Sunday 31 May 2015

Rhapsody for Teenagers - TeeVo - 31/05/2015


"TO" OR "FOR?"
(Angels Are Here To Minister For You!)

TO THE BIBLE: Hebrews 1:13-14
'But to which of the angels has ever said: "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation?'

LET'S TALK
The Bible says angels are messengers sent to you from God. They are supernatural beings that serve you and minister FOR you, because you're God's child and an heir of salvation. Some people haven't gotten a hang of this yet, but there's a great difference between angels ministering "to" us and "for" us.
Angels ministering "to" you means that God sent them to communicate something to you or deliver a message to you. Hebrews 1:14 however talks of angels ministering "for" us; this means they minister on our behalf. It means God sends them to you to do whatever you want them to do. That sounds big but it's right there in the Bible! If angels were to only minister to you, that would have been beautiful, but God sends them to minister not just to but also for you.
Have the consciousness that God has sent angels to minister for you. They can help you get all the assistance you'll ever need. They can help you find the right friends, and also bring you good information. Do you realise that you've got angelic presence in your home even now? Angels are present with you right now. Just speak the Word by faith in the Name of Jesus, and they'll get it done!

GO DEEPER
Psalm 91:9-12
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Hebrews 12:22-23
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

PRAY
Dear heavenly Father, by the power of the Spirit and through the ministry of angels, I declare positive changes for my family, friends and classmates today! My angels are mobilised into action on my behalf as I declare Your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

ACT
Give specific instructions to your angels right now; tell them what to accomplish for you, in the Name of Jesus, and it'll be done!

Rhapsody of Realities - You Need The Word Every Day - 31/05/2015



Pastor Chris

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God (Matthew 22:29).

Every Christian needs to know and understand the Word of God. Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures.” If you don’t know the scriptures, you’re going to err; you’ll go astray, which is why you need to study the Word and meditate on it every day. It’s not enough for you to rely only on the Word you hear and study when you go to church on Sundays; you need the Word every day.

In the Old Testament, God gave them manna from heaven, and told them they couldn’t depend on “yesterday’s manna” for today. He told them to get “today’s manna” for today. This is very significant, because Jesus said, “I am that bread of life” (John 6:48). So, Jesus was the manna they ate in the Old Testament, as it were, but they didn’t know it. He is the Word of God made flesh.

The Word of God is God’s food for the human spirit, and you need it every day. He also told us to meditate on the Word. Now, when He spoke to Joshua, and gave him the instructions, He said, “...thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein...” (Joshua 1:8). So, you can’t just use your human experience of the Word of God to live a sound Christian life. You need to know the scriptures.

In Hebrews 10:22, the Bible says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” This means the Word of God affects your spirit; it affects your soul, and affects your body. The Word works in the three departments of your life! It’s the mirror of God; His transforming agent by which you’re transfigured from glory to glory.

The more you look into the mirror of God, the greater the intensity of His glory in your life. The Word of God upgrades your thinking (Romans 12:2), and maintains your physical body in health, keeping you immunized against sickness and infirmity (Proverbs 4:20-22). So, make the conscious effort to upgrade your life every day with the Word of God.

PRAYER
Thank you dear Father, for the impact of your Word on my spirit, soul, and body! As I give myself to your Word, I’m transformed; your glory in my spirit increases and reflects outwardly. With your Word in my heart, and on my lips, my life is divinely regulated for success accomplishments, Name. Amen.

Further Study:
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. ;
James 1:25 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.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 15:18-16:1-16,
1 Chronicles 5-6
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 14:22-31,
Numbers 34

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Saturday 30 May 2015

Rhapsody for Teenagers - TeeVo - TAKE A BREAK - 30/05/2015


(Withdraw And Pray)

TO THE BIBLE: Luke 5:15-16 TLB
"Now the report of his power spread even faster and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But he often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."

LET'S TALK
I want you to read this Scripture in Luke 5:15-16 again, and observe what the secret of Jesus' success in His earthly ministry was. It's in the sixteenth verse: "...he often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer." For some Christians, the more successful they get, the less they spend time with God in fellowship. They become too busy to pray and experience a decline in the level of intimacy they share with God.
Another thing you should note is, unlike what some people do, He wasn't sleeping in the wilderness; He went there to pray! He didn't sleep or chat with His disciples! Some people seem to never stop talking; they just can't keep still for an hour and listen to the Lord. The only time they're quiet is when they're sleeping. I implore you not to be that way!
If the Spirit of God doesn't talk to you, it's unlikely that you'd make significant and consistent progress in life. You need to set out some time to be alone with God. If you want to remain effective in His Kingdom, take a break from other activities and let your focus be on God alone. And when you're alone with God, spend that time talking to Him and hearing from Him!

