21 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: America first, Anselm, arena of strife, aspires to inspire, before me, being forth food out of the earth, Bless His Holy Name, bombast, bread, bridges to rebuild, Donald Trump, dwell in the house of the Lord, eaxlt, enemies, failed, for the service of man, god is still in control, God's will shall prevail, goodness and mercy, gospel truth, he watereth the hills, herb, hoopla, I shall not want, illuminate your path, in the presence of mine enemies, joy, judgement, justice, lack, make his face shine, maketh glad the heart of man, Most High, my cup runneth over, my horn, National Cathedral, no giving up, obnoxious, oil, perish, positive difference, practical wisdom, Praise the Lord, prayer, President of the U.S.A., promises, protests, reflection, rejoice and be glad, remain calm, reward, righteousness., rude, show of power, strenghteneth man's heart, strength, stress, surround yourself, terror, the earth is satisfied, the fruit of thy works, the grass to grow, the Holy One of Israel, the horn of a unicorn, the Lord God Jehovah, The Lord is my shepherd, the Lord's goodness and mercy, the straight and narrow path, thou anointest my head with oil, thou preparest a table, tried, try again, wild ox, wine, wisdom, Women's March, workers of iniquity
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Well friends, all the hoopla is now over; Donald Trump is now the President of the U.S.A!
Thankfully he wasn’t his usual rude and obnoxious self, but his bombast was still front and centre, and when he declared that America would come first, it touched off protests all around the world.
The divisiveness was very apparent in America too, although there didn’t seem to be as many rival clashes of protesters and supporters as expected. However, the Women’s March on Washington today, could tell a very different story.
And the irony of it all is that while the March is happening, Trump will be at the National Cathedral, a few miles down the road, at “a service of prayer and reflection.”
Let’s hope he prays fervently and sincerely and reflects wisely, because he has so many bridges to rebuild with people he has needlessly turned into enemies, that it won’t be easy for him to make a positive difference.
However, we still need to pray for him and the U.S, so that the world will not descend further into an arena of strife and terror. Remember too, that our mighty God is still in control, and that His will will prevail.
Now on a lighter note, here are some quotes from our friend Anselm, this past week. You know he aspires to inspire us to greater heights. The first one says: ‘True joy comes from doing what we’re suppose to be doing, and knowing that the reward will come in its own time.’ There’s no disputing that my people.
Then he tells us to ‘Surround yourself with people who illuminate your path.’ And that is the gospel truth! You need people around you who are godly and wise, and can help you walk the straight and narrow path.
Now hear this bit of immediate practical wisdom. ‘Today, I will not allow myself to stress over things I cannot control. I declare, “I will remain calm.” And is that ever important in this stress filled world.
And finally: ‘Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.’ Yes my people, in Jesus’ vocabulary, and therefore ours, there’s no giving up! We just have to keep on trying, regardless of how many times we seem to fail.
And we can do that only because of our Bit: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).’ Yes friends, only because of the Lord’s goodness and mercy can we keep getting up when we fall down. And smile nuh mih people, today is the last day for this Bit…at least I think so. (smile)
So let’s get right to the second to last verse of our wonderful and encouraging Psalm 23. ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.’ (Ps.23:5)
What a show of power filled with beautiful promises! Only our Lord God Jehovah can do that sort of thing! Now here these words from the psalmist from Psalm 104 – re God’s preservation of nature.
‘He watereth the hills from his (upper) chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb (vegetation) for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth.
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.’ (Ps.104.13-15)
And if that doesn’t touch your heart, then listen to these words from Psalm 92 – Praises for the Lord’s goodness. ‘But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn (strength) shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn (wild ox):
I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.’ (Ps.92:8-12)
Oh the wonderful promises of our great God! If we’d only take them seriously, our lives would be so much better. And more words from the Psalms, this time Psalm 89 – God’s sure promises to David: a contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite.
‘Justice and judgement (righteousness and justice) are the habitation (foundation) of thy throne: mercy (LOVING-kindness) and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn (strength) shall be exalted. For the Lord is our defense: and the Holy One of Israel is our king.’ (Ps.89:14-18)
Ah my fellow believers, after hearing all of those wonderful promises, there is only one way we can end. And that’s with the last verse of Psalm 23, which encompasses it all.
‘Surely goodness and mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ (Ps.23:6)
And all of God’s people declared a loud and proud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord! For He is indeed worthy to be magnified and exalted! Bless His Holy Name! For there is none other like Him!’ Much LOVE my brethren!
…godly wisdom dictates…that man should rejoice and be glad in the Lord God Jehovah…his Creator and Provider…
20 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Abednego, Absalom, burned, confidence in God, divisive, Donald Trump, Egypt, faith, fell, Friday chant, friends, fun, furnace, generous help, get down time, glorious kingdom, god is still in control, gospel truth, grace, honesty, I shall not want, I will be confident, I will fear no evil, inaguration, Jesus Christ, lack, LOVE, Meshach, messenger, mine enemies, my heart shall not fear, my oyster, Nebuchadnezzar, parted the Red Sea, party time, passest through the waters, perspective, pray for the U.S.A., productive, promises, pushing the envelope, ransom, reassuring scripture, rebellious son, redeemed, relaxation, rest, scorched, seven times hotter, shadrach, sincerity, smelling of smoke, strong, stumbled, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, The Lord is my shepherd, the Lord sustained me, the river Jordan, the secret to life, the trap of sin, the valley of the shadow of death, the weekend, tho art mine, tho art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, trust, truth, unified, walkest through the fire, war rise against me
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Well friends, it’s Friday…and what a big Friday too! One that will eventually decide what our world will look like in the future. We’re talking about the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America!
