RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 04 JANUARY 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: PROMOTE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

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KEY VERSE: For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south (Psalm 75:6).

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When God puts you in a particular job or business, His interest isn’t about the office or your designation. What matters to Him is how effectively you’re using your office to promote His righteousness. He wants you passionate for the Gospel, and the establishment of His Kingdom in the hearts of men and nations of the earth.

Everywhere you are, be busy for the Lord. Stand for Him. You’re His ambassador, and a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). What counts the most in your life is what you do with the Gospel, for the salvation of men, regardless of your vocation.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 8:23, commended certain individuals who were with him on his missionary journeys. He was proud of their commitment to the Gospel and said, “…they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.” What a testimony! Messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ. What an honour! It makes no difference

where you are, or what your vocation is; see yourself as a sent one, representing the Church and the glory of Christ.

Preach the Gospel. Minister the Word to those in your world. The Bible says He’s made you an “able minister of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life” (2

Corinthians 3:6). You’re God’s mouthpiece; speak for Him! Do His work. Do great things for the Kingdom.

Be bold. Let nothing keep you quiet. Keep bearing His

message of faith, hope and love with urgency, for the end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7).

FURTHER STUDY: 2 Corinthians 5:15,

2 Corinthians 5:18 &

Romans 1:16

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 03 JANUARY 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: THE WORD AND YOUR EXPERIENCE

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SCRIPTURE: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12).

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There’re people who say they pray and don’t receive answers. Some others lament that they gave so much to God, but never received much in return. There’re also those who say, “I’ve been speaking the Word over my body for a long time, yet I’m sick.” If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, here’s something you should know: Your experience should never affect your confidence in the Word. The Word never fails.

The Word of God is truth, irrespective of what your experiences might be. Just because it’s been several days or months and there’s still no change as you expect doesn’t mean the Word isn’t working. You must understand that Christian growth and maturity is progressive and there’s a fight of faith.

There’s also the issue of your limited knowledge of the Word. Perhaps you don’t know enough on the subject you’re dealing with. Therefore, what you’re supposed to do is to keep feeding on the Word and exercising your faith. It’s a training.

If, for example, at a certain time in your life, it took you a while to use your faith to accomplish a certain goal, don’t be discouraged. Rather, grow your faith to the level where it can produce that same result anytime you want it! If it took you three months the first time, tell yourself, “Next time, I’ll get it in a week or even less.” Then, begin to study

and meditate on the Word with your new goal in focus.

That’s how you train yourself in the Word and

in the faith life; you don’t give up! You stand your

ground, confident that God’s Word will prevail over circumstances and put you over all the time.

FURTHER STUDY:

*Jonah 2:8, Romans 4:18-20 &

Hebrews 11:6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 02 JANUARY 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

GIVE VENT TO YOUR CHRIST-NATURE

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To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

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The real essence of Christianity is Christ in you, manifesting and expressing Himself in, and through you. The Christian is one who expresses and demonstrates the life, nature, character and righteousness of Christ. This is one of the things you check in appraising yourself spiritually; how much your actions, attitude, words and character epitomise Christ.

For example, when you’re offended, do you give vent to your Christ-nature or allow your flesh to gain the upper hand? As one who’s born again, Christ rules your life; you have His nature. Therefore, in all you do, and at all times, refuse to yield to the flesh; rather, respond from your Christ-nature.

When you talk, let Christ be heard. Let His love effuse from your words and actions. Let His wisdom mantle your hearers as you speak only gracious and lifting words; let Him talk through you. Let Him see through your eyes, walk with your legs and work with your hands. 2 Corinthians 4:11 says, “For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” This is Christianity.

All that God wants manifested in you is Christ; touching and changing lives through you. The prophet said, “…he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days…” (Isaiah 53:10); you’re that seed. Hallelujah! You reveal the glory and beauty of Christ. That glory is in your spirit, where Christ dwells. Therefore, look inwards; see the glory within and reveal the same to your world.

FURTHER STUDY:

Ephesians 4:23-24 AMPC & 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 01 JANUARY 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING

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Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things (Matthew 6:31-32).

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Why should anyone read this and still fret about anything in life? The one who has told you not to worry about tomorrow is the owner of tomorrow; He’s aware that everything you require for an excellent life has already been made available. So, refuse to be burdened with stress and anxiety.

Don’t worry about your work, family, business, finances, or anything. Worry is fear in disguise. It’s fear of negative possibilities; the imminence of unwanted outcomes. Fear attracts its images. If you keep worrying about getting sick, for example, soon enough, you’ll fall sick.

The cure for worrying is living in God’s Word. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Philippians 4:6 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Act on the Word. Rather than worry, receive whatever you require, and live in the consciousness of Christ’s victory, grace and abundant provisions. Anything short of a life of absolute joy and fulfilment in Christ Jesus isn’t God’s best for you.

Hebrews 4:3 says, “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said….” God finished all His works from the foundation of the world before He made man and rested from His works. That’s the same life He’s given us; a life free of struggles.

FURTHER STUDY:

Philippians 4:6, Deuteronomy 31:6 & 2 Timothy 1:7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

IT WAS FOR YOUR SAKE

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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).

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The verse above isn’t referring to spiritual riches and spiritual

poverty. When you study the entire chapter in context, you’d

understand Paul was dealing with financial and material prosperity. For

our sake, Jesus laid down His reputation, His riches and wealth; He laid

down everything and identified Himself with us, and took our place. He

became us. Everything He did was for our sake. He wasn’t poor, but He

became poor for your sake. In the same way, you weren’t rich, but now in

Him, you’ve been made rich, just as in Him you’ve been made righteous.

An understanding of this truth will cause you to walk in your

heritage in Christ; your wealthy place in God. Your trust shouldn’t be in

the government, the society or in the job that you do. Your trust shouldn't

be in any banking reform. Your trust has to be in the Word. He already

became poor so that you, through His poverty, might become rich. Now, you’re to step into what He’s done for you and who He’s made you.

You’re to walk in the glory that He’s brought you into. That was the

essence of His suffering: “...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 1:11). The glory now follows.

Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: Galatians 3:29 & 2 Corinthians 8:9 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

HE’S MINDFUL OF YOUR WORK

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For God, the Faithful One, is not unfair. How can he

forget the work you have done for him? He remembers the

love you demonstrate as you continually serve his beloved

ones for the glory of his name (Hebrews 6:10 TPT).

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This is as inspiring as it’s comforting! Everything you do for the Lord is recorded, and He rewards you for it. He’s mindful of

your work and labour of love. You may have been told you were wasting

your time or being foolish for preaching the Gospel and serving the Lord

as you do, but God cares about your work. Therefore, keep at it.

He said in Revelation 22:12, “And, behold, I come quickly; and

my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall

be.” What a day that will be! What a day to look forward to! So I urge you

with the same words of the Spirit by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians

15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know

that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

There may be times that you’re about the Lord’s work and there seem to be adversities on every side; don’t despair. At such times,

always remember that the Lord isn’t unrighteous to forget your work and

labour of love. He’ll reward you for all that you do, and have done in and

for His Kingdom.

He knows about your tears in intercession; your passion in prayer

for lost souls. He’s aware of all your financial contributions to the spread

of the Gospel, and your personal evangelical efforts to win souls for

Christ. He’s aware of all the sacrifices you’ve made for His Name’s sake;

the time, money, family, friends and relationships you gave up for Him!

He hasn’t forgotten.

Your blessing isn’t deferred but begins here on earth (read Mark

10:29-31). You’re never a fool for your devotion to Christ. Your faith, hope

and love are not in vain. Keep doing all that the Lord inspires you to do

for Him; keep spreading His glory through your works of righteousness in

your world, and in the regions beyond.

FURTHER STUDY:

Matthew 16:26-27,

2 John 1:8 AMPC &

2 Timothy 4:5-8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

EXPRESS HIS NATURE

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And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind

[having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on

the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s

image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness

(Ephesians 4:23-24 AMPC)

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Being born again, you have the life and nature of God. You were

recreated in righteousness and true holiness, to express the

will and nature of the Father. Your spirit was recreated in the image and

likeness of God. In other words, you were created to be like Him, and to

function like Him.

It’s thus possible for you to express His will and nature, His life and

divine attributes that are in your spirit. The Spirit’s admonition in our

opening verse to “Put on the new man which after God is created in

righteousness and true holiness” simply means to express His life of

righteousness in you. In every matter, in every place, at every

opportunity, let His righteousness be expressed through you. In anything

that you’re involved in, you bear testimony by your life, actions and words to the character of God! Hallelujah!

You’re His expression and extension to your world; this has always

been His dream: to express Himself fully in, and through you. Only

through you can He show forth His goodness, grace, wisdom and

excellence to the world. The natural or unregenerate man can’t know who

God is until they meet you.

Make it your life’s work that through the Holy Spirit, everywhere you

are, you’ll manifest Christ; you’ll manifest His glory; you’ll express the

God-life, for that’s your calling.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 1:30 &

1 Peter 2:9 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*MONDAY 28 DECEMBER 2020*

PASTOR CHRIS

*MEMORIZE SCRIPTURES*

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_*This book of the law shall not depart out of thy

mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that

thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written

therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and

then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).*_

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Today, having several Bible translations and the emergence of

Bibles in electronic devices has made it increasingly difficult for

many to memorise Scriptures. Very easily, you can search and locate

verses, and in different translations, at the click or push of a button. But

this shouldn’t take the place or relegate the importance of memorizing

scriptures as part of your personal spiritual growth.

Memorising Scriptures helps you exercise your mind to retain the

Word of God. Your mind is the doorway to your spirit (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The Word of God has to be in your consciousness to produce results in

your life. When it’s in your consciousness, it’ll be in your mouth; and the

Word in your mouth is a creative force.

As you read your Bible, pick out striking verses and recite them repeatedly by heart. This is the beginning of meditation, and the more

you do this, the more the Word will gain the ascendancy in your spirit.

Set the target to memorize a verse of scripture per day and

measure your progress in it. You’d be amazed at the impact of the Word

in your life.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Timothy 4:8, Deuteronomy 11:18 & Jeremiah 15:16

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

MEDITATE ON HIS TRUTHS

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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... (2 Corinthians 3:18).

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Sometimes, it’s possible to look at yourself and not seem like

what God says you are. Even in this season of celebration,

especially after all that has happened this year, you may think through

your life and wonder, “What’s really there to celebrate? Life has been so

hard.” When you think or talk like that, you’re going in the wrong

direction. Stop looking at circumstances; look at the Word.

Our theme verse says as you behold the glory of God in a mirror,

which is the Word of God, you’re metamorphosed into the same image

that you see in the Word. The more you look into (meditate) on God’s

Word, the more you know who you are, see what you have, and your

ability and glory in Christ Jesus. The circumstances of life are mere

shadows; you don’t look at your shadow to determine who you are and

what you look like; you look in the mirror.

The Bible says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). It makes no difference what your experiences have been; Christ is

in you. That means there’s glory in your life! That’s what the mirror

shows. This is what Christmas is about! Christmas means Christ has

taken up His abode in you; He’s the glory of your life. He came for you, to

live in you and through you. Hallelujah! Accept this truth!

Accept what

God has said about you and made you, and meditate on that! Be bold to

affirm, “Now that Christ lives in me, I’ll never fail; I’m forever victorious

and I express the glory and righteousness of His glorious kingdom every

day and everywhere.” Hallelujah!

Throughout this season, meditate on God’s truth; who you are and

your inheritance in Him. You’re a success. You’re in prosperity, health,

peace and safety. He’s given you an extraordinary life of ever-increasing

progress and greatness. Believe this, speak and live accordingly.

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Corinthians 4:18, Jonah 2:8

& Isaiah 26:3

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 26 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

THE WORD ALIVE IN YOU

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And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

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Christmas means the Word has come; the Word is born. The

Word became flesh and walked the streets; they beheld His

glory until He was slain. But God raised Him up and showed Him openly

to be alive with many infallible proofs. Now, He abides in you. Praise

God!

They waited for the Word, expected His glory that the prophets

spoke about; they expected His light, for gross darkness had covered the

world and ignorance had gained the mastery. But then the Word came,

born of a virgin and walked this earth, full of glory, grace, and truth that all

men might see and believe.

But many didn’t recognize Him. He asked His disciples, “Whom do

men say that I the Son of man am?” Sadly, they didn’t know Him, but

Peter spoke up and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living

God” (Matthew 16:16). John calls Him, “the Word made flesh”; He gives us the actual origin of the man, Christ Jesus—He’s the Word that pre-

existed creation and by whom all things were created (John 1:1-3).

His birth brought joy to the world, a pure marvel to see the eternal

Word of God wrapped in swaddling clothes; to be with, and walk amongst

men! No wonder they called Him “Emmanuel” (God with us) (Matthew

1:23). He was born “Emmanuel,” but today, He’s the Word alive in you.

Every step Jesus took was the Word of God in motion; the Word

personified. And the day you received Him to live in you, you became the

Word in motion, for as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). No

wonder Paul calls us the Epistle (Word) of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:3).

Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: John 1:14 AMPC & John 14:16-17