GO DEEPER
Matthew 14:23
And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing,

PRAY
Dear heavenly Father, I set myself this day to consistently spend time in your Word and prayer. As I separate myself from all forms of distraction and worldly cares. I'm filled with your presence, and your glory is manifested in all I do, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

ACT
Talk to the Lord now: speak in tongues and worship Him for His presence in you. Listen out for His voice as you pray.

Rhapsody of Realities - Chosen To Believe The Truth - 30/05/2015


Pastor Chris

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

God chose you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. This is amazing. He chose you for salvation, but that salvation could only work for you through two factors: the Holy Spirit sanctifying you, and you believing the truth! If you didn’t believe the truth—the Gospel—He couldn’t have consummated your salvation. So, the Holy Spirit sets you apart (consecrates you) to believe the truth; it’s part of His glorious ministry in your life, for it takes the grace of God to believe the truth.

There’re people who only believe lies, as though they were programmed that way; they’re always in conflict with the truth. But isn’t it wonderful to know that you were chosen to believe the truth? When the Word of God comes to you, as it does every day through this devotional, your heart is ready for it; you receive it gladly, because you’ve been chosen, and you have the ability, to believe the truth.

The beautiful thing about God’s truth is that it always lifts, strengthens and protects. His truth never deceives; moreover, it’s not difficult to recognize; it’s expressed in His love; it’s always unmistakable. Halleluiah!

The Lord Jesus, in His prayer to the Father in John 17:17 said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” God’s Word is truth, and truth means reality. You’ve been sanctified by the Spirit to know, believe, and walk in the realities of our heavenly Kingdom. It brings to mind the words of the Master in Luke 8:10: “…Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God….”

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for choosing me to know and believe the truth, and walk in the reality of my heavenly inheritance. Your Word lifts, strengthens, protects, and guides me today, as I give attention to it! Thank you for the manifestation of your glory in me as I live by your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
John 1:14 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. ;
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 15:1-17,
1 Chronicles 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 14:12-21,
Numbers 33

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Friday 29 May 2015

Rhapsody of Realities - Increasing His Glory On Your Life - 29/05/2015


Pastor Chris

And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it (Colossians 3:10 AMP).

When you received God’s Word into your spirit for salvation, the Word took up residence in you, and the glory of God’s Word came into your spirit. As you keep studying and meditating on God’s Word, that glory increases in your life. Every child of God has a measure of the glory of God’s Word, but it’s up to you to manifest that glory to your world; living in it every day and letting it show in your daily walk. So, you must let the Word of God dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16), because the glory is in the Word.

What we read in our opening scripture lets us know that the new creation in Christ is renewed, refreshed, polished anew, and glows more and more through the knowledge of God’s Word. The word “knowledge” is the Greek word “epignosis,” referring to full and absolute knowledge; so the more of the knowledge of God’s Word you have, the more His glory increases in your life! Suddenly, you’d discover that the anointing on your life—and His grace at work in you have increased; your effectiveness and efficiency have increased.

Colossians 3:16 AMP says, “Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.” That means you should have God’s Word in abundance in your spirit. As you study the Word, meditate on it and let it give you a new mind-set! It’ll make your life more glorious.

You carry the glory of God in your spirit, but you can increase it; it can be stronger, and produce greater results as you increase your knowledge of the Word: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2).

