Thoughts of Our Fathers (TOF)

Stand therefore…having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:14-15, The Amplified Bible

Preparation. When it comes to fighting spiritual battles, that's a word you'd do well to remember. Most believers don't pay much attention to it. They don't prepare themselves in advance. They fiddle around until the devil makes his move, then they jump up and try to fight him with the Word... and they usually lose.

I used to do the same thing until the Lord taught me differently. I used to wait until my meetings began to pray for their success. As Satan would come against them from one direction, I'd fight him there. Then he'd move around and attack them in another area, and I'd fight him there.

One day the Lord showed me that by waiting until the last minute to take my stand, I was giving Satan time to build up his forces against me. And consequently, I was losing many of my battles. Then the Lord said something to me I'll never forget. He said, If they had kicked Al Capone out of Chicago when he was just a small-time operator, he wouldn't have been so hard to handle; but they waited until he became a first-class criminal with his forces built up around him. Then it took an army to bring him down.

When I heard that, I made up my mind never to be caught unprepared again. I started praying about those meetings weeks in advance, getting the stage set spiritually before they ever began. Instead of letting Satan get his forces entrenched, I started throwing him out before he got a single foothold. When I did, I saw more victories than I ever had before.

Don't let the devil catch you off guard. Be prepared! Start praying and speaking the Word of faith now over your family, your business, your church. Get your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Then if Satan causes trouble, you'll be well-equipped to run him out of town.


Scripture Reading:

1 Samuel 17:12-51

Memorise: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2nd Timothy 3:1
Read: 2nd Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,


3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,


4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.


Bible in one year: Leviticus 4:1-5:13, Psalms 119:129-144

MESSAGE
Several passages of the Bible describe the prevailing atmosphere of the period now known as “perilous times”. The Bible reading for today, gives some important details about the events that will surround the arrival of this period. This period is going to be the final epoch of history, marked by the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Open Heavens Thursday 15 December 2016:- are perilous times here?
The Bible tends to tie the terms “last days” and “perilous times” together, pointing to the period between Jesus Christ’s first coming and the consummation of all things at His return. This period will also be marked by increased godlessness, false prophets, and doctrines of devils, persecution, wickedness, war, and apostasy. Are perilous times here?




The Bible says truth will be watered down and sound doctrine will be replaced with fables. In the church at Ephesus as recorded in Revelation 2:1-7, the Lord singled out a sect within its walls which believed and preached that holiness was no more truly possible. These were the Nicolaitans and the Lord said He hated them. Can the Lord hate those who claim to be His followers? This may be surprising, but the Lord hates every preacher and teacher of false doctrines. This is a warning for those in the teaching ministry systematically veering off the path of sound doctrine, teaching cunningly devised fables and philosophies of men. Be very conscious of what comes out of your mouth. Cross check facts and perceived revelations with the Holy Spirit so that you may not lead any astray. The Lord hates false preachers. Anyone who teaches you that you can continue to sin, since after all we are human beings and will still make it to Heaven, is heading for hell and wants to take you along. Watch out brethren, perilous times are here!


People will deny the power of God, meaning that there will be widespread practical atheists. You will hear some say things like; “God is not as wicked as to fry His children in fire for minor sins and so there is no hell fire”, some also say that salvation is by what you are able to do; by works. Idolatry is being openly practiced in some churches today because somebody spoke against Exodus 20:1-5, proposing that there is nothing wrong in making images of God, Jesus, Mary and the apostles and using them to connect to God. Open heavens today. Backslidden pastors, ministers or workers are teaching false doctrines of mercy that is contrary to Romans 6:1-2. All these are taking people to hell in their millions. In what ways are your actions contradicting your teachings and messages? Such contradictions turn you into a false preacher!

Jeremiah 50:34

Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is His name. He will thoroughly plead their case...

Ruth, a young, poor and childless widow in the Old Testament, lay at the feet of Boaz, her potential kinsman-redeemer. (Ruth 3:7) As a rich and close relative of her in-laws, Boaz had the power to redeem her from her plight.

Ruth was simply obeying Naomi, her mother-in-law, who had told her to go and lie down at Boaz’s feet. In the Jewish custom of those days, this was a posture which said, “Please redeem me for you are a close relative.” Notice Boaz’s response to Ruth: “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request…” (Ruth 3:11)

Beloved, Boaz is a picture of Jesus who is our kinsman-redeemer. He is our kinsman, having been born into this world as one like us. And He is our Redeemer because He redeemed us at a great price when He shed His blood for us on the cross.

As your Redeemer, not only is Jesus willing, but He also has the power to restore to you all that you have lost. That is why you can go to Him and say, “I blew it and now my family is suffering. My finances are dwindling fast. But I come to You, my kinsman-redeemer…” And you will find that He will redeem you because your Redeemer is strong. The Lord of hosts is His name. He will thoroughly plead your case, causing only blessings of wisdom, deliverance, restoration, provision and liberty to come out of your situation!

Just as Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet, the feet of Jesus is the place of redemption and blessings. Both Jairus the synagogue ruler (Mark 5:22) and the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:25–26) fell at Jesus’ feet. And there at His feet they received healing for their daughters.

When you take your place at Jesus’ feet, looking to Him for help, expect to receive His blessings. There is nothing to fear knowing that as Boaz did for Ruth, Jesus, your heavenly Boaz, will do for you all that you have requested!

What you didn't know about the First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement.

“As we dined, Mrs. King retold many of her amazing experiences from the bird’s eye perspective of her deepest reflections. The memories she shared were moments I had witnessed only through newsreels and history books. She guided me down a hallway decorated with gripping images reflecting a life on the edge of death, yet illuminated by passion and conviction.


She shared what it was like during her years with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including many moments of peril. As she recalled heart-wrenching experiences, she spoke with the compassion of a mother--somehow, everyone’s mother….”

-T.D. Jakes, Destiny Step Into Your Purpose

Mother, author, advocate for social change, visionary--Coretta Scott King remains one of the most influential women of the twentieth century.



She worked alongside her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to help pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Mrs. King devoted her life to spreading the messages of human rights, peaceful resistance and global equality. Her life’s work stands testament to the power found in living out one’s purpose with strength, dignity and a brave, open heart.

Here are four inspirational facts about Mrs. King’s life that will encourage your own path towards positive growth:
1. Her Education Paved The Way

Mrs. King attended Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama. Her mother drove the school bus every day and encouraged her daughter to excel in her studies. Coretta was deeply affected by the segregation she experienced and used the pain she endured to build the life she deserved. She pushed herself academically and was awarded a scholarship to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Coretta’s sister Edythe was the first African American to ever attend Antioch and paved the way for Coretta and generations to follow. It was at Antioch where she first joined the NAACP.
2. Music Played A Role

Mrs. King was inspired in high school by her music teacher to get involved in the performing arts. Her music teacher demonstrated the passion and dedication needed to follow one’s calling. Mrs. King recalls loving to sing Handel’s “Messiah” every Christmas; she developed a deep love of the study of music and wanted to be just like her teacher.

While at Antioch College, Coretta was denied the opportunity to student teach in the local public school. She appealed to the college for help to no avail. Coretta changed her life’s path and followed her passion for music; she was awarded a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. It was during her time in Boston that she met her future husband Martin Luther King, Jr.

Having a role model and mentor not only changed the course of Coretta’s life, but also the course of U.S. history.
3. Author And Multicultural Literature Pioneer

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards were first awarded in 1969 and continue to recognize the work of innovative writers and illustrators in the area of children’s literature. Mrs. King joined the task force set up by the American Library Association to honor and support multicultural writers and illustrators. Mrs. King believed in the transformative power of the written word and wrote the first part to her own memoir, My Life With Martin Luther King Jr., in 1969.
4. She Empowered Creativity With Her Freedom Concerts

Mrs. King pursued her singing career until she had her four children. When the demands of being a full time mother prevented her from professionally singing, she channeled her passion and gift into the creation of the Freedom Concerts. The Freedom Concerts gave voice to the struggle for equality and civil rights. Instead of ever giving up on her passion, even when her life circumstances changed, she transformed her talent into a vehicle of creativity, inspiring others towards social change.

Coretta Scott King passed in 2006 but her legacy endures.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers . . .
—1 Timothy 4:12

Lord Chesterton once said, “I believe in bedside repentance, but I do not want to depend upon it.” During a serious illness a person’s mind does not function normally. Getting right with God is something one should do in the bloom of health. However, as far as the Lord is concerned, “His ear is not heavy that He cannot hear, nor His arm shortened that He cannot save.” He loves us equally, in sickness or in health; while we are living, or while we are dying. In my experience, I have not known of too many people who found Christ on their deathbed. When we come to Christ in our youth, a life is saved. When we come in old age, a soul is salvaged and life eternal is assured; but the opportunity to live a life for Christ has been lost.

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

Can you really have a merry Christmas even when you have a thousand and one pressures bearing down on you? Yes, you can—and you don't have to leave the country to do it. No matter how intense or how trivial the problems are that you're facing right now, you can have the most wonderful, most carefree Christmas season you've ever had in your life; and you can start having it today.

As a believer, you're probably familiar with that scripture that says to be anxious for nothing. But, have you ever taken it seriously enough to put it into action? There's a good chance you haven't because you haven't understood just how dangerous those anxieties are. You probably haven't realized that they're a deadly part of the devil's strategy against you.

That's right. Worry is one of the chief weapons of his warfare. If he can get you to worry about them, he can use the financial pressures and family pressures and scheduling problems that are just a "normal" part of everyday life to weigh you down and drag you into more trouble than you think possible.

Medical science tells us that a high percentage of the people hospitalized in the U.S.A. are there with ailments caused by worry and tension. Yet, a great many believers worry without even thinking about it. They'll worry about being too short or too skinny. They'll stew over this and that and not even realize they've been sinning.

"Sinning, Brother Copeland?"

Yes! For the born-again, Spirit-filled believer who owns a Bible—worrying is a sin. So, even if the Christmas cards are late and 45 people are coming to your house for Christmas dinner, don't worry.

Instead, do what the Bible says to do. Pray, making your request known to God...and praise Him for the answer. Then you'll have peace.

Now, go ahead and have a truly merry Christmas, you carefree thing you!



Scripture Reading:

Matthew 6:24-34

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf ], He will teach you all things
—John 14:26

As the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit has a personality. He can be offended and grieved and He must be treated with great respect. Once you have the understanding that He lives inside those who believe, you should do everything you can to make him feel welcome. The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman. He will not push His way into your daily affairs. If given an invitation, He is quick to respond, but He must be invited.

The Holy Spirit is always available. The Amplified Bible calls Him the Standby. That is a wonderful description! Think of Him ready and waiting at all times in case you need anything at all. Every single day, no matter what you may face the Holy Spirit is standing by you. Invite him to get involved in everything you do.

You will catch it if you get around it.

Everything in our lives is interconnected.

Every animal on earth falls into unique ecosystems; their survival is dependent on an intricate web of connection.

Indeed, our own connections determine whether we will survive or thrive. The people and things we interact with inform the quality of our lives.

If we grant access to energy-draining relationships our energy runs dry. If we read books and listen to music full of the pangs of sorrow, soon enough we occupy the same sorrowful space.

This is why it is vital to court greatness and positivity!


Powerful words, songs, movies, and most importantly, people, touch us with their light.

Let’s look at the truth of our situation; are we surrounded by greatness and light?

Psychologists have found that what they term, emotional contagion, is a real phenomenon; we are profoundly influenced by other’s emotions and actions. They found that happiness and greatness thrive within groups of interconnected friends and family. In fact “happiness extends up to three degrees of separation.”

