The Adversities Don’t Count - Friday, September 8th

Pastor Chris

And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God (Philippians 1:28 AMPC).

As a Christian, you’re a victor forever; therefore, never be concerned about who’s against you or the challenges that you face. For example, anyone who sets himself up as your adversary will of necessity stumble and fall. You don’t have to pray about it; the Word says so: “...When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell” (Psalm 27:1-2). So you see, the adversaries and adversities that you face are not a factor.

The Bible says, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). You’re unconquerable. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” You may be faced with challenges in your academics; count it all joy, because no matter what happens, you’re coming through with a testimony. Refuse to faint or lose heart in the day of crisis; God believes in you! He believes that He’s trained you enough to face challenges and win.

Even when you’ve prayed and the trouble seemed not to have gone away, refuse to give up. We never buckle under trouble! We never cry when we face challenges. Eyeball the devil and say, “Devil, no matter what you do, I’m more than a conqueror, because greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world.”

We have the comfort of the Scriptures; we have the assurance of the Holy Ghost in our lives that we can never be defeated. Refuse to be terrified by anything. There’re no adversaries or adversities on earth or in the heavenlies that can overpower you as long as you function in God’s Word. Glory to God!

Prayer...
Greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. I refuse to worry or fret over anything, because the Lord is in me and with me always. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I dwell in the secret place of the most High God, and function with the ability of the Spirit always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Psalm 91:3-7
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day; 6 [Nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Proverbs 24:10 CEV
Don't give up and be helpless in times of trouble.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* 2 Corinthians 7:2-16, Proverbs 22-23

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 21:29-38, 1 Samuel 27

Filled With The Fruits of Righteousness - Saturday, September 9th

Pastor Chris

May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized] (Philippians 1:11 AMPC).

Romans 5:1 AMPC says, “THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” To be justified means to be declared not guilty. That’s who the Christian is: one who’s been declared righteous and has right standing with God. He’s not merely a “sinner saved by grace.”

Yes, we were saved by grace, as a means to an end: to become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. It’s the reason our lives ought to be filled with the fruits of righteousness—the works of righteousness. Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches…” (John 15:5). We’re the fruit-bearing part of the vine, and we bear fruits of righteousness. We hold forth the fruits of God’s righteousness everywhere we go; righteousness is working in us.

Now, whatever you’re filled with is what will manifest under pressure. In other words, it’s what you have inside you that you can give. We manifest righteousness; we walk in righteousness and do works of righteousness, because we’re filled with the fruits of righteousness.

When Jesus restored sight to the blind, unstopped deaf ears, gave new legs to the maimed, raised the dead, fed the hungry, comforted the afflicted, spoke divine words to encourage and bless people, He was manifesting fruits of righteousness. And as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).

You’re a tree of righteousness, ordained to be fruitful and productive in every good work; ordained to manifest the glory of God. You’re His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for works of righteousness (Ephesians 2:10).

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the revelation of your Word to me, and for the working of your Word in my spirit. I’m filled with the fruits of righteousness; therefore, I manifest the righteousness of God to my world just as Jesus did, because as He is, so am I in this world. Hallelujah!*

Further Study :
2 Corinthians 5:21* 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.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 9:10
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 8-9, Proverbs 24-26

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 22:1-13, 1 Samuel 28

Adorned with the Full Armour Of God - Sunday, September 10th .

Pastor Chris

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 (Ephesians 6:12).

Our opening verse clearly shows that we’re not in contention with human enemies, but with spiritual forces. Human beings aren’t your enemies. Whatever wickedness you might observe in human beings is actually perpetrated by the spirit-forces of darkness listed in our opening verse: principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places. They’re the ones responsible for the varying degrees of evil and devilry that we see and experience around us.

Man in himself isn’t as wicked as you see, for God made man in His image and in His likeness. He made man to look like Him, and to function like Him (Genesis 1:26); but there’s something that remotely controls the unregenerate man and causes him to think, talk, and act wickedly (Ephesians 2:2).

But thanks be to God; we aren’t left hamstrung. When pressures from these wicked spirits come charging at you, be unruffled! As long as you’re fully girt with the full armour of God, you’ll be able to resist and extinguish the cruel and fiendish onslaught and oppositions from the evil one, and remain standing in the evil day.

Satan and his demons are no threat for the Christian. You have the dominion and authority over principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. God has given you the spiritual weapons with which to keep them at bay (Read Ephesians 6:13-19).

Act on the Word. Get on the offensive against the enemy by keeping the whole armour of God on you all of the time, not some of the time: Stand firm and be unshakable, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And pray in the Spirit on all occasion with all kinds of prayers and requests. Hallelujah!

Confession...
I’m fully equipped and fortified with the whole armour of God, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. My faith is a weapon of defence against the fiery darts of the wicked, and an instrument of victory over and against the adversities. adversary I’m and eternally triumphant in Christ. Blessed be God!

Further Study :
Ephesians 6:13-17
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. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* 2 Corinthians 10:1-18, Proverbs 27-28

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 22:14-23, 1 Samuel 29

Worship Him Every Day - Monday, September 11th .

Pastor Chris

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me (Hebrews 10:4-5).

When you study the twenty-ninth to the thirtieth chapter of the Book of Exodus, you’d find how that the Lord gave the children of Israel certain instructions, and asked that they rendered sin offering, burnt offerings and incense. These were to be done every day.

However, God wasn’t pleased with the sacrifice and offerings of these animals; He wanted the perfect sacrifice: Christ Jesus.

Over in the New Testament, Jesus became our sin offering. He was offered for us as one sacrifice, forever. We never need to offer animals to God anymore. Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” He wasn’t just the perfect sacrifice; His sacrifice perfected us.

The Psalmist, David, gives us a light into this and tells us something striking in Psalm 141:2. He said, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Being a prophet, he had a revelation of the future and the new dispensation that should come into effect after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The sanctuary of the old covenant was going to be removed and replaced. What then would take the place of the incense that was offered to God regularly, and the sacrifices that He commanded the priests to offer morning and evening?

It’s our prayers of worship and the lifting up of our hands! God says this should be perpetual; it should never cease. It’s the reason we worship Him always, with our hands lifted. Every time you worship the Lord, especially when you do it in the spirit, that is, in other tongues, your prayers go to Him as incense. The Bible says, “And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand” (Revelation 8:4).

As you lift your hands to Him, eulogizing and making confessions to His Name, it’s like the evening sacrifice, a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. And we’re to do this every day.

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, I bless and extol your majesty, for you alone are God. You’re worthy of all praise, glory, adoration, majesty, splendour and grace; blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honour, power, and might, be unto you, forever and ever. Amen.

