06 Mar 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cold and windy day, a compassionate heart, a living wage, a modicum of circumspection, a natural human emotion, a wrathful man stirs up strife, abundance, allow the devil to breach our spiritual armour, an albatross around one's neck, anger does not produce the righteousness of God, anger must be tempered, anger rests in the bosom of fools, be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, be ye angry and sin not, better is the end than the beginning, better than he that takes a city, better than the mighty, better than the proud in spirit, christianity, curse, divine protection, duty bound, faith, favour, fools are predominant in our world, God's supernatural wisdom, grin and bear it, he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly, he that is slow to anger appeases strife, he that is slow to wrath, he that refrains his lips is wise, he that rules his spirit, house ownership, in the multitude of words, Jesus Christ, leaking basements, let every man be swift to hear, let it all hang out, let not the sun go down upon your wrath, LOVE, mercy, negative aspects of house ownership, negative word, neither give place to the devil, of great understanding, promotion, salvation, slow to speak, slow to wrath, spiritual armour, success, talent, the BIBLE, the lead and guidance of Jesus, the patient in spirit, the wrath of man, there wanteth not sin, this fallen world, truth, wisdom, worketh not the righteousness of God
Ecclesiastes 7:9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Well, this second day of Lent, Thursday, has opened cold and wind and somewhat cloudy. But that’s fine by me, because that means the rain’s stopped falling and the snow has stopped melting and consequently my basement has stopped leaking, for however long the dry and cold weather continues! Glory Be!
Ah friends, this owning a house racket is the biggest scam in our country. They tie you to a mortgage for umpteen years, at prices you can barely afford, and give you all the glowing accounts of house ownership, but never tell you a word about the many negative aspects, like the fast-risinginsurance premiums, ever increasing taxes and ever diminishing returns on those taxes, the untimely repairs and the numerous unforeseen things involved in owning a house. And sometimes I think it’s good that house prices have skyrocketed so that young people cannot afford them, and consequently don’t get shackled with a lifelong albatross around their necks.
But that’s just my take on the subject, having been an owner of several homes, both old and new over the years. And believe me, even the new ones have unforeseen problems that can be both expensive to fix and also frustrating, because when you buy something brand new, you don’t expect to have any more layouts of time and money for a while.
And it wouldn’t be so bad if most of us were making a living wage, meaning one that we can afford the necessities of life without too much hassle. But that’s not true for a majority of the population. However, that’s life in this fallen world my brethren, and we just have to grin and bear it as best we can, sincerely following the lead and guidance of Jesus’ Word and His Holy Spirit which indwells us.
Enough of my complaining though, let’s check out some interesting and very appropriate words from Cousin Sol, writing as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes. He declares: ‘Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.’ (Eccl. 7:8-9)
Excellent words of wisdom my people! And how I wish our world would hear those words and take them to heart, because right now it’s filled with an overabundance of proud, egotistic, entitled, angry, dissatisfied and vengeful humans. And if you follow Cousin Sol’s logic, then fools and foolishness are indeed predominant, because anger now has such a deep-seated position in today’s society. And it’s sad that there are so many scriptures that reject and rebuke that kind of attitude and behaviour, yet we persist in making it so predominant in today’s world.
So to help us get a better perspective on the problem, and hopefully turn things around, let’s check out a few scriptures that detail the folly of anger and pride, beginning with this poignant one from James, where he talks about being hearers and doers of the word. ‘Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not (does not produce) the righteousness of God.’ (James 1:19-20)
It could not be said any clearer and more straightforward than that my fellow believers. And we all know it, because whenever we get angry, we do and say things that don’t mix and mingle well with the Lord’s expectations. And that’s why we ought to not get angry too quickly, always try and instill a modicum of circumspection. (smile) But if we do get angry, let’s keep these words of Bruh Paul to the Ephesians in mind. ‘Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.’ (Eph. 4:26-27)
Yes friends, the scripture acknowledges that anger is a natural human emotion, but it must be controlled and not lead to sin. The scholars put it thus: ‘Sinful anger is to be replaced by (briefly held) righteous indignation, that the devil may not be given opportunity.’ Oh so true! But unfortunately, not enough of us, both believers and unbelievers, ever tend to follow that route. Instead, we let it all hang out, and thus give the devil lots of space to breach our spiritual armour.
But getting back to the scriptures on anger and pride, Cousin Sol has several in Proverbs. Let’s check out a few of them. This first one says: ‘In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth (restrains) his lips is wise.’ (Prov. 10:19) In other words, when you talk too much you run a much higher risk of committing sin than when you keep your words few.
Then there’s this: ‘He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit (impulsive) exalteth folly.’ (Prov. 14:29) That’s self-explanatory. And what about this one? ‘A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife (contention).’ (Prov. 15:18) That’s also self-explanatory. (smile) And we’ll finish with this one: ‘He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.’ (Prov. 16:32) Yuh see mih people, being slow to get angry is much better than being a mighty warrior. (smile)
And to help us do His earthly work properly, our good God has bestowed showers of undeserved blessings upon us. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having made that declaration (awright!!!!) we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…anger comes naturally…but like fire…it must be tempered…lest it cause serious and unnecessary damage…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
04 Mar 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a need to live out our salvation in Cdemonstratehrist, a tough nut to crack, allow God's voice to guide us to greener pastures, apprehended of Christ, awed by the goodness of God, be consistent, Betsy Wise, both to will and do his good pleasure, build a strong foundation, but I follow after, Don't compete with God, duty bound, faith, greener pastures, grow spiritually, holy spirit, honour God's voice above all others, hurry, in and out of season, in god's eyes, it is God which worketh in you, Jesus Christ, living by the traditions of men, LOVE, made conformable unto his death, mercy, not simply religious people, outward manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, people who know God intimately, practical steps to working our our salvation, press on, ready to receive God's knowledge, salvation, salvation is free, share His love with my neighbours, spiritual journey, strong spiritual mentors, that I may know him, the beloved of God, the fellowship of his sufferings, the power of his resurrection, the whole wide world, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, walk it daily, walk the straight and narrow path, walk your own path, wisdom, with fear and trembling, with God's help, work out your own salvation, worry, worshipful respect for God
Philippians 2:12b. work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
So friends, Monday’s gone and Tuesday’s here, let’s hope that we have better results in our lives today, than we did yesterday, as we walk the straight and narrow road, and work out our marvellous salvation with our magnificent Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave His sinless life as a blood sacrifice for us to be able to receive said salvation. Now that certainly sounds like one of Bruh Paul’s confuffling sentences! (smile)
And what are we talking about here eh? Remember Bruh Paul’s letter to the Philippians? As he was in jail, he could not go to them and help them in their spiritual journey, so he wrote, ‘Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of (according to) his good pleasure.’ (Phil. 2:12-13)
And what does work out our salvation with fear and trembling mean? The following commentary explains it in fairly simple language. ‘This statement implies a need to live out—to practice, demonstrate, and exhibit—the salvation which believers have in Christ. The concept of “fear and trembling” addresses worshipful respect for God. This echoes back to the context of every knee bowing before the Lord mentioned in verse 11.’
And one other commentary tells us that ‘The good news is that the phrase “fear and trembling” is actually a Hebrew expression for being awed by the goodness of God.’ In other words, you don’t have to work for your salvation, for you already have it by believing in Jesus, but you have to manifest or show that you’re a true believer by the way you now live.
Having been saved by Jesus’ sacrifice, you now have to learn how to live and grow spiritually, showing the outward manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit that’s been planted in you when you received Christ. And the Lord will help you do that, if you’re serious and pay attention to His guidance. However, it all comes down to you and God, and no one else. Each believer must walk their own path with God’s help. No one else can walk it for you.
As another commentary says: ‘Essentially once saved, you learn how to live a sanctified holy life. You work out your salvation daily.’ And that last word ‘daily’ is a rather important point in the working out of our salvation, because it’s something we must work on every day, not once in a while. For we can only grow spiritually when we keep at it regularly.
Now, we all know that’s a tough nut to crack, but crack it we can, if we really try. And Author Betsy Wise, in her article on the subject on the writingforjesus.com Website offers these practical steps to help us persevere and succeed. She first advises, not to compete with God, because He is sovereign, Creator and Lord. and our Spirit man ought to submit to His will for all of our lives.
Then we should honour His voice above all other life’s voices that strive to disconnect us from Him. And we know His voice when we get deep in His word, through His Holy Spirit and the spiritual people around us. Then we need to be consistent in and out of season. We must evaluate what lives in our heart, and if it doesn’t fit God’s will, remove it. And we’ll know what fits and what doesn’t by daily meditating on God’s Word. We already know what’s right and wrong so that should make it easier.
Then we need to allow God to show us how to build a strong foundation, by being ready to receive His words of knowledge in every situation. And we do need strong spiritual mentors, tried and tested people to associate with. People who know God intimately, and are not simply religious, or willing to live by the traditions of men. And finally, allow God to establish other preparations in us to build up our salvation, like this example from scripture.
Having fed the five thousand, Jesus ‘said unto them (the disciples), Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure, so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert (deserted) place by ship privately (by themselves).’ (Mark 6:31-32) There Jesus saw the tiredness in the disciples and recommended they take a break. And it’s on occasions like those that we need to allow the voice of God to guide us to greener pastures.
Ah friends, as we say all the time, it’s not easy living sincerely for Jesus, but it surely is interesting and rewarding! And I do hope that some of those practical examples offered by Ms. Wise helps us to successfully work out our salvation. Remember though, we have to implement them individually, regardless of how much others may try to help us, in the long run it’s our individual responsibility to work out our own salvation. And one of the scriptures Ms. Wise quotes in her article to help us do that is this most powerful one where Bruh Paul in his letter to the Philippians, states his reason for living.
‘That I may know him (Jesus), and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto (arrive at) the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained (obtained it), either were already perfect: but I follow after (press on), if that I may apprehend (lay hold of) that for which also I am apprehended of Christ.’ (Phil. 3:10-12)
Now, not many of us are as zealous as Bruh Paul was, but those sentiments are very useful for us to work towards. So please, let’s press on and do our best to achieve them nuh. And to help us do that, let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel!
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now means we are duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…salvation is free…but manifesting it takes work…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
27 Feb 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a great family, a sense of shame or remorse, a tooth for a tooth, abundance, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, an eye for an eye, angry attitudes, avenge not yourselves, basement leak, be not overcome of evil, be tenderhearted, be ye all of one mind, christianity, clear direction for my life, courage, courteous, creativity, curse, duty bound, equipped to do good works, faith, favour, give place unto wrath, give way to anger, go two miles when asked to go one, God has the right to avenge, God's supernatural wisdom, good freinds, good heallth, good will always prevail over evil, haing compassion on each other, have regard fro good things, heap coals of fire on his head, holy spirit, if he thirst give him drink, if thine enemy hunger feed him, in the sight of all men, inherit a blessing, instruction in righteousness, Jesus Christ, like manna from heaven, live peacefully with everybody, LOVE, love as brethren, make the right choices, mercy, negative word, not rendering evil for evil, overcome evil with good, profitable for doctrine reproof correction, prosper, provide things honest to all men, recompense to no man evil for evil, salvation, self-control, snow raining down, strive to be kind, succeed, talent, the BIBLE, the Lord shall reward thee, the man of God may be perfect, truth, turn the other cheek, vengeance is mine saith the Lord, when it's not one thing it's another, wisdom
Romans 12:21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Oh friends, I woke up this morning, looked outside and saw snow raining down like manna from heaven and thought the balmy weather was over. But a short while later the snow stopped and it began melting. And therein lies the source of my biggest problem this Thursday morning. Ah Lord eh! But as the old people would say, when it’s not one thing in this life, it’s certainly another!
I came down to write the Bit about an hour ago, only to discover an unknown leak in the laundry room of my basement that the melting snow was seeping through, apparently for some time now, because all the stuff on the ground around it was wet, and water was flowing down to the furnace. We thought that the furnace was leaking, and called the furnace people, but I’m not so sure about that now nuh. (smile) So I obviously had to move things around and clean it all up, plus set some preventive measures in place so that the new leak would not spread water all over the laundry room floor.
By the way, the furnace repair man eventually came, wasted a half hour more of my time, only to reaffirm my suspicion, the furnace was not leaking, it was the water from the leak on the wall finding its way down to the drain at the bottom of the furnace. No wonder the Bit keeps getting delayed. (smile) Anyway, as promised, today we’ll continue with the words of Bruh Paul from Chapter 12 of Romans. And my fellow believers, these are some very important ones pertaining to our behaviour between good and evil.
So please read and inwardly digest with me. ‘Recompence (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. Dearly beloved, avenge not your selves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:17-21)
Ah mih people, those instructions are indeed godly and good, but very difficult to maintain in this evil and vengeful world. Nonetheless, as believers in Christ we have to try our best and live up to them. Not repaying evil for evil seems to be the same thing Jesus teaches on forgiveness in Matthew 5:38 42., about not giving an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth, turning the other cheek and going two miles when asked to go one. It’s just not a natural human reaction. But the truth of the story is that Jesus’ kingdom and ways are different to normal human reactions.
And Peter also weighs in on the topic. ‘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 (reviling) for railing (reviling): but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Pet. 3:8-9)
Next comes the admonishment to live peacefully with all men. Now that’s truly difficult to do with the angry, hateful and resentful attitudes that are now running rampant in our world. Then there’s the big one, where we are advised not to give way to anger and take vengeance in our own hands, for that is the Lord’s jurisdiction. The scholars say that ‘Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 to show that only God has the right to avenge, and he certainly will avenge.’
As per heaping coals of fire on an enemies head by treating him good, the scholars believe that Bruh Paul might have been referring to ‘a sense of shame or remorse engendered when we treat an evildoer kindly. Paul is discussing personal, not national enemies. He is not teaching pacifism.’ And it’s interesting to note that Bruh Paul might have gotten those words of being kind to our enemies and heaping coals of fire on an enemy’s head from the wisdom of Cousin Sol. In Proverbs 25, he solemnly states: ‘If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.’ (Prov. 25:21-22)
Now, isn’t it interesting that throughout the Bible you have different people reiterating different things from by gone times to reinforce the stuff they want to get home to their readers and/or listeners. That’s why the Bible is such a wonderful Book, it gives encouragement, wisdom and spiritual understanding all the way through, from the first page to the last. That’s why Bruh Paul could attest to these facts 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)
And one of the most important of those facts that are good for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness is this last one that Bruh Paul wrote in our scripture passage for today: ‘Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:21) Once again, that’s a hard nut to crack, especially with all the evil that’s floating around in our current world. However, we are required to do our best, obviously with God’s help. And to show how our God is a good and wonderful God, He’s generously bestowed on us all kinds of tools to help us do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh.
As one strong voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
Now, we’re fully equipped to do God’s work, and therefore duty bound to go out and share those blessings with others just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…Let us always strive to be kind and make the right choices…for in the end…good will always prevail over evil…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
25 Feb 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a fine line between, a stranger, a twinkle in your eye, abilities, accomplish our God-given tasks, as God has dealt every man, belittlement of self, blowing one's own trumpet, children of God, don't think too highly of yourself, duty bound, every man that is among you, exaggerated, excessive pride, face with honesty, faith, for men to seek their own glory is not glory, genuine appreciation, given me as special gifts, Glory be, good news, haughty, holy spirit, humility, hurry, ice, ice freeze, icy conditions, in god's eyes, it is not good to eat much honey, Jesus Christ, let another man praise thee, live up to our spiritual gifts, lock stock and barrel, looking innocuous, LOVE, mercy, mud-crawling, not thine own lips, not thine own mouth, One Year Book of Bible promises, packing a serious wallop, prideful, remind me again, riding a beautiful float, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, sane, Sane Estimate, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing gifts of Jesus with others, someone has to build the float, spiritual gifts, strife-filled places, talents, temps above freezing, temps plummet below zero, the beloved of God, the easy ride, the measure of faith, the most dangerous aspect of winter, the righteousness of God, the ungodly state of our world, the whole wide world, think soberly, through the grace given unto me, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, waving to cheering crowds, wisdom, with God's help, worry
Proverbs 27:2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
And the good news this Tuesday morning friends, is that the temperature is about 4 degrees above freezing! Wow! We haven’t seen above freezing temps in a long, long while. And although it’s somewhat cloudy and damp, what with a li’l drizzle earlier on, and the snow melting some, thankfully, the sun is fighting valiantly to make its presence felt. (smile)
Let’s hope that the snow doesn’t melt too quickly and cause flooding, or there isn’t too much water in the streets and walkways, so that it doesn’t freeze to ice, when the temperatures plummet below zero at nightfall, and cause even more problems. For the ice is the most dangerous and treacherous aspect of winter, because it can show up at anytime and anywhere, looking innocuous, but packing a very serious wallop. So, if we have to go out at night, or even in the early morning hours, please let’s be careful with the icy conditions that might exist out there.
Now, let’s turn to this interesting and rather apt poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, simply titled, ‘Sane Estimate.’ And I’m obviously not sure if I’ve ever shared this one before, but even if I have done so, we know that they all are worthy of sharing several times. (smile)
So, please read with me: ‘Lord, help me to face with honesty And genuine appreciation The talents and abilities You have given As special gifts to me. Give me a sane estimate of myself. Neither exaggerated nor mud-crawling. Just SANE, as Your Word admonishes. May I be joyfully satisfied With Your unique plan for me. When at times I’d secretly LOVE to ride On a colourful float Beautifully adorned Waving to cheering crowds Smile at me, Lord. With a twinkle in your eye Remind me again That somebody has to build the float.’
And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren! Someone has to build and decorate the float before we can ever dream of riding on it, and ofttimes the job falls to us, but we don’t want to get into the building, just the riding and looking pretty up there. But that’s not what our God likes to happen all the time. Yes, sometimes we might get the easy ride, but more often than not, we are expected to build the ride.
But getting back to the basic premise of the poem, our sane thinking of ourselves, that’s especially important in these times with so many power-hungry, dictator-like, arrogant, greedy and egotistic people and leaders around the globe. The world’s gone crazy for power and glory; however one can get it. Note the number of physical and very emotional strife-filled places in our current world. And it doesn’t seem to be getting better, but worse. However, as true believers in Christ, we are expected to hold a sane and rational opinion of ourselves; not too haughty and prideful, but neither too lowly and unimportant, or as the poem says, ‘mud-crawling.’
And believe me, many of us Christians do exactly that; have too low an opinion of ourselves, believing we’re not worthy of acknowledgement or any importance, and thus remain forever mired in the mud-crawling attitude. But please, let’s remember that God has NEVER made anything or anybody without a useful and important purpose. That’s why He’s given each of us special gifts, talents and abilities, so that we can accomplish the important work He’s created us for. And if we keep demeaning and belittling ourselves, then we’re basically saying that God doesn’t know what He’s doing, which obviously is heifer dust. (smile)
And the scripture verse for our poem today tells it very much like it ought to be. Bruh Paul makes it quite clear to the church at Rome in these admonishing words. ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 3:12) Yes friends, that’s how we ought to behave. And Bruh Paul goes on to explain it more fully in the verses that follow (4-8), which you can, or rather are expected to read and meditate on for yourselves. (smile)
Meanwhile, the scholars explain those verses (3-8) thus: ‘The righteousness of God will cause the believer to conduct himself in humility in the local church. Paul meets two dangers that the individual faced in the exercise of his spiritual gifts. He might overestimate himself and try to exercise a gift God never gave him. Or he might underestimate himself and fail to exercise the gift God has given to him. Paul shows that God has given each believer specific gifts to enable him to do what God wants him to do. No one is excluded.’
And please note that last sentence friends; NO ONE is excluded from God’s generous giving of spiritual gifts, since He has work for every believer to accomplish. And as we all know, Cousin Sol has a word, or several words on all those things that trouble mankind. (smile) Here are couple on this subject of humility and sane estimating of oneself.
The first one says: ‘It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search (seek) their own glory is not glory.’ (Prov. 25:27) There’s much truth in that; eating too much honey is not good for us, neither is seeking our own glory, or as the old folks would say, ‘blowing one’s own trumpet.,’ which fits in very nicely with this other quote from Cousin Sol. ‘Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.’ (Prov. 27:2)
And it’s very noticeable in today’s world that that proverb is not being much heeded, if any at all, because everybody, from the top leaders, right down to the lowliest folks are blowing their own horns. Because that’s what the world believes it takes to get ahead in its evil and ungodly state. But children of God, we know so much better, so please, let’s live up to our spiritual gifts nuh, and with God’s help, neither overdo nor underdo our God-given capabilities.
Now, it’s time to go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that declaration, (yesss!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE, gifts and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…there’s a fine line between excessive pride and belittlement of self…it’s called HUMILITY…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
11 Feb 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a busybody, a mountain of paperwork, a murderer. a thief, abundant revelations, an evil doer, be glad also with exceeding joy, be not ashamed, become like Christ in his death, beloved of God, blessed are ye, distresses, duty bound, exalted above measure, faith, for Christ's sake, glorify God, glory in my infirmities, God will help us with it, holy spirit, hurry, I may know him, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, Jesus' sacrifice, LOVE, made conformable unto his death, mercy, my grace is sufficent for thee, my strength is made perfect in weakness, necessities, one iota, partakers of christ's sufferings, persecutions, rejoice, reproached for the name of Christ, reproaches, right up my alley, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share in Christ's sufferings, suffer as a Christian, suffering for Christ is not easy, take pleasure in infirmities, the fellowship of his sufferings, the fiery trial, the power of Christ may rest upon me, the power of his resurrection, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, the spirit of glory rests on you, the thorn in his flesh, think it not strange, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, when his glory shall be revealed, when I am weak then I am strong, winter season, wisdom, worry
2 Corinthians 12: 9a. And he (the Lord) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength (power) is made perfect in weakness.
Oh friends, it’s been a weird kind of Tuesday with the ole fella; feeling good, then not feeling so good, with pains, and then without much pain. But I’ve finally figured out that I’m the source of the problem. I think I’m healthier than I really am, so I try to do too much. Now I came down here earlier on in the afternoon, prospectively to write the Bit, but after looking at the mountain of paperwork that had piled up on my desk for a couple of weeks, I decided to tackle that first. And by the time I had brought some sort of normalcy to that situation, I was in no condition to write the Bit.
But here we are finally, better late than never, on this somewhat cloudy and chilly Tuesday afternoon. And one thing’s for sure, Mother or Father Winter is undoubtedly letting us know, that we are in the winter season with all the snow we’ve been receiving this year. They haven’t been overly big snowfalls, but we’re indeed getting snow more often than usual. We had a decent amount last Saturday night, and we’re expecting some more tomorrow and Thursday. And it’s not melting away either, like it’s done in the past few seasons.
And I’m chuckling here now, because there’s a scripture that’s been nagging me all day, as though it’s right up my alley. (smile) It’s this response to Bruh Paul’s three requests that the Lord take away the thorn in his flesh, given to him, so that he would not be exalted above measure for the abundant revelations entrusted to him. ‘And he (the Lord) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength (power) is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Cor. 12:9a)
Now why should that scripture keep nagging at me all day eh? I haven’t been given any great revelations like Bruh Paul, but I guess at some stage of the game I did ask the Lord to take away the pain, or even make it so that I could bear it. And that’s probably the answer that was finally conceded. (smile)
However, I don’t think I have the parts like Bruh Paul to simply say: Well then or ‘Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities (weaknesses), that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.’ (2 Cor. 12:9b-10)
Now those are interesting ruminations, and we most certainly ought to consider them if we want to be true believers, and the Lord does show up with His strength in our weaknesses, but unfortunately while the spirit might be willing, our flesh is usually too weak to appreciate those spiritual truths. Especially that one ‘for when I am weak, then I am strong.’
But it’s basically the same message that Peter preached to his readers, which includes us. ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as (to the extent that) ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
If ye be reproached (insulted) for the name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of (blasphemed), but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil doer, or as busybody (meddler) in other men’s affairs. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (matter).’ (1 Pet. 4:12-16)
Yes friends, I know that we’re being asked to put up with a lot of unfortunate stuff, but just look at what Jesus put up with for us nuh. And we can never repay even one iota of His sacrifice. So, the least we can do is suffer some on His account, so that when He is revealed in all His splendour and glory, we will also be revealed with Him.
As Bruh Paul wrote to the Philippians: ‘That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.’ (Phil. 3:10) Or in other words: ‘All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death.’ And though that’s not easily manifested, it is indeed a most worthy statement for ALL believers to work towards. End of Sermon!
Now let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having said that, we are now duty bound to go out and do it, so that others can come to know and LOVE Christ like we do! Much LOVE!
…suffering for Christ is not easy…but it’s expected of us…and the Lord will help us with it…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
04 Feb 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a light unto my path, a rough row to hoe, according to his glorious power, an accurate perception, at all times in life, atonement, be filled with the knowledge of his will, Bible, blood, christianity, Christians, darkness, delve deeper into God's Word, duty bound, ever coming to know the Lord better, faith, forbearing the faults of others, forgiveness of sins, forsake her not, fruitful in every good work, get understanding, get wisdom, giving thanks unto the Father, growing spiritually stronger in Christ, happiness, holy spirit, hurry, in all wisdom, in god's eyes, in the habit of giving thanks, increasing in the knowledge of God, Jesus Christ, light, longsuffering, LOVE, love her and she shall keep thee, mercy, morality, of the inheritance of the saints, of the true nature of things, patience, persevering through trials, practical situations, prayer for the Colossians, productive in Christian service, qualified us, redemption, redemption through Christ's blood, sacrifice, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, she shall preserve thee, sincerely expressing gratitude to god, spiritual maturity, spiritual understanding, strengthened with all might, take the bull by the horns, the atonement by Jesus' death, the beloved of God, the Christian life, the ehtical condition in which God's children live, the fruit of the spirit, the pleasant and unpleasant experiences of life, the religious stae of unbelievers, the skillful application of wisdom, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, to be partakers, trust my friend Jesuss, truth, Tuesday Mantra, ungodly times, unto all patience and longsuffering, walk worthy of the Lord, wisdom, wisdom is the principal thing, with all thy getting, with joyfulness, worry
Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding.
And then it was a nice, sunshiny but windy Tuesday, ideal to give us hope for a better day than Monday, which was cold, snowy, and dreary. However it turns out though, we just have to keep moving forward, becoming wiser, as we delve deeper into the study of God’s Word, and thus getting better in the performance of the tasks He desires of us. That certainly brings to mind the effusive and all-embracing prayer that Bruh Paul prayed for the Colossians.
‘For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (qualified us) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in (the) light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated (transferred) us into the kingdom of his dear Son (the Son of His LOVE): In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:’ (Col. 1:9-14)
Oh friends, that’s a mighty big prayer to wish on anyone, so can you imagine how the Colossians must have felt when they received Bruh Paul’s missive, not knowing him, since they were evangelized by Epaphras, Bruh Paul’s fellow servant in Christ. But Epaphras had spoken highly of them, and Bruh Paul, as always, wanted to invigorate and motivate them to greater works and heights. Thus, it’s a prayer that we believers today also are expected to take seriously, because it also pertains to our spiritual state which leaves a lot to be desired in these evil and ungodly times.
And though the prayer seems tough and long-winded, it’s fairly simple when you break it down. What’s Bruh Paul actually praying for eh? That the Colossians, and consequently us, will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for their lives in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. And the scholars explain wisdom as an ‘accurate perception into the true nature of things. And understanding is the skillful application of this wisdom in practical situations.’
Therefore, with those two things we’re set on the right path of the Lord, or as the psalmist says: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) And being on the right path, we ought to be able to walk worthy of the Lord, allowing the fruit of His Spirit to flourish in our lives, so that others can see it and desire to know Him. But then too, Bruh Paul expects that all believers ought to keep growing in the knowledge of God’s Word; in other words, moving along the path of spiritual maturity to a higher calling in Christ Jesus.
Or, as the scholars explain; ‘Verse 10 expresses the reason that in verse 9, Paul wants the Colossians to obtain a knowledge of God’s will. That they walk (live) properly and fully please God. And in Greek the four explanatory participles of verses 10b-12 spell out and precisely define what a worthy walk entails: the believer is (1) fruitful in every good work, productive in Christian service; (2) constantly increasing in the knowledge of God, ever coming to know the Lord better; (3) always “strengthened with all might,” becoming spiritually stronger and stronger; and (4) in the habit of giving thanks, sincerely expressing gratitude to God in both the pleasant and unpleasant experiences in his life.’
Now that’s indeed a rough row to hoe, but hoe it we must if we intend to be true believers in Christ Jesus. And remember that the Lord does not call us to do anything in which He does not give us the wherewithal to perform it. That’s the beauty of our ever-LOVING God! And the scholars continue to explain some of the terms found in the above passages of scripture. They say ‘Patience is persevering through problems, trials, tribulations, and so forth. Longsuffering is forbearing the faults and offences of others.’
Meanwhile, verse 12 might also be translated “thanking the Father, for He made us fit to share in the salvation belonging to the saints who are in the light.” Light is the ethical condition in which God’s children live, namely, that of spiritual understanding with its accompanying morality and happiness. Then in verse 13, Darkness is the religious state in which unbelievers exist, namely, that of spiritual ignorance with its attending immorality and misery. And in verse 14 Blood reminds the Colossians, and us, of the enormous price and sacrifice paid to secure their redemption. Redemption, then is achieved by the atonement wrought by Jesus’ death.’
And that’s it in a nutshell friends. Let’s hope that what we’ve said and read today will help us raise our spirituality to new levels. But that will only happen if we take the bull by the horns and begin delving deeper in the Word and putting it into practical application in our lives. Remember Wisdom tells us the truth, and Understanding tells us best how to apply it.
That’s why Cousin Sol was so emphatic in Proverbs when he admonishes: ‘Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from (turn away) the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: LOVE her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding.’ (Prov. 4:5-7)
Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all the world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that declaration (awright!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share the awesome LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…the Christian life is ever about…spiritually growing stronger…in Christ…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
21 Jan 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a bad influence, a bed of pain, a broken world, a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path, a valuable experience, all things are possible, an open door, an unworthy friend, bad attitudes, beside still waters, Bible, build a new life, bury the hatchet, calamity, chaotic world, christianity, Christians, cleans up collected clutter, comforting us, concentrate on today's troubles, courage to discard, desires trouble, discover new skills, do all things, Dr. Robert H Schuller, drying our tears, duty bound, embrace Jesus as Lord and Saviour, faith, friendship of Christ, frustrates you, future troubles, gospel truth, green pastures, hardships, hidden talents, hiding your real talents, holy spirit, Hour of Power Devotional, hurry, in god's eyes, interesting possibilities, Jesus Christ, leads you down a new road, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, lurks furtively in your path, lying undetected, makes a cold heart warm, makes a greedy man generous, makes a hard man compassionate, makes a person forget himself, makes you furious enough, mercy, no courage to leave, opportunities in disguise, paths of righteousness, problems, protects you from an unknown hazard, quit a job, renew, renewing our joy, restoring our souls, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, shelters you from a sin, slams a door in your face, start thinking of others, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, tears out of your life, the amazing love of Christ, the beloved of God, the dustbin of history, the good shepherd, the throes of trouble, through Christ who strengthens me, to fight for a good cause, to our advantage, too arrogant to believe, too blind to see, too busy to serve, too highly valued, too stubborn to accept, trouble, trouble teaches you valuable lessons, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unable to help, under cabbage fields, uplift, veins of gold, waiting to tempt you, When trouble is not trouble, wisdom, work week frustrations, worry
Matthew 6:33b. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble, calamity) thereof.
And then it was Tuesday! Yes friends, I know it’s somewhat surprising the speed with which Monday disappeared. No sooner had it shown up with its new work week frustrations, then it was gone! That’s the way the days seem to work nowadays. Remember what Jesus said: ‘Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble, calamity) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:33b). That means we have to concentrate on the troubles of the reigning day. However, by the time you can get a handle on the problems of a sunny and very cold Tuesday, that too will be thrown into the dustbin of History, never to be remembered, and you’ll be dealing with the calamities of Wednesday!
Ah Lord eh! It just seems to be another set of troubles day after day, especially in this currently chaotic and disastrous world Before you can finish with one, another one pops up. That’s why it’s so wonderful to have Jesus in our lives, because with His Holy Spirit indwelling us, and the tools and promises to be found in His Word, we are guaranteed a way to handle even the most worrying and troubling of troubles! (smile)
And talking about trouble, I want to share an interesting expose on the subject from Dr. Robert Schuller’s Hour of Power Book of Daily Meditation and Inspiration. This meditation is titled: ‘When is Trouble not Trouble?’ So please read with me. ‘When is trouble not trouble, you ask? When it protects you from an unknown hazard on the road ahead, or shelters you from a sin that, unknown to you, lurks furtively in your path waiting to tempt and trip you, then trouble is not trouble!
When trouble cleans up collected clutter that you valued too highly and did not have the courage to discard or destroy, or when it tears out of your life an unworthy friend whom you were unable to help and who was not a good influence on your life, then trouble is not trouble! When trouble makes you furious enough to fight for a good cause you were too busy to serve, or frustrates you so that you quit a job that was too long hiding your real talents and forces you to discover new skills and hidden talents that were lying undetected like veins of gold under cabbage fields, then trouble is not trouble!
When trouble cause two parties, long unspeaking, to bury the hatchet; when it makes a person forget himself and start thinking of others; when it makes a greedy man generous, a hard man compassionate, a cold heart warm, a thoughtless man considerate – then trouble is not without its reward! When trouble teaches you valuable lessons that you would have been too blind to see, too arrogant to believe, or too stubborn to accept any other way than by this bed of pain; when it slams a door in your face to force you out of a rut that you would never have had the courage to leave and leads you down a new road through an open door, then trouble may be a most valuable experience!’
And isn’t that gospel truth my people! What we consider trouble often unexpectedly opens up our hearts, minds, souls and bodies to better things, more interesting possibilities and exposes bad attitudes that we might be holding on to too tightly. Granted, none of us desires to have troubles, but since we’re living in a broken, troubled world, we’re all going to experience trouble at some time or the other. And when we do, it will be to our great advantage to try and learn something from it, for as they say, problems are merely opportunities in disguise, meaning that though they may show up as hardships, they are actually means to help us live a fuller and better life.
However, we have to look at those problems in a more thoughtful way to divine the hidden opportunities they may present. And I know that all of us have had experiences with several, or even all of those trouble not being trouble scenarios that Dr. Schuller has pointed out. Hopefully, we have been wise enough to have seen the hidden opportunities that they presented. And if not, knowing what we now know, then in the future, we will endeavour to seek out those hidden opportunities, so that we can uplift, renew or even build a new life around.
And please don’t open your eyes in surprise about future troubles,, because it’s certain that while we’re living in this troubled world, we will always have troubles, be they piddling or mind-boggling. (smile) The important thing to understand is that with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, all things are possible, and therefore we can do all things through the strength He provides us. (Phil. 4:13)
And if He is our Guiding Light, then we will understand that His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. (Ps. 119:105) That means He will be our Good Shepherd, leading us down the paths of righteousness to green pastures, beside still waters, restoring our souls, renewing our joy, and drying our tears; in other words, comforting us whenever we are engulfed in the throes of trouble. (Ps. 23)
And now, with all of this trouble stuff fully understood, (smile) let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having said all of that, we’re now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…trouble is only trouble…when you think it’s trouble…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
14 Jan 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a deeper unserstanding, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a leather belt, an individual and corporate matter, Bible, by grace ye have been saved through faith, challenges, Christian, christianity, conquer the enemy, cut us down to size, divine aid, dressed in God's spiritual armour, duty bound, eagerness, faith, feet shod, girded your waist with truth, hand to hand combat, having your loins girt about with truth, holy character, holy spirit, hurry, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, knowledge of the truth, logos, LOVE, mercy, moral conduct, obedience to known truth, of the joints and marrow, offense is the best part of defence, our omnipotent God, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, prayer is indispensable, praying always with all prayer, produces a godly life, quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, responsibly handled, rhema, righteousness, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, sharper than any twoedged sword, spiritual belt, spiritual combat, spiritual warfare, stand, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, the armour of God, the assurance of salvation, the beloved of God, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel frees the believer from anxiety, the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the Holy Spirit's help in prayer, the hope of salvation, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, the Word of God is quick and powerful, troubles, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, we cannot achieve victory without prayer, willingness to take the fight to the devil, win the spiritual war, wisdom, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, worry
Ephesians 6:14a. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth (girded your waist with truth),
So it’s Tuesday, and we have forgotten Monday’s problems, and are instead concentrating on the current ones that Tuesday is bringing, because that’s what Jesus said to do. (smile) ‘Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34b). And the scholars explain: ‘That means each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.’ And one of the problems that can and will arise today and every day is that of putting on and keeping on the armour of God which helps us to fight against the deadly attacks of the enemy.
Now, yesterday we talked about what it meant to put on the armour of God and why it was necessary, today we will delve into exactly what it is. Bruh Paul defines them thus, in his epistle to the Ephesians. ‘Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth (girded your waist with truth), and having on the breast plate of righteousness; And your feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ (Eph. 6:14-17)
Those are the six pieces of the armour of God, which we should always be clothed in, if we desire to effectively turn away, and eventually conquer the enemy. And what does it all mean? It’s essentially the six pieces of protection that a Roman soldier went into battle with, or any soldier should never go into hand to combat without. It begins with the truth, or knowledge of the truth of God’s Word girded about one’s waist. And per the scholars, ‘The ancient soldier’s loins (waist) were girt about with a leather belt which held most of the other pieces of armour in place. Similarly, the other pieces of the Christian’s armour depend on, and are held in place by, his spiritual “belt” or his knowledge of the “truth” of scripture.’
Then the second piece of protection in a soldier’s armoury was his breastplate, a device worn over the torso or chest to protect it from injury. The scholars say that ‘The breastplate of righteousness may be read “the breastplate which is righteousness.” It represents a holy character and moral conduct. Obedience to the “truth” known produces a godly life (righteousness).’
Meanwhile, the third piece of the believer’s armour, the ‘preparation of the gospel of peace, means “eagerness that comes from the gospel of peace.” That is, as the Roman soldier wore special shoes called caligae (heavy-soled hobnailed military sandal-boots) on his feet, enabling him to advance against the enemy, so the Christian must have on his feet (possess) a sense of “eagerness” or “willingness” to advance against the Devil and take the fight to him. Such “eagerness” to contend with Satan “comes from the gospel of peace.” The gospel gives peace to the believer, freeing him from anxiety though he advances against such a powerful opponent.’ That ought to remind us of the old adage; offense is the best part of defense. And that’s oh so true, especially in our spiritual warfare with Satan and his evildoers.
That brings us to the fourth part of our Godly spiritual armour; The shield of (which is) faith, the handheld protection that a soldier used to protect himself from the arrows launched at him, or from the enemy’s weapons in hand-to-hand combat. As per its spiritual interpretation, the scholars say, ‘it means taking God at His word by believing His promises. Such doubts will protect one from the doubts induced by Satan.’
Then there’s the fifth part of the armour, the helmet of salvation. And we know that soldiers going into battle all wear a helmet, or protection for their heads. The scholars put forth that ‘Since the readers are already Christians (Eph. 2:8), they are not here urged to be saved. First Thessalonians 5:8 describes this helmet as “the hope of salvation” that is the certainty (assurance) of salvation.’
And just because I like to spoil us so much, (smile) I will quote the two references that the scholars gave above. The first about Christians already being saved is a verse we all should know and LOVE, for it’s the very basis of our faith. ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ (Eph. 2:8) Please let’s remember that salvation has nothing to do with our works or otherwise, but all to do with God’s great LOVE and compassion for us! And the verse from first Thessalonians about the helmet of salvation, says: ‘But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast plate of faith and LOVE; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.’ (1 Thess. 5:8)
And finally, the sixth part of our spiritual armour: ‘The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.’ Now, according to the scholars, ‘The Greek term rendered “word” is not logos, referring to the whole Word of God, but rhema, referring to certain portions or selected verses of Scripture.’ However, when we wield those verses at the enemy, they’re powerful enough to cut them down to size. For remember what the Bible says about God’s word?
‘For the Word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12) Yes friends, the Word of our omnipotent God is living, powerful, can cut us down to size, and can judge all of our thoughts and intentions. In other words, we cannot hide from it.
And that’s the six basic pieces of our spiritual armour. But there’s one more piece that doesn’t pertain to the Roman soldier’s armour. And Bruh Paul reveals it in this later verse. ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph. 6:18)
Oh my people, all our armour is of no use unless we pray! The scholars tell us that ‘Without prayer God’s armour is inadequate to achieve victory. Because prayer is indispensable!’ And we have to pray whenever Satan attacks, seeking divine aid with the help of the Spirit. Furthermore, we are to be very vigilant in the matter of prayer, and to pray not only for ourselves, but also for all our fellow believers. Because spiritual combat is both an individual and corporate matter.’ And there we have it, the whole armour of God, that we need to fight the enemy. So please, let’s study, meditate on it, and put it on, so that we can have God’s protection in this our deadly spiritual war.
Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that commitment, we’re now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like do! Much LOVE!
…only dressed in God’s spiritual armour…with the Holy Spirit’s help in prayer…can we win the spiritual war…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
09 Jan 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a journey of becoming like Jesus, a legal benefit of our union with Christ, a mercy seat, a part of the discipleship process, a product of God's grace, a spiritual benefit of our union with Christ, a weekend release, all have sinned, attain God's standard of righteousness, being justfied freely by his grace, Bible, can never be reckoned, Christ has imputed His righeousness to the sinner, Christ has satisfied God's holy law, Christ's death is the ransom, christianity, curse, declared righteous, divine provision, duty bound, faith, fallen short of the glory of God, favour, fly away to heaven, forgiveness of sins, from the tiring throes, get a good handle on, God hath set forth, God's unmerited favour, good health, grace, growing in divine grace, handle the ups and downs, have life more abundantly, having Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, holy spirit, human need, I am come that they might have life, I am the good shepherd, Jesus Christ, Jesus' shed blood, judicial standing before God, justification, justified, life in the big city, LOVE, mercy, negative word, no just cause in man to warrant justification, of the daily grind and common task, passing over of sins, redemption, release on payment of ransom, righteous, salvation, sanctification, sanctified, self-discipline, set apart, set apart for God's purposes, supernatural strength, the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep, the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus, the monumental work of Jesus, the penultimate day of our work week, the process of becoming holy, the remission of sins, the same ole everyday life, the sinner is not rendered guiltless but pardoned, the spilled blood of Jesus, the thief coes only to steal and kill, through Christian commitment, through faith in his blood, through the forbearance of God, through the redemption in Christ Jesus, to be a propitiation, to declare his righteousness, to spend eternity with Christ, transformation into the image of Christ, truth, washed, wisdom, with a good attitude
John 10:10b. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
And then it was Thursday, the penultimate day of our workweek, and we’re just mindlessly moving along, somewhat impatiently waiting for Friday to show up with its promise of a weekend release from the frustrating and tiring throes of the daily grind and common task. (smile) But that’s life in the big city my people, and the only way to get a good handle on the bland, same ole everyday life is by having Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, and thereby getting all the tools to handle whatever ups and downs might come your way, with a good attitude.
That’s called the abundant life! Jesus died that we might have it. Listen as He says so: ‘The thief cometh not but (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10) What more can we ask for eh friends? Nothing really, for Christ gave His life on the cross at Calvary so that we could have a decent earthly life and then fly away to heaven to spend eternity with Him!
As He said: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) And that’s exactly what He did! So why is it so difficult to trust Him eh, to surrender our all to a Deity who died that we could live a righteous, justified, sanctified, holy and blessed life? And Bruh Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, explained that no evil doers shall inherit the kingdom of God: ‘And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified (set apart), but ye are justified (declared righteous) in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.’ (1 Cor. 6:11)
And what do those terms really mean eh? This commentary takes us a little deeper, as it explains. ‘Justification is a legal benefit of our union with Christ, granting us forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God through faith alone (Rom. 3:23-26; Gal. 2:16). Sanctification is a Spiritual benefit of our union with Christ, involving the believer’s transformation into the holy likeness of Christ.’ So, you see all that we are, comes through Christ!
And I just found this interesting information on Sanctification. It says: ‘Sanctification is a Christian term that refers to the process of becoming holy or being set apart for a special purpose. It can also refer to the state of being sanctified. Sanctification is a lifelong process that involves: Being set apart from the world for God’s purposes, Growing in divine grace through Christian commitment, Being transformed into the likeness of Christ, Submitting one’s heart, mind, and body to following Jesus. Sanctification is part of the discipleship process, which is a journey of becoming like Jesus. It’s a product of God’s grace, and it’s anticipated that Christ will complete the process of sanctification when he returns.’
Hope that helps us to understand more about sanctification and appreciate the big step it is in our Christian life. And yes, it does seem to be somewhat onerous, but let’s remember that with Christ as our Main Man, all things are possible. Now, let’s have a look at those verses in Romans that the above commentary referenced. I believe they can help further our understanding of the process of how and who we become by the spilled blood of Jesus.
Bruh Paul writes: ‘For all have sinned, and come (fallen) short of the glory of God; Being justified freely (without any cost) by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (a mercy seat) through faith in his blood, to declare (demonstrate) his righteousness for the remission (passing over) of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.’ (Rom. 3:23-26)
Now that’s certainly a mouthful, and is somewhat confusing, so let’s hear how the scholars explain it. ‘3:23: For all have sinned: The human need and the divine provision are alike applied universally. Come short of the glory of God: Man can exceed his own standards but never, left to himself, can he attain to God’s standard of righteousness. 3:24: Being justified indicates being declared righteous. It signifies the believer’s judicial standing before God. Freely: There is no just cause in man to warrant justification. By his grace: Unmerited favour is bestowed through the redemption (release on payment of ransom). Christ’s death is the ransom. The sinner is released on the basis of the ransom’s having been paid.
3:25-26: Through faith: Christ’s death satisfies the Father’s righteous demands. Its benefits are appropriated only through faith in His finished work. In his blood: The emphasis is not on the blood as it coursed through Christ’s veins, but as it was shed for our sins. This is how the propitiation (atonement, forgiveness of sins) was accomplished. Just, and the justifier: God can remain just (true to His nature) and still declare sinners to be righteous only because Christ has paid for sin and satisfied (propitiated) His holy law. The sinner is not rendered guiltless but pardoned. Christ has taken the sin on Himself and has imputed (assigned, credited) His righteousness to the sinner.’
Wow! That’s a whole lot to understand, but it’s ever so important if we are to know all our rights, privileges and responsibilities in God, through Christ! Please, let’s spend some time considering all that we’ve said today nuh, so that we can grow in spiritual understanding and intimacy with God. Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!) and thus activating our Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work.
As one voice! ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having activated those blessings, we’re now duty bound to go out and share them with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…oh…the monumental work that Jesus’ shed blood has done for us…it’s value can never be reckoned…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
31 Dec 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a central truth of God's saving grace, a person's heart condition, acknowledge God's sovereignty, as a man thinks so is he, Christ above me, Christ be with me, Christ behind me, Christ beneath me, Christ in every ear that hears me, Christ in every eye that sees me, christ in me, Christ in the heart of, Daily Prayers for Spiritual Renewal, duty bound, everyone who thinks of me, faith, forsake their own mercy, God's wrath, holy spirit, humans cannot save themselves, hurry, I will pay that i have vowed, I will sacrifice unto thee, imbibing, in god's eyes, in the belly of the whale, in the hands of the evil one, Jesus Christ, learn the truth of our situations, look not on his countenance, lost souls, LOVE, man looks on the outward appearance, may our salvation be ever with us, mercy, mired in some unfortunate situation, motives of our hearts, New Year's Eve, nor the height of his stature, observe lying vanities, our omniscient God, Pamphlet of Prayers through the Ages, Prayer of St. Patrick, salvation, Salvation is of Christ, salvation is of the Lord, saving grace, sentence of good theology, share His love with my neighbours, the beloved of God, the earth with her bars, the foundation of our faith, the gospel truth, the Lord looks on the heart, the Lord sees not as man sees, the voice of thanksgiving, the weeds wrapped about his head, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, ungodly schemes, vices, was about him forever, welcome in 2025, wisdom, with a clean slate, worry, worship worthless idols
Jonah 2:9c. Salvation is of the Lord.
Well, at long last we seem to be blessed with a dry and somewhat sunshiny day! And I was just about to write that I hope it stays that way for the party goers later on this New Year’s Eve day, when I glanced down at the weather blob on my computer and saw ‘snow this afternoon.’ And a minute or so later I glanced at it and saw ‘2 cm of snow later.’ I’m sorry for those party goers if that actually happens, but it won’t affect me in the least because I’m not going anywhere tonight.
However, I do remember the many New Year’s Eves when the Duchess and I would be driving back and forth through snow to all parts of the city to party. But somehow or the other it never felt as dangerous as it does now. I guess we were younger and more foolish then. (smile) And now, we party at home on New Year’s Eve, with very little imbibing, not that we were ever great imbibers. (smile)
But let’s hope and pray that there are no serious accidents or incidents this New Year’s Eve, let’s welcome in 2025 with as clean as slate as possible. And to help us do that, let’s say this most interesting prayer from the Pamphlet of Prayers Through the Ages – Daily Prayers for Spiritual Renewal – recently published by the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. This prayer is attributed to St. Patrick of Ireland (387- 461)
Please pray with me: ‘Christ, be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me, Salvation is of the Lord, Salvation is of Christ, May our salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.’
What a fantastic prayer, my fellow believers! Christ being in us, and all around us, as well as in those who think about us, and see and hear us! Wow! That would certainly spread Him all over, much more than He is right now! And in all of that St. Patrick made sure that we remembered on which side our bread was buttered: ‘Salvation is of the Lord, Salvation is of Christ.’
And so it is my faithful brethren. Please, let’s never forget that. Whatever else we may do and believe, let’s never forget that the most important part of our livelihood, SALVATION, comes from Almighty God, and without it, we are separated from God, lost souls in the hands of the evil one.
That reminds us of this seminal, most important verse of scripture from the Book of Jonah, when he prayed, fervently and sincerely, in the belly of the large fish that had swallowed him. ‘They that observe lying vanities (worthless idols) forsake their own mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS). But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.’ (Jon. 2:8-9) Yes friends, that is the gospel truth; Salvation only comes from and through our God!
As one commentary informs us: ‘Salvation is entirely dependent on God and comes from Him alone: The phrase is a central truth of God’s saving grace, which means that humans are unable to save themselves from God’s wrath. The only contribution humans make to salvation is the sin that was laid on Jesus Christ at the cross.’ More indisputable truth. We can only receive salvation, through God’s good grace.
And I like what this other commentary says about the situation with Jonah, when he made that amazing acknowledgment that Salvation comes from God alone. It says: ‘Jonah learned this sentence of good theology in a strange college. He learned it in the whale’s belly, at the bottom of the mountains, with the weeds wrapped about his head, when he supposed that the earth with her bars was about him for ever.’
And unfortunately, so it is with many of us, we don’t learn the truth of our situations until we are mired in some unfortunate circumstance, and wisdom suddenly pops into our consciousness. And we all know what happened after Jonah made that pronouncement. The Bible tells us: ‘And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited Jonah upon the dry land.’ (Jon. 2:10)
Oh my people, are we entangled in any such situations right now and we can’t make heads or tails of them? Then our only recourse is to turn to the Lord and ask for His help. Once we acknowledge His sovereignty, like Jonah did, He will most certainly help us. And let’s remember we need to acknowledge it not only with our lips, but more importantly with our hearts, because that’s where the Lord looks to discover our sincerity and our true motives.
As He so plainly told Samuel when He sent him to anoint a new king of Isreal from the sons of Jesse. Samuel saw and admired the physical attributes of the first son, Eliab and thought he was fit to be the next king. ‘But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused (rejected) him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.’ (1 Sam. 17:7)
Now that’s something we ought never to forget, as we practice all our li’l ungodly schemes and vices. Man might not see us, or know the depravity of our hearts, but be sure that our God most certainly will! And this commentary adds a wise flavour to the subject. It asks: ‘What does it mean when God looks at the heart?’ And answers: ‘1 Samuel 16:7 agrees with the above passage in that it says our omniscient God knows our hearts – every one of our hearts. He knows each person’s heart condition and the motives behind everything we think, say, and do. Man cannot see another’s heart; only God can see a man’s heart — the seat of who he intrinsically is.’
That reminds us of another important scripture on the heart, from the wisdom of Cousin Sol in Proverbs. ‘For as he (a man) thinketh in his heart, so is he:’ (Prov. 23:7a) And these commentaries explain it thus. The first one says: ‘The verse suggests that a person’s true character is reflected in their innermost thoughts and beliefs. It implies that our thoughts shape our actions and ultimately determine who we become.’
While the second informs us: ‘What you see in this verse is a person who is saying one thing with their mouth—but their heart is in a completely different place. When faced with this conundrum, which one do you believe? You believe what’s in the heart. The thoughts and inclinations of the heart shape the reality of who you are.’
Oh my fellow saints, what plentiful truth we have uncovered today…or should I say renewed in our hearts, souls, minds and bodies? (smile) But whatever it is, please let’s hold on to them for dear life, for they are the foundation of our faith, and thus our lives. Now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made those statements, we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…the ONLY saving grace in this life is…salvation…which comes ONLY from God Almighty…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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