Surround yourself with real, optimistic people who find the joy in living, and you will as well. Greatness is in fact contagious.

Expect greatness from yourself, your work environment and your family interactions and watch the ripple effects of that energy.

Memorise: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Read: John 21:15-19 (KJV)

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.


16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.


17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.


18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.


19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.




Bible in one year: Leviticus 1-3, Psalms 119:113-128
MESSAGE




The Bible teaches Christians to love God. The Bible also teaches that such love should be expressed in worship and practical service. One of the most important lessons that the Bible teaches on love is that love is unconditional, and that the ultimate test of love is sacrifice. Therefore, any declaration of love that is devoid of sacrifice is questionable. The Bible is strongly in agreement with the fact that love is sacrificial. Open Heavens Wednesday 14 December 2016:- Proof of love


“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16



When you are genuinely in love, making sacrifices for the one you love will be a thing of pleasure and not a burden. Jacob was in love with Rachel and asked her father what he must do to marry her. Rachel’s father told him to serve for seven years and he willingly did so. Because of his love, seven years were like seven days to him. When he was deceived, he yet agreed to serve another seven years for his heartthrob (Genesis 29:18-28). No price is too much to pay for the one you love. If you truly love your wife, you will pay the price of faithfulness in the midst of pressure to be unfaithful to her in your workplace, or even in the ministry. Some husbands are yet to demonstrate their love for their wives by sacrificially giving to her. If your relationship with your wife is all about convenience – you do things for her only when it is convenient, then you owe your wife big time. Wives of such husbands should demand of their husbands the debt of sacrifice. Open heavens devotional 2016.


Sacrifice help to gauge your love for God. We can say God loves us exceedingly because He was prepared to part with His only begotten Son. If you say you love God, you will be ready, like Paul was, to spend and be spent for Him. Some questions I often ask people are; can you serve the Lord for 14 years without pay? Can you serve the Lord in the rural areas with no social amenities? Can you serve under an uneducated man of God when you are well educated? Can you leave certainty for uncertainty in the name of vision and revelation? What do you have to show for your love for God? Where is the sacrifice in your relationship with the Lord?

1 Corinthians 14:4

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…

Many Charismatics believe that when you speak in tongues, you edify or build up your spirit man. Well, that is only one-third true. The Bible does not say that the speaker edifies his spirit. No, it says that the speaker “edifies himself”. This means his entire self — spirit, soul and body. So he who speaks in tongues builds up not just his spirit, but his soul and body as well.

Beloved, if you are feeling emotionally drained or just physically tired from a hectic week, begin to pray in tongues and allow the Holy Spirit to edify you. God’s Spirit in you knows exactly what you need and will rest and recharge you — spirit, soul and body — as you yield to Him and pray in tongues. Sometimes, when I am tired after a long flight and still need to preach at a conference, I will pray in tongues to edify myself. I have found that when I do this, despite the jet lag, I will have the strength and clarity of mind to preach an anointed message and do whatever I need to do for the day.

One of our congregation members, a 74-year-old brother, decided to build up his body, specifically, his heart. He had discovered that two of his arteries were 70 per cent blocked and five smaller vessels were 80 per cent blocked. So during a church service, when I asked those who wanted to be healed of heart problems to stand up, he stood up, placed his hand over his heart and prayed in tongues.

He shared that at that moment, he believed that the Holy Spirit touched him and he became a different person. When he went for his medical check-up, his surgeon found that all the blockages in his arteries and blood vessels were gone! Even a scheduled heart-related operation was cancelled as there was no longer any necessity for it. Indeed, he was a different person. He literally had a change of heart, a new heart from God!

Beloved, you may not have a heart condition, but you can still pray in tongues for your area of need. Start building yourself up today — spirit, soul and body — and enjoy the healing, well-being, power and wisdom that only the Holy Spirit can bring!

Thought For The Day

Praying in tongues edifies you — spirit, soul and body.