20 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: alive to tell the story, And he turned himself away from them and wept, beleivers are tasked with cleaning up our world, blessed is that was crucified for us, bound him before their eyes, coming back to haunt us, consequences of poor decisions, defeated hell death and the grave on our behalf, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, fellow saints, for I fear God, glad to be alive, gospel truth, hands on the plough, his blood is required, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, lack of responsibility, not turning back, one more day in the life, praise his holy name, restore every man's money, saw the anguish of his soul, so shall your words be verified, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the utmost in thanks and praise, their hearts failed them, this do and live, this is the day the Lord has made, to a glorious future with Jesus, took from them Simeon, tough love, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, what is this that God hath done unto us, ye shall not die
Genesis 42:24a. And he (Joseph) turned himself about (away) from them, and wept;
One more day…yes one more glorious day in the life! So, let’s live it to the full; enjoy all the benefits that our great God has bestowed on us, while we give Him the utmost in thanks and praise! And all God’s people shouted in LOVE and gratitude: ‘Blessed is He that was crucified for us; that defeated hell, death and the grave on our behalf! Praise His Holy Name! Amen!’
Ah mih people, Jesus did so much for us that the least we can do in return is praise Him and walk according to His desires. Thus, as the psalmist would say: ‘This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!’ (Ps. 118:24) And we can do that because as Bruh Paul writes: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!’ (Phil. 4:13) And with those scriptures under our belts, let’s move on to the continuation of the amazing saga of Bruh Joseph down in Egypt land.
So the drama has intensified. We saw Bruh Joseph yesterday accuse his brothers of being spies when they came down to Egypt during the famine to buy food, then lock them up in prison for three days. Then the Bible tells us: ‘And Joseph said unto them (his brothers) the third day, This do and live; for I fear God. If ye be true (honest) men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses. But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.’ (Gen. 42:18-20)
Wow! Bruh Joseph was really being tough on his brothers! And I don’t believe it was so much vindictiveness or vengeance, but more so to teach them a lesson, that what goes around comes around. That hopefully in their tough times they would learn some useful lessons in humility and godliness. Now hear what happens after Bruh Joseph gave them that last ultimatum.
‘And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought (pleaded with) us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake not I unto you, saying, Do no sin against the child (boy); and ye would not hear? Therefore, behold, also his blood is required.’ (Gen. 42:21-22)
And isn’t it strange, after all that time, that the brothers experienced guilt over the shameful manner in which they had treated their brother, and no doubt through God’s prompting, thought that might be why they were then undergoing such tough times themselves. Meanwhile, the scholars say: ‘The experience of being put in prison caused the brothers to discuss their guilt concerning Joseph, which may have been Joseph’s purpose in testing them.’ But who knows?
And the drama is further ramped up, for apparently that discussion of their guilt took place in Bruh Joseph’s presence. And the Good Library informs us thus: ‘And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.’ (Gen. 42:23) That’s why friends, we have to be ever so careful as to what we say when strangers are around.
But this next verse shows the real Bruh Joseph. ‘And he (Joseph) turned himself about (away) from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and continued (talked) with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.’ (Gen. 42:24) Yes friends, that’s known as tough LOVE, where we discipline from a place of LOVE and not from vengeance. And that’s exactly how our heavenly Father disciplines us, for if He did it from vengeance none of us would be alive to tell the story.
And this note from the scholars on that verse is certainly interesting. They say: ‘Hearing their conversation, he (Joseph) turned from them and wept. Certainly this does not characterize a man of hate.’ It certainly doesn’t! That’s why this episode of the story ends the way it does.
‘Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn (grain), and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.’ (Gen. 42: 25) That shows no hatred whatsoever on Bruh Joseph’s part, but rather mercy, forgiveness and compassion. ‘And they laded (loaded) their asses (donkeys) with the corn, and departed thence. And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender (food) in the inn, he espied (saw) his money; for, behold, it was in his sack’s mouth. And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them (their hearts sank), and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?’ (Gen. 42:26-28)
Oh mih bredrin, isn’t that the very same question so many of us ask when we find ourselves in tough circumstances? It certainly is! But oftentimes it’s not what God is doing to us, but the consequences of our poor decisions coming back to haunt us, just like they were with Bruh Joseph’s brothers. But we’re quick to blame everything on someone else, be it God or Satan, our friends or family, without considering that it might be our own fault.
Unfortunately though, that situation is very rampant in today’s society, where no one wants to accept responsibility for their failures, mistakes or wrongdoings. And that’s one of the reasons why our society is in such a terrible mess, and fortunately, (smile) or not, we believers have been tasked with cleaning up the mess, for if we don’t, our world will sink even deeper into the mire of sin and ungodliness in which it’s now ensconced. And we certainly don’t want that to happen.
So please, let’s come together and do what we’ve been commissioned to do by our Lord and Leader, Jesus Christ nuh; that’s spread the good news of His kingdom all around the world. And for those of us who are sincerely trying our best to do just that, let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful, unassailable, invincible position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong voice: ‘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!’
And would you believe that if we endure right down to the very end with Christ, that that future will be even more glorious than we can imagine? Well, that’s the gospel truth my fellow saints! So please, let’s make plans to meet at the very end with Jesus nuh! Much LOVE!
…tough consequences are…usually the result of bad decisions… Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
19 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: do the Lord's work, famine was in the land of Canaan, fire and brimstone, get our Christlike selves together, God's daily mercies and compassions, he put them all together in ward for three days, hurry, I am the beloved of god, in god's eyes, it always comes to pass, Joseph knew his brethren but they knew not him, Joseph remembered the dreams, Joseph's brethren bowed down themselves before him, keep our part of the bargain, live up to our Christian responsibilities, LOVE, one is no more, only human, Satan's evil doings, share His love with my neighbours, that we may live and not die, the standard to which we must always aspire, the Word of god, the Word of the Lord does not lie, the youngest is this day with our father, their faces to the earth, to see the nakedness of the land, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, twelve brethren the sons of one man, worry, ye are spies, ye shall be proved
Genesis 42:8. And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
Oh friends, how wonderful it is that we’ve been blessed to see another glorious day on God’s great earth! And yes, it’s been born of His daily mercies and compassions, but it also means that He still has work down here for us to do. So please, let’s get our Christlike selves together and do the Lord’s work nuh! What will it take for us to live up to our Christian responsibilities eh? Fire and brimstone?
Our God has been so good to us down through the ages, that it’s only fair that we keep our part of the bargain, if we want the covenant to have a happy ending. Remember, we’re the ones who are suffering the hurts and pains of Satan’s evil doings, and everything the Lord has advised us to do is for OUR benefit, not His! Nuff said!
Now, let’s turn once again to that intriguing story of Bruh Joseph. In our last go round, we saw where the famine was in full swing throughout all the lands, and his father Jacob sent his ten brothers down to Egypt to buy grain ‘that we may live, and not die.’ (Gen. 42:2) However, he refused to send his last child, Benjamin, fearing that some calamity might befall him, the way it had done Joseph, some twenty years before.
The Bible then tells us: ‘And the sons of Israel (Jacob) came to buy corn (grain) among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan (where they lived). And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren (brothers) came and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.’ (Gen. 42:5-6)
Oh my people how mighty are the ways of our God eh? Remember many years before when Bruh Joseph told his brothers that in his dream they were bowing down before Him? That was the very reason they had gone to so much trouble to get rid of Bruh Joseph in the first place. Well, it had taken almost two decades, but the Word of the Lord does not lie. It might tarry, take some time, but it always comes to pass!
Then the Bible continues: ‘And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them (acted as a stranger to them), and spake roughly (harshly) unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said from the land of Canaan to buy food. And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.’ (Gen. 42:7-8) And that was quite possible since Bruh Joseph was most likely dressed as an Egyptian nobleman, and possibly even spoke the Egyptian language after being in the country for so long.
The Good Library then states: ‘And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness (exposed parts) of the land ye are come. And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one man’s sons; we are true (honest) men, thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren (brothers), the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not (no more).’ (Gen. 42:9-13)
Now isn’t it strange that the brothers even mentioned that they had a sibling who was no longer alive. Or so they thought. But the interesting repartee between the brothers goes on: ‘And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: Hereby ye shall be proved (tested): By the life of Pharoah ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved (tested), whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharoah surely ye are spies. And he put them all together in ward (prison) three days.’ (Gen. 42:14-17)
Bubba! Bruh Joseph was really tough with his brethren. And this explanation from the scholars makes the whole thing even more interesting. They say: ‘It is hard to determine Joseph’s real motive for testing his brothers. Most scholars feel that Joseph was not being vindictive, but was engaged merely in official probing and testing. However, Joseph’s manner, coupled with the numerous tests through which he put his brothers, gives the distinct impression that he was humbling his previously arrogant brothers (vs. 6-14).’
And even if that’s true, why not eh? Bruh Joseph, though godly, was still only human, and they had put him through unnecessary hell simply because of their jealously and hatred. And it’s not strange that when we do evil and ungodly deeds, that at some stage of the game they rebound on us, like the famous Australian boomerang. That’s because the Lord God is our vindicator, and if we do not seek vengeance ourselves, He will eventually give us justice. Remember Bruh Paul’s words in Romans 12:19, as he quotes Deuteronomy 32:35. ‘Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.’
Yes my fellow saints, our God will make everything right, if we only believe Him and leave everything in His hand. And no, it’s not always easy to forgive or let wrong doings go by, especially when they cause much hurt and pain, but our ever-faithful God requires that we make such sacrifices, if we truly believe in Him. And now that it’s time to go home, let’s declare (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And now that we’ve made such a marvellous admission, it now behooves us to go out and share that wonderful LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…the Word of God…that is the standard to which we must always aspire…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
18 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a merciful forgiving and gracious God, alleviate our many problems, as the day follows the night, batter down the enemy, come sunshine or rain, difficult to get over the loss of a child, divine help, fighting tooth and nail, for God made me forget all my toil, God hath caused me to be fruitful, God's people rise up and fight as one, humanitarian age, humble ourselves and pray, in all the land of Egypt there was bread, in the land of my affliction, Jehovah Rapha, Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt, Joseph's youngest brother Benjamin, LOVE, LOVE Revolution, mass confusion in our world, Monday follows sunday, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, peradventure mischief befall him, Satan's evil empire, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, that we may live and not die, the best method of defence is attack, the famine was so sore in all lands, the God who heals, the seven years of famine, the sunshine the rain, these times of plenty, turn from our evil ways, unite as one, wise guidance
Genesis 42:3. And Joseph’s ten brethren (brothers) went down to buy corn (grain) in Egypt.
And as the day follows the night, and the sunshine the rain, likewise Monday follows Sunday, come rain or shine! (smile) Yes friends, that’s just the way it is, how the universe was set up by its Creator, Almighty God. And try as hard as we might, we won’t change it, one day will always follow the next like clockwork. It therefore behooves us to just try and make the best of those days called Mondays. With the Lord’s help, prepare to meet them head on, don’t try to run away from them, for remember, the best method of defence is attack!
So, with those words of wisdom for this Monday morning, let’s get back to the riveting story of Bruh Joseph in Egypt. We last saw him in the seven years of abundance, during which time the Lord blessed him with two sons by his Egyptian wife Asenath; the first he called Manasseh, ‘for God, said he hath made me forget all my toil, and all my Father’s house.’ (Gen. 41:51) In other words, the hardship brought upon him by his envious brothers was a thing of the past. And the second son, he named Ephraim, ‘For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.’ (Gen. 41:52)
Now, it’s time to move on to the drama of the seven years of famine. And the Bible informs us thus: ‘And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. And the seven years of dearth (famine) began to come, as Joseph had said: and the dearth (famine) was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharoah for bread: and Pharoah said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph, what he saith to you, do.
And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore (became severe) in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn (grain); because the famine was so sore (severe) in all lands.’ (Gen. 41:53-57)
And yuh know what friends, right now there is severe famine in many countries, in many parts of the earth, but the sad part is that those experiencing the famine either have no means, that’s money or transportation, to go and buy food elsewhere, assuming that other countries would even sell it to them. Yes, even in this supposed humanitarian age, and these times of plenty, way too many people around the globe are starving for food and the other basic necessities of life; clothing and shelter.
But then, all the natural disasters that have recently struck our world; forest fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes, pandemics, just to name a few, are only making life increasingly difficult for all of us to handle. And that’s why we so badly need a LOVE REVOLUTION: a powerful uprising of LOVE for God and each other, under the compassionate and protective umbrella of the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! For that’s the only way we will ever break ourselves out of the total mess, the strife, the resentment, hatred, anger and ungodliness in which we’re currently mired.
Unfortunately though, the soldiers of Satan’s evil empire are fighting us tooth and nail to prevent the LOVE REVOLUTION from being successful. And the only way to counter that is by increasing our godly ardour and valiantly fighting back safely clothed in the full armour of God. So, since we know what to do, let’s get together and do it nuh! Let’s unite as one and batter down the enemy, for it’s what our Lord and Leader, Jesus Christ expects of us. And all God’s people said a loud and positive ‘Amen! So be it!’
Now, let’s get back to that famous famine where Bruh Joseph was the man controlling the food. And this is where the drama really gets ramped up. The Good Library records: ‘Now when Jacob saw that there was corn (grain) in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn (grain) in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. And Joseph’s ten brethren (brothers) went down to buy corn (grain) in Egypt. But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief (some calamity) befall him.’ (Gen. 42:1-4)
Ah mih people, yuh see how difficult it is, if not impossible, to get over the loss of a child, especially a favoured one. It’s obvious that Jacob was still thinking, some twenty years later, about what had happened to his other young son Joseph, and was afraid to let Benjamin, the child of his old age out of his sight. But what Jacob and the rest of us consistently fail to remember is that the life of mankind is strictly controlled by the greatest dramatist and planner in existence, that’s the Lord God Jehovah! And having made that oh so true statement, let’s take this precious opportunity to go to Him, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, for divine help with our many earthly problems.
As one voice: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face.
So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And since we’ve just said, that to get divine help, we need to humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek God’s face, let’s do just that nuh! Much LOVE!
…Satan can be defeated…but only if God’s people rise up and fight as ONE…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
17 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a life of joy and peace, a repentant sinner, African slave trade, Amazing grace, amazing grace how sweet the sound, another one bit the dust, fellowship with other believers, God so loved the world, grace my fears relieved, he truly saved a wretch like me, heartfelt expression of gratitude to God, if ye then being evil, John Newton, joy shall be in heaven over one repentant sinner, know how to give good gifts, LOVE, magnanimous grace, men loved darkenss rather than light, no less days to sing god's praise, than when we'd first begun, the awesome family of God, the earth shall soon dissolve like snow, twas grace that taught my heart to fear, undeserving of God's love, william wilberfoce, your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him
Luke 15:7. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just (righteous) persons, which need no repentance.
What a glorious Sunday it is my people! One that just makes you want to get out to the Lord’s sanctuary, on His special day, and fellowship with other believers. For there’s no joy greater than actively participating in worship with our brothers and siters in the awesome family of God! Glory Hallelujah! So, let’s get right into the fellowship with some singing, And today’s song is one we all know and LOVE, one that’s been acclaimed all over the world and been sang for over two hundred years. We’re talking about ‘Amazing Grace.’
As one commentary puts: ‘This song isn’t a song of theology – it’s John Newton’s own heartfelt expression of gratitude to God, who helped him turn from his profane and wicked life and eventually fight against the ill’s he practiced.’ Yes friends, John Newton (1725-1807) was at one time engaged in the reprehensible, inhumane and ungodly slave trade of African natives to the New World. But God in His magnanimous grace and mercy turned him around.
It seems that before a particular stormy encounter on the high seas that Newton was known for excessive profanity, and debauchery. But after the raging and debilitating battle with the storm, it seems Newton, who had earlier rejected his mother’s godly teachings began having thoughts of Christ. That was just God firing the opening salvo in the battle for Newton’s soul. (smile) And apparently after reading Luke 11:13, he seemed to finally believe that God could, and would still hear a sinner as base and profane as him.
And Luke 11:13 is Jesus talking about God’s overwhelming goodness: ‘If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.’ And the answer to that is simply, much, much more. But enough talking, let’s get to some singing; a soulful, midtempo version, not the dirge-like way so many people choose to sing it. It’s a song of celebration, of a repentant sinner coming to Christ. Now what did Christ say about that type of situation? ‘I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just (righteous) persons, which need no repentance.’ (Luke 15:7)
And we’ll begin our version the way Gary Downey begins his, with this stimulating intro: ‘For God so LOVED the world that He truly saved a wretch like me. I’m so underserving of God’s LOVE. I have turned my back on Him time after time in my life. Yet…His LOVE for me is steadfast. Did He not leave the ninety-nine sheep and go in search of the one? I am that one. And this is my story.’
Singing: ‘Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound) That sav’d a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears reliev’d; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believ’d! Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promis’d good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease; I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, who call’d me here below, Will be forever mine. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun…Than when we’d first begun.’
And just like Gary Downey ended his version of the song, we shall end ours. ‘Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it. He came into the world to save it. Please do not be deceived by the lies of men and the world. Turn away from sin and darkness. Turn to the Light. Jesus Christ is the light of the world. His truth will set you free. Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life. And this is the condemnation, that (the) light has come into the world, and men LOVED darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Heavenly Father, For the sake of His sorrowful passion have mercy on us, and on the whole world.’
Oh my fellow believers what a wonderful version of the song! And we all know the scriptures quoted above there: in the intro, John 3:16, Luke 15: 7; and in the outro, John 3:17, John 14:6, John 8:32, and John 3:19. And we don’t even need to quote anymore scriptures for most of the most important ones have already been quoted. (smile) And such has been the universal appeal of the song, that it’s no wonder the remarks found in this commentary. ‘With the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, “Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognisable songs in the English-speaking world. American historian Gilbert Chase writes that it is “without a doubt the most famous of all the folk hymns” and Jonathan Aitken, a Newton biographer, estimates that the song is performed about 10 million times annually.’ (Wow!) ‘It has had particular influence in folk music, and has become an emblematic black spiritual. Its universal message has been a significant factor in its crossover into secular music. “Amazing Grace” became newly popular during the 1960’s revival of American folk music, and it has been recorded thousands of times during and since the 20th century.’
