READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THE NEW YOU.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2023.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Did you know that being born again, your life is new and divine? Therefore, embrace the new you. Ephesians 4:24 says this new you is created in righteousness and true holiness. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; as Jesus is, so are you in this world. You’re His icon.

Don’t see yourself as a “sinner” who’s struggling to please God; it’ll make you ineffective in your Christian Walk. Rather, have the consciousness that you’re the righteousness of God in Christ.

Always meditate on Colossians 1:22; it tells of the amazing result of Christ’s vicarious sacrifice in your behalf! He did all that He did so as to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in God’s sight. And He succeeded. His life and nature in you gives you the power to live above sin. The new you is fashioned to yield to the dominion of the Word and as a result, produce fruits and works of righteousness.

Even when the Apostle Paul rebuked some of the Christians in Corinth because their way of life didn’t reflect their new nature of righteousness, he didn’t call them sinners (Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Paul understood that in Christ, we’ve been cleansed of all unrighteousness. We’ve been washed, separated from sin unto God and declared righteous in the Name of the Lord, and by the Spirit of our God! Hallelujah!

Recognise the new you and live accordingly. Study the Word more, for it mirrors and describes the real you; it shows your true glory in Christ. Praise God!

CONFESSION:
I’ve been washed, separated from sin unto God and declared righteous in the Name of the Lord, and by the Spirit of our God! Therefore, I walk in righteousness and produce works and fruits of righteousness. I’m a light in a dark world, lighting the paths of sinners so that they may see and be ushered into the Kingdom. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:22-24
New English Translation
22 You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
New English Translation
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Some of you once lived this way. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 8:27-9:1-13 Numbers 5-6

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 18:21-35 Exodus 9

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

AT HOME IN HIS PRESENCE.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2023.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16).

There’s a consciousness that I have: I’m always in the presence of God! When you have that consciousness, nothing ruffles you. You’re never agitated about anything. You’ll always be full of joy, for in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand, pleasures evermore (Psalm 16:11).

Some Christians have the mentality that it’s only when they come to church that they’re in the presence of God. When they leave, they’ve left the presence of God. Some even pray for the presence of God to come down or follow them everywhere. Something is wrong. In Christianity, we don’t come in and go out of God’s presence; we’re forever in His presence.

His presence is our home. When you come into a place, no matter where it is, you come in with God’s presence. You bear His presence. You’re the temple of the living God. When you were born again, Christ took up His abode in you. He’s in you now, and you’re in Him. He didn’t come into you to leave again after some time; He’s forever in you.

In John 14:16-18, the Lord Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” The Holy Spirit is in you today and forever; it’s an everlasting indwelling.

Be ever more conscious that you’re a God-carrying vessel and you live in His presence every day—in the divine environment. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION:
The fullness of the Godhead dwells in me; it’s an everlasting indwelling. I’m conscious that I’m at home in God’s presence; I’m a God-carrying vessel and I live in the divine environment. What a blessing to be the conveyor and tabernacle of God’s divine presence. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
John 14:16-18 (AMPC)
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— 17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you.

2 Corinthians 6:16 (KJV)
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 8:14-26 & Numbers 3-4

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 18:12-20 & Exodus 8

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

GUIDED BY HIS LIGHT.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH, 2023.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

The Bible describes the Word as “…the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). That means no one has an excuse to stumble, falter or fail in life because we’re all privileged to receive guidance and direction from the Lord.

No wonder Jesus said “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Then, David points out something remarkable in Psalm 119:130: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

These thoughts highlight the importance of light and direction from the Lord, through His Word. His Word is light. If you’ve ever attempted to find your way in the dark, you’d agree it wasn’t a smooth sail. You probably bumped into objects or obstacles that you couldn’t see as a result of the darkness.

Moreover, if you were journeying in the dark, you wouldn’t know when you arrive at your destination or hit a crossroads. So think about it: if natural light is that important, what do you think of God’s light—His Word?

It’s one of the reasons you must know the Word for yourself. Without the Word of God, your decisions will be made in darkness, and the decisions that are made in darkness can only produce more darkness, making the person’s life a web of uncertainties, confusion and utter frustration.

In 1 John 1:7, we’re enjoined to walk in the light as He (God) is in the light. In His light, we see light (Psalm 36:9); our paths are illuminated to see and get rid of every obstacles and encumbrances as we journey through life. Hallelujah!

PRAYER:
Blessed Father, your Word is the true light that lights my heart and my path to know and walk in the way of success, victory and glory. Thank you for flooding my heart with light that I may know and fulfil my purpose and destiny in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 1:5-7 (KJV) – 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Ephesians 5:13 (KJV) – But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 7:24-8:1-13 & Numbers 1-2

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 18:1-11 & Exodus 7

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WE REIGN OVER ALL THINGS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2023.

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22).

Legally, God has put all things under the feet of Jesus (Ephesians 1:22). Isaiah 9:6 says, “…and the government shall be upon his shoulder….” This is so powerful, because it lets us know how it connects to us—the Church!

If Isaiah’s prophetic words had been “…and the government shall be upon His head,” that would have meant the Lord Jesus, because He’s the head and we the Church are His body. The government being upon His shoulders means His reign, His dominion and authority are borne by us. Blessed be God!

Thus, every single member of the Body of Christ is above all things, because all things have been placed under the feet of Jesus. God already said so and nothing can change it. The Lord Jesus, through the Church, reigns over all things.

1 Corinthians 15:25 says, “For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” This isn’t about Him reigning in heaven but in the earth through us. In these last days, you’re expected to “king” in your world and in the earth! Take up the arms of faith and be strengthened in the things of God.

Speak the Word with boldness. Declare that there’s peace in your world and in the nations; speak to every contrary storm to be calm in the Name of Jesus! Rule over circumstances and reign over all things.

CONFESSION:
Glorious Father, King of the ages, there’s none like you! Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. How awesome it is for us to be called by your Name, ruling, reigning and prevailing with Christ over the world and circumstances! Thank you for this glorious privilege. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 2:4-6
New English Translation
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 even though we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you are saved!— 6 and he raised us up together with him and seated us together with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Psalm 110:2
New English Translation
2 The Lord extends your dominion from Zion.
Rule in the midst of your enemies.

Psalm 145:13
New English Translation
13 Your kingdom is an eternal kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.

Romans 5:17
New English Translation
17 For if, by the transgression of the one man, death reigned through the one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ!

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 7:1-23 ; Leviticus 26-27

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 17:22-27 ; Exodus 6

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

YOUR LOVE FOR HIM.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2023.

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead (2 Corinthians 5:14).

The love Paul had for the Lord was the drive behind his overwhelming passion to preach, defend and stand on the truth of the Gospel. Read Galatians 2:11-13 NKJV and see how he defended the truth to Peter. He said, “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.”

In the 20th verse, he said, _I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” What a conviction! It was about his love for the Lord.

Christ’s love for us, which was demonstrated in His vicarious death, must elicit from us such love as Paul writes about here, and as John says in 1 John 4:19 NKJV: “We love Him because He first loved us.”How much do you love Him?

It’s important that every so often, you open your heart to Him in prayer, and tell Him, “Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart, today and forever; this is what I want to do—loving you and doing your Word.” Your love for Jesus Christ means more to God than anything you could ever give to Him. So, love Him with all your heart and prove it in keeping His Word.

CONFESSION:
Lord Jesus, I love you; I really do, with all my heart and forever; this is what I live for—loving you and doing your Word. I’m constrained by my love for you, to preach the Gospel and spread it with urgency around the world. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1 John 5:3 AMPC
For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous).

1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 6:30-56 & Leviticus 25

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 17:14-21 & Exodus 5

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

HIS NATURE IN US.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD, 2023.

Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24 NLT).

In Ephesians 5:1, we’re admonished to be “imitators of God” as His beloved children. His life and nature in us makes this possible. We can walk in absolute mastery and dominion in the earth as Jesus did, for as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).

Being born again, you’re born after the Second Adam, Jesus Christ; you were created after Him in righteousness and true holiness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature….” This new creature has the God-nature. This is the reason you can please God and live the Christ-life.

No matter how much you train a dog to act like a human, it can never be human, because it doesn’t have the human life. To be human, you have to be born that way. We’re Godlike, and can emulate our heavenly Father, because we were born with His life and nature in us. It’s the reason we can do the same things Jesus did.

He said in John 14:12, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do….” You can heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out devils as Jesus did. He gave you the authority in His Name.

Moreover, we can emulate Him in our love-walk. Ephesians 5:2 says, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” His nature in you makes it possible to express love to those in your world, whether or not they deserve it. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION:
My divine nature causes me to live, love and talk like my heavenly Father; the beauty and compassion of Jesus is seen in and expressed through me, for as He is, so am I in this world.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 5:1 (NIV) – Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

1 John 4:17 (KJV) 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
Mark 6:1-29 & Leviticus 24

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 17:1-13 & Exodus 4

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

LIVE ABOVE THE WORLD.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND, 2023.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you (John 15:19).

