20 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: alcohol, cohesive voice, commandments, drugs, evil, gang violence, godless, good, gospel truth, judgement, knowledge, Old Testament, suicide, wisdom
Proverbs 1:7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Well Friends, it’s Friday… ‘Thank God for that yes!’ the uplifted hands and voices solemnly declare. ‘Thank God is Friday, so I can get a li’l break from this drudgery!’ Ah mih people, unfortunately most of us toil at jobs we don’t like, but that’s how it is in an imperfect, fallen world. We should sincerely give thanks for our blessings though, because the job at least keeps a roof over our heads and bread on the table. A large portion of our world has neither. In any case, if you’re a true believer, you just have to go out and do the job to the best of your ability with as little complaining as possible, plus a smile on your face and a song in your heart as Jesus desires us to do. (smile) I know it’s not always as easy as it sounds, but that’s the reality of Jesus’ plan. Now to get us some right perspective for the upcoming weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant with some godly verve and enthusiasm. In one loud, cohesive voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Hope that eases your anxious minds and gets you back on track, so that you can enjoy the weekend with your friends, family, fellow believers and Jesus. For as our Bit so wisely declares: ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the (principal) beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ Oh Friends, that statement is one we should never forget; one we should always keep within easy reach of our hearts and minds, so that when Beelzebub comes a calling, we can call it up to help us chase him away. Note, he’s very persistent, so we have to be even stronger and more steadfast in our faith to be able to resist him, and knowing how and where wisdom comes from will certainly assist us in giving the boot to the evil Lucifer. However, let’s continue looking at scriptures that corroborate our Bit. And the first one today comes from Proverbs: ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy (One) is understanding.’ (Prov.9:10) Some of the words are different to our Bit, but the content and intent are the same; only by knowing, reverencing and respecting Jehovah God, can one get true wisdom and understanding. Cousin Sol repeats it in Proverbs 15, but with another twist: ‘The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honour is humility.’ (Prov.15:33) That’s oh so right Friends! In God’s kingdom, before we can acquire wisdom we must be respectful, and before we can receive honour, we must come to Him with a humble heart, because foolish pride which we display when we try to be independent only makes Him angry. And we certainly don’t want the Lord’s wrath raining down on us. Then Micah, during the Lord’s contention with Israel, spells out the Lord’s requirements to them. He’s not interested in burnt offerings and sacrifices, just like Samuel told Saul (1 Sam.15:22) ‘He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to LOVE mercy (LOVING-kindness), and to walk humbly with thy God?’ (Mic.6:8) Yes my brethren, true wisdom is doing exactly what the Lord requires. And since neither He nor His Word changes, then that declaration also applies to us today. We can’t get away from it by saying that’s Old Testament stuff which doesn’t apply to us in this modern age. On the contrary Friends, everything in the Old Testament, possibly besides the sacrifice system and the Jewish devotions, still pertain today. Note how both Jesus and Bruh Paul use the Old Testament to prove and boost the New. So please don’t be fooled by anyone who says that the Old Testament is passé. Are the Ten Commandments passé? ABSOLUTELY NOT! That brings us to the next scripture where Moses warns the Israelites about obeying the Lord when they enter the Promised Land. ‘That thou mightest fear (stand in awe of) the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.’ (Deut.6:2) Ah mih people, that is one warning that we, like the Israelites, have totally ignored. We definitely have not taught the Lord’s Word to our children, otherwise they would not be as depraved and godless as they are. That is one big failing our generation will have to answer for. Could that be part of the reason why so many of our children are dying so young from things like suicide, drugs, alcoholism, immorality, gang violence, etc. etc? If they had been more versed in the scriptures would they have stood a better chance? Who knows? And we’ll end with an appropriate scripture from the Preacher: ‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl.12:13-14) And that’s the gospel truth Friends! So please take it to heart and put it into action TODAY, so that your wisdom can be known and your duty done! Much LOVE!…they only are wise and understanding…who follow the dictates of the ONE TRUE GOD…He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…
19 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: awe, boldness, confidence, fear the Lord, God's goodness, humilty, planet earth, respect, reverence, serve the Lord, understanding, wisdom
Proverbs 1:7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom.
Oh mih people, it’s a new day and we haven’t read our names in the obits, so that means we’re still alive and kicking! All praise and thanks be to God Almighty! Yes Friends, the Lord in His mercy saw it fit to gift us with another beautiful day on Planet Earth, filled with His goodness and blessings, so let’s enjoy it with a right heart and clean spirit as He desires nuh. By the way, I got my eaves trough fixed, now I’m praying for rain again to see how the new set up works. Hope when it does come I don’t have to pray for it to stop. (smile) Anyway, let’s get into our Bit without further ado. ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ Yesterday we heard from Dr. Samuel Shoemaker, re the only viable example to follow and bow down to is Jesus Christ – gospel truth – and from the scholars, who informed us that the fear of the Lord is the controlling principle in seeking wisdom – more gospel truth. Today we’ll get into some scriptures that corroborate our Bit. I’ve found so many, that I doubt we’ll get all in today. And to start, we’ll go all the way back to Moses’ exhortation to Israel. ‘ And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to LOVE him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good (benefit or welfare).’ (Deut.10:12-13) Please note Friends, that the first requirement is to fear the Lord. Yes my brethren, in any dealings with Jehovah God, the first and foremost provision is always to respect and revere Him. Admit His omnipotence and humble your spirit in His sight. Without that attitude all your prayers and pleadings will be in vain, for there’s nothing the Lord despises as foolish and arrogant pride. That doesn’t mean we’ve got to come to Him dragging in the dust, because through Jesus, ‘In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of (in) him.’ (Eph.3:12) And also because Jesus our high priest experienced temptations, but was without sin. ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb.4:16) So we can go confidently to the Lord, but not arrogantly. Then we need to serve and LOVE Him with every part of our being. And how do we do this? By acquiring, knowledge, wisdom and understanding, which all come from having a healthy respect and adoration for the Lord. Yuh see Friends, it’s an unbroken circle. You can’t LOVE the Lord and serve Him as you ought to, unless you’ve gained the wisdom and understanding it requires. But then you can’t get those last two requirements unless, or until, you develop a reverential awe and respect for Him. And that’s why so many of us are faltering today; we want to get the wisdom and understanding without acknowledging the Lord’s superiority. Unfortunately Friends, we can’t have the benefits without first paying our humble respects. And please note the end of Moses’ statement: ‘for thy good?’ That’s because all the things the Lord requires of us are not for His good, but for ours. And if we don’t do them, we are the ones who’ll suffer, not Him. And right now our world is a very good reflection of that, for all the societies, regardless of colour, creed or race are struggling mightily, suffering one calamity after the other. Why? It’s simply because we have turned away from God, turfed Him out, and trying to do our own thing, based on Lucifer’s evil principles. We have chosen to forget Jesus’ words: ‘for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5) Oh my people, please realize that Lucifer knows God’s power better than us because he was once the first angel, but foolishly tried to overthrow the Father. So he knows exactly what’s happening, and he’s looking for others to keep him company in his long and lonely journey in hellfire, that’s why he assaults us with all his wiles and lies. Look at how our world is sinking in the bloody mire because we’ve accepted his wicked schemes to gain earthly power and wealth. This brings us to a rather apt and poignant scripture from Job, when he talks of wisdom being a gift from God. ‘And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job 28:28) That’s the truth in spades my brethren! Wisdom comes from dealing faithfully with God, and that wisdom will teach us to refute evil, because we’ll only spoil the good thing we have going with the Father, if we engage in the evil deeds of Lucifer. And spoiling our good thing with our Creator can never be characterized as wisdom. That’s why those who choose to follow Lucifer are considered fools. So Friends, since we all want to be considered wise and understanding, we therefore have to overthrow Lucifer, relegate him to the dump heap, and bring back Jehovah God into our hearts, souls, minds, bodies and societies. It’s the only way our children’s children will ever live to see a glorious morn of peace and LOVE in our currently much troubled, wicked and calamitous world. Much LOVE!…the attributes of evil…eternal death and destruction…the attributes of wisdom…salvation and eternal life…so which will you choose…
18 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: blessings, Christ is the answer, devotion, faithful friends, forgiveness, LOVE, mercies, new day, new footing, praise, principles, religions of the world, robert h schuller, understanding, wisdom, worship
Proverbs 1:7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Well hello there all you fine, frolicking, fun-LOVING, faithful Friends in Christ Jesus! (smile) It’s a new day, and Christ is starting it off with new mercies, blessings, forgiveness etc. So let’s also start it off on a new footing nuh. Let’s wipe the slate clean of all and any worries, concerns, fears or anxieties that plagued us yesterday. And the best way to do that is by beginning our day with God. You’d be surprised how far a little praise and worship on your rising goes towards helping us have good, productive days. And I want to help us start today afresh with some truthful and encouraging words from Dr. Samuel Shoemaker, a prominent American churchman. I discovered them a few days ago in my Hour of Power Devotional by Robert H Schuller. What’s strange and interesting about the upcoming quote and the one I recently shared, ‘God Needs Us,’ is that I’ve been reading this devotional for several years now, but this is the first time I can ever remember seeing either of them. Hn! I guess the Lord just made me aware of them so I can share them. Anyway, here is the encouraging and uplifting exhortation of Dr. Shoemaker. ‘Religion can never be the answer to human problems. All of the religions of the world are inadequate. Christ alone is the answer. Christ alone understands. Christ alone forgives. Christ alone eliminates your guilt. Christ alone saves and then assures you that you are God’s child and the most wonderful person possible! Christ alone fills the human heart with LOVE – joy – peace – self-confidence. No wonder a genuine Christian really LOVES himself.’ And that’s all the gospel truth my people! Remember we ought to first LOVE our God, then our neighbours as ourselves. So it logically follows, that to fulfill the last part, we have to also LOVE ourselves, otherwise we’d not be in a position to LOVE our neighbours, and believing and trusting in Jesus gives us the ability to do it all. How wonderful is our Lord and Saviour eh! He is without comparison! And all God’s people let rise a joyful shout to heaven: ‘Oh bless you Lord Jesus! We LOVE You and praise Your Holy Name! Amen!’ Yes mih Friends, Jesus is our be all and end all! That brings us to our Bit, one of the most important verses in the entire Bible. ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ Wow! True Words of Wisdom my brethren! That’s where it all begins; everything in a believer’s life starts with a reverential fear of our omnipotent God. Now let’s hear some views on that from the scholars: ‘The fear of the Lord means submission to the Lord and His revelation. When one is afraid of something, he either runs from it or submits to it. The latter idea is in view here. It is a healthy fear, like the fear of electricity or the fear of one’s parents, which causes one to act in an appropriate manner. The beginning does not mean that the fear of the Lord is left behind in the course of acquiring wisdom, but that it is the controlling principle of wisdom.’ So Friends, it’s not like we’re scared of God and thus need to run away from Him. But on the contrary, we’re scared in the sense that He’s all powerful and can save us from anything that comes against us, including ourselves. So instead we run to Him to gain all the good stuff He has set aside for those who truly LOVE, trust, believe and surrender their hearts, souls, minds and bodies to His wise, all-knowing, merciful, forgiving and ever-LOVING will. What can be better than that eh Friends? Absolutely NOTHING! Therefore, in light of that wise and glorious statement, for us to show true wisdom, we ought to bring our weak and sinful human selves under God’s protective umbrella, which will enable us to live godly, prosperous lives, both here on earth and in heaven above. It’s true that we’re supposed to learn from our mistakes, but my people, shunning the Lord God Jehovah is one mistake we can’t afford to make, because He can call us home or return in glory anytime, and if we’re not right with Him, then crapaud smoke we pipe. We’ll end up lost in Hades forever with Lucifer; eternally separated from Jesus. And my brethren, let me tell you, that’s the worst fate that can ever befall a human being! So let’s get smart nuh and turn to Jesus, dedicate our lives to Him, so that he can imbue us with His knowledge, understanding and LOVE, that will enable us to truly LOVE our God, LIVE our FAITH and SPREAD His wonderful Word as we ought to! More on this tomorrow, if we don’t read our names in the obits. So get right with Jesus today, just in case you read your name in the obits tomorrow. It’s very possible. Much LOVE!…we can’t ever say it too often…to know, know know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…just to know He cares…makes it all worthwhile…to know, know, know Him…is to truly LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
17 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: blessings, calamity, confused world, empathy, faithful promises, frustration, good courage, kind God, old school, rock and a hard place., stay in faith, wait on the Lord, work it out, Yellow Pages
Hebrews 12:3. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) against himself, lest ye be wearied (discouraged) and faint in your minds (souls).
Ah Friends, in this crazy confused world, when it’s not one thing, it’s certainly another yes! And though I know and believe that my God is kind, LOVING, merciful and all those great things, some days I’m not too thrilled by the things He allows in my life. Here’s an instance. Yesterday a wicked wind storm blew all day in my area – was still blowing up to a short while ago – around 6.15 p.m. I’m coming home from the dentist, my mouth all numb and frozen, I can hardly feel my lip, just dying to get home and get to my bed. But lo and behold, what do I see when I pull into my driveway? I see half of the eaves trough on the right side of my house swinging in the windstorm, banging against the house. Hn! You can imagine my consternation! Obviously I cried out to the Lord: ‘Why Lord, why this now eh?’ You know there was no answer. (smile) And though I could see no real reason for this calamity, I did my best to stay in faith, wondering where I would find someone at that late hour to come and fix it. Well not even fix it, but simply cut off the piece that was hanging down and constantly being lengthened by the strong wind. I certainly couldn’t leave it like that because it would eventually get long enough to bang into the two windows on that side of the house, and I certainly didn’t want that further frustration. So in my great wisdom, I stuck it behind an outside light fixture and tied it there, then got out my trusty Yellow Pages. Yes I know that many of you are laughing at the thought of using Yellow Pages because you consider that so old school and passé, but since I’m an old school man, I’m still using it. I don’t believe in running to my computer for everything. I found the eaves trough section, and called a couple places. Obviously at that time of day all I got were recorded messages, so I said my piece, then sat down to wait, tentatively listening for any further damage. An hour later, one of them returned my call, claiming they couldn’t get anybody to go up on a ladder in that kind of windstorm. But as luck, or rather the Lord would have it, they found someone who came by later and cut it down. It took them less than ten minutes to do so. However the price for doing it was a bit steep, because they claimed it was an Emergency Service. Hn! And you don’t want to know what they quoted me to replace it. But I don’t have any choice, and hopefully it will be fixed before the next set of heavenly blessings come pouring down, for that will cause further problems. And I have to laugh here, because my whole perspective has changed from a few days ago where I was praying for rain, but now I’m praying for none. Ah Friends, the things our God causes or allows in our lives eh! But if I say I trust Him and surrender my life to Him, then all I can do is grin and bear whatever comes along and believe that whatever happens He’ll eventually work it out for good as He faithfully promises. (Rom.8:28) Now I wasn’t planning to write about this, but you know His Spirit eventually planted the idea and I’m obedient, if nothing else. (smile) Then to make matters worse, I came down to write about it and the first thing I saw was this note I have taped to my desk: ‘Our task is to take hold of God’s grace to endure our afflictions with patience, without growing weary. In time, He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. We must wait on the Lord and be of good courage.’ I guess He figured the point still needed driving home. And that wasn’t all. I finally got an answer to my question of why that calamity at such an inopportune time. I was supposed to count my blessings, be thankful for small mercies, it could have been worse, the whole roof could have blown off. Suppose I was living in the U.S. Midwest where all the terrible tornadoes are wreaking such havoc on innocent people. Now I do feel empathy for those unfortunate people and pray for them, but I guess the Lord figured I needed a reality check, so I wouldn’t feel untouchable, get too comfortable, too proud and big for my britches. Oh Friends, it’s a lesson we all have to learn as believers, and the Lord will teach us, in ways we don’t like, but have to accept because His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours. And remember He never puts us in a tight position without any help. I can attest to that right here and now, because I was a tad concerned about the money to fix it, but in His wisdom and generosity, the Lord’s already provided the money to fix it from a very surprising source. So how can I not LOVE and revere Him though He puts me through all sorts of trials eh mih people? It’s just another instance of where He shows His faithfulness in keeping all His promises to those who stand in faith and try their best to obey Him. Ah well, the Lord probably decided that He needed a testimony from me today, for as they say, actions speak louder than words, and telling others what the Bible says is all well and good, but they will appreciate it much more when they know and see how it’s working contemporarily in our own lives. And that’s my testimony for today Friends. It’s no big, miraculous tale, but one of simple every day life, which is where the Lord truly wants to work with us. So please let’s consider our day to day actions, though seemingly simple and trivial, to be very important to both our God and ourselves, for that’s how we live – from day to day. Hope this testimony has some impact on those of you who are going through similar circumstances, or even worse ones. It’s imperative that we consider all that happens to us as coming from the Lord, therefore we can release all our anxiety to Him, then stand strong in faith and watch Him work successfully in our lives. Now I have to go and find a suitable Bit, because this is one of those written from the heart. (smile) Ah Friends, I’m back, some ten minutes later. I found several that seemed suitable, but this is the one I felt in my spirit. ‘For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied (discouraged) and faint in your minds (souls).’ And that’s solid advice Friends. Whenever we get between a rock and a hard place, let’s consider Jesus’ trials and how He withstood them through steadfast faith in His Father, then let’s do likewise. Though it’s not going to be always easy, the Lord will ALWAYS HELP US if we sincerely ask for it! Much LOVE!…count your blessings…one by one…see what awesome things Jesus has done…then thank and praise Him…for every single one…
16 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: attitude, battle hymn, blessings, dangerous, difficult, enemy, excellence, grumbling, humble servants, lies, thanks, useful purpose, wiles
Psalm 107:1. O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Aye mih Friends, another lovely Monday morning has rolled around! And I hear all sorts of grumbling and grousing. In answer to which I say; No, I am not crazy, just realistic. (smile) So you have to get up and go to work? So what? We’re all alive and kicking, most of us have decent jobs in a somewhat free country, and most important of all, our magnificent God is constantly blessing us anew every day with mercy, LOVE, forgiveness, wisdom and understanding; just to name a few of His precious gifts. Now consider the alternative. Selah. And all God’s people declared a loud and glorious: ‘Thank you Lord for being so good to us, the undeserving children of men! We bless and praise your Holy Name!’ Now that’s more like it my people, that’s the response followers of Jesus ought to have! And to raise that attitude of excellence, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with even more enthusiasm and sincerity. All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And now that we’re on a roll, I’ll like to give thanks for the showers of heavenly water that finally fell in my area yesterday. I don’t know if it was really sufficient to quench the thirst of the parched earth, but we’re certainly thankful for even the smallest of mercies. And that’s exactly what our Bit encourages us to do: ‘O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy (LOVING-kindness) endureth for ever.’ Oh my people, that’s such an awesome truth, that when we truly believe it, it will revolutionize our lives for ever! And not believing it is also one reason why so many of us believers live less than peaceful, contented lives. Remember the most important part of Christianity is belief. Until we truly believe, then surrender our souls and our trust to God, nothing much will happen for us. The author of Psalm 106 corroborates our Bit in his opening verse: ‘Praise ye the Lord (Shout Hallelujah). O Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.’ (Ps.106:1) Now that Psalm deals with Israel sinning against God’s LOVE, while our Bit talks about God’s wonderful works to the children of men, but they both acknowledge God’s goodness and mercy towards us till eternity. Now which other faith can boast such a promise eh? NONE, my Friends, NONE! Although the children of Israel did not cling to Him like they ought, and though He punished them for their disobedience, He did not utterly consume them, and made a way for them to return to His fold because of His faithful promise to their forefather Abraham. ‘Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.’ (Gen.12:1-2) Yes my people, the Lord kept His covenant, even with all the negative actions of His chosen people. And yuh know what? He’s still doing it today; still blessing us, still protecting us, in spite of our disobedience. And that same avenue for conviction and repentance is still open to all who sincerely seek it. Which other god – well really supposed god, for there’s ONLY ONE TRUE GOD, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – is so generous, merciful and forgiving to His followers eh? Again my Friends, the answer is NONE! Now don’t think that we can live in constant disobedience and get away with it Scot free, for that’s not true. The Israelites were punished for turning against God and embracing Lucifer, and whether you want to believe it or not, we are now in the same boat, suffering all sorts of unusual stuff, for our wholesale embracing of the enemy. Now let’s end with some appropriate words of Bruh David from his psalm of thanksgiving when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. ‘O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory (triumph) in thy praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.’ (1 Chr.16:34-36) Yes my brethren, let’s promise ourselves to practice that praiseworthy attitude towards our great and merciful God nuh, for it’s on His side, not Lucifer’s, that our bread is buttered. Much LOVE!…every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…and cometh down from the Father of lights…with whom is no variableness (variation, change)…neither shadow of turning… (James 1:17)
15 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: ban the Bible, Christ is Lord, Christian, culture, flower fadeth, foe, good and evil, human-rights, intensifying, society, stand up for Jesus, war
Isaiah 40:8. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.
Oh Friends, the war between good and evil is intensifying! And unfortunately the enemy has recently won an intense skirmish. It seems that a Public School Board in Northern Ontario is planning to ban the Bible from the Public Schools in that jurisdiction. What a sad and crying shame! And it seems that this is being done on the strength of a complaint from one parent, which I find really hard to believe. But these days anything seems possible in our society. So because one parent doesn’t want their child or children to come into contact with the Good Book, the powers that be are choosing to remove them from the whole Public School system in that area. How anal and foolish that we’re bowing to all sorts of nonsense in what’s supposed to be a democratic Christian country. How does that parent think they even got the right to voice their displeasure in the first place? Because of the Christian humanity and democracy! In many other countries they wouldn’t even be able to open their mouths and complain, much less have their complaint actioned. Oh Friends, when are we going to learn that all these acts of simply acquiescing to those of other faiths, or no faith at all, is gradually tearing away the fabric of our Christian society, and openly inviting Lucifer to come in and do his evil deeds? It now means that because of one selfish, misguided parent, hundreds of other children won’t have the benefit of the Bible at school, and the Gideon’s, who have been distributing them freely, won’t have numerous places to spread the Word. The taxes of the parents of all the children now bereft of the Good Book pay for the school too, so shouldn’t they have some sort of say? And I thought this was supposed to be a democracy, where the voice of the majority carries? But our country is no longer a democracy, or the meaning of the word has changed to the voice of the minority carries, because that’s what’s happening so much today. Oh my people, it’s time we took a real and serious stand about the Christian things that our supposed Christian leaders are removing from our society because a few who can’t make it in their, impoverished, dictatorial countries come here and are clamouring for the systems they left behind. Do you think we can do that in any of those countries? Certainly not! We can’t even think about Christ, much less talk about Him! Friends, if we want western society to remain democratic and Christian, then we have to stop giving in and kowtowing to these minority views. If you can’t accept that the society was built on those principles, then leave. That’s not to say we can’t be somewhat accommodating, but certainly not by killing our culture and entrenching theirs. Ah mih breddren, yuh know that one thing we Christians are very good at is talking a big talk, but then there’s never any, or not sufficient action to back up our big talk. And it’s quickly coming to the point where if we’re not going to put up, then we should just shut up and let our supposed Christian but fearful, backboneless leaders and administrators give the country away, dismantle our rich heritage and culture. Now here’s a poem from the Hour of Power Devotional by Robert H Schuller. It’s titled; ‘God Needs Us!’ And isn’t that the gospel truth my brethren! God needs us now more than at any time in the Church’s history, possibly with the exception of its very beginning. And here’s why He so badly and desperately needs us: ‘Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today. He has no feet but our feet to lead us on the way. He has no tongues but our tongues to tell us how He died. He has no help but our help to bring us to His side.’ That means Friends that we’re God’s hands, feet, tongues and help in this evil world, and if we don’t seriously promulgate His Church, stand and fight determinedly against the enemy who’s trying to destroy His magnificent edifice, then we’re not His true followers. Fellow believers, if we want our children’s children to be still enjoying this culture of freedom and Christianity in their time, then we have to make our voices heard TODAY, RIGHT NOW, before any more of our Christian heritage is further eroded. And don’t for one moment fool yourself into thinking that it won’t happen if we keep quiet, for Beelzebub already has his evil plans drawn up and waiting for the perfect time and opportunity. You have already seen how they’ve taken prayer out of our schools and public places, while allowing other faiths to use the schools for their prayer time in the middle of the afternoon. So if we don’t get on our horses and ride, it’s only a matter of time before we become a minor part of our society. The decision is ours now. Please, pretty please, let’s make some wise ones nuh, and not be found wanting at the end of the day. I’m sure none of us want to a part of the generation that lost Christendom to the infidel. Got to go and find a suitable Bit now, since all of that came from the heart. (smile) And after much searching, I believe I’ve found the most appropriate one. For as Isaiah proclaims so assuredly: ‘The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.’ And that’s the living truth my people, so let’s never forget it and act accordingly! Much LOVE!…a word to the wise is sufficient…he who has ears to hear…let him hear….stand up, stand up for Jesus…the trumpet call obey…till every foe is vanquished…and Christ is Lord indeed…
14 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: authority, doctrines, doers of the Word, drought, heavenly blessings, human opinion, hunger, parched land, pearls before swine, responsibility, Sermon on the Mount, solid foundation, spiritual hunger, tradition
Matthew 7:24. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.
