RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 06 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

DON’T SUCCUMB TO EVIL

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And he shall speak great words against the most

High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and

think to change times and laws: and they shall be given

into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of

time (Daniel 7:25).

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The phrase “wear out” in the verse above is translated from

Aramaic into English. It means to afflict, to constantly harass.

One of Satan’s strategies in these last days is to foment so much evil in

the world that could provoke God’s people to a compromise. He seeks to

wear out the saints. This opening verse shows that during the Great

Tribulation, the antichrist would wear out the saints. There’ll be so much

evil that many will acclimatise to sin. Wickedness will become a normal

lifestyle for a whole lot of people.

The Bible gives us an account of a righteous man named Lot,

Abraham’s nephew, who lived in Sodom and whose soul was vexed daily

by the wickedness of the people. “And turning the cities of Sodom and

Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And

delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and

hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their

unlawful deeds)” (2 Peter 2:6-8).

The underlined word, “vexed”, means the same in Greek as the

Aramaic for “wear out” which we read earlier in our theme verse. It

means to harass with evil, afflict, make trouble for, treat until one is used

to a certain situation. Lot was vexed with the filthy manner of life of the

wicked. This is what Satan would have many do in these final moments

of the Church, to adjust to the ways of darkness.

But you must say, “No” and walk in righteousness, in the light of

God, in spite of what’s going on around you. Never succumb to evil;

rather, let your light shine, for you’ve been sanctified by the Spirit,

separated to God for His divine use—holy and undefiled.

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Corinthians 6:17, Matthew 5:14-16

& Galatians 5:19-21

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 05 DECEMBER 2020 PASTOR CHRIS

IMPACT YOUR WORLD

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And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry

which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it

(Colossians 4:17).

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You were born for God’s glory. You were created to live an

extraordinary life that pleases God, and you can’t live such a

life without making an impact. So, go ahead and make a difference in

your world through the Gospel. It’s the most significant and impactful

message in all the world, saving and changing lives everywhere.

Hallelujah!

Romans 8:19 says, “For the earnest expectation of the creature

waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” Then in Matthew

5:16, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may

see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’’ Your true purpose in the earth is to manifest the glory of God and

establish His Kingdom in your home, street, place of work, school and in

your sphere of contact.

It makes no difference what your age is; you can make a difference in your world. You have what it takes—the Holy Spirit! As you fellowship

with Him and function in the Church, you’ll discover what He wants you to

do—your specific purpose in Him, and how exactly He wants you to live.

He’s raising people He can trust; He’s building them on the Word. Be one

of them.

He may not start you out with something big; but remain faithful with

whatever He commits to your hands. When you’re faithful in little, He’ll

account you to be faithful in much. Remember, you’re His ambassador in

this world, with the God-ordained purpose to illuminate your world and

impact others with the Christ-life! That’s your calling; that’s your purpose;

that’s your life! Christ in you, the hope of glory.

FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 2:10 AMPC & Acts 26:16 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 04 DECEMBER 2020 PASTOR CHRIS

THE WORD IN YOUR MOUTH

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Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the

epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but

with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but

in fleshy tables of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3).

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Writing the Word in your heart is very important. This is done

through meditation and constant confession of the Word. The

more you do this, the more the glory of the Word is manifested in your

life. We’re admonished in the Scriptures to be filled with the knowledge of

God’s Word, for out of that abundance, our words will come forth.

Your words must be consistent with God’s truths; otherwise, you’ll

have trouble. The adversary will take advantage of your own words to put

you in bondage. Proverbs 6:2 says, “Thou art snared with the words of

thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”

Many today are trapped, struggling to come out of one predicament

or the other, which they may have created through their own words.

Jesus said in Mark 11:23 that you shall have what you say. In Matthew

12:37, He said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

You have to make a determination to talk God’s Word; talk

Kingdom-talk. You’re in the Kingdom of God, and it’s a Kingdom run by

words, where we rule and prevail by our wholesome, faith-filled words.

Remember the Lord’s admonition in Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law

shall not depart out of thy mouth...”; it’s about the Word in your mouth!

FURTHER STUDY: Luke 6:45 & 1 Peter 3:10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 03 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

FOCUS ON THE LORD AND HIS KINGDOM

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Of the increase of his government and peace there

shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his

kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and

with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the

LORD of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:7).

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David prophesied of a king who will rule over the nations of the

world. He said in Psalm 72:8, “He shall have dominion also

from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”

Our opening scripture says concerning that King, “Of the increase

of his government and peace there shall be no end....” The Lord

Jesus heads the Kingdom of God, of which we’re a part. It’s a real

Kingdom; a functional spiritual kingdom. Our consciousness of the

Kingdom is important; we can’t focus our minds on this earth as though

everything ends here; there’s a world that’s greater than this.

Colossians 3:1-2 says, “...seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on

things above, not on things on the earth.” How? By being “...stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1

Corinthians 15:58).

These are the last days; fix your gaze on the Lord and His

Kingdom. Make Him your focus. Be on fire for the Lord all the time; be

instant in season, and out of season, proclaiming His truth.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 15:58

,

Romans 8:5-6 &

Colossians 3:1-4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 02 DECEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

UNDERSTAND AND SPEAK THE WORD

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...

(Hosea 4:6)

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There’re Christians whose experiences in life are an antithesis of

their faith and the Word of God. For example, they may believe

that as Christians, they’re not supposed to be oppressed by Satan, yet

they experience continual satanic attacks and manipulations. They

believe they aren’t supposed to be sick or have infirmities in their bodies,

yet they’re hardly in good health. Something is wrong.

There’re two important areas to examine in dealing with such

inconsistencies. First is the accurate understanding of the Word. In

Matthew 13, Jesus emphasized the importance of understanding when

He taught on the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9).

In His interpretation of the parable, He explained that the seeds that

fell by the wayside represent those who hear the Word of God and don’t

understand it. Due to their lack of understanding, Satan comes

immediately and steals the Word from their hearts (Matthew 13:19).

An

accurate understanding of the Word is so important. When you understand the Word, you’re able to apply it rightly to produce results for

you. Proverbs 4:7 says, “...with all thy getting get understanding.”

The second thing is your communication; the words you speak. If

your words are inconsistent with the Word of God, your life, which is the

outward manifestation of your words, will also be inconsistent. The

Psalmist said, “...my tongue is the pen of a ready writer” (Psalm 45:1).

Your tongue is the pen that writes God’s Word on your heart. What you

say is written on your heart, and out of that abundance, your mouth

speaks.

Always study and listen to the Word; bombard your mind and your

spirit with the Word, and then speak accordingly! Your life will be the

manifestation of the Word. Praise God!

FURTHER STUDY: Joshua 1:8, Mark 11:23, Acts 20:32 & Ephesians 1:17-18

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 01 DECEMBER 2020 PASTOR CHRIS

THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

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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? (Mark 8:36-37).

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When a new model of a product or device is advertised with far better features, oftentimes, the value of the current one drops; especially if it’s to be phased out. Generally, all who are interested in the product start preparing for the new one, while losing value for the old.

This is how you should view this current world; it’s going to be burnt up and destroyed. A new Heaven, and a new earth that’ll take its place have been advertised in the Scriptures. Revelation 21:1 says, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” The 4th verse says, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

And verses 18-19 say, “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones….” The 23rd and 25th verses take it even further:  “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.”  What a description! What a place to look forward to! Your focus shouldn’t be on this present world which will soon pass away. 

Recall the words of Jesus in our theme verse: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” This world, with all it represents, isn’t worth the loss of your soul; so, live your life for the Lord. Let your passion be all about the Gospel of Christ as we await His glorious return.

FURTHER STUDY:*

2 Timothy 4:10, Galatians 6:14

Colossians 3:1-2 & 2 Peter 3:12-14

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2020 PASTOR CHRIS

WE GLORIFY HIS NAME

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Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus

throughout all ages, world without end. Amen

(Ephesians 3:21).

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Oftentimes, in prayer and songs of worship, some

Christians would say, “O Lord, glorify your Name in all the

earth.” It sounds okay, but it puts us in a position of expecting God to

glorify His Name. And that’s not His idea; we’re the ones to glorify

Him. Recall the words of Jesus in John 17:4 “I have glorified thee

on the earth....” This is what we’re expected to do.

Our theme verse says, “Unto him be glory in the church...,” meaning that He expects the Church to give Him glory. Your life is for

the glory of God. He’s glorified as you consistently live out His Word,

bearing fruits of His divine life and nature in you. As you walk in

health, prosperity, and impact your world with His righteousness,

greatness, beauty and wisdom; as you produce Word-based results,

the Lord is glorified.

No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so

shine before men, that they may see your good works, and

glorify your Father which is in heaven.” He’s glorified by your

works of righteousness. In John 17:4 that we read earlier, the latter

part shows that Jesus glorified the Father by doing what the Father

wanted Him to do: “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have

finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” This is one of the

reasons you must study the Word to know what He wants, so that

every day, and in every place, you glorify Him by living out His Word.

Praise God!

FURTHER STUDY:

John 2:11, John 15:8,

Colossians 1:27 &

Matthew 5:16 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

HAVE A PRAISE PARTY

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And when he had consulted with the people, he

appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should

praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before

the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy

endureth for ever (2 Chronicles 20:21).

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One of the ways to activate the power of God is worship.

Throughout the Scriptures, we find inspiring accounts of

how God delivered His people from destruction and dire situations

when they activated His power in praise and worship. A good

example is when three nations—Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—

came against Judah. King Jehoshaphat, by the wisdom of God,

gathered all Judah to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting. When they

prayed, God revealed to them the exact location of the enemies’

camp, and gave them the strategy to defeat them.

2 Chronicles 20:22 says, “...when they began to sing and to

praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of

Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” When you face daunting

challenges, don’t panic or fret; worship the Lord instead. Like

Jehoshaphat, have a “praise party!”

Don’t wait until you feel like singing before making melodies in

your heart, singing praises unto the Lord. Whether you’re happy or

not, praise Him all the same; worship Him and give Him glory. 1

Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is

the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Recall Paul and Silas; for preaching the Gospel, they were

tortured and incarcerated in a Roman prison. But at midnight, they

prayed and sang praises unto God; and as they did, the power of

God was activated and they were supernaturally set free (Acts

16:25-26). This miraculous encounter led to the salvation of the

prison warden with his entire family.

You may be faced with a difficult situation today for which

you’ve prayed and confessed that it’s all working out for your good,

yet nothing seems to have changed; don’t give up; worship and

praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.

FURTHER STUDY:

Psalm 28:7 AMPC, Psalm 107:31 & Psalm 145:1-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

HIS FULLNESS IN YOU

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And of his fulness have all we received, and

grace for grace (John 1:16).

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Before Jesus came, the Holy Spirit only came upon men in

part and for a temporary purpose, after which, the unction

lifted. For instance, the Bible says, “And the Spirit of the LORD

came mightily upon him (Samson), and he rent him (a young lion)

as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand...” (Judges 14:6). It was the same with David; the Old Testament folks

didn’t have the fullness of the Spirit.

With Jesus; the Bible says, “For it pleased the Father that in

him should all fulness dwell” (Colossians 1:19). The word, “fullness” is from the Greek, “plēroama” which means repletion or

completion; the total or complete content of a vessel in its maximum

capacity and entirety. That means everything the Father is, and has,

is in Jesus. Colossians 2:9 says, “For in him (Jesus) dwelleth all

the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” When Jesus walked the

streets, God Almighty, in His fullness, was in Him. Hallelujah!

The most amazing part of this is that as read in our opening

verse, we’ve received this same fullness. That means everything the

Father is, and has, is in you, because He lives in you. Have this

consciousness. Colossians 2:10 says, “And ye are complete in

him, which is the head of all principality and power.” There’s

nothing of God that’s supposed to be in you that’s not in you.

Your humanity has been supplanted by the life and nature of

God. This is the difference between you and the one who isn’t born

again; you’re a God-carrying vessel. Through you, He manifests

Himself—His life, wisdom, grace, righteousness, excellence, glory

and perfection—for He lives in you in His fullness. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 4:4, John 3:34 & Ephesians 3:17-19

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2020

PASTOR CHRIS

BE PREPARED FOR THE “FIRST FLIGHT”

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For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven

with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with

the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise

first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be

caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet

the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the

Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

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Make no mistakes about it, the time left before the Master's

return is shorter than many realize. What we’re expecting

right now is the Rapture of the Church, the “catching away” of all

those who are born again and walking in the light of God. Suddenly,

we’ll disappear from this world to meet the Lord in the air.

Someone may ask, “How is that going to be possible? Imagine

that the driver of a commuter bus or pilot of an airplane filled with

people is born again, but the passengers aren’t; are you saying the

driver or pilot will be raptured while the vehicle or airplane crashes?”

First, people who ask such questions haven’t understood what’s about to befall the world. The Rapture itself is judgement for

the world. In Luke 17, Jesus said the day Noah entered into the ark,

the floods came. Also, the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, fire

came from Heaven and burnt up the city; judgement began

immediately.

At the Rapture, cars and planes crashing with people on board

is all part of the judgement for the rejection of Christ. At that point,

the hour of His grace would have been over. If any Christian is left

behind, it’s because he or she wasn’t living the life of a Christian.

They’ll be amongst the ones who’ll go through the Great Tribulation

that’s to take place after the Rapture. And among them, a multitude

of people will eventually be saved.

But you don’t want to be in that group. Jesus said, “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” (Luke 21:36). Prepare yourself for the “first

flight.” Each day that passes takes us a day closer to His glorious

appearing. Live for Him, and get others in your world ready for that

day.

FURTHER STUDY: Matthew 24:37-39, 1 John 2:28 & Revelation 1:7