Further Study :
Psalm 134:1
Behold, bless ye the LORD, all [ye] servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
:2 Lift up your hands [in] the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.

Revelation 7:11
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

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:2 Corinthians 11:1-15, Proverbs 29-31

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Luke 22:24-34, 1 Samuel 30

The Word : A Sure Foundation - Tuesday, September 12th .

Pastor Chris

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

The Bible tells us how Peter healed the lame man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful. Even though the man had been in that condition from birth, Peter knew that the Word could transform him. And as he made a demand in the Name of Jesus, the man was completely healed (Acts 3:1-. If the Word could change the life of an adult man who was crippled from birth, it can change anybody.

The Word of God has the ability to make a sick man well, turn a sinner into a saint, and a failure into success. Trust the Word. Put it to work in your life. When you live according to the Word, you’re building your life on a sure foundation.

The Lord Jesus alluded to this in Matthew chapter seven. First, He talked about a certain man who heard the Word, believed, and acted accordingly. He likened that man to someone who built his house on a solid rock—a firm foundation. When the crises of life struck, when the adversities and pressures of life beat vehemently against that house, it remained standing.

Secondly, He likened those who hear the Word but don’t put it to work to a man who built his house upon the sand, and when the winds and storms billowed against it, it came to shambles (Matthew 7:26-27).

A lot of people struggle with their faith because they don’t operate by the principles of the Word. Many have founded their lives on the assumptions and theories of men, rather than on the Word of God. Your foundation should be God’s Word. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away”(Mark 13:31).

Unlike this world and everything in it, you can rely on the Word; it’s infallible, immutable; the Word is eternal. Build your life on the Word, and not on human philosophies that change with the times.

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for the Word, which is my sure and firm foundation; upon it I rest secured and immovable, strengthened, rooted and grounded. Your Word is the rock that holds me, for it’s absolutely trustworthy, reliable, and true. Thank you Lord, for my triumphant life in, and through the Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
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.

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Ecclesiastes 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 22:35-43, 1 Samuel 31

The Supernatural Life In Youu - Wednesday, September 13th .
Pastor Chris

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

Certainly, our theme verse couldn’t be referring to biological life since those to whom Jesus spoke those inspiring words were already alive biologically. Rather, He was referring to the divine life—the God-life. The phrase, “more abundantly,” used in the King James is a little cloudy; the actual Greek rendering is, “to the full.” He actually said, “...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it TO THE FULL.”

Jesus didn’t need life from God when He walked the earth; He was the totality of life! John 1:4 says, “In him was life….” In 1 John 1:2, the Apostle John describes Him as the manifestation and embodiment of life itself: “(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us).” In John 5:26, Jesus Himself affirmed, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.”

Now you can understand why He’s able to give that life to the full to anyone who comes to Him. The Bible says he that has the Son, has this life (1 John 5:12). If you’re born again, you aren’t born after the first Adam, but after the second and last Adam—Jesus Christ. Eternal life, the divine life, is in your spirit. You can’t have this life and be infected with HIV or have your body ravaged by cancer! This life can’t coexist with diabetes or stroke; it destroys sickness and disease, and repels darkness.

The trouble with many is that they aren’t conscious of the supernatural life of God that they have. It’s for this reason that the Spirit, writing through John, admonished that you be conscious of your divinity; conscious that you have eternal life, the God-life in you: “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…” (1 John 5:13).

You’re not ordinary. The life in you is incorruptible and superior to sickness, disease or the negative forces of life. Live every day with this consciousness.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the transcendent life of glory, righteousness, victory, success, prosperity, and health that I have in Christ; a life of mastery and dominion. I walk in the consciousness of my divine origin and life in Christ, soaring above the limitations of this world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
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.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

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.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* 2 Corinthians 12:1-21, Ecclesiastes 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 22:44-53, 2 Samuel 1

A Life of Excellence - Thursday, September 14th .

Pastor Chris

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).

God has called you to a life of glory and excellence. He’s not trying to do it, He’s already done it. It’s not a promise. “Virtue” in the scripture above means excellence. God didn’t call us to shame; He didn’t call us to pain; He didn’t call us to sickness, reproach, destruction or judgment; He called us to glory and excellence. Your response, therefore, should be, “Thank you, blessed Father, I’m excellent and full of glory! I do excellent things.”

Perhaps you were headed in the direction of shame, there’s a reprogramming taking place in your spirit right now. The Word will propel you from shame, into glory and excellence. Walk in the knowledge of who you are. Inside you is the power of God, His divine ability to rise, increase and prosper; to do excellent things. He has appointed and positioned you to exude excellence. You no longer have to strive for excellence.

You have the responsibility to transform your life from glory to glory; you have the responsibility to manage your mind to produce excellence. That’s what the renewing of your mind is about (Romans 12:2). God expects this of you, because He has put the ability within you. He wants to be glorified through your progress and success; through the excellence of your personality.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you, for you’ve made my life beautiful, and made me excellent all the way. You’re glorified in and through me today, by my progress and success as a result of your Word at work in me. Thank you for making me the epitome of your righteousness, and vent for your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

2 Peter 1:3 AMPC
For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [ full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

John 15:8
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Ecclesiastes 6-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 22:54-62, 2 Samuel 2

The life Of Victory - Friday, September 15th .

Pastor Chris

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

When God raised Jesus from the dead, you were raised together with Him. Now, you’re seated with Him, “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).

It makes no difference what happens in this world, you’re more than a conqueror; you’re a success. God has given you a life greater than sickness, disease, failure and death; a life of peace, strength, health and prosperity; the victorious life.

The knowledge of these realities should evidently change the way you talk, walk or act. Don’t ask God to give you peace, strength, health, prosperity or make you a success. These and more are all encapsulated in the glorious life you have in Christ. I’ll give you examples.

First, the Lord Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you....” That means He has become your peace. Secondly, Psalm 27:1 says, “…the LORD is the strength of my life….” Thirdly, He’s made you healthy and strong. Isaiah 33:24 says, “And the inhabitant (of Zion) _*shall not say, I am sick….”

In addition, He’s given you prosperity. 1 Corinthians 3:21 says, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.” Then Philippians 4:19 tells us, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” That means there’s no lack in your life, for the Lord supplies all your needs. Psalm 1:3 describes you as a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in and out of season; and whatsoever you do shall prosper. What a blessing!

Now that you’re born again, you’re a bundle of success. You belong in God’s Kingdom, His realm of life where you reign victoriously with Christ.


Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the glorious life in Christ! I walk in righteousness and exercise dominion over devils, sickness, and the negativities of life today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Romans 5:17
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

2 Corinthians 2:14
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.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Galatians 1:1-24, Ecclesiastes 9-12

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 22:63-71, 2 Samuel 3-4

The Glory Of His Sacrifice - Saturday, September 16th .