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the joy and benefits of studying and meditating on your Word. The glory in your Word is revealed and manifested in my life, as it transforms me, causing your grace and peace to be multiplied in my life, bringing me favours and blessings, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. ;

2 Corinthians 3:18 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, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 14:15-31,
1 Chronicles 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 14:1-11,
Numbers 32
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

**
2 Corinthians 3:1-19 Was the midweek teaching at Church Service CE Randburg 1. 27 May 2015. Incredible awakening on how the word perfects us as we constantly look at the word.  It sharpens our spirit and makes us as He is for the word of God says "As He is, so are we" - Midweek teaching was by Pastor Tomison Fashina


Thursday 28 May 2015

Rhapsody for Teenagers - BELIEVE THE WORD! - 28/05/2015



(Unbelief Stops Your Miracle)

TO THE BIBLE: Romans 3:3-4 CEV
"It is true that some of them did not believe the message. But does this mean that God cannot be trusted, just because they did not have faith? No, indeed! God tells the truth, even if everyone else is a liar. The Scriptures say about God, 'Your words will be proven true, and in court you will win your case,'"

LET'S TALK
Unbelief can short-circuit the power of God. The Bible tells us that when Jesus went to His hometown of Nazareth, He couldn't perform mighty works because of their unbelief (Mark 6:1-6). Some people say, "If God truly exists, let Him prove it to me!" God doesn't have to prove anything to you; He already proved His love for you two thousand years ago when He gave His Son for your sins, sicknesses, poverty and frustrations!
I tell you, the Word of God never fails; it always works, as long as you believe it. It's never failed to produce results in my life, because I made up my mind to trust it, no matter what.
Learn to trust God with all your heart so that His Word can work for you. It's His earnest desire that your situation be turned around for good (3 John 1:2).

GO DEEPER
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

PRAY
Dear heavenly Father, I stand strong in your love for me. My hope is grounded and strengthened by your abundant grace and mercy. As your Word is revealed to my spirit, my faith remains strong and unshakable, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

ACT
God loves you more than you can ever fathom, and He wants the best for you. Release yourself to the Word today and build your faith on it.

Rhapsody of Realities - Christianity: A Call To Righteousness - 28/05/2015


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).

There’re things that may attract you in the world; things that may try to get your attention and distract you from following the Lord, but the scripture says, “Don’t be conformed to this world!” Though you’re in the world, you’re not of the world; you’re different. Therefore, live right. Live in God’s Word. Let nothing of the world entice you, because Christianity is a call to righteousness. And the reason you can live right is because God has made you righteous. He gave you righteousness as a gift (Romans 5:17). Right living is a product of righteousness.

Some Christians want to have the glory of God manifested in their lives, but they don’t want to live in accordance with the Word. It doesn’t work that way; you have to “work” out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12). You have to live out His righteousness; you have to act in accordance with your righteous nature, and the Word of God is the light that you need.

The prayer of the Spirit through Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:9-11 shows us the heart of the Father; how He wants us to live. He said, “…I pray, that…ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” He wants your life to be the manifestation of God’s righteousness.

You shouldn’t live like those who have never known the Lord. Live by the Word. We’re Word practitioners (James 1:22); we produce fruits of righteousness. How can you comfortably lift your hands in worship and say, “I love you Lord,” and not keep His Word? The proof of your love for Him is doing His Word. He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Prove your love by living for Him, and doing His Word. Manifest His character, His life, and righteousness. Live for His glory.

PRAYER
My life is a manifestation of the righteousness of God. I live to manifest the life and character of Christ; and the glory of God is revealed in, and through me today as I live in the Word, through the Word, and by the Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. ;
1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 13:31-14:1-14,
2 Kings 23-25
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 13:24-37,
Numbers 31

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Rhapsody of Realities or Teenagers TeeVo - THE PERFECT CHURCH - 27/05/2015


(The Church Perfects Imperfect People)

TO THE BIBLE: Ephesians 4:11-12 GNB
'It was he who "gave gifts to people"; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. He did this to prepare God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ.'

LET'S TALK
Some Christians judge others by considering mere external factors. When they go to church, they make snide comments about others, rather than listening to the preaching: "And she thinks she's a Christian, coming in dressed like that," or "That guy isn't born again, just look at his hair!" They don't realise that the church isn't meant for perfect people but for perfecting people. When you understand this fact, you'll not have a judgmental attitude towards others, or yourself, for that matter.
God has appointed ministers all over the world for one purpose: to perfect His children. This is a very simple yet powerful truth. But there are those who won't go to church because they feel God has a score to settle with them for the wrong things they've done. But Jesus said, "...ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3 KJV). In other words, He cleanses and perfects you with His Word.
Every time you come to the house of God and listen to the Word, there is a 'perfecting' going on. Don't ever stay away from church because you feel you've messed things up. The more you sit under the influence of the Word in church and practise it, the more like the Word you'll become.

