Rhapsody of Realities - Be Hospitable And Kindhearted - 07/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Let love for your fellow believers continue {and} be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]. Do not forget {or} neglect {or} refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:1-2 AMP).

Being hospitable and kindhearted is an indication of the God-nature in you. Jesus said, "Treat others as you want them to treat you" (Luke 6:31 TLB). Kindness isn't so much what we do for ourselves, but what we do for others. Have a determination to show someone kindness which only God can repay.

The Christian life is a life of love freely given us of God. That love makes you think of others and accept them just as they are, even when it seems they don't deserve it. We're even admonished to be loving and kindhearted to strangers. Some people don't treat strangers right. Once they don't care about you, and wouldn't want to help. But the scripture says we shouldn't be forgetful to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have entertained angels unawares.

Several times in scriptures, angels appeared as normal human beings, dressed in regular outfits like everyday people. For example, the Bible says three men appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:2. One of them was the Lord, while the other two were angels. When the two angels went into Sodom and Gomorrah, the men of those cities saw them as ordinary men because they were just like anybody else. Also, in the New Testament, there were appearances of angels in human form, and today we still have such appearances.

Angels have the authority to appear in a glorified form or in a concealed manner, looking like humans. This is why you must be kind to strangers. Don't hesitate to help strangers, and treat them as well as you would if you knew them; but do so without naivety.

CONFESSION

I'm full of love, because the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. I'm propelled and inspired by love always; I'm kindhearted, hospitable, and gracious. I manifest the love of Christ to everyone, guided by the wisdom of God, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Matthew 25:34-35 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Hebrews 13:2-3 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. 

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 18:24-19:1-7,
Job 12-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 7:11-17,
Joshua 1-2

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Satan Is Not An Illusion - 07/05/2015

Pastor Chris

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Luke 10:18).

It's unfortunate that some people don't believe there's an adversary called Satan, the devil. Some people don't even want to talk about him; they say, "There's no devil", trying hard to convince themselves in their delusion. Jesus didn't deny the existence of Satan, though He emphasized his defeat and our triumph over him.

Satan is real; he's a spirit being. He's not an illusion as some believe; he's a personality; an evil personality. He was an angel, according to the Bible, but he fell from grace and became the devil.

God didn't create a devil. He made an angel called Lucifer, son of the morning. However, through pride, he lost his position, was overthrown, and became the devil. So, Satan does exist; the Bible says he moves from one place to another: "And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it" (Job 1:7).

Although he has his demons running rampage all over the place, Satan isn't everywhere at the same time; he's not omnipresent, and doesn't know everything. To counter him, the Bible says you're to resist him steadfastly in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9). That's how you keep him on the run (James 4:7). As long as you operate in faith, Satan cannot withstand you; you're superior to him.

When Jesus defeated Satan in hell, you were in Him. In Christ, you defeated Satan and his cohorts of hell. Now, you're seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:21). So, Satan is under your feet. Though he's not an illusion, he's not a factor in your life.

CONFESSION

Thank you Father, for I know that the devil and the cohorts of hell have been defeated, paralyzed, and rendered completely powerless. I have been given the authority and made superior to them in Christ! Now, I walk in my victory over Satan, sin, sickness, disease and death! Blessed be God!

Further Study: 

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 18:1-23,
Job 9-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 7:1-10,
Deuteronomy 34

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Soul Winning - A Compulsion - Not A Choice! - 05/07/2015

Pastor Chris

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).

As a Christian, preaching the Gospel isn't something you choose to do or not to do; you're called to a life of soul-winning; it's your primary responsibility on earth. 2 Corinthians 5:18 says God has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. The ministry of the Gospel has been committed to your trust. So, fulfil your ministry in the Gospel.

All that a man needs to do, to partake in all that Jesus has made available, is to believe the Gospel. The power of the Gospel only works for those who believe: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). But then, the Bible says in Romans 10:14: "...how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Titus 1:3 tells us that God has in due time manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed to us as a commandment, as an instruction. Preaching the Gospel is your solemn responsibility.

Your commitment to the Lord must reflect in your dedication to the preaching of the Gospel. Paul the Apostle was emphatic in his commitment to the Gospel; he said in 1 Corinthians 9:16 (MSG) "If I proclaim the Message, it's not to get something out of it for myself. I'm compelled to do it, and doomed if I don't!" Preaching the Gospel isn't something you do because it's convenient; it's required of you; it's your number one Kingdom responsibility. Therefore, be faithful in it: "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the Gospel of Christ that's committed to my trust, and and through which I've been made your righteousness in Christ Jesus. I declare that testimonies of salvation abound today, all around the world, as the Gospel is preached and received gladly, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 17:16-34,
Job 6-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 6:39-49,
Deuteronomy 33

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Listen To Him In Your Spirit! - 04/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not (Genesis 28:16).

Is it possible for the Lord to be present in a place, talking to you, and you wouldn't know it? Emphatically yes! It happened to Jacob; he only realized he'd been in God's presence after he had a dream in which he saw the angels of God descending and ascending into heaven on a ladder. Then he said, "...Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not" (Genesis 28:16). It still happens today.

Sometimes we say, "The Lord is in this place", and some people don't know what we're talking about; they begin to look around for some smoke, fire or other "spectacular" sign of His presence; no! He doesn't always announce Himself that way.

Once, Elijah needed to hear from God, and the Bible says, "...behold...a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle..." (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Elijah apparently expected God to manifest Himself in the wind, earthquake, and fire, but He didn't; instead, He showed up in a still small voice. That's typical of how the Lord leads us today through His Word and the Holy Spirit; He guides us from within, in your spirit. Your spirit bears witness with the Word as He counsels and instructs you from within. Proverbs 20:27 says, "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord..."; that's where the light of God is; that's where He guides you from - not through the senses.

Don't wait to "feel" or experience some physical manifestation first, no; His Word in your spirit is all you need. Listen for His voice in your day-to-day activities; listen to Him in your spirit, for He addresses His Word to your spirit.

CONFESSION

I'm sensitive to the leading and guidance of the Spirit always, because I'm yielded to the Word. I bless the Lord, for His wisdom and counsel in my spirit, and His light with which I live! Glory to His Name forever! Amen.

Further Study:

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Psalm 16:7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 17:1-15,
Job 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 6:31-38,
Deuteronomy 32

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Speak The Word...Speak Wisdom! - 03/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).

Part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life is to help you discover your heritage and inheritance in Christ Jesus. Then, as He unveils them to you, you're expected to speak them: "...Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth". Notice that it didn't say, "which things also we speak of"; rather, it says we speak them. Just like it says in 1 Corinthians 2:6, "Howbeit we speak wisdom"; we don't talk about wisdom; we speak wisdom, and wisdom is the Word of God.

There're many who "speak of" wisdom, but don't speak wisdom; they can write books on wisdom, but they don't speak wisdom. Speaking wisdom is speaking the Word. For example, the Word says you're a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4); that's the wisdom of God. Therefore, when you, on the basis of that scripture, declare, "I'm an associate of the God-kind; a partaker of His grace, glory, and expression of His righteousness", you're speaking wisdom.

When you declare, "All my needs are supplied according to God's riches in glory by Christ Jesus", despite inflation, recession, and global economic meltdown, you're speaking the wisdom of God. When you say, "I have the life of God in me; I live in divine health twenty-four hours a day", in spite of the pain you may be feeling, you're speaking wisdom.

People may jeer or mock at you for speaking the wisdom of God, but always remember that the wisdom of God is incongruous with the world's system. When you make it a practice to always speak the wisdom of God, you'll be misunderstood by many, especially those who are ruled by the senses, but don't let it deter you. Declare what the Word says concerning you, irrespective of the situation.

Declare your righteousness, health, dominion, and oneness with the Lord with boldness. Speak the wisdom of God always and your life will glorify God.

CONFESSION

The wisdom of God is in my heart and in my mouth today! God's Word is as fire shut up in my bones; and as I speak, I dissolve doubts; I'm prevailing and reigning in life by grace through righteousness, and the glory of God is seen and expressed through me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

1 Corinthians 2:6-8 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 

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.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 16:16-40,
Job 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 6:20-30,
Deuteronomy 31

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Live By Heavenly Principles - 02/07/2015

Pastor Chris

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Being born again, we live in two worlds contemporaneously: the natural world and the spiritual world. Some Christians have an understanding of the natural world and its principles of operation, but they're yet to understand the spiritual world and its principles.

The Lord Jesus made it clear that though you're in this natural world, you're not of this world; you were born into God's realm when you were born again. You have to be conscious of, and learn how to function in, that realm. It's a realm of glory; a realm that's beyond time and space. It's the realm of the miraculous.

Referring to this spiritual realm, Jesus declared, "...I am from above..." (John 8:23). He minced no words about the fact that He lived in two worlds. In John 3:13 He said, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, EVEN THE SON OF MAN WHICH IS IN HEAVEN" (John 3:13); He was referring to Himself. You would have expected Him to say, "Even the Son of man which was in heaven", but He didn't! Rather, He said, "...which is in heaven...", because He lived in two worlds.

Just as there're activities we carry out in the natural world, there're activities in the spirit world as well. In the spiritual world, we live by the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. We see with the eyes of the spirit. We live by heavenly principles; we dominate this physical world with the principles of our heavenly kingdom.

Refuse to condescend to the earthly level of life or reasoning. There's a life to be lived in the spirit realm. Let that become clear to you, and function accordingly! You'd be amazed at the glory of God that'll be manifested in your life as you walk in the Spirit.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the unveiling of the mysteries of the Kingdom to my spirit. I live by the Word and function by the power of the Holy Spirit; therefore I subdue my world. Thank you, for my life is ordered according to your perfect will, and your glory is revealed in me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 15:36-16:1-15,
Esther 8-10

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 6:12-19,
Deuteronomy 30

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Be Full Of Joy - 01/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8).

Being happy and full of joy is a personal decision and choice that you have to make. Demons attach themselves to people to make them restless, confused, sad, and depressed. Once the devil can knock the joy out of someone, he has that one in a corner. The Bible says, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). That joy is in your spirit; stir it up all the time.

One of the ways to fan the embers o joy in your spirit is fellowship with the Holy Spirit; Romans 14:17 says, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost". Being born again, you're born into Christ; the environment of the Spirit, where there's glory, life, righteousness, peace, and joy. Those who function outside that environment are the ones who face disappointments, frustrations, discomfort, depression, and insurmountable challenges in life! They're easily agitated, bitter, angry, and frustrated, because nothing seems to be working out in their lives. Frustrated people frustrate others; unhappy people make others unhappy; hurting people hurt others.

However, once you come into this alignment with God, synchronized with His will and purpose for your life through the Holy Spirit, your joy will overflow. People would wonder how you're able to remain joyful and on top, in the midst of challenges.

In John 15:11, Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full". The Lord's desire is for His joy to be in you twenty-four hours a day, irrespective of the circumstances you face. He's given you joy that isn't dependent on the happenings around you; joy that flows from your spirit - joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8).

Refuse to wear a sad look as though the weight of the whole world is on your shoulders. Jesus has taken your sorrows and He's brought you into His joy, abundance and peace. Philippians 4:4 says, " Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice". This isn't a suggestion, but an instruction from the Lord! Make it a point of duty to always give thanks and be glad in everything, and at all times. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says: "Rejoice evermore". Glory to God forever. Halleluiah!

CONFESSION

I'm full of joy, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit today! I live in God's presence where fullness of joy and pleasures abound forevermore. My life is the testimony of God's grace and goodness, and I rejoice always in the Lord! Halleluiah!

Further Study: 

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 15:22-35,
Esther 5-7

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 6:1-11,
Deuteronomy 29

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities