05 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a hard row to hoe, an even keel, be thankful for small mercies, bless them that curse you, Christian, christianity, disgrace, do good to them that hate you, do unto others as you want them to do to you, evil, fellowship, focus on the good things of God, Friday chant, friends, fun, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, have regard for good things, honest, honourable, in the sight of all men, Jesus Christ, jesus name, joyful, live peacably with all men, Love your enemies, pray for those who use you, relaxation, repay to no man evil for evil, shame, sound advice, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, thankful, the right perspective, the weekend, tit for tat, turn the other cheek, vengeance is mine saith the Lord
Romans 12:17. Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men.
Well Friends, we’ve made it through another week all in one piece. Glory Hallelujah!
Yes my people, it is indeed Friday, and the labouring will soon cease for a couple of days, so let’s shout it out: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and soon my time will be my own!
No more supervisors looking over my shoulder with their beady eyes and sour dispositions, telling me what to do, as though I’m dotish (stupid) and can’t read or follow instructions. Chuh! They are the ones who make most of the week hard yes! But thank God is Friday oui, and I can get them off mih back for a li’l bit!’
Oh my brethren, we do have to be thankful for small mercies! The big ones are indeed wonderful, but they only occur once in a while. It’s the small ones that are always happening, and for which we must remember to be thankful, because they often are so small and seemingly insignificant that we don’t even notice them.
However, they are the ones that God uses to demystify us, to build our faith, and keep our lives on an even keel. And over time they do add up and eventually become the testimony of our lives.
So please, let’s pay attention to the small happenings, to the small showers of mercy in our lives and allow them to make us joyful and thankful, as our God intends for them to do.
Now let’s chant our Friday Chant which enables us to keep the right perspective on the weekend. As one 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 people, we have to be very careful that we don’t abuse the freedom and privilege of the weekend. And our Bit talks to the problem in its own way. ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men.’
Now that’s solid advice and heavenly wisdom we should all heed my Friends!
And please note Jesus’ words on the subject. ‘Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil (an evil person): but whosoever shall smite (slaps) thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.’ (Matt.5:38-39)
Oh my people, it is indeed a hard row to hoe, but as followers of Jesus we have to hoe it. And Luke’s version goes like this: ‘But I say unto you which hear, LOVE your enemies, do good unto them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you.
And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat (tunic) also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.’ (Luke 6:27-30)
That’s sound Christian advice my brethren, straight from the Master’s mouth! He doesn’t mean we should just roll over and play dead, but we shouldn’t be playing tit for tat and treat others the way we want to be treated.
Unfortunately neither of those directives holds much in this current world. We all want revenge for wrongs done to us, and we tend to treat others terribly, but expect great treatment ourselves, in spite of our evil doing.
That obviously doesn’t wash with our Saviour, so let’s try and get rid of those unchristian habits nuh my brethren, for all they do is bring shame and disgrace on us, as well as the Lord’s church.
And the second part of our Bit reminds us to ‘Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men.’ We must be honest in all our doings Friends.
As Bruh Paul reminds the Corinthians: ‘Providing for honest (honourable) things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.’ (2 Cor.8:21)
And he continues after our Bit, to the church at Rome: ‘If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom.12:18-21)
And here are some explanations from the scholars. ’12:19-21. Give place unto wrath: Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 to show that only God has the right to avenge, and He certainly will avenge.
Heap coals of fire on his head (cf. Prov.25:22): This may refer to a sense of shame or remorse engendered when we treat an evildoer kindly. Paul is discussing personal, not national enemies. He is not teaching pacifism.’
And therein my people, lies one of the basic tenets of our Christian faith; don’t return evil for evil. So let’s try and do as it says nuh, put it into serious practice in all our lives, for it is truly the wisdom of heaven. Much LOVE!
…evil only begets evil…therefore the true Christian will not condone evil…but rather focus on the good things that pertain to God…
04 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a closer walk with Jesus, a day in the life, action, ask for forgiveness, be not deceived, christianity, come to a fuller knowledge of Jesus, corruption, desires, disobedience, do not be weary in well doing, empowerment, eternal destruction, evaluate our attempts, evil dictates, feel convicted, friends, get quiet with God, grow closer to christ, Hallelujah, household of faith, I can do all things through Christ, in the evening, in the morning, Jesus Christ, life everlasting, loving kindness, new opportunities, New Year's resolution, Praise the Lord, reap in mercy, righteousness., sow thy seed, sow to the flesh, sow to the Spirit, the Holy Spirit of Jesus, what shall prosper, what shall succeed, what you sow you shall reap, wisdom, withhold not thy hand
Ecclesiastes 11:6. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which will succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
Well Friends, it’s Thursday 4 December – another glorious day in the life! (smile) But can you believe that it’s almost Christmas, and therefore almost the end of the year? Now 2014 has been a real tumultuous year in man’s history, but as true believers we stayed strong through the Holy Spirit of Jesus that indwells us.
That brings me to a question I haven’t asked in a long while – how successful have we been in keeping our New Year’s resolution of having a closer walk with Jesus?
We have to check on that now, my people, because another new year is upon us, and it just doesn’t make sense to get into a new resolution without having assessed our progress on the last one.
So please, in these last days of 2014, let’s get quiet with God, let’s get introspective, look inside and truly evaluate our attempts to know Christ better. And let’s not beat ourselves up, feel convicted yes, and ask for forgiveness if we haven’t done as well as we ought to.
Once we have been sincere in our efforts, Jesus will understand, and anyway, 2015 will provide us with another opportunity, since our major resolution every year is simply to come to a fuller knowledge of Jesus, our wonderful Lord and Saviour. Yes Friends, we must continue to grow closer to Christ, every day and every year!
Now let’s reaffirm this affirmation. (smile) ‘I can do all things through Christ. God has new opportunities for me. I’m not settling for where I am now. I’m stretching myself, and pursuing what He has put in my heart. God’s plan for my life is greater than I could imagine, and I am determined to be who He wants me to be. This is my declaration of what I can do through Christ.’
And all God’s people gave a mighty shout of ‘Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!’
Yeh mih breddren, just remember that we can do all things through the empowerment of Jesus Christ! And we have to do, because if we don’t do, then nothing’s going to happen. Remember that Christianity is an action movement.
That brings us to our Bit, an action statement. ‘In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which will succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’
Yes Friends, that’s certainly an action Bit! And as we said yesterday, it’s just another take on God’s universal principle of sowing and reaping. You must sow to reap. And in particular, we have to sow good seed if we want to reap a good harvest. The old people would tell you that you can’t plant peas and expect to reap corn. So whatever you sow, that you shall reap.
And we have a couple of rather poignant and telling scriptures that address the subject. Listen to these wise words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:7-10)
Ah mih people, it’s all right there in black and white; we need to live good with everybody, especially our fellow believers! Now let’s check out some more detailed explanations from the scholars.
‘6:7. Mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): To disobey God’s commands and then escape divine punishment would be to outwit God, thus making a mockery of Him and His Word. Soweth means “does,” “practices.” Reap could also be said “be requited,” “recompensed.” Contextually, the Galatians cannot disregard the command to support their Christian instructors (v.6) and escape divine discipline.’
‘6:8. For expands the principle of verse 7 to wider applications. Soweth to his flesh means to conduct oneself by the evil dictates and desires of the sinful nature, thus practicing the deeds of the flesh (5:19-21). Such a person shall…reap corruption, that is, be requited with eternal destruction.
Soweth to the Spirit means to live by His enabling help in accord with the Spirit’s prompting and leading, thus cultivating the fruit of 5:22-23. Such a person shall…reap life everlasting, that is, be rewarded with eternal life.’
‘6”9. Since it is only a matter of time before Christians shall “reap” divine reward (v.8), then he is not to be weary in well doing.’
‘6:10. Owing to the certainty of being divinely rewarded (vv.8-9), believers are urged to seize each opportunity to do good. Contextually, doing good refers to the ministry of restoration (v.1), bearing one another’s burdens (v.2), supporting teachers (v.6), sowing to (living in accord with the leading of) the Spirit (v.8), and general perseverance (v.9). Believers are to minister first unto them who are of the household of faith (Christians), and second, to the rest of the world.’
Ah Friends, I thought it necessary to share those explanations because I want us to better understand the scriptures we read. And I do hope that they served the intended purpose.
Now let’s close with true words of wisdom from the prophet Hosea’s warning, re the punishment of Israel, words that are ever so applicable to our world today.
‘Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy (LOVING-kindness or faithfulness); break up your fallow (untilled) ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.’ (Hos.10:12)
Oh my people, truer words were never spoken and more applicable for these frightening times. Please, I implore us to get a move on with that programme RIGHT NOW, because it’s our only hope to avoid the divine repercussions that will befall us if we continue living the ungodly, disobedient, sinful and evil life that we’re currently living. It’s the wisdom of heaven, my brethren! Much LOVE!
…you can’t continually sow evil and disobedience here on earth…and expect to reap good rewards from heaven…
03 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: anti-Jesus world, Bruh Paul, burnt our bridges, Calvary, Christ's sacrifice, Creator of the universe, eternal life, expectant faith, forge ahead, friends, give us strength to carry on, glorified, gospel truth, halfway to home and freedom, help others achieve their dreams, hungry hope, in the evening, in the morning, Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour, Most High, no looking or turning back, reconciliation, resonate in our souls, righteousness., salvation, sanctified children, sins, son jesus christ, sow thy seed, Wednesday, withhold not thy hand, word of encouragement, worth to be praised, you don't know which will prosper, you reap what you sow
Ecclesiastes 11:6. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which will succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
Welcome to Wednesday Friends; the halfway to home and freedom day!
And all God’s people shouted a hearty ‘Yeah! Welcome Wednesday!’ (smile)
Ah mih people, Wednesday is the day of no looking or turning back, because we have already burnt the bridges of Monday and Tuesday behind us.
Therefore, our only option now is to forge ahead with hungry hope and expectant faith in the Creator of the universe and His wonderful Son, Jesus Christ!
The sinless Son who selflessly gave up His all and sacrificed His life on Calvary’s hill, taking our burdensome sins upon His strong shoulders, giving us righteousness, reconciliation with the Father, salvation and eternal life. Oh what a mighty Lord and Saviour is our Jesus!
And the sanctified children of the Most High burst out: ‘Oh Thank you Jesus! We praise and glorify your holy name, for you are indeed worthy to be praised and glorified!’
And that’s an indisputable fact my brethren! So please, let’s allow that to resonate in our souls, bodies and minds today and give us strength to carry on, as we face an increasingly anti-Jesus world.
And our word of encouragement for today comes from Les Brown, (1945- ) a world-renowned African-American motivational speaker, and it points out a rather intriguing and beautiful aspect of human life. It simply says: ‘Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.’
Now that’s gospel truth Friends! It’s just another take on God’s universal principle of ‘what you sow, you will reap.’
And it works nicely in tandem with our Bit: ‘In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which will succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’
Yeh mih people, we have to sow some kind of seed, hopefully good ones, every day, so that we can reap their harvest at a later date. Like the farmer sows and waits patiently, but with eager expectation for the former and latter rains to water his fields and produce a bountiful harvest, we must also do likewise.
And as Cousin Sol says in the opening verse of the chapter: ‘Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.’ (Eccl.11:1)
And the scholars have this to say about those verses. ’11:1-6. These verses contain a series of sayings about the uncertainty of human industry, and are held together by the fourfold occurrence of the expression thou knowest not. Although man cannot comprehend God’s work, nor predict success, he needs to be involved in life’s activities and trust God for the results.’
Absolute truth my brethren! To achieve success, we have to sow good seed, then trust God to bring forth the harvest in His good time.
As Bruh Paul tells the Corinthians in his first letter. ‘I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth: but God that giveth the increase.
