05 Nov 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a dysfunctional family, a man after God's own heart, a plea for cleansing, a plea for forgiveness, a sensitivity to sin, according to thy loving kindness, against thee only have I sinned, an ambassador for God, be clear when you judge, bearing the guilt that stole his joy, blameless, blot out all mine iniquities, blot out my transgressions, brought God's name into disrepute, cast me not away from thy presence, catch our second wind, cleanse me from my sin, confessing our sins to God, create in me a clean heart, done this evil in thy sight, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, flowing through me, get away scot-free, glad to be alive, guilt and sorrow in our souls souls, halfway home, hands on the plough, have mercy upon me O God, hidden sins, hide thy face from my sins, holy spirit, I acknowledge my transgressions, in sin did my mother conceive me, in the hidden part, Jesus Christ, LOVE, make me to hear joy and gladness, make me to know wisdom, mercy, my sin is ever before me, Nathan, negative consequences to pay, not looking back, occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, purge me with hyssop, renew a right spirit within me, repentance, restore unto me, salvation, serve as a deterrent to willful sin, shapen in iniquity, sin is a normal human frailty, sin with Bathsheba, sincere confession, take not thy holy spirit from me, thank God, the bones thou hast broken may rejoice, the breath of life, the guilt that stole his joy, the joy of my salvation, the Lord also hath put away thy sin, the multitude of thy tender mercies, thou might be justified, thou shalt not die, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, truth in the inward parts, unconfessed sin, uphold me with thy free spirit, wash me, wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, when thou speakest, whiter than snow, wisdom
Psalm 51:1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy LOVING-KINDNESS: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Oh friends, is it Wednesday already? Just a couple days ago it was Monday! (smile) Yes, the days are quickly moving along, not waiting for anyone or anything, so we’ve best get with the programme, or we’ll get lost in the big muddle that’s our world. And sadly we’re on the late, late bus on this windy, chilly, starting to drizzle, catch our second wind day, because after coming from my church group I had to take the duchess out to do some stuff, and you how that is? It always takes longer than you expect. But not to worry, we’re in full swing now, just waiting for the Lord to show or tell me what to write about. (smile)
And a few minutes after having opened the Good Library, I was drawn to one of the great psalms, Psalm 51, where Bruh David offers up a Plea for Forgiveness, after the prophet Nathan, on the Lord’s directive, had admonished him over his sin with Bathsheba. He begins with a heartfelt plea. ‘Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy LOVING-KINDNESS: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified (be found just) when thou speakest, and be clear (blameless) when thou judgest Behold, I was shapen (brought forth) in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.’ (Ps. 51:1-6)
Ah mih people, I know that many of us have hidden sins that we’ve been agitating over, but refuse to, or are afraid to take them to the Lord in prayer, falsely believing that the Lord will not forgive you. But that’s the furthest thing from the truth. For if the Lord forgave Bruh David for his terrible shortcomings, then He will also forgive us of ours. But the only way to stop them eating away at us, and causing immense guilt and sorrow in our souls, is by openly confessing them to the Lord.
And the scholars offer some interesting explanations on the psalm. They say: ‘The psalm gives expression to why David was “a man after God’s own heart”: he was not perfect but he had a sensitivity to sin that few knew about. Notice especially the use of the first person singular: mine iniquity, my sin (vs. 2), my transgressions (vs.3), and so on. The first two verses are an introductory petition, rich with meaning in the use of four figures for forgiveness.’
The problem though is that Bruh David was somewhat late with the confession. His sin had taken place about a year before Nathan confronted him, but he refused to confess it, and kept bearing the guilt that stole His joy, and it only came out because the Lord sent Nathan to confront him. And according to the story in the Book of 2nd Samuel: ‘And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die,’ (2 Sam. 12:13-14)
And we all know that prophecy came true, and also Bruh David never knew much peace in His life after that, and eventually had a very dysfunctional family, with one son Ammon, raping his half-sister Tamar, then her brother Absolom having Ammon killed, and later on the same Absolom rebelling against his father and causing him to flee for his life. The point here friends, is as the scholars tell us; ‘David’s sin had brought the name of God into disrepute. Such knowledge ought to serve as a deterrent to willful sin on the part of believers. (cf. 1 Tim. 5:14; 6:1)’
And that’s the awesome truth! Oh, we will all sin, and some might be worse than others, but the important thing is to confess them as soon as possible, and though we will be forgiven, there most likely will be some negative consequences to pay, for we can’t just sin willy-nilly, then confess it and expect to get away scot-free. Especially if you’re such a an important ambassador for God, as Bruh David was.
But the greatness of Bruh David lies in not being afraid of laying open himself to the Lord. For after his Plea of Forgiveness, He delivers A Plea for Cleansing. ‘Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right (steadfast) spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free (generous) spirit.’ (Ps. 51:7-12)
Oh my people, when we come to the Lord with those pleading words that come from a sincere heart, He will never turn us down. But we must have the necessary assurance to know that God will never turn down sincere confession, and will always help us to restore our lost joy. And scholars make an important statement here re ‘The prayer take not thy Holy Spirit from me: (vs.11) need never be offered by a New Testament saint, since the Holy Spirit indwells every Christian permanently (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19). David’s cry here may reflect only the fear, not the reality, of losing the Spirit, and being rejected by God. Thus, he asks God to restore the joy of his salvation, not salvation itself.’
Yes friends, it easy to lose the joy of our salvation, but we can never lose salvation itself. Now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice. ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And added to that is the promise that whoever endures to the very end with Jesus, will enjoy a more than glorious future, one which we can never comprehend or imagine. So let’s be wise, and endure to the very end, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!
…sin is a normal human frailty…but it should quickly be followed by confession and repentance…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
29 Oct 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate prayer, a rich reward, a shared commitment to christ, against them that do evil, all in the name of Jesus, as more important than oneself, as my brothers and sisters, be a companion, be concerned for the needs of others, be like minded, be moved with compassion, be of the same mind, be united in spirit, became obedient unto death, being found in fashion as a man, being in the form of God, but every man also on the interests of others, catch our second wind, Christians ill treating each other, conceit, courteous, disunity, divide and conquer, do good, emptied himself of his privileges, endure to the end, even the death of the cross, faith, following the wide and winding road, for selfish purposes, forego the need for words, from their perspectives, fulfil ye my joy, grant me humility, grounded in humility, halfway home, hands on the plough, harmony, have the same values and goals, having the same love, he that will love life and see good days, help me kneel beside them, his ears are open unto their prayers, his lips speak no guile, holy spirit, humbled himself, in an excellent manner, in hard places, in Jesus' name, in lowliness of mind, In Touch Devotional, infighting in the church, inherit a blessing, Jesus Christ, lack of harmony, leads to destruction, let each esteem the other better than themselves, let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, like you, living in harmony, look not every man on his own things, LOVE, love as brethren, made himself of no reputation, made in the likeness of men, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not rendering evil for evil, not turning back, of one accord, of one mind, on their journey, our own compassionate efforts, refrain his tongue from evil, regard fellow Christians, reviling for reviling, salvation, seek peace and pursue it, selfish ambition, tenderhearted, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the devil is ruling the roost, the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, the face of the Lord, the form of a servant, the good days and the bad, the perseverance of the Holy Spirit, thought it not robbery, through my neighbour's eyes, to a glorious future with Jesus, to be equal with God, to bubble over with delight, to experience life, to see the world, truth, turn away from evil, ungodly times, unity in purpose, Wednesday Wail, when they rejoice, wisdom, with a good attitude, without partiality
Ephesians 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus:
It’s a sunny Wednesday friends, time to catch our second wind and get going again, all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Remember what we said yesterday? That be we slaves or free, we ought to do all that we do, as though we’re doing it for Jesus, that means in an excellent manner and with a good attitude. And not because there’s a rich reward from Christ, but because we simply LOVE Him and want to do all that He desires.
And today, we’re going to check out the Let Us Pray Section in this month’s In Touch Devotional. So please pray with me: ‘Lord, grant me humility – to see the world through my neighbour’s eyes, to experience life from their perspectives, both the good days and the bad. Help me kneel beside them in hard places, to bubble over with delight when they rejoice, to forego the need for words when theirs fail, to be a companion on their journey. Let me be of the same mind as my brothers and sisters, and – like You – be moved by compassion. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
Now that’s what you’d call a concerned, caring and compassionate prayer! It’s all about others, not about us, except in the sense that we think about others as much as we do ourselves. And there’s a lot of scripture that commands us to do just that. As one commentary says; ‘passages that emphasize unity in purpose, LOVE, and harmony, grounded in humility and a shared commitment to Christ.’ So let’s check out a few of them nuh, starting with this one from Bruh Paul’s missive to the Philippians, where he writes.
‘Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things (interests) of others. Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus:
Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (emptied himself of his privileges): And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil. 2:2-8)
Yes my brethren, that’s the kind of example we need to follow! Jesus gave up all His godly privileges so that He could come to earth and become one of us. He humbled himself and was obedient to the Father’s directives, even to death on the cross. That says a whole lot about His obedience, something that far too many of us lack in these turbulent and ungodly times. But let’s get to some important explanations from the scholars, as they tell us that Bruh Paul rejoiced over the Philippians, but there was some disunity and lack of harmony among them. Thus he wants them to fulfil his joy, or make it complete by being likeminded, or living in harmony with each other.
And that means: (1) having the same LOVE toward one believer as shown toward another, without partiality; (2) being of one accord; that is to be united in spirit; (3) of one mind; that is, the whole church is to have the same values, and goals; (4) let nothing be done trough strife or vainglory, for selfish ambition or conceit; (5) let each esteem the other better than themselves; that is, each is to regard his fellow Christian as more important than himself; and (6) look…every man also on the things of others; that is, each is to be just as concerned for the needs and problems of his brother as he is for his own affairs.’
Wow! What a wonderful world we would live in if only a half of the supposed believers lived like that! But unfortunately that’s not happening, for today there’s more infighting and backbiting within the church than within the devil’s legions. Too many supposed believers are following the wide and winding road that leads to destruction. That’s why the devil is ruling the roost. And he doesn’t even have to try hard to divide and conquer us, because we are doing the dividing ourselves. Oh my people, it’s so heartrending when you see fellow Christians illtreating each other for selfish purposes.
And Peter also admonishes us on the subject, with these poignant and powerful words. ‘Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, LOVE as brethren, be pitiful (tenderhearted), be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing (reviling for reviling): but contrariwise (instead) blessing; knowing that ye should inherit a blessing.
For he that will LOVE life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile (deceit): Let him eschew (turn away from) evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue (pursue) it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.’ (1 Pet. 3:8-12)
Ah mih bredrin, when will our Christian community ever get to be like that eh? Do we have to wait until Jesus returns? Now that would indeed be a sad commentary on our faith. But who knows? All we can do as individuals is to try to live the way we’re supposed to, and hope and pray that more of us will fall into line through the perseverance of the Holy Spirit and our own compassionate efforts. Now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail. Tomorrow, if God spares life, we’ll continue looking at some scriptures that talk about unity.
So, as one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if you didn’t know it, there’s a promise that says all those who endure with Jesus right to the very end, will enjoy a future so glorious we won’t comprehend it. So please, let’s do our best to endure to the very end with Jesus nuh, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!
…the basics of the Christian church are…humility, compassion, obedience and unity…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
06 Aug 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adversity, apocalyptic judgement, behold I make all things new, blameless, catch our second wind, children of God, christianity, cleansed from all effects of sin, come like a thief in the night, divine origin, divine purpose, endure to the end with Christ, enjoy eternity with the Father Son and Holy Spirit, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, filled with the strength of Christ, God himself shall be their God, God himself shall be with them, God's promises are true, growing in spiritual maturity, halfway home, hands on the plough, he is faithful to His word, he that sat upon the throne said, holy conversation and godliness, holy spirit, I saw a new heaven and a new earth, increasing our witness for Christ, indisputable truth, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the only one we need, joy, look for new heavens and a new earth, LOVE, mercy, neither sorrow nor crying, no more death, no more pain, no more sea, not turning back, nuclear holocaust, patience, peace, perseverance, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, salvation, shall be burned up, so glad to be alive, thank God, Thank you Jesus, the BIBLE, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people, the day of the Lord, the earth and the works therein, the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the end will be even better than the beginning, the eternal habitation of the saved, the final judgement, the former things are passed away, the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the holy city, the Millenium, the new Jerusalem, the tabernacle of god is with men, the thousand year reign, they shall be his people, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, warning to live in righteousness, Wednesday Wail, wherein dwelleth righteousness, wipe away all tears, wisdom, without spot, write for these words are true and faithful, you're the Best
Revelation 21:5a. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
And then it was Wednesday…and many of us need to catch our second wind…if we ever caught our first, (smile) what with all the festivities of the past weekend. But the good thing is that being children of God, we have the capacity to handle a lot of work and adversity, because we’re filled with the strength, joy, LOVE, peace, patience and perseverance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And all of God’s children said a loud and grateful, ‘Thank You Jesus! You’re the best! The Only One we need, and will ever need!’
And that’s an indisputable truth! All this world needs is Jesus: Jesus in live and living colour! But the powers of the world seem to think otherwise, that’s why our world is going through so much disaster and chaos. Anyway, the good thing is that we know in His good time, Jesus will return to this God-forsaken earth and make it brand new. Remember what Peter says? ‘But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.’ (2 Pet. 3:10)
Now that’s when Christ comes back in judgement, not the Rapture, for that day results in the final apocalyptic judgement. By the way, the heavens that shall pass away with a great noise, is merely the atmospheric heavens above the earth, not where the throne of God resides. (smile) And the noise and heat and burning up that Peter refers to, could even be a nuclear holocaust, which we’re not very far from right now, with all the nuclear posturing that’s currently taking place among the nations of this groaning earth!
And because of that possible apocalyptic situation, Peter therefore warns us to live in righteousness. ‘Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness. Looking for and hasting (hastening) unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.’ (2 Pet. 3:11-14)
Yes friends, since all that stuff is going to happen, and since the Lord has promised on numerous occasions to destroy the wicked from off the earth, that means we have to live to a high standard of peace, LOVE, righteousness and joy, in other words, show true faith in Christ, so that we won’t be cast into hell fire with the wicked. Now that’s the tough side of the equation, but then, there’s also this glorious situation of a new earth and a new heaven, as John explains in the Book of Revelation, where he enthusiastically declares:
‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great shout out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.’ (Rev. 21:1-5)
Yes my faithful brethren, that’s what we have to look forward to! As the scholars tell us, that’s ‘the eternal state, following the Millenium (thousand year reign) and the final judgement, centering in the new Jerusalem as the eternal habitation of the saved (cf. Heb. 11:10). The first heaven and the first earth are replaced by a new heaven and a new earth, predicted by Isaiah (cf. Is. 65:17; 66:22). The present universe will thus be cleansed from all the effects of sin (cf. 2 Pet. 3:7, 1013). Since there will be no more sea, the increased land space will be fully capable of handling large numbers of redeemed people from all ages.
The New Jerusalem is fully described in Rev. 21:10-22:5. It is a holy city, totally separate from sin. It is being prepared as the habitation of the bride of Christ (cf. vs. 9) . From God shows its divine purpose and out of heaven its divine origin. And, as per the Tabernacle of God: The presence of God will be with His people, and He will forever dwell with them. A primary purpose of redemption will be accomplished: the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people. In the eternal state, there will be no tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Everything will become new. God’s promises are true, and He is faithful to His Word. (cf. 19:11).’
What more can I say eh my fellow believers? It’s been explained as fully and simply as possible. And please look up those references, you will find them very pertinent to the scriptures they reference. I obviously don’t have the time or space to spoon feed us with them, as I am won’t to do. (smile) But seriously though, having gotten all that information as to what will happen in the end times, it is therefore very important to ensure that we’re amongst those who will enjoy eternity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
That means, concentrating on increasing our witness for Christ, while growing in spiritual maturity, doing our best to bring souls to Him, and becoming as much like Him as possible. And to show that we are endeavouring to do just that, let’s declare our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And by the way, it’s been further promised, that those who endure to the end with Christ will enjoy an even more glorious future than our finite minds can even imagine or comprehend. So let’s be wise and stand strong in faith for Christ right to the very end, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!
…the end …will be even better…than the beginning…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
18 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a big family of children, a long way from resembling the Lord, a state of transformation, babes in Christ, beholding as in a glass, being confident of this very thing, but then face to face, by the Spirit of the Lord, caring, carnal, catch our second wind, changed into the same image, come face to face with Christ, dissesnsions, divisions, endure right to the end, envying, eternally separated from God, faith, fed you with milk not meat, forgiving, from glory to glory, get with the programme, giving, glad to be alive, grow in spiritual maturity, halfway home, hands on the plough, he did predestinate, he which hath begun a good work in you, holy spirit, I put away childish things, I spake as a child, I thought as a child, I understood as a child, Jesus Christ, leave us in the lurch, LOVE, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back, now I know in part, now we see through a glass darkly, One Year Book of Bible promises, put away childish things, reflecting the glory of God, Resemblance, rfts in the church, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, sharing, strife, thank God, the abiding presence of the Spirit of God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the firstborn among many brethren, the glory of God, the worst thing that can happen to a human soul, then shall I know even as also I am known, times of uncertainty, to a glorious future with Jesus, to be conformed to the image of his Son, to resemble each other, truth, two people love deeply, wake up, walks as men, we all with open face, we always have Jesus by our side, Wednesday Wail, when I became a man, when I was a child, whom he did foreknow, will perform it until the day of Jesus, wisdom, ye are yet carnal, you were not able to bear it
Romans 8:29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
It’s Wednesday friends, the middle day of our work week, when we’re supposed to catch our second wind and finish strong on Friday for Jesus! And it’s a beautiful summer’s day in my neighbourhood, with temps in the mid-twenties, and possibly going higher as the day progresses, although they are calling for some afternoon rain. But however it plays out, let’s remember that we always have Jesus by our side, and His Holy Spirit within us to help us with whatever comes against us!
And in keeping with that thought that Jesus is always with us, let’s consider this interesting poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one is simply titled ‘Resemblance.’ Don’t know if I’ve shared it before, but it’s still worthwhile sharing, especially in these times of fear and uncertainty.
So please read with me. ‘Lord, somewhere I read That when two people LOVE deeply When they live together Sharing Caring Giving Forgiving Eventually they begin to resemble each other. Lord, how long will it be Before I look like You?’ Now isn’t that an interesting question? It certainly is. And there’s proof to show that when two people live together for a long time in good circumstances they do begin to resemble each other. So the assumption here is that as believers in God, we live with Him for a long time, and thus at some stage we will become like Him.
And yuh better believe that’s been the Lord’s plan from day one; that we will all become like Jesus, as our Bible Promise for the poem reflects the words of Bruh Paul to the church at Corinth. ‘But we all with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed (transformed) into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ (2 Cor. 3:18)
Now what does all of that mean eh? The scholars explain. ‘Beholding as in a glass: The term beholding can have the sense of “reflecting.” The believer himself “reflects” the glory of the Lord just as the face of Moses reflected the glory of the Lord. For Moses the glory eventually faded away, but under the New Covenant the believer is changed into the same image. This transformation takes place by the abiding presence of the Spirit of God.’
In other words we are gradually changed to become like Jesus. As Bruh Paul said to the Roman church: ‘For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.’ (Rom. 8:29) Yes friends, those the Lord predestined to believe in His Son, were to be changed into His image, so that there would be a big family of like children, with Jesus being the firstborn. And the Lord has been working steadily on it. Remember what Bruh Paul wrote to the Philippians? ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begin a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6)
Ah mih people, once the Lord begins His transforming work on us, He will not stop until Jesus returns, or He takes us home; whichever one comes first. (smile) And I guess you can compare our transformation to what Bruh Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians. ‘When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass (mirror) darkly (dimly); but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.’ (1 Cor. 13:11-12)
Now that brings a sense of how we ought to behave as believers. In the early days we would know a little like children do, and behave like them., merely seeing like shadows of the real thing. However, as we grow in spiritual maturity, we need to put away the childish things, know more of the Word and put it into greater action, and eventually we shall know it all when we come face to face with Christ.
We ought not to be like Bruh Paul told the Corinthians earlier on. ‘And I brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat (solid food): for hitherto (until now) ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions (dissensions), are ye not carnal, (fleshly), and walk as men (according to man and not to God).’ (1 Cor. 3:1-3)
And sadly, that can be said about too many of us supposed Christians. We’re still involved in the many evil and ungodly ways of the world, with envying, strife, dissensions and disunity causing many rifts in the church of Christ, which ought to be One body, not the many bodies it is today. So, unfortunately, because of our carnality, too many of us are still a long way away from resembling the Lord, as our poem enquired. Now, that’s not a very good thing, because our carnality can leave us in the lurch, far away from God, even eternally separated from Him. And that’s the worst thing that can happen to a human soul.
So, let’s wake up and get with programme nuh man. We’re playing with our eternal destiny, the most important aspect of our lives, and it’s not wise to do that. And, for those of us who’re indeed trying to do better, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ.
As one strong and sincere voice! ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And for those who endure with Jesus right down to the very end, it’s been promised that they will enjoy a future even more glorious than their minds can imagine. Therefore, I hope and pray that we will all endure to the very end, and enjoy that more than glorious future with Jesus! Much LOVE!
…you can’t be a true believer in Christ…unless you’re in a state of transformation…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
08 Jan 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a disastrous state, a new heart also will I give you, a new spirit will I put within you, all the commandments I command thee this day, as frontlets between thine eyes, Bible Christianity, bind them about thy neck, bind them for a sign upon thine hand, catch our second wind, cause them to stumble, cause you to walk in my statutes, christianity, clean from all your filthiness, cleanse you from all your idols, contemplate on God's word continuously, dilly-dallying, endure to the end, faith, give you an heart of flesh, go in and possess the land, good understanding, great peace have they which love thy law, halfway home, hands on the plough, he trusteth in thee, high esteem, holy spirit, I'm so glad to be alive, in the sight of God and man, keep my commandments, keep my judgements and do them, length of days, length of days long life and peace, let not mercy and truth forsake thee, let thine heart, long life, LOVE, loving-kindness, mercy, more than we can ask or imagine, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my son forget not my law, not looking back at the past, not turning back, nothing shall offend them, peace, put my spirit within you, receive my sayings, so shalt thou find favour, sprinkle you with clean water, take away the stony heart, talk of them, teach them diligently unto thy children, Thanks be to God, that ye may live and multiply, the breath of life, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Lord sware unto your fathers, the Ten Commandments, the years of thy life shall be many, thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, walk successfully with God, when you lie down, when you rise up, when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, whose mind is stayed on thee, wisdom, write his word in our hearts, write them upon the posts and gates of thine house, write them upon the table of thine heart, you shall observe to do
Proverbs 3:1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Well friends, it’s Wednesday, the day we catch our second wind! Hope you are catching yours. And as usual, we’re a tad late on Wednesdays, because that’s when I go to my church group. But would you believe I was late this morning for that, because both the clock in my bedroom and the one in my bathroom were wrong. And there I was dilly-dallying figuring it was early, but by the time I finally got dressed and came downstairs, it was almost ten o’clock, the time for the prayer session to begin.
Thankfully though, I don’t live too far away from the church and the Lord was definitely with me, because I went through all the traffic lights without stopping for any, where, usually, I would stop for a few, and sometimes all four of them, so I made it safely there, shortly after they began. Thanks be to God!
So what shall we talk about today eh? Let’s see what the Good Library has to say. Soon Come. (smile) And after a few minutes of perusing the Lord’s Word, I came upon this passage from Proverbs which plainly said, speak of me today. (smile) And seeing that I’m an obedient soul, let’s speak of these things that the Bible commands us. Most of us know them, but not enough of us actually put them into practice in our lives, otherwise so many of us would not be having anxious, trouble filled lives. And it’s all about keeping God’s commandments.
Cousin Sol wisely advises: ‘My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add unto thee.’ (Prov. 3:1-2) Wow! What a basic and simple exhortation! Keep the Lord’s commandments and you shall have peace, long life and all that they bring. So why aren’t we following those simple but oh so important rules eh? Who knows? But for sure, we supposed Christians are not following God’s word as we ought to, otherwise our world would not be in such a chaotic and disastrous state!
And what Cousin Sol writes is nothing new, for Moses told the Israelites, the young ones who would go into the Promised Land, the very same thing. Listen to him. ‘All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply (increase in number), and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers.’ (Deut. 8:1) And we all know that the Israelites wandered the wilderness for forty years because of their disobedience and hard-heartedness, until all those who came out of Egypt died, and the young generation were then given the chance to go and claim the heritage the Lord had promised to their forefathers.
And you can also find the same exhortations in Deut. 4:1, and 6:24. So, like us, it’s not they didn’t know God’s commands, but like us, they just never put them into action properly. Thus, they suffered many disastrous and chaotic times, just like we are currently doing. And as per long life, Cousin Sol tells us later on: ‘Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.’ (Prov. 4:10) Meanwhile Psalm 119 shines this light on the promise of peace. ‘Great peace have they which LOVE thy law: and nothing shall offend them (cause them to stumble).’ (Ps. 119:165) Likewise, the prophet Isaiah told us in no uncertain terms: ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on (sustained by) thee: because he trusteth in thee.’ (Is. 26:3)
So you see what obeying God’s commandments can do! But that’s not the end of the story, for then Cousin Sol further exhorts us. ‘Let not mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS) and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favour and good understanding (high esteem) in the sight of God and man.’ (Prov. 3:3-4) Oh my people, how wonderful and true are those exhortations! And if we would only follow them, we would find favour, grace, good esteem and all those wonderful things with both God and man!
Now isn’t that something to be truly desired and worked towards? Of course! But to do that, you see how closely we should have the Lord’s law about us; as a necklace or chain around our necks, something that’s always in contact with our body. And instead of writing them on tablets like the Lord did with Moses when He gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments, in this new covenant with Jesus, we’re supposed to write the commandments on our hearts, so that we always have them right there with us.
And once again, that is all old stuff, for Moses said it to the people of Israel: ‘Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.’ (Deut. 6:4-9)
Yes friends, that’s how important the Lord’s commandments are to us. They should be spoken of continuously, both in our house and wherever we go. And let’s not forget these poignant and true words of the prophet Ezekiel on the subject. He speaks for the Lord to the stubborn, hardhearted, disobedient Israelites: ‘Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements, and do them.’ (Ezek. 36:25-27)
Yes my fellow saints, that’s what the Lord has done, given us a new heart and His Holy Spirit to indwell us, but unfortunately, He’s also given us free will to make our own choices and decisions, and it’s obvious we’re not making the right one, those based upon His Word. So, what can we expect but chaos and tough times eh? But as followers of Jesus, we’re never supposed to give up, no matter how dark and gloomy our situations and circumstances might seem, for with Jesus’ help, we can always overcome the negativity that surrounds us. And we can begin by declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we endure with Jesus right to the very end, then it’s been promised that the future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! So let’s plan to meet a the very end nuh! Much LOVE!
…one can only walk successfully with God…if we write His word in our hearts…and contemplate on them continuously…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
14 Aug 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: be aware of God's Spirit, be filled with the Spirit, be not drunk with wine, be ye not unwise, brings God's word to life, by taking heed to God's Word, catch our second wind, count it all joy, faith, faithfulness, fall into divers temptations, giving thanks always for all things, goodness, growing in knowledge and understanding in Christ, halfway home, hands on the plough, holy spirit, I will not forget thy word, if we endure to the end, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, joy, kindness, let me not wander from thy commandments, let pateince have her perfect work, LOVE, making melody in your heart to the Lord, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not as fools but as wise, not looking back, one's likeness to Christ, patience, peace, perfect and complete, persevering in God's plan, practical guidelines, praise Your Holy Name, redeeming the time, self-control, solid spiritual food, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns, spiritual maturity, thank God, that I might not sin against thee, the breath of life, the challenges of your life, the days are evil, the fear of God, the milk of the word, the quality of our spiritual fruit, the trying of your faith worketh patience, thy word have I hid in my heart, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, understanding the will of the Lord, walk circumspectly, wanting nothing, we Love you Lord, Wednesday Wail, wherein is excess, wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way, wiht my whole heart have I sought thee, wisdom, with my whole heart have I sought thee
Psalm 119:10. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
And then it was Wednesday, our mid-week work day that enables us to catch our second wind, renews our energy and enthusiasm, and allows us to continue our good work for Jesus. And all God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of: ‘Thank You Lord for reenergizing us, for boosting our hope and faith on this Wednesday, in the crazy days of this summer season! We LOVE You, and praise Your holy name! Amen!’
Ah friends, unfortunately, life doesn’t get any easier as we get older, but fortunately with God’s help, with each passing day, we mature and get stronger, and are thus better able to handle whatever life throws at us. And what do we mean by growing in spiritual maturity, and how do we do it? This commentary from the cru.org website article on the subject gives a brief but good explanation.
‘You can grow in spiritual maturity by persevering in following God’s plan through the trials and challenges of your life (James 1:2-18) and living a life that is Spirit-filled — that is, learning to be aware of and listen to God’s Spirit, who lives within all Jesus followers (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 6:11-14). Community also plays an important role in character growth, brings God’s Word to life, gives prayer a life-changing impact and is vital for telling others about Christ.’
Yes my brethren, it’s all about growing in knowledge and understanding of Christ and putting it into action for His benefit. And we all know, but don’t like what James says in that reference. (smile) ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (various) temptations; Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh (produces) patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing.’ (James 1:2-4)
And by any standard that’s tough to do in this evil and ungodly world, but with the help, the numerous tools and promises that God has given to His people, we are certainly able to do it, if we put our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to it. And one of the wonderful things about Bruh Paul, is that not only does he give us sincere doctrine, but always give us some practical guidelines to help us accomplish then. Listen to these simple, practical steps that will certainly help us grow in spiritual maturity, as he writes to the Ephesians.
‘See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation); but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ (Eph. 5:15-21)
Oh my fellow believers, you could not find a simpler way to practice godliness and grow in spiritual maturity. And having said that, I just found this other commentary by Art Tilles from the redding.com website, that interestingly expands on our earlier definition of spiritual maturity. He writes: ‘Spiritual maturity is measured by one’s likeness to Christ. Of course, it goes almost without saying that no likeness to Christ is possible at all as long as a person has no real faith-based relationship with him. That is, spiritual maturity is not even an issue when one is spiritually dead.
For a Christian, though, likeness to Christ is the goal of our election and the purpose of the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Viewed from another angle, spiritual maturity is measured the same way the maturity of a fruit tree is, by the amount and quality of its fruit, specifically what the Bible calls the fruit of the Spirit; and we’re not talking about some hyper-spiritualistic drama; rather, the Bible tells us what the fruit is that the Holy Spirit works in us: LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those are the measures of spiritual maturity.’
And all of that is gospel truth! And if you really want a study in spiritual growth, then look no further than Psalm 119, which is all about growing in God through learning and LOVING His Word and putting it into action. And these words from the psalm ought to resonate very loudly and clearly in our hearts. ‘Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgements of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto (contemplate) thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.’ (Ps. 119:9-16)
Yes, saints of Christ, what rich, sincere, interesting longing and LOVE for God, His Word and Ways! Oh, if only many more of us could feel that way and put it into practical use! How wonderful our world would be! And no, it’s not a pipe dream, but a positive reality, if we believers in Christ will only wake up and do what we need to do! Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we stick with Jesus right to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! He’s promised it! So hope to see you then! Much LOVE!
…solid food…not merely the milk of the word…is essential for spiritual growth…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
03 Jul 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a voice of thanksgiving, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, artificial intelligence, be thankful unto him, Bible, bless His name, catch our second wind, come before his presence with singing, deceptions, endure right to the end, enter into his gates with thanksgiving, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, glad to be alive, god, God made us and not we ourselves, halfway home, hands on the plough, his mercy is everlasting, his truth endureth to all generations, I am the way the truth and the life, instruction in righteousness, into his courts with praise, Jesus, Jesus Christ, lies, LOVE, no man cometh to the Father, not thinking ahead, not turning back, profitable for doctrine reproof correction, psalms, sanctify them through thy truth, Satan, serve the Lord with gladness, social media, stand our bounce, stick to the truth, thank God, the breath of life, the Lord he is God, The Lord is good, the man of God may be perfect, the sheep of his pasture, the word of the Lord, thoroughly furnished unto all good works, thy word is truth, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, we are his people, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
Psalm 100:2. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
So it’s our mid-week work day, Wednesday, where we usually catch our second wind, but after all that partying this past long weekend, it will take more than a couple of days for us to catch our breath. We might need a whole week off to do that properly. (smile) But unless you take a week’s vacation, I’m afraid that won’t happen, so we’ve got to get it together under these tough circumstances. We should have thought about the tiredness and lack of sleep before we partied so heartily, and now we just have to stand our bounce. That’s what comes from not thinking ahead. (smile)
Anyway, the Good Library just opened unto the Book of Psalms, and the first thing that came to my eyes was Psalm 100, a psalm talking about hearty service to the Lord, serving Him with gladness, with a voice of thanksgiving and praise. And that’s just what we need right now, so let’s read it with a sense of joy and gladness.
‘Make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto the Lord, all ye lands (all the earth). Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.’ (Ps. 100: 1-5)
Yes friends, that’s a very interesting psalm, and is reminiscent of Psalm 145, where Bruh David talks about ‘God’s Unsearchable Greatness.’ But the scholars do have an interesting explanation for this psalm. They say: ‘The word praise in the superscription is actually the word thanksgiving or, more specifically, thank-offering. It was one psalm that accompanied a “thank-offering” (Lev. 7:12) that one presented when God had especially answered a prayer or given a great deliverance. The psalm contains a command to serve (vs. 1-3) and a command to praise (vs. 4-5).
Each section is in turn divided into three calls and three causes. There are three calls to serve, make a joyful noise (vs. 1), serve the Lord (vs. 2), and come before (vs. 2); and three causes for serving, the Lord is God, he hath made us, we are his people (vs. 3). Likewise, there are three calls to praise, enter his gates, be thankful, bless his name (vs. 4), followed by three causes for praise, the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, his truth endureth (vs.5).’
So you see my brethren, what we might previously have thought of as a short simple psalm, one to just read and pass over, is truly filled with great scriptural advice, with commands to both serve and praise the Lord. That’s why we cannot simply pass over anything found in the Lord’s word, for everything in there was placed there with a reason, and serves a particular purpose. We ignore stuff from the Bible at our own expense.
And what I like about this psalm is its simple truths, simply put: praise the Lord and serve Him. And when we look at it in the real light of day, those are the only two things we’re truly required to do; praise the Lord and serve him. So, though the Bible is chocked full of all sorts of stuff, the true basics of it is mainly serving God and giving Him thanks for His goodness and mercy towards us underserving children of men. And sometimes we just need to break things down to their basic nature to really get at what they’re trying to tell us.
Now that’s especially true in this modern information age, where so much information is available, and where social media, Artificial Intelligence and Satan are noising about so much stuff, filled with lies and deceptions. That’s why we need to stick to the truth. And what helps us to define and see the truth? The word of the Lord. For as Jesus said when praying for the disciples: ‘They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them (set them apart) through thy truth: thy word is truth.’ (John 17:16-17)
And what does that mean? This excerpt from an article on the subject on the gotquestions.org website explains it thus: ‘In Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, (John 17) Jesus prays to His Father, saying, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth”. In this verse, Jesus communicates two important facts: God’s Word is truth—God’s Word equals truth—and it’s by that truth that God sanctifies us, or sets us apart for holy service to Himself.’
Therefore, if we want to know truth, then we have to look to God’s Word, for as Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Yes my people, in these very deceptive, fraudulent, and days of outright lying, there are only two places we can look to for the truth; that’s God’s Word and to His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, who made it very clear when He proclaimed: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6)
So let’s see what we’ve learned today nuh, or merely refreshed our memories on. (smile) Our basic purpose is to serve and praise the Lord, and His Word is truth, as put forth by His Son Jesus who ought to know. But most important of all is that we can only get to the Father through the Son. Let’s never forget that, even as we go home today declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And having said all of that, here’s another truth: if we endure right to very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, in all wisdom and truth, let’s plan to meet right at the very end nuh! Much LOVE!
…the Lord created mankind to communicate with Him…through, praise, service and thanksgiving…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
08 May 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: age of celebrity worship, be the boss and the janitor, bedeviled mankind, Bible, catch our second wind, christianity, deal not foolishly, disgraceful circumstances, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, gald to be alive, god, God is the judge, halfway home, hands on the plough, he exalteth another, he knoweth what is in the darkness, he putteth down one, if any man desire to be first, influencers, insolent pride, Jesus, Jesus Christ, lift not up the horn, LOVE, not looking back, pride goeth before destruction, speak not with a stiff neck, the first must also be last, the light dwelleth with him, the Lord killeth and maketh alive, the Lord maketh poor and he maketh rich, the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, the righteous judge, the same shall be last, the throne of heaven, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, two out of three ain't bad, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, wisdom and might are God's
Mark 9:35. If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last.
And it’s another beautiful sunny, summer-like day, though a rather windy one. But you can’t always have it exactly like you want it, so we’ll take the blue skies and the warmth of God’s great light on this early Wednesday in May, as we try to catch our second wind and finish this work week in good shape. As they say, two out of three ain’t bad. (smile) And today, the Good Library opened at an interesting scripture, to a problem that’s bedeviled mankind since the beginning of time. The disciples of Jesus experienced it, and we also do to a great extent in these greedy, selfish and self-seeking days.
Mark writes of it in his gospel thus: ‘And he (Jesus) came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it ye disputed (discussed) among yourselves by the way (along the road)? But they held their peace (kept silent): for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who would be the greatest. And he (Jesus) sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last.’ (Mark 9:33-35) Yes friends, Jesus knew exactly what they had been arguing about along the way. And it’s the very same problem that raises it’s ugly head in almost every organization or group today. Everybody wants to be Number One, El Numero Uno.
But everybody cannot be first, only one can be first, meaning that figuratively speaking, the others will have to be last. But according to God’s kingdom rules, the first one must also be the last. In other words, to be first, you must be willing to be last. Or to be the boss, you must also be willing to be a servant to the rest of your group or organization. It’s the example of Jesus, who being Number One in heaven, gave up His privileges and came to earth to be a servant to man. Unfortunately though, mankind has a problem with that situation because of our overwhelming pride, figuring that if we are leaders, we are too good or big to do certain lowly tasks.
And as Cousin Sol so rightly says in Proverbs: ‘Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.’ (Prov. 16:18) That simply means that those of us who are too proud and arrogant usually fall. When we are too proud and confident in our abilities, circumstances usually happen to bring us back down to earth, to reality, however in a shameful and destructive manner. And sadly, we see that happening quite regularly; for almost every day, some proud celebrity or wealthy person is brought to earth by their foolish pride and entitled behaviour.
But do we learn from it? No way! Many of us are still clamouring unashamedly for material wealth and celebrity status, because this is the age of celebrity worship. And also very sadly, when you look at the supposed celebrities, the people whom we worship, who are influencing our lives, or as they call them the influencers… Steups! They don’t have a clue about real life, because most of them haven’t even experienced three decades of life yet, haven’t seen any real ups and downs, and consequently shouldn’t be even influencing themselves, much less this blind, mindless, gone astray society, for they will only take it further down into the mire of evil and foolishness.
Enough of my rant though. But let’s remember that one of the six, or seven things that the Lord considers an abomination is ‘a proud look,’ meaning pride. (Prov. 6:16-17) And pride in itself is not a bad thing, because we all need it to encourage ourselves and so do good work. However, when that pride gets away from us and becomes arrogance, conceit, egotism and overwhelming selfishness, then we need to worry and take a good look at ourselves. And you can see that in the numerous dictators, and would-be dictators currently holding or seeking power in our world.
However, their overwhelming pride and ego has stopped them learning about other power hungry men, who have eventually fallen amid shameful and disgraceful circumstances. No. They consider themselves much too big, bright and powerful to have anything like that happen to them. They forget, or simply don’t know who sits on the ultimate throne; the throne of heaven. That’s Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of the universe, who controls all that happens to them. First, He allows them to get power, and then He destroys them when the time is right.
And these words from Asaph the psalmist, re The Righteous Judge , explains it quite clearly. Asaph writes: ‘I said unto the fools (boastful), Deal not foolishly (boastfully): and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn (don’t raise your head proudly like a horned animal): Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck (insolent pride). For promotion (exaltation) cometh neither form the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteh down one, and setteth (exalts) another.’ (Ps. 75:4-7)
Oh my friends, we ought to know this since it’s been shown to be true so often in the Good Library. We see it in Saul’s overthrow by the Lord and the raising up of Bruh David to the throne of Israel. Also in the demise and return of Nebuchadnezzar, one of the Persian kings during Daniel’s time. Listen to a couple of scriptures which confirm the Lord’s power. The prophet Samuel’s mother says in her prayer of gratitude for a child: ‘The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world on them.’ (1 Sam 2:6-8)
Yes my fellow saints, Samuel’s mother knew the Lord’s awesome power, as she had seen it work in her life. Likewise Daniel, after receiving the answer to the king’s vision, blessed the Lord of heaven with these words. ‘Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his. And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up (raises up) kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.’ (Dan. 2:20-21)
Ah mih people, let’s understand and accept all that we’ve read today nuh, for if we do, it will keep us from being too swell-headed and rebellious, which will only bring God’s wrath upon us. End of Sermon! Now let’s declare (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And now, we’ve also been promised that if we endure with Christ to the end, then that future will even be brighter and more glorious than we ask or imagine. So, hoping to see you there at the very end! Much LOVE!
…it’s foolish for a created being…to ignore the awesome power of its Creator…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
01 May 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Bible, captivated by the lure of money, catch our second wind, christianity, compare ourselves, comparing themselves among themselves, comparison, drive us to sinful competition, drown men in destruction, endure to the end, erred from the faith, faith, fall into temptation, god, godliness with contentment is great gain, gold-studded ladder of success, hands on the plough, holy spirit, Jesus, Jesus Christ, keep up with the Joneses, LOVE, mentally challenged and evil world, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, never be defeated the lack of money by, One Year Book of Bible promises, our love for money exceeded our love for God, pierced themselves through with many sorrows, Ruth Harms Calkin, seek first, seek first the kingdom of God, show the actions of true belief, Thank God for Jesus, the auspices of Christ, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the goading competition, the love of money is the root of all evil, the Smiths have bypassed the Joneses, the working of the Holy Spirit, them that commend themselves by themselves, they that desire to be rich, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, we dare not make ourselves of the number, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
1 Timothy 6:10a. For the LOVE of money is the root of all (all kinds of) evil:
So it’s a fairly warm and sunshiny Wednesday in my neighbourhood, though with a bit of cloud cover as the merry month of May opens in this crazy year of 2024. Yes friends, the year is only one third done, and it’s already showing some very unstable and mentally challenged tendencies. But let’s hope as we catch our second wind for this work week that we will be able to hold our own, and even gain some ground in this mentally challenged and spiritually evil world, through the ever present auspices of Jesus Christ in our lives, that’s His guidance and endorsement through the working of the Holy Spirit. For without it, we will all surely go mad, seeing and experiencing the craziness that’s currently going on in our world.
And all God’s people said, a loud and grateful: ‘Thank God for Jesus yes! Otherwise we’d all be lost in the sea of craziness and evil that’s overtaken the earth.’ Now, today, we’re going to read a poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin that hopefully will help us to curb one tendency in the mental madness of the world. The poem is simply but very explicitly titled ‘Seek First.’ And as always, I don’t know if I have shared this poem before, but if so, then it’s definitely worth sharing again. (smile)
So please read with me: ‘O Lord How futile, how foolish To attempt to keep up with the Joneses On the gold-studded ladder of success. Even if we make it (Setting high, competitive goals) We awake one dismal morning To discover the Smiths have bypassed the Joneses So it starts again – the goading competition. God, our objective is far more rewarding. You want us to “keep up” with Your plan For our individual lives. “Seek first the Kingdom of God” Is Your shining word to us. Forgive us for moments and days (Even months) when our LOVE of money Has exceeded our LOVE for You. Please, God Be our financial Advisor and deliver us from a thousand “if onlys.” May we never be defeated By the lack of money Or captivated by the lure of it.’
Wow mih bredrin, what awesomely accurate words for something that bedevils so many of us in this greedy and sinful world. And all of us, at some stage in life, have felt the agonizing heartache that the lack of money brings, and most likely have promised ourselves never to let that happen to us again. However, whether through our fault or unfortunate circumstances, we’ve been through it again and again, and that’s no sin, unless we waste whatever we have on stuff that we don’t truly need. Then as the times get tougher and harder, money becomes even more difficult to make and keep.
But what’s an even bigger problem is the LOVE of money that so many of us have, and with that the very foolish idea of running some competition with other foolish folks about who can have the most money or the most material possessions. But most of us should, and would know better if we would only read and put the words of the Bible into action. For instance, listen to this passage from Bruh Paul’s first letter to Timothy re the Root of All Evil, and from which the Bible Promise for our poem is taken.
‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment (clothing) let us be therewith content. But they that will (desire to) to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful (harmful) lusts, which drown men in destruction (in ruin) and perdition. For the LOVE of money is the root of all (all kinds of) evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows, (for which some in their greediness have strayed from the faith and ended up in a sorrowful state).’ (1 Tim. 6:6-10)
Oh friends, it could not be any more explicit than that. And we all know people, even possibly ourselves, who have fallen into such sorrow because of greed and competitive folly. But let’s hope that at this mature stage of our lives we have gotten past the devilish LOVE of money, that can cause all kinds of evils and problems in our lives. And please note, it’s not the money itself that causes the real problem, but our great desire and LOVE for it, that causes us to do anything to get it!
Then there’s this next scripture that deals with comparing ourselves to each other, contained in Bruh Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, which explicitly says: ‘For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.’ (2 Cor. 10:12) There it is in black and white in the Lord’s word, my fellow believers! But yet we still persist in the foolish games of comparing ourselves, or as the poem puts it, ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’
And why is comparing ourselves to others, especially on money and material possessions, not good? Listen to these two commentaries that answer the question. The first one, in talking about the dangers of comparing ourselves to other believers says: ‘Comparison can drive us to sinful competition with other believers. We might find sinful motivations in our heart for serving at church or studying our Bible. If we can do more and do it better than them, we’d get the praise and recognition we “deserve.”
Then the second one says this about the sin of comparison: ‘When you compare yourself to others, you either feel better or worse about yourself. There is no in-between. This sense of pride or insecurity can open the door to a lot of negativity. It makes you vulnerable to sin, and can breed insecurities, pride, envy and jealously; everything that God is against.’ And that’s the indisputable truth friends, as we can see from all the different cliques and groups in the church fighting for superiority, but only causing strife and further division of an already greatly divided church.
And sadly, it’s the greed and strife, the anger and hatred, the evil doing and ungodly actions that the world is currently revolving around, rather than the LOVE, joy, peace, harmony ,unity and togetherness that ought to be uppermost. And we have no one else to blame but ourselves, for not doing what the Lord taught us: to seek first the kingdom of God and all the things we need would be given to us, and also the be the salty and bright shining Christians who go around spreading the good news of His gospel. And until we begin to seriously do those things, our world will continue to be thoroughly corrupt and evil! End of sermon.
Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to be good disciples, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of or wonderful position in Jesus Christ! As one voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And we’ve been promised that if we stay connected to Christ to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! So please, let’s be wise and plan to meet there at the very end nuh! Much LOVE!
…to be a true believer…your life must show the actions of true belief…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
24 Apr 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a child is born, a fool's wisdom, actively seek peace, as much as lieth in you, become more mature Christians, Bible, catch our second wind, depart from evil and do good, endure to the end, faith, follow peace with all men, god, halfway home, hands on the plough, Jesus, Jesus Christ, let not your heart be troubled, let peace begin with me, live peaceably with all men, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, no man shall see the Lord, not as the world giveth, not looking back, nothing happens without action, peace, Peace i leave with you, pray for justice, prayed for peace, prayer, prayer can change us, Reflections for Peace, seek peace and pursue it, strife-filled world, talk a good talk, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Prince of Peace, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, unto us a son is given, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, with God's help, work prayerfully for justice, work prayerfully for peace, Yael Splansky
Psalm 34:14. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
So friends, Wednesday, our mid-week, catch our second wind day has rolled around, though somewhat cloudy and chilly. But that won’t stop us from doing whatever we have to or need to do in Jesus’ name. Consequently, I went to my Wednesday morning church group, where we usually read some scripture, say some prayers and have communion, nothing very elaborate, but short and sweet. (smile) And believe me, sometimes I think I get more out of the little group, about seven or eight people, than in the big Sunday service, because the small group is much more personal and not as solemn and impersonal as the larger Sunday gathering.
Today though, we did something a li’l different, we prayed for peace in our world. There were a couple of prayers, but mostly silence as we sat and communed with ourselves and God about the strife-filled world we currently live in and how we can ever get it to be much more peaceful. While doing that, we were supposed to jot down, or journal any thoughts we had on the subject on the mostly blank pamphlet, we had in our hands. To tell the truth, all the pamphlet had on it were these words. A prayer titled ‘Reflections for Peace’ by one Yael Splansky.
It says: ‘If we pray for Peace. Let us work prayerfully for Peace. If we pray for Justice. Let us work Justly for Justice. Prayer may not change the World, but Prayer can definitely change us, and we with God’s help can change the World, or at least our corner of it.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people. Most of us cannot make any real worldwide changes, but through prayer, faith and God’s help, we can change ourselves and the small bit of the world directly around us. And yuh know that’s all that’s really expected of us; to change ourselves into better, more mature Christians, and help those we come into contact with to do the same.
However, many of us don’t even want to do that relatively small task, but yet we expect peace and justice to flourish in our homes, our neighbourhoods and our world. That though is a fool’s wisdom, for nothing, no change happens, be it good, bad or indifferent without somebody or somebodies raising their voices and taking action. And I’m chuckling here because when Father Jeff handed out the empty pamphlets and said we should write down our thoughts, I laughed, figuring that I wouldn’t be writing down anything. But lo and behold, I found myself writing a whole lot of stuff that came to mind. And I want to share some of the stuff I jotted down on the subject of peace.
The first thought was, whatever we pray for, it must begin with us. As Yael Splansky says, whatever we pray for, we must prayerfully work for it. And some wise person once said, if we pray for, or want peace, then peace must begin with us. And it’s oh so true. However, we all talk a good talk about peace, but how many of us, beginning with ourselves, are seriously working for it eh? Obviously not enough, otherwise our world surely would not be as strife-filled, evil and ungodly as it is.
Then the next jotting was that the Bible also tell us in several scriptures, in no uncertain terms, that peace is essential for Chrisitan living. Bruh David says it thus in Psalm 34: ‘Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.’ (Ps. 34:14) Yes friends, peace is something we must actively seek and pursue. We have to work at it, for it doesn’t come naturally. Bruh Paul meanwhile wrote thus to the Romans: ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom. 12:17-18)
Later in Romans, Bruh Paul also wrote: ‘Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.’ (Rom. 14:19) And there’s yet this scripture from the pen of the Hebrews author which categorically tells us: ‘Follow (pursue) peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.’ (Heb. 12:14) So there are oodles of scripture which categorically state that believers ought to pursue peace as much as they possibly can.
Then my next note was, ‘You can’t have peace without Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace.’ Now that’s another glorious truth, for how can you have peace in your life when you don’t know or have the Prince of Peace involved in your very life eh? It’s impossible! As Isaiah so wisely prophesied of Jesus: ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.’ (Is. 9:6) There you have it friends, if you don’t know the Prince of Peace, then you can’t have true peace.
And in between the silence we recited these purposeful words of Jesus on the subject. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) Now my brethren, please note that the peace Jesus grants is not the same peace that the world speaks of. Jesus’ peace is way different and certainly more peaceful. It allows us to go through hard and disturbing circumstances in the world without being too afraid or troubled by them. We are concerned, but not worried or afraid.
And I put it to us, that the peace of Jesus is the first kind of peace we need in this ungodly world. That’s where all peace ought to begin, for without it, no other kind of true or real peace is possible. Unfortunately though, our world is filled with darkness and strife, and so many who don’t know the Prince of Peace, nor the Light, LOVE and Joy He brings to those who accept Him as Lord and Saviour. That brings me to my last jotting; that we who are not physically involved in the strife, don’t care to get involved and thus disrupt our comfortable lives.
And that’s another gospel truth, even among Christians. So how do we expect to get peace eh? We won’t, unless a majority of us work persistently and sincerely together to achieve it. That’s the long and short of the story. Now, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus!
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we endure right down to the end with Christ, then it’s promised that the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine it. so please, let’s be wise and make plans to see that future together! Much LOVE!
…to gain true peace…one must pursue, persist and persevere in attaining it…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
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