Christ Embassy Farmers Branch

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.

PASTOR CHRIS.

YOU’RE NOT SUBJECT TO YOUR THOUGHTS.

MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).

In the Christian life, you must learn to manage your thoughts. You must know what to do with the thoughts that come to your mind every day. Your victory or defeat often begins with the thoughts you choose to dwell on. That’s why the Spirit gives this instruction: “be careful for nothing.”

The word “careful” is translated from the Greek "merimnaō", which means to take thought. It’s the same word the Lord Jesus used in Matthew 6:25 when He said, “…Take no thought for your life….” It tells you something very important—you don’t have to accept every thought that comes to you.

Thoughts come constantly. Even now, your mind is active. There’s a barrage of thoughts coming from different directions. It could be about your work, your family, something you heard, something you saw, etc. But you don’t have to “take” them. The moment you “take” a thought, you centre your mind on it. You begin to dwell on it, and as you do, it starts shaping your emotions and influencing your actions.

The wrong thoughts are distractions. They’re designed to pull your attention away, to create concern, anxiety, or unrest. That’s why the Word shows you the kind of thoughts to accept: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Don’t entertain troubling thoughts. Don’t ruminate on them or convert them into prayer points. Remember, you’re not subject to your thoughts; you’re the one who decides what thoughts to allow. It’s the reason for the renewing of the mind: “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).

When your mind is stayed on, and renewed by the Word, it becomes sanctified to decipher and dwell only on the right thoughts. And when your thoughts are right, your words will be right, your life will be right, excellent and full of glory.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the discipline of the Spirit that works in me. I refuse to entertain wrong thoughts but rather align my mind with your Word. I respond to every situation with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, and I walk in peace and victory always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Matthew 6:25-26 (KJV)
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Philippians 4:8 (AMPC)
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 15:1-34.
Proverbs 5-7.

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Thessalonians 2:1-9.
Jeremiah 17.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.

PASTOR CHRIS.

STAY IN FAITH.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27TH.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3).

Have you ever been in a situation where, after you've done everything you know to do, things didn't seem to change? You've prayed, applied the Word, and followed every counsel given, yet the situation looked the same. Like the student who once wrote me a letter after sitting for the same examinations several times and failing again and again, asking, "Pastor Chris, what more can I do? I've tried everything."

But the Word already gives the answer: stay in faith! Refuse to give up. Faith always works. Refuse to stagger at the Word of God through unbelief, but against hope, believe in hope. No matter the adversity you face in your academics, your workplace, or through people who seem determined to hinder your progress; refuse to be flustered, discouraged, or bitter. Keep acting your faith.

You may encounter individuals who decide that no matter what you do, you won't succeed unless you compromise; stay on the Word. The Bible says if you're afflicted, pray (James 5:13), but that doesn't mean things may change instantly, and that doesn't also mean God hasn't heard you. But one thing is certain: He believes in you.

God knows He has trained you enough to face the situation and win. That's why you don't chicken out; you face it and win. You stand your ground. You hold fast to the Word. Even when it seems like everything is collapsing around you, refuse to panic. Refuse to quit.

Maybe you lost a job, or something didn't go the way you expected, don't be moved. The Bible says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). This is your life, and it will always be your experience as long as you're in faith. So, keep serving the Lord joyously and putting your faith to work.

CONFESSION

I'm a victor in Christ Jesus. I walk in dominion, power, and ever-increasing grace, glory, and peace. My mind is renewed by the Word; therefore, I only think victory, success, and abundance. The glory of Christ, His righteousness, might, and wisdom are expressed in and through me today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
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.

Romans 4:18-22 (KJV)
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Romans 8:35-37 (AMPC)
35 Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?
36 Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 11:2-34.
Psalms 142-145.

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Colossians 3:12-25.
Jeremiah 13.

Join us for Wednesday Service with the link below

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/rYX7fP3y-O4?is=3JaIo2NrSoKAnvXG

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Or Visit our website www.christembassyfarmersbranch.org

God bless you
PMJ

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.

PASTOR CHRIS.

FACE IT AND WIN.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26TH.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

In Christianity, you’re not called to run from challenges but to face them and win. Many have assumed that once they become Christians, life should be completely free of challenges. So when they face difficulties, they begin to wonder, “Why do I still have problems? Why do I feel pain? Why doesn’t everything change immediately when I pray?” But that thinking misses an important truth about the Christian life. It’s a journey.

If there are no challenges to your faith, then your faith can’t work. Faith is proven, exercised, and perfected in the face of opposition. Life isn’t defined by how smooth things are; you’re promoted through the tests you overcome. It brings to mind the words of the Master in Revelation 2:26: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”

You don’t advance without the tests of life. Even in ministry, great success doesn’t happen overnight. There are stages, experiences, and victories that position you for greater responsibility. Sometimes, God allows you to face certain situations, not for defeat, but for your victory. He knows you’ll win because He knows what He’s put inside you. When you win, you’re decorated for more. That’s the divine pattern.

So, don’t crumble under pressure; don’t give in to fear or frustration; stand firm. Declare like Paul, “But none of these things move me…” (Acts 20:24); You're more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Learn to look the adversary in the face and declare, “No matter what you do, I’m a victor in Christ Jesus. Greater is He that is in me than he that’s in the world.”

It makes no difference what you face; you have the comfort of God in your spirit and the consolation of the Holy Ghost. He reminds you continually to go on and win, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for you to triumph. No wonder He says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2).

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the victory you’ve given me in Christ Jesus. I stand strong in faith, declaring your Word with boldness. I refuse to be moved by circumstances, for greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. I walk in strength, dominion, and power today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 8:37 (KJV)
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)
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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1.
Psalms 139-141.

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Colossians 3:1-11.
Jeremiah 12.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.

PASTOR CHRIS.

THE DOMINION AND SUPREMACY OF CHRIST.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH.

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:20-21).

Our Lord Jesus Christ is not one among many authorities, governments or powers in this world; He’s far above them. He’s high above all other government, authority, power, dominion, and every title of sovereignty used in this age and in the age to come. That means there’s no system, no structure, no name, and no office anywhere that is outside the dominion and supremacy of Christ.

Remember, the Bible says He has a government (Isaiah 9:6) and His government is one with unlimited influence,power, dominion and authority: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...”

(Isaiah 9:7). His authority supersedes every earthly system. He is the Head and we are His body. And the Bible says His government is upon His shoulders, which means His body. That’s why when any system stands against the Gospel of Jesus Christ or seeks to hinder the Church, we keep them in check. We frustrate their efforts and overthrow their plans. We have the authority to do because we function in His Name. As He’s far above every ruler, authority, power and principality of darkness, so are we, because He raised us up together and made us sit together with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

His dominion and supremacy aren’t temporary but forever. Both now and in the world to come, His authority stands. The Bible shows the extent of His rule; everything is under Him. Ephesians 1:20-22 (MSG) says, “All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything....” Blessed be God!

Live with this consciousness. You’re functioning under the authority of the One who is above all—the Lord Jesus. Therefore, walk in dominion and supremacy of His glory and mighty power.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the dominion and supremacy of Jesus Christ over all governments, powers, dominions and principalities of darkness. I walk in the consciousness of His lordship and exercise dominion in every situation. I stand firm for the Gospel, bold and full of faith, knowing that I operate under the highest authority, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Colossians 2:10 (KJV)
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

‭‭Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Daniel 7:14 (KJV)
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 9.
Psalms 128-134.

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Colossians 2:8-15.
Jeremiah 9.

Join us for Sunday Service with the link below

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/3EnZSAOlSt8?is=hLPzglsTGX5sg7zs

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Or Visit our website www.christembassyfarmersbranch.org

God bless you
PMJ

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.

PASTOR CHRIS.

THE RAPTURE IS REAL AND IMMINENT.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21ST.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51).

Some say they don’t believe in the Rapture of the Church. But does their unbelief change anything? No! Truth isn’t established by opinion; it’s established by the Word. Whether one believes it or not, the Word of God is clear: the Rapture will happen, and very soon for that matter.

The Apostle Paul calls it a mystery: 1 Corinthians 15:52, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Not everyone will die, but all will be changed. The dead in Christ will be raised first, and those who are alive will be transformed.

Paul explains further in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The underlined expression, “caught up” is where the term “rapture” comes from.

You may not find the word “rapture” in the Bible but you find its meaning clearly revealed. We’ll be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Consider also the expression, “…them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). Those who have died in Christ are not lost; they will be part of this glorious event.

This is not a new idea or a false hope; it’s foundational to the Christian faith. Paul makes it clear that if the dead do not rise, then our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). But Christ is risen, and because He lives, this hope is certain. Don’t be moved by contrary opinions or swayed by those who deny the reality of the Rapture. The Lord Jesus isn’t only coming again; He’s coming soon.

Any time now, the trumpet will sound. The voice of the archangel will be heard. And we shall be caught up. This is our blessed hope. Have the Rapture in view; prepare yourself and rejoice in the certainty of its imminence.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the certainty of your Word. My heart rejoices at the truth of Christ’s imminent return. Therefore, I live with expectation, faith and readiness, knowing that I’ll be caught up to meet Him in the air. I remain steadfast, unshaken and full of joy, living for you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Titus 2:13 (KJV)
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Philippians 3:20-21 (KJV)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

1 Corinthians 15:17-20 (KJV)
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 6.
Psalms 119:1-112.

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Colossians 1:9-18.
Jeremiah 6.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.

PASTOR CHRIS.

AN IMPORTANT LESSON IN SOUL WINNING.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Sometimes, when you tell people to win souls, their minds go straight to someone they already know, perhaps a neighbour, flatmate or roommate, a friend, co-worker or relative. The same person they’ve been witnessing to for years but hasn’t responded. So, whenever soul winning is mentioned, that’s where their thoughts go.

While that may be okay, you need to understand something more about how soul winning works. Those closest to you often don’t need repeated persuasion. Your life already speaks to them. The Lord didn’t say keep talking until they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Rather, He said let your light so shine, referring to your Christian conduct and character, your walk in the Word. These already communicate Christ to them.

Therefore, don’t turn evangelism into endless arguments or repeated explanations with the same individuals. But more importantly, pray for them. Live the Word before them. Let your Christ-like life be the evidence. They’ll observe, reflect, and someday be ready to seek answers. At such a time, a simple explanation would be all they need.

But as long as they keep resisting and arguing with you, reach out to other people. Don’t allow familiarity to limit your reach. There are many who haven’t heard, many who are ready, many beyond your immediate circle, who will receive the Gospel when you speak. Reach out to those ones. Share the Gospel with those who are open and willing.

Sometimes, the adversary uses the same resistant individuals as a distraction, keeping you occupied while others who are ready remain unreached. Don’t fall into that trap. Be led by wisdom. Be intentional. Shine where you are, but go where the Spirit leads you.

CONFESSION

I’m guided by the wisdom of God to be effective in soul winning. My light shines everywhere, and those in my world see my Christ-life and glorify God. My life is a testimony of God’s truth, glory, and righteousness, and through me, many are brought into salvation today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Proverbs 11:30 (KJV)
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Mark 16:15 (KJV)
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 10:1-6 (KJV)
1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 5.
Psalms 117-118.

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Colossians 1:1-8.
Jeremiah 5

Join us for Wednesday Service with the link below

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/pyWgYi_Zc_o?is=nZwSqSwQEi7GZdym

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18FTJLxfiQ/

Or Visit our website www.christembassyfarmersbranch.org

God bless you
PMJ