Thoughts of Our Fathers (TOF)

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people 

(Luke 1:68).

It’s clear those to whom the verse above refers: the Jews; they were the ones that needed to be redeemed, because they were under the curse of the law. Galatians 3:13 says, _*“Christ hath redeemed US from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”*_ Some Christians quote this scripture, assuming it to be applicable to everyone, whereas it applies only to the Jews. Paul was speaking generically as a Jew.

The Gentiles weren’t redeemed from the curse of the Law; they were redeemed from the condemnation of the Law. The very presence of the Law was the condemnation of the Gentiles. When God chose the Jews to be His people, and gave them righteous laws to live by, that immediately condemned the Gentiles. That’s why in Ephesians 2:12, the Gentiles are described as _*“…aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”*_

However, in Christ Jesus, both the Jews and the Gentiles have been brought together to make one new man that’s neither a Jew nor a Gentile; that’s the new creation: _*“For he is our peace, who hath made both one*_ (the Jews and the Gentiles) _*and hath broken down the middle wall of partition…”*_ (Ephesians 2:14).

This new creation wasn’t redeemed from the curse of the Law, because he was never under the curse of the Law; he’s a brand new man that never existed before: _*“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).

Your life transcends this earthly realm; it’s the life of Christ. You don’t have a past to be “redeemed” or delivered from, for your old nature was crucified with Christ, and now, you’ve been raised to a newness of life. Walk in this consciousness.

CONFESSION

I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus, born with the life and nature of God! I’m a brand new man that never existed before, living the supernatural life naturally, and flying high on the wings of the Spirit. I’m prosperous, healthy, and strong, making impact with the Gospel, by the Holy Spirit. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:

*|| 2 Corinthians 5:17-21* Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 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. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. *||

Colossians 3:8-10 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ||

Romans 6:4* Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ||

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY

TUESDAY 29TH, AUGUST 2017

NO NEED TO CRY

PASTOR CHRIS

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).

The Christian is born an heir of God, and a joint heir with Christ. It’s important therefore to know and discover the things that belong to you in Christ; otherwise, you could live a sad and sorry life, instead of the transcendent life He’s given us.
Many wallow in pain and penury, crying every day to God for help, simply because they’re ignorant of His Word. They don’t know, and therefore can’t take advantage of their rights and blessings in Christ.

A dear Christian lady told a story. She had been chronically sick in the hospital, and given up to die. In her frustration, she said, “I cried every day to God, hoping He’d hear my cries and do something about my situation.” Then she got a hold of our teachings, and the messages stirred faith in her spirit. She learnt that Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life to the full; no need to cry and beg God for anything. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf has put an end to all of man’s suffering and pain.



Hitherto, she’d been crying and praying, hoping that God would hear her, but when she received the Word and acted on it, she arose, healed by God’s power.
There’s no need to cry anymore! If you choose, you can have a wonderful life. You can walk in the glory of God every day. This is the life of the Christian, provided by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Your role is to know the Word for yourself; the Bible says through knowledge shall the just be delivered into their inheritance (Proverbs 11:9).

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus, who died and was raised back to life for my justification, that I may live a glorified life. I walk in the light of my victory and righteousness in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith… (Ephesians 3:17).

God wants you to have the consciousness that Christ lives in you. This consciousness will cause you to live supernaturally every day. You’ll no longer have fears or confusion in your life; you’ll no longer think that you’re limited, because you know that Christ in you is everything: It means glory realized, victory assured, success attained, and prosperity guaranteed.

When you have the Christ consciousness, you’ll be a master over circumstances. You’ll have no sense of lack or need, because to have Christ is to have everything. The whole world is yours. The Apostle Paul, mindful of this, affirmed in 1 Corinthians 3:21, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.”

Paul’s consciousness of the indwelling Christ stood him out as an effective apostle of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 4:13, he said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” In Colossians 1:29, he said, “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” You can do anything, be anything, prosper and excel exceedingly in every good work; it’s about your consciousness of the indwelling Christ!

Have you come to know that Christ literally lives in you? He dwells in your heart by faith, which means you don’t have to “feel” that Christ is in you; it has nothing to do with your feelings, because you live beyond the senses. For example, 1 John 4:4 says, “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.” You ought, therefore, to have the consciousness that, come what may, you can never be defeated! You’re a victor and a champion, irrespective of the tests, trials or challenges that may come against you.

Nothing can overwhelm you or put you down, because Christ, the greater One, lives in you. Have this consciousness.

*PRAYER*

Christ is alive in me-in every fibre of my being, every bone of my body, and every cell of my blood. I’m living the supernatural life, naturally, because Christ is in me. I have no sense of lack or want, because the One who created all things, and in whom all things consist, is in me, and I reign in, with, and through Him, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

...but in all these things we are more than winners by the one who loved us (Romans 8:37).

In Christ, you have been established to prosper, succeed and triumph all the time. We are supremely and transcendentalement blessed in Christ. We win all the time, despite the circumstances and situations in which we are.

Some people believe that a triumphant and triumphant life is unrealistic; so they live with the idea that ” sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.” it is not for God’s child. God’s blessing for each of us, no matter the challenges, is that you are more than the winner. This reminds me of an old song in which the composer says: ” God never said there will be no rain; he never said there will be no sunshine, but he always promised us a heart full De singing. ” in other words, no matter what happens, you are victorious forever.

Read what the spirit says through the Apostle Paul about this; it is so uplifting. He says, ” who will separate us from Christ’s love? Would it be la, or anguish, or persecution, or

Hunger, or nudity, or peril, or sword? As it says: it is because of you that we are put to death all day, that they are looked at as sheep for slaughter. But in all these
Things, we are more than winners by the
Who a US ‘ (Romans 8:35-37). We are not in darkness.
We are not at the mercy of Satan or difficulties in today’s world. In the midst of darkness, chaos, des of life, your victory is an established fact. 1 John 4:4 says ” you, little children, you are from God, and you defeated them, because he who Is in you is bigger than the one in the world.” it’s a current reality.
You are not without defence; you are not in this fight alone. The Lord himself said, ” if you go through the waters, I will be with you; and the rivers, they will not drown you; if you walk in the fire, you will not burn yourself, and the flame will not burn you (Isaiah 43:2) blessed be God! Be confident and reassured of your victory and a glorious life every day, because Christ is in you (Colossiens 1:27). This is your assurance to win every day. Hallelujah!

(Through Your Giving, You Can Spread The Gospel)
TO THE BIBLE; 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP
“...And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].”

LET'S TALK

Salvation came to you because someone somewhere was passionate about spreading the Good News around the world. That strong desire most certainly compelled them to give substantially of their resources in terms of energy, time, and money. They were enthusiastic about reaching others with the message of salvation. And today, God is counting on you to run with the same vision. He wants you to take His divine presence to the nations of the earth.
To achieve this, your financial commitment is so crucial. Giving financially towards the propagation of the Gospel is proof that you're aligned with God's vision for mankind, especially in these end times. The Bible says you've been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). So God expects you to discover and take advantage of His abundant provisions for the spreading of the Gospel.
You must be determined to let your giving count in spreading the influence of the Kingdom! It doesn't matter how young you are. Start making a difference for God today. Have a plan for your giving, and do it wholeheartedly. It begins when you get some cash on the side; you can set aside a portion for the Gospel. It doesn't matter if you're starting with a small amount; just be consistent with your plan. It won't be long before the Lord begins to increase your ability to give more (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

GO DEEPER

|| Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”
|| Matthew 14:15-21 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

PRAY

Dear Lord, I thank you for making all grace abound towards me, so that I'm divinely enabled to give big towards Kingdom expansion! Thank you for multiplying my seeds sown. I'm a big time sponsor of the Gospel, and my capacity to give is increasing continually, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

HEAR AND DO!
(The Word Of God Is For Doing)
TO THE BIBLE; James 1:22 NASB
“...Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

LET’S TALK
As a young lad many years back, I remember being so moved by the many beautiful things I had read and heard about Jesus. Every day, I said, “Dear Lord Jesus, I can’t keep this to myself; I’ve got to tell the whole world!” This burden spurred me on to house-to-house and street evangelism. I preached in schools, hospitals, villages...everywhere, because I felt the whole world had to hear the good news of God’s love.

Some people travel halfway around the world to attend great Word conventions and seminars, and come back home and do nothing with what they hear. That doesn’t show wisdom. True wisdom isn’t in just hearing or knowing what’s right; it’s actually knowing what’s right and doing it. According to the scriptures, to know what’s right and not do it is sin (James 4:17).

Don’t be the one who pushes the Word aside, saying, “I’ve heard that before,” or “I’ve read that before.” Do something with what you read or heard. Do something with the Word you receive during church services, or in your times of personal study. The Bible talks about having the wisdom of the righteous (Luke 1:17), which is the wisdom that hears to do. So, consciously put to practice the glorious things you’ve learnt from God’s Word, and watch your life grow from one level of glory to another. Be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only.

GO DEEPER
|| James 1:22-25 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect

law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

||James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

PRAY
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me your Word and giving me the ability and inspiration to do what it says. I refuse to be a mere hearer, but a prompt doer of your Word. I put your Word to practice in my dealings and relationships today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

EMBRACE GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (True Righteousness Is From The Lord)

TO THE BIBLE; Romans 10:3-4 NIV
“Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

LET’S TALK

Righteousness isn’t something you achieve by the things you do or don’t do; it’s a gift you receive freely from God when you’re born again. He justifies you and declares you “not guilty” of all wrongs the moment you come into Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24). Paul talked about this righteousness in Philippians 3:9: “…That I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith” (AMP).
You see, this righteousness from the Lord comes by faith in Jesus Christ, and when you’re conscious of it you can cast out devils with ease. All you need to say is, “I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! Devil, get out of here, in Jesus’ Name!” However, if you’re ignorant of this truth, the devil can deceive you, and even go as far as threatening you, because you don’t know who you are. So what? Know who you are and what you have; you’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!
Your human perfections and righteousnesses are as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6); so just embrace His righteousness. Jesus paid fully for you to have it, and with it you rule and reign in this life (Romans 5:17).
GO DEEPER
|| Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.
|| Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
|| Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

PRAY
Dear Father, I’m confident in Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf, by which I’ve been made righteous. Now, I can stand boldly before you, in love and fellowship, without guilt, condemnation, or inferiority! By abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness that I’ve received, I rule and reign over the devil and circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

TAKE CHARGE
(Control The Circumstances Of Your Life)

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 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

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.

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will (Ephesians 1:11).

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth (Psalm 37:21).

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:2-3).

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:8).

Being justified (declared righteous) freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (Romans 3:24-25).

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63).

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