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God (God’s fellow workers): ye are God’s husbandry (field), ye are God’s building.’ (1 Cor.3:6-9)
Meanwhile, Isaiah testifies: ‘Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.’ (Is.32:20)
Yes Friends, we need to be continually sowing good seed in all kinds of places, everywhere we go, helping and encouraging others, so that they can stand steadfast in God. And there’s immense truth in the saying that nothing helps and heals us like giving to others, be it time, money or talents.
Again we turn to the wise words of Bruh Paul, this time in his second missive to the Corinthians. ‘But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully (with blessings) shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity (compulsion): for God LOVETH a cheerful (joyful) giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things (never lacking anything), may abound to every good work.’ (2 Cor.9:6-8)
The scholars offer this explanation: ‘9:7. Cheerful giver: The giver is to have a willing heart and a sincere desire to participate in the offering. Paul is not so much interested in their money. Nor is God, for that matter, as the passage from Proverbs 22:9 indicates.
The Greek term ‘hilaron,’ from which the English “hilarious” derives, is best rendered as the English text suggests, “cheerful.” Giving is not a joke. It is a serious business, but it is a delightful experience all the same.’
And so it should be! But sadly my people, giving these days is the bane of our existence! That’s because giving, both generously and cheerfully, is no longer one of our strong points. This version of our society is rather averse to giving, even though we have more people and institutions asking.
And when we give, it’s…it’s like pulling teeth. (smile) We oftimes have to beg and beseech to get a little of anything, because we have now become a real selfish and greedy society.
Anyway Friends, let’s take this message to heart today nuh and go out and seriously put into practice, for it is wisdom of the highest order and benefits us like nothing else does. Much LOVE!
…as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley)likes to say…you reap what you sow…more than you sow…and later than you sow…
02 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: be enthusiastice about the success of others, be too large for worry, Christian D Larson, common sense, Cousin Sol, disturb your peace of mind, duty, earthly sojourn, forget the mistakes of the past, Garden of Gethsemane, God makes his enemies to be at peace with him, happiness, It is finished, Jesus Christ, lay aside every weight, let this cup pass from me, live a life that's pleasing to god, look at the sunny side of everything, LOVE, make your optimism come true, my judgement is righteous, obedience, Optimist's Creed, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, pilgrim's journey, press on to future achievements, promise yourself, prosperity, recipe for a good life, responsibility, run with patience, Samaritans, sin, talk healht, the bread of life, the race set before us, the Son of man, the well of Jacob, the will of the Father, to be strong, to do the will of him that sent me, too happy to permit the presence of trouble, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, wear a cheerful countenance, when a man's ways please the Lord, wisdom
Proverbs 16:7. When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Oh Friends, it’s Tuesday morning and we’re on the move again. But here is something from Christian D. Larson, (1874-1954) the American New Thought leader, teacher and author, to buoy and boost us as we move along the fast track of life. It’s called ‘The Optimist’s Creed.’
Some of you might have heard of it, or even know it. And would you believe that I have it cut out and stuck up on a filing cabinet right next to my desk, but I can’t tell when last I looked at it. The paper is old and yellow now, so I must have had it up there for some time.
I believe I might have shared it with you a long time ago, but this morning the Lord led me to it. I guess He believes we need to reorient and readjust our lives in accordance with it. (smile)
It simply says: ‘Promise Yourself – To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.’
Oh my people, those might seem like trite, clichéd comments, but believe me, as a group, they are indeed the recipe for a good life on this evil earth! The fact is that most of us know some or even all of those wise advisements, but unfortunately we don’t implement them consistently.
And that’s what denotes a sensible life; consistency in positive outlook and behaviour. And with the Good Book to help us affirm those things, we should be able to live a life that’s not only pleasant, but even more importantly, pleasing to Almighty God! And living a life that pleases God is one of our duties, a major responsibility on this pilgrim’s journey on which we are embarked.
As Cousin Sol so wisely tells us in our Bit. ‘When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.’ Indisputable truth that my brethren!
And what we’re going to concentrate on today is how the Son of man, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ put our Bit into action during His earthly incarnation, how He always tried to please His heavenly Father. And if He, a significant part of the Godhead, put so much emphasis on it, why shouldn’t we, mere mortals and minions of Jehovah God do likewise eh?
And we’ll begin with this telling verse from John 8: ‘And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.’ (John 8:29)
Ah mih people, Jesus could not have been any simpler and straightforward than that! And if we claim to be His followers, then we too, ought always to try and do the things which please the Father.
Then in John 4, around the well of Jacob, when He teaches the Samaritans that God is a Spirit and the disciples wondered at his saying, ‘I have meat (food) to eat that ye know not of…. Jesus saith unto them, My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 4:32, 34)
Meanwhile in John 5, where Jesus talks about the Son’s relationship to the Father, He humbly declares: ‘I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is just (righteous); because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.’ (John 5:30)
Then, when expounding on being ‘the bread of life,’ Jesus again reiterates His submission to the Father. ‘For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.’ (John 6:38)
And the scholars note this comment. ‘6:38. I came down from heaven is another indication of Jesus’ deity (cf.3:13).’
Ah my fellow believers when coming to obedience, there was definitely none like Jesus! Listen to these most memorable and heartfelt words while undergoing His soulful torment in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before His crucifixion.
‘And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ (Matt.26:39)
And later on the Good Book says: ‘He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except (unless) I drink it, thy will be done.’ (Matt.26:42)
Yes Friends, Jesus had his hurting moments just like all of us do, but He remained steadfast to do the Father’s will, even though He knew how painful and awful it would be. He put His desires, subordinated them to those of the Father, and that’s what we ought also to do.
Obviously we don’t have the same constitution that Jesus had, but our God, our Creator, knows that and understands that we will make mistakes and be disobedient just from the very nature of our sinful being.
However, He does expect us to make a sincere effort, to diligently try to do His will, so that at the end of our earthly sojourn, we can say like Jesus did: ‘I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.’ (John 17:4)
And in the final installment of earth’s greatest drama: ‘When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar (sour wine), he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost (His spirit).’ (John 19:30)
Oh my people, there’s nothing left to say. Let’s just go out and do like Jesus did nuh; live a life that’s pleasing to God. It’s our duty as followers of Christ, as well as simple common sense and heavenly wisdom. Much LOVE!
…let us lay aside every weight…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…and let us run…with patience…the race that is set before us… (Heb.12:1)
01 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cesspool of negativity, adulteress., almighty god, anxious, aura of love, Black Friday, complaining, Cyber Monday, despise the other, drown ourselves, enmity with God, enthusiasm, eternal life, faith, fears and tears, fellowship, friend of the world, friends, frustrated, glorious kingdom, gospel truth, grumbling, he will hate the one, holy spirit, humble servants, Jesus Christ, jobs, lies, LOVE, love the other, lover of god, lover of the world, loyal to one, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, no man can serve two masters, Oh Lord God Almighty, oh what a joy, pleasure in material things, positive mindset, pride of life, proactive, put a positive spin, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, rest, rocking and a rolling, scriptures, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, temptations, unfaithful bride of christ, weakness, wisdom, you cannot serve God and mammon
Matthew 6:24. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches).
And once again we’ve come full circle to that blessed day called Monday! Oh what a joy!
No Friends, I’m not crazy. We might as well put a positive spin on things, especially since we can’t control nor change them, otherwise we’ll just drown ourselves in a cesspool of negativity. Being positive and proactive will at least allow us to get through the ordeal that Monday is for some of us, without too many fears and tears.
We have to get up and go out and labour, so we might as well do ourselves a favour by doing it with a positive mindset. The grumbling and complaining won’t help it anyway, just get us more anxious and frustrated.
So let’s get to our anthem right away nuh, let’s blast out our Monday Morning Battle Hymn on this cold, clear Monday, now known as Cyber Monday, targeting on-line sales. And I won’t even touch that one this morning, (smile) I’ve heard enough about Black Friday. As far as I’m concerned, Cyber Monday can go where it belongs, straight down to Hades, taking Black Friday with it! The consumerism is just getting to be a bit much.
So let’s come out with guns blazing as we burst into song. All together as one harmonious voice 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!’
Wonderful Friends, that was wonderful! Both heaven and earth were singing along with us. That ought to get us rocking and a rolling now, so that we can handle anything that comes against us.
And life is so full of surprises and miracles, what do you think I saw as soon as I turned on my computer? Hn, hn! A big sign advertising Cyber Monday! Ah Lord eh! I just had to laugh. What else could I do?
Enough of that though, let’s get to our Bit, which addresses that conundrum of consumerism versus Almighty God. ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches).
And have you noticed Friends, that this Bit came up just in time for all the sales and bargains nonsense? I guess the Lord was trying to tell us something; you can’t take such pleasure in material things and worship me at the same time.
And James addresses that question, quite simply and straightforwardly: ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be (wants to be) a friend of the world, is the enemy (makes himself the enemy) of God.’ (James 4:4)
And the scholars explain that quite succinctly. ‘4:4. As Israel was a spiritual adulteress, unfaithful to God, so the church is a spiritual adulteress when she is the unfaithful bride of Christ (cf. Hos.2:5, 19-20, Matt.12:39). One cannot be both a LOVER of God and a LOVER of the world.’
And that’s exactly what we’ve been trying to say all along my brethren!
And we’ll end with these oh so important words of John on the subject, that of First LOVE. ‘I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
LOVE not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man LOVE the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.’ (1 John 2:14-17) That’s all gospel truth my people!
Now hear some explanations from the scholars. ‘2:12-14. John addresses different groups and assures them of their steadfastness in the true faith, contrary to many of those with whom this letter must deal. Little children, fathers, young men, and so on, may refer to actual age groups. Or it may have reference to spiritual maturity or level of responsibility in the fellowship, for example, to new Christians being ‘children.’
‘2:15. LOVE not the world is a command implying that action now in progress must cease: “Stop LOVING the world!” There is, of course, one sense in which Christians should LOVE the world, since God Himself did and does (John 3:16). But in the sense of pledging personal loyalty and devotion of one’s whole being and means, Christians are to “LOVE” God first and foremost (Deut. 6:5; Mark 12:30.’
‘2:16. World for John signifies the evil desire and sin so much a part of human existence. Temptation: Though all people are tempted differently according to their individual weaknesses, temptations follow patterns. They appeal to three fundamental areas of life: (1) the lust of the flesh (physical desires). (2) The lust of the eyes (personal desires); and (3) the pride of life (self interests).
Illustration: When Satan caused the fall of the race, he appealed to each of those areas of weakness Gen.3:6). He also appealed to them when he tempted Christ (Matt.4:1-11), who defied Satan’s temptations by relying on the authority of the Scriptures.
Application: The Christian today should also depend on the Scriptures to defeat temptation. (First Reference, Gen.3:1-6; Primary Reference, 1 John 2:15-17; cf. Rom.5:12.)
Oh Friends, for our own sakes, please lets take all of that stuff seriously nuh, else we’ll just get caught up in the pollution and ungodliness of the world, which will eventually cause us much heartache and pain. Much LOVE!
…the world should not be our idol…Jehovah God should reign first and foremost in our hearts…
P.S. It’s somewhat long (smile) but very instructional and applicable to our lifestyles today. Much LOVE!
–
30 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abundance, admonition, assurance, be rich in good works, Bruh Paul, communication with God, concentrate on God, confide in god, consider what He's done in the past, contribution, conventional human standards, curry favour, deepening love for God, despise the other, do good, don't trust in uncertain riches, eternal life, false gospel, fellow believers, fellowship, friends, friends and neighbours, Galatians, generosity, give, give thanks, glorify God, God sanctified Sunday, God's LOVING-kindness, God's so faithful, God's so good, gospel truth, gratitude, Hallelujah, haughty, he will hate the one, heaven, highminded, homelessness, jehovah god, Jesus Christ, joy, livelihood, logic, LOVE, love the other, loyal to one, man's favour, material wealth, mites, Most High, my heart overflows, no man can serve two masters, peace and quiet, persuade men, poverty, praise, Praise the Lord, procalmations of joy, put aside worldly cares, seek to please men, servant of Christ, share, sing praises to God, spend time with God, Sunday, thanksgiving, the act of giving, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the light of eternity, the Lord's Day, the Sabbath, time with God, trust in the living God, want, what He's doing now, what He's promised to do in the future, wisdom, worship, you cannot serve God and mammon
Matthew 6:24. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches).
Oh Friends and Neighbours, I give you the first, as well as the best day of the week; Sunday, the Lord’s Day, the Sabbath!
And all of God’s people declared a humble but proud and grateful ‘Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!’
Yes my brethren, Sunday is the day we’re supposed to spend more time in peace and quiet with God, when we’re supposed to fellowship, worship, praise, give thanks and glorify Him, because it’s His day.
That doesn’t preclude us from doing those things on the other days, but on Sunday they ought to be done, since it’s special. God sanctified it, made it holy after He created the universe.
So today, let’s put aside the worldly cares that are bedeviling us and concentrate our concentration (smile) on our heavenly Father nuh. Let’s consider the good and wonderful things He’s done for us in the past, what He’s doing right now, and what He has promised to do in the future.
Our prayers should run something like this poem from the One Year Book of Bible Promises, titled ‘Dead Giveaway.’ ‘O dear God My heart overflows With proclamations of joy! You are so good So faithful Your LOVING-kindness is so great. I long for my continual gratitude To be a dead giveaway Of my deepening LOVE for You.’
Yes my fellow believers, on words like those, truthful ones now, should our communication with the Father be built
And the promise listed for that prayer is: ‘I will thank you Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvellous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.’ (Ps.9:1-2 NLT) And today’s a most excellent day to do all of that my people!
Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches).’
And as we noted yesterday, that’s not only perfect logic, but also gospel truth! Now let’s look at a couple of scriptures which emphasize the fact that we cannot serve Jehovah God and material wealth at the same time.
And we’ll begin with Bruh Paul writing to the Galatians, where he’s making the point that there’s no other gospel but that of Jesus Christ. (Gal.1:6-9) And he ends that section thus: ‘For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.’ (Gal.1:10)
Now hear this explanation from the scholars: ‘1:10. For explains the harsh language of verses 3-9. If Paul were to persuade men (i.e, court their favour) or seek to please them by preaching a false gospel they want to hear, he should not be the servant of Christ.’
That’s oh so true Friends! If we preach anything that’s merely to get man’s favour, we aren’t being true servants of Jesus, but curry favourers of men. Then there are Bruh Paul’s direct instructions to Timothy on the matter.
‘Charge (command) them that are rich in this world (present age), that they be not highminded (haughty), nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute (give), willing to communicate (share); Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.’ (1 Tim.7:17-19)
And the scholars break down those verses thus: ‘6:17-18. Paul charges wealthy believers (1) not be proud and look down on those who are not rich, (2) to confide in God rather than in unstable riches, (3) to be rich in good works by generously sharing their surplus of financial resources with the needy. To be ready to distribute is to be generous in sharing. To be willing to communicate is to be liberal in giving.’
‘6:19. When wealthy believers generously share (v.18), they secure an assurance (laying up in store for themselves a good foundation) that in the future (against the time to come) they will indeed enter heaven (lay hold on eternal life).
Salvation is not purchased by the giving of money, but generosity demonstrates the reality of one’s faith. Since the believer trusts God and not money, he gives. This giving shows where his heart is and that he views his wealth in the light of eternity.’
Ah mih breddren, if only more of the wealthy would think like that eh! Then there would not be as much poverty, homelessness and all the other negative things that are currently threatening our way of life and our world. But for one reason or another, those with wealth today seem to hold on to it tighter than a whatever. You supply the figurative word or words. (smile)
Please note though Friends, that advice of Bruh Paul’s isn’t only for the filthy rich, but also for the fairly well-off like us. We all have to give generously according to our means. Remember Jesus’ admonition to the disciples.
‘And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites (small copper coins), which make a farthing (a roman coin). And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury.
For all they did cast in of their abundance (surplus); but she of her want (out of her poverty) did cast in all that she had, even all her living (her whole livelihood).’ (Mark 13:42-44)
And to show how small was her contribution, the scholars explain: ’12:42. The mite (Heb. lepton) was worth something like one-eight of a cent. It was so small that its stamp was barely legible.’
But it wasn’t the actual amount that was so important, but the act of giving, even to her last coins.
And per ‘12:43-44. God does not measure giving by conventional human standards.’
That’s ever so true! In fact, He doesn’t do anything by conventional human standards, because His ways and thoughts are much higher than ours.
Anyway Friends, having pleaded my case on behalf of Almighty God, I hope that we will all make today one of praise, thanksgiving, fellowship, worship and quiet communication with the Father. That’s our bounden duty, as well as heavenly wisdom. Much LOVE!
…one can’t properly prepare for Monday…unless one spends precious time with God on Sunday…
29 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: affordability, all or nothing at all, almighty god, Black Friday, bring us to our senses, buying and selling, care, Caretaker, churlish, consumer socisty, Creator, Creator of the universe, Cyber Monday, double vision, drawing closer to God, drifting away from God, enlightened times, enslavement, eternal live, evil, fear not, flies out the window, forgiveness, friends, God agonized over our behaviour, God and mammon, God causes us to get wealth, God smoothens our paths, God takes plastic too, God's greatest creation, gorging ourselves, gospel truth, grace, guidance, improper attitude, Israelites, jealous god, Jesus Christ, Joshua, joy, lavish giver, like chickens with our heads cut off, LOVE, loyalty, lucifer's evil minions, Mammon, material possessions, material things, mercy, Moses, neither be dismayed, no man can serve two masters, our Lord and Saviour, peace, petty, power brokers, powers of darkness, priority, provider, read mark inwardly digest, reality, reasoning, refuse to heed God's call, run like cheetahs, running around in circles, salvation, secret, selfish, smart money, strength of plastic, taker, the bottom line, the Lord goes before thee, the Lord will be with you, the Lord will not fail you, the Lord will not forsake you, wake up and smell the roses, wisdom, you cannot serve God and mammon
Matthew 6:24. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches).
Well Friends, the craziness and stupidity of Black Friday is over!
Chuh! What a mind boggling event! It’s ever so sad to see the video footage of the enormous crowds, normally sane people, behaving like wild animals, like leggo-beasts, rushing, pushing, shoving and screaming like banshees, with their big boxes of supposed bargains.
I got so tired of hearing about Black Friday on the car radio yesterday, that at one point I just turned it off. Wonder what they’re going to call this Saturday eh? Remember cyber Monday soon come. Steups!
Ah Lord eh Friends, we’re just being turned into nothing but a consumer society by the powers that be! It’s all about buying and selling and padding the bottom line and the pockets of the already rich merchants and power brokers!
And sadly, we’re falling for it. We refuse to heed God’s call, although He has much better stuff to offer, but we run like cheetahs when Lucifer’s evil, greedy minions call. That’s not right my people. Many of us, when we go to church, find it difficult to put a decent offering in the collection plate, always focusing on what we can and cannot afford to give God.
But when coming to the sales of worldly goods, like yesterday, affordability quickly flies out the window, and we put it all on plastic without a qualm. Well I have a little secret to share with you – God takes plastic too yuh know! (smile)
But seriously Friends, our behaviour in these supposed modern and enlightened times has become so churlish, petty and selfish that it’s embarrassing sometimes to call ourselves human beings, God’s greatest creation.
I’m sure our heavenly Father must have agonized over our behaviour yesterday, even to the point of questioning His wisdom in creating us, because we seem to be foolishly drifting further and further away from Him, instead of wisely drawing closer to Him, seeking His everlasting LOVE, care and guidance.
For in the memorable words of Moses to the Israelites, when he commissioned Joshua as his successor: ‘And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ (Deut.31:8)
Yes Friends, it is Almighty God, our Creator, Provider and Caretaker who goes before us to smoothen out our paths, the same One whom we are so rudely and unwisely ignoring these days.
And I can just imagine, when the bills arrive for those of us who did the big shopping yesterday on the strength of plastic, the first words we’re going to cry our are: ‘Oh God!’ Then we’ll run to Him asking for help to pay them.
But He was nowhere in our thoughts when we gorging ourselves on the flimsy, soon destroyed, material things of the world. And we fully expect God to help us too! Hn!
Oh my people, please read, mark and inwardly digest these important words of our Bit, words that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ proclaimed some two thousand years ago. ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches).’
Now that’s both logical reasoning and gospel truth!
And the scholars offer an excellent explanation of that verse: ‘6:24. This kind of spiritual double vision causes one to believe he can serve two masters. Total loyalty to God cannot be divided between Him and loyalty towards one’s material possessions. A master (Gr. kurios) is a lord or an owner.
That God claims total lordship over His own is obvious in this passage. Therefore, Jesus rightly proclaimed, Ye cannot serve God and mammon. The term ‘mammon’ is derived from the Aramaic term for possessions or wealth. Jesus is not condemning money or possessions in and of themselves, but the improper attitude of enslavement toward wealth.’
Yeh mih breddren, nothing’s wrong with having wealth and material possessions per se, but when we make them our priority, and put God somewhere down the totem pole, then we’re being foolish and worshipping them as idols.
Remember too that it’s our great God who causes us to get wealth, (Deut.8:18) and He’s also a very jealous Deity, wanting us to serve and worship nothing, or no one else but Him. That’s His first commandment: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ (Ex.20:3)
Oh Friends, let’s wake up and smell the roses, or the coffee, or whatever it is that’s going to bring us to our senses nuh, bring us back to the reality that we cannot serve the things of this world and Jehovah God at the same time. One has to take precedent and priority over the other, and the smart money is on the Creator of the universe!
So please, let’s stop allowing the powers of darkness and evil of this world to cause us to run around in circles, like chickens with our heads cut off, doing their unwise bidding, and instead wisely concentrate on the One who has amazing stuff to offer, for free too; stuff like peace, LOVE, joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness, salvation and eternal life!
Wow! Now can any bank, credit card company or businessman offer you those things? Absolutely not! They’re only interested in taking what little material possessions and wealth you have to increase their pile.
But the Lord God Jehovah is a lavish giver, not a taker! So let’s get smart nuh and truly follow Him, for that’s the apex of wisdom. Much LOVE!
…our God doesn’t play halves…with Him…it’s either ALL…or nothing at all…
28 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: anguish, ask God's divine guidance, bargains, bargainse, Black Friday, business people, cannot be bought with money, common sense, crown of life, Cyber Monday, desire, discomfort, drawn away by his own lust, drive, encouragement, enthusiasm, enticed, enticing, eternal life, every gift comes from above, every man is tempted, evil, fellowship, firstfruits, fleshly lust, forgiveness, fraudulent, Friday chant, fun, gift, glorious kingdom, God is good, God is immutable, God tries the saints, God's promise, god's redemption of man, gospel truth, grace, greed, greedy, hold our heads and bawl, James, Jesus Christ, joy, LOVE, loving kindness, lust brings forth sin, mark of a true believer, material things, mercy, mistakes, patience, peace, price we have to pay, promise, psychological ploys, Red Thursday, redemption, relaxation, resentment, sales, salvation, shopping blitz, shopping day, sin, sin brings forth death, spooked deer, take it to God in prayer, temptation, tempted of god, tempted with evil, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the Father of lights, U.S Thanksgiving, ungodly attitudes and actions, variation, waith for hours, warning, what a wonderful God we serve and worship, wisdom, wise decisions, worldwide trend
James 1:14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust (desire), and enticed.
And at last it was Friday…! And all the people joyfully shouted: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday; Black Friday!’
‘But wait nuh mih breddren, what Friday is this eh, Black Friday?’ you ask with a confused frown. ‘But it’s not the 13th…’
‘Oh no, not the old mythical Friday the 13th, but the new Black Friday; the excessive shopping day after the U.S Thanksgiving celebrations.’
‘Ah Lord eh!’ you shake your head in disbelief.
Yes my people, it’s another day of supposed sales and bargains that only breeds greed, anguish, resentment and all sorts of ungodly attitudes and actions, where we line up in the cold and dark, hours before stores open, then rush like spooked deer through the doors to buy stuff that we don’t really need, and very often cannot afford.
But the evil and greedy business people have found, or rather created, another day to lure us into their businesses to spend money we don’t have. And now, unfortunately, it’s a trend that’s going worldwide. In Canada businesses are doing their own thing too to try and stop the enormous amount of cross border shopping.
One business even had something it called ‘Red Thursday.’ Steups! And next Monday is now being called cyber Monday, where on-line shopping is the name of the game. And then they will put on the Christmas blitz. We are being constantly bombarded with advertising for all sorts of bargains, which are usually fraudulent.
Oh Friends, why don’t we rush down to God’s house like that eh, where everything is free? And instead of giving away, wasting our hard earned or non-existent money on physical stuff that rots and is easily destroyed, we receive LOVE, joy, peace, mercy, grace, forgiveness, salvation and eternal life; things that cannot be bought with money!
And sadly, even if they advertised church services like they do these supposed sales, very few of us would show up, and even fewer would have the enthusiasm, drive and patience to wait for hours in discomfort until the doors opened.
But we can only try to avoid people falling prisoner to the lure of sales and cheap bargains. And one of the tools we use is our Friday Chant. So let’s chant it nuh, with the same enthusiasm and energy we have for the sales we’ll head out to later in the day. (smile)
As one voice 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.’
Ah mih people, I can only hope and pray that we use a little common sense and wisdom and don’t get in foolishly over our heads in whatever we do today. No doubt many of us will hold our heads and bawl when we realize the mistakes we’ve made. But that’s the price we have to pay when we don’t think before we act, neither do we take everything to God in prayer and wisely ask for His divine guidance and help.
That brings us to these most appropriate words of James. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (have been proved), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.’ (James 1:12-13)
And all of that is gospel truth Friends, as are the words of our Bit which follows them. ‘But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust (desire), and enticed.’
And that is exactly what’s happening to us with these sales! The business people are pandering to our natural fleshly lust for material things, and through psychological ploys are enticing us to come and buy what we don’t need or can afford.
And as James continues: ‘Then when lust (desire) hath conceived, it bringeth forth (gives birth to) sin: and sin, when it is finished (full grown), bringeth forth death.’ (James 1:15) Indisputable truth my brethren!
And James ends with a solemn warning, as well as words of consolation and encouragement. ‘Do not err (be deceived) my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firtsfruits of his creatures.’ (James 1:16-18)
And the scholars offer these words of explanation: ‘1:17. Three great principles are presented: (1) God is the Father, or Creator, of the heavenly bodies. (2) As their Creator, He is certainly more stable than they. With God there is not even the slightest change; He is immutable. (3) God is only good – and always good.
This third principle relates verse 17 to the preceding context. It answers the implication of verse 13 that God may sometimes tempt man to evil. Though God tries the saints (John 6:6; Heb.11:17), He never tries with evil intent so as to tempt them.’
‘1:18. All the redeemed are God’s firstfruits in that they are the first step in God’s redemption of all creation (Rom.8:18-23).’
So Friends. Let’s go out this Black Friday morning filled with the Spirit of God that will lead us to make wise decisions, even in the midst of plenty psychological bombardment and enticement. That’s the mark of a true believer! Much LOVE!
…though God doesn’t tempt us…He does allow us to undergo trials to test our mettle…but in His LOVING-kindness, He also helps us to handle them…O what a wonderful God we serve and worship…
27 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: almighty god, lord jesus christ, Thanksgiving Day
Matthew 15:36. And he (Jesus) took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY U.S.A.
And a Happy Thanksgiving Day to all you folks in the U.S. of A!
I know it’s your biggest holiday, so please be careful in your drinking and driving, eating and partying. Please remember not to give Lucifer any chances to enter your souls and pollute them. That means to also remember Granny’s warning: ‘Drunk or sober mind your business!’
Eat, drink and be merry, and give sincere thanks to Almighty God for all that you have, for He is indeed the Creator of everything, and also the one who enables us to get whatever we have. Now here’s an interesting poem from the One Year Book of Bible Promises, titled ‘Thanksgiving Day Dream.’
‘On this fragrant, frosty Thanksgiving day The huge turkey browns beautifully In our king-size oven. The tender yams are evenly candied; The corn soufflé is beginning to bubble; The congealed salad is ready to unmold. The homemade bread with its crunchy texture Is wrapped in foil for reheating.
The ice cubes are bagged in plastic; The relishes are artistically arranged On a round crystal plate. The pumpkin pies are still slightly warm. Fresh yellow chrysanthemums Grace the long, colourful table. The house glistens and shines. My make up is evenly applied….
So, dear family How about settling down In our favourite chairs For an hour of relaxation before our guests arrive! Lord, I dream of this happening Some ethereal Thanksgiving Day!’
Now that would really be a dream day, for no day of celebration ever runs so smoothly, with all the preparations made and time to sit and relax before the guests arrive. It’s always a rush to do last minute stuff, and people always arrive long before you are ready to entertain them.
And when it finally all comes together, there are always problems cropping up, with lots of them boiling over into anger and resentment. But that’s just life! There’s not much we can do about it, except try to get along.
Now let’s look at our Bit: And he (Jesus) took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave them to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.’
That’s when Jesus fed the four thousand men and recovered seven baskets of leftovers. And what I want us to pay close attention to in that verse Friends, is that though Jesus was God in human form, He still thought it necessary to give thanks to His heavenly Father in the breaking of bread. Do we give thanks at meal times? We ought to.
And today we’re just going to look at a couple other examples of Jesus giving thanks at meal times. First up is that time when He fed the five thousand with the five loaves and two small fishes belonging to a young boy.
The Good Book declares: And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.’ (Matt.14:19)
Yes my people, please note that Jesus also gave thanks there ‘looked up to heaven,’ before He broke and distributed the food. It just shows the importance of thanking our Creator.
Or as Bruh Paul says to the Ephesians: ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Eph.5:20) Yes Friends, technically speaking, we should give thanks in ALL situations, not just at meal times.
Then possibly, the most important occasion when Jesus gave thanks was at the Last Supper, the Passover meal He shared with the disciples. The Good Book relates it thus: ‘And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired (I have earnestly desired) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not anymore eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament (covenant) in my blood, which is shed for you.’ (Luke 22:14-20) That was Luke’s version.
The end of Matthew’s version goes like this. ‘And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you In my Father’s kingdom.’ (Matt.26:27-29)
What a symbolic remembrance my brethren! That means every time we take communion, celebrate the Eucharist, we symbolically remember Christ and the ‘sufferation’ He endured for us.
And the scholars add. (Luke) 22:20. A testament is a covenant, a God-initiated and God-fulfilled arrangement that results in the reconciliation of people to Himself.’
And that’s exactly what Jesus’ crucifixion brought about, for which we all are eternally grateful!
Oh Friends, please remember the importance of giving thanks to Jehovah God, our Creator and Provider! And better still, let us take pleasure in doing so, because in the first place, it is only through His good pleasure that we have anything to give thanks for.
Enjoy the day and weekend, but please don’t go overboard, do use a modicum of circumspection, because that’s the zenith of wisdom. Much LOVE!
…but thanks be to God…which giveth us the victory…through our Lord Jesus Christ… (1 Cor.15:57)
26 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: come to destroy, come to save, condemn, condemnation, discipline, don't let go, everlasting life, fire and brimstone, fit for the kingdom of god, for God so loved the world, guidel leader, halfway home, hold on, in need of help, it's darkest just before the dawn, Jesus Christ, Jews, loggerheads, Lord, Lot's wife, Luke, no man that looks back, only begotten Son, pillar of salt, put your best foot forward, put your nose to the gridnstone, putting their hand to the plough, rash judgements, rejection, retaliation, salvation, Samaritans, saviour, seek and save that which is lost, self-control, shake off the very dust from your feet, Sodom, son of Abraham, stick-to-itive-ness, testimony, the praise of God, the praise of men, the Son of man, turn to Jesus, Zaccheus
Luke 9:56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Aye Friends, it’s Wednesday morning! That means we’re halfway home to two big days of freedom! And this is the most important part of the week, the time when we need to show strong discipline and self-control, or as the old folks would say, ‘stick-to-itive-ness.’ (smile) That’s hanging in there, not giving up, even though it’s so easy to let go and quit.
This is the time when it often seems so dark and dreary and impossible. But as we all know, it’s darkest just before the dawn, just before daylight, before the sun appears over the horizon. It’s only a couple more days to freedom my brethren, so please hold on and don’t let go, don’t dare to look back and sigh and wonder what if.
Remember what happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back as they were fleeing the fire and brimstone that was engulfing Sodom? Despite warnings, she looked back and immediately turned into a pillar of salt. (Gen.19:26)
Remember too, Jesus’ words to the man who wanted to go and bid his family farewell before following Him. ‘No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’ (Luke 9:62)
Yes Friends, no one who gives things of little importance higher priority than God’s work is of much use to Him. So just hang on in there this Wednesday morning, put your best foot forward, your nose to the grindstone and move forward with Jesus ever by your side, as Guide and Leader, Lord and Saviour.
This brings us to some fateful words of Jesus, including our Bit. ‘But he turned and rebuked them and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.’ (Luke 9:55-56)
This happened when Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose in coming to earth. He sent some messengers into a Samaritan village to make ready, to make preparations for the large group that was travelling with Him.
As befitted His status, Jesus had a fairly large entourage by the standards of those days. However, they weren’t well received in that village because it looked like they were only being used as a stop-gap measure, as Jerusalem seemed to be their final destination. (Luke 9:52-53)
And since the Jews and Samaritans were always at loggerheads, it’s only logical to expect the latter not to welcome or favourably receive those bound for Jerusalem.
And it’s certainly amazing to hear the disciples’ response to their lack of welcome. ‘And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?’ (Luke 9:54) James and John were certainly hot to trot!
And as the scholars tell us: ‘9:54. See 2 Kings 1:10-12 (for Elijah’s story). Peter is not the only disciple to make rash judgements. Retaliation in the face of rejection goes far beyond Jesus’ order in 9:5.’
And Luke 9:5 says: ‘And whosoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.’ And it’s useful to note here that Jesus meant rejection by whole cities, not merely isolated individuals.
Anyway, that’s when Jesus spoke the words of our Bit to the disciples. And several times during His earthly ministry He made that point; that He had come to save, not to destroy. Let’s look at a few of them.
The first one is when He had lunch with Zaccheus, the chief tax collector. And when Zaccheus pledged to refund his ill-gotten gains, (Luke 19:8) Jesus said to him. ‘This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’ (Luke 19:9-10)
There again my people, Jesus emphasizes His purpose as to seek and save the lost, not to destroy.
Then in John 3, Jesus delivers these beautiful, encouraging and uplifting words. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17)
And again Friends, Jesus places more emphasis on saving rather than condemnation.
And our final words from Jesus on the subject, takes place when some of the Jewish rulers believed in Him, but were afraid of making their feelings public because they feared the wrath of the Pharisees, of being kicked out of the synagogue. As the Good Book says: ‘For they LOVED the praise of men more than the praise of God.’ (John 12:43)
And that’s still ever so true of too many of us today my people! We prefer to offend God, rather than man.
Anyway, as part of Jesus reaction to those people, He said, ‘And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.’ (John 12:47-48)
Yes my brethren, our Lord and Saviour is not a destroyer like Lucifer, but a saviour as His title aptly proclaims.
So please let’s stop being afraid, stop being anxious and guilt stricken when we make mistakes, or come up less than we should, because that’s the kind of people Jesus came to save, not the perfect ones, but the sick and suffering, the lost and abandoned, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. Much LOVE!
…in need of help…then turn to the one who specializes in helping…Jesus Christ…
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