RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 03 JULY 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: HE’S THE LORD THAT CROWNS

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KEY VERSE: And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer (Revelation 6:2).

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One day while in prayer, I was singing a hyn that went thus: “All hail the power of Jesus name, let angels prostrate fall; bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.” Suddenly, the Lord stopped me and said, “Crown Him Lord of all? You can’t do it.”

For the first time, I thought about it and realized that no man can crown Him; not even the whole world could. With what will they crown Him? We don’t have a good enough crown to put on Him, neither do we have any authority to bestow on Him. More so, you can’t crown the One who has all authority. All power is His.

It explains why some Bible scholars have difficulties understanding certain portions of Scripture such as Revelation 6:2. It says, “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”

Some think the horse rider in the verse above is Jesus, but He’s not. First, it says the rider had a bow. Jesus never uses a bow; the Bible however says He (Jesus) has a sword (Revelation 2:12). In Revelation 6:2, we read that “…a crown was given unto him....” But a crown wasn’t given to Jesus; He’s the King of kings. The description: “…he went forth conquering and to conquer” isn’t of Jesus, but of the Antichrist.

Jesus will only battle the nations at His second coming. That’s when He’ll ride on a white horse and judge the nations in righteousness. Revelation 19:11-12 says, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.” Notice that a crown wasn’t given to Him; rather, He has many crowns, and He gives crowns (James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4).

It’s important to know who Jesus really is, and to sing the right songs to worship Him. He is “…the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Ameen (1 Timothy 6:15-16).

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 1 Peter 5:4 &

James 1:12 CEV

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 02 JULY 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: OUR PRAYERS AS INCENSE

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KEY VERSE: And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints (Revelation 5:8).

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In the Old Testament, the Lord gave instructions to the priests to burn incense morning and evening in the Tabernacle. They were also to offer sacrifices in the morning and in the evening. Yet, the Bible says all that was a shadow of things to come (Hebrews 10:1). God wanted something better and spiritual.

Many years later, the Apostle John, by the Spirit, sees into the heavens and is shown this amazing truth: “…golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints” (Revelation 5:8). Blessed be God! When we pray in the earth, it comes before the Lord as incense.

King David had a revelation of this; the Lord had guided him to understand that our prayers are actually set before God as incense. So he said in Psalm 141:2, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” The kind of prayer referred to is one of worship and intercession. In worship, we offer sacrifices of praise to the Lord with the fruit of our lips—words of praise and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15). Our intercessory prayers go up to God, thwarting the plans of the enemy and changing things in the heavenly realm. This is such a heavenly ministry!

Think about it: As we pray, we send incense; fragrance of a sweet smell—a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God—resulting in positive changes in the earth! That’s why you should always pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority....”*_ As saints of God, we have a ministry of prayer. It’s our responsibility to pray for sinners that they may receive salvation. Each one of us has a primary ministry of worship, which is ministering to the Lord. These prayers of intercession and worship are the incense before the Father.

FURTHER STUDY: Revelation 5:8 CEV, Revelation 8:4 &

Hebrews 13:15

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 01 JULY 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: SEALED BY THE HOLY GHOST

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KEY VERSE: …Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads (Revelation 7:3).

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After the Rapture of the Church, there’ll be a time of Great Tribulation, according to the Scriptures, particularly during the second half of the seven-year treaty to be signed with Israel and a coalition by the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness.

During this period, 144,000 Jews will be anointed by God to preach the Gospel and get people prepared for the second coming of Christ. While they’re at it, they’d need to be sealed because of the different judgements that would be poured out on the earth throughout that period. Men will be plagued, except those with the seal of God on their foreheads (Revelation 9:4), even as we the Church had been sealed during the Church age.

The Bible says, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise”*_ (Ephesians 1:13). 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 also says, “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” Having received the Holy Spirit, you’ve been sealed by God. Because of this, you have God’s approval, His authority, and His protection.

Therefore, it doesn’t matter what’s happening in the world; refuse to fear. There’s a decree that you shouldn’t be hurt like others; you’re separated, severed from perishing because you believe in Jesus Christ. So, don’t mix fear with your faith. The Kingdom to which you belong, and the life that God has given you, function with the exclusion of fear.

Meditate again on John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish…” (NKJV). Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 & John 14:16-17

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: TRUST AND LIVE IN THE WORD

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KEY VERSE: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves…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 1:22-25).

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The Word of God is immutable and infallible; its integrity is unquestionable. The Word is able to produce in and for you the message that it bears. God’s Word is everything. Any change or miracle you desire in life is possible through the Word. God’s Word is His material for your blessing, which is why you must get the Word into your spirit; trust and live in the Word.