And if that isn’t truly a popular song, I don’t what is. And the good thing about it all is that it turned Newton from a slave trader into a slave trade abolisher, for after giving up the trade and becoming a pastor, he was one of those in the forefront of the fight for the abolition of the ghastly system, along with William Wilberforce, who led the fight to pass the British Slave Trade Act in 1807, which abolished the slave trade in the British Empire.
So friends, another one bit the dust! Another of Satan’s infidels was converted. Yuh see, when the Lord wants you, and is ready for you, like Bruh Paul, He will get you. As the saying goes, the Lord always Get His man or woman. Please remember that, as well it’s never too late for you to turn to God, no matter how sinful and ungodly you are! He will always be there waiting with welcoming arms. Much LOVE!
…one can never fall so deep into the mire…that God’s amazing grace can’t reach down and lift you out…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
16 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a future and a hope, a good attitude, a good leader must be a good follower, Ephraim, fruitfulness, gathered corn as the sand of the sea, get down to the Father's business, God hath caused me to be fruitful, grow in Christlikeness, hard knocks of life, his goodness to the children of men, I know the thoughts I think toward you, I may know you all the more, increase my awareness of you today, it is bitter as gall, it was without number, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, left off numbering, let my muscles relax, LOVE, making forgetful, Mananaseh, Praise the Lord, quiet my soul, slow my thoughts, the earth brought forth by handfuls, the founding of the Jewish people, the goodness of the Lord's hand upon him, the land of my affliction, the presence of our heavenly Father, the seven plenteous years, the true test of faith and discipleship, the worst Christian is a comfortable Christian, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to be lorded over by a Hebrew, to give you an expected end, waiting patiently on God's timing, your peace and love are present
Genesis 41:52. For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
And it’s indeed a cool but wonderful, sunshiny lazy-day Saturday morning friends! Just right for early morning lazing around, which I have already done. (smile) Unfortunately, I can only have so much lazy time in the morning because I have to be about my Father’s work, but once that’s done, I can have as much lazy time as I desire. And with that said, let’s get down to the Father’s business, beginning with our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer.
As one sincere and humble voice. ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
Wow! And I hope like me, your thoughts have been slowed, your soul quieted, your muscles relaxed and your breath deepened, so that you can get into the presence of our heavenly Father and rest completely in Him. And all God’s people said a loud and heartfelt: ‘Praise the Lord for His goodness to the children of men!’
Now let’s get back to that amazing and intriguing saga of Bruh Joseph; a story line that only God, our omnipotent dramatist could have imagined and successfully brought to life. And yes, it seems like it’s never going to end, but it’s ever so important to the founding and the fortunes of the Jewish people. So, yesterday we left off where Bruh Joseph was promoted to Second in command of Egypt through the goodness of the Lord’s hand upon him.
The Bible then tells us: ‘And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharoah king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls (abundantly). And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and he laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn (grain) as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left of numbering (stopped counting): for it was without number.’ (Gen. 41:46-49)
Ah friends, you will have noticed how diligent and businesslike Bruh Joseph was from the time he entered Potiphar’s employ, all through the tough times in jail, and finally that diligence, as well as the experience in handling people, though only as a servant, now served him in very good stead as the second ruler of Egypt. As the saying goes, you can’t be a good leader, unless you are a good follower. And that is exactly why the Lord had him experience those tough times, otherwise he would not have been able to do the job the Lord had planned for him.
And according to the scholars: ‘Thutmose III gave the following charge to his newly appointed vizier (Prime Minister or Second in Command): “Look thou to this office of vizier. Be vigilant over everything that is done in it. Behold, it is the support of the entire land. Behold, as to the vizierate, behold it is not sweet at all, behold it is bitter as gall.” And I’m sure that was the very truth, for although Bruh Joseph had Pharaoh’s complete blessing, there must have been those who found it irresponsible and downright disgusting to be lorded over by a Hebrew.
And if it wasn’t his Hebrew background, then simply the fact that the citizens were being told how to handle their food and to bring their grain to the king’s storehouses. You know how we are suspicious of anything or anybody that’s involved in hoarding, especially if some of it belongs to us. But for whatever reason, the job that Bruh Joseph inherited was not an easy one. And he most definitely would not have been able to handle it if the Lord had not put him through the school of the Holy Ghost.
So my brethren, when the Lord places us in some sore spots, before He promotes us, it’s not that He wants to harm us, but more to test and grow us, so we can be ready for the destiny He’s planned for us. Therefore, it’s essential that we go through those tough times with a good attitude, waiting patiently on God’s timing, and keeping Him first place in our lives, not complaining about why such hard times have befallen us while we’re trying to live right, and getting angry at God.
Remember there’s always method to God’s madness; always a purpose behind His actions, for He doesn’t do anything willy nilly, without thinking things through right to the very end. As the prophet Jeremiah records: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’ (Jer. 29:11) And if we claim to believe and trust in Him, then we must be prepared to wait on His timing and go through whatever lessons or hard knocks of life that He chooses to allow to come upon us. That’s the true test of faith and discipleship!
Now here’s another important aspect of Bruh Joseph’s life in Egypt. The Good Library kindly informs us: ‘And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of the famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bare unto him. And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh (Making Forgetful): For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim (Fruitfulness): For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.’ (Gen. 41:50-52) Aren’t those names and sentiments behind them just wonderful my brethren? They surely are!
And I like this commentary on that situation by the scholars. They tell us of Bruh Joseph’s two sons and what their names mean. Then say: ‘The reference to all his toil, and all my father’s house only means that the hardship brought upon him by his brothers was a thing of the past. Ephraim, meaning “Fruitful,” signified God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. What a sweet, pleasant, and thankful spirit he showed in interpreting the events that had transpired in his life! The fulfillment of Pharaoh’s prophetic dreams set the stage for the final scene in the fulfillment of Jospeh’s own dreams.’
Mama Mia! And you won’t’ want to miss the upcoming marvellous episodes in Bruh Joseph’s story! So please tune in next time. And until then, please, let’s try and live the faithful life that Bruh Joseph lived nuh, even while undergoing trials and tribulations. Most of us are not suffering the way He did, so we should be able to show more faithfulness. Although, as they say, the worst Christian is a comfortable Christian. But let’s put the lie to that statement nuh! Much LOVE!
…without trials and tribulations…a Christian won’t grow in Christlikeness…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
15 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: approach our generous Father with confidence and humility, bow the knee, Consider This, essentials of godly living, Friday chant, gave him to wife, God doesn't provide begrudgingly, God doesn't scramble to find resources, God freely gives us what we need - and more, God is a giver, God provides with pleasure, God's omnipotent help, God's supply of resources is endless, God's timing and wisdom never fail, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt, introduce a new flock of believers, LOVE, omnipotent help, our sinful world, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, return backsliders to your fold, simmering unrest, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the error of their ways, the school of hard knocks, the school of the Holy Ghost, trusting faith, waiting on God's timing, wake up and smell the coffee, walking in God's wisdom, without your consent shall no man lift up his hand or foot
Genesis 41:41. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
Oh friends, is it truly Friday already? I can’t believe it! But all the joyful shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend is here at long last!’ must mean that it’s really Friday. (smile) Where did the week go eh? I don’t know that I’ve done anything of any consequence during this past week. And I guess that’s why it feels like it just sailed by. But although I’m somewhat miffed with myself, I’m not going to let it get me down. I’m just going to enjoy the life Christ died for me to have and suffer whatever consequences are forthcoming.
And in light of all that, here’s some interesting advice from the September Issue of the In Touch Devotional, which is simply titled ‘Consider This.’ Please read with me: ‘God is a giver. Just as moms and dads enjoy delighting their children. He freely gives us what we need – and more. He doesn’t provide begrudgingly but with pleasure. He doesn’t scramble to find the resources – His supply is endless. But sometimes His provision doesn’t look the way we would expect – or happen when we think it should. So let us approach our generous Father with confidence but also with humility. His wisdom – timing – never fail.’
And that’s the God-awesome truth my brethren! Our God’s wisdom and timing are never wrong or late, but always of the best quality, and always right on time! And until we truly believe that, we’ll always be dissatisfied and unhappy. And a great example of accepting God’s wisdom and timing is found in the story of Bruh Joseph. He received God’s dreams, His promises as a teenager, but instead of them simply coming to pass, He had to go through a lot of trial and tribulation, which was necessary for him to reach the stage of maturity so that he could handle the realities of those promises.
He was sold into slavery by his brothers, unfairly accused of sexual assault and languished in jail until, in God’s opinion, the time was right. And despite all the unfair and unjust stuff, Bruh Joseph kept a good attitude, because he realized that God was always with him, since He gave him favour in all the unfortunate circumstances. And finally, the big day came when the Lord in all His wisdom and glorious timing rolled out the red carpet for a faithful Bruh Joseph. He stood before the mighty Pharaoh and expounded God’s plans, and Pharoah made him his number one adviser!
But friends, we must understand that that only happened because Bruh Joseph faithfully waited on God’s timing. And that’s where so many of us go wrong. Although we acknowledge God’s promises, we’re always in a hurry to have them come through. But sometimes, like Bruh Joseph, we’re not ready to handle the great responsibilities involved in the promises, and the Lord has to grow us, which always takes time. Or otherwise, the circumstances are not quite ready, and the Lord has to get them ready. That too takes time.
But when we do like Bruh David says in Psalm 37:7: ‘Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him:’ then He will eventually bring those dreams, those awesome promises to pass. And Bruh Joseph’s life was the perfect example of that. What better reward could he have had on earth than this. ‘And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.’ (Gen. 41:41) There could not have been a better reward or culmination to all of Bruh Joseph dreams and injustice! And that wasn’t all, the Bible tells us that Pharaoh sweetened the pot thus:
‘And Pharaoh took off his (signet) ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures (clothes) of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee (without your consent) shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath–paaneah (probably Egyptian for God speaks and he lives); and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.’ (Gen. 41:42-45)
Oh my fellow saints, how good is our God to us when we are obedient to his bidding and patient in His holy timing! There was nothing more that Bruh Joseph could have had that day! The Lord rewarded him with it all in one fell swoop: Promotion to Pharoah’s number one steward, amazing power over the whole country, good clothes and jewelry, the honour of the people bowing before him, and last but not least, a most likely beautiful wife! What more can a man ask for all in one day eh? Nothing really. But Bruh Joseph fully deserved a good reward for all the injustice he had faithfully borne.
However, please, let’s not get carried away by the all the pomp and pageantry of the situation, because Bruh Joseph’s real work was just beginning. Hitherto he had been in the school of the Holy Ghost learning his trade, now he had finally graduated and great things were expected from him, like the Lord expects great things from us after we come through the school of hard knocks, ready to do His awesome work. (smile) But more on Bruh Joseph tomorrow, obviously if God’s willing. Now, it’s time to go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, and present our earthly problems for heavenly solutions.
As one voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly.
And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And if we truly expect divine help, then we’ve got to clean up our acts and keep our promises, for without obedience and godliness, no man shall see God! Much LOVE!
…walking in God’s wisdom…and waiting on His perfect timing…are the two essentials of godly living…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
14 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a good attitude, a great family, a positive outlook on life, according to his riches in glory, all whose works are truth, be contended with what you have, being confident of this very thing, bounden duty, can we find such a man as this, curse, don't concentrate on what's wrong but what's right, enjoying the abundant life, God shall supply all your needs, he which hath begun a good work in you, his ways judgement, hunky-dory, I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the king of heaven, in whom the Spirit of God is, LOVE, making us as Christ-like as possible, negative word, standing strong in faithfulness, the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, there arose up a new king over Egypt, there is none so discreet as thou art, those that walk in pride He is able to abase, thou shalt be over my house, Thursday Blessings, trials and tribulations, which knew not Joseph, will perform it until the day of Jesus
Genesis 41:38. Can we find such a man as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
Well, it’s a beautiful Thursday morning with lots of sunshine, though it’s somewhat cool. But that’s the normal temperature for these times, so everything seems hunky-dory. (smile) However, we know that things are never completely hunky-dory, for the evil one always tries to insert some kind of problem in our good times. He’s just jealous of us being one with Jesus and enjoying the abundant life that He died for us to have. But then again, with our strong faith in Christ and the amazing power of His indwelling Holy Spirit, we can successfully thwart the evil schemes and wiles of the enemy.
So, please let’s not concentrate on what’s wrong with our lives, but what’s right, and neither strive to obtain what we don’t have, but be contented with what we do have. For our merciful and compassionate God will give us whatever we need, as Bruh Paul says in Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19)
And remember too, as Bruh Paul said earlier on to the church at Philippi: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) That means when God begins a good work in us, He will not stop until Jesus returns. So, we have promises that all our needs will be fulfilled and God will not stop His main desire and job of making us as Christ-like as possible. And that’s the uplifting word for today. (smile)
Now let’s get back to that riveting saga of Bruh Joseph, where we left him yesterday, telling Pharoah how to successfully handle the upcoming years of plenty and those of famine. And wonder of wonders, referring to Bruh Joseph’s plan that he outlined to Pharoah, the Bible tells us: ‘And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.’ (Gen. 41:37)
Wow! Imagine the great Pharaoh listening to the advice of a jailed Hebrew! But our God does wondrous things even through pagan kings and princes to satisfy the needs of His servants. And this Pharaoh was indeed a wise and teachable ruler, unlike the one that Moses dealt with, whom the Bible says: ‘Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.’ (Ex. I:8) But that is nigh impossible, for it’s through Joseph’s wise handling of the famine under the first Pharaoh that Egypt truly became great and wealthy. So, it’s either he did not know the history of his people, or he was just not concerned. I believe it was the latter.
But anyhow, the wise Pharaoh was impressed with Bruh Joseph’s method of handling the upcoming situation. And please note too that that Pharaoh did not doubt for one moment Bruh Joseph’s interpretation of his dreams, like the one with Moses foolishly doubted that the Lord would do what He said and rain down plague after plague on Egypt until He set His people free. The Good Library then continues: ‘And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a man as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?’ (Gen. 41:38)
Now isn’t it surprising that a pagan king is talking about a man with the Spirit of God? Yes, it is, but that’s how our great God operates. It’s just like when He had the great Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, praise God’s wonders in the time of the prophet Daniel. After his prideful boast about his greatness, Neb became mentally unhinged for seven years. Then at the end of the seven years, his mind was restored to him, and he joyfully proclaimed: ‘Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the king of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgement (justice): and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.’ (Dan. 4:37)
That’s for certain sure my brethren, as so many prideful people have discovered down through the ages, and the many foolish ones nowadays are still discovering! But getting back to our story, the Bible continues: ‘And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet (as discerning) and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over (in charge of) my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, see, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.’ (Gen. 41:39-41)
Mama oh Mama! That was none other than the working of our omnipotent God! For how else would a great ruler hand over all his power to a young man not of his people, of no great repute, whom he had met for the first time a short while before? That was the culmination of all the unfair and unjust situations Bruh Joseph had gone through and borne with a good attitude. It was just what the Lord had planned from day one. Remember Bruh Joseph’s first dream, where people were bowing down to him, and the scorn and dislike his brothers threw at him on hearing it? (Gen. 37:5-8)
But that’s how our great God works. And He will do the same for each one of us whom He tasks with building His kingdom, and we faithfully and obediently follow His directives. It’s a great lesson in faithfulness, obedience and keeping a good and godly attitude through all our trials and tribulations, until the Lord blesses us with the destiny He has planned for us.
And He never asks us to do his bidding without giving us the wherewithal, the anointing to do it, just like He gave Bruh Joseph the strength, the anointing to bear up under all the injustice he suffered. And today the Lord has most generously bestowed blessings upon us that we do not deserve but are necessary to do His work. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s activate them by declaring (steups!!!) them nuh, for a blessing isn’t a blessing until it’s been declared. (yesss!!!)
As one voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’
And as always, it’s now our bounden duty to take those blessings and go out and use them just as generously in the service of others as the Lord shared them with us, so that we can fulfill our destiny! Much LOVE!
…though trials and tribulation come in working for Christ…the amazing rewards are certainly worth standing strong in His faithfulness… Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
13 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a part of our discipleship, a reserve for the land in the time of famine, appoint overseers over the land, buoyed by the grace of God, but of power love and a sound mind, endure to the end, eyes fixed on the prize, eyes fixed straight ahead, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, halfway home, handle it with the grace of God, hands on the plough, I can do all things through Christ, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, look out a man discreet and wise, LOVE, more than conquerors, nothing steals our peace, satanic encouraged emotion of fear, seven years of famine, seven years of great plenty, take up his cross daily and follow me, take up the fifth part of the produce in the good years, thank God, the beauty of living for Jesus, the breath of life, the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh, this is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, what God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh
Genesis 41:28. This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharoah: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh.
And Wednesday has opened somewhat cool and cloudy, but the sun is valiantly fighting for survival, and who knows how it will turn out? We just have to hope for the best and believe that whatever comes our way, we will be able to handle it with the grace of our great God. And all God’s people said a loud ‘Hallelujah! Amen!’
That’s the beauty of living with and for Jesus; nothing that happens will steal our peace or bring us to the point where we lose interest and thus faith in Him. For once He is in our life, we are surely more than conquerors, and can do all things that He desires, through the awesome power of His Holy Spirit. So, one thing believers ought not to fall prey to is the satanic encouraged emotion of fear. For as Bruh Paul so rightly writes to Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7)
And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Our omnipotent God has certainly not given us a spirit of fear! Why would He when He is the supreme ruler of the universe and all therein? Surely, He would not want His followers to be afraid, but rather to be strong and unflappable like Him. (smile) Anyway, with that li’l pep talk for this Wednesday morning, let’s get back to the drama that is Bruh Joseph’s story. Yesterday, we left off where Pharaoh told Bruh Joseph his dream. Today, we’ll pick it up where Bruh Joseph interprets Pharoah’s dream.
The Good Library tells it thus: ‘And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good kine (cows) are seven years; and the seven good ears (of corn) are seven years: the dream is one. And the seven thin and ill favoured kine (ugly cows) that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears (of corn) blasted (blighted) with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.’ (Gen. 41:25-27)
And who says our great God doesn’t move in mysterious ways eh? Who else would have thought to place such a mixed-up dream in Pharaoh’s mind, all to the favour of a young Hebrew man ensconced so unfairly in the Pharoah’s jail? No one but our great and omnipotent God!
Then Bruh Joseph continued to Pharaoh. ‘This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharoah: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout the land of Egypt: and there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume (deplete the food) of the land. And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following: for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice (repeated); it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.’ (Gen. 41:28-32)
Wow! Imagine this young Hebrew man expounding to one of the most powerful rulers in the world on what his Hebrew God planned to do in the near future. Poor Pharaoh must certainly have wondered what was really happening. But to his credit, he listened intently to Bruh Joseph’s words.
And so he continued: ‘Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet (discerning) and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers (overseers) over the land, and take up the fifth part (of the produce) of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn (grain) under the hand (authority) of Pharoah, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store (a reserve) to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through famine.’ (Gen. 41:33-36)
Bruh Joseph was certainly in his element, telling the great Pharoah how to handle the affairs of his country. No doubt he was buoyed by the grace of God, the spirit that made him not afraid to speak what God was saying to him. Now that’s how we ought also to be my faithful brethren; unafraid to speak God’s word, regardless of how worldly powerful the person or people with whom we are communicating. And sadly, in these trying and fearful times, many of us believers are indeed afraid to voice the truth(s) of our faith, afraid that we will either be rejected and shunned by our peers, or in some cases actually punished for our faith.
But remember, as we said earlier, God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of LOVE, power and a sound or disciplined mind, which means we have to be like Bruh Joseph and stand up bravely and speak whatever truth the Lord desires us to speak to whomever He directs us to speak. And yes, that’s easier said than done, but that’s all a part of our discipleship in Christ. Remember the tough requirements to become a member of that august and awesome group? ‘Jesus said to them all, If any man will come after me (desires to follow me), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23)
Yes friends, that means every day we draw breath, we’re expected to take up our cross and do like Jesus did, sacrifice ourselves if, when, and where necessary. There can’t be any hemming and hawing or wishy-washy behaviour when it comes to representing Christ to the world at large. And if God decides to spare our lives, tomorrow we’ll continue with the amazing saga of Bruh Joseph, but now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus!
Altogether: ‘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!’
And my brethren, it’s been promised that if we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s plan to meet at the very end with Jesus and enjoy that future nuh! It’s the wisest decision we can ever make! Much LOVE!
…faithful disciples of Christ…are not afraid to speak their truth…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
12 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a good time to correct our faults, an Hebrew servant, avoid disastrous flood situations, be truly faithful to God, bounden duty, coming from a privileged situation, diligence, disaster mode, excellence, God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace, God will work all things out for our good, hurry, I do remember my faults, improve human life, in god's eyes, It is not me, lock stock and barrel, our job, share His love, share His love with my neighbours, stayed the course, steady drizzle of rain, the beloved of God, the faithfulness of God, there was none that could declare it to me, titillating, titivating, to each man according to his dream, to grow up, to make things better, to understand the realities of life, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, worry
Genesis 41:16. It is not me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace.
Well, at long last the rain which has been promised by the weather forecasters and the intense cloudiness of the last few days, eventually arrived this Tuesday morning! And thankfully, not in humongous showers like some places have been recently receiving, but in a steady drizzle, which hopefully gives the land the opportunity to soak it up and avoid the disastrous flood situations that’s been happening around the world recently. Our world is certainly in disaster mode, but that’s why we’re here, why we’ve been chosen for just such a time like this, because we have the wherewithal from Almighty God to make things better.
Our job is always to make things better, improve human life. The question is whether we are doing that, and if so, whether it’s to our fullest ability? Remember Christ expects diligence and excellence from His followers. So, hopefully, we’re all doing as best as we can, for come the judgement day, the Lord won’t ask us about anybody else nuh. No, He’ll only ask about what WE did with the talents that He gave us. That means we’ve got to stop looking at, and comparing ourselves with others, and get on with our personal tasks.
And now it’s time to return to that amazing saga of Bruh Joseph. I wonder, with all the unfair and unjust things that have happened to him so far, how many of us would have lived up to his faithfulness? Not many I believe. Most of us would have been downright annoyed with God, angrily claiming that we’re doing right, and only unfair and unjust things are happening to us. Some of us might have already turned away from Him.
But thankfully Bruh Joseph stayed the course, as we sincere believers are expected to do. We need to believe God’s promise that eventually He will work all things out for our good. And what a catastrophe it would have been if Bruh Joseph had given up on God’s promises. But he held it all together, despite the trials he faced. And as the Lord would have it, we saw yesterday how Pharaoh dreamed two dreams he did not understand and none of his wise men or magicians could interpret them either.
And the Word says: ‘Then spake the chief butler unto Pharoah, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was wroth (angry) with his servants, and put me in ward (in custody) in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker: And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.’ (Gen. 41:9-13)
Ah friends, yuh see how the Lord LOVES to play out His dramatics; slow and long. (smile) But there’s always a good reason behind His situations. In this particular case, Bruh Joseph needed to grow up, to understand the realities of life, after coming from a privileged situation. He also needed to learn how to handle and lead people for the destination and destiny the Lord had in store for him.
And maybe that’s the same thing he’s doing in many of our lives right now; preparing us for our eventual destination and destiny, and all the tough stuff we’re currently going through are merely learning and growing pains. But despite whatever is happening with us right now, we need to stand strong and steadfast and believe the faithful promises of our wonderful God! That’s the only way we’ll ever be successful in this evil and ungodly world.
Oh, and there’s a most important scripture early on in those verses above. When the chief butler says to Pharaoh: ‘I do remember my faults this day.’ Perchance, or perhaps, some of us might also remember our faults this day. Things we’ve promised to do or not to do and never kept those promises. Like the chief butler, now is as good a time as any to correct those faults. (smile) Yes friends, we’re all guilty of something, and the sooner we repent and fix them, the better off we’ll be.
But getting back to Bruh Joseph’s story. The Bible tells us: ‘Then Pharoah sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment (clothes), and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharoah said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharoah saying, It is not me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace.’ (Gen. 41:14-16)
Please note again, that Bruh Joseph is not assigning any of his talent to himself, but always to God. Oh, how I wish that more of us believers could do that, instead of thinking and/or claiming that our successes come solely from our own energy. (smile) And please note too that Bruh Joseph did not merely say that God will give Pharaoh an answer, but an answer of peace, which must have quieted some of Pharoah’s sorrow and lifted his spirits. Then Pharaoh told Bruh Joseph his dream, ending with the sorrowful words: ‘but there was none that could declare (yes!!!) it to me.’ (Gen. 41:24)
And in keeping with good drama procedures, we’ll stop there for today, leaving you hanging, in suspense, thinking about what comes next, titivating and titillating your imaginations. (smile) But seriously though my brethren, this story of Bruh Joseph is indeed one of God’s best drama pieces, and it definitely set the stage for most of what came after. Now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And now it’s our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…to truly experience the faithfulness of God…we truly need to be faithful to Him…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
11 Sep 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a roof over our heads, answer our prayers, hang thee on a tree, humble ourselves, ill-favoured, interpreting dreams, inviting Christ, LOVE, merry go round of life, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, never have a bland day in your life, nightmares, put bread on our table, seven ears of corn, seven well favoured kine, sincerely seek your face, strong faith in Christ, that's life, the amazing story of Joseph, the baker, the birds shall eat thy flesh, the butler, the chief butler did not remember Joseph, the heavenly zeppo, the plague of today's society, the thin ears devoured the fat ones, the throne of grace, the work week, to be your Lord and Saviour
Genesis 40:23. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
One more time around on the merry-go-round of life we call the work week my people! That means it’s Monday, and the old annoying, banal, same old cycle of going to and from work in the never-ending traffic jams, rears its ugly head again. But as some man once famously said: ‘That’s life!’ And so it is. That’s the way our society is built, so we just have to get accustomed to the forty or fifty-something years of getting up most of those days and going to work, so we can put bread on our table and keep a roof over our heads.
Hn! Hn! The problem there is that we have to make our lives interesting with other interests, beside our work. And the best way to do that is by inviting Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Saviour! Yes friends, I can guarantee when you do that, you’ll never again have a bland, banal day in your life, because Jesus will keep you positively occupied. And if you don’t believe me, then please check Him out and see for yourself. (smile)
And I’m chuckling here, because just now, as I was coming to write the Bit, I kept wondering what we should write on today, and could not come up with anything…that is until I got the heavenly zeppo that we hadn’t finished talking about Bruh Joseph’s amazing story! And that’s how Christ will keep you busy; He will always find something useful for you to do.
So, since I’ve got my marching orders, (smile) let’s return to the colorful and faithful story of Bruh Joseph. The last time we left him, he had just finished interpreting the dream of Pharoah’s butler, where he would be restored to his position in three days. And for the first time Bruh Joseph cried out for help, asking the butler to remember him to Pharaoh when he got out.
And the Good Library continues: ‘When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and behold I had three white baskets (three baskets of white bread) on my head: And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats (baked goods) for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.’ (Gen. 40:16-19)
Now can you imagine the consternation and chagrin of the baker! After hearing the good news of the butler’s dream, only to hear the terrible outcome of his. But that’s exactly how it happened. Three days later Pharaoh celebrated his birthday and gave a feast for all his servants, and at that time he restored the butler to his position but hanged the baker as Bruh Joseph had interpreted. And this is the most hurtful part of the story. The Bible says: ‘Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.’ (Gen. 40:23)
And isn’t that the unfortunate way things happen, especially in these unfaithful, greedy, selfish and evil days? Those we help in time of need, immediately forget us when their lives improve. But that should not be the way of the believer in Christ. However, the devil has us so worried and anxious about ourselves and our circumstances in these trying times, that we often can’t be bothered to concern ourselves with the problems of others. And unfortunately, that was Bruh Joseph’s fate. He languished in the prison for two more years, until Pharaoh had a dream, where he stood by the river.
‘And behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed (fine looking, fat cows); and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other kine (cows) came up after them out of the river, ill-favored and lean fleshed (ugly and gaunt); and stood by the other kine (cows) upon the brink (bank) of the river. And the illfavoured and leanfleshed kine (the ugly and gaunt cows) did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine (cows). So Pharaoh awoke.’ (Gen. 41:1-4)
Ah Lord eh! I wish my dreams could be as simple and seldom as Pharoah’s! Unfortunately though, one of the medications I’m on, has this side effect of producing nightmares, and sometimes I wake up even more tired than when I went to bed because of the intensity of the dreams. But hopefully the positive effect of the medication carries greater weight than the negative effects of the dreams. (smile)
Anyway, the Bible continues: ‘And he (Pharoah) slept and dreamed the second time: and behold, seven ears of corn came upon one stalk, rank (plump) and good. And, behold, seven thin ears and (blasted) blighted with the east wind sprung up after them. And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank (plump) and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold it was a dream.’ (Gen. 41:5-7)
Now can you imagine yourself dreaming such dreams my brethren, where the blighted and ugly are eating up the fat and good looking? No wonder the Bible tells us: ‘And it came to pass in the morning that his (Pharaoh’s) spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.’ (Gen, 41:8) No doubt Pharaoh was disappointed, and possibly enraged that none of his people could interpret his dream. And we’ll stop there for today in the mouth-watering saga of Bruh Joseph.
It’s time to take our problems to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, so that we can get divine help to solve them. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face.
So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And if we expect to get divine help, then we had better come through with our promises of obedience and faithfulness. Much LOVE!
… selfishness and greed…the bane…the plague of today’s society…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
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