14 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: be grateful for the good things, cannot be reckoned up, check out the small stuff, Christ has promised wealth untold, count your blessings, Daylight Savings Time, do not be discouraged, does the cross seem heavy, God is over all, he that cometh to God, if I would declare and speak them, in everything give thanks, many are thy wonderful works, must believe that he is a rewarder, name them one by one, pause and give thanks to god, physical in church worship, stop counting troubles, they are more than can be numbered, this the will of God concerning you, thy thoughts which are to us-ward, virtual worship, without faith it is impossible to please God, your reward in heaven
Psalm 40:5. Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward they cannot be reckoned (recounted) up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
Well my people, on this Sunday morning in mid-March, when the clock has just gone forward an hour in the controversial Daylight Savings Time situation, there is some news leaning towards the good side, but whether it is sensible to enact it, that’s something else. (smile)
And the good news is that physical in church worship has been eased, but still under the last protocol; masks, cleaning, physical distancing, no actual choir singing, etc. etc. Now it’s debatable whether all the effort need to do that for the small crowd that might come is worth it. Then we would still have to do some virtual worship for those who won’t come. That puts a great strain on the priest and the few people who usually do all the hard and dirty work. And with the many variants prevalent these days, my recommendation would be to leave it as it is; just do the virtual worship.
But since no decision has been made on that as yet, let’s get on with our virtual worship. (smile) And today we’re opening with a marvelous semi-old song written by New Jersey born Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1922) And it’s such a realistic and providential song, that if we had been singing and doing what it says all along, feasting on thanksgiving and praise, we might not be ensnared in the Corona pandemic right now. So let’s open our hearts and give voice to the wonderful hymn, ‘Count Your Blessings!’Raise those voices to heaven in a sweet, scintillating, harmonious, up tempo version as the beautiful music leads us in worship!
‘When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. (Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.) Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain] So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
So Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done. (Now let’s sing that chorus again so we’ll remember it.) Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.’
Oh my faithful saints in Christ, that message is ever so important to all of us! Why, you ask? First of all, let’s check out what counting your blessings means. It basically means to be grateful for the good things in our lives, as well as to stop ourselves from becoming too unhappy about the bad things we must all go through at some times in this earthly life.
And the website www.godtube gives us this interesting explanation. ‘God truly gives us so many blessings each and every single day. Some may even be so small that we might overlook them. The classic hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’ truly reminds us to stop and give thanks for all God has done in our lives. This is definitely a pause we all need to take. Amen.’ And if that isn’t the indisputable truth, I don’t know what is!
Yes friends, in this busy world, where we’re so busy going nowhere fast, we all need to take time every so often and count the good things we have, instead of labouring on and bewailing the bad things, or the things we don’t have. That’s the only way to keep our stress, greed and envy level down. Let’s stop looking at what we don’t have and concentrate on what we do have, especially since many of us are living better than most of our fellow human beings.
As www.godtube continues to tell us: ‘‘If you always find yourself numbering your troubles, you will never find time counting your blessings. There is no use becoming frustrated in your difficulties while you have all opportunities hiding in them for a turnover.’ That’s wisdom in spades my brethren! If you concentrate on counting your troubles, you’ll never find the time to count your blessings and the many opportunities that are hiding in those troubles.
And Bruh David puts it ever so nicely for us in Psalm 40 – Praise for answered prayer. ‘Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward they cannot be reckoned (recounted) up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.’ (Ps. 40:5)
That’s more indisputable truth my people. We can never count the many blessings that God has given to us during our lifetime…and is still giving to us every day! The problem is that we consider blessings as big, bright baubles and bangles, whereas God takes pleasure in meeting our smallest needs when we least expect it. It’s time for us to stop looking for big blessings, and check out the small stuff. We’d all be amazed at the number of small but wonderful blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us down through the years. So many, that we would be unable to count them.
As Job said when he acknowledged God’s justice: ‘I know it’s so of a truth: but how should a man be just with God (how can a man be righteous with God)?…Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.’ (Job 9:1,10) And yes, Job and Bruh David are two men who ought to know of God’s goodness and faithfulness, because they experienced hardship but never gave up on Him. That’s why Hebrews declares: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) Now, I think that’s a very fitting note to end on. (smile)
So let’s go forth and start counting our blessings nuh, instead of our troubles. It will make our lives so much more interesting and fulfilling. Much LOVE!
…in every thing give thanks…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus…concerning you… (1 Thess. 5:18)
13 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a good attirude, apart from Jesus we live in darkness, dissatisfaction and anger in our souls, don't breed resentment, don't lie to ourselves, dreaded darkness of the soul, have the light of life, he that followeth me, I am the light of the world, in the person of Jesus, Jesus - our living hope, Jesus speaks from God and for God and as God, John Piper, keep you so busy, knowing Jesus as Lord and Saviour, lazy time, let go of your dark past, let the improvement of yourself, look on the bright side, LOVE, make excuses to stay in our comfort zone, never lose hope, put Jesus first in your life, putting all your trust in him, regardless of the circumstances, shall not walk in darkness, shining on the retina of the human soul, social media platforms, storms never last forever, stymie our growth, take bitter root in our souls, take risks, the brightness of god, the light is right at our fingertips, the light of Christ, the light of the world paid for our freedom, you deserve a bright future, you have no time to criticize others
John 8:12. I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Come on friends, it’s Saturday, let’s get some lazy time going! And some of us unhappily reply: ‘Lazy time? I don’t want any more lazy time! That’s all I’ve had for the past week…in fact for the past few months. So you know what you can do with your lazy time!’
Yes my people, there’s a lot of dissatisfaction and anger in our souls right now because of the pandemic and many other problems in our world, but being sour and miserable won’t solve them or make them easier to bear. The only thing that will soften them is a good attitude in conjunction with knowing Jesus as Lord and Saviour and putting all your trust in Him! So let’s concentrate on doing that nuh, rather than letting resentment breed and take bitter root in our souls.
Anyway, since it’s Saturday, let’s take a gander at the quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week. Here’s the first one: ‘Once you realize you deserve a bright future, letting go of your dark past is the best choice you will ever make.’ Now that’s basically what we were just saying; regardless of the circumstances we have to look on the bright side. We can’t let unfortunate circumstances stymie our growth by keeping us in negativity and that dreaded darkness of the soul that the enemy wants us to wallow and sink in.
And how do we find the light? By sincerely seeking it; by moving through our darkness like a tired swimmer heading for a distant shore. They know that the shore is a way off, but they don’t intend to fall victim to the deep, dark water in which they are currently flailing around. So they keep on fighting….until they reach the shore and safety. The good thing though, re those who are actively seeking light, is that they don’t have to go very far to find it. It’s right at our fingertips in the person of Jesus Christ! He proclaimed it thus: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)
It’s a plain and simple, yet profound statement. If you follow Jesus, the light in your life will replace the darkness that’s naturally found there if you hold on the world’s values. Now here is an interesting commentary on the subject from the biblestudytools.com website. “I am the light of the world,”is rooted in Jesus’ relationship with His Father. John Piper states, “Jesus speaks from God and for God and as God.” Apart from Jesus, we live in darkness. We have limited capacity to understand who we are or what we see in the world. And Aimee Joseph writes, “The beauty of our humanity is still evident, but ugliness abounds.”
Hear John Piper again: “The light of Christ is the brightness of God shining on the retina of the human soul.”Life can be wonderful on earth, but not fully complete without Jesus. We are all created to crave the Creator, our Father, and only through a relationship with our Savior Jesus can the dark parts of our hearts brighten. And Aimee Joseph adds: “When I admit I am not enough, I’m freed to run and cling to the God who is.” The Light of the world paid for our freedom on the cross.’
And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren! I didn’t intend to spend so much time on that quote, but that’s where I was led, and I think it was worth it. Hope you do too. And the second quote segues nicely from the first. ‘We have to be honest about what we want and take risks rather than lie to ourselves and make excuses to stay in our comfort zone.’ Oh friends, is that ever so true. We all want to be special people and do special things, but too many of us don’t want to step out of our comfort zone to be and do what we really want. However, unless we take some risks and venture into the unknown, we will never rise to the level we desire.
Wishing and talking and envying don’t get it done. Only sincere action and genuine desire do. So let’s stop wishing and hoping and get a move on nuh. And again, the best way to do that is in the company of Jesus. If we tell Him the desires of our hearts, He will willingly and LOVINGLY guide us through life to them.
One problem though. The desires of our hearts must fall within Jesus’ will for our lives, for when we surrender our lives to Him, then what He wants becomes uppermost, and our will becomes subjected to His. But the good news there is that He only wants the best for us, and though He may lead us in a direction we didn’t expect, be assured that it will be a good direction, or rather the best direction.
And I can personally testify to that. I never intended or expected to be doing what I’m now doing, and when the Lord suggested it, I laughed, because I figured I didn’t know enough scripture to write about it. But He persisted, and over the years I can vouch for His amazing faithfulness, because I could not be writing this blog for fourteen years now without His awesome help.
Now here’s the next quote, which also segues nicely with the other two. ‘Let the improvement of yourself keep you so busy that you have no time to criticize others.’ Now that’s the gospel truth. And do we ever need to stop the annoying and often unfair and untrue criticism that is so prevalent in our world today, especially on the social media platform. It’s so sad that anybody, fool or wise, can get on social media and sling criticism at others and have it take off around the world in seconds.
But friends, when we are wrapped up in ourselves with Jesus, busy doing His work, we don’t have time for unjust and unfair criticism. And remember what He said: If you criticize, others are going to criticize you too, and just as unmercifully. (Matt. 7:1-2) Let’s not forget that, because we all like to criticize, but very few of us can take criticism.
And the last quote is another wonderful one. ‘Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.’ And what shall we say to that eh? The first point is that while we are alive, there is ALWAYS hope. And when you’re walking with Jesus, that hope is everlasting, for there’s no giving up in His vocabulary. And He is our living hope! Hear the apostle Peter tell it in his writing to the scattered believers of his day. ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again in to a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’ (1 Pet. 1:3)
Yes my fellow saints, we have a living hope because Jesus rose from the dead and is alive and well! That means we who believe in Him will also see a resurrection morn! All praise and glory to the Father! One more point on our last quote; storms never last forever, but they don’t always make people stronger. Ofttimes they weaken people and make them hopeless, but when you’re walking with Jesus, when He is your guide and pilot through the storms of life, that’s when they strengthen you!
Oh my people, I do hope that what we’ve said has proven that we desperately need Jesus in our lives to fully live this earthly life, the abundant life that He came to give us, and then gain eternity with Him in heaven. Nothing less will suffice! For only He can fill the empty space in our souls! Much LOVE!
…if Jesus is not first in your life…then you’re lost…now and forever…
12 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a feeling of hope is in the air, a labour of love, a li'l light at the end of the tunnel, a means of restoring faith, anxiety, avoid any more serious setbacks, can wake up and smell the coffee, Covid-19 virus, enjoy the good of his labour, faithful believers, fear God, for one to eat and drink, Friday chant, God shall bring every work into judgement, havoc and confusion, in Christ Jesus concerning you, in everything give thanks, in the Lord's time, introduce a whole new flock, it is good and comely, it is his portion, keep his commandments, keep our vow to God, our sinful world, pray without ceasing, racial strife, rejoice evermore, Scrip-Bits Podcast, Some of My Favourite Scrip-Bits, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the first sign of optimism, this is the whole duty of man, this is the will of God, to handle the situation properly, use this pandemic, ventured into the unknown, whether it be evil, whether it be good, wise guidance, with every secret thing, within HIs boundaries
Ecclesiastes 12:13. Fear (reverence) God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Oh friends, it’s another bright and sunshiny morning with more springlike temps! And best of all, the Lord chose to wash the earth clean last evening with a glorious thunderstorm. So out there looks fresh and new now, and there’s a feeling of hope in the air! Yuh know how we usually feel clean and refreshed after a shower! Well that’s how the earth looks this morning! Glory be!
And here’s some more good news. The ole fella now has a podcast on the Anchor website of WordPress, where our blog is displayed. Our God is certainly something else yes, great and mysterious. I’d been wondering about doing a podcast since it’s all the rage now, but thought it would be too complicated, however, a few days ago, when I was posting the blog, I noticed a sign that said turn your blog into a podcast. But that day I ignored it.
The next day though, I ventured into the unknown and soon thereafter, without a whole lot of fuss our Scrip-Bits Podcast was born! Glory to God my people! So for those of you who prefer to hear me, rather than read me, (smile) you can go to this link https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8 and sign in to Spotify with whatever you choose. Now it’s just a simple podcast, so don’t look for fabulous sounds and sights, (smile) just my growly voice.
And oh, here’s something else, I never told you about. If you want to hear my gravelly voice, well done, with music, then you can contact me at randyobrien50@hotmail.com to purchase a C.D, or rather a double C.D, titled ‘Some of My Favourite Script-Bits, Vol. 1’ which I recently put out. It’s not available on a website or streaming as yet. But you’ll get two for one: The spoken word with music behind them, and just music alone. And the music is quite eclectic, varied, so you’re sure to find several things you like.
Believe me, producing that C.D has truly been what we call a labour of LOVE! It’s been about ten years in the making. Ah Lord, when I think about the process, I just have to shake my head and chuckle. I had the vocals all ready to go from the beginning, but couldn’t find anyone willing to write the music. Then, in the Lord’s time, He sent someone along to do it. And even then, there were roadblocks all along the way. But would you believe that’s in the height of the pandemic, He allowed me to complete it.
Ah mih people, I keep telling us that the Lord surely moves in mysterious ways and His timing can be somewhat tough and overbearing, but when we wait on Him, He does good things when we least expect it. And today’s certainly a good news Friday, for here’s what the ordinary workingman has to say. His enthusiasm has certainly been raised a notch, as he declares: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday…And though a whole lot hasn’t changed, there is at least a li’l light at the end of the tunnel. My boss called this week and said that we’d be able to go back to work in the next easing stage of the lockdown! Glory be!
And since I’m one of the older employees, I’ll be amongst the first to go back. It’ll sure feel good to earn some money after such a long time! Let’s hope the next easing stage doesn’t take too long nuh, because then I’ll be so out of shape, I might not be able to do all the heavy lifting and physical stuff we need to do on the job. And with the vaccine being handed out, it’s the first sign of optimism I’ve felt in many a day. Ah Lord eh! Let’s hope that the foolish people out there don’t relax their caution either, now that there’s a vaccine and cause another corona wave to start nuh. So things looking up. Thank God oui!’
Oh mih bredrin, as Bruh Paul so rightly said to the Thessalonians: ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:16-18) And isn’t that the indisputable truth!
And we on a roll here friends, for when I opened the Good Book just now, to look for some scripture to back up all that we’ve said, it opened at this interesting section of Ecclesiastes, where Cousin Sol proclaims: ‘Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely (fitting) for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun (in which he toils) all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.’ (Eccl. 5:18) Yes friends, enjoyment is a gift of God, and we ought to be excited and motivated to do just that, as our life is so short here on planet earth. Oh we can’t get away from troubles, but in our honest toil and labour with God beside us, we can certainly find joy.
And Cousin Sol wraps up the Book of Ecclesiastes with these awesome words. ‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear (reverence) God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl. 12:13-14) And that’s the gospel truth friends! Our job is to obey God and do His will, but we will all answer for our actions or lack thereof come the judgement day.
Now let’s go to God with that awesome privilege of prayer, through our Friday Chant, and empty our hearts, pour out our hopes and dreams before His holy throne. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the sure and wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks.
And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion because of the way we, your faithful believers, handle the situation. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And if we truly want the strife and sickness in our world to be lessened, then we have to keep our vow to God; be faithful believers, and handle the situation properly with true repentance and LOVE for Him and each other! Much LOVE!
…the Lord gave us life…so that we could enjoy it…within His boundaries…
11 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, above all we ask or think, accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, according to the power that worketh in us, according to the will of God, always there to help and comfort, Christ came as a servant, curse, divinely enabled to live the Christian life, emotinal relief, filled with all the fullness of God, for this cause I bow my knees, gospel truth, He that searcheth the hearts, in the inner man, Jesus Christ, know the love of christ, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, make the decision to come to christ, maketh intercession for us with groanings, negative word, pandemic, problems become surmountable, prosper, racial unrest, Sacrifical Lamb, share our blessings generously, strengthened with might, succeed, supernatural wisdom, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, the whole family is named, through His Holy Spirit, Thursday Blessings, to do exceedingly abundantly, trust, unto him that is able, your life is in Almighty God's hands
Ephesians 3:20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
And then, rather quickly, it was Thursday, the penultimate day of the work week, and our lives are still somewhat confused by the pandemic and racial unrest. However, despite how things may appear, regardless of all the worries and pain, if you believe that your life is in Almighty God’s hands, then those problems will become very surmountable! Yes friends, once you are in God’s hands, problems never seem as worrisome and problematic!
Oh, you will still have them, because that’s just a part of life on this planet, but once you’re walking with Him, once you are a follower of His wonderful Son, our Sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, He’s always there to help and comfort you through His Holy Spirit that indwells all His followers!
Wow! What awesome comfort and assurance! No other Deity can provide such emotional relief and trust, because no other Deity is alive and well and powerful like the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But the important thing is that we have to embrace all the promises and benefits that the Lord has provided. They don’t come to us automatically. We have to make the decision to come to Christ and accept that He is Lord and Saviour.
And today, what we’re going to look at is the first act in that action. (smile) It’s called prayer, or talking to God in reverential awe; humbly, but with confidence, as Hebrews tells us: ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:16)
Now, prayer is not only asking God for stuff we want, or think we need, it goes much deeper than that. It is in essence a communing of our spirit with that of the Father, who originally breathed His Spirit in us to give us life. And when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us to lead and guide us and to help us commune with the Almighty. Part of the Holy Spirit’s job is also to help us in prayer.
Bruh Paul puts it like this to the church at Rome. ‘Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities (weaknesses): for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts (God) knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.’ (Rom. 8:26-27)
Yes precious people, the Holy Spirit interprets our innermost feelings that we cannot put into words and aligns them with God’s will. For remember, before the Lord grants our requests, He looks at the motives of our hearts, to see if they’re selfish, greedy and outside of His will.
But getting back to actual prayer. Let’s look at how Bruh Paul prayed for others. It’s strange, but he didn’t usually pray for people’s troubles to go away and that sort of thing, he mostly prayed that they would have inner growth, and thus be able to handle the problems from a point of greater maturity. Here’s how he prayed for the Ephesians, the church at Ephesus.
‘For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (derived). That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in LOVE, May be able to comprehend (understand) with all saints what is the breadth (width), and length, and depth and height; And to know the LOVE of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.’ (Eph. 3:14-19)
Oh, I know that it seems like a long and complicated prayer, but in essence it’s fairly simple. Here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘3:16-19. In these verses Paul makes three prayer requests for the addressees: (1) That they would be strengthened with might by his spirit (vs.16), that is, they be divinely enabled to successfully live the Christian life. (2) That the readers be able to comprehend…the LOVE of Christ , that is, to better understand the enormous LOVE Christ has for them. And (3) that they might be filled with all the fullness of God, that is, that the life, character, and virtues of God Himself may be fully developed in them.’