God’s response to you, His solution to every problem, is His Word. To those who were afflicted and in distress, Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” When He wanted to launch Abraham to a new level in his life, He gave him the Word. He said to him, “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee” (Genesis 17:5).

Though Abraham had no physical descendants at the time, in the mind of God, he was the father of many nations. That was God’s destiny for him, a destiny created through God’s Word. Don’t assume that as long as God has given a word concerning you, it’ll come to pass; you have a role to play. You must connect to and align yourself with His message to you to experience the blessings thereof.

God’s Word is full of power, and that power is real and available to us. However, the way to make contact with that power and use it to your benefit is walking in the Word, being a doer of the Word. It’s the doers—not the hearers of the Word—that are blessed. Read our theme scripture again.

FURTHER STUDY:

*Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 107:17-20 &

Isaiah 55:10-11

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 29 JUNE 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: HIS INVIGORATING POWER IN YOU

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KEY VERSE: That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).

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When the Holy Spirit came to live in the quarters of your heart, you ceased to be an ordinary being. Many have received the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, but they haven’t understood this truth; they haven’t been taught what the Holy Spirit has the power and ability to do inside them.

The Holy Spirit living inside you makes you a superman! That’s what the Apostle Paul was referring to in our theme verse. He prayed that God’s people be “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.” The word “strengthened” is to be invigorated with might.

The Bible tells us that when the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt and headed for the Promised Land, “...there was not one feeble person among their tribes” (Psalm 105:37). None of them had to be carried because he or she was too weak.

They were divinely invigorated. It’s the same with you today, and even better. Now that you’ve received the Holy Spirit, your hitherto mortal body has been quickened—made alive. You can live without any form of weakness in your body. Romans 8:10 tells us that since Christ now lives in you, even if your body had been ravaged by sickness and disease, the Spirit gives it life because of righteousness. That’s divine vitalization.

Christ in you—the Holy Ghost in you— is your assurance of healing, divine health and a glorious life in Christ Jesus. But if you’re not taught this, it’ll not be real in your life. That’s why you find many Christians who believe it’s okay to be sick; no! Christians aren’t supposed to be sick; not when you have the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Holy Spirit perambulates your body (2 Corinthians 6:16). How can sickness thrive in your body, where the Holy Spirit perambulates? What you need is to be more conscious of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, of His power and glory in you. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 1:18-19, Romans 8:10-11 & Ephesians 3:20

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 28 JUNE 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: IT’S IN YOUR MOUTH

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KEY VERSE: Giving thanks unto the Father…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13).

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Exodus 17, the Bible shows us that the Amalekites became one of Israel’s enemies in the early periods of their history. So, Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men, and go and fight with Amalek; but I’ll go up to the mountain of God with the rod of God in my hand” (Exodus 17:9). Exodus 17:10 says, “So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.”

While the battle was raging, Aaron and Hur noticed that whenever Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, and when he lowered his hands, the Amalekites prevailed. The Bible says they “…took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; an to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.”

While the battle was raging, Aaron and Hur noticed that whenever Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, and when he lowered his hands, the Amalekites prevailed. The Bible says they “…took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (Exodus 17:12).

As a result, Joshua, leading the army of Israel, discomfited Amalek: “And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword” (Exodus 17:13). But the war was won from the mountain, through the lifting up of Moses’ hands; they controlled things in the earth, from the spiritual realm. On a previous occasion, God had said to Moses, when the Israelites, being chased by the Egyptians, came before the red sea, “Stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it” (Exodus 14:16). But in Joshua’s day, the revelation progressed; it was about where the soles of their feet shall tread upon: “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have

I given unto you, as I said unto Moses” (Joshua 1:3).

No wonder when it was time for them to cross the Jordan, Joshua didn’t have to stretch his hands over Jordan. The Bible says soon as “…the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) That the waters… failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho” (Joshua 3:15-16). Blessed be God! In our day, it’s even better! We only need to speak from wherever we are, and the power of God will be activated for supernatural results anywhere in the world. The power is in your mouth! The Word is in your mouth. The authority is in your mouth, by the blessed Name of the Lord Jesus Christ! We don’t need to climb up the mountain like Moses; we’re already on the mountain of God! We were born there, for the Bible says we’ve arrived on Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:22). Praise God forever!

FURTHER STUDY: Joshua 1:8,

Ecclesiastes 8:4 & Mark 11:23

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*SUNDAY 27 JUNE 2021*

PASTOR CHRIS

*TOPIC:* *REASSIGN THE EARTH’S DESOLATE HERITAGES*

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*KEY VERSE:* _*…and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages (Isaiah 49:8).*_

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The KJV construction of the verse above, especially the latter part, is somewhat complex; but the NIV simplifies it. It says, _*“…to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances.”*_ Notice the underlined expression; it’s so powerful. It means that as God’s people, we’re designated to reassign the earth’s desolate heritages.

In other words, in places where Satan has wreaked havoc, we can overturn his activities, his manipulations and manoeuvres, and establish the will of God. The Bible talks about the dark places of the earth that are filled with the habitations of cruelty (Psalm 74:20); but it’s not enough to cast the devils out of such regions and places; we must reassign such places to angels and insist that only the righteousness of God prevails therein.

Therefore, if you have noticed satanic activities in your city, town, village, county, region or country, do what Jesus said to do in Mark 16:17: Cast the devils out, as you pray fervently in the Spirit and charge them to return no more. Then reassign these regions, formerly destitute of the Spirit of God, to angels.

Why is this important? It’s because of what Jesus said; He said the devil that you cast out goes to the dry places seeking rest, looking for where to go. If he doesn’t find any, he comes back to the same place

from where he was cast out, and if he finds it empty, swept and garnished, he’ll bring in seven other spirits more wicked than himself (Read Matthew 12:43-45).

So, you’ve got to learn to reassign desolate heritages. You have the authority and there’re angels at your service. And so, when you dispossess evil spirits from a family, city or a nation, you say, “In the Name of Jesus, I reassign this family, city or nation to angels of God!” The Holy Ghost knows exactly which of the angels should take over that place to ensure things are run by the principles of the Kingdom of God, ensuring only the Word of God dominates and prevails. Praise God!

*PRAYER*

*I have the authority and power in the Name of Jesus to reign and rule over Satan and circumstances; therefore, I declare that the righteousness of God, and the reign of God’s Kingdom prevails in my family, my city, and nation; and Jesus is glorified. Amen…*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*Isaiah 49:8 NIV*

_8- This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances,_

*Matthew 12:43-45*

_43- “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it._

_44- Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order._

_45- Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”_

*1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:*

Acts 13:1-12 & Nehemiah 7-8

*2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:*

Luke 4:33-44 & Deuteronomy 25

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: WE ARE OF THE TRUTH

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KEY VERSE: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).*

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As God’s children, we’re born of His truth; thus, we’re children of truth. We live in and by truth. We’re located by truth, and receive truth. But the children of the world feed on lies, and therefore live a lie.

It brings to mind the words of Jesus to the Jews who wouldn’t hear and receive His Word. He said, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not” (John 8:43-45).

They couldn’t hear and receive His truth because they didn’t belong to Him; they weren’t children of truth. Anyone who is of the truth will hear His voice. How can someone be of the truth? It’s by believing the truth; by receiving truth.

How can you know truth? Truth distinguishes itself. The Bible says, “But wisdom is justified of all her children” (Luke 7:35). You’ll know truth when it comes to your spirit. God’s truth produces faith in you;

it produces the love of God in your heart. His truth fills you with hope and brings liberty to your spirit. It’ll also give you direction, because the Word of God is light. Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

FURTHER STUDY: John 8:31-32 & John 8:44-47

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 25 JUNE 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: BE IN THE CENTRE OF GOD’S WILL

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

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

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

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

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

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

FURTHER STUDY:

Colossians 1:9 & 2 Timothy 1:8-10

You can watch the video on my Instagram @diariesofagirlinlovewithjesus https://instagram.com/diariesofagirlinlovewithjesus?utm_medium=copy_link RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 24 JUNE 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: AVAIL YOURSELF OF HIS POWER IN YOU

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KEY VERSE: And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power (Ephesians 1:19).

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In the scripture above, the Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, prayed for the Christians at Ephesus that they’d know the exceeding greatness of God’s power at work in them. Of course, everybody knows God is powerful; if there’s a God in heaven, He must be powerful. But is that power directed towards you? Is that power available for your use?

That’s what Paul was talking about. He wants you to come to the point where you know that the power of God is available for your use, for your application in the “now” of your life. He wants you to have the knowledge and be conscious that it’s the power of God that’s working in our behalf. That’s the power He demonstrated when He raised Jesus from the dead.

The second part of the opening scripture talks about the authority that we have in Him. Verses 22 and 23 says, “And hath put all things under his (Jesus’) feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23). That’s us!

He’s letting you know the power of your authority in Christ Jesus.

When you come to understand that you have His dominion, His all-encompassing and unlimited authority, you’ll never be afraid of Satan, man, or anything. You’d think and talk like David who said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” (Psalm 23:4). “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?...Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear…” (Psalm 27:1, 3). Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: Luke 10:19 AMPC & Ephesians 2:5-6