously and continually, and you’d realize that merely calling things by name brings them into your world. This world belongs to you! Hallelujah!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the indwelling presence of Christ in me, in the person of the Holy Spirit. I don’t lack or want for anything: ideas, inspiration, wealth, prosperity, and all the goodness of God are in my spirit, and I bring them forth from the fullness in my spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Psalm 82:6
I have said, Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the most High.

Acts 17:28
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

John 17:22
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Matthew 4, Genesis 9-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Acts 7:1-11, Nehemiah 7-8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


Perpetual Victory and Glory in Christ Jesus - Wednesday, January 3rd .

Pastor Chris

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).

For those who understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the reason Christ came, life isn’t full of “ups and downs,” but one of perpetual victory and glory in Christ Jesus. As a child of God, you’re called to live each day of your life in glory, in victory over every situation. The victorious life is your birthright, for God has raised you up, and made you to sit together with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

You’re seated with Christ “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21). You’re seated far above the devil and the cohorts of darkness, and the negative influences of this world. You’ve already overcome them! Have the mentality that you can’t be defeated or disadvantaged.

Nothing in this world could successfully stand against you, for “…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). You’ve been delivered, transferred, from the powers of darkness, and translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, who leads us in the triumphal excursions of life; a perpetual victory parade!

Take your stand in faith against sickness, disease, poverty, death, Satan, and his manipulations. Maintain your victory in Christ Jesus. Life in Christ is a super-life; it’s a daily expression of victorious and triumphant living! The Bible says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory”; that means glory has come now that Christ is in you. That you have Christ in you means success has come; prosperity has come; strength has come. Hallelujah! What a life He’s given us; a life of victory, glory and dominion, through the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Confession...
I go forth today, in victory and dominion over Satan, and his cohorts of darkness, and the circumstances of life. I experience the power and supernatural grace of God today, as I make manifest the savour of the knowledge of Christ, in every place, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

1 Corinthians 15:55
O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?
:56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.
:57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or unclothedness, or peril, or sword?
:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Matthew 3, Genesis 6-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Acts 6:9-15, Nehemiah 6

Ordained to be Productive - Tuesday, January 2nd .

Pastor Chris

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Psalm 1:3).

Jesus brought us into a life of power, fruitfulness, and productivity. This truth is expressed in John 15:16 where He said, “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.” He lets you know that you’ve been chosen, ordained, commissioned and appointed to bring forth lasting results.

This means He has made you efficient and effective: “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8 AMPC). This is the mind-set with which you must approach every assignment this year. There’s increased grace for you. The Lord is at work in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Read again the Psalmist’s beautiful description of this extraordinary life of productivity and excellence that God has brought you into: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3). Make this your daily contemplation and confession. Declare every so often, “I’m like a tree planted by the rivers of water, and I produce excellent results. I’m fruitful and productive!”

You can do anything; you can be anything; you can get anything; you can go anywhere; you can be what you choose to be. This is the life God has given you; it’s a life of righteousness with dominion, where you honour and please Him by being fruitful in every good work, as you increase in the knowledge of Him.

Confession...
I’m strengthened, fortified, and energized for victory, success and excellence through the power of God’s Word, and the might of the Spirit. I’m ordained unto a life of fruitfulness and productivity, flourishing in the courts of the Lord, bringing Him honour, and bearing abundant fruits unto Him in righteousness. Blessed be God!

Further Study :
Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.

Proverbs 11:28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 2, Genesis 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 6:1-8, Nehemiah 4-5

Walk In His Light - Monday, January 1st .
Pastor Chris

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:4-5).

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Again, in John 9:5, He said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Light is that which defines, describes and illumines. In Psalm 119:105 the Psalmist writes, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

To live without Christ is to live in gross darkness and utter hopelessness. You can’t even know yourself outside Him, for only in Him—His light—is your true identity and personality revealed. The Bible says with Him is the fountain of life: in His light shall we see light (Psalm 36:9). Hallelujah!