Oh my people, doesn’t that sound like a complete prayer? It surely does! When we are strengthened by the Spirit, then we can understand Christ’s LOVE, then live the way He desires us to live, through strong and mature faith, ‘rooted and grounded in LOVE.’ And there’s no other way to live the Christian life my friends.
But Bruh Paul wasn’t done with his prayer. He continues: ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.’ (Eph. 3:20-21) And the scholars tell us: ‘3:20. In making the three above petitions (vs. 16-19) Paul has not asked for too much. For he prays unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that he can ask or think.’
And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Our God is omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present, that means He can do all things, knows all things and is everywhere at the same time! And that’s why He is GOD! So let’s try to adopt some of those prayer principles that Bruh Paul established nuh. Let’s not just pray for troubles to be over, or success to be gained, but for us to receive what we need to grow and mature in the faith, have our inner man strengthened. We will all end up better off and living a more complete Christian life.
And now, since it’s Thursday, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!) our Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has magnanimously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. Altogether now, in strong and sincere 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!’
Oh friends, it’s time for us to now share those blessings with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…Christ came as a servant…and He expects the same of His followers…
10 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: an oppressive early morning sleep, bushwhacked, disappointment can't, distress, eternal life, fail until I feel old and beaten, fall flat on my face, famine, glad to be alive, God's measureless love, halfway home, hands on the plough, I show you a mystery, listening to worship music, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, nakedness, not turning back, o death where is thy sting, One Year Book of Bible promises, pain can't, peril, Romans 8---to Me, Ruth Harms Calkin, separate us from the love of God, sword, thanks be to God who gives us the victory, the breath of life, the dream, the great I AM, the row be tough to hoe, to a glorious future with Jesus, tribulation, Wednesday Wail, who shall separate us from the Love of Christ
Romans 8:35a. Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ?
Ah friends, it’s been a rough morning…I was bushwhacked by an oppressive early morning sleep, (smile) just couldn’t get up though I wanted and tried to. Yuk know how sleep can be very determined at times. And it wasn’t because I went to bed late. In fact, I went to bed pretty early – by my standards. And then the dream…oh the dream! A big open grassland with a band stand and several bands playing beautiful music! Wow! Again, I wanted to leave but couldn’t because the music was so sweet and scintillating! Brother! Was it ever hard to get up…
But now I’m up and listening to some worship music, reminding me that there is a God, and He is alive, in Him we live and in Him we breathe. He is the Great I AM! And because He is the Great I AM, this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, is ever so appropriate, especially for these turbulent times in which we’re currently living. And it’s a poem that I can’t ever remember sharing. It’s titled ‘Romans 8 —to Me.’
So please pray with me: ‘God I may fall flat on my face I may fail until I feel Old and beaten and done in Yet Your LOVE for me is changeless. All the music may go out of my life My private world may shatter to dust Even so You will hold me In the palm of Your steady hand. No turn in the affairs Of my fractured life Can baffle You. Satan with all his braggadocio Cannot distract You
Nothing can separate me From Your measureless LOVE. Pain can’t Disappointment can’t anguish can’t. Yesterday, today, tomorrow can’t. The loss of my dearest LOVE can’t. Death can’t. Life can’t. Riots war insanity unidentiy Hunger neurosis disease — None of these things Nor all of them heaped together Can budge the fact That I am dearly LOVED. Completely forgiven and forever free Through Jesus Christ Your beloved Son.’
Oh mih bredrin, how great is that eh! I would say it’s amazing, awesome, without precedent and can’t ever be bettered! So why do so many of us refuse to truly and sincerely believe in Christ Jesus, the Son of the Great I AM eh? Yes friends, there is a God, who is alive, in Him we breathe, and we’ll survive. But we have to come to Him in true surrender and humility.
He’s already done His part in the covenant with us; providing redemption and forgiveness of sins with eternal life through belief in His son, who paid our sin debt in full on the cross of Calvary. It’s now our turn to keep the covenant by coming to him and accepting the free gift of grace and salvation that Jesus earned for us with His selfless sacrifice, showing both His and the Father’s great and overwhelming LOVE for us.
And the scripture promise for our poem is none other than Bruh Paul’s mighty acknowledgement to the church at Rome. ‘Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:35-39)
Oh Mama, Mama! What a powerful and oh so true discourse! NOTHING can separate us from our heavenly Father and Christ Jesus! Once we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour and are sealed by the Holy Spirit as His follower, as His co-heir in the Father’s will, the only person or thing that can break that bond is we ourselves! And why would we ever want to do that eh, after all the wonderful guarantees we have from our ever-faithful God.
Hear Bruh Paul tell it to the church at Corinth and consequently to us and all creation. ‘Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump (trumpet): for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave (hades), where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour will not be in vain (futile) in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 15:51-58)
Yes, my fellow saints in Christ, accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour is a no-brainer! Just look at all the great and faithful promises nuh – too numerous to mention! But that’s why the Lord gave us free will, the opportunity to choose between Him and Satan; to spend eternity with Him in the wonderful place called heaven, or with Satan in the fiery dungeons of hell. The choice is left up to each individual, so hopefully ALL of us will make the right one. All anybody can do is give us advice, we have to make the final decision for ourselves. Please make the sensible one and choose Jesus.
And for those of us who have already made that marvellous and wise decision, let’s go home now declaring (steups!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know our amazing and most awesome position in Christ Jesus! So altogether now in strong voice and humble confidence: ‘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 here’s another li’l secret; (smile) if we endure to the end, that future with Christ will be even more glorious that we can ever ask or imagine. That’s how wonderful it will be my people! So let’s keep on keeping on nuh, though the row be tough to hoe! Much LOVE!
…in Jesus…there is no death…only eternal life…who…in their right minds…wouldn’t want that eh…
09 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a contrary relationship, a heart of gold, a new commandment I give unto you, a penniless son from Tobago, and now abideth faith hope love, as I have loved you, Cheryl Brown, enjoy the wonders of heaven with Jesus, eternally grateful, God is LOVE, I am the beloved of god, I don't have to hurry, I don't have to worry, in god's eyes, Jesus in our thoughts hearts and actions, kind-hearted Christian people, Love -the umber one driving force, love shall cover a multitude of sins, not what I do, not what I have, nourished him with food and family love, pass away alone, put a roof over his head, rest in peace, save a soul from death, share His love with the world, that ye also love one another, that ye love one another, the Brown family took in, the greatest of these is love, the hallowed hall sof heaven, the love always shone through, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra
John 13:34. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.
Well, it’s a bright, spring-like morning…notice I said spring-like, not spring, (smile) because the warm day time temps we’re currently having are only a façade, for winter is not quite over yet. I’ll take that intermittent break though from the cold winds which March usually bring, but it’s not enough to lift my spirits this morning, for I discovered yesterday that the eldest of my younger sisters had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. And I use that description because I have a sister that’s older than me. (smile)
Oh friends, it’s difficult when anyone passes away, but even more so when they do so unexpectedly and also alone, with no friends or family around to wish them a pleasant and speedy journey to the hallways of heaven. That’s apparently what happened to my sister, Cheryl Brown a couple of days ago. From all reports she wasn’t sick unto death, just had a case of bronchitis, but when she could not be reached by phone and they went to check on her she was found unconscious and passed away soon thereafter.
Some of you might be wondering how come I’m talking about sisters when by nature I’m an only child. Well that’s one of the Lord’s greatest miracles in my life. Some fifty odd years ago when I went to live in Jamaica to attend the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, the Brown family kindly took in a penniless son of Tobago, put a roof over his head and fed and nourished him with both food and family LOVE! And thus they became my family, for which I will be eternally grateful and dread thinking of how much rougher my life would have been if they had not taken me in.
Yes, it’s true that Cher (my nickname) and I always had a contrary relationship, and that’s normal in most families, but when it really mattered, the LOVE always shone through. She had a heart of gold, though she worked overtime to make it seem otherwise. Adult life wasn’t always easy for her, but she persevered and made her family proud by representing Jamaica at several United Nations talks, while ending up as a working lawyer. I heard that she was up and about even during the pandemic with her two bad knees. But that’s the kind of persevering person she was.
And she will definitely be missed by her two grown daughters, her granddaughter and her three younger sisters, plus her wide-ranging extended family. Cher sweetheart, you always knew your big brother LOVED you, and I will certainly miss the interesting conversations we had every so often; the last one being a couple of months ago when we spoke about my trying to contact you on what’s app and you kindly, but firmly informing me that if it wasn’t working the way it was, then too bad, because that’s exactly how it would stay.
Ah mih sister, so sad you had to go so early, but I do know that you were prepared because Jesus was always in your heart, thoughts and actions, and that it will be a wonderful reunion with your parents, Aunt Ames (Amy), and Uncle Aubs (Aubrey) in the hallowed halls of heaven. We miss you, and will always remember your kindness and compassion, but we know that you are in a better place now, free from all the problems of this earthly life, so please rest in peace and enjoy the wonders of heaven with Jesus.
Oh my fellow saints, it brings tears to my eyes when I remember the unexpected kindness and LOVE of the Brown family so long ago. They didn’t know me from Adam, yet took me in, while paying for Cher to live on the campus. And no, they weren’t wealthy, just ordinary hard working, kind-hearted Christian people. I remember the times when I’d complain that my mother wasn’t sending me any money, and Aunt Ames would quickly shut me up by asking, ‘How can she send money when she doesn’t have any eh?’
That’s the kind of down to earth people they were. And it’s stuff like that, that has made me the person I am today. How can I be anything other than kind and compassionate when so many people down through the years have been so good to me eh? And in these troubled times, that’s the kind of reaction we Christians need to show to so many who are in need. Yes, some of us might be in dire need too, but as Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) likes to say, ‘The best way to forget about your problems is to go and help somebody else.’
And it’s quite true, when you’re helping others, your problems don’t seem quite as worrisome, and then God turns around and helps you. And it’s all a function of LOVE my people! Jesus said it so plainly: The first and great commandment was to LOVE God with all you had, then the second was to LOVE your neighbour as yourself. (Matt. 22:37-40) And later on, even when He gave them a new commandment, it was still based on LOVE.‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.’(John 13:34)
Yeh friends, all that we do in Jesus’ name should be based on the characteristic of LOVE. Why? Jesus gives us the answer. ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:35) Plain and simple friends. Meanwhile, John, in his first epistle tells us that God is LOVE. ‘Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that LOVETH is born of God, and knoweth God.’ (1 John 4:7) That means God’s redeeming LOVE, not just mere human LOVE.
And why is LOVE so important in our lives? Because it’s God’s major characteristic. Why yuh think He sent His sinless son to die for us eh? Because He LOVED us! And Bruh Paul in his famous dissertation on the way of LOVE in 1 Corinthians 13, declares (ah Lord eh!) that though one has everything else but no LOVE, then you’re useless. Read that chapter and you’ll see why Peter echoes Cousin Sol in Prov. 10:12, when he says: ‘And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover the multitude of sins.’ (1 Pet. 4:8)
And it surely does my people, meaning that LOVE forgives! Covering sin is basically forgiving it, not sweeping it under the rug, but confronting it, then forgetting it, not bringing it up all the time. And then there’s James’ two cents’ worth. (smile) ‘Let him know, that he which converteth (turns) the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide (cover) a multitude of sins.’ (James 5:20)
That says it all friends! LOVE should be the number one driving force in our lives! Our lives should reflect a strong LOVE walk! And having acknowledged that, let’s go home now letting the whole world know who and whose we are, by declaring (yeahhh!) our Tuesday Mantra in strong voice with sincere hearts.
‘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 the world. Amen!’
So what we waiting for eh? Time is short. Let’s get a move on and share Jesus’LOVEwith the world nuh!Much LOVE!
…and now abideth…faith, hope, LOVE…these three…but the greatest of these is…LOVE… (1 Cor, 13:13)
08 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cruel dream, against the workers of iniquity, awesome grace and mercy, bring for thy righteousness as the light, but their walk leaves a lot to be desired, cease from anger, come hell or high water, Commit thy way to the Lord, delight thyself in the Lord, do good, don't give up, for the crumbs that remain, forsake wrath, Fret not thyself over evildoers, give thee the desires of thine heart, it was all a dream, it's a balancing act, It's B.S., it's not equal or equitable, Jehovah Rapha, keep on fighting, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, neither be thou envious, only one sure way, praise Your Holy Name, rectify this untenable situation, Rest in the Lord, scrape the bottom of the barrel, show others the way, sincerely seek your face, Surrender our lives and souls to God, the disenfranchised, the God who heals, the haves talk a good talk, the many are suffering more than the few, the poor are getting poorer, the privileged are enjoying their privileges, the rich are getting richer, the righteous shall inherit the land, the true state of the wicked, the underprivileged, they shall soon be cut down like grass, this too shall pass, thy judgement as the noonday, trust in our Creator, trust in the Lord, wait patiently for him, wake up from our sinful slumber, walk our talk, wise guidance and direction, wither as the green herb, your humble servants
Psalm 37:1. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
The 5. a.m. alarm sounds…and I roll over and mutter, ‘O Lord, is Monday, got to get up and go and open the shop. Customers will soon be there knocking on the door anxious to get in…’ and I see myself bustling to fix up the place before opening time. But then something significant happens. I finally open my eyes and realize that it was all a dream, a cruel one, but still a dream. No real alarm went off, and one won’t go off until I don’t know when, for I have not opened the shop in months, because of the lockdown, and it won’t be opening this morning either, although the lockdown has been eased some.
I am a barber, I am a hairdresser, I am an esthetician, but my premises must still remain closed, while the liquor stores, the pot stores and the big groceries are open and making a killing. They won’t even allow me one or two customers at a time. Steups! But they still want me to pay rent on a shop that they’ve closed up, not me. And how do I get money to do that eh? From the li’l pittance the government so graciously grants me every few weeks? Chuh blast! And what am I supposed to live on, and feed my family with eh? It’s B.S! It’s all B.S!
The rich as usual are getting richer, while the poor are getting poorer, and the status quo still holds; the privileged ones are enjoying their usual privileges, while the underprivileged and disenfranchised scrape the bottom of the barrel for the crumbs that remain. But isn’t that the way it’s always been, from the beginning of time? The haves sometimes talk a good talk, but their actual walk leaves a lot to be desired.
I know it’s a balancing act, but the powers that be are not doing a good or even fair job of it. Those at the bottom of the feed trough are suffering so much more than those at the top, but they are still talking about we are all in this together. Yes, we are, but not equally or equitably! For the many are suffering a lot more than the few!
And how do we rectify this rather untenable situation eh? Let’s see now. The first thing is that we must not give up. Come hell or high water we must continue fighting, because like all adversity, this too shall and must pass! And how do we do that? There’s only ONE sure way that I know, and that’s to trust in our Creator, Almighty God. Surrender our lives and souls to Him completely. He created us and still cares for us, and is the best one to lead and guide us through the universe He’s created for us to spend our formative years – eternity is our adult years. (smile)
And believe me, our God is allowing this pandemic to terrorize us because He’s trying to wake us up from our sinful slumber and bring us back to Him. Now the best way to do that is by taking His holy word to heart. Listen, as Bruh David teaches how from Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked. ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.’(Ps. 37:1-2)
Oh friends, that’s the initial step; do not envy or be jealous of the wicked who seem to prosper in their wickedness, for when the Lord is ready, their time of reckoning will come upon them. He has faithfully promised us that: ‘the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.’ (Ps. 37:28b-29)
Then here comes the mainstay: ‘Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on his faithfulness). Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday.’ (Ps. 37:3-6)
Yes my faithful brethren, that’s the starting point for us to stay strong and never give. Trust and delight in the Lord, and commit our way to Him, follow His lead and guidance, His plan for our life. No it’s not easy, but once we truly surrender to Him, He will enable us to do it. Then, as Bruh Paul would say: ‘And having done all that, thenSTAND!’(Eph. 6:13b) (smile)
But Bruh David puts it this way. ‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil for it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:7-9)
And that my people, is the only way to get through this pandemic successfully; turn your eyes heavenward to the One who made you and cares a whole lot about you, judging from the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, that He made on your behalf. So let’s begin at the beginning nuh, turning our lives over to God through sincere prayer, namely our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.
As one voice now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You that this Monday morning we’re alive and standing in faith despite the mass confusion that’s currently prevailing in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems; the pandemic of Covid -19, the racial, political, and religious strife that’s ignited worldwide, plus the many natural disasters that now seem more prevalent than ever.
Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously come short in obedience and compliance to Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, and You have faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us, ordinary folks, as well as our leaders, employers and medical personnel, wise guidance and direction to bring our problems under control.
And for those who are currently suffering from the many negative situations, we pray that You will ease their suffering and heal them. Father, please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land 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!’
Now let’s go out and live up to our word. Much LOVE!
…like the haves…we Christians also talk a good talk…but in these troubled times…we desperately need to walk our talk…Jesus is depending on us to show others the way…
07 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name, Aloha, and crown Him lord of all, at the name of Jesus, became obedient unto death, being found in fashion as a man, Edward Perronet, even the death of the cross, every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, exceeding greatness of God's power, given him a name, God also hath exalted him, he humbled himself, Jesus, let angels prostrate fall, LOVE, put all things under his feet, selfless sacrifice, shalom, song of praise, that Jesus Christ is Lord, the eyes of your understanding, the spirit of wisdom and revelation, to him all majesty acribe, to the glory of God the Father, what is the hope of his calling, which is above every name, ye ransomed of the fall
Philippians 2:9. Wherefore God also hath exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Aloha…Shalom – LOVE, peace, hope, happiness and joy, my Scrip-Bit friends and family! It’s the first day of the week! Yes, Sunday morning has come down and that means ‘gatheration,’ (smile) worship, praise, thanksgiving and all the other good benefits we derive from getting together to offer Almighty God the reverence He so richly deserves. And though the ‘gatheration’ is still mostly through technological means, with the various lockdowns still in place because of the Corona virus pandemic, the physical aspect or site of our worship isn’t as important as the fact that we are indeed worshipping.
So let’s get a move on with our song of praise for today which is titled ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.’And isn’t that of the utmost importance to us believers in Christ? It certainly is, because there is immense power in His name; power like there is in no other name in the universe! Wow! That already raises the passion in my soul! (smile)
It’s a popular hymn sung by many Christian denominations, and is often called the “National Anthem of Christendom.” The lyrics were written by Edward Perronet (1721-1792) a prominent British Pastor, at one time affiliated with the Wesley’s of the Methodist persuasion, but afterwards became a pastor of a dissenting congregation. Just goes to show that there have always been divisions between leaders of the church which have unfortunately brought about way too many denominations and cliques and have consequently led to the disunity and weakness of the church.
But enough talk, time for the raising of voices in sacrificial praise; strong, sincere and passionate ones, in an up-tempo beat, like we really joyful in singing about the power of Jesus’ name. ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed of the fall, Ye ransomed of the fall, Hail him who saves you by his grace, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all.
Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball, On this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. O that with yonder sacred throng We at his feet may fall; We at His feet may fall; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Yes, crown him, crown him, crown him, crown him Lord of all!’
Oh friends, oh friends, our heavenly Father has indeed crowned the first born Son, Lord of all! Hear the scriptures tell it nuh, through these magnificent words of Bruh Paul to the church at Philippi. ‘And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself , and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:’ (Phil. 2:8-9)
Yuh see that precious people, yuh see what a magnanimous God we worship? He highly exalted Christ for His humility and obedience and selfless sacrifice on the cross at Calvary! So what do you think He would do for us if we were humble, obedient and selflessly sacrificial eh? Exalt us in His own way and time too!
And the Father didn’t merely exalt Jesus with a high name, but hear this: ‘That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil. 2:10-11)
Yuh see how our God moves in mighty ways mih people! He didn’t just give Jesus a big name, but the biggest name after His, one where in the fullness of time, the whole heaven, earth and everywhere else in the universe, would have to fall on their knees and worship Christ and proclaim that He is Lord over all! Mama Yo!
And Peter, in his famous Pentecost Day sermon did wax eloquent in talking about Bruh David’s seed that the Lord would raise up to sit on his throne. ‘He (Bruh David) seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.’ (Acts 2:31-33)
Yes friends, Peter was telling them that Christ through the promise of God had sent the Holy Spirit down and filled them with new life and understanding that made them able to speak in various languages. Now hear Bruh Paul again, this time to the church at Ephesus, as he prays that they may receive knowledge and understanding.
‘That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set (seated) him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world (age), but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.’ (Eph. 1:17-23)
Oh friends, we don’t have time nor space to get into all the ramifications of those scriptures, but suffice it say that Bruh Paul prayed that the Ephesians would be given the disposition to see and understand God’s wisdom and revelation. First as it referred to them; the certainty of their heavenly destination, the priceless value of their salvation and the priceless treasure they are to God, which would all lead to a divine strength in their daily walk.
And then, as it referred to Christ, whom He raised from the dead, seated Him at His right hand, and gave ultimate power over all the angelic hosts of heaven and made Him the head of the church, through His great intimacy with that body. And I do hope that I’ve convinced you that there’s power in Jesus’ name and that you’ll look to Him for help from this time forward. Much LOVE!
…our saviour’s name is so powerful…that when trials assail us and we need help…all we have to do is cry out…JESUS…
06 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a good and faithful God, a great while before day, a man's life consisteth not, a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye, and in the morning, and there he prayed, asking for guidance and wisdom, be grateful for what you have, bet your bottom dollar, beware of covetousness, do not fear failure, don, don't repay evil for evil, evil for evil, fear not trying, flavourful salt of the earth, good vibes, he went out and departed into a solitary place, He will never let you down, in failure you learn the true lessons of life, in the abundance of things, light of the world, LOVE, LOVE our enemies, my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways, new mercies and compassions, react with a good attitude, recompense to no man, retaliation principle, rising up, set a right template for the day, spend time giving thanks, start each day, take heed, the evil twin sisters of greed and jealousy, transported to your soul, wisdom of the highest order, with a positive thought and a grateful heart, you can choose how you respond to it, you cannot control the behaviour of others
Mark 1:35. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary (deserted) place, and there he prayed.
So here it is, that big day called Saturday! (smile) So what’s in store for you today eh? Hope it’s more of those new mercies and compassions of our wonderful God! And if you have stayed with Him, surrendered your life and will to Him, I am sure that those good vibes will be, or have already been transported to your soul and spirit. Bless His holy name my faithful friends! For He is indeed a good and faithful God and will never let you down, or leave and forsake you. You can bet your bottom dollar, as well as your life, your eternal destiny on that!
He’s so awesome, so powerful and all-knowing that we can’t even comprehend His thoughts and ways. No wonder He proclaims to us mere mortals: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ (Is, 55:8-9) And all of God’s people said a loud, proud and grateful ‘Amen!’ Yes friends, once we admit those two statements, then we are on the way to a good thing.
Now let’s see what interesting quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week. Hope I can get my head around them. (smile) And this first one is boss! ‘Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.’ Now that’s definitely the best way to begin each day: on a positive note, with prayer and thanksgiving. That way you set a right template for the entire day. Yuh notice how Jesus began His days? Mark tells us: ‘And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary (deserted) place, and there he prayed.’ (Mark 1:35)
Oh my people, if Jesus needed to get in touch with His heavenly Father each and every morning, who are we to be different eh, especially if we’re His loyal and faithful followers? No, we don’t have to get up before the break of day, and go out into a deserted place, but we do have to spend at least a few moments giving thanks and asking for guidance, wisdom and safety to begin our day. That’s just wisdom of the highest order!
And the next quote says: ‘Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.’ That’s more gospel truth my brethren! We should not be afraid to fail, but we should be afraid of not trying, because it’s only in trying that you can find success. If you don’t try, you’ll never succeed!
And though you may fail when you try, it’s in that failure that you learn the real and true lessons of life. There are so many who people failed many times before they eventually found success. That means that every time you fail, you’ve got to get back up and try again, especially if you’re a follower of Jesus, because giving up does not exist in His vocabulary. (smile)
And that’s a rather appropriate message for us believers in this pandemic time; we can’t afford to fail, or to give up on doing Christ’s work, because He’s depending on us. He expects us to be the very flavourful salt of the earth and light of the world, so that people can see our good deeds and glorify His Father in heaven. So let’s not even think about failure or giving up nuh.
And then there’s this: ‘You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it.’ Oh friends, more indisputable truth! We can’t control how people behave, but we can certainly control how we react to their behaviour. And Jesus desires that all His followers always react with a good attitude…well within reason, (smile) for we are frail and weak human beings, so we do make mistakes.
But seriously though precious people, these times we’re living in are so prevalent with bad behaviour that it’s hard to avoid it on any given day. Things like manners no longer exist in our selfish and me first and alone society. So it does take a strong and mature spirit to avoid reacting to bad behaviour with our own bad behaviour.
Jesus taught us to LOVE our enemies, not to use the retaliation principle of an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth, but to turn the other cheek when smitten on one, and to go the extra mile.’ (Matt. 5:38-44) And Bruh Paul said it thus to the church at Rome: ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil… Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:17a, 21) It couldn’t be any clearer than that my brethren.
Now here comes another tough nut to crack. ‘Even if you cannot change all the people around you, you can change the people you choose to be around. Life is too short to waste your time on people who don’t respect, appreciate, and value you. Spend your life with people who make you smile, laugh, and feel LOVED.’ And it’s all very true, but not very easy to do in practice, because you can’t change people unless they want to change, and ofttimes you don’t have the power to get different people around you, those who make you laugh and respect you.
For example, in the many families we have nowadays where respect and compassion for each other is sadly lacking. You might want to get away from them but you can’t because they are family and you live together. It’s the same with co-workers who don’t treat you right. It’s not always easy to find another job, so sometimes you just have to put up with negative attitude and show a positive one yourself, like Jesus told us above. You can do it more easily with friends though.
And when you become a follower of Jesus, He will probably ease you away from some old friends, who are bad influences on you, and bring new ones who are a better supporting cast. But we do need to do our best to have people around us who care for us and are willing to encourage us and keep us accountable. It makes no sense to spend too much time around sour, negative, disgruntled people who only pull us down. End of story! (smile)
And the last quote is also a great one. ‘Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.’ Oh friends, that’s the nature of the beast! We are never satisfied with what we have, yet we keep wanting more. How many of us have oodles of stuff around us which we once thought was so wonderful, but now lies in a disregarded pile heaven only knows where?
So what makes us think that the more we have the happier we will be eh? The evil twin sisters of ‘greed and jealousy!’ And Jesus covers that splendidly in the parable of the rich fool, where He says: ‘Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.’ (Luke. 12:15) Yes friends, that says it all; more is not necessarily good or better; ofttimes it’s worse. Let’s remember that and live accordingly nuh. Much LOVE!
…be grateful for the little things…for when you are…big things usually come your way…
05 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a crown of righteousness, adapt to the new way of living, all those that love his appearing, anxiety, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, back to your fold, be in the middle of the fray, be responsible and safe, be strong in the grace that's in Christ Jesus, bring a lot of backsliders, but of power love and a sound mind, can wake up and smell the coffee, confusion, Covid-19 virus, embrace your love and compassion, faith, fight for Jesus and His kingdom, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, Friday chant, handle the situation, He who has promised is faithful, hope springs eternal, I can't give up hope, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, if God is for us who can be against us, introduce a whole new flock, live in Hope and die in Constant Spring, only Christ can bring peace and love, Onward Christian soldiers, our sinful world, racial strife, something good is going to happen through me, something good is going to happen to me, the evidence of things not seen, the new normal, the substance of things hoped for, there is laid up for me, thou therefore endure hardness, to handle the situation properly, topsy-turvy mode, wait with patience and perseverance, wise guidance, with your omnipotent help, your faithful believers
2 Timothy 2:3. Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
And then, one more time, it was Friday! Hn! And what does this new day hold for us eh? Only the Good Lord truly knows, but for those who sincerely believe in Him, we do expect good things, like new mercies and compassions, because that’s what He has promised. And remember that He who has promised is faithful, faithful to deliver on ALL of His promises.
So the expectations of believers should be high for good things to happen in our lives. As the saying goes: ‘Something good is going to happen to me today, and something good is going to happen through me today. Glory be mih bredrin. And it all happens through that magnificent principle called faith; the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (convictions) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1)
Yes friends, when we believe in Almighty God, creator of the universe and all therein, we can expect good things to happen, and wait with patience and perseverance, that’s hope and faith, for them to happen, regardless of how long they make take to come to fruition!
Wow! That means never giving up or turning against Christ and each other though the trials and tribulations of this evil world bombard us unmercifully it. For if God is for us, NOBODY, or NOTHING whatsoever, not even the powerful and fearful pandemic, can be successful against us! And with that certainty playing in our minds, (smile) let’s hear what the ordinary workingman has to say today nuh.
‘Oh brother! Thank God is Friday oui, and I’m another day closer to death, but also closer to work! When is work going to resume eh? When is this lockdown going to end eh, or even relaxed that a body can make a living to feed deh family and keep a roof over deh heads eh? I guess if you believe in God you have to keep living in hope…but let’s hope it’s not like the Jamaican saying, ‘Yuh live in Hope, but end up, die in Constant Spring!’
Yeh, hope springs eternal and all that, but with all the confusion that still going on with this pandemic business a lot of people losing hope – in the government, the medical people and God too. How sad the whole thing is, that this li’l virus can bring this great powerful world to its knees in no time at all and cause even more strife than was already present. Steups! I really don’t know what to say nuh, except that I can’t give up hope – ah have three young children to look after, so I just have to do whatever it takes to look after them as best I can, with God’s help.’
And yuh know friends, that’s all any of us can really do; our best, and pray, hope, believe that with God’s help it will turn out to be enough. Our world is really in topsy-turvy mode right now, with so much corruption, strife, tension, disagreements and what have you, that no one knows exactly how it will end or turn out, what the new normal will be.
One thing is for sure, it won’t be like it was before. We will have to learn and deal with a whole lot of new stuff once this pandemic thing has settled down. And those who adapt to the new way of living the quickest, will probably have an edge over those who don’t adapt quickly. But it will be a whole new world, I don’t know if it will be brave though, (smile) but if we believers are in the forefront of it, it will be brave, because that’s all we know how to do,; be brave with Christ as our Lord and Saviour and Leader!
That means, we believers have to get out there, right in the middle of the fray and fight for Jesus and His kingdom. That’s why Bruh Paul told Timothy: ‘Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Tim. 2:1,3) And we need not be afraid of getting out there and mixing it up for Jesus: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound and disciplined mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7)
So we have all the tools to deal with whatever comes against us. So let’s get with it nuh, so that we will be able to say like Bruh Paul did at the end. ‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all those that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:6-8)
And the best way to start that, as with ALL things, is by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. So what we waiting for eh? Let’s come to God in prayer, though our Friday Chant. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the sure and wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks.
And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion because of the way we, your faithful believers, handle the situation. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Onward then Christian soldiers, faithful believers, let’s get out there and handle the situation so that Christ will be revered and venerated above all others and everything else! Much LOVE!
…we believers were made for this time…to show the confused, topsy-turvy world…that only Christ…can bring it peace and LOVE…
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