GO DEEPER
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is a manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Timothy 3:15
But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

PRAY
Dear Father, I thank you, for I know that you're perfecting me in Christ. As I go to Church, my spirit is open to receive instruction and wisdom. I'm growing up in Christ unto maturity and completeness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

ACT
Don't join the bandwagon of those who call other Christians names. Instead of being judgmental, correct them in love with the Word.

Rhapsody of Realities - Give Him Your Body - 27/05/2015


Pastor Chris

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

In our opening verse, Paul was addressing the “brethren”—Christians—not the people of the world! He admonished them to present their bodies to God. You must realize that being born again, you’ve been bought with a price. Your body belongs to God; He only made you a custodian of it; you’re in charge of your body but it’s actually God’s property: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Don’t give your body to sin. Don’t give your body to wickedness. Don’t give your body to lust nor to the devil for his works. Don’t give your body to sickness; give it to the Lord. Let Him have the right to decide what happens to, and with your body. Tell Him, “Lord Jesus, I’ve given you my body; manifest yourself in my body!” If you say that to Him sincerely, you’d be amazed at what will happen in your life; His glory will be revealed in you!

It reminds of a story I read many years ago. This wonderful Christian was in a train and two other guys wanted to play a game; they approached him to join them, because it took three people to play the game. “Oh, I’d love to play with you, but I didn’t come with my hands,” said the Christian gentleman. The two guys were stunned. They could see his hands as he sat with them; so they said to him, “But these are the hands you need,” pointing to his two hands.

Then he said, “Oh, I’m sorry, these aren’t my hands! These belong to Jesus; they’re only used for His glory; that’s why I told you I didn’t have my hands.” He then explained the Gospel to them and led them to receive Christ. The Word of God gave him the wisdom to think like that, and use the occasion to win souls and honour the Lord. That’s the way it ought to be.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the privilege of presenting my body to you as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto you. I refuse to give my body to sin, wickedness, lust, sickness, or the devil. My body belongs to you; your righteousness is manifested therein, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. ;
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 13:1-30,
2 Kings 20-22
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 13:12-23,
Numbers 30

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Rhapsody of Realities - Sanctified By The Truth - 26/05/2015



Pastor Chris

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied (1 Peter 1:2).

Having given your heart to the Lord to be born again, there’s the sanctification of the Spirit, where the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to take the “dirt” out of your life. He cleanses your mind, because even though your spirit is born again and alive to God, your mind still needs to be renewed: “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).

If your mind isn’t renewed and sanctified by God’s truth it could occasionally pick up the wrong stuff and act them out. This is because the carnal pictures, images, words, ideas, and imaginations that were in your mind before you were born again, don’t automatically leave your mind! You’d have to replace them with God’s holy thoughts, His holy words, and the manifestation of His Kingdom. His Word is the divine cleanser. Jesus said in John 15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Then in John 17:17 He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

God’s Word displaces unrighteousness from a man’s heart and replaces it with God’s righteousness. It wipes out fear and replaces it with faith. Colossians 3:16 tells us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….” The desires to do something wrong; that desire to make the wrong choice, go in the way of the world and act like you used to act before you were born again; only the Word of God can eject it and get rid of it. Therefore, cleanse yourself through the Word, and stay pure in Him today, and always.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the sanctification of my spirit through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. My focus is on your Word and as I give it my attention, the Word cleanses and sanctifies my spirit, getting rid of everything that’s inconsistent with your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ;
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ;
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 12:20-50,
2 Kings 18-19
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 13:1-11,
Numbers 29

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Monday 25 May 2015

Rhapsody of Realities - A Kingdom With Glory And Power! - 25/05/2015



Pastor Chris

All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom (Psalm 145:10-12).

Our opening scripture tells us something striking about the Kingdom of God that we’re apart of: it’s a Kingdom with glory and power! Notice again the words of the Psalmist, he said, God’s saints shall speak of His glory, and talk of His power. Then he uses another beautiful expression: “the glorious majesty of His Kingdom.” That means in God’s Kingdom, there’s beauty and splendour.

We need to have our spiritual eyes open to see and appreciate the awesomeness of God’s glorious Kingdom that we were born into! It’s a Kingdom where sickness isn’t real! It’s a Kingdom where defeat is foreign; where you just can’t lose or be disadvantaged! This is the Kingdom to which you belong.