If you use all the lights in the world to define your life, you’re sure to see things that you don’t like. But under His light, you’re excellent and full of glory. God’s light—His Word—shows who you are, what you have, and your abilities in Christ. You may use the X-rays and see the human bones or anatomy, but only the Word shows the greater One that lives in you.

Apart from showing you your endowments and rights in Christ, the Word also produces in you such changes that are consistent with the message it bears. Moreso, the Word leads and directs you in God’s perfect will for your life, imparting you with the wisdom to fulfill it.

As you study God’s Word and meditate therein, you’ll have light as to the specific things you’re supposed to do this new year. You’ll have light as to the goals to set, and the definite steps to take in actualizing those goals. You’ll have the insight and knowledge to deal excellently in all your affairs. You’ll walk in success, health, prosperity, peace, and strength if you would walk in, and see by God’s Light—His Word.

Confession...
I’m walking in the path of life, fulfilling God’s perfect will for my life. The light of God is in my spirit, to know, and walk in my inheritance in Christ Jesus. Thank you blessed Father, for guiding me by your light, in the path of greatness and excellence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Psalm 119:130
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Isaiah 2:5
O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Matthew 1, Genesis 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 5:33-42, Nehemiah 3

Look Ahead - Sunday, December 31st

Pastor Chris

…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (Philippians 3:13).

There’s so much the Lord has in store for you to enjoy in the coming year. Look forward to the New Year with faith and joy, for greater glory lies ahead, and it completely outshines the victories and triumphs of yesterday. Refuse to allow the seeming failures, weaknesses, and disappointments you may have experienced dissipate your enthusiasm and faith to win.

Set your goals and focus on the Spirit and His Word. Don’t focus on the past. Look ahead. Raise your vision. The regrets of yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are enemies of today’s happiness. Position yourself aright for a triumphant life by keeping your gaze on, and living in the Word. Refuse to give up on your dreams.

Proverbs 4:18 says, “…the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Believe and affirm this as the reality of your life. You can only make progress as a child of God. Your journey in life is upward and forward only; no disappointments, because “…we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”(Romans 8:28).

Cheer up! The future is bright. You have nothing to fear. The Lord has already made the crooked paths straight; therefore, you’ll triumph in the coming year. He said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

See yourself making greater impact with the Gospel in the coming year. See yourself in health, joy, and prosperity. See yourself walking in righteousness and producing works and fruits of righteousness. See yourself fulfilling the will of the Father, pleasing Him in all things as you receive and run with the Word for the year.

Confession...
I’m strong and very courageous, standing firm in faith, reaching out and apprehending the glories that lie ahead. My path is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. I’m walking in righteousness and producing works and fruits of righteousness. Blessed be God!

Further Study :
Isaiah 43:18-20 MSG "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. 19 Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. 20 Wild animals will say 'Thank you!'--the coyotes and the buzzards--Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose,

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Revelation 22, Malachi 3-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 5:24-32, Nehemiah 1-2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

He Rewards Your Labor of Love - Friday, December 29th

Pastor Chris

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister (Hebrews 6:10).

Everything you do or sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel isn’t only recorded (Malachi 3:16), the Lord also rewards you for it. This brings to mind Peter’s encounter with the Lord at the lake of Gennesaret: “And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship” (Luke 5:1-3).

Peter and his company had just returned from a fruitless all-night fishing expedition. So, his decision to oblige the Master the use of his boat wasn’t an easy one; he had to jettison his disappointment and exhaustion. And thank God He did!

The Bible says after Jesus preached to the crowd from Peter’s boat, He asked Peter to launch out into the deep for a great catch. Peter obeyed and caught a great multitude of fishes such that he had to call out to his partners to help him haul in the great catch (Luke 5:6-7).

Remember, he had toiled all night and caught nothing. But suddenly, he had so much, just because of what He did for the Master.

What sacrifices have you made for the sake of the Gospel? It could be your time, money, family, friends and relationships you gave up, whatever it is, God hasn’t forgotten. Your blessing isn’t deferred until you get to heaven. It begins here on earth.

