The Word And Human Reasoning

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The instructions, leading and the word from God do not make sense to our natural thinking. Our mind is unprofitable because the things of the spirit are spiritually discerned. In this article,we'll be treating how God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.

       On different ocassions in the scriptures,we discovered how God used things that seemed meaningless,archaic,dumb to show forth signs and wonders.

       Starting with Naaman,the captain of the host of the King of Syria, who was a great,highly esteemed and a well respected Man- 2nd Kings 5:1 but Naaman  was a leper and this leprosy has been his problem for years. When he heard about the prophet in Israel through one of his servants, he went to meet him and the prophet instructed him to go and do that which he(Naaman) never expected; he was asked to Go and wash himself seven times in river Jordan.. Probably, in his childhood, he had washed in Jordan more than seven times and nothing happened while he was just cleaning himself and now when he's become a great man, with his status quo, washing in Jordan sounded strange, dumb to him that he almost left Israel but fortunately he did as the prophet instructed and he was healed.. To the natural man, washing in a river doesn't and can not  cleanse a leper but it did through the power of God..

 

Also looking into the case of Father Abraham, whom God told to leave his father's land into a land where he would show him. Basic analysis:

• He was told to leave the only family he's got... His parents and siblings.. This is hard tho
• He wasn't told where he was going, so when asked by his family of his destination.. What do you think he said?
• I believe some members of his family then made jest of him and probably took him for a fool because of his strange decision.. 

But yet he responded in Faith and was blessed in it.

       Lastly,the wedding at Cana was just mind blowing, wine got finished but Jesus when consulted, instead of giving them money to buy more or doing something appealing to the natural man's reasoning, He didn't but rather, He instructed them to fill the empty pots with water and serve the Chief guest!!! This instruction,to the natural reasoning doesn't sound sensible but those at the wedding having being warned by Mary responded in Faith and received their miracle.. 

These are just few of the many events where God used what was meaningless to the natural reasoning to wrought miracles and He's still doing this TODAY!

      I don't know if there's anything the Lord has been ministering to you through the Holy Spirit lately and you're doubting whether it's from God or not.. Doubt your doubt and respond in Faith and do that which He has instructed you to do and you'd be glad you did..

    I'll be ending this topic with a story of a mountain climber who was at the very top of a high mountain and slipped, the young helpless man who was hundreds of feet away from the ground, was only holding on to a small but weak branch of a tree.. He thought of what to do in this helpless situation, then decided to call on God.. Below is their conversation:

Mountain climber: God! Please help.. 

(He only heard the echo of his voice for minutes before he heard God talked) 

God: Son! I can see you down there and I understand your plight. Remove your hand from that little branch!!!

Mountain climber: Another God, please help!!! 

Funny right? But this is exactly how we live our lives, refusing to heed to instruction.. What God says to us doesn't make sense but rather it makes Faith.

Peace and Grace..

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Words For Acquiring A Prudent Life

1. The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but fools despise wisdom.
2. Follow not thy multitude to do evil, if they entice you, do not consent.
3. He who mocks the poor, shows contempt to their maker.
4. Do not love sleep or you will grow poor.
5. Having a zeal without knowledge is useless.
6. A man that remains calm in situations that's cause others to be angry is a man of understanding.
7. Better is a man who walks blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.
8. One who is slack(careless, handling things with levity) is a brother to one who destroys.
9. A gift opens way for the giver
10. A cheerful heart is a good medicine.
11. Avoid revenge, let the Lord avenge for you.
12. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and he's safe.
13. The glory and the beautiful side of a young man is his strength.
14. The plans of the diligent lead to profit as haste(eagerness) leads to poverty.
15. Wealth gained wrongfully tastes sweet to a man but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.  
16. He who pursues righteous finds love,prosperity and honour.
17. An upright man gives thought to his ways.
18. Many are the plans of a man's heart but the purpose of God alone shall stand.
19. He who loves pleasure will be poor,whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
20. A wise man saves, a foolish man devours all he has.

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Power Of Gratitude

   POWER OF GRATITUDE

     When some people get tired of saying "THANK YOU" & you ask them why, they'd respond by saying "Must It be every time? " .That's a poor personality response with poor programming and compatibility to greatness. DON'T GET TIRED OF SAYING "THANK YOU"

 Well, must it be every time you breathe? How often are you grateful for that? If you are not extraordinary grateful for the little things done for you, you will be a betrayal when bigger things are trusted to you because he that is faithful in gratitude with little things will be faithful in gratitude with bigger things.

It's not too late if you thank someone for a kind gesture, a benefit or anything thankworthy 2yrs ago or more. Your act of gratitude is the excellent principle for opening up opportunities for you in the future. Your single act of gratitude can bring you into a position of greatness and influence. 

HE WHO THINKS DEEPLY WILL GIVE THANKS DEEPLY.

Remember someone who has been of help to you, someone who showered you love when you misbehaved, someone whom God used to bless in that time of need, someone who walked with you in those tough days, someone who celebrated you beyond expectations, someone who stood by you encouraged When your faith was wavering,  someone who prayed with you when you needed a prayer of agreement,....think of that someone and thank them lavishly and see what happens to your spirit as you release gratitude lavishly from your heart. 

Selah: PAUSE & THINK ON THESE THINGS. 

Thank you for reading. 

God bless you.

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Rhapsody Of Realities

You’re His Voice To Your World

Monday, July 25th . 

Pastor Chris 

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20)._ 

Our opening scripture is the Lord’s instruction to everyone who has received Christ; you’re to take the message of salvation to your world. You’re to teach those in your world how to live and walk in righteousness; you’re to teach all nations. What does He mean by “teach all nations?” Though synonymously used, it’s important to note that there’s a difference between nations and countries; countries have borders, but nations don’t. 

“Nations” in our theme scripture doesn’t mean countries. It derives from the Greek word “Ethnos,” which refers to different groups of people, sharing a common interest. It’s our job to take the Gospel to every man’s world: to the different groups (ethnos) to which we belong. They may be in the world of politicians, doctors, artisans, musicians, academicians, lawyers, police or the armed forces; you’re God’s voice to your world. 

You’re a missionary, an oracle of God, commissioned to help the unconverted in your world receive salvation, and teach them the Word. You’re to show them the path of life, for you’re the light of the world. God has made you a man or woman of influence in your world; use your influence for Him. Make impact with the Gospel. Let more people in your world come to the knowledge of Christ through you. Be bold to preach and teach the Gospel, for you’re His voice to your world.

    

                    

*PRAYER* 

_Thanks be unto God, who has made me an able minister of the Gospel, to impact my world with the knowledge of Christ. I make full proof of my ministry, as a preacher and teacher of righteousness, proclaiming liberty to the oppressed, and bringing deliverance and the light of Christ to those in bondage, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._

*Further Study:*

*|| 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. ||*

*|| 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ||*

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 1:1-17, 

Psalms 32-34

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 2:11-22, 

Isaiah 45

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Prize Your Salvation Above All Else. 

Sunday, July 24th . 

Pastor Chris 

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). 

The most important thing in your life as a Christian is your salvation. There’s no worldly accomplishment that can compare to it. Everything else you do, all the glory in this world, without your salvation is nothing. Therefore, prize it above everything else. 

Our primary reason for preaching the Gospel—doing all we do to help others find their salvation—is our salvation. Sadly, there’re people who, after labouring and doing so much for the Gospel, lost their salvation because they went out of the way. They allowed some misguided people lure them away from the Word, and soon, they began to fight for things of this world and of the flesh. Your salvation is the most important thing; don’t trade it for anything. 

If a man loses his salvation, he loses everything, regardless of how many conferences he may have attended or how many people he may have led to Christ. Protect your salvation. Keep it, and don’t allow anyone or anything destroy it. Don’t lead yourself astray, and don’t give anyone that opportunity. There’re hawks, wolves in the church who won’t spare the flock, and will for personal gain, do just anything to lead you in their pernicious ways. 

Never forget that when you came to Christ, you came alone. God called you alone; just the same way the Bible tells us He called Abraham alone (Isaiah 51:2). That you have received Christ isn’t enough; that’s only the beginning. You must keep building yourself in Him, and growing in, and by His Word.

                    PRAYER 

Dear Father, I thank you for your Word by which I’m built and transformed from glory to glory. I yield myself to the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me always in your righteousness that I may live worthy of you, pleasing you in all things, fruitful and productive in every good work, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Hebrews 10:23-29 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 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. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? ||

|| Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. ||

|| 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 28:17-31, 

Psalms 30-31

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 2:1-10, 

Isaiah 44

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily

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Rhapsody Of Realities

SATURDAY, 23RD JULY.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN DIVINITY.
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus (Philemon 1:6).