Ah Friends, the parched land in my area is desperately calling out for drink from the heavens! I believe the weather forecasters are forecasting rain sometime this weekend. Let’s hope they are right, unlike this past week when they forecasted it several times, but nary a drop of heavenly blessings fell from the few dark clouds that accumulated over the land. And sadly my brethren, a whole lot of people in our world are starved for nourishment, both physically and spiritually. The physically hungry are indeed plentiful, but I believe the spiritually malnourished are even more numerous. What does that say about our world eh? Not a very good recommendation is it? Sometimes we might not have the wherewithal to satisfy their bodily hunger for more than just a short period of time, but as true believers in Jesus, we ALWAYS have what it takes to fulfill their spiritual yearning. As they say, to give a person a fish when they’re hungry is all well and good, but what happens when their hunger reoccurs? However, if you teach them to fish, then they’ll have the ability to eventually feed themselves. The same goes for the Good News of Jesus my people! We can always throw out choice bits of scripture, to the spiritually hungry from our enormous storehouses; like scraps to the hungry, or pearls before swine, then beat our chests in personal pride because we believe we’ve done such a wonderful job. But Friends, how does that help them in times of true spiritual poverty eh? Not in any real sense, for they can’t find true spiritual satisfaction from a mere handful of scriptures thrown at them without any substantive reasoning. Fellow believers, we first have to teach the spiritually impoverished about Jesus; who He is, what He’s done, and how it affects us all, up to this very day and forever more. Unless they have a strong foundation to build on they will not last long in the Word. As we saw yesterday, that’s part of the reason Luke claims he wrote his gospel and Acts; so that Theophilus could have good groundings, a solid foundation on the stuff that he’d heard. So it’s our responsibility to first teach others about Jesus, then encourage them to also put those teachings into practice. Our Bit emphasizes this: ‘Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, (the Sermon on the Mount) and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a (the) rock.’ Jesus reminds us that the lives of anyone simply hearing His Word, won’t be changed. Not until they begin doing them, living them in their day to day lives will any serious change occur. Then, as always, using simple contrasts, Jesus unequivocally states: ‘And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, (the Sermon on the Mount) and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.’ (Matt.7:25-27) And unfortunately my people, so it is with everything that does not have a solid foundation on which to sit. It will be easily destroyed. Thus our duty to teach the spiritually hungry properly; with the full teaching of Jesus, not a few choice morsels that only enhance our images in ourselves, and does nothing for the poor listeners. Note what happened after Jesus spoke those words: ‘And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine (teaching): For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.’ (Matt.7:28-29) Yes Friends, Jesus taught with authority because it was based on His own life, He was His own authority, while the scribes depended on tradition for theirs. We should also teach with authority Friends; the authority of Jesus. If we truly believe, then there should be conviction and confidence in our teaching to others. Here’s an interesting aside from the scholars: ‘The elements of the closing illustration are drawn from the simplicity of nature itself, the rock, the rain, and the winds. The man whose house collapsed was at fault, not because he failed to labour, but because he did not lay the proper foundation. The shifting sand represents human opinion and the doctrines of men as opposed to ‘these sayings’ (v.28)’ And that is the gospel truth my brethren! All you have to do is look around our society, our world, and see the things places, people and traditions that are crumbling, both literally and figuratively, because they have been built on weak foundations. Even our church is falling apart in some places and some respects, because the body, its members are not doing what Jesus said. Instead we’re more concerned with furious infighting over petty things that are consequently driving us apart. Oh Friends, that’s no way to keep Christ’s church going, and ultimately building it until it’s spread over the whole wide world, as He desires. Therefore, from today, from RIGHT NOW, let’s seriously promise ourselves to put aside all the petty grievances that are driving us apart, and not only be hearers of Jesus’ Word, but even more importantly doers, and also teach those to whom we minister, the great importance of that principle. It’s the only way Christ’s church will be stabilized and have a chance of lasting till eternity. Much LOVE!…the only true and strong foundations in this world…the Good Book…and Jesus…
13 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: belief, certainty, comprehensive, enthusiasm, eyewitnesses, fellowship, Friday 13, gospel, relaxation, rest, sanctification, spiritual zest, understanding
Luke 1:4. That thou mighest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Ah mih old Friends, it’s Friday… And there’s an instantaneous shout: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes!’ Ah have to laugh, because after all the church going and heavy partying of last weekend, the work week must have been a tad on the rough side, and therefore everybody’s just dying for Friday to come. But it’s also Friday the 13th, Black Friday, you say. So what? We’ve just finished celebrating Good Friday and Easter Sunday, no evil spirit can touch or even come close to us now, cause we’re basking in the glory of a resurrected Christ, our Lord and Saviour! Just the joy and passion in our hearts and souls will send any evil spirit running away in fear! Remember though Friends that the weekend is not all fun and games, it’s also a time for some serious reflection on our lives. And to get us rounded out, let’s chant our Friday Chant like we mean it. I know the physical enthusiasm level is a bit low, but the spiritual zest is high, and combined with the spiritual strength of Jesus, we can surely roust the angels in heaven (smile) All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Well that ought to raise the level of whatever was low and give us the right perspective for the weekend. So let’s turn to our Bit: ‘That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.’ Oh my people, that comes from the introduction of Luke’s gospel, where he sets out his reasons and otherwise for writing it. ‘Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration (narrative) of those things which are most surely believed among us. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of (accurately followed) all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order (an orderly account), most excellent Theophilus.’ (Luke 1:1-3) Luke was a medical man; ‘the beloved physician,’ as Bruh Paul calls him in Col.4:14. He was not an eyewitness to Christ’s ministry, but associated with some who were, and also had access to written accounts of it and figured there was need to produce a comprehensive account of the whole thing. The scholars explain it best: ‘Luke states his purpose and method. He wants to supplement Theophilus’s knowledge of the grounds of Christian certainty. He also wants to give his own summation of the gospel events which, already in Luke’s time, are being committed to writing by various authors. As to method, Luke combines his knowledge of other writings with the eyewitness testimony of people he knows. He also lays claim to a comprehensive understanding, not only of historical data, but also of its theological significance. Theophilus means ‘Friend of God.’ By the way Luke addresses him he appears to have been a man of high standing.’ Yes Friends, though nobody knows who Theophilus was, luckily for us Luke had the desire to give him a sure foundation, strong groundings in the Word of Christ, which he must have heard of in his daily walk. Luke also mentions Theophilus in Acts 1:1, so he must have thought him worthy enough to pen two books; Luke and Acts, to show Theo that all the talk about Jesus was really real, and also to boost his faith, if he was a believer. Luke must certainly have been close to some of the old disciples and Bruh Paul, if the latter could call him ‘beloved.’ He must have also witnessed some of the stuff he writes in Acts. My purpose to day Friends, is the same as that of Luke to Theo; to tell us of the certainty of the things we’ve heard and been taught about Christ, and to encourage us to read, understand and use the gospels in our daily lives, so that we can back up and verify the teachings and our personal knowledge. That is the only way in which we can truly become knowledgeable about the life and times of Christ, the Saviour who we claim to follow. Thus when asked about our faith, why we believe, we can have a good and sure answer. And we’ll close with some meaningful words from one of the eyewitness to Jesus’ story, the beloved disciple, John. ‘And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through (in) his name.’ (John 20:30-31) And here’s an appropriate note from the scholars: ‘John tells us here he wrote the gospel for purposes of conversion, that ye might believe, and of sanctification, that ye might have life.’ Oh Friends, therefore let’s be wise nuh; let’s read the gospels and believe, so that we might be sanctified and enjoy all the other benefits of being a follower of Christ! Much LOVE!…to believe…to have faith…to hope for that we see not…to truly live for Jesus…is the most worthwhile earthly life we can ever live…
12 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: blessing, compassion, dark clouds in the sky, deficit, deliverance, desert, food banks, governments, greedy, homeless, meditation, mercy, oasis, parched, promises, rain, resentful, taxes, thirsty
Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
Ah Friends, like spring has finally sprung; all the trees are now budding, and the winds are blowing strong and cold. But one essential element is still missing; rain. Rain had been forecasted for the last couple days, but the only indication of that life giving substance has been a few dark clouds in the sky, eerily reminiscent of Elijah praying for rain. (1 Kin.18:44) (smile) Who knows why the rain isn’t falling, be it our interference with the weather system, or God’s judgement? But we do need the heavenly blessing to fall soon because the earth is dry and thirsty, parched from the lack of moisture. If there’s not enough rain the crops will suffer and the harvest won’t be plentiful. That’s the same way it is with us Friends; if there’s no spiritual rain, no God-sent moisture in our lives, our souls will become parched and dry up. If the Word of God doesn’t dwell richly in us, then our spirit dries up and looks more like a desert than the oasis it should resemble. And when our spirits lack the Word, then we become lustful, flesh followers, turning to the worldly activities and things associated with Lucifer. We become even more selfish, greedy, resentful and self-centred than we already are, and stop doing the things of Christ, like helping those in need, having mercy and compassion on the sick and hurting, ignoring the poor, homeless and hungry. And that’s certainly not the role Jesus called us to play on this earth! At times like those, reading, contemplating and inwardly digesting our Bit helps us to return to the path that Jesus identified for His followers. ‘Blessed is he that considereth the poor (helpless, powerless): the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.’ Oh my people, that verse alone should galvanize us to help the suffering and hurting, because it’s a promise of God, and we know that He keeps all His promises. But even without that promise of compensation, our hearts ought to go out to those that are needy. Please remember where many of us came from. We weren’t all born to the prosperity we have today, and many of us were needy and suffering and helped by others to raise our level of living. So please don’t forget your roots like so many of us tend to do. And the unfortunate fact is that so many people are suffering today, in a time of supposed peace and plenty. So many are homeless; so many are forced to turn to food banks, a war time measure that’s been resurrected in these perilous times, and this in some of the world’s richest countries. Even the food banks are now running out of food because of their steadily increasing clientele. Why is that eh? Basically because of the inequality of the distribution of wealth. And it’s only going to get worse before it gets better, with the governments crying about deficits, laying off staff and cutting back expenditure in areas that only affect the lower classes and those already bearing the brunt of serious affliction. Man’s inhumanity to man has certainly not disappeared. In fact it seems to be getting worse, for if the rich and powerful have their way, we’d all go back to feudal times. There are calls, even from some rich, for the wealthy to pay more taxes. It’s a crying shame when a billionaire’s secretary pays more taxes than he does! But hey, which government has the parts to raise taxes on the rich eh? It ‘d be like biting the hand that feeds you, for they are all