Pastor Chris

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:10-11).

It was God-ordained that Christ should suffer and the result of His suffering be glory, victory, success and prosperity for us all. Therefore, you’re to celebrate what Jesus did for you; He didn’t die for nothing; His vicarious death gave mankind victory over sin and its effects.

By hanging on the cross, as God’s sacrifice for sin, He took your place and gave you the victory. Now, God wants you not only to proclaim that victory, but to live every day in the victory of His death, burial and glorious resurrection. This means, if you were lying on a sickbed, it’s time to get up for you’ve received life in Christ.

The same goes for poverty; it shouldn’t take a hold of you anymore for Jesus took your place of poverty and gave you prosperity: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). You can live absolutely debt-free now because the Lord supplies all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Live with this consciousness. You’ve been chosen out of the world and separated unto the glory-life. The Bible says you’re “...a chosen race, a priesthood of kingly lineage, a holy nation, a people belonging specially to God, that you may make known the perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light”(1 Peter 2:9 WNT).

You’re a special breed, born with the life and nature of God. He has designated your path to be that of victory and success only.

Prayer...
I thank you Lord for bringing me out of darkness into your marvellous light, where I reign and rule as a king in life, enjoying the joy, health, peace, prosperity, progress, success and victory you’ve made available to me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
2 Corinthians 5:21 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.

Ephesians 2:4-7
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Galatians 2:1-21, Songs of Solomon 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 23:1-12, 2 Samuel 5-6

Reigning Through Words - Sunday, September 17th .

Pastor Chris

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness SHALL REIGN IN LIFE BY ONE, JESUS CHRIST (Romans 5:17).

Something important that you must do today is to meditate on our opening verse until it becomes a part of your system. The Amplified Classic Version renders the latter part rather beautifully. It says those who have received this gift of righteousness shall reign as kings in life. That’s talking about reigning in the earth; a kingly life on earth.

Revelation 5:10 says, “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Let’s examine one striking quality of a king in Ecclesiastes 8:4. It says, “Where the word of a king is, there is power….” Kings reign with words. You’re a king; therefore, reign with words. When you command fear to go, it goes! If you’re attacked by any kind of sickness, and you call it by name and command it to go, it’s got to quit! Everything in life has intelligence; they’re intelligent enough to recognize when the king gives the word, and that king is YOU!

Can you see why you ought to speak right and never paralyze your own faith? When you feel symptoms of sickness or disease in your body, don’t succumb! Just say the word and effect a change! Every word you say goes out in the spirit-realm to cause changes.

Jesus said in John 6:63, “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,” and you’re like Him (1 John 4:17). Refuse to speak empty, idle, inoperative, nonworking words. Ordinary men may talk anyhow, but not you! You’re a spiritual man; your words have creative power.

Take your place of dominion, and reign in the Name of Jesus over circumstances, through words. Command every storm to be still in the Name of Jesus. Refuse the down life. Reign and rule in life as the king that you are, through words.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of righteousness that gives me boldness in your presence, and causes me to reign in life as a king. I speak the right words only, thereby effecting changes in my family, health, business and ministry. I walk in righteousness, and produce works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Mark 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Matthew 12:37
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Daily Scripture Reading...

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Galatians 3:1-14, Songs of Solomon 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 23:13-25, 2 Samuel 7-8

You're A Legal and Vital Child Of God - Monday, September 18th

Pastor Chris

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).

The Christian is the legal and vital child of God—a bona fide child of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:20, the Apostle Paul declared, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” That’s the legal aspect of redemption: you’re bought with a price. And now, God has brought us to live in His class of being, and has poured Himself into us, thereby making our physical bodies His tabernacle of witness; His living temple: “…know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). This is the vital aspect. The legal aspect made the vital experience of the God-life possible!

It’s like our righteousness, some still think that what we have is just a legal righteousness, no; we have a vital righteousness. God has given us His righteousness, and now, you have the ability to stand in His presence without guilt, condemnation, or inferiority. In 1 John 3:1-2, the Apostle John cried out: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD….” This isn’t a promise, neither is it a prophecy. It’s a declaration of reality, a present-hour truth.

The vital aspect of our sonship is that when you were born again, you were born of the Spirit of God. 1 Peter 1:23 says, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Now, you have the life of God in you; you have ceased to be an ordinary person; you live a supernatural life.

Rather than using the Greek word, “huiothesia” which explains adoption or placing as sons, that is, one who was taught how to handle authority, the Apostle John carefully chose the word, “teknon,” to explain that we’re vital sons of God; we’re born of Him. NOW are we the sons of God, not tomorrow or someday, or when we get to heaven, but now; it happened immediately you were born again. Galatians 4:6 says, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for the legal aspect of redemption which made the vital experience of eternal life possible. You’ve made me a partaker of the divine nature, an associate of the God-kind. I’m full of life, and I live victoriously to your glory and praise, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
1 John 3:1-2 CEV
Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. But since the people of this world did not know who Christ is, they don't know who we are. 2 My dear friends, we are already God's children, though what we will be hasn't yet been seen. But we do know that when Christ returns, we will be like him, because we will see him as he truly is.

John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Galatians 3:15-25, Songs of Solomon 6-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 23:26-33, 2 Samuel 9-10

Stabilizing Yourself at your highest levelof faith - Tuesday, September 19th

Pastor Chris

But ye, beloved, BUILDING UP yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20).

There’s a big difference between the verse above and what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:4 which reads, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself….” The word “edify” in 1 Corinthians 14:4 means to build yourself up; it also means to charge yourself. However, what Jude was talking about is akin to building a super structure, when he said, “...BUILDING UP yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 1:20).

The Greek word translated “building up” is “epoikodomeo,” and it means to build on something that already exists. So Jude, by the Holy Spirit, is talking about building a super structure on something that’s already there. So, by telling you to build up yourself on your most holy faith, it means the most holy faith that he was referring to is already there.

That “most holy faith” refers to your highest faith; your most sanctified faith; the topmost level of faith that you’ve attained at any given time. He says build on it by speaking in tongues; don’t go below it. You know, we experience faith at different levels from time to time. Sometimes, we experience a very high level of faith, and some other times, our faith seems to go a little lower than usual.

However, by speaking in tongues often, you build yourself up on that highest level of faith that you attained, and it becomes the benchmark. The next time, that highest level of faith becomes your lowest faith. Then, you operate from there, and get to another high level of faith, and keep building on it.

It’s one of the reasons we emphasize speaking in tongues. As you receive God’s Word, your faith comes to a peak, but you build on it; you stabilize at that topmost level of faith through praying in tongues. At that level, no adversity, challenges, problems can pose a threat to you, for you’ve risen above them. Do this and watch your life grow remarkably.

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of the heavenly vocabulary, which you’ve given me to build up myself on my highest level of faith. My faith is the victory that overcomes the world! And as I pray in tongues, I mount up with wings as eagles, soaring in victory above challenges and adversities, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1 Corinthians 14:2-4 AMPC
For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. 3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation. 4 He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness].

Romans 10:17
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Galatians 3:26-4:1-20, Isaiah 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 23:34-43, 2 Samuel 11-12

The Gift of His Name - Thursday , September 21th 2017.


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

The Lord Jesus gave us the power of attorney to use His Name. That Name belongs to you today; you have the legal authority to use the Name of Jesus. You can do anything in His Name.

Just before His ascension, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:18-19).
All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus. Everything that exists in this world and beyond is subject to the Name of Jesus.

The day you were born again, you ceased to live in your name; you inherited the Name of Jesus.
You’re therefore supposed to function in His place, with His authority and in His character. Your words carry the same power and authority as Jesus.’ His Name has power everywhere. It has power over governments, devils, principalities, and powers. Use that Name.

Not many Christians know how to use the Name of Jesus; they think it’s just a name to put at the end of a prayer; it’s much more than that.
The Bible says, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).
This is Jesus talking, and He wasn’t referring to prayer, because you can’t pray to Jesus in the Name of Jesus. He’s talking about using His Name as an instrument; making a demand in His Name.

Peter did that with the lame man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful; he said, “In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”He then got the crippled man by the right hand, pulled him up, and his anklebones received strength. The Bible says, “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:. Amazing! In Acts 3:16 and Acts 4:9-10, Peter declared that the Name of Jesus was the instrument that performed the miracle. Blessed be God!

You have the greatest gift of all times; the gift of the Name of Jesus. Use it every day, and everywhere. When you demand something to happen in His Name, He’s back of it; He makes sure it happens, because He’s got the power.
Glory to God!

Prayer...
Blessed heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of the Name of Jesus, and the power of attorney given to me to use it. By that Name, which you have highly exalted and placed above every other name, I live victoriously and dominate life’s situations and circumstances. Amen.


Further Study :
Acts 4:12 Philippians 2:8-11 Mark 16:17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Galatians 5:16-26 Isaiah 6-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 24:1-12 2 Samuel 15-16

The Life and Nature Of God - Friday, September 22nd 2017.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)

Eternal life is the life and nature of God. It’s the transcendent life, which we have in Christ Jesus. He gave His life for us, so we could live and walk in His righteousness, glory, and grace. But until a man is born again, he can’t have eternal life, no matter how much he tries. There’re people who are struggling to please God; they’re struggling to live right, but don’t know how to go about it. You can’t live right until you have first received the life and nature of God into your spirit.

True Christianity is fellowship with the divine; having your human life supplanted by the life and nature of God. Until you have His life in you, you can’t live it. The Lord Jesus, addressing Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, said, “…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:5-7). To be born again is to have the Christ-life imparted to your spirit, such that you come alive to God; you’re awakened to the fatherhood of God, and He takes up His abode in the quarters of your heart.

This isn’t something you struggle to attain; it happens the instant you’re born again: the life and nature of God is imparted to your spirit to enable you live right and produce fruits of righteousness. Your life becomes the manifestation of God’s goodness, glory, grace, and love when you have and are conscious of His life and nature in you.

Prayer...
Precious Father, I thank you for your great love for me, which you demonstrated in sending Jesus Christ to die for me. I affirm that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life, and His life and nature have been imparted to my spirit. I’m awakened to the fatherhood of God, and I express the righteousness of God in my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
1 John 5:11-13
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. 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.

2 Corinthians 5:21* 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.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Galatians 6:1-18, Isaiah 9-10

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 24:13-27, 2 Samuel 17-18

This is becoming unbecoming!!!


My fellow Christian brothers and sisters, lets not permit this religious insensitivity on Nairaland.

https://www.nairaland.com/4071652/petition-against-religious-insensitivity-nairaland

The life Of The Spirit in You - Saturday, September 23rd

Pastor Chris

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:10).

In the verse above, the Apostle Paul wasn’t questioning whether Christ was in the brethren in Rome; rather, he stirred their minds to an important reality. He wanted them to know that Christ in them was a vital reality, and a guarantee of a life of health and vitality. He said if Christ is in you, though your body may be weak and sickly, He’ll vitalize it.

Paul’s conclusion is that when you have the Holy Spirit, you shouldn’t be sick, because your body is vitalized by the same Spirit: “...if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (vitalize, make alive) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11). The work of the Holy Spirit in vitalizing your physical body is in the “now”; it’s not futuristic; it’s not something that will happen when we get to heaven; He works in you now! Glory to God!

The Holy Spirit is the power of God; His presence in you has settled the matter of sickness and weakness forever, for He works and walks in you, to “fix” any anomaly in your physical body. His life in you makes you unconquerable. He’s the One who raised the dead body of Jesus back to life; and now, He lives in you in all of His glory, power and majesty.

Today, it makes no difference how much your physical body may have been ravaged or battered by sickness or disease; what you need is the consciousness of the Healer in you—the Holy Spirit. He in you is your hope to rise and walk again, and live perpetually in divine health.

Confession...
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me, and has given life, vitality and vigour to my physical body. I’m nourished, refreshed, and rejuvenated every day by the Holy Spirit, who perambulates in me to keep me in health, righteousness, and in the glory of God. Blessed be God!

Further Study :

1 Peter 2:24
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Romans 8:10 AMPC
But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Ephesians 1:1-14, Isaiah 11-12

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Luke 24:28-39, 2 Samuel 19-20

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


Speak To The Storm - Sunday, September 24th .

Pastor Chris

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).

God doesn’t want you to go through life as though you’re helpless and handicapped. Rather, He wants you to take charge and do something with your life, and about your situation. You should make things happen in your life.

You might be crying, “Lord, don’t you see my situation? Do something!” No, you’re the one to do something, because He’s given you the power. Act like Jesus. He calmed the storms with words. He said to the raging tempest, “Peace, be still” and there was a great calm.

Perhaps for some reason, you find yourself agitated and fearful about a situation, what you should do is simple: Put your right hand on your chest and say, “Calm down in the Name of Jesus,” and His peace will overwhelm your soul.

The disciples were sore afraid when the winds became boisterous, and the water was getting into the boat. They came to Jesus and said, “Master, don’t you care that we perish?” Jesus said to them, “Where is your faith?” In other words, “Why are you terrified? I’m right here. I’m your peace.” They had “Peace” with them in the boat, for He’s the peace of Israel, and He’s our peace today.