Wow! As the man says, only in America! I don’t know if there has ever been a more divisive leader in the free world! But as a friend keeps telling me: ‘Don’t worry, Trump might be riding high now, but GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!’
And that’s the gospel truth my people, our Creator is still in control, and always will be, and His plans are the ones that will eventually prevail.
But it’s also necessary that we pray fervently for the U.S. of A, because unfortunately, as they go, so does a majority of our world. That means we need for them to be strong and productive and unified, else our lives will also be affected in some negative way or another.
But yuh know what? Some people don’t care about all the hoopla surrounding Trump’s inauguration, they are still basically concerned about having the weekend off and being able to do whatever then want, when ever they want.
That’s because they know that come next week, they will still have to go back out and labour under the same strenuous and unfair circumstances.
So they are still singing: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes, and the whole weekend is my oyster! It’s party time! It’s get down time! It’s whatever I want, when ever time! So thank you Lord for Fridays and the weekend!’
But as always, that’s simply pushing the envelope too far. Our Friday Chant brings a much better perspective to the situation. So let’s declare it with sincerity and strong faith nuh. ‘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!’
Yes my fellow believers, that’s a much better way to characterize our weekend, so let’s move on now to our Bit. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).’
And tough t’s (smile) to those who don’t like our continued use of that awesome line of scripture! Don’t blame me, I’m just the messenger, doing what I’ve been led to do. It’s the Lord’s will, and as we said earlier on, it will ALWAYS prevail!
Now let’s look at verse 4 of that amazing Psalm, 23, which we all know and continually quote. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ (Ps.23:4)
Mama Mia! What a most reassuring scripture! And in Psalm 3 – A prayer of confidence in God – when running from his rebellious son, Absalom, Bruh David again declares his immense faith and trust in the God of his forefathers.
‘I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.’ (Ps.3:5-6)
Oh my brothers and sisters in Christ, can we make such a declaration in all honesty and truth? I do hope so, for we need that stage of maturity to help us handle this evil world without fear.
Listen to Bruh David again from Psalm 27. ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up (devour) my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.’ (Ps. 17:1-3)
Oh friends, those are the kind of words we need to confidently declare in these cruel and tumultuous times, if we hope to win this world for Christ.
And we’ll end with this momentous promise of our omnipotent God from Isaiah, as he talks about ‘The Lord, the only redeemer.’
‘But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon (scorch) thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee (in thy place).’ (Is.43:1-3)
All I can say to that amazing set of promises is that the Lord fulfilled them all in some form and fashion! He created us, then when we fell into the trap of sin, He redeemed us through Jesus Christ. He parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River for the Israelites to walk over on dry land.
Then remember the three Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to the golden image that the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar made, and were thrust into the furnace, heated to a temperature seven times hotter than normal.
And what happened? They cane out alive, not even smelling of smoke! Wow! And the Lord God of Israel will do the same for all those who sincerely believe and trust in Him! Please ponder seriously on all that today my brethren, for therein lies the secret to life. Much LOVE!
…if God doesn’t save…then who does eh…
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but I did a lot of successful running around yesterday, obviously buoyed by the Lord’s help, and my penchant for late nights have simply not abated as yet. (smile) Much LOVE!
19 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, a compassionate heart, a positive outlook, a strong will, abundance, an open sepulchre, appreciative, be in the world, bless, blessings, brothers and sisters in christ, choose Jesus, confirmation, courage, creativity, curse, destruction, divine protection, faith, faithfulness, family, for His name's sake, friends, Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, glory hallelujah, God is LOVE, greetings, guidance, he restoreth my soul, I choose Christ, I commit my spirit, I shall not want, into thine hand, Jesus Christ, lack, leftovers, LOVE, mercies, my fortress, my rock, my strength, negative word, not of the world, of life and living, paths of righteousness, praise his holy name, prayer for protection, promotion, prosper, Psalm 23, self-discipline, something new everyday, spiritual aid, succeed, talent, thankful, the blue sky is the truth, The Lord is my shepherd, these clouds are lies, Thursday Blessings, tomb, ungodly world, wickedness, wisdom, Woodbine Willie
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ! Welcome to a brand new day of life and living in this wonderful world of Almighty God! Praise His Holy Name!
It’s also another day filled with new mercies and blessings, produced specially for today…Glory Hallelujah!
That’s the wonderful kind of God we serve! He doesn’t give us yesterday’s leftovers, but makes it brand new every day. Consequently we ought to be rather appreciative and thankful for those wonderful things we get that we don’t deserve under the Lord’s mercy programme.
