RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, 23RD JULY. 2017

HE’S THE AUTHOR OF EVERYTHING GOOD.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).

Everything we read in the Word about the nature of our heavenly Father is consistent; there’s no evil or darkness in Him at all. You might then want to ask, “How about the words of the prophet Isaiah about God? It says, “…I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things” (Isaiah 45:6-7). Could this be a contradiction? Did God really create evil?

First, you need to understand the style and manner of communication of the prophets in the Old Testament, and the extent of the revelations granted to them. The prophets knew nothing about Satan except in figurative speech, because there was no revelation of him. To them, everything that happened, whether good or evil, came from God.

Jesus made an enlightening statement to the Pharisees in Matthew 19:8. He said, “…Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” In other words, that commandment came from Moses, not God. If you really want to know God, His character, nature, and ways of doing things, then go to the very beginning and observe His principles. Genesis 1:31 tells us, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good….” He didn’t create evil at all. More so, in Christ Jesus, He manifested Himself as a gracious loving Father.

The real evil being and maker of evil is Satan. Satan wasn’t always a devil, because God only created good things. Satan was an angel called Lucifer, which means “son of the morning”; he was God’s vice-regent over the earth. Everything about him was perfect, but through pride, he lost his position, was overthrown, and became the devil. That was how evil came into the world. God is the author of good, and not of evil: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

PRAYER
Righteous Father, you’re gracious and kind, great and greatly to be praised! You’re love personified. Your mercies are new every morning, and your faithfulness are forever sure! I love and adore you, most holy One. You do mighty things and your grace is upon all who trust in you. The whole earth is filled with your glory and goodness. Blessed be your Name forever. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 72:18-19 “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.”
‭‭
Psalm 100:5 AMP “For the LORD is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.”

Psalm 107:1 “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 28:1-16 Psalms 26-29
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 10:25-37 Joshua 20-21

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY, 20TH JULY. 2017

SEE FROM A HIGHER REALM.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

The preceding Scripture to our opening verse says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment…” (2 Corinthians 4:17). In other words, that pain or that unpleasant situation may have been for five or ten years, but it’s subject to change, and it’ll work for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. How? The answer is in the opening verse: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Stop looking at your present physical condition or how much you have in the bank or what people are saying about you. See the invisible! When you see the invisible, the wilderness experience will end. See God doing great things in your life. See yourself prosperous, healthy, vibrant and strong. See yourself walking in victory. See yourself walking in the glory of God.

This brings to mind the story of Abraham in Genesis 17:4-5. God changed Abraham’s name from Abram when he had no physical descendants. Abraham means “father of many” while Abram means “assumed father.” So, even when He had no children, God called him the father of many. God was teaching him to see the invisible.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 4:17, explains to us that Abraham believed what God had said concerning him: “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” He took his gaze off what his physical senses dictated to him and looked at the invisible through the eyes of the spirit. He saw himself as the father of many, just as God had said.

What has God made you? In your life, you must boldly declare who you really are. Someone might say, “Oh God, I’m such a failure; I’ve failed in everything. I’m so fed up with life.” Change your vision. Begin to see from another perspective. See the invisible. Meditate on, and declare what God has said about you.

When you say what God has said about you, your soul will be adjusted to act that way. You need to reprogramme your life with the Word of God. Whatever God has said about you, accept it; believe it, and say it to yourself consistently (Hebrews 13:5-6).

PRAYER
I look away from all distracting situations and fix my gaze upon Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. I see victory, health, prosperity and triumph, now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 5:7 “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”
‭‭
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
‭‭
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 26:19-32 Psalms 19-20
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 9:49-62 Joshua 16-17

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY, 18TH JULY. 2017

IDENTIFIED WITH HIS NAME.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).
The Name of Jesus is the greatest name ever revealed to man; it’s the most powerful name, not only in the world, but in the entire universe: that’s the name by which God created all things. God has vested all authority in that wonderful and matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”

When you confessed the lordship of Jesus over your life, you were baptised into the Name of Jesus; and you automatically became a part of that Name. Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” You should be glad to be identified with that Name. It means whatever belongs to Jesus belongs to you!

Satan has no claims over you anymore; you belong to Jesus Christ, and the Name of Jesus is named upon you. We live in His Name; we pray in His Name. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” That’s the way to live a supernatural life. You function and live in the Name of Jesus. That means you’re living for Him, in His authority. Can you see why it’s practically out of place to live in defeat, failure or poverty?

We’re called to live in the Name of Jesus; in the Name of the creator of the world. I can’t consider or conceive of anything more sublime or transcendent! It’s a wonderful Name; an excellent Name—the matchless Name of Jesus Christ.

If you have a tumour in your body, say, “Tumour, in the Name of Jesus, you can’t stay in this body; I command you to die and pass out of my body!” And it’ll go. If you have a problem with your heart, use the Name of Jesus as an instrument against that infirmity. Say, “Heart, I command you to function normally, in the Name of Jesus,” and there’ll be a change.

Whatever situation confronts you is subject to the Name of Jesus Christ. Declare for yourself: “In the Name of Jesus, I’m growing in grace; I’m excellent; sound and healthy; strong and vibrant!” Take advantage of that Name and bring calmness, peace, tranquillity and prosperity into your life and that of your loved ones.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m glad to be associated with the most sublime, powerful and most excellent Name that exists. I take advantage of the Name of Jesus, and live by the power and authority of that Name. I speak peace, progress, health, prosperity and victory, into my life and that of my loved ones, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
‭‭
Philippians 2:9-10 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”
‭‭
John 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 25:13-26:1 Psalms 11-16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 9:28-36 Joshua 14

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, 17TH JULY. 2017

THE WORD IS TRUSTWORTHY.

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Peter 1:16).

God’s Word is absolutely trustworthy and dependable. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
The Scriptures are proven to be the Word of God: the account of Jesus Christ and His work of redemption, His vicarious death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to glory. The entire Scriptures chronicle everything that’s involved in His redemptive work, the implication of all that He accomplished on our behalf, and the testament sealed in His death. Not only are these accounts authentic and trustworthy as communicated to us in the Scriptures, they were delivered to us to live by.

For example, Peter refers to the narrative in Matthew 17 in his second epistle. He explained how they (Peter, James and John) were “eyewitnesses of His majesty”—the transfiguration, where Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and His clothes dazzled. They saw Moses and Elijah appear on the mount. They even heard a voice from heaven which said, “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5).

Yet, by the Spirit, he tells us “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). Even though they were eyewitnesses of that glory, there was something more trustworthy than their experience. So, beyond the beauties and the glorious experiences they had, Peter reckoned that the Word was surer than experience.
Hold on to God’s Word; it’s a more sure word than our experiences! Imagine if you had symptoms of pains or sickness in your body, don’t budge. Use the word against it. The Word is absolutely trustworthy and dependable.

You may not feel like it’s working out; things may not seem to be changing on the outside, but hold on to the Word! Keep declaring the Word to yourself, to God, and concerning that situation, until you have the note of victory in your spirit.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the power of your eternal Word that’s at work in me today, producing in me the fruit of it’s message, having embraced it as the more sure Word of prophecy—to live by, and build my life on! By the power of your Word, I win in the good fight of faith today, and every day, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
‭‭
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.”
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 25:1-12 Psalms 7-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 9:18-27 Joshua 13

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SUNDAY, 16TH JULY. 2017

ACT YOUR SALVATION.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Having confessed the lordship of Jesus over your life and received eternal life into your spirit, the very next and most important thing is putting the Word of God into practice; that is, putting the Word to work. Paul tells us, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This simply means to act your salvation.
“I’ve been a Christian all these while and Christianity hasn’t done anything for me,” someone said. The fact is that Christianity doesn’t do anything for you; you’re to do something with your Christianity. You’re the one to work the Word and make it produce results in your life. You’ll be super elated at the glory of God that’ll be manifested in your life as you act on His Word. This is where some have missed it. They’re not aware that the Word of God is for doing.

In Christianity, we practise the Word: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 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” (James 1:22-25). First is that you search and study the Word, and then you believe, and act accordingly.

For example, if you felt the symptom of sickness, read Romans 8:11. It says, ”But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Then declare that you’re in health and no sickness can thrive in your body. Refuse to let the pain or discomfort dominate your mind; rather, set your gaze on the Lord and His infallible Word, rejoicing in His truth. The Word will prevail.

PRAYER
Dear Father, my heart is forever open to receive your engrafted Word with meekness, faith and gladness. As I put the Word to work, I experience productivity, efficiency and growth. I’m transformed, strengthened and energised in Christ Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
James 1:21-25 NIV “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
‭‭
Luke 6:47-49 “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 24:1-27 Psalms 1-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 9:10-17 Joshua 12