Refuse to fear. Christ is your peace, and He lives in you. He’s God’s Word. He’s the “Logos” of God. When you speak, Jesus—the Word—is manifested. So when you need to calm any storm, you don’t have to try to “wake Him up,” like the disciples did; you speak His Word.

No wonder the Bible says, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly...” (Colossians 3:16). Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will…” (John 15:7). What do you want? Don’t complain; don’t beg; speak the Word. Ask and receive. Hallelujah!

Prayer...
Precious Father, I thank you for the blessing and authority I have in Jesus. Christ is my peace; even now, I declare peace over my life, my job, my business, my family, and on everything that concerns me. I’m overwhelmed by the glory and tranquility of the Spirit. My path is one of success, joy, and victory forever, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Mark 9:23
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Job 22:28
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Ecclesiastes 8:4
Where the word of a king [is, there is] power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 1:15-2:1-10, Isaiah 13-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Luke 24:40-53, 2 Samuel 21-22

Your Harvest is Sure - Monday, September 25th .

Pastor Chris

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126:6).

Oftentimes, we come across people who put so much effort and resources into working for the Lord, but after a while they begin to wonder, “What would be my reward or gain for all these efforts?”

Now, the Word of God is clear: God is always the last giver. No one can ever out-give Him. Therefore, be encouraged and don’t despair, for the Bible says, “…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).

Our opening verse puts it succinctly: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” What this means is that your harvest is sure; it’ll happen without fail. A sheave is a bundle of stalk or ears of grain that you bind together after they’re cut. They’re bound together for transportation or for storage. It’s sometimes used as a term to refer to a package of so many things put together. But in our theme verse, it refers to some form of harvest from your giving, and this isn’t just about money.

It’s important to know, as a child of God, that you can get your harvest anytime you choose; you can make it happen anytime you want. Genesis 8:22 says, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” This means there’s no definite time for the harvest. “Seedtime and harvest” means harvest is anytime. Though there be seedtime (a time of sowing), you can call forth the harvest anytime! You might as well consider today your day of harvest, your day of blessings! Praise God!

Your harvest ought to come in ways that are supernatural. For example, the Bible says Isaac sowed during the time of famine—a time when it was naturally impossible for harvest—yet he received in the same year a hundredfold (Genesis 26:12-13).

We can determine and make our harvest happen when we want it. This is because we function in the Name of Jesus. Nonetheless, there’s also a need of patience (Hebrews 10:36), for he that believes does not make haste (Isaiah 28:16).

Prayer...
Dear Father, I adore you for the opportunities to sow and be a blessing through giving, and for the privilege to call forth my harvest. My seeds and labour of love are sanctified by your Spirit to produce a multiplied harvest of blessings for me in my ministry, finances, family, and all areas of life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
:8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:
:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness
:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Ephesians 2:11-22, Isaiah 15-18

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 1:1-13, 2 Samuel 23-24

Angels Answer to us - Tuesday, September 26th .

Pastor Chris

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they (Hebrews 1:4).

There’s a remarkable difference between life and the operations of God in the Old Testament, in comparison with the New Testament. For example, in the Old Testament, the angels had authority over God’s people to the point they could pronounce judgement or punishment on them for doing something wrong.

A simple example is when Zachariah didn’t believe the word of the angel Gabriel. The angel didn’t spare him; he said, “I’m Gabriel; I function in the presence of God; because you disbelieved my word, you shall be dumb until the child is born” (Read Luke 1:19-22), and it was so. Can you imagine that? He punished Zachariah for his unbelief.

However, in the New Testament, the angels are our servants; they serve us. Hebrews 1:13-14 says, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” We’re the heirs of salvation; angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for us. They ministered to those in the Old Testament, but they minister to and for us in the New Testament. This is wonderful!

Philippians 2:9-11, talking about the Lord Jesus, says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” This shows how real and powerful the Name of Jesus is.

We’re superior to the angels because we’re born of God and are joint-heirs with Christ; we’re associates of the God-kind. God gave us the Name of Jesus, which is above every name; and we live in, and by that Name. Hence, we can give instructions to angels and they’ll obey us, because we give those instructions in the Name of Jesus. Hallelujah!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the authority that’s mine in Christ Jesus. I reign and rule with Him over all things. Thank you for your holy angels that minister for me; I recognize their presence with me today. Even now, I dispatch them in the Name of Jesus to go forth and cause the blessings and provisions of God for me today to get to me by free course, unhindered, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Hebrews 1:7
And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

Hebrews 1:13-14
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Ephesians 3:1-21, Isaiah 19-22

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 1:14-23, 1 Kings 1

Latch on to His Grace - Wednesday, September 27th .

Pastor Chris

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).

We might as well consider the verse above one of the major secrets of the Apostle Paul’s great success in ministry. He was so mightily used of God because he had absolute reliance on the grace of God. All that he did and became as an apostle of Jesus Christ was the result of God’s grace upon his life, not his human or natural abilities. He understood that man’s natural abilities, and material accomplishments, don’t count with God.

Talking about the results of his natural abilities, he wrote, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:7-.

God doesn’t look at your education, as good as that may be. He doesn’t look at your financial status, as good as it may be. He doesn’t look at what you’ve learnt in the world. In fact, to be able to follow Him and walk with Him effectively, you must walk by faith. His grace is all you need. See again how Paul affirms this in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

The strength of God is revealed in your weakness. Now, you can better understand why the young lad, David, without any apparent natural endowment, was chosen to be king ahead of his more physically qualified older brothers. Nothing at all from the physical perspective qualified David to be king; it was purely an election by grace, coupled with the condition of his heart.

God always wants to use that man or woman who has nothing natural or of himself to boast of. Otherwise, He’ll have no glory. If you want to be used mightily of God, don’t rely on yourself or on your natural talents. Rather, like the Apostle Paul, depend fully on God’s grace.

Prayer...
Dear Father, blessed be your Name forever for the great love with which you love me and your superabundant grace in my life. I take advantage of your grace, conscious that it’s sufficient for me in all things. By your grace, I reign and rule triumphantly in life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

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

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Ephesians 4:1-16, Isaiah 23-24

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 1:24-34, 1 Kings 2

Take Possession -Thursday , September 28th

Pastor Chris

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).

Being born again, you’ve been given a life of glory and success. Some Christians don’t realize this, and are therefore hoping and praying that God will do something more that’ll better their lives. There’s nothing more the Lord needs to do than He already did for you in Christ. He’s already done everything necessary for your total well-being and prosperity. He’s done everything for you to live in righteousness, dominion, and power.