And you know what? We have to choose to believe that, otherwise it’s useless. Listen to this quote from Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy (1883-1929), the Anglican priest and poet who was nicknamed ‘Woodbine Willie’ during the great war, for handing out Woodbine cigarettes along with spiritual aid to injured and dying soldiers.
He reputedly declared: ‘These clouds are lies. They cannot last. The blue sky is the truth, for God is LOVE. Such is my faith, and such my reasons for it, and I find them strong enough. And you? You want to argue? Well I can’t. It’s a choice and I choose the Christ.’
Oh friends, oh friends, I do hope that our faith is strong, strong enough to enable us to unequivocally choose Jesus, for that’s the only thing that makes sense in this ungodly world of today!
And to help us reach that stage of overwhelming faith, we’re going to continue looking at scriptures that offer confirmation and corroboration of the wonders of Psalm 23, as personified by our Bit. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).’
Oh I know that some of you are tired with the same Bit and topic day after day, and like the world goes, you want something new everyday. But that’s a foolish way to live friends, because most of the time we have not even understood what we did the previous day.
You can only truly know something if you study it over and over. And remember, we’re supposed to be in the world, not of it, so we don’t have to follow all that it does.
Anyway, let’s turn to verse 3: ‘He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.’ (Ps.23:3)
Ah my fellow believers, how wonderful is that eh! And Bruh David certainly knew about the Lord’s guidance, as he declares from Psalm 5 – A prayer for protection. ‘But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness (uprightness) in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness (destruction); their throat is an open sepulchre (tomb); they flatter with their tongue.’ (Ps.5:7-9)
Oh friends, that hasn’t changed since Bruh David’s day, in fact it has probably gotten worse, which means we need to be guided along paths of righteousness by the Lord even more than before.
Now hear Bruh David again, this time from Psalm 31. He confidently proclaims: ‘In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust (take refuge); let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock (rock of refuge), for a house of defense (fortress) to save me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily (secretly) for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.’ (Ps.31:1-5)
And how I do hope that we all have committed our spirits into the hand of the omnipotent God, Creator and Controller of this universe for it’s the only way we’ll ever be peaceful and contented down here on earth, and see His wonderful face in heaven for eternity.
And having said all of that, let’s add to our joy and comfort by declaring our Thursday Blessings over ourselves, for a blessing is not a blessing until its declared over someone.
With much enthusiasm and faith now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Now let’s go out my fellow believers and bless all those we come into contact with, as Jesus desires of us. Much LOVE!
…oh where would we be…without the Lord’s merciful leading and guidance eh…
P.S. Please don’t expect the Bit this early everyday. (smile) I just made a special effort today because I have a cardiology clinic appointment early this morning, and am not sure what time I’ll be back. Much LOVE!
18 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a record of the past, abundantly, awesome God, bind up, bring them out, broken, cloudy and dark day, contemplate the future, deliver them, destroy, destroy the fat, driven away, Ezekiel, feed them, flees, flock, focusing on the future, get cynical, glorious future with Jesus, glory hallelujah, good shepherd, halfway home, hands on the plough, have life, hired man, hireling, History, I am the door of the sheep, I shall not want, inhabited places, Jesus Christ, judgement, justice, kill, lie down in green pastures, living truth, Lord and Saviour, lost, lost souls, Most High God Jehovah, negative happenings, New Testament, not looking back at the past, Old Testament, planet earth, promises, Psalm 23, reneges, robbers, scattered, scatters the sheep, search my sheep, shepherd, sincere thanks and praise, steal, still waters, strengthen sick, the breath of life, the door of the sheep, the Good Book, The Lord is my shepherd, the sheep, the wolf, thieves, understand the present, vacuum, Wednesday Wail
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Well well my brethren, it seems like it’s going to be another mild but wet and gloomy day in my neighbourhood. But once it’s not the white stuff that’s coming down I am happy. (smile)
As always, I do hope that we gave our most awesome God sincere thanks and praise for causing us to see another great day on His wonderful planet earth.
And please don’t laugh sarcastically or get cynical, because every day we’re alive is indeed a great day, and planet earth is indeed a wonderful place! Any negative happenings are our fault, not the Lord’s.
So what’s happening today, you ask? Well we’re going to continue looking at some wonderful scriptures that corroborate the words of Bruh David in Psalm 23.
First of all let’s check out a wonderful passage from Ezekiel which encompasses the first two verses: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack). He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (pastures of tender green grass): he leadeth me beside the still waters (waters of rest). (Ps.23:1-2)
In his prophecy against the sinful shepherds of Israel, Ezekiel declares on the Lord’s behalf: ‘For thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all the places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers (streams), and in all the inhabited places of the country.
I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat (rich) pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.
I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgement (justice).’ (Ezek.34:11-16)
Oh friends, what beautiful promises from our Most High God Jehovah! I’m sure some of us never even knew that such a scripture existed.
But there are thousands of sincere promises just like that throughout the Good Book, and if we’d take the time to read and seek them out, our lives would so much more encouraged and assured, since our faithful God NEVER reneges on any of His promises.
And if you say, oh that’s in the Old Testament, so what? That’s why so many of us are lost and suffering; because we don’t know what came before us. As the saying goes: how can you know where you’re going, when you don’t know where you’re coming from?