1 Peter 2:9 (AMP) says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” We’re the ones to produce glory in the Kingdom, and spread it abroad. As you function with the mind-set of one that can’t be defeated—a victor, super-intelligent, and excellent all the way—you’re showing forth the glory of the Kingdom.

Glory is that which inspires honour and produces worship; as you function in the Kingdom, doing and saying things that’ll inspire honour, reverence, praise, and worship unto the Lord, you’re revealing the glory of His Kingdom.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for calling me into your glorious Kingdom, making me a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light! I walk in your glory, dominion and power today, showing forth your wonderful deeds, and displaying the virtues, perfections, and excellence of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. ;
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 12:1-19,
2 Kings 16-17
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 12:35-44,
Numbers 28

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Sunday 24 May 2015

Rhapsody of Realities - Be Glad To Go To Church - 24/05/2015



Pastor Chris

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD (Psalm 122:1).

In the New Testament, the church is called the ground and pillar of truth: “…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Each one of us is the house of God, the temple of God, but then the Bible notes that being a committed member of a church is of the utmost importance.

This was the understanding David had when he said in our opening scripture, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” Coming together with God’s people is very essential in your life. It’s one of the ways that you present yourself to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

There’re a lot of Christians who don’t think that they need to go to church. They go once in a while, when they choose to. Anyone who lives that way misses the blessing of the Spirit—the impartation and perfecting of the saints that takes place in the Church. The Church is the place for perfecting God’s saints (Ephesians 4:11-12).

People don’t come to church because they’re perfect, but to be perfected. The Lord Jesus said, “ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3). He builds, cleanses and perfects you through His Word. But when you don’t give yourself to the ministry of the Word, you’re sure to err. In Mark 12:24, He said, “You err, because you know not the scriptures.”

There’re things people do that put them in bondage; things that destroy the works of their hands, and they don’t know why. Also, there’re things you must do that ensure the brightness of your life, the brightness for your future, and guarantees you the God-kind of success; church attendance is one of them. Take it seriously.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, I thank you for the body of Christ, to which I gratefully belong. My enthusiasm to always be gathered together with my fellow believers, in your presence, will never diminish. Just like David, my heart shall be filled with joy at every opportunity for the fellowship of the Spirit with fellow believers, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. ;
Acts 2:42 GNB They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 11:17-57,
2 Kings 13-15
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 12:28-34,
Numbers 27

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Saturday 23 May 2015

Rhapsody for Teenagers TeeVo - CHOOSE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU - 23/05/2015



(You Can Prohibit Or Allow Events Around You!)

TO THE BIBLE: Matthew 18:18 GNB
"And so I tell of you: what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven."

LET'S TALK
Hey, this is marvelous. God is letting you know that you don't have to sit back and watch life dish you something you don't want. You can choose to disallow such things from coming into your life. I like how the Living Bible puts this: "...Whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever you free on earth will be freed in heaven" (Matthew 18:18 TLB). That means you're absolutely responsible for the quality of life you live. Some people don't like to hear things like this, because they love to believe that God is responsible for whatever happens in their lives.
I'm reminded of a story of a certain man who heard a preacher teach on this Scripture and stormed out of the church angrily. When he was asked why he was angry at the preacher, he replied, "That man's trying to blame me for all the bad things that have happened to me." He didn't like to be told he was responsible for his life. But I think that's the best news anyone could hear!
If you're responsible for what happens in your life, it means you can choose to accept into your life only things that are consistent with God's plans for you. Whatever you choose to allow in your life is what will be, and whatever you choose to forbid or disallow will be prevented. You're absolutely responsible for your life.

GO DEEPER
Mark 11:23
"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."
Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that you and your seed may live:

PRAY
Dear Father, thank you for the awesome privilege of being able to decide the quality of life that I want to live! I unleash the forces of prosperity, health, and victory in my life, and disallow sickness, poverty and defeat in my life and my home, in Jesus, Name. Amen.

ACT
Get my teaching titled "Facts and Foundations" from the Pastor Chris Digital Library. Listen to it and digest it, and make your study notes and confess the Word as you receive it.

Rhapsody of Realities - He’s The One At Work In You! - 23/05/2015


Pastor Chris
…Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).

