Rhapsody of Realities - Get The Word Into You - 2015/08/13

Pastor Chris

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Psalm 119:130).

Notice the instructive words of the psalmist in our opening verse; it lets us know that it's the entrance of God's Word that gives light. This means the Word has to get into your spirit! The Word in you, mingled with your spirit, is what God wants! It'll make you what it talks about, and change your life. When the Word of God gets into you, it brings you light. This means that the man who doesn't have the Word of God in his spirit doesn't have any light, and as a result, walks in darkness.

With the Word in your spirit, you're sure to make progress in life. It's not just about listening to messages on TV or DVDs; it's beyond that. You need to have the message inside you, in your heart. That's what makes the difference. If you took a corn seed, and kept it in the best refrigerator in the world, you wouldn't have any crop. If you placed it in the best Bank and most secured vault, it still wouldn't produce any crop, because that's not the right environment for seeds to grow. A seed must be placed in the right environment for it to grow and produce a crop.

Your spirit is the receptacle system for the Word of God; that's where the light of God is: "The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:27). Some people can quote many scriptures by heart, but the scriptures don't do much for them from inside, because it's in their heads, not in their hearts.

Your spirit must digest the Word until it affects your way of thinking, and gives you a new mind-set. If the message hasn't changed your mind, then it hasn't entered you, and that means its influence and impact in your life is limited. So, get the Word into you, and it'll remain in you, and produce what it talks about; it'll be in you a vital force that causes you to live accordingly.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, your Word is stored up in my heart, and it produces result in every area of my life. I delight in your Word, and as I meditate therein, I'm energized for victory; transformed from glory to glory, and my mind is renewed, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 15:5-13,
Psalms 94-98

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 15:20-32,
Judges 21

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Prepare Your Heart To Receive - 2015/08/12

Pastor Chris

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked (Deuteronomy 10:16).

When the children of Israel were about to cross the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua to tell the people to prepare themselves, because it was going to be a great miracle; it was going to be a different kind from what they had known in the days of Moses. Moses had to stretch forth his hand over the waters of the Red Sea, and God sent a strong wind to split the sea wide open.

But when Joshua got to the River Jordan, he didn't have to stretch his hands over the waters or reach for the rod of Moses. He sent the Priests ahead of him and all they did was to step into the water, and the Jordan opened up for the people to walk through on dry ground. It was a new day! Nevertheless, God told them to prepare.

Always, God wants us prepared. He even said, in judgment, "prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12). In everything, He wants you to prepare. He doesn't just take us by surprise.

Before you attend any service in Church, for example, it's important that you prepare your heart for what the Lord is going to bless you with. Our opening verse says, "Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart." He's telling you to cultivate and condition your spirit; break up the fallow grounds; prepare your heart for the change, the glory, which the Lord is bringing to you. Prepare for the Word that's coming to you. His Word is the only material that can catapult a man from one level of glory to another. His Word is life!

For every opportunity you have to receive the Word of God, you must prepare your heart and let the message that comes to you affect your life. Receive the Word joyfully and wholeheartedly, and you'll be amazed how it'll produce result in your life. If you're the one to share God's Word with others, prayerfully and meditatively prepare your message.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the opportunity of being regularly exposed to the ministry of your Word. At every of such opportunities, my heart is set in order, fully prepared to receive the Word joyfully, without doubts or unbelief. My heart is completely available to you for the expression of your glory in my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Jeremiah 4:3-4 For thus saith the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. 4 Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

2 Chronicles 12:14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 14:1-23-15:1-4,
Psalms 90-93

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 15:11-19,
Judges 20

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Don't Despair! - 2015/08/11

Pastor Chris

And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest (Ezekiel 37:3).

As you grow spiritually, there could be times of difficulties, when you face serious challenges. But at such times, don't despair. Don't loathe yourself or gripe that you're going through such tough times. Even when everyone seems to be ignoring you and none is offering to help, in spite of all your appeals, refuse to be discouraged. The truth is, you're not being ignored. What's happening is that the Lord is training and teaching you to stand up, and stand strong! He's challenging and setting you up for your next level of glory.

It doesn't matter how dire the challenge you're confronted with might seem; don't run from pillar to post, seeking help from man; rather, talk your way out of it. This was what the Lord told Ezekiel to do in the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:3-4). Ezekiel found himself in a valley full of dry bones and the Lord asked him, "Can these bones live?"

That was an impossible situation, but God told Ezekiel to "prophesy to the bones." As he prophesied, a great miracle took place: "...and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone" (Ezekiel 37:7). If you've found yourself in a situation where you seem to be alone before God, and everything around you seems "dry", the Lord is asking you, "Can I give life to this situation?" He's asking: "Son of man, can there be a change?" He's waiting on you to act on His Word! He wants you to put all the things you've learnt to practice.

The challenges you face are bread for you; they are your opportunity to demonstrate your faith in the Lord, and prove His Word. Therefore, refuse to become despondent. Keep declaring your health, success, prosperity, and victory in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER

Dear Father, you're my hope, my strength, and the very foundation of my existence. You're my light and my salvation. Your Word on my lips brings life to hopeless and dead situations. I'm established on the path of success, righteousness and glory forevermore, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Job 11:15-18 For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: 16 Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: 17 And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday: thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. 18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

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: Romans 12:17-13:1-14,
Psalms 89

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 15:1-10,
Judges 19

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realiteis - Change Is Possible - 2015/08/10

Pastor Chris

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away (2 Corinthians 3:16).

If you had thought you were now too old to achieve your dreams, and that your time has passed, don't give up. All you need do is to "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually" (1 Chronicles 16:11). There's a material that can change the oldest of men; it's the Word of God! Moses answered the call of God at the age of eighty. His old age didn't truncate his destiny. It was the same with Abraham, who received the promise at seventy-five years of age.

The Bible says, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). The energy you require for all that God has destined you for is of the Spirit, and it's inherent in you: "That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure" (Philippians 2:13 MSG). It's not too late to live for the Lord, and glorify Him with your life.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, you're the strength of my life. I take advantage of your grace and might in fulfilling my destiny in you. I'm continually energized, growing from strength to strength, by your Spirit in my inner man, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 

Psalm 73:26 GNB My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need. 

Isaiah 40:29 MSG He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 12:1-16,
Psalms 85-88

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 14:25-35,
Judges 18

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Examine Yourself, And Make The Change! - 2015/08/09

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).

God wants us to keep making changes and improving our lives from glory to glory. He wants you better today, than you were yesterday. The primary way for this to happen is by renewing your mind with the Word. A mind that's renewed is one that's sanctified to think right — to think excellence. A mind that's renewed with the Word is anointed to make the right decisions and choices in life.

Your way of thinking is your responsibility. One of the things you have to watch about yourself is to learn to stand outside yourself, observe your own self, and ask, "What changes do I need to make?" Too many people in the world never take the time to examine themselves, and think about the positive adjustments they could make. They think the country, the politicians, the government, etc., need to change; they know all the changes that should be made everywhere else, except in themselves!

Read the instructive verse of our opening verse one more time: "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." This verse gives you the responsibility of the change that's necessary. So, rather than think everyone, but you, is to be held responsible for the problems, or that change has to come from somebody else, be that man or woman who'll champion such positive transformation.

Always be passionate about the advancement of the lives of others. Think, "What can I do to touch the lives of others in a positive way?" That's the right way to think!

CONFESSION

My mind is constantly renewed by the Word; and with the investment of my personality, I influence my world for Christ! By the Spirit of God, I identify areas of my life requiring changes, and I effect such changes through the application of God's Word. Halleluiah!

Further Study:

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 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. 

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 11:25-36,
Psalms 82-84

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 14:15-24,
Judges 17

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Be Identified With Him - 2015/08/08

Pastor Chris

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward (Hebrews 11:24-26).

Our opening scripture is a remarkable record of Moses' choice to be identified with the Lord, in spite of the benefits and attractions of Pharaoh's palace. He had been raised in the palace, but that didn't mean anything to him, compared to the divine call of God he was destined to fulfil. He gave up the temporary comfort, luxury, and worldly fame, to fulfil his destiny in God. It was an act of faith. By faith, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, which would have made him an heir to Pharaoh's throne.

This is what God expects of us; to be identified with Him and esteem our calling in Him much more than the wealth, fame, and comfort that the world could offer. Your union with Christ is the greatest thing on the face of the earth, far greater than anything money can acquire. That's why it's important that you know who Christ is in your heart, and believe in Him from your spirit. The knowledge of who you are in Him, and your glorious heritage in Him, will inspire in you an extraordinary boldness and confidence such that the whole world will mean nothing to you! Pleasing Him in all things, and fulfilling His destiny for your life becomes all that you care about!

Moses didn't live in Jesus' day, but he had a revelation of his identity with the saviour, because when you identify with Him, you become a saviour! And that's what Moses became. The Bible says through him, God delivered (saved) the children of Israel from Egypt. There wasn't anything attractive about going to confront Pharaoh to let God's people go. He did it at the risk of his life. However, he knew that carrying out that instruction was the most important assignment to him in all the world! Hence, he went about it undauntedly. He forsook Egypt —the world— and all it represented, unafraid of the wrath of the king.

Let nothing matter or mean more to you than the cry of the needy in the world. Remember, you're a saviour from Zion; you were saved to save others. Identify with Him in His passion for soul-winning. Esteem His call upon your life —the call to win souls and lead men into salvation— more than the treasures of this world.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of being identified with you! The zeal for the Gospel and your Kingdom inundates my entire being. I have the consciousness of my identity with Christ, excited that I'm called to change people's lives with the Gospel, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 11:1-24,
Psalms 79-81

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 14:1-14,
Judges 15-16

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Search Your Heart With The Word - 2015/08/07

Pastor Chris

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly (Proverbs 20:27).

There's something about sin that many need to understand. There're spiritual sins, and there're physical sins. There're sins you commit in dealing with other human beings, but there're sins you commit in dealing with God. Spiritual sins are the ones towards God.

For example, if you're proud towards people and against them, they may never know, because pride is a spiritual sin; only God sees it. And the Bible says, "...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6). That means no one who's proud can really excel with God. You can't really walk with God as long as there's pride in your heart.

Until the light of God shines in your heart, and defines pride to you, you could continue living in pride and not know it. The sad thing is, the consequences for spiritual sins such as pride are very grievous, because spiritual sins are more dangerous than physical sins. This is why, as a child of God, you ought to continually search your heart with the Word, to rid it of any form of spiritual sin. The Bible says, "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" (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word of God checks your thoughts and your motives. Therefore, give yourself to the Word; attend church services regularly and be present at your group Bible-study meetings. During such meetings, through the in-depth teaching and study of the Word, your faith is built strong, and your heart is purified — cleansed from all unrighteousness. Jesus said in John 15:3, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." The Word cleanses you from sin and gives you the power to live above sin.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for the impact of your Word in my life. I yield myself completely to be ruled by your Word — in my thoughts, words, and actions. I'm cleansed continually by your Word, and my heart is purified from all unrighteousness as I live under the Lordship of your Word today and always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

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: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

Psalm 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 9:30-10:1-21,
Psalms 78

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 13:31-35,
Judges 13-14

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities