22 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: affirms God's justice, all who forget God, bide time, Bildad, blessings, body, caught in their own net, christianity, communion with god, earthly pilgrimage, endurance, fasting, fellowship, fool's folly, forgiveness, fun, glorious kingdom, grace, heathen, hypocrite's hope, hypocrites, Job, LOVE, mercy, mind, mire, patience, perish, praise and thanks, relaxation, remember God, rest, sorry lot, soul, spirituality, torn in pieces, traffic hassles, wisdom
Job 8:13. So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday; the second Friday in Lent! But the joyous ‘TGIF’s’ and ‘Thank God is Friday,’ are not as plentiful or powerful as normal. I don’t know if that’s happening because it’s Lent, but as I recently said, though Lent should be a serious time of reflection, contemplation and communion with God, there’s no need to lose our joy, whatever season it is. And remember those joyous shouts on Fridays are for the ending of the week of labour, the traffic hassles and all the other worldly distractions. It also gives us more time to spend with God, which should make us even more joyous. So please let’s keep our joy going, don’t let Lucifer fool us into thinking that we have to be so pious and holy we can’t have mucho joy in our souls. Remember, it’s that joy we get from being in sync with God that gives us the strength to bear the burdens we all face on our earthly pilgrimage. And to help us with that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with plenty power and sweet harmony. As one now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ That was awesome my people! Let’s do it for real now. Oh, by the way, the ole fella aced the fasting test yesterday! I got to the lab around ten thirty-five, but was it ever crowded. I knew though that I wasn’t leaving, because I had no desire to go through the fasting situation again. So I sat down and patiently bided my time, reading a novel. Jesus was surely proud of me, because I didn’t whine and complain. (smile) I didn’t leave there until eleven thirty, which meant I fasted for over 13 hours. Mama Mia! Hopefully that’s it for the year. Anyway, let’s turn to our Bit: ‘So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish.’ That my Friends, is the living truth, as declared by our living God! Before we get into it though, let’s get some background info. Those words come from Job’s buddy Bildad, as he affirms God’s justice. And just before our Bit, he’s talking about the demise of certain herbs. ‘Can the rush (papyrus) grow up without mire (marsh)? Can the flag (reeds) grow without water? Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.’ (Job 8:11-12) Then he brings up our Bit, comparing those who forget God and lead hypocritical lives to the demise of those herbs. Bildad further declares after our Bit: ‘Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web (house). He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.’ (Job 8:14-15) That’s oh so true my brethren! Those who forget God and play the hypocrite, their hopes shall eventually be dashed to the ground. Though they build their houses, intricate, pretty and supposedly strong like a spider builds its web, they will not endure. Like a house of cards, they will be easily blown down and destroyed. Now let’s look at some scripture that corroborates our Bit, starting with words of Bruh David, from Psalm 9; Praise for God’s justice. ‘The heathen (nations or gentiles) are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken (caught). The Lord is known by the judgement which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion (meditation or song) Selah. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.’ (Ps.9:15-18) Yes Friends, that’s the sorry lot of all those who don’t revere and worship the ONE TRUE GOD, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! And if you don’t believe Bruh David, then listen to that other great psalmist, Asaph, as he righteously proclaims in Psalm 50; God is the judge. ‘Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation (conduct) aright will I show the salvation of God.’ (Ps.50:22-23) Oh my people, we certainly don’t want to be torn in pieces, do we? So let’s not foolishly forget Almighty God, the ONE who created the universe and all therein. Instead, let’s wisely offer Him praise and thanks, so that He may be glorified, and walk steadfastly in obedience to His Word, so that we’ll see His salvation. That is the wisdom of the righteous! More on this tomorrow, God in favour. Till then, let’s remember our God and spend worthy time with Him, so that He’ll continue to LOVE, bless, forgive, protect and show us His wonderful grace and mercy. Much LOVE!…a fool in his folly…says there is no God…but what happens then…as the wise man believes…that there is a God…
20 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: afraid, anxious, assurance of God's presence, awaken, blessings of obedience, busy, christianity, confidence, eternal, friends and neighbours, future, gospel truth, inwardly digest, Jesus' desires, mark, material prosperity, past, peace, prophet, psalm 3, read, secret smile, seer, sleep, The Lord sustains, The Lord's a shield, the Lord's guidance, today, tomorrow, trust, ungodly world, victory, walk safely, wisdom
Psalm 3:5. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
Oh Friends and neighbours, yesterday has flitted away to time eternally past, and tomorrow has not yet come in from the cold, or if you prefer, from the eternal future. But glory of glories, today’s here! So please let’s use it wisely nuh. It’s all we have, so let’s not waste it, for it will never come again. Yes, I know that when tomorrow comes we’ll call it today, but no two days are ever the same, regardless of what you call them. The opportunities and problems of today are all we’re sure of. Some may be better tomorrow, or they may be worse, but we can only work with what we have at hand. Consequently, I’m asking us to work positively, efficiently and in an excellent manner with what we have today, as Jesus desires of His followers. That’s why He encouraged us to: ‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow (do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought (worry) for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt.6:34). Now that doesn’t mean we should not make general plans and such for tomorrow, but it’s best to concentrate on the problems and opportunities of today. That brings us to the question; when you got up this morning, did you wonder how you achieved it? I’m sure many of us didn’t because we were too busy and anxious getting ready to face the day in the evil, ungodly world in which we live. But Friends, I’ll let you in on a li’l secret; (smile) let you know why and how you got up this morning. Our Bit says it all: ‘I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.’ And that’s the gospel truth people! The only reason you were able to lie down and sleep, then get up, most likely refreshed in body, soul and mind, is because the great God who created the universe and all therein made it happen. He granted you sleep, and sustained you through it all. It’s one of the blessings of obedience He promised the Israelites long ago, and by extension all who serve and worship Him thereafter. ‘If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do (perform) them; Then I will give…’ and He goes on to specify material prosperity, victory over enemies, the assurance of His presence, and personal freedom. (Lev.26:3-13) But the particular verse we’re interested in is verse 6, the first half: ‘And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid:’ No wonder our world is topsy turvy and confused, with a large portion of the population so anxious, worried and stressed out, needing man-made drugs and psychoanalysis to cope with everyday life and help them to sleep. Yes Friends, we don’t need a seer or prophet to tell us that we’re one of the most sinful generations ever, that’s why our society is going downhill so quickly. In any case, just like the Israelites of old, when the seer or prophet warns us of our iniquities and their consequences, we don’t pay them any attention, but rather try to hurt, humiliate, ruin and even run them out of town. Oh my brethren, without a doubt, the obedient nation or person will flourish under the Lord’s watchful and LOVING guidance! Hear how Zophar, Job’s buddy describes it, if Job gives us his sinful ways and walks in righteousness. ‘And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit with thee (court thy favour).’ (Job 11:18-19) And please note the superscript to Psalm 3 from which our Bit comes; A prayer of confidence in God, written by Bruh David when he fled from Absalom his son, who was trying to usurp his throne. In verse 3 He confidently acknowledges: ‘But thou, O Lord, art a shield for (around) me; my glory, and the lifter up of (the one who lifts up) mine head.’ One can’t get any more confident than that my fellow believers.He also penned Psalm 4; An evening prayer of trust in God, where he boldly declares: ‘Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.’ (Ps.4:7-8) Oh Friends, it’s only through the Lord’s goodness and mercy that we rise up everyday and walk safely! And we’ll end with some further words of wisdom from Cousin Sol, exhorting us to obedience. ‘Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (caught).’ (Prov.3:23-26) Never have truer words been spoken my brethren! So please let’s take them to heart today; read, mark and inwardly digest them, then try and bring our attitudes and behaviour into line with God’s Word, that we may rest in peace and awaken to walk safely, under His great protective umbrella of LOVE, peace, mercy and forgiveness. That Friends and fellow believers, is the wisdom of the wise. Much LOVE!…Oh Lord…when I lay me down to sleep…my soul I pray you’ll keep…and when I awaken to a brand new day…my feet, I pray you’ll guide in safety and peace…
19 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: affairs of the world, beautiful day, christianity, cleansed of our sin, day of salvation, deceitfulness, dog's vomit, dr robert h schuller, fall from grace, false teachers, fool's folly, glory hallelujah, Jesus Christ, learn from mistakes, omnipotent god, Pharaoh, pig from the mud, plagues, power of LOVE, Praise the Lord, repeating mistakes, saviour jesus christ, Thank you Father, the way of righteousness, uplifting prayers, warm sunshine, wisdom
Proverbs 26:11. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in the life! Wow! Praise the Lord! Yes, praise our wonderful God for it, because regardless of the suffering, the hardship, the heartache, the pain and illness we may be experiencing, we still know for sure that our God is good and fair and just, and He will not allow us to handle more than we can bear. And furthermore, whatever He brings us to, He’s faithfully promised to bring us through. And all God’s people declared a loud and joyful: ‘Glory Hallelujah! For the Lord He is indeed good to the undeserving children of men!’ Oh my brethren, that’s the basic beauty of the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient Deity we serve and worship! And now, here’s one of those inspiring, positive, uplifting prayers from Dr. Robert H. Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional, to get us started on the right foot for the day. It’s a prayer of joy, optimism and great expectations that today we’ll do well in the service of our Leader and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Pray with me: ‘Thank you, Father, for the beautiful surprises you are planning for me today. So often in my life, when it looked like the day would be dismal, depressing, and dark, an unexpected burst of golden sunshine exploded through a black cloud sending inspiring shafts of warm, beautiful sunshine into my life. Father, it is happening now! I can already feel the power of your LOVE, through Christ my Lord. Amen.’ Yuh know Friends, it truly amazes me, that I’ve been reading that Devotional for a few years now, but every time I come to one of those uplifting prayers that I share with you, it just seems like I’ve never see them before. It’s the same thing with the Good Book; every time you read it, you discover something new. That happened to me recently while reading Job. I discovered that his friends had actually come and sat down seven days and nights with him in the dust and ashes of his grief, without saying a word. It’s only after that, they began to rag on him about his supposed sins. (Job 2:13) That brings us to our Bit: ‘As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to (repeats) his folly.’ Ah Friends, that’s so true of so many of us today, it’s not funny! Just like a dog goes back and plays in its vomit, it seems very difficult for too many of us to learn from our mistakes, and thus we keep repeating the same ones over and over. As Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) likes to say, you can’t keep on doing the same thing and expect different results. Now listen to Peter, as he talks about false teachers and those who once knew God, but fell from grace and again became entangled in the shoddy, disgusting affairs of the world. ‘For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned (returns) to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.’ (2 Pet.2:21-22) Oh mih breddren, is that ever so true! I guess it’s where the saying, ‘you can take the mud from the pig, but you can’t take the pig from the mud,’ comes from. And we do it all the time. Jesus washes and cleanses us of our sins, but we then let the wily Lucifer tantalize us with his glitzy but empty and useless worldly things, and we fall right back into the mire of sin again. And a good example of that from way back when is Pharaoh, when Moses comes and asks him to let the Jewish people go, but Pharaoh refuses. It took something like (10) ten disasters upon his land and people, before Pharaoh agreed to set God’s people free. And my people, the worse thing that can happen to us when we’re undergoing tribulation or making serious mistakes is a break in the action, where we get a little relief from our misery. That unfortunately often gives us the wrong message, and causes us to continue our folly. That happened to Pharaoh after the plague of frogs, when Moses cried out to the Lord about it. (Ex.8:12-13) The Good Book declares: ‘But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite (relief), he hardened his heart, and hearkened not (did not listen) unto them; as the Lord had said.’ (Ex.8:15) Likewise do we my fellow believers, usually to our subsequent hurt. Pharaoh foolishly suffered through another five plagues after that, before he finally saw the light. And we’ll end with an interesting scripture from the hymn of praise in the day of salvation per Isaiah, re the foolishness of the wicked. ‘Let favour (grace) be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.’ (Is.26:10) Yes Friends, such is the deceitfulness and stupidity of the wicked, that even though Almighty God shows them favour, pours out His grace on them, they will not learn righteousness but continue their wicked ways. Please my people, let us not be numbered amongst that sorry, unfortunate lot. It’s a fool’s folly! And followers of Jesus are anything but fools; wisdom is our middle name. Much LOVE!…a wise man learns from his mistakes…but a fool continues in his foolish ways…
17 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Bethany, christianity, crying, definite purpose, emotions, faith, get down on your knees, glory of God, Jerusalem, Jesus wept, Jesus' humanity, Lazarus, Praise the Lord, snow, spirituality, summer, tears, weather forecast
John 11:35. JESUS WEPT.
Ah Friends, I don’t know if our weather forecasting is getting worse, or if the weather itself is playing mind games with us by changing more often than we can keep up with. And I say that because it doesn’t seem like if anyone forecasted the serious snowstorm yesterday afternoon and early evening that dumped about 3 to 4 inches of snow on Toronto. The unforeseen deluge of heavy white stuff disrupted everything, especially traffic, both on the roads and at the airport. I had to go into the city and left home around 6 p.m in a light snowfall. When I got to the highway though, I found that it was backed up and crawling at a snail’s pace, so I called my people and told them I’d probably be late because of the traffic congestion. They told me that the traffic problem was possibly because of the snow. I wondered what snow they were talking about, because the roadway was fairly clean in my area. However, when I finally crept up the road for about a mile or so, I saw where the still falling snow had cruelly mugged the highway. (smile) And the closer I got to my destination, the harder it seemed to fall. A journey that should have taken me around 20 minutes, took me 70. But one can’t do much about that, because this is Canada in the winter time … and it’s still the best big country in the world! And all proud Canadians joyfully shouted: ‘Praise the Lord!’ (smile) Now have a gander at the weather predictions for this coming week in the daytime: Tomorrow, Monday; partly cloudy with a high of zero. Tuesday; a high of plus 5 with sleet. Hn! Wednesday; a high of minus 5 with flurries. Thursday; a high of minus 5 and partly cloudy. And Friday; a high of zero with snow. That’s enough to make you cry and get down on your knees and beg for summer, when you have to be out on the roads everyday, twice a day. But crying is at times understandable, for as our Bit simply but very importantly states: ‘JESUS WEPT.’ I like it Friends, short and straight to the point: ‘JESUS WEPT.’ I don’t know if there are any more two word sentences in the Good Book, but this one is rather important to our understanding of Jesus’ persona, re His humanity, which we’ll get into later. This incident of Jesus weeping occurred when His bosom buddy, Lazarus died. Jesus got the message that Lazarus was very sick, and though He LOVED the family (Mary, Martha and Lazarus), He sojourned two more days where He was. At that time though, He spoke these prophetic words: ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.’ (John 11:4) Jesus wasn’t being irrational or unfeeling. There was a definite purpose behind His words and actions; the most important thing to Him and all believers – the glorification of Almighty God – and by extension, His Son! And we all know the story, that by the time Jesus reaches Bethany, where the family lives, Lazarus has already been entombed for 4 days. And since Jerusalem was less that two miles (15 furlongs) from Bethany, many Jerusalem dwellers, some possibly the enemies of Jesus, had come to comfort Martha and Mary in their time of grief and mourning. And such was the faith the sisters had in Jesus, that when both met Him, they both proclaimed that if He’d been present during Lazarus’ illness, death would not have claimed him. Mary’s was so strong she believed that even then, the Father would grant Him anything He asked. (John 11:21-22, 32) Now the weeping of the sisters and the other Jews with them had a real emotional effect on Jesus. The Good Book reports: ‘He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.’ (John 11:33) Then Jesus asked: ‘Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.’ (John 11:34) And that’s where our Bit comes in: ‘JESUS WEPT.’ Yes Friends, our Lord and Saviour cried actual tears of hurt and pain and sorrow. So much so that: ‘Then said the Jews, Behold, how he LOVED him!’ (John 11:36) And the whole purpose of this exercise is to show that though Jesus was God, He also felt and exhibited real human emotions. The scholars describe it thus: ‘Jesus wept. The verb ‘wept’ is used only here in the New Testament, meaning a shedding of tears, a deep grief (cf. Heb.5:7) Although Jesus was God, He was also Man. John recognizes and records this expression of a very human emotion. He affirms the full humanity of Christ, as well as His deity. John is not a Docetist, one who believes Jesus was merely a phantom.’ Of course not Friends, Jesus was human through and through! And while here on earth, He definitely exhibited all the human emotions and frailties; laughter, joy, sorrow, anger, hurt, pain, etc. – all except sin. Unfortunately though Friends, time and space have run out for today. So tomorrow, God willing, we’ll continue this message on Christ’s weeping, for there’s much more to be said. (smile) It’s certainly been a smiley day! (smile) Till then, please let’s take the Word seriously, ‘actioning’ it as best we can, while walking safely under the LOVING protection of Almighty God. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Much LOVE!…heartfelt tears… they tell the true story of the soul…
16 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all knees shall bow, appallingly horrible, author of hebrews, beautiful soul, boldly, brimstone and fire, christianity, confidently, deceit, defend the needy, disastrous predicament, eternal god, help the fatherless, holy spirit, iniquities, Jesus, one true God, prophets prophesy falsely, respect and reverence, reverence, right, setting traps for men, shocked disbelief, sins, the throne of grace, wicked men, wisdom, wrong
Jeremiah 5:25. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.
Oh Friends, it’s a beautiful Saturday morning! Ah well in some places it is, while in others it’s not so great. My area looks dry, but it’s cold and there’s still some snow on the banks. That just goes to show how much snow fell last weekend, so even with some warm days this past week, it’s not all melted. But anyway, regardless of what the physical world looks like outside, as believers, we all know that inside our souls are always beautiful, because Jesus, His Holy Spirit resides there. And if Jesus is in you, your soul has no other option but to be beautiful! And all God’s children gave off a mighty shout of joy: ‘Blessed be the name of Jesus!’ Yes Friends, blessed is that holy name to which all knees shall bow and all hearts eventually give reverence. Now let’s say this beautiful, inspiring, positive prayer taken from the Hour of Power Devotional by Dr. Robert H. Schuller. ‘Father, I turn these minutes over to you. Do something beautiful in my mind, in my heart, and in my life today. So I will look back and say: “I was caught up by an inspiring spirit of the eternal God in this moment of prayer.” In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.’ I like Dr. Schuller’s prayers because they are always so upbeat, thought-provoking and motivational. I just wish more believers would adopt that attitude because it’s how Jesus wants us to be, how the author of Hebrews – in my mind Bruh Paul – envisions us when he says: ‘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) Yes Friends, we must come humbly, with the appropriate respect and reverence, but with confidence that since we are in Jesus, our entreaties will at least be heard, and if they are aligned with God’s will, positively answered. And here’s how the scholars describe that verse. ‘Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest. The figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed.’ And since only Christians have that wonderful opportunity, let’s take advantage of it nuh mih breddren, by bringing our every need confidently to the Lord in prayer. That’s what he desires of us. Let’s behave positive and lively, LOVING and confident, so that our Bit won’t have any material bearing on our lives. ‘Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.’ Oh Friends, our society is a mirror image of Judah’s when the Lord made that statement, and if we continue down the sinful, ungodly path we’re now so boldly but foolishly treading, we’re just dangerously playing with brimstone and fire, because the Lord will not stand by idly and let us continue our sinful ways forever. Now listen to what the Lord says through Jeremiah, concerning the allegations in our Bit. Sorry, they’re not allegations, but proven facts. ‘For among my people are found wicked men; they lay wait (lie in wait), as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen (grown) rich. They are waxen (have grown) fat, they shine (are sleek): yea, they overpass (surpass) the deeds of the wicked: they judge (plead) not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge (defend). Shall I not visit (punish) for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful (an astonishing) and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule (rule) by their means (own power); and my people LOVE to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?’ (Jer.5:26-31) Oh fellow believers, unfortunately all those things listed there are also unvarnished truths of our society today! We simply cannot deny them. And if you’re wondering how a wonderful and horrible thing could be simultaneously committed in the land, listen to the scholars’ explanation. ‘Judah’s sin is so exceedingly evil that it is described as being appallingly horrible and staggeringly wonderful (wondered at in shocked disbelief).’ Yes Friends, I’m sure when we hear and/or see some of the evil, ungodly goings on in our world we are shocked. But the most important question my brethren is the one the Lord asks at the end of the passage: ‘and what will ye do in the end thereof?’ Now that’s the billion dollar, salvation and eternal life threatening question. Please, let’s seriously ponder it today, then go out and do our best to change the disastrous predicament that’s assuredly in our future, if we don’t repent and turn back to sincerely worshipping the ONE TRUE GOD; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Much LOVE!…true wisdom is the God-given ability…to decipher right from wrong…we have it…so let’s use it nuh…
14 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 1 corinthians 13, Ash Wednesday, christianity, clanging cymbals, Corinth, fasting, joy, Lent, lenten introspection, LOVE is the greatest, LOVE Revolution, motives of our hearts, sounding brass, speaking in tongues, spiritual happiness, spirituality, the LOVE of God, the Way of LOVE, Valentine's day
1 Corinthians 13:1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not LOVE, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling (clanging) cymbal.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
Oh Friends, what a juxtaposition! Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season, where Christians are expected to pray, meditate and fast, in an attempt at introspection and getting closer to God. Today though, it’s Valentine’s Day; a day of celebration of LOVE, all be it with an emphasis on the romantic kind. But I guess as B.J. Thomas says in his old song; ‘A little bit of LOVE, is better than NO LOVE at all.’ And believe me Friends, there’s nothing that our confused, misled, troubled and misguided world is crying out more for than REAL LOVE! It’s somewhat sad though that this day of LOVE, although not a Christian holy day, has been so badly commercialized, just like some of the Christian holy days; for example, Christmas and Easter. But I suppose in this world where commerce and money trumps everything else, that’s to be expected. And in a sense, it does help the economy, so let’s not lose our joy over it. For you know my people, joy, that spiritual happiness we acquire when Jesus comes into out lives, is supposed to be a constant in a believer’s every waking and sleeping moment. So although this season of Lent invites us to be more serious about God, contemplating all that Jesus suffered and sacrificed for us, it in no way ought to detract from our joy of being a believer, a child of God, blessed with salvation and eternal life. When Jesus was in the wilderness fasting, His demeanour was obviously subdued, but I’m sure He did not lose His joy in His heavenly Father’s LOVE. Most likely it’s that joy which kept Him going. And neither should we lose our joy Friends. Lent and Valentine’s day are not mutually exclusive, especially if we’re pouring out the true LOVE of God from our hearts to our LOVED ones. For as our Bit so rightly proclaims: ‘Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not LOVE, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling (clanging) cymbal.’ And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! If we don’t have true LOVE, regardless of all the other good things we might possess, we are just loud, useless mouthpieces. And here’s some info from the scholars on that verse. ‘Tongues of men and angels: Such was the association of tongues speaking in pagan worship at Corinth. When a priest or devotee spoke in tongues, it was considered that he spoke the language of the gods.’ Unfortunately today some of us still believe that. So please let’s not make the Lenten Season, a droll, sad, unhappy one. It should be serious but that doesn’t mean unhappy as so many of us tend to believe and behave. And please don’t fast just because the season calls for it, or because everybody’s doing it. The purpose of fasting is to help you empty your body and soul of worldly things, which helps make a better spiritual connection to God. But not all of us are good fasters. I for one am a poor faster. But then again we have to consider how long we’re going to fast for. There’s nothing that says it has to be all day or all night. So if you feel you should fast, just do whatever you’re comfortable with. Fast for as long as you can handle. The Lord will understand. And don’t get all religious and penitent and look miserable and let the whole world know that you’re fasting, like the ole hypocrites and them. But look bright and fresh and continue showing the joy of your spirit and excellence in your work, as Jesus did. And if you can’t fast, I guess you can give up something you cherish for Lent. But there again I find myself in a quandary, for the Lord has also cut me right back to the minimum of activities, so I don’t have anything to really give up. He’s gradually weaned me off horses, making music, and other kinds of writing, except the Bit. I guess then I’ll just have to pray and meditate more, and show more LOVE. (smile) Right now I’m supposed to be doing a 12-hour fast for some blood tests, which to me is a big problem, cause it makes my gas problem even worse than it is. And to add to my misery, the daylight lab hours don’t coincide with my night owl tendencies. Anyway, hopefully I’ll get around to it soon, and not do like I did before, postpone it for over six months. That’s one of the reasons why I never discovered my cancerous prostate sooner, for though I didn’t need to fast for that particular test, it was listed on the requisition to be done at the same time as those that needed fasting. But above all my people, please let’s remember that whatever we do, to do it unto God and not man, because He’s not so much interested in the outward manifestation of our conduct, but more in the secret motives hidden deep in our hearts. Anyway Friends, be it too commercialized or not, today is Valentine’s Day, so, even if we do nothing else, let’s go out and spread LOVE; the LOVE that God has for us, and the LOVE that we have for our friends, families and neighbours. There’s no doubting that LOVE makes the world go round. Wish we could have Valentine’s Day every day. (smile) And why not eh? As far as Jesus is concerned everyday is a LOVE day, therefore all our days should be ones of LOVE. Consequently, let’s work seriously towards that goal nuh people, since our world so badly needs a LOVE Revolution, and only we believers are in a position to get that revolt going. And the exercise for the day is to read the LOVE Chapter – The Way of LOVE – 1 Cor.13, from which our Bit is taken. Ponder all it says, then let’s try to bring our individual lives into concert with it over the Lenten season. What a fitting exercise my brethren, to purge ourselves of all our unloving ways and feelings. (smile) Much LOVE!…and now abideth faith, hope, LOVE…these three…but the greatest of these is LOVE… (1 Cor.13:13)
08 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: anointed one, bacchanal, blessed coming in, blessed going out, Carnival Friday, christianity, drunk or sober, fellowship, french west indies, Friday chant, God's sustaining power, Love of Jesus, mind yuh business, morning rush hour, New Orleans, religion, rest-relaxation, Rio, rush hour, snow storm, song of praise, spirituality, straight and narrow path, TGIF!, Trinidad & Tobago, weather forecasters, wonderful promises
Psalm 121:8. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday – Carnival Friday to boot!. So you can imagine the joyful shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ that are being let loose in places like Rio, New Orleans, The French West Indies, and T&T, where the party is now getting into full swing. Mama Mia! But unfortunately we in the Great White North, in particular Southern Ontario and the North Eastern U.S. are expecting to be battered by a terrible snowstorm this Carnival Friday. It’s supposed to be a two-pronged storm; one coming from Texas and the other from Alberta, meeting and greeting in our territory. Ah Lord eh! What I wouldn’t give to be in T&T now! But I guess that’s why we have dreams. (smile) It’s already totally white outside, and they’re saying that’s just the start of something big moving through the area during the morning rush hour. So please be very careful my brethren, if you have occasion to go out. If you don’t have to, don’t go. This is one time I fervently hope that the weather forecasters are wrong. Anyway, with all that in mind, let’s chant our Friday Chant, with even more enthusiasm and prayerfulness than usual. As one vocal body now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ That should settle down those who have to drive in the stupid snow, allay their fears some, and put the assurance of God in their hearts. And for those in the party places, remember to go easy on the bacchanal, cause that’s when you tend to fall out of the frying pan and into the fire. Don’t forget our wise reminder: Drunk or sober, mind yuh business. Now turning to our Bit, which is rather appropriate for the weather we have outside: ‘The Lord shall preserve (keep) thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.’ Yes my people, that’s the unequivocal promise of our mighty and LOVING God to those who put their sincere trust in Him, to those who surrender their entire beings to His godly care! As the Psalm titled, God’s sustaining power, so emphatically declares before our Bit: ‘My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved (slip): he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper (protector): the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve (keep) thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.’ (Ps.121:2-7) Oh Friends, none of the other supposed gods can promise anything even close to that, and keep it too! So why do we still insist on doubting our Creator, Controller, LOVING Father and Provider eh? From since the days of old, when Moses told the Israelites about the blessings of obedience, these were instilled in our consciousness. ‘Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shall thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten (defeated) before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.’ (Deut.28:6-7) My oh my! What wonderful promises my people! It couldn’t get any better than that! Consequently, I just can’t understand how we ignore those amazing promises to our own hurt and demise. And Cousin Sol, in his great wisdom, enthusiastically declares: ‘He keepeth the paths of judgement (guards the paths of justice), and preserveth the way of his saints.’ (Prov.2:8) We are those saints Friends! That means the Lord looks out for us wherever we go, and in whatever we do. Meanwhile, hear how Hannah, Samuel’s mother, proclaims it in her song of praise and joy, after the Lord struck down her barrenness and opened up her womb with fruit. ‘He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn (strength) of his anointed.’ (1 Sam.2:9-10) What strong words of encouragement my brethren! Our God is so strong and purposeful to those who LOVE Him and walk in his ways! And we’ll end with one more wise saying of Cousin Sol; one that all of us should know and diligently adhere to. ‘In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov.3:6) Yes Friends, when we give our lives to Jesus, then He leads and guides us in the proper direction we should go, through His Holy Spirit that dwells within us. So please, today, let’s all consider if we have done that, and if we’re therefore walking the straight and narrow path that Jesus walks. If not, then let’s get right on it, and turn our lives over to the ONLY ONE who is able to save us from sinful death and eternal separation from Almighty God. That, my people, is the wisdom of the ages. Much LOVE!…we can only walk this earth safely…if we’re protected by the…LOVE and care of Jesus…
03 Jan 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adversity, christianity, commandments, confession brings mercy, forsaken God, fortune cookies, holy spirit, judgement, loving kindness, obeisance, prophets, prosper, refuse to listen, revenge, righting wrongs, things of heaven, thoughts guide actions, wholesome thoughts, work rewarded, worshipping idols
2 Chronicles 24:20. And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you.
Oh Friends, I came to write the Bit just now, with no intro in mind. But as usual, the Lord, in His awesome LOVING-kindness pointed me to one. I went to straighten out a picture on my cluttered desk and inadvertently disturbed some other stuff, amongst them a couple of the sayings we find in the Chinese fortune cookies. And while replacing them, this particular one, struck me as being rather relevant to today. It simply says: ‘All that we are arises with our thoughts.’ And that’s ever so true my people, because our thoughts are what guide and propel our actions. That means bad or evil thoughts will lead to similar actions, while good, wholesome thoughts will bring good, wholesome actions. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to do at the beginning of this New Year via our Bit; change our concentration from being uppermost on Lucifer and the mindless things of the world, to Jesus and the awesome, soul-inspiring things of heaven. ‘And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you.’ The Bit is quite plain and to the point Friends. The people of Israel had turned from the God of their fathers, who had given them prosperity, to worshipping idols. And it’s obvious if you worship idols, or any other supposed god beside He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, you will not prosper. Moses said that to the Israelites, long, long ago. ‘And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress (overstep) the commandment of the Lord? but it shall not prosper (succeed). Go not up, for the Lord is not among you; that ye be not smitten before (defeated by) your enemies. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the Lord, therefore the Lord will not be with you.’ (Num.14:41-43) But they didn’t listen to Moses, rebelliously went out to battle, and were totally slaughtered. The same thing happened with our Bit. The king Joash had been saved as a baby by his sister Jeho-shabeath from the wicked queen Athaliah, who usurped the throne after her son Ahaziah’s death, killing all the royal heirs. Now, Jeho-shabeath was the wife of Jehoiada the priest, and they hid Joash in the temple for six years, while Athaliah reigned wickedly over the land. (2 Chr.22) In the fullness of time though, through Jehoiada’s influence and cunning, the people rebelled against Athaliah, slew her and made Joash king at the age of 7. ‘And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.’ (2 Chr.24:20) However, after Jehoiada died at age 130, Joash listened to the fawning princes of the land who came and made obeisance to him. ‘And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves (wooden images) and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.’ (2 Chr.24:18) But our God LOVES us so much that He just doesn’t give up on us. ‘Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.’ (2 Chr.24:19) Oh Friends, that’s the same thing that’s happening in our crazy, confused, misguided world today! The Lord’s sending His messengers to us to tell us repent and come back to Him, else our lives will be devastated. But just like the Israelites of old, we’re not listening. We still insist on going about our own disobedient, rebellious way, instead of doing God’s will. What do you think will be the eventual out come eh? Listen to this. When the Holy Spirit came upon Zechariah and he testified against his people, they conspired against him, and stoned him on the orders of Joash, the king. Joash conveniently forgot the goodness of Zechariah’s father, Jehoiada, who raised him like his own son. But remember Friends, our God says that revenge is His, and he will repay in due time. (Deut.32:35) Consequently, at the end of that year, the Syrian army invaded Judah and Jerusalem, killed the princes, left Joash badly wounded, and sent an abundance of spoil back to Damascus. (2 Chr.24:23) Now please listen carefully to this next verse Friends. ‘For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. So they executed judgement against Joash.’ (2 Chr.24:24) Yuh see mih people, the Lord rights all wrongs in His own way and time! And believe me, right now He is righting some of our wrongs with the devastating changes and problems we’re facing. That’s why I’m urging us to repent and turn back to Jehovah God this year of 2013. It’s imperative that we do so Friends, because I believe this will be a watershed, make or break year. Hear how Cousin Sol tells it in Proverbs. ‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.’ (Prov.28:13) It couldn’t be any plainer than that mih breddren. Life is tough all around and none of the schemes or solutions of men are working because the problems are too big and complex for our puny minds to even conceive, much less solve. And if we can’t solve our problems, then the only logical and wise move is to turn to Jehovah God, the Creator, Controller and Provider of the universe. And we’ll end with this appropriate piece of scripture, a warning from the prophet Azariah. Please pay close attention to it, because it’s exactly what’s happening right now. ‘And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. And he went out to meet (before) Asa, (the king) and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations (turmoil) were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of (by) nation, and city of city: for God did vex (trouble) them with all adversity. Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.’ (2 Chr.15:1-7) That’s the Word of the Lord Friends; we shall either live by it, or die without it. Much LOVE!…he who does not obey…will certainly pay…that’s the Lord’s decree from day one…and it hasn’t changed…neither will it ever…
06 Oct 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: atonement, breath of life, christianity, faith, good morning, good news, gospel, grace, Jesus, justification, reconciliation, righteousness., sacrifice, salvation, the Life, the Light, the Truth, the Way
Romans 8:32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.
Bonjour mes amis! (smile) That’s supposed to be the French equivalent of ‘Good morning my Friends.’ And though in my area it was a wet, rainy night, and the day has begun cloudy and damp, it is definitely a good morning! First of all because we’re alive and kicking, with the breath of life from God flowing generously and graciously through our bodies. Then, most importantly, we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour! Wow! So how could it be anything but a good morning eh my people? And I have a li’l something to share that helps make life even better. I don’t think I’ve shared it before, and it seems like something I’ve rustled up myself. It’s not earth shattering, but certainly enlightening and helpful. It says: ‘The Gospel is the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ and His offer of Salvation, through His Birth, Death, Burial and Resurrection, to be received by Faith!’ And without a doubt Friends, that’s indeed GOOD NEWS! In fact it’s the BEST NEWS available here on earth! And it blends in beautifully with our Bit: ‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.’ That’s just simple logic and common sense my brethren. For if the Lord sacrificed the life of His ONLY Son Jesus for us, which is the greatest sacrifice that was ever made, why wouldn’t He give us the lesser things we need to live a righteous earthly life eh? No reason why not! And the verse that precedes our Bit, which we all know and like to quote conveniently, certainly enhances it. ‘What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:31) And the emphatic answer to that question my Friends, is a big NOBODY! I think we can best explain our Bit by turning to Romans 5, where Bruh Paul talks about the results of justification. Beginning in verse 6, he rightfully declares: ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time (at the right time), Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his (demonstrates his own) LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now (having been) justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being (having been) reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation).’ (Rom.5:6-11) Yes Friends, if while we were still abominable sinners, and thus enemies of the holy, righteous and just God, He allowed His Son to be sacrificed for us, then all things; joy, reconciliation, salvation, etc. etc. are now and forever more ours, if we believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. And the scholars add this colour commentary on our Bit. ‘For us all: This does not teach or necessitate limited atonement (the view that Christ died only for the elect), for Christ died for all the sins of all the world (2 Cor.5:19). His death is effective unto salvation, however, only for those who call upon the name of the Lord. (Rom.10:13,17).’ Yes my brethren, contrary to some opinions, Christ didn’t die for the elect few, but paid the price for ALL sin, for ALL time, for ANY INDIVIDUAL who acknowledges Him as the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE, and the LIGHT, and thus the ONLY MEANS by which Salvation can be had! And earlier on in Romans 4, where Bruh Paul talks about the promise realized through faith, and says of Abraham: ‘He staggered (wavered) not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong (strengthened) in the faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded (convinced) that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for (because of) our offenses, and was raised again for (because of) our justification.’ (Rom.4:20-25) Here’s the scholar’s commentary: ‘But for us also: The principle of justification valid for Abraham is valid for all believers. Raised again for our justification: Because Jesus was raised from the dead we know that His sacrifice on Calvary was accepted in God’s sight and Jesus’ righteousness is available to all.’ Yes Friends, ALL that Jesus did, is available to ALL who call on the Father through His Holy, glorious name. That’s what is so great about Christianity; it’s an all inclusive body, not exclusive like some other faiths. And all you need to do is to call on Jesus’ name in sincere repentance and receive salvation through the free gift of God’s wonderful grace! How can anything be better than that on this troubled planet earth eh? So my people, I implore us to remember our wonderful heritage as Christians, and the awesome price Jesus paid for our redemption. Consequently let’s do our best to use it wisely, and spread His Word as He commissioned us, (Matt.28:19-20) because it will be our great loss if we don’t. Much LOVE!…Christians should use the power of Christ to build His church…as He desires…not to tear it down…as some are doing…
07 Sep 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: angels, christianity, enthusiasm, faith walk, freedom, Friday chant, furthering God's kingdom, glorifying God, God's promises, Jesus, joyful harbinger, rejuvenation, righteousness., stable foundation, Thank God it's Friday, the Holy Trinity, verve, weekend, wisdom
Psalm 89:15. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
‘Friday, Friday! Oh how we LOVE that day! Friday, Friday! The weekend’s on its way!’ Yes Friends, it’s Friday, and we’re all exuberantly declaring: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ You know, even the weak and tired find strength to be exuberant on Fridays. Hn! And no other day of the week creates such excitement. The strange part though is that Friday itself, doesn’t do all that much, we still have to go to work, but it’s a joyful harbinger of the weekend and certainly ratchets up our expectation and enthusiasm for those two short days off. But remember though that we can’t afford to get too carried away by the freedom of the weekend. Like all else in our walk of faith, we have to handle it in and with the right perspective. And to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much verve and enthusiasm. As usual let’s give the angels something to talk about, and bring a big, bright, proud smile to Jesus’ face and His heart, letting Him know that we truly LOVE and glorify the Father and Him, in this our song of praise. All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Yes Friends, now we can go ahead and make plans for the weekend, knowing that we’re doing so from a wise and stable foundation. And I just LOVE it too that our Bit talks about making music to God. Listen as Ethan the Ezrahite declares the power of God’s blessing in his contemplation, titled, God’s sure promises to Bruh David. ‘Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.’ And that’s the living truth my brethren! From the earliest days, music has always been and essential and intrinsic part of worshipping our wonderful God. When we make music to and for God, our spirits are rejuvenated, we see Him in the true and brilliant light that emanates from Him, and consequently, to our great benefit, we walk in that light. Now hear how Ethan continues after our Bit: ‘In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn (our strength) shall be exalted. For the Lord is our defense (our shield); and the Holy One of Israel is our king.’ (Ps.89:16-18) What awesome words of wisdom and truth my people! Now Friends, this musical appreciation doesn’t look as though it was dreamed up by man, but was a direct command of the Lord. Numbers 10 describes it. ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. (Num.10:2) Blowing on both trumpets simultaneously would be a sign for all to assemble at the door of the tabernacle. When only one trumpet was blown, that would be a sign for the princes, leaders of the tribes to gather round Moses. (Num.10:3-4) ‘And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance (statute) for ever throughout your generations. And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets, and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies. Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn (appointed) days, and in the beginning of your months, ye shall blow with your trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God.’ (Num.10:8-10) Yes mih people, our God is high on His music! Note too that when the end time arrives, we’ll also be singing and making music in heaven, worshipping and glorifying the Lamb that was slain for us, and the Father who gave Him up through a heart that abounded with LOVE for us, His sinful creation. Listen to how John saw it in Revelations. ‘And he (the Lamb) came and took the book (of life) out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts (living creatures) and four and twenty elders fell down before the lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials (bowls) full of odours (incense), which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred (tribe) and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.’ (Rev.5:7-10) Oh mih people, it won’t just be partying in heaven, or on the new earth, but you better believe music will still play a vital role in our worship of the Everlasting Trinity. So let’s get accustomed to it from now nuh, with much singing and praising! (smile) Much LOVE!…to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…is to sing His praises…night and day… P.S. I want to say Happy Birthday to my mother Molly. She would have been 86 years young today. If they celebrate birthdays in heaven, where she is, I’m sure they’re celebrating with her. And if they don’t, I’m sure they’re still singing up a storm of thanks and praise. (smile) Much LOVE!
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