Christian Daily Devotional

"The Pleasure of the Lord Shall Prosper in His Hand." Isaiah 53:10.

TURN HIS LIGHT ON.

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Christian Devotional - Rhapsody of Realities

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY, 24TH JUNE. 2017

TURN HIS LIGHT ON.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1).

The Word of God is the light of life. Turn the light on, and you’ll see the unseen; you’ll see the realities of the spirit realm. Suddenly, you’ll discover that everything you thought was missing wasn’t missing. You’ll realize that you actually have in abundance everything you thought you never had. Once you turn the light of God on, never turn it off again. You’re called to walk in that light: in the light of His righteousness, His redemption, His justification, His wisdom, and His prosperity; you’re to walk in the light of the new creation.

Sometimes, when studying or listening to God’s Word, you seem to leave this world. The things of this life: the pains, the darkness, the disappointments, and the crises of life just seem to fade away. Don’t think it’s just a mirage; you’ve been transported of the Holy Ghost to the true realm of life. Don’t say, “Well, as I listened to the Word during the service, I thought I was in heaven, but now I’m back to reality.” Returning to reality in this sense would mean going back into darkness. Hold on to what you’ve received. Say, “The glory that I saw in the Word is the real thing. I hold on to it.” Glory to God!

Do you want to see who you really are and what you have? Turn the light of God on. There’s a lot you’ll never see if you’re using the light of the sun or earthly electricity. The light of God—the true light—shows you that you’re in divine health; it shows you the perfect will of God, and all that you are in Him. See yourself the way God sees you: an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ!

CONFESSION

The Word of God is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. As I see with the light of the Word, I see myself as the royalty that I am, victorious, prosperous, healthy, wise, and strong, and I walk in the light of this truth.

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 11:1-18, Ezra 9-10
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 3:23-38, Deuteronomy 22

CONTROL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF YOUR LIFE

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TO THE BIBLE: 1 John 5:4

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

LET’S TALK

When you study Jesus and the way He responded to different circumstances, you’ll discover He was always in charge. His language was that of faith and absolute mastery. He was always in control, unperturbed by anything. His words were faith-filled, and He displayed an attitude of rest in the midst of turmoil. This is the life He’s given us; a life of absolute mastery, where you cease from all worries and express your faith unperturbed.

Even when He was told His friend Lazarus had been dead and buried four days, Jesus remained unruffled. Instead, with all calmness and assurance, He told Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters: “…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Nothing could shake Him; He was the picture of supreme confidence! He stood at the entrance of the sepulchre, uttered a simple prayer of thanks to the Father, and called out: “Lazarus, come out!” The man that had been dead for four days came hopping out of the grave alive! (John 11:41-44).

That was faith functioning from a place of rest and absolute mastery. Faith recognises no fear, because it trusts in the ability of God. When you’re faced with challenges, don’t cower or become frightful or fretful. Be in charge, irrespective of what happens around you. If you receive negative news from afar, maintain your composure and declare God’s Word. Take charge. Refuse to worry; just give the Word and effect a change. Hallelujah!

Go Deeper

Hebrews 11:1

Pray

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the power of your Word which causes me to function from a place of rest and mastery over all situations. I live victoriously over all distracting elements of this world in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 15:18-16:1-16, 1 Chronicles 5-6

TWO YEAR

Mark 14:22-31, Numbers 34

Act

What are those negative circumstances facing you today? Speak God’s Word to them, and watch them conform to what you say.

BE KIND-HEARTED

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TO THE BIBLE: Hebrews 13:1-2 NIV

“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

LET’S TALK

Amanda was approaching the counter to pay for her groceries when she noticed the customer ahead of her, an elderly woman, frantically rummaging through her bag. She had forgotten her credit card at home and that meant she had to leave the store without the few items she had picked. Just as the old lady was about to turn around and leave the store, Amanda motioned to the cashier and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll pay for her.”

The customer was a stranger who needed help, and Amanda stepped in and showed her kindness just when she needed it the most! 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 about what we do for ourselves, but what we do for others. You should have a determination to show someone such kindness that 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 know you, 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. Don’t hesitate to help strangers, and treat them just as nicely as you would if you knew them, but do so without naivety.

Go Deeper

Matthew 25:34-35; Hebrews 13:2-3

Speak

I’m full of love, because the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. I’m kindhearted, hospitable, and gracious. I manifest the love of Christ to everyone, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 15:1-17, 1 Chronicles 3-4

TWO YEAR

Mark 14:12-21, Numbers 33

Act

Start paying attention to those around you who need your assistance.

THE GOD-LIFE IS FOUND IN CHRIST

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TO THE BIBLE: 1 John 5:11-12

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

LET’S TALK

Some young people get initiated as members of gangs, secret cults, and societies, because they believe they can get something more than the natural human life in such groups. They engage in all kinds of vices and nefarious activity, believing that they will give them the edge. However, no one needs to join such groups to obtain supernatural powers or influence. Indeed, there’s a life beyond the ordinary human life, and that’s the God-life found only in Christ! Jesus brought this life and immortality to light through the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:10).

In John 5:26, He declared, “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself.” The life Jesus is referring to here is the God-life! You only find this life when you make Jesus Christ Lord of your life. It’s the life He had when He walked the face of the earth, and He had the fullness of it in Him (Colossians 1:19). This God-life is a special kind of life. It’s the life that, if anyone would have, he would live forever. It’s a life that dominates sickness and disease, and reigns over the devil; it’s the miracle-life of God.

However, this life is only for those who have received Christ Jesus: If you believe that God raised Jesus back to life, and have confessed Him as your Lord and Saviour, you’ll have this same life. This new divine life of God in you completely supplants the human life with which you were born of your parents; it’s a life beyond this world!

Go Deeper

John 3:16, John 20:31; 1 John 5:11-12

Pray

I’m conscious of the life of God in me. I live above sickness, disease, poverty, pain, and the devil, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 14:15-31, 1 Chronicles 1-2

TWO YEAR

Mark 14:1-11, Numbers 32

Act

Tell your friends about this special life you have. And if they aren’t born again, tell them about Jesus and lead them to salvation, so they too can have this same life.

RULE THE WORLD BY YOUR GIVING!

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TO THE BIBLE: 2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP

“Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].”

LET’S TALK

This scripture above is a spiritual principle that is guaranteed to always produce results: “Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]” (2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP).

Take the experience of Solomon for an example. The Bible records in 1 Kings 3:4 that he offered a thousand burnt offerings to God, and this moved the Lord to visit him that same night: “…the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, Ask what I shall give you” (1 Kings 3:5 AMP). He got a blank cheque from the Lord for his big giving. This clearly shows that no matter how big we give, we can never out-give God. Make up your mind this year to give bigger than you’ve ever done.

Your giving begins with giving to God that which belongs to Him. That means your firstfruit offerings and tithes. When you do this, He’ll surely multiply your seeds sown and increase your capacity to give, and you’ll have more and more.

Go Deeper

Proverbs 3:9-10

Pray

Dear Father, I thank you for showing me the way to financial abundance. I declare that I’m blessed in my giving as I receive a multiplied harvest of every seed sown, and increase in the fruits of my righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 13:31-14:1-14, 2 Kings 23-25

TWO YEAR

Mark 13:24-37, Numbers 31

Act

Plan your giving to the Lord for this Sunday’s church service.

EVERYTHING IS COOL

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TO THE BIBLE: 1 John 1:3

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

LET’S TALK

Have you ever heard someone say that when you do something wrong, you “break fellowship” with God? Such people claim that though your relationship to Him isn’t affected, until you’ve “settled the score” with God, you’re not in fellowship with Him. People who believe this have this idea because of their own human experiences with their parents, family members, friends etc. They imagine God as one who gives them the “silent treatment,” when there’s an “issue.” They feel their fellowship with Him is broken until the matter is settled. But that’s not true!

You never achieved fellowship with God because of your righteousness; it came because He gave you His righteousness. How then could your righteousness sustain it? The truth is, your fellowship with God isn’t and can never be affected by anything that you do or don’t do. He already knew that you couldn’t make it on your own, which is the reason He also made allowance for your errors by making it possible for you to receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Never think of God as a Father who holds on to issues with any of His kids; His love is higher and deeper than that. Like Paul, come to the point where you’re persuaded that “…neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Go Deeper

1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1-2

Pray

Dear Precious Father, thank you for your unfailingly love towards me. I’m fully persuaded that nothing can separate me from it, for I belong to you forever in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 13:1-30, 2 Kings 20-22

TWO YEAR

Mark 13:12-23, Numbers 30

Act

If your friend upsets you, rather than give the silent treatment, talk it over with that person. Forgive him or her as well.

GUIDANCE FROM WITHIN

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TO THE BIBLE: Genesis 28:16-17

“When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.””

LET’S TALK

You’ll Hear Him Clearly From Your Spirit – Jacob only realised he’d been in God’s presence after he had a dream in which he saw the angels of God ascending and descending heaven on a ladder. Then he said, “…Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it” (Genesis 28:16 NASB). This still happens today: The Lord can be in a place without those there knowing it. When we say, “The Lord is in this place,” in our meetings, some people who don’t know what we’re talking about start looking 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 KJV).

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 our spirits. 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 lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts of his being”; that’s where the light of God is; that’s where He guides you from—not through the senses.

Go Deeper

Isaiah 30:21; Psalm 16:7

Speak

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!

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 12:20-50, 2 Kings 18-19

TWO YEAR

Mark 13:1-11, Numbers 29

Act

Listen for His voice in your day-to-day activities, from your spirit today.

KEEP THE WORD OF GOD IN YOUR MOUTH

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TO THE BIBLE: 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

LET’S TALK

One of the things the Holy Spirit came to help you with is discovering your heritage in Christ Jesus. And to enjoy these hidden treasures as He unveils them to you, you’re expected to speak them. Just as it says in 1 Corinthians 2:6, “…we speak wisdom….” Notice it doesn’t say we speak about wisdom. Speaking wisdom is speaking the Word of God.

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 and glory, the 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,” in spite of the gloom and doom in the world today, you’re speaking the wisdom of God.

When you say, “I’ve got the life of God in me; I live in divine health twenty-four hours a day,” in spite of the pain or discomfort you may be feeling in your body, you’re speaking the wisdom of God. As you make it a practice to always speak God’s wisdom, you’ll be misunderstood by many, especially those who are ruled by the senses, but don’t let that dissuade you. Declare what the Word says concerning you, irrespective of the situation. Speak the wisdom of God always, and your life will glorify God.

Go Deeper

1 Corinthians 2:6-8; Hebrews 13:5-6

Speak

The wisdom of God is in my heart and in my mouth today and as I speak, I dissolve doubts; I explain hard sentences in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 12:1-19, 2 Kings 16-17

TWO YEAR

Mark 12:35-44, Numbers 28

Act

Begin to declare faith-filled words right now and condition your spirit to speak rightly.

MAKE EACH DAY COUNT!

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TO THE BIBLE: Psalm 90:12 MSG

“Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!”

LET’S TALK

The Bible lets us know that one day the heavens will pass away and the earth and everything man made will be burnt up (2 Peter 3:10). By that time, we will all be with the Lord and each of us will have to present our works before Him. Life has no extra time, and it’s imperative that you make each day count by doing those things that’ll impact people’s lives and advance God’s Kingdom. I remember the prayer of a dear minister years ago, who said “Lord, you know I only have one life to live—don’t let me waste it; help me live it for you!” What a prayer! It ought to be your conscious thought that you have only one life to live.

I made up my mind years ago to invest my life in soul winning. As a young chap in school, many people thought I was wasting my time as I went from hostel to hostel preaching the Gospel. The years have come and gone and the Lord has given me greater platforms to reach the whole world for Jesus! Perhaps you’re thinking, “I’ve still got time; I’ll preach when I graduate.” No, don’t think that way. You’re not too young to do anything significant for the Lord.

You’ve been given the same number of hours each day as everyone else, but what you do with yours is what’s important. Moses had this in mind when he prayed to the Lord to “…teach us to number our days…” (Psalm 90:12). Some people have regrets about their lives because they wasted time doing insignificant things. If you would invest your time in anything, let it be in touching lives for Jesus. Let spreading the gospel of Christ’s salvation be the one thing that propels you, and gets you up and about each day. That’s really the only thing worth living for.

Go Deeper

1 Corinthians 9:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:2

Pray

Heavenly Father, I have only one life to live, help me live it right. Help me invest my time, energies and resources in only those things that will bring glory and honour to you in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 11:1-16, 2 Kings 10-12

TWO YEAR

Mark 12:18-27, Numbers 26

Act

Make up your mind to share the gospel with at least two people today.

DON’T BE QUICK-TEMPERED

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TO  THE  BIBLE    Proverbs 14:17 CEV

“Fools have quick tempers, and no one likes you if you can’t be trusted.”

LET’S  TALK

Numbers chapter twelve gives God’s testimony of Moses as being the meekest man that lived on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). He couldn’t hurt a fly, so to speak. However, the one time he got angry, it cost him a whole lot, including his ministry. God had told him to speak to the rock to bring out water for the children of Israel (Number 20:8), but in his anger at the stubbornness of the Israelites, “…Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly…” (Numbers 20:11). The Lord’s response to Moses’ quick-tempered behaviour was that he wouldn’t lead the Israelites into the land promised them (Numbers 20:12). He got a “red card” for losing his temper.

One of the things the Lord seeks to accomplish in your life is to have His love fully expressed through you, such that you’re patient, meek, kind, and not easily provoked to anger. He knows that, as you go about your daily routine, interacting with family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, etc., situations may arise that could get you really upset. The Scriptures say, “People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm” (Proverbs 14:17 GNB). Being hotheaded could cause you to do silly things or make remarks that you’d regret later on. Instead of responding in anger, do what the Bible says: “…Be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry” (James 1:19 CEV).

God wants you to be slow to anger, because no one with a bad temper ever succeeds permanently in life. So, take charge of your emotions, and let God’s love fill your heart and be fully expressed through you.

Go Deeper

Ecclesiastes 7:9, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Ephesians 4:26

Speak

I’m patient, kind, full of mercy, and not easily provoked to anger. God’s love is manifested in me today in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 10:22-42, 2 Kings 8-9

TWO YEAR

Mark 12:13-17, Numbers 25

Act

Do a study on 1 Corinthians 13, and the next time something or someone upsets you, take a deep breath and respond in love instead.

FINANCE AND PROSPERITY

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