Saturday, 20 July 2013
Change The Order
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.
Change The Order · Saturday, July 20th ·
Pastor Chris
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).
From time
to time, it’s important to review the way things are going with you and
determine the areas in which you need to make changes. Many keep doing
the same things, and expect a different result; that’s not going to
work. You’d need to employ new ideas; bring in something new.
If you want a different result from what you’re experiencing right now,
you have to review things and make the necessary changes. Begin with
changing your way of thinking. Perhaps at work, you’ve been noted for
not being so diligent, and now you want a change. First, you’d have to
change your attitude, and approach your work with a new mind-set. Start
practicing getting to work early to gain time, and then learn to sit
down and finish your work within the stipulated time frame, and
excellently too.
Learning to be ahead on your work, and
finishing early, will give you time to review your work and ensure
perfection. Do this consistently and soon enough, you’d begin to receive
sterling recommendations and promotions from your bosses.
Maybe you’ve always desired to study the Word and pray more effectively;
that won’t happen until you take the right and necessary steps. You can
start by being more diligent with your study of the Rhapsody of
Realities devotional, and meticulously going through the scripture
references and the daily scripture reading. Also, get the book "How To
Pray Effectively Volume 1" and study it from cover to cover (you can
order a copy at www.christembassyonlinestore.o rg). It will help position you for a more vibrant and exciting study and prayer life.
Right now, list out areas where you need to make definite changes, and
consciously write out the new steps you’re going to take to effect those
changes, and then go for it! Make this part of your personal
development project for the quarter, or the rest of the year, and watch
your life grow for the best.
Prayer
Dear Father, I
thank you for your Spirit who guides me to make the right and necessary
changes required for my next level of success and promotion in life.
Through your Word, wisdom is granted me to function excellently, and I
live a fruitful and effective life in righteousness, in Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Proverbs 22:29; Proverbs 10:4
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 26:19-32, Psalms 19-20
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 9:49-62, Joshua 16-17
Friday, 19 July 2013
Faith: Your Currency To Rule Your World!
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.
Faith: Your Currency To Rule Your World! · Friday, July 19th ·
Pastor Chris
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of
Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and
Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions
(Hebrews 11:32-33).
The Lord Jesus said if you have faith, as a
grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible to you (Matthew
17:20).Your faith is your currency to rule your world.
The
Bible tells us of certain men and women who through faith dominated the
world of their time (Hebrews 11:32-33). The eleventh chapter of the book
of Hebrews gives us an insightful chronicle of the extraordinary
accomplishments of some of these great men and women of faith: how they
subdued kingdoms, and functioned in righteousness, standing their
grounds in their convictions. Their faith serves as an example for us
today. Their deeds were written for our inspiration and edification;
letting us know we can do the same.
Let’s reflect on the
attitude of one of these great heroes of faith—Joshua. By faith, he led
the children of Israel to march round the intimidating walls of Jericho
seven times, with the menacing walls coming down flat on the seventh
count, as they gave the victory shout (read Joshua 6:16-20). You can
live every day in victory and dominion through faith. The Bible
admonishes us to be "...followers of them who through faith and patience
inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:12). Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, the
prophets of old, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Apostles have all set
examples of faith for us to emulate.
You can face and overcome
whatever obstacle is before you by speaking forth words of faith. You
can effect changes and do great things in your world today. You too can
manifest righteousness and give life to the dead or hopeless situations.
You can revive your business if it’s been grounded, or keep it growing
from glory to glory. You can excel greatly in ministry, in your
academics, career or profession and be a wonder to your world. Your
faith is the currency; rule your world with it.
Confession
The Word of faith is in my heart and my mouth, and it prevails as I
speak it forth. My life is the testimony of God’s grace and a harvest of
blessings because I walk by faith in His Word. I’m more than a
conqueror, and my faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Halleluiah!
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Hebrews 11:1,6; Matthew 17:20
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 26:1-18, Psalms 17-18
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 9:37-48 Joshua 15
Thursday, 18 July 2013
TheBelieversLoveTheWord: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
TheBelieversLoveTheWord: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES. A Victory Parade · Thursday, July 18th · Pastor Anita Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to tri...
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.
A Victory Parade · Thursday, July 18th ·
Pastor Anita
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2
Corinthians 2:14).
As Christians, we have absolute victory over
Satan and his cohorts. We belong in the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, who
leads us in the triumphal excursions of life; it’s a continual victory
parade.
Luke 1:69-71 tells us that God "…hath raised up an horn
of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; as he spake by
the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that
hate us." This came into effect with the coming of the Lord. Thus,
whoever may hate you, or plan evil against you, will never be able to
overpower you, for Christ is your victory. Concerning your adversaries,
the Word says: "When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came
upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell" (Psalm 27:2).
You don’t have to pray against the wicked or your enemies from coming
against you; they’re free to come out against you. However, their end
has been predetermined: they’ll stumble and fall. Never live in fear, or
respond to circumstances out of fear; you’re a victor in Christ Jesus.
The Bible says, "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a
shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:15).
When Jesus defeated Satan, and the principalities and powers of
darkness, you were in Him. You were in Him when He paraded them in their
despoiled state, wounded, broken, and rendered helpless.
Now
in Luke 10:19, He says, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on
serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing
shall by any means hurt you." What a life He’s given us; a life of
victory through the Word, and dominion by the Spirit.
Confession
I go forth today, in victory and dominion over Satan, the cohorts of
darkness, and the circumstances of life. I experience the power and
supernatural grace of God today, as I make manifest the savour of the
knowledge of Christ, in every place, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; 1 John 4:4
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 25:13-27, Psalms 11-16
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 9:28-36 Joshua 14
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.
Simply Act On His Word… · Wednesday, July 17th ·
Pastor Chris
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).
Matthew 14 gives us an account of how, on a certain evening, the
disciples got into a ship to cross to the other side of the Sea of
Galilee, ahead of Jesus. During their voyage, they were startled to see a
man walking towards them on the water, and cried out in fear. Jesus was
that man, and He immediately assuaged their fears, saying, "…Be of good
cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Then, Peter answering,
said, "…Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water"
(Matthew 14:28); and the Master said to him, "Come" (Matthew 14:29).
Peter then stepped out of the ship and walked on the water to meet
Jesus. When the Master said, "Come," any of the disciples could have
stepped out with Peter into the water; but only Peter did. Imagine how
much more glorious and inspiring it would have been to read that the
entire disciples walked on water!
It’s like what happens even
today with many in the Church. When the Word is given, maybe a word on
healing, finances or on any other subject, only those who personalize
the Word, and take corresponding action, will have it produce results in
their lives. It might be a simple "get up," "walk," "come," or an
instruction to give an offering: act on it immediately. Don’t wait for a
thunderous voice or a spectacular sound from heaven; simply act on the
Word. It may not come in a spectacular way, but it is always
supernatural, nonetheless.
In 1 Kings 19, when Elijah needed to
hear from God, all the seemingly "spectacular" signs didn’t have the
presence of God, until the still small voice, that said "…What doest
thou here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:13). God’s Word, instructions, leading,
and guidance to you are supernatural; they’ll produce the desired
results when acted upon.
To continually experience the glory of
God and the power of the Spirit, you’d have to always respond in faith
to His Word and the promptings of the Spirit.
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for training my spirit to apprehend
the realities of the Kingdom and respond to the instructions of the Holy
Spirit to me, as I learn and walk in the light of your Word, in Jesus’
Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: James 1:22-25
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 25:1-12, Psalms 7-10
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 9:18-27, Joshua 13
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.
Look Inwards For Creative Ideas! · Monday, July 15th ·
Pastor Anita
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that
the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7).
As a child of God, the Bible says whatsoever you
do, shall prosper: "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of
water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not
wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:3). Never be idle
or jobless; you must find something you’re good at; something that’s good for
God and good for people, and do it. Bless the world with the work of your
hands. Look to the Holy Spirit in you for ideas of excellence. Remember,
success isn’t all about money; if you have the right ideas, and discipline
yourself in the direction of your ideas, money will come to you.
So come up with great ideas that’ll foster the
progress and development of your environment, and the world of your time. One
of the primary requirements for success is looking out for a human need, and
then reaching out to meet it. How did Joseph, a prisoner, become the Prime
minister of Egypt? He did something. He used his gift to serve others and God
promoted him.
Some people believe the reason they’re suffering or
poor is because of the kind of work they do. That’s not true! The problem isn’t
the kind of work they do; rather it’s in their minds. Your mind is what
determines what you become, for as a man thinks in his heart, so is he
(Proverbs 23:7).
Look inwards, and live from inside out. Put your
creative juices to work. Initiate prosperity and victory from within you, for
they’re inherent in your spirit. God has deposited in your spirit everything
you require for a successful life. Search yourself; dig deep within you and
discover the treasure and talents you have. Put them to work, and the anointing
of the Lord will cause them to produce and multiply.
Confession I bring forth good things today from
within me, because I have an excellent mind; I have insight into mysteries and
secrets and bring forth creative ideas because Christ has been made unto me
wisdom. I initiate success, victory and prosperity from within, in the Name of
Jesus.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Luke 6:45; Proverbs 4:23
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 23:12-35, Job 40-42
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 9:1-9, Joshua 11
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.
Worship The Lord With Singing! · Sunday, July 14th ·
Pastor Chris
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true
worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father
seeketh such to worship him (John 4:23).
Every time you have the opportunity to worship the
Lord, do it wholeheartedly in love. As new creations, we’re the true
circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and
have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). We’re the true worshippers
that the Lord seeks. When you learn to worship the Lord passionately, at all
times, irrespective and independent of circumstances, you enhance the ministry
of the Holy Spirit in your life. You’d experience rich fellowship, His supernatural
guidance, love and grace in a greater measure.
Besides the fact that worship is a blessing to you,
in that it helps to tune your spiritual attention to God’s frequency, you give
the Lord what He deserves when you worship Him. One of the ways you express
yourself to the Lord in worship is through singing. The Holy Spirit loves
singing. Ephesians 5:19 says, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Matthew 26:30 tells us how Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn: "And when
they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." Learn to
sing to the Lord in worship.
Worship isn’t for those with the best and most
sonorous voices. We don’t sing to the Lord because we’re good singers; we sing
to worship Him. So, it makes no difference what your voice sounds like: learn
to worship the Lord with singing. The choristers and worship leaders in Church
may inspire you to worship, or help you learn the songs, but their worship and
their singing will never suffice for your personal worship of the Lord.
When the disciple said to the Master, "Teach
us to pray," Jesus gave them a format of prayer; He said to them,
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed
be thy name" (Matthew 6:9). Observe that He started with worship.
Worshipping the Lord is a most important aspect of our ministry to Him; so,
learn to worship Him with singing.
Prayer Dear Lord, I worship you today, for your
love, kindness, grace and tender mercies! You’re so glorious and worthy to be
praised: your name is glorified forever, in all the earth, in Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Philippians 3:3 (AMP);
Hebrews 13:15
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 22:22-23:1-11, Job 36-39
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 8:40-56, Joshua 10
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
RHAPSODY
OF REALITIES.
The Humanity Of Jesus
· Saturday, July 13th ·
Pastor Chris
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham (Hebrews 2:16).
When the Lord Jesus came to this world, He didn’t come in the form of angelic beings; rather, He came as the seed of Abraham. He was born of a woman, and lived as a man, even though He was the Son of God. It was in His humanity that He was tempted, obeyed God, was crucified and died in our place.
Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." When He was wounded, He felt the pain and cried out, the way you and I probably would have; but He didn’t give up. The Bible says He endured the Cross and despised the shame (Hebrews 12:2).
It was in His humanity that He descended into hell, in which also He engaged Satan in that awful combat in hell, and defeated him and all the cohorts of darkness. He did it all as a man: "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:15). He came out of the grave as a man, and ascended into heaven as a man. He completely identified with us as a man: "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…" (Hebrews 2:17).
Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." All that Jesus did as a man,
He did for us. As His suffering and death were for us, so His obedience, resurrection and placement in the heavens were for us as well. His victory is ours; His glory is ours. He was indeed the Son of man as He was the Son of God. Let us live to His glory.
Prayer Dear Father, I rejoice for all that you’ve done for me in Christ Jesus. More than ever, I’m inspired to do your will and fulfil my ministry in you without reproach. I thank you for opening my understanding to my abilities in Christ, and the things I can accomplish through the power of the Spirit working in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Acts 2:22
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:37-22:1-21, Job 32-35
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 8:26-39, Joshua 9
The Humanity Of Jesus
· Saturday, July 13th ·
Pastor Chris
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham (Hebrews 2:16).
When the Lord Jesus came to this world, He didn’t come in the form of angelic beings; rather, He came as the seed of Abraham. He was born of a woman, and lived as a man, even though He was the Son of God. It was in His humanity that He was tempted, obeyed God, was crucified and died in our place.
Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." When He was wounded, He felt the pain and cried out, the way you and I probably would have; but He didn’t give up. The Bible says He endured the Cross and despised the shame (Hebrews 12:2).
It was in His humanity that He descended into hell, in which also He engaged Satan in that awful combat in hell, and defeated him and all the cohorts of darkness. He did it all as a man: "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:15). He came out of the grave as a man, and ascended into heaven as a man. He completely identified with us as a man: "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…" (Hebrews 2:17).
Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." All that Jesus did as a man,
He did for us. As His suffering and death were for us, so His obedience, resurrection and placement in the heavens were for us as well. His victory is ours; His glory is ours. He was indeed the Son of man as He was the Son of God. Let us live to His glory.
Prayer Dear Father, I rejoice for all that you’ve done for me in Christ Jesus. More than ever, I’m inspired to do your will and fulfil my ministry in you without reproach. I thank you for opening my understanding to my abilities in Christ, and the things I can accomplish through the power of the Spirit working in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Acts 2:22
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:37-22:1-21, Job 32-35
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 8:26-39, Joshua 9
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.
Make Good Things Happen For Others · Friday, July 12th ·
Pastor Anita
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
True prosperity is about being a blessing to others and helping them live a meaningful life. It’s about contributing positively to the advancement of the lives of those around you. Being a blessing to others, you’ll always be lifted, for there’s promotion in helping others. God will make happen for you the good things you make happen for others.
Help those around you stand strong; help them discover their God-given potentials. As an employer, for example, help those in your employ realize their dreams for success. In the same vein, as an employee in an organization, be diligent; commit yourself to improving the organization where you work. Make the progress of that organization a priority, for in its prosperity you will also prosper.
Proverbs 11:25 says, "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." You never lose for being the giver and the blesser. There’re orphans, widows, and indigent children who could benefit from your prosperity. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
Always look out for opportunities to be a blessing to others, and the Lord, besides increasing your capacity to do more, will multiply your seeds sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you for making me a blesser and a lifter of others. I thank you for granting me the grace, wisdom and strength to always recognize the need of those around me, that I may bring them hope, and inspire them to success and greatness. Through my giving, mighty harvests of financial blessings are coming to me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y:Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:17-36, Job 29-31
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 8:19-25, Joshua 8Top of Form
Make Good Things Happen For Others · Friday, July 12th ·
Pastor Anita
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
True prosperity is about being a blessing to others and helping them live a meaningful life. It’s about contributing positively to the advancement of the lives of those around you. Being a blessing to others, you’ll always be lifted, for there’s promotion in helping others. God will make happen for you the good things you make happen for others.
Help those around you stand strong; help them discover their God-given potentials. As an employer, for example, help those in your employ realize their dreams for success. In the same vein, as an employee in an organization, be diligent; commit yourself to improving the organization where you work. Make the progress of that organization a priority, for in its prosperity you will also prosper.
Proverbs 11:25 says, "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." You never lose for being the giver and the blesser. There’re orphans, widows, and indigent children who could benefit from your prosperity. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
Always look out for opportunities to be a blessing to others, and the Lord, besides increasing your capacity to do more, will multiply your seeds sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you for making me a blesser and a lifter of others. I thank you for granting me the grace, wisdom and strength to always recognize the need of those around me, that I may bring them hope, and inspire them to success and greatness. Through my giving, mighty harvests of financial blessings are coming to me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y:Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:17-36, Job 29-31
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 8:19-25, Joshua 8Top of Form
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