supported by the lobbyists of the rich and greedy who unleash them on the government to seek their best interests. But take heart mih people, this Easter Season of 2012 is a turning point in our fortunes. The passion and zeal which Christ’s death and resurrection have renewed and/or ignited in us, will definitely carry us forth, from strength, to strength, and finally to victory! Remember the Lord’s promised that the wicked will get their comeuppance eventually – death, damnation and eternal separation. Like wise, the righteous will be rewarded, but with salvation and eternal life. So as Bruh Paul encouraged the Galatians with the following words, so let us be also encouraged by them: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:9-10) Yes my brethren, although our resources may not be plentiful, we all have some that we can sacrifice and share with the less fortunate. Remember when you reach out to help someone else, particularly in a sacrificial manner, that’s the Spirit of Jesus working in you, for sacrifice is the backbone of His ministry and helping others is the whole purpose behind our faith. And as Bruh David continues after our Bit: ‘The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing (his sick-bed): thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness (restore him in his sick-bed).’ (Ps.41:2-3) Now that’s the living truth Friends! Jesus came to save the lost and helpless, and as His followers, that’s also our earthly purpose. So in these dire times, let’s not be overwhelmed by the world and all its selfish nonsense, but rather, let the true Spirit of Christ shine forth in us, by helping the less fortunate, for in due time we will be richly rewarded. ‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ (Col.3:23-24) Now that’s the gospel truth! Let us therefore go out and do it nuh! Much LOVE!…our world’s in a state of extreme ‘sufferation’…which will only be reduced by the sincere, Christ-like efforts…of sincere Christ-like believers…
11 Apr 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: affliction, backsliding, faithful, fervour, humble, humility, new beginnings, passion, personal relationship, rededication, resolutions, servant, testimonies, worldwide happenings, zeal
Psalm 116:16. O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
Oh Friends, wasn’t it just the other day we celebrated New Years, the Western world version? So how come it’s already the middle of April eh? This year of 2012 is certainly moving along at breakneck speed, and with lots of mostly bad worldwide happenings too. Remember our resolutions at the start of the year? Rededicating ourselves to Christ; finding a new passion, a new zeal, a new longing for Him? So how are we doing on that now eh? Please check on it to see if we’re on target or backsliding. Has that flame been rekindled in our hearts and lives, are we walking along Christ’s path with a new flare, a new passion? I certainly hope so, because a quarter of the year’s already gone, which means we have to seriously buckle down and improve our LOVE-Walk, for that’s what truly living for Christ entails. That brings us to our Bit: ‘O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.’ Oh my people, can we sincerely make those claims? I can definitely make one: ‘the son of thine handmaid.’ Yes, I am the son of a mother who faithfully worshipped the Lord, as are many of you readers. But unfortunately that’s not of much help unless some of that faithful worship of our parents got transferred into our own lives. Christ does acknowledge faithful family members, but His main goal is working in each individual, despite their family background. Relationship with God is a very personal thing, so until we can say individually, with much surety, like the psalmist, ‘O Lord, truly I am thy servant,’ the faithfulness of our parents doesn’t mean all that much. It will cause the Lord to look down on us with some favour, but it certainly won’t allow us to pass go and freely enter the halls of heaven. (smile) Friends, our destiny with heaven depends on our individual beliefs and subsequent behaviour. The author of Psalm 119 pleaded thus with the Lord: ‘Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy (LOVING- kindness), and teach me thy statutes. I am thy servant; give me understanding; that I may know thy testimonies.’ (Ps.119:124-125) Yes fellow believers, until we humble ourselves, come down to a servant-like status, like Jesus did, we can’t effectively learn or disseminate God’s laws, for being a part of the Lord’s army entails much humility, much humbleness of mind, body and soul. Without it we can never be good ministers of His Word, good ambassadors of His lifestyle. That’s why Bruh David in Psalm 143, entreated the Lord: ‘Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken (revive) me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off (put an end to) mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.’ (Ps.143:10-12) Ah Friends, living for the Lord God Jehovah is not easy, but if we’re serious, and truly turn to Him in trust, hope, faith and surrender, He will guide us through every situation and bring us out stronger and more faithful. In Romans 8:28, He’s promised that all things will work together for good to those who LOVE and serve Him, and also that we’re more than conquerors (Rom.8:37) And I can personally testify to both those promises, for if I wasn’t working under His protective banner, I would be out wandering aimlessly, like the Israelites, in some wilderness now. But because of my trying to be a God-faithful servant, I am living a life of prosperity. Now that doesn’t mean that my life is problem free, not by a long shot! In fact when you walk with God, you probably encounter more problems, as He tests you, raises the level of your faith and makes you more like Jesus. But throughout all the difficulties you’ll definitely have peace of mind and a deep trust that whatever happens, it will all work out for your good in the end, because the Lord has faithfully promised it. Unfortunately, you don’t learn or appreciate these things until you actually go through the fire and experience them. That’s why faith is such a big thing in our belief system. Now here’s an appropriate ending, which encompasses all we’ve spoken about. It’s from Psalm 86; Teach me thy way, O Lord. Bruh David is solemnly declaring: ‘But thou, O Lord, art a God of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Show me a token (sign) for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast helped me, and comforted me.’ (Ps.86:15-17) Without a doubt Friends, when we turn to the Lord in all sincerity, He will help and comfort us. Never forget that! Much LOVE!…to serve the Lord…in honesty and truth…is thy servant’s greatest desire…
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