And that’s the living truth! Our history is not taught or preached anymore; consequently so many lost souls exist in a vacuum today.
And if you still denigrate that scripture because it comes from the Old Testament, then listen to this one from the New Testament which fulfills that promise.
‘Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
But he that is a hireling (hired man) and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ (John 10:7-14)
There you have it friends, the overwhelming promise of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Let’s hope we believe it, and live our lives accordingly. And that’s enough scripture for us to ponder on today, (smile) so let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail with a strong sense of purpose nuh.
As one now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Much LOVE, my faithful brethren!
…history is a record of the past…that helps us to understand the present…and wisely contemplate the future…
17 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a favourite, a host, a splendid manner, abound, abundant provision, aceptable, aroma, beloved of God, carnality, carry them in his bosom, corroborative scriptures, dependent, encouraging, faith, feed his flock, figures of speech, fragrant scent, friend of Jesus, gather the lambs, generosity, gently lead, gifts, gloriously, glory hallelujah, God's goodness, God's peopel, good to be alive, guest, hell, his reward, his wage, I am full, I shall not want, independent, iniquity, largesse, LOVE, mortal souls, my neck of the woods, needs, New Testament, Old Testament, Paradise, penchant, promises, Protector, provider, received, riches in glory, rightfully deserves, sacrifice, self-sufficient, share His love, shepherd, strong hand, sweet smell, Thank You Lord, thanks and praise, the 23rd Psalm, the believer, The Lord is my shepherd, the Lord's Word, the Philippians, the role of God, those that are with young, to know Him, Tuesday Mantra, understanding, vindication eternal celebration, well-pleasing
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Aye friends, it’s a rainy Tuesday morning in my neck of the woods, but it sure is good to be alive! Praise the Lord! I sure hope that all of us who have enjoyed His awesome largesse this morning have given Him the thanks and praise He so rightfully deserves.
Every day we open our sleepy eyes, to another day, we ought to shout ‘Thank You Lord! Thank You for allowing me to see another beautiful day down here in paradise!’ For contrary to what a lot of us think, earth is indeed the Lord’s paradise, we have just made it seem like hell with all our iniquity and the carnality injected by the enemy.
I was actually up a few hours earlier, but still felt sleepy, so I decided to get some more z’s, got to get them when I can (smile) since my sleep recently has not been the greatest, what with all the different medications I’m taking.
But I feel fairly fresh now, so let’s get into our Bit without further ado. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).’
Yeah mih people, we’re still with that most promising of verses, because there is still a lot to say about the 23rd Psalm. Bruh David must have been truly inspired when he wrote it, there’s just no other answer to why it’s so beautiful and so encouraging!
Anyway, what I want to do today is first share some thoughts from the scholars on it, then some choice scriptures which corroborate its verses.
So listen first to the scholars: ‘Psalm 23. The psalm had been a favourite of God’s people through the ages and with due reason: it expresses as simply and clearly as any the role of God as our protector and provider in life.
The charm of the psalm rests on two figures of speech: the Lord is compared to a shepherd and the believer to His sheep (vs.1-4); then the Lord is likened to a host with the believer as the guest (vs.5-6). The image of the Lord as shepherd is a frequent one in both the Old Testament (Is.40:11; Jer.31:10) and the New (John 10:11-16; Heb.13:20).
Believers are never pictured in Scripture as mighty lions, independent and self-sufficient; rather, they are sheep who are dependent on their Shepherd for His provision and protection.
The believer is more than a dependent sheep, however, he is also like an honoured guest, since the Lord prepares a table for him (v.5). Connected with this honoured position is abundant provision, vindication before one’s enemies, and eternal celebration of God’s goodness.’
And all God’s people declared a loud and proud ‘Glory Hallelujah! Glory to our great God on High! Praise His Holy Name, for He is indeed worthy to be praised!’
Yes friends, our awesome God deserves even more praise and thanks than our mortal souls can give! He’s done so much for us, creating, protecting and providing for us all down through the ages, despite our foolish penchant for turning away from Him.
Now let’s look at some corroborative scriptures. Bruh David says: ‘The Lord is my shepherd…’
And Isaiah, when he talks about comfort through trust in the Lord, declares in full agreement: ‘Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand (in strength), and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work (wage) before him.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is.40:10-11)
How beautiful, promising and reassuring is that eh my fellow believers! One can’t ask for more. Then Bruh David says: ‘I shall not want (lack).’
And Bruh Paul shouts back at the Philippians: ‘But I have (received) all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell (aroma), a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever Amen.’ (Phil.4:18-20)
Ah mih people, what a wonderful God we serve and worship! The Philippians had sent some gifts to Paul, and as the scholars tell us: ‘4:18. I have all means that Paul has received their gifts. And abound signifies that he has plenty, since all needs are now met through their generosity. God looks on their gift to Paul as an odour of a sweet smell (a fragrant scent) and a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing.’
‘4:19. Because the Lord is aware of the sacrifice (vs.18) the Philippians made in meeting Paul’s needs, God will surely supply all their need. God will meet their “need” (1) according to his riches, that is, in proportion to His unlimited resources; (2) in glory, that is, He will meet their need “gloriously” or “in a splendid manner”; and (3) by Christ Jesus.’
Oh friends, I do hope that as we ponder all we’ve said today, it will bring a greater understanding of the Lord’s word and His many promises, and increase our faith and LOVE for Him.
Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra in full voice and strong belief. ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’
And that’s the gospel truth my people, so let’s go out and put it all into action nuh! For that’s what Jesus desires of us. Much LOVE!
…to know…know…know Him…is to LOVE…LOVE…LOVE Him…
16 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Aaron, almighty god, anointest my head with oil, assurance, aura of love, battle, big-wigs, comfort, confidence, daily bread, divisive actions, Donald Trump, enthusiasm, eternal life, evil, faith, fighting tooth and nail, friends, fun, goodness, holy spirit, humble servants, I shall not want, in the presence of mine enemies, injustice, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, kingly cheques, labour in love, lack, lies, loving kindness, Martin Luther King Jr., mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Old Testament, peace, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, rest, shepherd, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, The Lord is my shepherd, the Lord's prayer, the name of Jesus, trust, U.S. holiday, ungodly world, we will not fear, weary souls, wisdom, wonder of wonders
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Ah friends, it’s another Monday, but not another working Monday for many of our friends in the U.S. of A, as they are celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
It’s nice to have a holiday named after him, but what difference it’s going to make is another subject, especially with the seemingly divisive actions being pursued by the incoming President-elect, Donald Trump. But we won’t get into that, because by the weekend we’ll have a much better grasp on the situation when he’s inaugurated.
Meanwhile, plenty of us have to go out and labour so that the big-wigs can cash their kingly cheques, so let’s get ourselves together and sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn that helps us to labour in LOVE and peace.
As one 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!’
That was good friends and Jesus was pleased. But obviously the U.S. family was singing the loudest and heartiest as they relaxed in the comfort of their homes. (smile) Let us not envy them their day of relaxation though, as we have to carry the load today, working righteously for Jesus.
And we are certainly encouraged in that endeavour by our Bit, one of the most popular verses in all Scripture: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).’
Yes my people, those are some of the most encouraging words one can ever read. Simply because they mean that our wonderful God is continually acting like a shepherd in our lives; guarding us from harm and providing us with whatever we need.
As the Lord’s Prayer says: ‘Give us this day, our daily bread.’ And that’s exactly what our heavenly Father does, each and every day of our earthly lives.
Now let’s continue looking at the remaining verses of that awesome psalm. Yesterday we stopped at the promise that even when we’re in the dire depths of death and evil, we will not be afraid, because our God, again shepherd-like, will be right there with us, fighting tooth and nail on our behalf.
And if you think all of that was too good to be true, listen to these remarkable words of Bruh David as he continues his story. ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.’ (Ps.23:5)
Wow! How bold and daring and confident is our God, to prepare a table of good things for us in the midst of our enemies! And to further His good office, He also anoints us with oil. That’s a sacred blessing that only a few people received in the Old Testament days, but it meant a lot, like when Aaron was anointed as the high priest. (Ps.133:2)
And the last verse confidently declares: ‘Surely goodness and mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’ (Ps.23:6)
Oh friends, oh friends, what a glorious ending to following the Lord God Jehovah eh! His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and we shall dwell with Him forever.
Oh my, oh my, I can’t withhold the excitement and assurance those words provoke in my soul! So again friends, I’m asking us to sit down and ponder the wonderful benefits that can emanate from following the Lord Jesus Christ! If you don’t, you’ll be doing yourself a very serious injustice. Much LOVE!
…wonder of wonders…the name of Jesus proclaims…in every area of our lives…
15 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adopted children, amazing gesture, awake my soul, awesome, blaspheme His holy name, comeuppance, comfort, comfort me, crazy nights, Cross of Calvary, crown him, despicable ways, died, drowsy, Elijah, eternal life, faithful, fed by ravens, for His name's sake, glory hallelujah, going to church, guide us safely, heavenly rest, I shall not want, I will fear no evil, I won't be afraid, Jesus Christ, joy, King of Kings, lie down in green pastures, lives, Lord of Lords, lousy, LOVE, magnified, matchless king, meditate, musical tribute, offer up, our Lord and Saviour, paths of righteousness, praise, Praise the Lord, provide all necessities, raise the roof, restoreth my soul, revile, rose on high, ruminate, selfless sacrifice, sleep, soothing waters, still waters, that death may die, the essence of our God, the heavenly anthem, the lamb upon the throne, The Lord is my shepherd, the Lord of heaven, the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me, thy rod, thy staff, turned and tossed, with many crowns, worship, worthy to be adored, wrapped up
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Ah friends, it’s just been one of those crazy nights and mornings. Steups! I went to bed at a decent hour, fell asleep, then got up about an hour later.
Obviously I refused to get out of the bed, because I’m supposed to be resting (smile) so I turned and tossed, fell asleep again, then repeated the whole manoeuvre once more.
The sad part is that when it was really time to get up, I couldn’t, the sleep had me all wrapped up then. And when I did get up, I felt all lousy and drowsy, so I had to spend some time catching myself. And that’s why the Bit is so late.
I had even contemplated going to church this morning, but obviously that never happened. So on this cold Sunday morning let’s offer up some praise and worship to get us ready for the hearing of the word. Let’s raise the roof with this musical tribute to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In full voice now: ‘Crown Him with many crowns, The lamb upon the throne: Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns All Music but its own! Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee, And hail him as thy matchless King Through all eternity.
Crown Him with many crowns Crown Him with many crowns Crown Him the Lord of Heav’n: One with the Father known. One with the Spirit through Him giv’n From yonder glorious throne. To Thee be endless praise. For Thou hast died for me;
Be Thou, O Lord, through endless days Adored and magnified Adored and magnified Crown Him with many crowns His glories now we sing, Who died and rose on high, Who died eternal life to bring And, lives that death may die. Crown Him with many crowns.’
Ah my fellow believers, Jesus Christ is indeed worthy of many crowns, since He is indeed King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! He is also worthy to be adored and magnified for the selfless sacrifice He made on the cross of Calvary on our behalf. He died so that we might live…
Wow! What an awesome and amazing gesture! So I really can’t understand why so many people turn away from Him, blaspheme His holy name and revile Him is such despicable ways. But yuh know what, they’ll all get their comeuppance one day.
In the meanwhile, we who truly believe, let’s continue to praise and glorify Him with all out hearts, minds, bodies and souls! And all God’s people declared a loud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord!’
That brings us to our Bit, one of the most famous verses of the Good Book. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).’
What an amazing line! It captures the whole essence of our God and our awesome relationship to Him! Simply stated, it means our God will guide us safely and provide us with all necessities. Glory Be! That can truthfully be said of no other deity.
Then Bruh David expatiates further, expands the wonder of the Lord even more. ‘He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (pastures of tender green grass): he leadeth me beside the still waters (waters of rest).’ (Ps:23:2)
Oh friends, I can think about so many still waters and pastures green that I could be currently resting beside in sweet Tobago! (smile)
‘He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.’ (Ps.23:3) What can be better than all that eh mih people? Nothing really!
It reminds me of how the Lord, in a time of drought, sent the prophet Elijah to hide by the brook of Cherith, where he rested, was fed by the ravens and his soul restored. (1 Kin.17:2-7) Oh how mighty and faithful is our God!
And if all of that wasn’t sufficient, Bruh David adds this very crucial statement. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ (Ps.23:4)
Mama Mia! What wonderful assurance my brethren! Even though I’m going through some sad and deathly looking times, I won’t be afraid! Glory Hallelujah! Because like a true shepherd, the Lord’s rod and staff will protect and comfort me, even in the most evil of days.
Yuh know what friends? I think we’ll stop there for today and give us time to ruminate on all we’ve said so far. I don’t want to push our short attention spans, (smile) but there is much more to be said.
So tomorrow, the Lord in favour, we’ll continue studying one of the two most popular and beloved passages of scripture. The other one is ‘The Lord’s Prayer.’
Please, let’s spend sometime today meditating on the Lord’s word, and in particular, His shepherd-like qualities towards us, His wonderful adopted children. That will most certainly bring us comfort and joy and restore our souls! Much LOVE!
…in earthly pastures green…by quiet and soothing waters…my soul finds heavenly rest…
14 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Anselm. aspires to inspire, appreciate something, battlefield, beauty, carnality, Christ, Christ is invited, christianity, Christians, circumstances, clock-watchers, coffee, contrary to one another, desires, develop, don't watch the clock, dr robert h schuller, evil, fleshly living, fulfill the lust of the flesh, Glory Halleujah, glory to God, God-pleasing life, good, keep going, keeps on ticking, life, life threatening moment, live by the Spirit, lose it, LOVE, mature, practice, quit work, sent by God, sin, spirit living, spiritual clock, spiritual confrontation, taste buds, the Holy Spirit, thwart the Spirit, ticking on for Jesus, tug-of-war, walk in the Spirit, wisdom, with God's help, yield to the Spirit, zenith
Galatians 5:16. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Ah friends, the ole fella must be getting better yes, because I woke up this morning and actually felt for a cup of coffee! Glory Hallelujah!
That does say something, since I haven’t been drinking any since I left the hospital. The couple cups I had earlier on, just didn’t sit right, so I just left it alone. But this one actually tastes good. Glory to God, my taste buds are being revived!
And in honour of that, this chilly and gloomy Saturday morning, here is a poem from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional titled ‘Beauty!’
Please pray with me. ‘Thank you, Father, for filling the world with beauty. I thank you for the beauty of life, the beauty of LOVE, the beauty of children, and the beauty of old people. I thank you for the beauty of Christ and for the beauty of any life when Christ is invited through the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father, that you have made my life beautiful too. Amen.’
And I don’t know about you all nuh friends, but the Lord has indeed made my life beautiful! I can plainly see it after that scary, life threatening moment a couple of weeks ago.
You never seem to truly appreciate something until you almost lose it. And yuh better believe, I am very appreciative of life right now, regardless of the state I’m in! And it’s all to the glory of God!
Now here is an interesting quote from our friend Anselm, who aspires to inspire us. This one says: ‘Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.’
And is that ever so true friends! A lot of us are clock-watchers, especially when it comes time to quit work and go home (smile) but you’ll notice that despite the circumstances surrounding it, the good ole clock just keeps on ticking on its merry way to wherever.
Likewise, Christians are not to let our circumstances stop us from ticking on for Jesus. It will not always be easy to do, but if the Father has brought us to it, He will bring us through it, that’s His faithful promise.
However, we also have to do our part in the partnership between Christ and us. It’s not a one-way street. Thus the advice of Bruh Paul to the Galatians: ‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.’
Yeh mih people, to walk with God, means to walk in His Spirit, so that our carnality doesn’t come to the fore.
Listen to this explanation from the scholars. ‘5:16. Walk in the Spirit (i.e. “live by the Spirit”): Christians are to live with the Spirit’s help. How does one “live by the Spirit”? (1) The Christian must believe that the Spirit is with him, having been sent by God into his heart (4:6). (2) In every spiritual confrontation the believer must yield to the Spirit, that is, submit his own desires to those of the Spirit.
(3) One must depend on the Spirit for help, enabling him to live a God-pleasing life (v.5). (4) The believer should anticipate the effects of the Spirit’s help in his daily life. The believer who “lives by the Spirit” will not fulfill (accomplish, carry out) the lust (strong desires) of the flesh (sinful nature).’
Ah mih breddren, I know all of that sounds hard and confusing, but it is the basis of our Christianity. We can’t live on the fence, it’s either Spiritual or carnal, fleshly living, and the first only comes by working constantly and continually at it, with God’s help.
Please realize friends that true spirit living doesn’t come overnight, but like everything else in life takes practice and time to develop and mature.
And the reason for Bruh Paul’s admonition in our Bit is: ‘For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.’ (Gal.5:17)
Yeh friends, it is a controversy within our souls. And the scholars tell us: ‘5:17. One’s sinful human nature (flesh) and the Holy Spirit lusteth against one another, that is, they have desires and yearnings contrary to one another.
The Christian then is a battlefield, having desires to do good and evil. The outcome is that ye cannot do the things that ye would: the flesh seeks to thwart the Spirit, who, in turn, attempts to frustrate the flesh’s evil desires.’
But you know what friends, it’s not really a tug of war, because once we’ve made up our minds to live by the Spirit, we consciously try and remove sin from our lives, so that the flesh doesn’t have much hold over us, and we can just go on sincerely and seriously ticking for Jesus. Now that is wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!
…each tick and tock of our spiritual clock…means one more point for Jesus…Glory to God…
13 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: assurance, awesome, cause them to stumble, commandments, debauchery, drinking, eating, fearful, fellowship, flooded with God's peace, Friday chant, Friday the 13th, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, futile, glory hallelujah, he who has ears to hear, in Jesus' name, in the wrong places, length of days, let him hear, long life, LOVE, massa, negative happenings, not as the world gives, nothing shall offend them, old wives tales, partying, peace, perfect peace, perspective, promise, quietness, relaxation, rest, right minds, righteousness, stayed on thee, strife, sustained by thee, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, thank God for small mercies, the keeping of God's commands, the Prince of Peace, the weekend, the Word of god, tragic consequences, turmoil, vain, who love the Lord
Psalm 119:165. Great peace have they which LOVE thy law: and nothing shall offend them (cause them to stumble).
Ah mih people, so early in the year we come upon a Friday the 13th, which causes many of us to get fearful, simply because of all the old-wives tales about the negative happenings that can occur on such a day. But that’s all they are friends, old-wives tales, so please don’t let them have any effect on us today.
It didn’t seem to have any on the band of workers that appeared early this morning singing: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! It’s the weekend once again! Though is only two days now…Chuh! All them nice long ones done come and gone now.
But still the weekend is the weekend; no work and no massa looking over yuh shoulder. And best of all plenty eating and drinking and partying! Wow! Thank God for small mercies oui!’
Ah friends, although we’re in a new year, nothing has changed, the weekend is still looked upon as a time for hearty partying, which totally demeans its standing in our society and hides its true purpose.
Instead, let’s chant our Friday Chant, which shows a better perspective on the use of the weekend. In unison 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.’
Yes my brethren, that’s a more godly and sensible way to use our two measly days off from work, not simply delving into the depths of debauchery. (smile)
And to add to it all, we have a rather interesting Bit for today. ‘Great peace have they which LOVE thy law: and nothing shall offend them (cause them to stumble).
Now isn’t that rather inviting and promising? It surely is! If we LOVE the Lord’s word, then peace, no, great peace shall flow through our souls! Glory Hallelujah!
Now who wouldn’t want that eh? The whole world is currently searching for peace, but unfortunately they are looking in all the wrong places, while the right place is before their very eyes – the Word of God.
Hear how Cousin Sol puts it in Proverbs, re exhortations to obedience. ‘My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.’ (Prov.3:1-2)
Oh friends, why wouldn’t anybody in their right minds long for long life and peace eh, especially when all you have to do is to keep the Lord’s commandments?
But I guess the majority of the world is not in their right minds, since they seem to abhor the keeping of God’s commands. And that’s exactly why the world is in its current state of immense turmoil and strife.