Peter didn’t receive his harvest of fishes in heaven; he got it on earth. Therefore, your reward isn’t far ahead; it’s closer than you think. Be assured that He’ll reward you in due time, for He doesn’t forget your labour of love!

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, with renewed vigour, I yield myself to your Spirit for greater service, passionately seeking the expansion of your Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

Malachi 3:16
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Matthew 10:42
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Mark 10:29-31
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 20, Zechariah 12-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 5:1-11, Ezra 8

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Prayer And Fasting - Thursday, December 28th

Pastor Chris

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).

Sometimes as Christians, we miss God’s order of things. God is a God of order, and order gives meaning to things. For example, all around the world, people tend to confuse the order and say, “fasting and prayer,” instead of “prayer and fasting.” Prayer comes before fasting in the Scriptures.

Not understanding the right order may account for the reason many people fast without praying, which is largely a waste of time and effort. The emphasis should be on praying. It’s a call to prayer, and because you’re praying, you’re consciously staying away from eating. The fast is on, because you’re praying, not because you’re not eating.

Acts 13:2 says, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said….” Notice the order: they ministered to the Lord and fasted. How do you minister to the Lord? It’s in worship, prayer, praise and thanksgiving. The focus was on ministering to the Lord, and because of this, they fasted. Then the Lord spoke to them after they had prayed.

The New Year is just around the corner, and in preparing for it, you must spend time to pray and fast. Pick the days, or if such days have already been designated in your group or in your local church, be sure to participate fully, bearing in mind the purpose of the fast: praying; ministering to the Lord.

Some people occupy themselves with various irrelevant activities during prayer and fasting, so they don’t feel the hunger until it’s time to break the fast, no; it’s not that way. Aside from praying, the only activities you should indulge in and encourage are such that would further inspire you to pray, such as studying and meditating on the Word.

Take your Bible and some Christian books to read, and messages to listen to or watch on your devices. Put the TV off, and cast the newspapers and magazines aside. Possibly, put off your phone or turn off the network; you don’t need any distraction.

If you desire specific outstanding results in the coming year that only the anointing can produce, you need to do this: Spend quality time to speak in tongues and position yourself for achievements and significant exploits, not just in the coming year, but in the years ahead.

Prayer...
Blessed Lord, I thank you for all that you’ve prepared for me in the coming year. My spiritual antenna is raised to hear and receive your instructions, guidance, and wisdom that’ll propel me in the path of greatness that you’ve ordained for me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Further Study :
Daniel 9:3-5
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; 5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 19:11-21, Zechariah 9-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 4:23-37, Ezra 7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Love Like Jesus -Wednesday, December 27th

Pastor Chris

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (1 John 3:14).

Walking in love isn’t an option for the Christian, and one major characteristic of love is that it forgives. You must always forgive others, irrespective of what they might have done against you. It doesn’t matter the extent of hatred and acrimony you may experience from certain people, you have the obligation to love and forgive those who hurt or persecute you, like Jesus did.

Imagine His reaction to those who crucified Him; He looked up to heaven and said, “...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...” (Luke 23:34). He overlooked their ignorance and forgave their wrongs. Always be quick to forgive. Don’t say, “But what he did was so terrible”; there’s no wrong that doesn’t deserve forgiveness. Jesus proved it.

Stephen did too; read his story: the Jews stirred up false charges against him for preaching the Gospel and ordered his execution. The Bible says, “…as the murderous stones came hurtling at him, Stephen…fell to his knees, shouting, ‘Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!’ and with that, he died” (Acts 7:59-60 TLB). He cried out to God to forgive those who murdered him.

As you take stock and round off the year, one thing you must ensure is to look into your life and confidently say that you hold nothing against anyone. Even the most difficult people, under the most difficult circumstances, still deserve to be loved.

