Rhapsody of Realities - Humble Yourself - 31/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

The Bible says God exalts, promotes, the humble and resists the proud. I made a decision many years ago to be a humble person. The only way to be a humble person is by letting the Word of God show you what it is to be humble, studying about humility in the Word of God, and acting accordingly. Humility is yielding yourself to the Lordship of the Word of God.

That you're humble doesn't mean you're weak or naive, or humiliated; no. When you're humble, nothing, and no one, can humiliate you. It's like the old saying: "He that is down needs fear no fall; he that is low, no pride." This just means that you esteem others better than you, even though God is lifting you. When you find yourself in a position of authority, whether in the house of God, your place of work, or anywhere else, be humble. When you address others, choose your language carefully; use the right and most appropriate words. Don't use a proud language.

As you consciously practise being humble, the Lord will continually promote you. Never get to that point in your life where you relate to others with disdain; it's a dangerous place to be, because it means you're arrogating extra honour to yourself. The Bible says in Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Philippians 2:3 says, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Never allow anything to make you exhibit pride.

Our opening verse says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." Notice it says to humble yourself; don't let God be the one to humble you, because that'll be trouble. The Bible says He resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

Your humility can be tested in different ways. If for example, in your place of work, it looks as though your colleagues or even your juniors are being promoted ahead of you, and you've been diligent, don't be perturbed. Just remain humble, because there's a due time. When the due time for your promotion comes, what you'd get could be far greater than what you might have imagined. If you want the Lord to keep promoting and exalting you in life, then being humble is the key.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the ministry of your Word and influence of the Holy Spirit in my life! I will manifest humility always, in my communication, actions, character, attitude, and in all that I do. Thank you for bringing me into a place of honour and promotion according to your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Ephesians 4:2 (GNB) Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Romans 12:3a For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 5:12-21,
Psalms 52-55

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 12:13-21,
Judges 6

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Rhapsody of Realities - A New Self-value - 30/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).

If you were the only one on the face of the earth, Jesus would still have come to die for you. He died for you personally. Not many have thought about it. They think Jesus died for the world; and to them, the world means nature and the things in it. He died for you! Appropriate and meditate on this deeply. It happened over two thousand years ago; but let it be refreshed in your consciousness today; and it'll produce results in you.

You were bought with a price. You're valuable to God. You're not a nobody! It doesn't matter that you seem to be "down" in life right now; it doesn't matter what the society has made you! It just doesn't matter that you seem to have been relegated to the background. The best description of you isn't what people call you or describe you to be; heaven's description of you is what counts.

You're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). You've been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:11). You're heaven's best: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18). You're peculiar, royal, excellent and full of glory; you're SOMEBODY SPECIAL! That's why Jesus died for you. He loves you.

Read our opening scripture again and see how valuable you are to God. I love the first word of 1 John 3:2, it says, "BELOVED, now are we the sons of God..." (1 John 3:2). You're beloved of God. Stop being bothered that nobody loves you. Love others, because God loves you.

Perhaps you didn't realize how beloved and special you are to God; now that you know, accept it, and endorse it. It'll give you a new self-value.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, my heart is full of gratitude because you predestined me to be called your son through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of your will, to the praise of your glorious grace. Thank you for loving me with an everlasting love, and inspiring me to extend your love to others always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Isaiah 43:4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

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.

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 5:1-11,
Psalms 49-51

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 12:1-12,
Judges 5

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Rhapsody of Realities - Filled With The Spirit... Always! - 29/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

In our opening verse, Apostle Paul wasn't talking to people who didn't know about the Holy Spirit when he said, "...be filled with the Spirit." So, why then did he admonish them to be filled with the Spirit, even though they had already received the Holy Spirit? It's because receiving the Spirit and being filled with Him always are two different things.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is a one-off experience, but you're to get filled with the Spirit always! The same verse in the Amplified version says, "...ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit"; that means be filled all the time. The prophets of old didn't have this experience. They had the Holy Spirit come upon them occasionally. Today, the Holy Spirit doesn't just come on us, He lives in us; our spirits are immersed in Him, and we can be ever filled with the Spirit. What a blessing this is!

There're things you do that get you filled with the Spirit; for example, "Speaking to yourselves (not others this time) in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). Never leave home or embark on any endeavour without being filled with the Spirit. A good way to always get yourself in the flow of the Spirit is speaking in other tongues. You can't be filled with the Spirit and be defeated in life; no! Your spirit will continually be energized for victory and success every day.

Make up your mind to be filled with the Spirit continually. It's not something you need only when you're faced with a problem or when you want to prepare for a special event; no. When the Bible tells us about being filled with the Spirit, it puts it in the continuous language. You ought to be perpetually high on the Holy Ghost, and walk in the Spirit, not sometimes, but ALWAYS!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the precious gift of your Spirit. I'm eternally grateful for the privilege to be filled with the Holy Spirit always! I'm led by the Spirit; synchronized with Him to always walk in tandem with your plan and purpose for my life, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

1 Corinthians 2:13 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.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 4:1-25,
Psalms 45-48

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:45-54,
Judges 4

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Rhapsody of Realities - Provoke One Another To Love - 28/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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 (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In Christianity, we provoke one another unto good works, because God created us for good works. Titus 2:14 describes us as a peculiar people, zealous of good works. However, it's possible to have friends who make you go in a direction that's contrary to God's Word. Such "friends" could instigate you against others, instead of inspiring you to love and to good works. We're counselled in Scripture to mark such individuals, and keep away from them (Romans 16:17).

Don't provoke someone else to hate another, or to be angry or resentful of another brother or sister in the house of God. Never say or do things that could engender strife or cause division in the body of Christ; that's not Christianity. You were created to love. Jesus said in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." Spread love.

When people try to instigate a dislike within you for someone else, know that it's a wrong spirit working through them, and lovingly let them know that they're wrong. Anything that instigates you to dislike, be bitter or enraged towards someone else is from the devil; reject it. Promote love instead.

Love is the life of the new creation; it's the way of victory, and the sign that you've passed from death to life (1 John 3:14). Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). God has given you His love and the ability to love like Him: "...the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5). Therefore, provoke others to love. Let love show in your language and manner of life. Let others see and experience God's love through you. This is important for a daily life of triumph.

PRAYER

Thank you blessed Father, for the manifestation of your love and righteousness in me. Your love isn't just something I experience but something I also lavishly express to my world. I triumph gloriously today, as I walk in love and provoke others to love, in Jesus' Name.

Further Study: 

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 

1 John 3:16-18 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 3:1-31,
Psalms 42-44

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:37-44,
Judges 2-3

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Rhapsody of Realities - Success By The Spirit! - 27/07/2015

Pastor Chris

...This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6).

There're people who try so hard to succeed through their own might and natural wisdom; they are erudite; they've been schooled, yet true success eludes them. This is because they function from the mind, the sense-realm, which at its best, is grossly limited. The mind is never enough; true success is by the Spirit.

The world may describe you as a "mighty brain", one of the world's intelligentsias, it makes no difference. The wisdom of this world profits nothing. Success isn't by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. If you've been trying to succeed by your own power or ability, it's time to quit the struggle. If you've been trying to grow a Church by your own human wisdom and principles, it's time to rely on the strategies of the Spirit and His wisdom to guide you.

2 Corinthians 3:5 says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." Our competence, the ability, wisdom, and knowledge by which we function are of God; therefore, don't trust in your physical strength or natural intelligence. Trust the Lord. How are you going to grow that cell or fellowship group? How are you going to multiply your finances? How are you going to build that business? The Lord says, "It's by my Spirit!" Success is by the Holy Ghost.

You'd become a mystery to others, and a wonder to your generation, as you walk with the Spirit and allow Him guide you in your affairs. Take the ministry of the Spirit seriously, as there's no Christianity without the Holy Spirit. If you want to go past religion; if you want to know the reality of the Kingdom of God, and the reality of the glory of God, you've got to know and relate with the Holy Spirit as a person. He's the key to extraordinary success.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, I acknowledge and appreciate the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. He teaches me all things and brings to my remembrance all that I require to live the divine life. Through my fellowship with the Spirit, the realities and glories of the Kingdom are manifest in my life, and I experience the manifestations of the Spirit in my daily walk, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Romans 8:26-27 (AMP) So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 2:1-29,
Psalms 38-41

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:27-36,
Judges 1

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Rhapsody of Realities on Facebook

Dear Readers,

I will not be posting the Rhapsody on my blog for a little while.

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From Thursday 16 July 2015 up until 19 July 2015, the Christ Embassy International Cell Leaders Conference had taken place. There are some excerpts posted on the Facebook Page as well, if you are keen on reading up on the messages that were received by thousands of Cell Leaders, Cell Executives..etc.. Many were blessed and motivated to begin the work of Soul Winning in their respective countries even before the conference was over! The word is Powerful!

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God Bless

Rhapsody of Realities - We're Superior To Satan And Demons - 20/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils... (Mark 16:17).

The Word of God lets us know that Satan has a structure; demons are of a different hierarchy. But it's important to understand that we're not on the same class or level with Satan and His demons, no matter how high they are. We're seated together with Christ in the heavenly realms, far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. We're superior to Satan and the forces of darkness.

Therefore, in dealing with demons, we don't struggle at all; we don't bandy words with demons when casting them out; we give orders. When you tell the devil to come out, he's under obligation to heed your voice, because you're addressing him in the Name of Jesus. Jesus used the strongest word possible to describe how we should treat demons. He said, "Cast out devils!" That means, "expel", "eject", "thrust", or "pluck" them out!

It creates the picture of grabbing something like an imp or a little monkey by the neck, and thrusting it out vehemently through a window or the nearest exit. That's what Jesus said to do to devils in His Name; no negotiations! Pluck and throw them out with your words. He gave us the authority to do that, and He didn't give us limits! He didn't say, "If the devils are very close to you, you can cast them out, but if they're far away, it'll be difficult"; no! It makes no difference where they are; once you can discern that Satan and his demons are the ones responsible for the situation, you can issue the command from South Africa, and they'll hear you in Australia and be gone!

We've been given a Name that's above every name — the Name Jesus. The Bible says, "...at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). So, it doesn't matter how high in the satanic hierarchy the demons are, when you speak in the Name of Jesus, they have to obey! Give the Word, and wherever they are, they'll scamper in terror!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus. I've been given the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus over Satan and the cohorts of hell, and dominate circumstances. My life is an endless stream of the miraculous, because I live in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study:

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 26:19-32,
Psalms 19-20

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:49-62,
Joshua 16-17

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