Being born again, the life of Christ is in you, but you have to let the Christ-life in you be manifested to your world. You have to “work out” your salvation; that means act your salvation; put it to work; make it effectual. The Word says, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). That means both the willingness and the drive to live a godly life, and make your salvation effective, come from the Lord.

God in you is the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Holy Spirit works in you, to make your salvation effective. He makes you willing, ready, and able to do the Word. Now, this doesn’t suggest that you sit back and say, “I’m just going to wait until God makes me say or do something”; no! What He’s talking about here is your cooperation with the Holy Spirit as He carries out His ministry in you. He has a job to do in you; He’s called to go with you, and work in you, but you have to let Him do His job by fellowshipping with Him.

The more you fellowship with Him, the more He’s able to guide and lead you in the will of God. That’s when He can prompt you or set you upon your feet as He did to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:2; Ezekiel 3:24). He can cause you to get up and go somewhere, do or say something, and you’d be aware that He’s the one making you do it. He makes you willing, and He makes you perform! Recognize Him as the One at work in you.

As you set out on your endeavours today, bless your day and say, “Blessed Holy Spirit, I thank you for you’re at work in me, both to will and to do of your good pleasure! You’ll cause me to triumph gloriously today!” Halleluiah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in me, and the fulfilment of His glorious ministry in my life. I have wisdom to do your will, and fulfil your destiny for me today, because I’m counselled from within! I know what to do, when to do what to do, and how to do what to do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
Ezekiel 3:24 Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house. ;
Acts 8:29-31 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 11:1-16,
2 Kings 10-12
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 12:18-27,
Numbers 26
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Friday 22 May 2015

Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo - Who's Respnsibile? - 22/05/2015


(God Does Good Only!)

TO THE BIBLE: James 1:17
"Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation of shadow of turning."

LET'S TALK ~
Some people have this misconception that God is the one responsible for the earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, tsunamis and famines that have destroyed lives, cities, and even nations. They call them "acts of God." They were either taught to think this way in school or brought up at home to believe this. But the truth is, these things aren't the acts of God, because God is good (Psalm 73:1)!
In the scripture above, Apostle James makes it very clear that only good and perfect gifts come from God (and earthquakes, floods, and famines are definitely not good gifts)! Since God is goodness personified, He can't at the same time be responsible for the suffering, destruction and disasters that take place in the world. So who's responsible, you might ask? The Bible shows us the culprit is satan (1 John 3:8)! But the beautiful news is that God has given you power to restrain and forbid him from carrying out his acts of wickedness (Luke 10:19).
God loves people, and it's His pleasure and desire to see them healthy, prosperous, and secure. So don't get your mind corrupted by the wrong notion the world has of God. Remember what the Bible says in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world..."; He's too interested in people to want to put anyone in harm's way!

GO DEEPER
Genesis 1:31
And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

PRAY
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your word today. Thank you for your goodness and mercy. I pray that the world comes to the knowledge of the truth that you are a good God, and also embrace your love for them, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

ACT
Tell your friends about God's goodness and about His wonderful acts and gifts.

Rhapsody of Realities - Give The Word Attention - 22/05/2015



Pastor Chris

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts (Colossians 3:16 AMP).

The opening verse is telling you to have the Word in your spirit in abundance. As you study the Word, meditate on it! Mutter, and speak forth the Word!

Sometimes, when you come to church and hear the Word being taught, not many people realize what’s really going on. Yes, they’re hearing someone speak inspiring words of blessing, but it’s much more than that! There’s a ministry of the Word going on at such times; your spirit is being built, strengthened, and energized! You’re being stirred in your spirit to see and apprehend your next level of glory. Suddenly, you realise that your potentials are limitless, and your possibilities, infinite.

That’s why you must always be eager and passionate about God’s Word; have a rich appetite for the Word, and go for it voraciously. The more of the Word you have in you, the more glorious your life is. The Word brings you wisdom. The Bible says the scriptures are able to make you wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). That means the Word gives you wisdom that’s consistent with God’s salvation; you become sagacious, astute and exceptional; never confused and always unperturbed! Those around you—your colleagues, neighbours, friends, loved ones and associates—will notice your extraordinary amplitude of comprehension and revelation that makes you know what to do, and how to deal excellently always.

Never ignore the Word. Someone may say, “Well, this part of the Bible isn’t interesting, so I’ll just skip it.” It doesn’t have to be interesting; just give it your attention. God never promised to make the Word interesting to us; He commanded us to give the Word our attention, and that’s what you must do. Get the Word into your spirit; digest it into you, with the understanding that, as you do, you’ll become several steps wiser than before; your abilities will increase to do and accomplish more for the Lord!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the efficacy of your Word in my spirit! I’m built up by the Word of your grace, and catapulted to the realms of glory, walking in my inheritance in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. ;
Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. ;
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 10:22-42,
2 Kings 8-9
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 12:13-17,
Numbers 25

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Thursday 21 May 2015

Teevo - Rhapsody for Teenagers - RIGHT ON TIME - 21/05/2015



(God Brought You Here For This Generation)

TO THE BIBLE: Esther 4:14 TLB
"If you keep quiet at a time like this, God will deliver the Jews from some other source... What's more, who can say but that God has brought you into the palace for just such a time as this?"

LET'S TALK »
Years ago, as a teenager, I would say over and over to myself, "The world needs me. I was born as the answer to the cry of millions!" And my life has been orchestrated in that direction ever since. You see, I knew I came at the right time for my generation, and it's the same with you. You've also come at the right time; you were born for such a time as this for your generation.
The Bible tells us about a young woman named Esther. She was chosen as the queen of King Ahasuerus. However, Haman, a wicked man, happened to be the prime minister then. He cooked up a conspiracy to destroy the Jews (Esther's people). Esther's uncle, Mordecai, heard about it and sent her a message saying, "if you keep quiet at a time, like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14 NLT).
In other words, she was in the kingdom for the purpose of saving God's people. That's why she was born then and not in another time. Once you become conscious of the truth that you're not an accident, and that God put you on this earth for a purpose you'll have a different mentality. You'll get out of the league of complainers and realise your life is an answer to the cry of many in your generation!

GO DEEPER
Acts 26:16
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
Hebrews 10:7
Then I said, "Behold, I have come--in the volume of the book it is written of Me--to do your will, O God."

SPEAK
I declare that I was born as the answer to the cry of many. I was born for the salvation of souls, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I live out the life I was born to live.

ACT
Reach out to someone in your school or neighbourhood and share the gospel with that person.

Rhapsody of Realities - Your Words Define Your Life - 21/05/2015



Pastor Chris
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift (Ephesians 4:29 MSG).

It’s sad when people aren’t careful with their words. Imagine someone who keeps saying, “I just don’t know what’s going on with my life; nothing seems to be working. Worst still, I have a problem controlling my mind, my thoughts, and my emotions.” You shouldn’t talk like that. If that has been your experience, it doesn’t mean your experience should control you. Don’t voice the negatives.

Your speech dictates the circumstances of your life. If you say you have no control, you’ll lose control. If you say you’ve got problems, then you’ll really have them. The life that we received in Christ is an excellent one; it’s glorious and extraordinary; it’s the transcendent life. Your speech should be consistent with that life. The main reason many people have their lives upside down is because they don’t talk right.

Our opening verse says, “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth….” Sometimes you hear a Christian say, “We were doing well two weeks back, but suddenly things just went down.” Some others, because of their experience, would say, “You know, things can’t just be rosy all through; you win some, you lose some; sometimes up, sometimes down.” A Christian shouldn’t talk like that. You’re born to win always! You’re built for success; it’s part of your makeup. Talk that way!

Refuse to be defeated! Refuse to be weak! Get yourself together and declare, “I’m a success! I was born to reveal the glory of God! My life is upward and forward only!” Control the circumstances of your life with your tongue. Don’t wait; start it now if you’ve not been doing it. Your mouth was given to you to chart your course in life. If your words are disorderly, your life will go in that direction; if your words are excellent, your life will go accordingly as well.

The character of your words is the character of your personality. So, watch your words! No man ever got better than his words; your life is the expression, the manifestation, and the reflection, of your words. Words define your life and your value.

CONFESSION
The Word of God is in my heart and in my mouth! My words are wholesome, and they’re producing life to my body, job, business, ministry, family, and all that concerns me. I’m a success. I win always; I’m above only, and never beneath, because I’m a product of God’s infallible Word! Glory to God!

Further Study: 
Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. ;
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 10:1-21,
2 Kings 6-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 12:1-12,
Numbers 24

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities