RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 08 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: YOU CAN TRUST HIM

KEY VERSE: Don’t put your trust in human leaders; no human being can save you (Psalm 146:3 GNB).

*MESSAGE*

Right from my very early years, I made up my mind not to live an empty life. I wanted to live with assurance; to know God’s purpose. I wanted to trust God with my life. I didn’t want to do things just because everybody else was doing them. But how was I going to know what God wanted? How could I trust God with my life if I didn’t know Him?

I had to go to the Bible to study and be guided by the Holy Spirit into the revelation of His truths. That’s one book that never speculates. Therein, I discovered that God was more passionate for my success, victory, and joy than I could ever be. I discovered He loved me more than I loved myself. Then it was easy to trust Him, to let go of my own dreams, desires and pursuits, and follow His divine plan.

Don’t put your trust in the failing systems of this world. Don’t put your hopes in a government or the society or some authority. The Bible says, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (Psalms 118:9). The arm of flesh will fail; so, don’t live your life relying on systems and structures created by man for your success and prosperity.

You were made to put your faith in God; in the Word of God. You’ve got to start practicing relying on God. Our theme verse says, “Don’t put your trust in human leaders; no human being can save you.” The 5th verse says, “Happy are those who have the God of Jacob to help them and who depend on the LORD their God.” Put your trust in God. Study His Word. Get to know Him; to know Him is to trust Him.

When you know Him, you’ll make an unqualified commitment to Him. You’d never think that, somehow, you’d end up a failure. It’s impossible. He loves you and certainly wouldn’t allow anything to destroy you. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world; you can trust Him to take care of you and shield you from all evil. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:

Jeremiah 17:7-8,

Matthew 11:28 TPT & Proverbs 3:5-6 GNB

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 07 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: WARRING WITH PROPHECIES

KEY VERSE: Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight (1 Timothy 1:18 NIV).

MESSAGE The Passion Translation of the verse above says, “…use your prophecies as weapons….” That means weaponizing the prophecies that have been spoken concerning you. Use the prophetic words concerning your life, your future, your ministry, career, etc as a weapon in prosecuting the good fight of faith. Ephesians 6:17 sheds more light on this; it says, _*“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”*_ The sword of the spirit refers to the spoken word, and the spoken word is the prophetic word. It’s an offensive weapon. There’re two things here about prophecies:

There’s the prophecy that’s spoken over your life as an individual, and there’s also the Word of God that’s already written, which the Bible refers to as _*“...a more sure word of prophecy...”*_ (2 Peter 1:19). When you pick that word that’s written concerning you and utter it in faith, that’s prophecy; you’re speaking forth “Rhema” which the Bible describes as the sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17.

For example, the Bible 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” (1 John 4:4). That’s Logos (Greek). But when Satan comes out against you, or you want to launch an offensive against him, you say, “Devil, I’m of God, and I’ve overcome you because it’s written: Greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world.” Thus, you’ve weaponized that scripture!

When you utter those words as “Rhema,” they become the Word of God in your mouth. And the Word of God in your mouth is God talking. That’s also what we do in prayer; we speak forth the Word—the “Rhema” of God in supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks in line with 1 Timothy 2:1.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Timothy 1:18 GNB, Hosea 14:2 & 2 Peter 1:21 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: STAYING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

KEY VERSE: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

MESSAGE

When I just started in ministry, whenever I had an upcoming programme or event, I always knew I had to be prepared by being filled with the Spirit. I practiced being filled with the Spirit. When I got filled like that, there was always a manifestation of the supernatural. But later on, I thought to myself, “If being filled with the Spirit every now and then could be so wonderful, how about staying filled with the Spirit?”

That power and glory that was available and in manifestation during those events, I wanted it always, for my daily life. And I discovered that being filled with the Spirit could actually be always, I went for it and stayed there! It’s like swimming: there’s a way one might swim and get drowned; there’s also a way to swim and remain afloat. I discovered I could swim in the Spirit and stay afloat.

I discovered that was what God always wanted for us: staying filled with the Spirit, which was much easier than being filled occasionally. It’s a practice. You can go from practicing being filled with the Spirit

sometimes, to being filled every day; and then learn being filled always.

Study and meditate on Ephesians 5:18-21 (AMPC) to learn how to be filled and stay filled with the Spirit. It’s the best life! You can’t stay filled with the Spirit and be dominated by sickness, failure, or lack. You’d discover that your results are endlessly increasing, your life is forward and upward, and you walk in blessings only. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

Acts 4:31 & Ephesians 5:18-21 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 05 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: THE POWER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

KEY VERSE: Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference (Romans 3:22).

*MESSAGE*

It was with the gift of righteousness that Abraham was able to intercede for Sodom when God wanted to destroy the city. God had said, “...Shall I hide from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do” (Genesis 18:17 AMPC). Abraham had become God’s friend through covenant. The Bible says Abraham believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness and he was called the friend of God (James 2:23).

That was the bestowal; the gift of righteousness was given to Abraham and he could boldly engage God in an intercessory discourse. He said to God, “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). He was presenting an argument before God.

How could a man have such incredible audacity to speak to God like that? He wasn’t trying to be disrespectful or impudent; no! He was expressing the power of the gift of righteousness. Genesis 15:6 tells us, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Hallelujah!

Righteousness enables you to stand in the presence of God without a sense of condemnation or inferiority. This righteousness, according to our theme verse, is “unto all and upon all.” That’s to let you understand the bestowal, the imputation of God’s righteousness to all men—the legal perspective of this righteousness. With this gift, you can decree a thing and have it established unto you.

Our righteousness is on the basis of a legal claim, and because many aren’t aware they struggle with their faith, not sure whether or not their petitions will be granted. But when you stand on His righteousness, you have no such doubts, because you have the pass! Your claims can’t be refused, because you stand in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY

*Romans 5:1, Romans 5:17 & Romans 3:21-22 NIV

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 04 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: LET JESUS INSPIRE YOU

KEY VERSE: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

MESSAGE

Every so often, I read about Jesus in the Word and I’m greatly inspired. I see no greater example, no greater model. I’m inspired by His thoughts, by His deeds, His passion, His love, His excellence. His words went forth with power. Men heard Him and were transformed forever. Demons heard His voice and scampered in terror. Circumstances responded to His words. How could He be so powerful and yet so loving, forgiving and gracious?

Jesus inspires me so much that all I ever want is to be like Him. But He sent us the Holy Spirit to help us act like Him, think like Him, be powerful, loving and passionate like Him. When you’re filled with the Spirit, you’re filled with Jesus. That’s the Spirit that made Him everything that He was in the earth. Today, in His love, He gave us the same Spirit in full measure. Hallelujah!

No wonder He said, “…as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). So, we go with the same love, same power, same passion, same forgiveness, same grace. Hallelujah! Don’t entertain anything that’ll make you bitter or enraged towards someone else. Let Jesus inspire you. Walk in love and inspire others to love.

Be like Jesus! When He walked this earth, He was God tabernacled in human flesh, full of grace, glory and truth. And the Bible says, “...As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). That means you can think, walk, talk, and act like Him!

FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 4:17, 1 Peter 2:9,

John 1:16 & Colossians 2:10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 03 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: BE MOVED TO REACH THE LOST

KEY VERSE: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word (1 Kings 18:21).

MESSAGE

In 1 Kings 19:10, Elijah said, _*“...I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant….”*_

This was something that God loved about Elijah: his passion for the Lord. He felt so bad that the people were serving other gods and had neglected the house of the Lord. So, he said, _*“Lord, you’ve blessed them so much; now they don’t want to serve you. Let there be no rain, so they’ll starve for a while and turn to you.”*_

It was his passion for God that made him call for a drought. He wasn’t just trying to punish the people; and God saw his heart. It’s the kind of mind God wants us to have about His Kingdom. When you see sinners in your neighbourhood, your school, your workplace, your city, or your nation, let it get your attention. Be moved to prayer, and then also reach out to them with the Gospel.

Recall that there were One Hundred and Fifty other prophets who were hiding in the time of Elijah. They weren’t moved by what was going on in the land, even though they hadn’t bowed to Baal. But Elijah stood out for God! He was moved to pray. This is the same reason you see some Christians who are so stirred and passionate about the things of God today, winning souls into the Kingdom, while others seem to be distracted by fleshly things.

Be different. Be passionate for the Lord. Get busy with evangelism and partnerships for reaching the lost in our world. The Bible says God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). You can make a difference, because you’re His mouthpiece and outstretched arm of salvation to those in your world and the regions beyond.

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, thank you for the gift of the Gospel, and for allowing me to be a custodian of its message, truth and power. I’m fired up in my spirit to reach those who are yet to hear the Word of salvation, and I intercede in prayer for them. I’ll continue to reach out to those in my world and beyond, as we look forward to the soon coming of the Lord, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*Psalm 69:9 CEV*

_9- My love for your house burns in me like a fire, and when others insult you, they insulted me as well._

*Jeremiah 20:9 AMPC*

_9- If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot [contain it any longer]._

*Romans 1:16*

_16- For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek._

*1 Corinthians 9:16*

_16- For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!_

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Matthew 24:1-35 & Exodus 26-27

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Acts 15:1-11 & Job 38-39

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 02 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: STAND OUT FOR GOD

KEY VERSE: He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light (John 5:35). MESSAGE

When Goliath of Gath taunted the armies of Israel, they felt helpless and intimidated, until David showed up. David knew he could defeat Goliath, and he did! It wasn’t about strength; it was about ideology. The difference between David and the others was his way of thinking. He started by saying, _*“…who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26).

The circumcision didn’t mean anything to the others, but it sure meant something to David. He saw the armies of Israel as the armies of God. Hallelujah! David couldn’t imagine God’s people being defeated; it didn’t matter who the adversaries were. Think like that. Your desire should be to see the glory of God in and on His people and upon His congregations. David said, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life...” (Psalm 63:1-3).

That should be your passion as a Christian: God must receive glory everywhere you are and everywhere you go. Even if others around you don’t think much about soul winning, be different. Be a burning and a shining light in your school or place of work or business. Let your light shine so brightly that men may see your good works and be provoked to righteousness. Stand out for God.

FURTHER STUDY

Romans 12:11 TPT,

Titus 2:7 NLT & 1 Timothy 4:12

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 01 FEBRUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: POUR FORTH RIGHTEOUSNESS

KEY VERSE: Drip down, heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness sprout with it. I, the LORD, have created it (Isaiah 45:8 NASB).

MESSAGE

In James 5:7, the Bible talks about “…the early and latter rain.” The early rain is for sowing, while the latter rain is just before harvest. In the Old Testament, they were waiting for a latter rain (Read Joel 2:28). For them, that latter rain came on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out. But that outpouring of the Spirit initiated the Church.

Therefore, for the Church, the early rain is what those in the Old Testament called their latter rain; it was the beginning of the Church. The latter rain in the Church is through His Word! Hosea 10:12 says, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

How does He rain righteousness upon you? It’s through His Word, just like it happened in the Old Testament when the Word was given to them from heaven; and because the Word came from heaven it was called “rain.” Isaiah 55:10-11 also draws a parallel between the Word and rain (Read entire reference). That’s the Word (the Logos of God) that’s in your heart today.

No wonder Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). This living water comes out through words! So, when our theme verse talks about pouring down righteousness, as earlier stated, it’s done through words.

Pour forth words! Ecclesiastes 11:3 (NIV) says, “If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth….” Keep prophesying and filling the clouds of your life, city, nation, and even the clouds of the regions beyond, with words of blessings and righteousness. Decree God’s words into the realm of the Spirit until the rain begins to pour. Your words are powerful. As you speak, the earth will open up and produce salvation and righteousness! Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Timothy 2:1-4, Ecclesiastes 11:3 NLT

& Zechariah 10:1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*MONDAY 31 JANUARY 2022*

PASTOR CHRIS

*TOPIC:* *UNLIMITED AUTHORITY*

*KEY VERSE:* _*And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6).*_

*MESSAGE*

There’s so much we can do with the application of the deep truth revealed in the verse above. Our authority in Christ is all-encompassing and unlimited. We’re seated with Christ in the place of power, in a position of dominion and great glory. Hallelujah!

We can put a stop to the deception, perils and havocs the devil and his cohorts concoct around the world. You can stand your ground and speak God’s Word in prayer and exercise authority in Christ Jesus over your body, your family and loved ones, your city, your state, and your country. We’re the ones in charge!

We function in Jesus’ stead; in His dominion! Look at what He did to the demons of darkness in hell: _*“He DISARMED the Principalities and the Powers [which fought against Him…”*_ (Colossians 2:15 Conybears Translation). Hallelujah! Read the Phillips New Testament translation and dance for joy: _*“And then having drawn the sting of all the powers ranged against us, He exposed them, shattered, empty and defeated, in His final glorious triumphant act!”*_

Guess what? When He did all of that in hell, you were in Him. So, in Him you already shattered, disarmed and defeated Satan and his cohorts of darkness. Maintain your dominion and victory over them. In praying for all men, your city, nation and leaders, affirm that Satan’s influence is cut off.

Stand in your authority in Christ and utter words: words of life, words of glory, words of liberty, words of prosperity, blessings and grace. Bless your world with words of righteousness. Remember, words are limitless; and your divinity, your dominion and authority in Christ are expressed primarily through words. Glory to God!

*CONFESSION*

*All of creation—Satan, demons, angels, everything in life, living and non-living—have all been commanded to hear and obey me, because I sit in Jesus’ seat! I put a stop to the wanton destruction of lives perpetuated by the devils of darkness in the nations of the world; I declare that their influence is cut off; there’s increased works of righteousness, and the will of God is established in the nations and in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*Ephesians 2:4-6*

_4- But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,_

_5- even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),_

_6- and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus_

*Philippians 2:9-10*

_9- Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,_

_10- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,_

*Ephesians 1:19-23*

_19- and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power_

_20- which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,_

_21- far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come._

_22- And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,_

_23- which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all._

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Matthew 21:33-22:1-14 & Exodus 20-21

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Acts 14:1-7 & Job 32-33

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: KEEP UP THE ACTIVITIES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

KEY VERSE: …Occupy till I come (Luke 19:13).

MESSAGE

As Christians, we’ve been given authority over demons of darkness, to cast them out of people, cities, towns, villages and nations. But casting them out alone, sometimes, doesn’t really stop the trouble; you have to ramp up the activities of righteousness in and around such places.

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 12:43-45. He said when an unclean spirit is cast out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest; finding none, he returns to the place where he was cast out, and if he finds it empty, swept, and garnished, he goes and takes seven other spirits who are more wicked than himself; and all eight of them enter the man. He becomes worse than he was before.

That man shouldn’t have been empty! He should have immediately begun feeding on God’s Word in study and meditation. Likewise, when we cast devils out of a city, nation or town, we must move in with evangelism, and fill the land with the Word of God.

If we don’t preach and increase the activities of righteousness in such places, we’re leaving it open to another visitation of devils. We must take over those

places at once by invading them with the Word.

Furthermore, continue in prayer and intercession for those regions to make them uncomfortable for devils to settle back in. As read in our theme verse, Jesus said, “Occupy till I come.” That means keep working, keep preaching, keep prevailing in prayer for the souls of men. Keep up the activities of righteousness. Praise God!

FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 24:14 & Mark 16:1