Now listen to Isaiah from his hymn of praise. ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on (sustained by) thee: because he trusteth in thee.’ (Is.26:3)
What a beautiful promise that is my people! If we keep our minds on God, He will sustain us in perfect peace. That means whatever is happening around us won’t detract from the peace we feel within.
And I can testify to that, for when my mother unexpectedly died some years ago, while I was in California, I was upset and disappointed and all that, but nevertheless a certain calm, a certain peace reigned within my soul and I was able to handle the situation wisely.
I can still remember those around me wondering how I was so calm, but that wasn’t my doing, my soul was simply flooded with God’s peace, and was I ever surprised by it.
Listen to Isaiah again on the subject. ‘And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.’ (Is.32:17)
Mama Mia! What an awesome promise from our awesome God! But how many of us know about it eh, or even choose to take it up? Not many enough!
And we’ll close with this quote from Jesus Himself, the giver of all peace. He said it thus to the disciples. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27)
Friends, if that doesn’t touch our hearts and wake us up, then I don’t know what else will. If the Prince of Peace offers you His peace, then that should close the deal right there and then. And please note, it’s an entirely different kind of peace to what the world has to offer.
But mankind is so taken up with its own vain and futile self that we’re foolishly bypassing the very peace that we seek, and the consequences will be tragic if we continue to ignore the peace offered by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Please let that be warning to us. Much LOVE!
…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…
12 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adopted, At the cross, broken, cantankerous, Christ's body, Christ's death, clear direction, curse, death, dissension, disunity, divine protection, divisions, elders, Ephesus, eternal life, extend your love, family, feed, fellowship, foundation, free, friends, fulfillment, grasping the cross, homage, I bow my knee, injustice, it is done, Jesus, LOVE, LOVE Revolution, made a way, negative word, overcome the grave, overseers, peace, positive impact, promotion, purchased with his own blood, quarrellsome, reconciliation, resentment, sacrifice, salvation, shame, shepherd, sin, sinners, sons of God, success, supernatural strength, take heed, the church, the church of God, the cross of Christ, the focal point, the grave, the Holy Ghost, Thursday Blessings, to all the flock, tore the veil, wisdom
Acts 20:28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed (shepherd) the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
And then it was Thursday… and I don’t know what to write about. Hn, hn! It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, it both amuses and concerns me.
Sometimes I have to wait a while for the Lord to show up and guide me, but today I didn’t have to wait at all. I just happened to look, or rather was guided to look at a sheet of paper in front of me with some quotes that I had written down, and there it was!
It’s titled ‘Grasping the Cross!’ And it says: ‘Lord Jesus, Your cross is the focal point of our lives. Hold us tightly as we cling to Your cross and extend Your LOVE to others.’
And you know friends, we couldn’t want for a more stable and solid foundation to cling to than the cross of Jesus, for that’s where it all came to fruition.
Yeh, it’s at the cross that it was all turned around; sin, death and the grave were defeated; salvation, reconciliation and eternal life were ushered in; our sins were paid for and we became adopted sons of God. Oh glory to the Most High!
And this excerpt from ‘At the Cross’ by the Hillsong Group amplifies it all. ‘At the cross I bow my knee Where Your blood was shed for me There’s no greater LOVE than this, no You have overcome the grave Glory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now You tore the veil, You made a way When You said that it is done You tore the veil, You made a way When You said that it is done.’
Jesus certainly did, my fellow believers! No other act in human history has had such a sensational, fruitful and positive impact as Christ’s death on the cross. And it was all for us my people…all for us worthless sinners.
Now do we truly appreciate that monumental sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? And do we pay the appropriate homage that is due to Him by the way we live our lives? I certainly hope so, otherwise we’d be doing Him a most serious injustice.
He died that we could be free…free from sin and shame…free to live forever under His glorious umbrella of eternal life. Have we accepted that fact, and do our lives reflect it? That’s how His body, the church, ought to be portraying His sacrifice.
That brings us to our Bit, the words of Bruh Paul to the elders of the church of Ephesus, whom he called to him at Miletus.
‘Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed (shepherd) the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.’
Unfortunately though friends, in these modern times, I don’t think we are doing a worthwhile job of shepherding God’s body, the church. There are too many divisions, too much dissension and resentment within Christ’s body over miniscule matters. Too much, I an me, instead of we and thou.
I don’t have to specify anything, because we all know of some negative matter affecting the smooth and godly running of our church, something that should not be taking place at all. And sadly, this disunity within the ranks of the church is turning others away in droves, for who wants to be a part of a body that’s cantankerous and quarrelsome eh?
It’s obviously disrupting Jesus’ LOVE Revolution, since LOVE cannot exist under those circumstances. We desperately need to fix the situation my fellow believers, for until there is true peace and sincere fellowship in Christ’s church, we’ll keep going backward instead of forward, and that’s totally unacceptable.
So let’s get serious about Christ’s business nuh, and stop all the petty infighting. Let’s focus on His cross and be as one, the way He desires us to be. That’s the only way we’ll accomplish anything positive.
Now let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings. With such a great variety of blessings, we ought to be able to fund unity in the church. All together now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!
I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Please put them all into action now, by declaring them over others too. Much LOVE!
…at the cross…at the cross… where I first found Jesus…
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