God expects you to live above this world because you’re not of this world. No wonder the Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, cautioned in Colossians 2:20: “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances.”

Refuse to allow your actions, reactions, thoughts, words and responses to be influenced or conditioned by the elements and rudiments of this world. The world is subject to you.

Now that you’re born again, you live in two worlds: the physical world and the spiritual world. Be more conscious of the spiritual realm into which you’re born of God, and function therein. Live the life of heaven on earth, because you’re a citizen of heaven: “But our citizenship is in heaven…” (Philippians 3:20 ESV).

Your outlook on life, and your contemplations should be guided by the Word. That way, no matter what happens, you’ll always win. Recall the words of Jesus in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

You overcame the world in Him. Therefore, dominate this world with the principles of God’s Kingdom and with your faith: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

CONFESSION:
I’m born of God; therefore, I’ve overcome the world! I live in the victory and dominion of Christ over this world. I’m in rest, health, wealth, security and peace with prosperity. I influence my world with the principles of God’s glorious Kingdom. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 1:12-13
New English Translation
12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. 13 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves,

John 16:33
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

John 16:33
New English Translation
33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.”

Colossians 3:1-2
New English Translation
Exhortations to Seek the Things Above

3 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth,

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 5:21-43 & Leviticus 22-23

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 16:21-28 & Exodus 3

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

REAL WORSHIP- BEYOND FORM OR RITUAL.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST, 2023.

Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all (1 Chronicles 29:11).

Some people don’t understand what worship is and so they miss out on its blessings and benefits. Worship is the recognition and appreciation of the goodness, blessings, kindness and righteousness of God. It is the appreciation and recognition of His character, and therefore, the confession of His character. Hence, true praise is worship.

When, for instance, you give thanks to God and say “Lord, you’re good; you’re kind; you’ve blessed me; you’re righteous,” you’re defining, recognizing, appreciating and promoting the character of God. The Lord appreciates that because it shows who He is in your life; it separates or distinguishes Him from everyone and everything else.

When you thank Him for His goodness, provision, blessings, and all the wonderful things He’s done in your life, you’re saying “Oh Lord, I know it’s you who did all these things.” You’re attributing those beautiful works to Him, and the necessary result is that He’ll do more for you and reveal Himself to you in a greater way.

Worship always brings a greater revelation of God. This is why we worship only God, and not men, angels, or any other creation. How important worship is! It should be for you something beyond a form or ritual. It should be a time of true recognition, perception and a real encounter with who God is.

PRAYER:
Dear Father, I lift my hands in worship and offer to you sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving from my spirit. I adore you Lord, for you alone are God, the everlasting King of glory, the only wise and true God, gracious and kind, holy and righteous, ever loving and forgiving. Thank you for the blessing of the New Testament in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Revelation 21:22 (KJV) – And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Psalm 96:9-10 (KJV) – 9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

John 4:24 (KJV) – God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 5:1-20 & Leviticus 19-21

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 16:13-20 & Exodus 2

READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THE FIRSTBORN OF THE FATHER.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2023.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18).

Notice that the Bible didn’t call Jesus the firstborn from Mary; rather, He’s called “the firstborn from the dead.” It’s talking about spiritual death, because Jesus died spiritually. Our sins were laid on him (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:24) as He was the representative of all sinners. But upon fulfilling the righteous demands of justice, God raised him from the dead. Hallelujah!

When He was raised from the dead, God declared: “…Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” (Acts 13:33). That’s why He’s called the first begotten or firstborn of the Father. Before His death, He was called the only begotten of the Father.

Jesus being the firstborn of the Father means He’s the Head and we, the Church, are His Body. God raised Him from the dead together with His Body. We’re therefore
inextricably one with Him. He heads up the new creation who are begotten of the Father.

The Bible says “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). He’s the first among us, and as He is, so are we in this world! Hallelujah!

He is the glory of God; and like Him, we’re the glory of God. The Bible says He has brought many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10). He was the first to be born again; and like Him, we’ve been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23). Blessed be God!

PRAYER:
Dear Father, I thank you for the vicarious death of Jesus in my behalf, who was delivered for my offences, and was raised again for my justification. Now, I walk in the consciousness of my oneness with Him, walking in, and manifesting your righteousness; reigning and ruling with Christ from the heavenly realms, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV) – 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Hebrews 2:11 (KJV) – For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

John 20:17 (KJV) – Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 4:21-41 & Leviticus 16-18

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 16:1-12 & Exodus 1