RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: HE’S GOT YOU COVERED

KEY VERSE: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew

thee; and before thou camest forth

out of the womb I sanctified thee, and

I ordained thee a prophet unto the

nations (Jeremiah 1:5).

There’re those who are hesitant to let God have

His way in their lives. They think He’ll change

their “lofty” dreams and ambitions. They’ve painted

the picture of what they want in life and the direction

they want to go, and they think if they let God have

His way, He may change their destiny and lead them

to become something they don’t want to be. That’s a

terrible mistake.

The Lord knows better and loves you more than

you love yourself. Therefore, trust Him with your life.

He’s more ambitious for your success than you could

ever be. All He’s ever wanted is the best for you. What

joy thrilled my soul when I discovered that the Lord

was more ambitious for my success than I could ever

be, and that He loved and cared for me more than I

could ever imagine! He created the whole world and

He knows everything about me and about my future.

Therefore, it was easy to trust Him and follow the path

that He’s prepared for me. Every so often, I’d say, “Lord, you know exactly

what to do with someone like me. You’re experienced

in dealing with all kinds of people, so you know exactly

what to do with my life.” When you’re conscious of

this, you’d become bold, sharp, focused and unafraid;

you’d know that your future is secure in Him.

Nothing could be more fulfilling and gratifying

than knowing and following God’s plan for your life.

Stop holding on to some dream, idea or aspirations

that aren’t in line with God’s purpose for your life. He’s

got you covered; so, let Him guide you.

FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 2:10 AMPC & Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: MAKING A LASTING IMPACT

KEY VERSE: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth

with the Holy Ghost and with power:

who went about doing good, and

healing all that were oppressed of the

devil; for God was with him

(Acts 10:38).

It’s not how long you live; it’s the impact you

make that matters, and Jesus was a typical

example of that. He didn’t have a long life on earth,

but He impacted the world tremendously. Luke 3:23

NLT says, “Jesus was about thirty years old when

he began his public ministry....” At thirty-three, He

was crucified. He ministered for just three years and

changed the whole world.

Throughout history, no single individual has made

or could ever make the kind of impact on the whole

world as Jesus. Even the world’s dating system—back

and forth—is referenced to Him. The period of His

birth is used as the dividing point of world history:

B.C (Before Christ) and A.D (anno Domini). Amazing!

He lived and manifested the glory of God in His

days on earth. He walked on water, talked to the wind

and the waves, unstopped deaf ears, opened blind

eyes, healed lame legs, restored maimed limbs, and

raised the dead. He died and resurrected and made salvation possible for humanity.

The beautiful thing is that He did all that He did

through the power of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:10, He

said, “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the

works”; that’s the Holy Spirit. In John 8:38, He said, “I

speak that which I have seen with my Father….” Jesus

walked in union with the Father in an extraordinary

way. He did nothing without the power of the Holy

Spirit.

We have the same ability within us to function

likewise, because the same Holy Spirit that was the

power and essence of Jesus lives in us today. He said

in John 20:21, “…as my Father hath sent me, even

so send I you.” This means you have His authority;

therefore, let those words propel you to make a lasting

impact in your world. You can do what He did and be

impactful through the power of the Holy Spirit.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 4:17 &

Acts 10:38 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: IT BEGINS WITH YOU

KEY VERSE: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man

sharpeneth the countenance of his

friend (Proverbs 27:17) The Message translation of the theme verse

says, “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one

friend sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Perhaps

you’re concerned that your close friends, or others in

your church, fellowship, cell or care-group aren’t as

passionate about spiritual growth and God’s Word as

they should be. You could even be the leader of such

a group. The first place to begin is to check yourself,

because hunger begets hunger. As the leader of the

group, how rapacious is your appetite for the Word?

How passionate are you about spiritual things?

Passion is palpable and infectious. What you’re

hungry or passionate about, soon enough, will rub

off on those around you. Haven’t you noticed that

oftentimes, when people yawn, those around them

may start yawning as well? Or once someone says,

“I’m hungry”; others who are present and may also not

have eaten, immediately become conscious of hunger.

If you have a ravenous appetite for God’s Word,

those around you would cultivate the same hunger

soon enough. Therefore, be the first to be on fire. Be

the example of what you want to see in those you lead. Lead by example. For example, don’t just encourage

them to pray; be a praying person yourself.

But if a pastor isn’t prayerful, and he’s calling for

prayer meetings, he may be wasting his time, because

those gatherings would be void of the Spirit. Copy

Jesus, His devotion to the Scriptures, and to prayer.

At a tender age, the Bible says He was in the temple

courts, sitting among the teachers, listening, and asking

them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed

at his understanding and His answers (Luke 2:41-47).

The Bible also tells us, “And 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). In another instance, “…he went out

into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in

prayer to God”*_ (Luke 6:12). So, it’s got to begin with

you. Spiritual or numerical growth isn’t a mystery, a

miracle or an accident. It’s the application of revealed

principles and means.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Peter 2:21-23, Ephesians 5:1 & 1 Timothy 4:15 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*THURSDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2021*

PASTOR CHRIS

*TOPIC:* *WE BELIEVE AND SPEAK*

*KEY VERSE:* _*We having the same spirit of faith,

according as it is written, I believed,

and therefore have I spoken; we also

believe, and therefore speak

(2 Corinthians 4:13).*_

Many read our opening verse as though we

speak so that we will believe, but it’s not

so. The confessions of the Word that we make aren’t

so that we can finally believe what we’re saying. Read

what it says: _*“We having the same spirit of faith,

according as it is written, I believed, and therefore

have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.”*_

That’s the principle of the spirit of faith: Faith works

from inside out, not the other way round.

We speak because we have believed. In fact,

the opening verse actually reads, “We having the

same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I have

faith, therefore have I spoken; we also have faith, and

therefore speak.” We speak according to our faith.

When I speak, it’s my faith talking.

It brings to mind the story in Matthew 9 of the

two blind men that Jesus healed. They cried out, “Thou

Son of David, have mercy on us.” Jesus asked them,

“Do you really believe I can do this?” They said, “Yes,

Master!” Then He touched their eyes and said, “…

According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29). The Bible says, _*“And their eyes were opened…”*_

(Matthew 9:30). Why? It’s because they had faith and

they vocalized it.

Faith is expressed primarily through words, and

the Bible lets us know that we all have faith. If we

didn’t have faith, it would have been a problem, but

we have it; He gave it to us as Paul said in Romans 12:3, _*“For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you…according as God

hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”*_ That’s

the faith with which you believed in Jesus Christ, and

that faith speaks.

Tame and rule the world; reign over circumstances

through your faith proclamations. Don’t cry because of

any problem; don’t gripe over anything; speak words

of faith. Perhaps you’ve been experiencing challenges

in your job or business; speak and effect a change!

Jesus said you shall have what you say (Mark 11:23).

Your blessing is in your mouth. Declare victory only

and always, and that’ll be your experience.

*CONFESSION*

*My faith is the victory that overcomes the world and

its systems. The Word of God is my life, and the glory

and blessings therein are evident in my life, in Jesus’

Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Mark 11:23*

_23- For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says._

*Matthew 12:37*

_37- For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”_

*Romans 10:6-8*

_6- But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or,_

_7- “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)._

_8- But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):_

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

2 Corinthians 8-9 & Proverbs 24-26

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Luke 22:1-13 & 1 Samuel 28

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: YOUR LIFE IS SHAPED BY YOUR THOUGHTS

KEY VERSE: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

It’s not every thought that comes to you that is

from God. The only way you know the source

of your thoughts is through the light of God’s Word,

and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It’s very important

what you think about, and how you think, because

your life is shaped by your thoughts. Our theme verse

in the Good News translations says, “Be careful how

you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

Screen and filter your thoughts; mount garrison

over your heart, because out of your heart are the

issues of life! You have to be the policeman of your

heart; take charge of your heart. Don’t allow every

thought. Allow only God’s thoughts, righteous thoughts

and thoughts of love in Christ Jesus.

The Bible specifically lets us know the kind of

thoughts to allow: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever

things are true, whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are

pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things

are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there

be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

You’re the character of your thoughts. What you

think about, you become. The Lord Jesus actually related this in His teachings in a most enlightening way.

He said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of

old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say

unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust

after her hath committed adultery with her already

in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).

Your thoughts can deliver to you a glorious life or

keep you on the sidewalk of life. If you’d let the Word

dominate your thinking, it’ll create the right thoughts in

you and give you the right mindset. You’d think victory,

success, dominion and possibilities only.

Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to

this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of

your mind….” When your thoughts are consistent with the Word, your life will be a reflection of His glory, for

the glory is in the Word. So, discipline your mind to

accept only the right thoughts.

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 12:2

& 1 Timothy 4:15 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 07 SEPTEMBER 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: YOU’RE THE OBJECT OF HIS LOVE

KEY VERSE: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of

life; and he that winneth souls is wise

(Proverbs 11:30).

What God cares about the most in the earthis the souls of men. The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His

only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him

should not perish but have everlasting life.” He loved

the world of humans, not things; we’re the object of

His love. Each one of us is more important to Him than

the planets and galaxies.

He’s got angels that supervise the galaxies, and

angels appointed over other matters. But the angels

with the most honourable job are the ones appointed

over people, over the souls for whom Jesus died. When

you understand this as a Christian, especially as one

who heads a cell or care-group or fellowship in the

local church, your premium will be on people.

You might say, “I only have three people in my

fellowship!” But as small as that number might seem,

you’re more important to God than the one who’s put

in charge of the environment and all the infrastructure

in any particular planet or continent. A cell leader in

the house of God has more value in God’s book of

honours than one who’s not born again but might be

politically in charge of a whole nation.

Read the words of Jesus in Mark 8:36-37: “For

what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man

give in exchange for his soul?” This means the whole

world—all of the cosmos—doesn’t compare to the value

of one soul. The value of a soul is the blood of Jesus.

If you were the only person on the face of the

earth, Jesus would have still come to die for you. He

didn’t come because we were many; He came because

we were valuable to God. That’s why God isn’t willing

that anyone should perish.

If anyone goes to hell, it isn’t because God wanted

him or her to go to hell; He’s done everything to stop

men from going to hell, and He’ll do everything to

stop them. The only thing is, He can’t decide for you,

because He gave you a very important gift: the ability

to make decisions; the right to choose. And in His

love, He went ahead to tell you what to choose: life

in Christ (1 John 5:11).

FURTHER STUDY: Luke 15:7 AMPC & John 3:16

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*MONDAY 06 SEPTEMBER 2021*

PASTOR CHRIS

*TOPIC:* *THE AUTHORITY OF HIS NAME*

*KEY VERSE:* _*Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a namewhich is above every name: That atthe name of Jesus every knee shouldbow, of things in heaven, and things

in earth, and things under the earth (Philippians 2:9-10).*_

The scripture above is definitive about the

authority of Jesus. This is different from the

character or identity of His Name. For example, Jesus

passed by many sick people who didn’t take advantage

of His identity to receive healing when He walked the

earth. In fact, the Bible says He came to a place where

there were many impotent folks, He healed one person

and went away from there (Read John 5:1-15). Yet He

had His identity, had His character. So, in using His

Name, it’s about His authority.

You’re not even required to squeeze up faith to

use His Name. His Name is an instrument and a gift

given to you to use. And the authority of His Name is

over things, beings, and anything that can be identified.

Anyone of us can use that Name and the power in

it. John 14:12-14 says, _*“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall

he do also; and greater works than these shall he

do; because I go unto my Father. 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.”*_

He gave us the power of attorney—the legal right

to act in His stead—to use His Name. So, don’t cheat

yourself; use His Name. Use it against Satan, the forces

of darkness and circumstances, and they’ll respond to

you as they would to Jesus.

*CONFESSION*

*The seal on everything that God made bears theawesome Name of Jesus. I do all things and workwonders in His Name! Thank you Father for theprivilege to use the most awesome and powerful Name of Jesus to effect changes in my life and in my world. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*Philippians 2:10 CJB*

_10- that in honor of the name given Yeshua, every knee will bow - in heaven, on earth and under the earth_

*Mark 16:17-18*

_17- And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;_

_18- they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”_

*Acts 3:6-8*

6- Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

7- And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8- So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

2 Corinthians 5:1-6:1-2 & Proverbs 18-19

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Luke 21:10-19 & 1 Samuel 25

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*SUNDAY 05 SEPTEMBER 2021*

PASTOR CHRIS

*TOPIC:* *IT’S ABOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE*

*KEY VERSE:* _*They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9 NIV).*_

In Acts 27-28, Luke reports an inspiring incident with Paul while on a journey to Rome. The ship ferrying them and some two hundred and seventy-four others was caught in a violent storm. Thankfully, all aboard swam safely to shore on the island of Malta.

The people who lived there showed them great kindness, and made a fire, and called them all to warm themselves. As Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out of the heat and fastened itself to his hand.

When the natives saw the creature hanging from Paul’s hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live” (Acts 28:4 NKJV). While the onlookers expected Paul to swell and suddenly drop dead as a result of the venom, he simply shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They concluded that he was a god.

What made Paul so different? He was eternal life-conscious. He knew that the one who has the Son of God has eternal life: _*“…the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”*_ (Romans 6:23). The one who has eternal life can’t be poisoned. Jesus said so in Mark 16:18: _*“…if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them....”*_

This is the life that He’s given us, but many don’t know it. The Bible says through knowledge shall the just be delivered into their inheritance. So, you see, it works by knowledge! It’s about your knowledge of the immortal and incorruptible life of Christ that’s at work in you. No wonder John said, _*“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).

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for bringing to my consciousness the supernatural, immortal and incorruptible life of Christ that’s at work in me. I live above sickness, disease and all the depravities that affect the human nature. I’m an associate of the God-kind, manifesting the glory and virtues of divinity, in

Jesus’ Name. Amen…*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*John 10:34*

_34- Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’?_

*Mark 16:17-18*

_17- And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;_

_18- they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”_

*1 John 5:11-12*

_11- And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son._

_12- He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life._

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

2 Corinthians 3:7-4:1-18 & Proverbs 16-17

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Luke 21:1-9 & 1 Samuel 24

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 04 SEPTEMBER 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: ALWAYS IN CHARGE

KEY VERSE: In your patience possess ye your souls (Luke 21:19).

The words above are the words of Jesus, and He’s telling you to always be in control while you wait; it’s an attitude of victory. When you’re confident in the Lord, in His ability and power at work in and through you, nothing shakes you.

Perhaps you suddenly received news that your spouse, child or a loved one has been rushed to the theatre for an emergency procedure. Instead of being rattled, be in charge and in control. Don’t start pacing the floor, edgy about the situation: relax. Take charge!

Never panic or be overwhelmed with fear when you face dire circumstances or opposition; maintain your composure and use your authority in Christ. Pray in rest, for He’s brought us into His rest. Take a hold of God’s Word, knowing who you are and your authority in Christ, and then issue commands. Tame the situation.

The challenges you face are “bread” for you; they’re the springboard to your next and higher level of glory. That’s why the Bible says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2). 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 calls the adversities you face “light afflictions,” transient and short-lived troubles—they produce for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

There’s nothing in this world that should get you ruffled or agitated. Meditate on these words of Jesus in John 16:33 AMPC: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you].”

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 4:6 AMPC & John 16:33 MSG

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 03 SEPTEMBER 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: AN OUTWARD SHOW OF AN INNER TRUTH

KEY VERSE: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD (Psalm 134:2).

Have you ever wondered why oftentimes, people look towards the sky when we say, “Let us pray?” It’s actually an outward show of an inner truth, of something spiritual, because the Father isn’t in the sky but inside us; He lives in you. So, don’t get confused by the motions and outward expressions and gesticulations.

Psalm 141:2 says, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” When David, a prophet of God, wrote this, he was well acquainted with the priesthood ministry of the Old Testament in the old tabernacle. He spoke prophetically and likened the evening sacrifice in the Old Testament to the lifting of our hands in worship today.

Also, the Bible says, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD” (Psalm 134:2). The Apostle Paul reiterated the same thing; he understood the importance of lifting our hands in worship when he said by the Spirit, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8).

When your hands are lifted up in worship, you’re affirming that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made you free from death and the law of sin; you’re affirming your liberty, joy, access into God’s presence and your oneness with Him. You’re not trying to “reach out” to God as though He were far away; He’s in you, you’re in Him; and you know it. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Corinthians 3:16 & Psalm 134:1-2