If, for example, you’ve been praying, “Lord, give me peace,” stop it! He already gave you peace. He said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you….” There’s really nothing for you to ask Him for anymore; read our opening scripture again.

What you need today is to take possession of the blessings He’s already made available to you. Take advantage of what He’s already done. 1 Corinthians 3:21 says “…all things are yours….” But 2 Peter 1:2 gives us the clue to how you can enjoy them. It says, “…through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” Grace, peace, promotion, blessings, and prosperity will be multiplied in your life through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus, our Lord.

Notice that the scripture directs your attention to revelation knowledge through the Word (Greek— “epignosis”)! That’s what you need; the specialized knowledge that comes to you through study and meditation on the Word.
Through this special knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, not only are you acquainted with your rights, privileges, blessings and inheritance in Christ, you’re catapulted to the realm where you walk in the vital reality of the full blessings of the Gospel. Blessed be God!

Confession..
Thanks be unto God who has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ! I have a life of glory and success, and I win every day. My spiritual eyes are enlightened to recognize and apprehend the great riches of God’s glorious inheritance in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Peter 1:2-3 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 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:

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 4:17-5:1-2, Isaiah 25-26
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 1:35-42, 1 Kings 3

Take Your Place As An Intercessor - Friday, September 29th .

Pastor Chris

Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both (Job 9:33).

Our opening verse shows that there was a day and time that man needed a “daysman,” a mediator, and there wasn’t any. Job needed one and there was none.

It reminds also of the words of Eli to his sons, in berating them for their atrocious acts. He said, “When you sin against a man, any man can come and intercede for you. But when you sin against God, who’ll entreat for you?” (Read 1 Samuel 2:25).

But thank God Jesus came! Isaiah 59:16 says, “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.” God saw that there was no man, there was no intercessor, and sent the Lord Jesus, who today has sent us as the Father had sent Him (John 20:21).

Man isn’t helpless and hopeless today; he isn’t without an intercessor. We’re the ones called to intercede and see to it that God’s purpose, His perfect will is fulfilled in the earth and in the lives of men. He gave us the power, the ability, and the responsibility.

Paul, writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1 said, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” Also, in Ephesians 6:18, he declared, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

As we pray in intercession, the Holy Spirit takes hold together with us against the forces of darkness, to obtain that which belongs to us, and to establish the righteousness of God in every place. We carry out this ministry through, and by the Spirit. When we take our place of intercession, the Lord says we’ll lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:2); our societies will be established in righteousness.

Intercession is always on behalf of others; you’re concentrating the influence of God’s power toward others for their good; and that requires some persistence in prayer. Imagine that someone has been sick for a long time with cancer or some deadly infirmity; he may not be able to appropriate the blessings of Christ about healing and health for himself. However, through your intercession, he can receive a miracle, as you take his place in prayer and rebuke the adversary.

Prayer...
Blessed Father, I pray for all who are suffering, especially God’s children, who are sick, displaced, hurting or experiencing any form of pain, that by your Spirit, and through the ministry of angels, help, succour and comfort will come to them. I pray that the faith, courage, and strength they need to come out victorious be ministered to them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

Romans 8:34
Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Ezekiel 33:7
So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Ephesians 5:3-21, Isaiah 27-28

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 1:43-51, 1 Kings 4

Pray More - Saturday, September 30th .

Pastor Chris

Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; BE CONSTANT IN PRAYER (Romans 12:12 AMPC).

The Spirit of God is showing us something we need to live a victorious life in Christ consistently in the scripture above. He noted that though there’s tribulation all around us, we should be constant, that is, consistent, in prayer.

Some think that prayer is all about telling God your problems, hoping He’ll do something about them. That’s a wrong perception on the subject of prayer. The purpose for prayer is primarily fellowship or communion with the Father. That communion helps to build love and make it stronger.

Hence, for you to grow and strengthen your love for Him, you have to learn to pray more. In prayer, you hear what the Spirit has to say and receive direction and instructions from Him that’ll put you over every day.

Jesus took prayer seriously while He was on earth, because He understood the importance of fellowship with the Father. The Bible says “…in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). The moment you relate to prayer with this understanding your life will become richer and you’ll be more productive in the things you do.

You need that continual fellowship and flow with the Spirit to function effectively. Learn to commune more frequently with the Lord, and watch your life grow tremendously.

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for the divine transformation and transfiguration that I experience through prayer; your glory fills my life; your love thrills my soul; how I love to worship in your presence! Thank you for the blessings and privilege to fellowship with you through prayer, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Psalm 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Luke 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 5:22-6:1-9, Isaiah 29-30

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 2:1-11, 1 Kings 5

Ever Fruitful and Productive - Sunday, October 1st .

Pastor Chris

I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit (John 15:1-2 AMPC).

Isaiah 32:15 says, “Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.” The Spirit has been poured upon us from on high. Now, He lives in us. You don’t need to struggle to be successful, fruitful or productive. Your life, your ministry or your home may look like a desert; your finances may be below zero; what you need is a new mindset. Start thinking success. Think increase. Think growth, expansion, fruitfulness and productivity, because it’s God’s will for you.

You might even say, “But my life is already so fruitful; no dryness, everything is working out fine”; there’s a greater glory: Your fruitful field can become a forest! You can be more productive spiritually, materially, financially, academically, etc. You can reach and win more people with the Gospel.

That’s the life God wants you to live, where you’re constantly increasing in relevance, fruitful and productive in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:. Our fruitful and productive lives glorify God. It’s one of the evidences of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He brings in that grace that affects your life and causes things to grow, increase, and expand.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I rejoice for the presence of your Spirit in my life, and the grace which causes the wilderness to be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field to become a forest. I’m persistently productive in every area of my life: in my job, in my finances, in my academics, and in the Gospel. I walk worthy of you always, pleasing you in all things, producing fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Luke 13:6-9
He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [it]: 9 And if it bear fruit, [well]: and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down.

John 15:16
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.

John 15:4-5
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Ephesians 6:10-24, Isaiah 31-32

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 2:12-25, 1 Kings 6

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL (OCTOBER PDF => http:///2hcmFLe)*

*WORKING THE WORD*

Monday, October 2nd .
Pastor Chris

_*For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10).*_

Often, we say “the Word works”; yes, it does, but, in reality, the Word only works when you “work” it. It never works by itself. God gave us His Word to live by. That means you can believe the Word; you can love it, sing and jump about it, but until you act on the message, it’ll be to you of no effect. You’ve got to do the Word; that’s where the blessing is: _*“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed”*_ (James 1:25).

How do you do or work the Word? Romans 10:10 gives us an idea; it says, _*“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”*_ The word “confession” doesn’t mean telling somebody the wrong things that you did. That word is the Greek “homologeo?,” which means speaking the same thing in consent, ‘saying the same thing in agreement’ with God.

For example, the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, _*“…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature,”*_ you affirm in agreement, “I’m a new creature.” If you say, “I don’t know if I’m a new creation,” you invalidate that reality, and it won’t work in your life. You don’t have to “feel” that you’re a new creation; the Word says you are; therefore, you believe and affirm the same thing. When you make the confession with your mouth, it catapults you to the reality of its message. So, always make your confessions on the basis of the Word.

The Bible says, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Affirm the same thing, and refuse to fear or consider the adversary. That’s how you respond to God. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, _*“…for he hath said…So that we may boldly say….”*_ God has spoken so that we can boldly say what He has said. This is simply telling us about confession of the Word. Your confession of the Word is your response to the Word. That’s the way to work the Word and make it produce results in your life.

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for giving me your Word to live by and to use in creating a glorious, victorious and an ever-triumphant life! I’m healthy, strong, and prosperous; my family, work, and ministry are flourishing exceedingly! Your grace for increase and expansion is multiplied in my life by the day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *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. *||*

*||* *Luke 6:46-48* And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. *||*

*||* *James 1:22-25* But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Philippians 1:1-30,
Isaiah 33-34

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 3:1-8,
1 Kings 7

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Giving Thanks Always - Tuesday October 3rd

Pastor Chris

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

No matter the crises or circumstances you face in life, God’s will is that you always maintain an attitude of thankfulness. He says in all things, give thanks, because He knows that you could never be disadvantaged. All things are working together for your good as the Scriptures declare (Romans 8:28).

True Christianity is living by faith in God’s Word, where you’re forever grateful and giving glory to God, not for what you expect Him to do, but for all He’s already done. You’ve come to realize that there’s nothing He hasn’t done for you yet. He’s given you all things and has made you like Himself. This understanding should make you glorify Him every day, everywhere and at all times.

Someone may ask, “Am I supposed to give thanks for challenges and problems?” The scripture didn’t say to give thanks “for” all circumstances; rather, it says we should give thanks “in” all circumstances. In other words, give thanks, no matter the situation. It doesn’t matter what happens in your life or around you, give thanks to God, knowing He’s already given you the victory.

You have to understand that Christ in you makes you triumphant always, in all circumstances. So, when He says for us to give thanks in all things, it’s with this consciousness. The Bible says, “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” (Colossians 3:17). A lifestyle of gratitude activates the blessings and graces of God in your life.

James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” He didn’t say, “Cry to God to save you out of divers temptations.” That’s because there’s nothing in this life that can successfully stand against you. Everything that exists, both living and non-living, are working and cooperating for your victory. This is why you should always be full of joy, giving thanks to the Lord.

Prayer...
Blessed Father, you’re so gracious and kind! I give you praise for your presence in my life, and for your mighty hand of blessing that rests upon me. I can never be defeated or disadvantaged, because Christ in me means I’m triumphant always, and in all circumstances. Blessed be God!

Further Study :
Romans 8:35-39
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. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 107:1
O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

1 Corinthians 10:13 GNT
Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Philippians 2:1-18, Isaiah 35-37
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 3:9-21, 1 Kings 8

Keep Winning - Wednesday, October 4th

Pastor Chris

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

In life, never be afraid of your adversaries or critics, because they don’t count. Irrespective of the conditions, keep growing; keep winning; keep making progress. Let nothing stop you. The more powerful your critics, the more glorious your life really is. No one would bother about you if you were a failure.

When your detractors or adversaries spend time, money, or other effort, in an attempt to get at you and derail you, have no fear. It’s evidence that you’re making an impact. If you remain focused, you’ll keep succeeding, while they keep stumbling, because “no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). 1 John 4:4 says, “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.” Our opening scripture says, “…If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

David had a beautiful revelation about this. You know he had lots of enemies. In Psalm 27:1-2, he said, “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.” Everyone has their place in the Word; that of your detractors is “they stumbled and fell!”

Never try to avenge or get back at your critics, or those who have set themselves up as your enemies; they’re in trouble with God. What you should rather do is what Jesus said—pray for them and bless them: “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”* (Matthew 5:44).

Keep making impact for the Lord. Keep winning, and refuse to care about the resultant criticisms and adversities, for they don’t count. Jesus said, “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” (John 16:33). Glory to God!

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for your glory in my life, your indwelling presence that assures me of success and victory every day! I count it all joy to face diverse tests and trials, because they’re for my promotion; they work for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, as I keep my gaze on you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Romans 8:35-39
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. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Philippians 2:19-3:1-11, Isaiah 38-39

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 3:22-36, 1 Kings 9

Open Your Mind To Knowledge - Thursday, October 5th .

Pastor Chris

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge (2 Peter 1:5).

Knowledge in our opening verse is the Greek word, “gnosis,” which is scientific knowledge; knowledge based on science or intellectual activity. God wants you to have, not only revelation knowledge, but also knowledge about life and natural things of arts and science. He wants you to be versatile and open to knowledge. He wants you to be well informed.

This doesn’t mean having a penchant for worldly information; rather, it means improving yourself, acquiring the right information that’ll build your personality. Most importantly, He wants you to build your knowledge of His Word. Anyone who ignores knowledge is setting up himself for the hard life. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). The knowledge of God’s Word is what puts you over in life. Invest in it.

Be sure to have a good study Bible, and other faith-building teachings in books and digital formats. Avail yourself the opportunity to learn something definite every day—something that’ll challenge, inspire, and cause you to be the best of you. Even now, in studying this devotional, knowledge is coming to you; open your mind to receive the teachings and instructions coming from the Spirit.

Opening your mind to knowledge isn’t just about reading up every available topic in an unguarded manner; no! In reality, the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). If you open your heart to Him (the Word) in meditation, you’d be amazed how much knowledge would come to you. Also, having received the Holy Spirit, there’s a wealth of knowledge and wisdom in the recesses of your spirit, and all you have to do is activate them through meditation. Hallelujah!

Confession...
Christ is the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge, and He lives in me. Therefore, there’s no limit to my knowledge. Through meditation, I dig deep into the recesses of my spirit, activating the wisdom and knowledge in me, for witty inventions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

Colossians 1:9
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;

Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
: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:

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Philippians 3:12-4:1-3, Isaiah 40-41

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 4:1-9, 1 Kings 10-11

Rule Over Your Spirit - Friday, October 6th

Pastor Chris

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls (Proverbs 25:28)

The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:5-6, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.” “Temperance” in the scripture above is the Greek word, “egkrateia,” which means holding yourself in. It also means self-control; the ability to keep your cool and maintain your composure even when others try to ride roughshod over you.

Imagine you were driving, and a careless driver bumped your car, instead of apologising, he even got abusive. What would you do? Would you pour invectives at him? Some may even alight from their car to engage in a brawl. No! That’s not for the Christian. Irrespective of the situation, restrain yourself from any form of altercation or bandy of words. This doesn’t mean you’re naïve; rather, you’re simply living out your true nature—the Christ-nature and kingly life in you.

As a Christian, you can’t afford to live carelessly; you must be able to hold yourself in from doing or saying things that could cast dent on your Christian character. Consciously train yourself to exercise moderation in all things.

An athlete who’s gunning for a new record at the games, for example, can’t afford to live carelessly prior to the games, because it’ll affect his performance. There’re things he’d have to endure to keep fit. He may not like some of those things, but because he has his eyes on the prize, he’d have to endure them. This is the picture the Word creates for us in admonishing that you add temperance to your faith.

It’s not okay to do whatever you feel like doing; always hold yourself from within. If you couldn’t do it, God wouldn’t have asked you to. Self-control is in your spirit, and to be activated when the need arises. Someone without self-control is like a city without walls, which the enemy can plunder at any time. Don’t be that way. Fortify yourself, your life, your spirit, against the adversary; and one of the ways to do that is to have rule over your spirit: self-control.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in me. I’m disciplined, cultured, and temperate in all things. As the epistle and icon of Christ, I manifest excellence and righteousness always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Philippians 4:5
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Philippians 4:4-23, Isaiah 42-43

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 4:10-18, 1 Kings 12

He'll never let you down - Saturday, October 7th .

Pastor Chris

…There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

We all have friends, relatives and loved ones—people we relate with, talk with, share with, pray with and whose company we enjoy. Whereas it’s possible for your friends or loved ones to disappoint you or let you down in your hour of need, there’s ONE who never gives up on you. He never fails or disappoints those who trust in Him; His Name is Jesus! What you need is to develop a personal relationship with Him—an intimacy.

The beautiful thing is that you don’t need to look for Him; He lives in you through the Holy Spirit! Before He ascended, He said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18). In the preceding verses 16 and 17, He said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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.” So today, you fellowship with Jesus by fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit and with the Word.

The Holy Spirit takes the place of the absent Jesus and fosters the extraordinary oneness and communion we have with divinity. You can talk with Him, and He’ll talk to you. He can talk to you inside you, and also talk to you from the outside! He’s the dearest friend you could ever have, and He has the wisdom and ability to guide and lead you triumphantly every day.

He’ll go any length to help you. He already proved it through His death for you on the cross. He never condemns you. Rather, He plucks you out of trouble without laying blames on you, irrespective of the cause. He said, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). What a friend we have in Him! I love Him so much!

Prayer...
Blessed Lord Jesus, you’re my life, and my all; the very air that I breathe: my lover and best friend. Thank you for your wisdom that guides me, and your grace that’s superabundant upon me. Your Word has transformed me, causing me to ride upon the high places of the earth. What a wonder you are, precious Saviour! Thank you for your love and eternal kindness towards me. I love you with all my heart!

Further Study :
John 14:16-18 AMPC 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— 17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know
and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Colossians 1:1-23, Isaiah 44-45

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 4:19-29, 1 Kings 13

Fraternal affection - Monday, October 9th .
Pastor Chris

...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (2 Peter 1:5-7).

The Greek word for brotherly kindness is “Philadelphia,” which means fraternal affection; learning to be helpful in a brotherly manner; having godly affection for your brethren. When you have “Philadelphia,” it means you esteem, honour and love others dearly.

It’s what the Lord wants, and it’s something you have to practise. He said, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). Practise kindness; practise walking in love. Practise honouring and esteeming others. This is one of the prerequisites for a fruitful and productive life. 2 Peter 1:8 says, “…if these things be in you, and abound, (one of which is brotherly kindness) they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Part of fraternal affection is to always speak kindly of, and be pleasant to, your brothers and sisters. God places a far greater premium on inter-personal relationships among His children than most people realize. He said in Galatians 6:10 (TLB): “Whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone and especially to our Christian brothers.” That means you ought to give preference to your brothers and sisters in Christ and hold them in the highest regard.

Romans 12:10 (CEV) says, “Love each other as brothers and sisters and honour others more than you do yourself.” Imagine that the Lord says to esteem others above yourself! Don’t judge or try to outdo others. Relate to them with the love of Christ that’s in your heart. Be gracious, loving, and kind to them always.

Confession...
I’m gracious and kind, even as my heavenly Father is gracious and kind. I esteem my brothers and sisters in Christ highly, because the love of Christ in me compels me to do so. The kindness of the Spirit of God is seen in my communication, attitude, and character. Therefore, my life is fruitful and productive, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :
Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Colossians 2:6-23, Isaiah 48-49

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 4:43-54, 1 Kings 15

Moral Excellence - .Thursday, October 12th .

Pastor Chris

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue… (2 Peter 1:5).

“Virtue,” in our opening verse, means principle, moral goodness or excellence. God wants you to add that to your faith. You already have faith: “…according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). But as important as faith is, there’re certain things the Lord requires you to add to your faith if you’re to have a life of persistent productivity and ever-increasing glory. One of it is moral excellence.

God wants you to run your life by some godly standards and principles, and you’re to employ diligence in doing this: “…giving ALL DILIGENCE , add to your faith virtue.” This isn’t something you should be casual about; you’re to painstakingly and conscientiously see to it that your life is marked by some high moral standards; standards and principles from God’s Word.

For example, the Bible tells us that Jesus went to the house of God, the synagogue, as His custom was (Luke 4:16). Is that your standard? Do you have it as a custom, a principle, to go to church when it’s time for church? Or do you only go when it’s convenient? Some people only go to church when they feel like it; they have no standards. They lack moral excellence.

However, for Jesus, it was customary for Him to go to the synagogue. You ought to have that kind of discipline in your life: when it’s time to go to church, you go, because that’s the right thing to do, irrespective of other considerations that may arise.

In addition, have definite prayer and Word-study programmes and schedules. Don’t pray or study the Bible accidentally or casually, only when you feel like it. Let these be activities that are hallowed parts of your day and routine. Inculcate the discipline; it’s an indispensable ingredient for a highly effective, successful, and persistently productive life.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for showing me the importance of lavishly supplying moral goodness or excellence to my faith. The Spirit of excellence at work in me brings discipline and stability into my life, causing me to be diligent, ever fruitful and productive, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study :

Ephesians 5:8
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth
:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

2 Peter 1:5 AMPC
For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence),

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:1 Thessalonians 1-2:16, Isaiah 54-56

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:John 5:19-27, 1 Kings 19