God wants you to know that all people are valuable to Him, irrespective of how you may feel about them. Train yourself to relate with everyone around you in this manner. Never judge or condemn others. Follow the example of the Master. He said in Matthew 5:44-45, “…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven….”

Prayer...
Dear Father, just as you’ve loved me, I’ve made up my mind to love like you—unconditionally. The compassion of Christ is expressed through me today. My heart is full of love, because the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost, to see the beauty and true value of others, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

Matthew 5:43-46
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

1 John 4:7-12
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 19:1-10, Zechariah 7-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 4:13-22, Ezra 6

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

The Revelation Of The Word in You

Tuesday, December 26th

Pastor Chris

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you (1 Peter 1:23-25).

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you (1 Peter 1:23-25).

The Bible says we’re the epistles of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:2); in other words, your very life is a message; it’s the manifestation of God’s Word, because you’re born of the Word of God; that makes you an offspring of the Word. Every living thing reproduces after its kind and you’re born of the same living Word that became flesh and dwelt amongst us. This means you’re also the Word of God in flesh.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 says, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” You’ve been manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ. This is the revelation of true Christianity!

True Christianity is the out-working of the Word in you. When you talk, it’s the Word; when you act, it’s the Word. We read that we’re manifestly declared to be the epistles of Christ, known and read of all men. Meaning that, as the world look at us, they literally can read the Word of God. No wonder we’re the effulgence of His glory, the manifestation of His righteousness. When you show up, Christ shows up, for as He is, so are you in this world (1 John 4:17).

Confession...
I’m born of the incorruptible Word of God. Therefore, I’m the epistle of Christ, the effulgence of His glory, the manifestation of His goodness and righteousness. I’m a message read of all men, through whom many are coming to the glory, beauty, perfection, liberty, joy, and the knowledge of Christ. Hallelujah!

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Further Study :

John 1:14 AMPC
And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.

James 1:18
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Revelation 18, Zechariah 4-6

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Acts 4:1-12, Ezra 5

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

Christmas Is The Word Alive in You - Monday, December 25th

Pastor Chris

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth (John 1:14 AMPC).

How awesome this is! Jesus, the Word, the ancient of days, became flesh and dwelt among us; that’s Christmas! I can imagine how awe-stricken the people were to see Jesus walk the streets in Bible days, full of grace and truth! The Bible says the disciples beheld His glory; He was resplendent in honour and majesty. The Word, which was, in the beginning of the ages now abides, not just with us but also in us.

The Bible says, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He was born “Emmanuel,” but today, He’s the Word alive in us: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:26-27). Wow!

Christmas means the abiding Word in you! Now, like Him, you’re the Word in flesh, because you’re born of the Word: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Peter 1:23). James 1:18 declares, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Blessed be God!

The Word became flesh and walked the streets; they beheld His glory, until He was slain. But God raised Him up and showed Him openly with many infallible proofs. Now, He abides in you. He lives in you, and you live through Him! This is the true definition and essence of Christmas: The Word has come. Christ is born. He lived and died, to be born in our hearts. Now He abides in you forever!

The One whose glory and light the Prophets spoke of; the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world; the very essence of life—Christ Jesus—is born in our hearts and He’s alive in you today. Merry Christmas!

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for your presence in my life, and the glory of your Word, which is manifested through me today. I’m one with the Word, being born of the Word! Christ, the Living and incarnate Word has become my life; I live in and through Him. Blessed be God!

Further Study :

Matthew 1:20-23
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

John 14:16-17
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 17, Zechariah 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 3:12-26,Ezra 3-4

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

Post Christmas fun post concerning our country and our current situation.

I'd get it started

BUHARI CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL!

Venue: All petrol stations across the federation.

#Queue4Change

The Word in Our Hearts - Sunday, December 24th

Pastor Chris

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).

The Lord Jesus is the Light of the world. He’s the Light that shines in darkness, and the Bible says the darkness comprehends it not (John 1:5). This same Light, according to our opening verse, has shined in our hearts, to give us light of the knowledge of the glory of God. What does this mean?

The Word of God is light (Psalm 119:105); that light is in our hearts. That means no more darkness, no more confusion, and no more uncertainties in your life. There’s direction and purpose for your life, because you have the light of life: “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The eyes of your understanding have been flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which God has called you, and grasp the immensity of His glorious inheritance for you. Because the Word was born, and now lives in your heart, you can boldly declare that the life of God is in you; the strength of God is in you; you’re a success and a victor forever.

Apart from being light, the Word is also truth: “…thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The truth lives in you. Oh, such glorious news! The truth is His light; the truth is His Word, and you’re walking in the truth. The truth is that you’re of God, and have overcome Satan, the world, and its systems. Greater is He that’s in you than he that’s in the world.

The truth is that you’ve arrived in the place called “Christ”, where sickness, disease and infirmity have lost their grip on you. Because you’re one with the Word, you’ve overcome diabetes; you’ve overcome heart trouble, chest pain, cancer, etc. No tumour; no fibroid; nothing of darkness can thrive in your body anymore, because your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost; He lives in every fibre of your being. Hallelujah! This is part of the joy we celebrate at Christmas—the Word in our hearts, and its power in our lives!

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. He lives in me in His fullness, and in Him I live, move and have my being. No challenge is big enough to weigh me down because I’m born of God and complete in Christ. I’m alive to God—spirit, soul, and body. There’re no impossibilities with me, for Christ is my sufficiency. Hallelujah!

Further Study :

John 1:14 AMPC
And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.

2 Corinthians 4:6 AMPC
For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

John 9:5
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 16, Haggai 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 3:1-11, Ezra 2

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

Rochas be like


"leti me find disi guy and make him commissioner for strategic moves and youth inspiration"

Knowing and Enjoying Your Inheritance - Saturday, December 23rd

Pastor Chris

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (1 Corinthians 2:12).

1 Corinthians 3:21 says, “...All things are yours.” It doesn’t get clearer or more direct than that. 2 Peter 1:3 emphasises the same reality. It says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness….” There’s nothing you need today that isn’t already made available to you in Christ.

However, there’s no way you can appropriate the blessings of God to your life if you don’t know the Word. Through the Word, you discover your inheritance; but there’s more. It’s one thing to discover your inheritance, it’s another thing to enjoy it; and that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. Weread in our opening verse, part of His ministry in our lives: He helps us know our divine endowments; things that have been given to us freely by God.

Then, the ensuing verse thirteen says, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth…” (1 Corinthians 2:13). Did you notice that? He helps us know, and teaches us to speak what we know. That’s the key to enjoying your inheritance. The affirmation of it makes it real. Life in its fullness, fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, righteousness, peace, divine healing and health, prosperity, forgiveness, etc., are some of God’s glorious blessings given to you to enjoy freely; speak them forth.

Philemon 1:6 says, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Acknowledging the good things in you doesn’t mean a passive recognition of the blessings you have in Christ. Rather, it means to recognise and affirm your blessings and heritage in Christ. It means to recognise and vocalise all that you are, all that you have, and all that you can do in Christ. Hallelujah!

Prayer.....
Precious Holy Spirit, I love you; thank you for helping me recognize your wonderful blessings in my life, and teaching me how to enjoy them! Life in its fullness, fellowship with the Father and with the Son Jesus Christ, righteousness, divine healing peace, and health, prosperity, a life of glory and excellence are present-hour all possessions, Jesus’ Name. Amen.


Further Study :

1 John 5:13
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 15, Zephaniah 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 2:37-47, Ezra 1

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

.

neoapocalypse:
Going by the date/time stamps on each post we can see there was fuel scarcity February , May and September ( and I'm guessing it's the same year ) , I think Buhari's regime is still better in that respect. More so the scarcity during this regime isn't so prolonged in each case , that can not be said about Jonathan's regime

You're missing the point....



Scarcity is scarcity. From the response those folks gave, aren't you amazed it's quiet now even though fuel was way cheaper then?

Real and Authentic Christianity - Friday, December 22nd

Pastor Chris

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own 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 Peter 2:9 AMPC).

Real and authentic Christianity is the demonstration and display of the virtues, excellences and perfections of Christ on earth. It’s a walk of righteousness. Take a look at Peter’s submission in our opening verse; that’s who the Christian is.

Notice that the verse doesn’t say, “You’re going to be...” No! You need to understand the difference between when God is giving us a promise and when He’s making a statement of fact. They’re two different things. If He tells you what you’re going to be or what you’re going to do, that’s different from what you are and where you are. It says, “But you are…”; that means “now,” whether or not you feel that way makes no difference. If God says you are, you are. Hallelujah!

There’re Christians and even ministers who say, “You know, it’s not like we’re special; we’re just ordinary people doing supernatural or extraordinary things.” Never say that. We’re not ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We’re extraordinary people doing extraordinary things! Look at it there: It says we’re, “…[God’s] own 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.” That’s Christianity.

It’s our responsibility to get God’s children to become like this, that the body of Christ will boldly display and demonstrate the virtues, excellences, and perfections of Christ; the righteousness of Christ. Praise God!

Prayer...
Dear Father, your life in me makes me an impregnable breed, not subject to sickness, defeat or failure. I’m an absolute success and victor in life. I reign and exercise dominion over circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1 John 5:11-12
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 13:11-14:1-20, Habakkuk 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 2:25-36, 2 Chronicles 36

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

obailala:
There are over 180million Nigerians but yet you're only interested in what some people who tweeted against govt in the past have to say today.

Dont you have hands?

Is there any juju tying your own fingers from tweeting yours today?...

Shift abeg...I wan pass

Ehiscotch:
It so sad that many of the posts up there are filled with insults and sentiments.

Nigerians have a right to criticize both the past and present administrations for the different fuel scarcities they have experienced.

Are you expecting me to apologize for criticizing GEJ just because the same situation is happening now?

We're saying why being hypocritical?

SalamRushdie:
This is just proof that the media opposition against Jonathan was all paid for then ..

The only thing GEJ did that pained me more than anything else was yo let miscreants lie anyhow. Notice, December wasn't part of the dates .. Imagine how much Lagos to onisha is as of today... Yet, we don't seem to understand the difficulty. Those insulting GEJ then when price was 87 are nowhere to be found

LionDeLeo:
Feb 2012, Sept 2012 and May 2015. Brainless monkeys are already trying to force it down our throats that there were never fuel scarcity in that administration.

Pls, any pained monkey can go and screw itself elsewhere because I don't talk to monkeys let alone the brainless ones.

Wait o... This mumu comment must end with this year o.

It would really be nice to know if some of these Twitter handles are asking PMB the same questions today.

Our hypocrisy is legendary.

Lalasticlala... Please do the needful

The Winning Mentality - Thursday, December 21st

Pastor Chris

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

Those who grew up in homes where their confession was at variance with the thoughts in the opening text may have had it difficult to cultivate the kind of mentality Paul exhibited. They might have grown up listening to their parents say, “I can’t do this,” or “I can’t do that”; “there’s no money,” or “we don’t have enough.” But you see, this is the Spirit’s desire for you: to cultivate the “I can do” mentality.

That’s the way I think. Whatever God has laid for me to do, I can do it. I can do anything; I can have anything; I can! In Paul’s epistle to the Philippians, we read of his beautiful, Spirit-inspired testimony of himself. He had come to terms with the truth that the ability to do the impossible was at work in him, and that he was solely responsible for the extent to which that power in him worked.

Notice that he didn’t say, “We can do all things...”; rather, he personalized it; this was his very own testimony. He made a confession that the ability of the Spirit had been granted him to achieve supernatural exploits in life. This same Apostle, in Ephesians 3:20-21, writes, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Practise this. You might even make a lot of mistakes, but don’t be discouraged; that doesn’t mean anything, because you’re still learning; soon enough you’ll perfect it. Someone might say “I don’t have sufficient time to achieve the things i want to do,” no! When you practise making the “I can do” confession, such things will be totally eradicated from your vocabulary, and therefore, your system.

Rather than saying you don’t have time for this or that, keep your composure, knowing that the God who lives in you is the owner of time. In Joel 2:25 (MSG), He said, “I’ll make up for the years of the locust, the great locust devastation—Locusts savage, locusts deadly, fierce locusts, locusts of doom….” If He can restore wasted years, He can restore wasted months, wasted weeks, wasted days, wasted hours, wasted minutes, wasted seconds, and wasted moments. Hallelujah!

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for your power that works in me mightily. I declare that I can do all things through your Spirit that’s at work in me. Nothing is impossible unto me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

Colossians 1:29
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

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.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 13:1-10, Nahum 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 2:14-24, 2 Chronicles 35

Be Strong And Courageous - Wednesday, December 20th

Pastor Chris

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them (Joshua 1:6).

There’s a certain mentality you must have as a Christian; it’s the mentality of a victor; the mindset of courage and strength, where you know that come what may, you’ll always win. It’s a requirement; it’s something that God demands of you. He demanded it of Joshua as he started out in ministry.

Joshua had been with Moses, and observed that Moses was never defeated, for God Almighty was with him. The same God who was with Moses, after Moses’ demise, told Joshua, “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5). What a message! It leaves no room for fear!

If you’re a pastor, for example, and some detractors walk into your place of worship to make trouble, don’t chicken out; take dominion. Notice God’s instruction in Joshua 1:6, “Be strong and of a good courage….” It doesn’t matter that the government is colliding with you, trying to resist God’s work, be courageous, for their defence is taken away from them (Numbers 14:9). Greater is He that’s in you, than he that’s in the world (1 John 4:4).

It doesn’t matter how seemingly powerful your adversaries are, “Be strong and of a good courage….” Someone might say, “But we all get discouraged sometimes”; no! Discouragement isn’t for Christians! We’re required to be strong and very courageous—always—not sometimes. How could you be discouraged when you’re one with the Lord? He’s your strength and your joy! He’s your song, your victory and your salvation.

Never find yourself in discouragement. Never wear a sad face, berating yourself for what you might have done wrong or crying over what others might have said or done against you. No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). That’s the Word of the Lord concerning you. Read and meditate on Psalm 27:1-3: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell….” Blessed be God!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for granting me through your Word, the mindset of a victor. I’m vibrant, courageous and strong. I win today and always, because Christ is in me; He leads me always in a perpetual victory parade. Glory to your Name forever! Amen.

Further Study::

Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 12, Micah 6-7

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 2:1-13, 2 Chronicles 34

Absolutely Victorious IN Christ - Tuesday, December 19th .

Pastor Chris

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)

The scriptures are replete with information that let us know that God has given us an absolutely victorious life. 1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 emphasizes the great, notable and consistent victories we have in Christ: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

Refuse to accept anything short of a life of glory and success in Christ Jesus, for that’s your heritage as a child of God. Jesus died for you, and it wasn’t for nothing. To keep cringing, bawling, wailing, crying or begging through life, after His death, and triumphant resurrection on your behalf, is to make the cross of Christ of none effect.

Jesus shed His blood for you; and since He’s already done it, all you need do is enjoy the triumphant life. This is the grace of God. When He hung on the cross, God saw you hanging on that cross; you died in Him, and rose up triumphantly from the grave with Him. Therefore, you have legal rights to righteousness, divine health, a sound and excellent mind, and an extraordinary life, because of what Christ has done for you.

2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” The life He’s given us is one of glory and excellence, far removed from the sufferings and reproaches of this world. Why should anyone know this and live as a victim in life? Refuse to be poor or ordinary.

The world may be facing economic hardship, but we live the higher life. Job 22:29 says, “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up….” There’s lifting power in you; power to rise over and above the crises of life. That power is Christ in you! Through Him, and in Him, we’ve been made eternally victorious.

Confession...
I’m eternally victorious in Christ. I have power over crises; I’m prospering exceedingly, manifesting the righteousness and dominion of Christ everywhere. I live above, and far beyond the distracting elements of this world, because I live in Christ! Blessed be God!

Further Study :
1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Colossians 1:26-27
[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Revelation 11, Micah 4-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 1:12-26, 2 Chronicles 33

Understanding His Perfect Love - Monday, December 18th .
Pastor Chris

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

Loving the Lord, and knowing that He loves you, is perfect love, and that perfect love rids your life of fear. This means the one who lives in fear isn’t perfected in love. You really don’t need to try to fight fear or doubt if you’d walk in God’s love. There’ll be no need for an effort on your part to walk triumphantly over the darkness and adversities of life if you’d trust His love for you, and love Him in return.

Sometimes, Christians and even ministers of the Gospel may have fears; it could be fear about their health, about their finances, about their ministry, etc. If you ever find yourself in such a state, don’t despair. Rather, meditate on the Father’s love for you, until it takes a hold of your spirit. If you do, no matter the troubles, you’ll have boldness and courage for victory in the midst of the trouble.

When someone says, “I’m afraid of this or that,” that person is yet to comprehend the love of God, for perfect love drives away fear: fear of being rejected by others, fear of the future or fear of life itself. What you need to realize is that God is love and you don’t have to be afraid of Him, despite all the wrong things you may have done. He says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

God’s love for you is perfect love; that means He isn’t going to love you more when you get to heaven than He already does. Relate to Him with this understanding, and you’ll never be afraid of anything, for He has said, “…Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Confession...
Dear Father, thank you for your love in my heart; I walk in dominion today, because you’ve given me the spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind! I walk worthy of you unto all pleasing, rejoicing that you’ve caused me to triumph over fear, Satan, and the world. Hallelujah!

Further Study :
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Revelation 10, Micah 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 1:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32

Celebrate His Goodness - Sunday, December 17th .
Pastor Chris

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29).

As the year 2017 draws to a fruitful end, it’s important that we make out time to thank God for His mighty blessings in our lives. Make today a special day of rejoicing, expressing profuse gratitude to the Lord for His blessings throughout 2017.

There’re four important ways you’re to celebrate and thank the Lord today. First is through your prayer of thanksgiving; express yourself to Him with thanksgiving from your heart. Secondly, worship and praise Him profusely and ecstatically from your spirit. Thirdly, celebrate Him with your testimony—your testimony of thanksgiving. Testify of what He’s done in your life; eulogize Him for the joy of the Spirit that’s in your heart. Thank Him for the foundation of your spirit; the foundation of faith that God gave you. Celebrate the hope, and other blessings in your spirit.

Lastly, celebrate Him with an offering. We worship God with our offerings because He’s God. Your offering to God is an oblation, a testimony of your faith in Him. Give the Lord a special thanksgiving offering today, and project yourself into the greater future He’s planned for you.

Choose certain times or hours of the day to have celebration sessions alone or with your family. Make it an entire day of celebration, because you’re grateful for all that Christ is to you; you acknowledge and appreciate His grace at work in you.

Don’t spend time thinking about some unattained goals or “disappointments” you may have experienced in the year. Rather, celebrate Jesus, trusting that He’s already perfected all that concerns you. Rejoice! Shout and dance around in your room, glorifying the Name of Jesus. Celebrate His life that’s in you. Celebrate His Word that’s working mightily in you. Celebrate the prosperity, health, peace, joy, victories and life of glory that God has given you.

Prayer...
Thank you precious Father, for your blessings upon my life, my family, and everything that concerns me; you’ve decorated my life with your glory. You plucked me out of trouble and satisfied my desires with good things; for these, I rejoice and adore your majesty. All glory, dominion and praise are yours, now and forever, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

Psalm 103:1
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.
:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalm 96:8
Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Revelation 9, Jonah 1-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 21:13-25, 2 Chronicles 31