Sometimes, you find Christians who, out of ignorance, always pray and hope that God will do something about their situation. Such people are still functioning in the human nature, instead of the divine nature. The Bible says, “ That the communication of thy faith may become effectual....” The word “effectual” is from the Greek, “energes,” which means “to become active or operative.” God wants your participation in the faith to become active or operative. He wants you functioning or doing your part in divinity. He doesn’t want you lukewarm or inactive like one that’s handicapped, expecting that whatever will be, will be. No, you’re a vital part of divinity. Glory to God!

This has been God’s idea all along. Look at the experience of Moses and the children of Israel by the Red Sea. As the chariots of Egypt approached them with deadly intentions, Moses thought to pray to God for help, but God’s response was rather stunning: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:” (Exodus 14:15). This wasn’t the time to start praying; the matter at hand was urgent. He then instructed, “...stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it...” (Exodus 14:16).

Observe that God didn’t say to Moses, “Pray to me and I will do something.” He said, “Divide the sea.” Moses then raised his rod over the waters, and when he did, God caused a strong wind to come through the waters and parted it both ways. That was an act of divine power, but Moses had something to do with it. He stretched forth his hand, and the Spirit of God moved. But until he did something, God did nothing.

2 Peter 1:4 lets us know that we’ve been made partakers of the divine nature; in other words, we’re associates of the God-kind. This implies that, as God’s children, we’ve been called to participate or to be involved in the divine experience. Make your participation in the divine nature active and effective through your words and acts of faith.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your grace that’s made me one with you and has qualified me to be a partaker of your divine nature. I declare that I’m walking in preordained paths and bearing fruits unto righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Philippians 2:13
Ephesians 3:20

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 28:1-16, Psalms 26-29
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Ephesians 1:15-23, Isaiah 43

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UNDERSTANDING GRACE

Over the years, as Christians, we've been on two different sides on what Grace is about; on one side— we see it as a license to sin, on the other side we've become Legalistic about it, we see it as something we can put in our back pocket while we focus more on what we are doing right, our relationship with God, our salvation and tend to take pride in these things. But is this how the gospel should lead us to live?

             Let's talk about Legalism first...
It's very wrong when we think we are more saved when we we do right; when our good deeds exceeds our bad works.. You can't be more saved!!!
Romans 3:20 gives us a clear view of what we're talking about, it says
        "By the deeds of the law there shall no man be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin"
No one will be declared righteous by God by the works of the law but rather the law came to shows us our own sin... No one is justified by the law but we are justified by Faith apart from the law. We can never live up to the standards and requirements of the law so we desperately need Christ(Grace).
Even when we do so many things right, like:
1. We go to Church every single Sunday
2. Never miss Bible study classes for once.
3. Give our tithes & offerings, even giving more than 10%.
4. Praying long prayers everyday.
5. Never curse, never drink, never smoke and never have sex.
6. Memorize all chapters of the book of Psalms.
    We can do all these things because they are all good deeds but when we start taking pride and start boasting in these things, then we fall into self-righteousness and self-righteousness is no-righteousness.
We still need Grace and we still need Christ.. Should we now continue to live the way we like all because we've gotten Grace?
No, never. Paul in Romans 6:1 said; "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound?" Going to the next verse "God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein"

"Let not sin rule or reign in your mortal bodies to make you obey its passion"— Romans 6:12.
It's true that when we sin grace would surely abound for .....but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound— Romans 5:20 but 1st John 3:6 made us known that whosoever perpetually commits sin has not seen Him neither known Him. To add to this, James 2:26 says "Faith without works is dead"
Are we then saved by Grace through faith or by our works?
Ephesians 2:8 "For by Grace you have been saved through faith...."
We are saved by Grace through faith but our actions are the proof of our faith.
It's wrong to say: "I do good things; therefore I'm saved but rather I'm saved; therefore I do good things". Grace is simply the expression of God's love towards us and it shouldn't be taken for granted.
In Luke 6:44, Jesus said "A tree is known by its fruit"..
Salvation is the seed that Christ has planted in us(Believers), the proof of it, is the fruit that we bear;our works..
Peace and Grace.
Words from Joe Solomon.

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Listen With Your Heart .

Monday, July 18th .
Pastor Chris

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Values in the earth-realm are different from values in the spirit-realm. The only way to understand values in the spirit-realm is through the study of the Scriptures. The Scriptures show you the things that are important to God. You can’t understand those values with human reasoning. Jesus said, “…forth at which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). This is what is buttressed in our opening verse: spiritual things are spiritually understood, and natural men stumble at them.

This is why it’s important that you train yourself to always hear and listen with your spirit. For example, in your church or local assembly, except you listen with your spirit, you could misunderstand what you hear, and may even be offended by what’s being said. Some Christians have felt offended at their Pastors or leaders, because they were listening with their flesh while spiritual truths were being communicated, howbeit, with human words. If what’s being said makes “sense” to them, they’ll accept it; otherwise, they’ll filter it off. Don’t be that way.

Don’t live according to the senses. God’s Word isn’t meant to appeal to your senses; it’s meant for your spirit. When you receive the ministry of the Word with your spirit, everything about it will make spiritual sense to you. Be excited always about the Word of God that comes to you. Take what you hear or are being taught in the Word as building blocks for more progress in your life. Never find yourself arguing with the Word; don’t struggle with it. Always receive the Word with your heart.
   
                    PRAYER

Dear Lord, I thank you for the impact of your Word in my life. I receive your Word in truth, with faith, meekness, love and gladness, observing to do what it says, that I may increase in wisdom and glory, to the praise of your majesty, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. ||

|| 2 Chronicles 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. ||

|| Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 25:13-26:1,
Psalms 11-16

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Galatians 5:13-19,
Isaiah 38

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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EQUATIONS OF FAITH- JON JORGENSEN

Faith is more than just believing; Faith is a trust based action.
Church ⛪ is not a building 🏢; Church is people.
Worship is more than just music 🎶; It's any action that involves praise.
Serving is less an obligation and more of an opportunity.
Tithing is less of money 💵 and more of the heart.
Humility is not thinking 💭 less of yourself but rather it's thinking about yourself less; considering others more.
Ministry is not just a Christian organization; Ministry is your job, family, wherever you are and whoever you are with.
Teaching is not Preaching.
Praying is more than asking.
Religion is not rules.
Love is greater than fear.
And God is 3 in 1.
I am not God.
You're not God.
Our wants are not always His will.
God's love is greater than our circumstances.
His light 💡 outshines darkness.
His hope is more than wishing.
His ways are greater than our ways.
His joy 😂 far exceeds mere happiness.
His seeds multiply ✖ when they are placed in good soil.
His promises are more than good intentions.
His peace ✌ destroys all anxiety.
HIS SON IS THE ANSWER.
PEACE AND GRACE!!!

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Get Spiritual Knowledge .

Saturday, July 16th .
Pastor Chris

MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children (Hosea 4:6).

The underlined portion of the verse above is very profound; God is talking; and He says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” In other words, the reason many are impoverished, punished and brought down, is their lack of knowledge. However, it’s important to note the kind of knowledge He’s referring to: it’s knowledge of spiritual things, the revelation knowledge of God.

Ignorance of God’s Word is a destroyer. Isaiah 5:13 says, “Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.” As a child of God, you must invest in, and go after God’s Word. Hosea 6:3 says, “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord….” You can only make progress, increase and spread abroad in prosperity, through the knowledge of God’s Word.

2 Peter 1:2 says, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” The only way grace and peace can be multiplied in your life is through the knowledge of God’s Word; so, you must give time and attention to the Word in your life. Some Christians have a swelling library of worldly videos, journals and magazines. They regularly feed their minds with such materials, but their spirits are deficient of God’s Word; no wonder they live in spiritual lameness and are defeated in life.

Feed your spirit with the Word. If you want to see the glory of God in your life, then you must enrich your spirit with the Word. The spiritual liberty and blessings of God you’ll enjoy in your life would be dependent on the knowledge of God that you have in your spirit. The less spiritual knowledge you have and apply, the less the blessings of the Spirit that’ll flow through you. You need the Word in you to give you the edge in life, and cause you to live above this world’s systems.

                    PRAYER

Dear Father, I set my heart and soul on your Word, to live therein! Your Word is my life and my sustenance; and as the deer pants for the waters, so my soul thirsts and yearns for your Word, which I cherish and delight in more than physical food. Your Word in me makes me triumphant, constantly propelling me in the higher life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ||

|| Proverbs 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. ||

|| Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 24:1-27,
Psalms 1-6

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Galatians 4:21-31,
Isaiah 36

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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