09 Aug 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a still small voice, bring all things to your remembrance, drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit, endure down to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, God teaches us lessons through circumstances, hands on the plough, He shall teach you all things, holy spirit, in a covenant relationship with Christ, Jesus Christ, let not your heart be troubled, listen to the Holy Spirit, longing for sunshine and warm weather, LOVE, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, not as the world giveth, not looking back, Peace i leave with you, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, thank God, the bread of adversity, the breath of life, the Comforter, the loud noises of the world, the peace of Christ, the water of affliction, the way of God, thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, this is the way walk ye in it, to a glorious future with Jesus, too much in love with the things of the world, turn to the left hand, Wednesday Wail, when ye turn to the right hand
Isaiah 30:21. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.
Oh friends, I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday nuh! The days are flying by so quickly, leaving me helplessly in their wake, unprepared and not doing any of the things I desire to do. But it’s a beautiful summer’s day in my area though, bright, sunshiny and cool, and if I’m smart, I’ll enjoy it to the last drop, because soon there won’t be any more of these kinds of days.
In fact, as soon as September begins, with the passing of Labour Day, the cold weather creeps back in and drives the beautiful thoughts and actions of summer away. But that’s just how it is in these northern climes. You know it, but never get accustomed to it, always longing for the sunshine and warm weather.
Anyway, with the Holy Spirit of Jesus in us and by our sides, leading and guiding us in the good way, we have nothing to worry about, regardless of what comes against us. But that doesn’t happen automatically. No sir. And why not you ask? Because we’re in a covenant relationship with Christ, which means we also have a part to play; that’s to listen to the Holy Spirit and then follow His godly guidance.
It’s like Isaiah said to the people of Israel, re God’s graciousness and mercy. ‘And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.’ (Is. 30:20-21)
Yes friends, that’s the way the Holy Spirit operates, guiding us with a still, small voice, that we can only hear if we’re paying attention. However, not paying attention, not listening for that still, small voice is what so many of us supposed believers are doing, that’s why so many of us are going astray, and thus ‘eating the bread of adversity, and drinking the water of affliction.’ The scholars tell us that ‘the reference to the bread of adversity and the water of affliction shows that God teaches us lessons through circumstances when we will not listen to our teachers who call us to walk in the way (i.e., the way of God).’
Oh my people, that’s why it’s of the utmost importance to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit if we desire to know the true direction the Lord wants us to follow. That was Jesus’ direction to the disciples when He told them of the Holy Spirit’s coming. He said: But the Comforter (Helper), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:26-27)
And it’s that peace of Jesus that enables us to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. And if we don’t have that peace, then we cannot listen, and thus cannot be taught. And that’s the sad part of Christianity today. Too many of us don’t have the peace of Jesus, and therefore allow the loud noises of the world to drown out the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts have become hard, by being too much in LOVE with the things of the world, consequently we cannot hear the quiet guidance of God’s Spirit, and then, when we’re overwhelmed by our negative circumstances because of our unwise decisions, we’re quick to blame God.
But the fault is usually ours, for being too much in LOVE with the deceptive and perishable wealth and things of the world, and not enamoured enough of the imperishable things of God. Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount about the best way to live. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33)
Yes my brethren, if we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, God will ensure that we do not lack anything. And remember, He owns the universe and all therein, and if He wants to make you filthy rich, He can, just like He made Cousin Sol the richest and most powerful man ever, although he did not ask for riches or glory, but wisdom and strength to guide his people. And there are many filthy rich and powerful believers out there in the world, so it’s not like we can’t acquire the good things that the world has to offer, but we have to do it through the auspices, the power of God and not of men or of Satan.
And there’s some more stuff I’d like to talk about, but it will make the Bit too long, (smile) so we’ll leave that until tomorrow, the Lord willing. Now let’s go home declaring (steupsss!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And there’s this added incentive, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Wow! Hope to see you there! Much LOVE!
…without the peace of Christ in our souls…we won’t hear the voice of the Holy Spirit…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
19 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a challenge to get on our horses and ride, a crying shame, a personal desire to sacrifice for Christ, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, after one time is two, artificial intelligence, be strong in the Lord, bounden duty, but of power love and a sound mind, endure to the end, evil doers are bullies, evil is ruling the roost, eyes fixed straight ahead, fighting the good fight, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, girding your waist with the truth of Christ, hands on the plough, in the power of his might, life's basic behaviour does not change, LOVE, mano a mano, more pervasive and distrustful, not turning back, prayer the vital umbrella, put on the whole armour of God, putting ourselves out for Christ, ride for Jesus, sacrificing, so glad to be alive, spiritual battles, take advantage of their physical strength, the breastplate of righteousness, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the gospel of peace on your feet, the Great Commission, the helmet of slavation, the loud voices of Christians, the shiled of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, there is no new thing under the sun, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, without proper regulations
Ephesians 6:11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.
Oh friends, this Wednesday is going to be another glorious summer’s day! It might not be boiling hot, but it’s sunny, nice and cool, just the way I like it! (smile) After being in this climate of changing seasons for so long, it seems like I can’t handle the heat as well I use to it. I guess it’s like the old people would say; after one time is two. And isn’t it amazing that for almost every scenario in our lives today, we can quote something from our fathers and forefather’s generations that tie in so nicely with them. It just goes to show that the basics of life don’t change that much from generation to generation.
As Cousin Sol so wisely said, writing as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes: ‘The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.’ (Eccl. 1:10) And that’s basically true, for though we might have some new inventions, our basic behaviour and the things we do through this life are just like the ancients did. Get up, work, eat, sleep, party, be sinful, and hopefully praise God, while LOVING each other, then die.
It’s only the how, not the why, that’s been changed down through the ages. We have invented ways to live better, but also ways to be more sinful and ungodly, and, unfortunately, the latter behaviour is what’s currently ruling the roost in our world, which is a crying shame! One would have thought that by now, with all of our enlightened accomplishments and vast learning, mankind would have realized that godliness is ever so much better than evil doing and sinfulness. But no, the devil has gotten his evil claws into so many of us, that godliness is running in second place in our world, and a far second place too.
This however is wholly unacceptable my fellow believers. We cannot allow the evil doers to control our world, especially after all the sacrifices our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made on our behalf! No! We have to get up, put away our fear, or whatever is holding us back, and attack the enemy full force, mano a mano, not run away from him like scared rabbits, as so many of us are now doing. Jesus stood up staunchly for us, it’s now our turn to stand up staunchly for Him, and He’s already given us all the tools to do the job, the great Commission, that He desires of us.
And it’s all so easy; tell people about Him and the good things He wants to share with them, and live in a manner that will cause others to want what we have, the intimate relationship with Him. But it does mean putting ourselves out, sacrificing and not always living the easy, carefree, doh care life. And that’s what so many of us supposed believers shy away from. With all the wonderful amenities in our world, it’s become so easy to just relax on our lollies and do almost nothing, but still exist.
And with the recent upgrade and breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence, brother, we’ll be doing even less than before, because this new invention will even think for us. Are we on our way to obsolescence my people? Who knows, but it ought to give us definite cause for concern, when our society is already filled with all sorts of fakes and untruthfulness, now we’re going to be even less sure if a real person was involved in a particular situation or thing, or whether it was the work of Artificial Intelligence.
It’s already such a big part of our world, and without proper regulations, it’s only going to get bigger, more pervasive and more distrustful, like all of mankind’s inventions, especially with the evil and untrustworthy minds that are currently at the forefront of our world. And if any serious and worthwhile changes are going to be made in our world, it will have to be through the loud voices of Christians, because we are the only group who seem to want goodness, mercy and the LOVE of God to flourish.
But that’s our very problem; our voices aren’t being heard, because they’re not plentiful or loud enough to make a difference, and until we make them loud and plentiful, nothing will ever change! That’s why I’m calling on us to rise up today, as one solid and unified body of Christ, His marvellous church, and dare the evil doers to stop us from taking over our heavenly Father’s world! It’s well known that evil doers are basically bullies who take advantage of their strengths, but are basically cowards underneath, and this is indeed a challenge for us believers to get on our horses and ride, ride for Jesus, like we should have been doing long ago!
And it’s important that we don’t just rush in willy nilly without a proper plan and proper safeguards. That means before we go into battle, we must put on the whole armour of God! As Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians: ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.’ (Eph. 6:10-11) Then in verse 12, he goes on to explain that it’s not a physical battle we’re fighting, but a spiritual one. However, we still need protection even in spiritual battles, just a different kind. And what’s that you ask?
Briefly speaking, it’s the truth of Christ girding your waist; the breastplate of righteousness guarding your chest; the eagerness of the gospel of peace on your feet; the shield of faith with which to divert the fiery arrows of the enemy; the helmet or hope of salvation to protect your head; the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God to fell your enemies, and finally prayer, which brings everything under its vital umbrella and without which no battle can be won!
So we have all that we need to fight the enemy, except the courage and desire to do it. But please, let’s remember that our great ‘God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7) That means the only thing holding us back is our desire to engage the enemy, because we have everything else. And, sadly, that desire must come from deep within each of us, it must be a personal desire to sacrifice on Christ’s behalf. No one can make us do it.
And for those of us who are willing to put up that fight, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful, irreversible position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we endure to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So let’s promise ourselves to see it nuh! Much LOVE!
…fighting the good fight for Christ…is the believer’s bounden duty…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
12 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a father of the fatherless, a judge of widows, a little lower than the angels, catch our second wind, crowned with glory and honour, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith if it hath not works is dead, fight the good fight, hands on the plough, how dwelleth the love of God in him, I will not leave you comfortless, inasmuch as ye have done it, Jesus set the example of doing good works, let every man be swift to hear, not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, not looking back, pure religion, selfless sacrificial works, separating the sheep from the goats, shew me thy faith without thy works, shew thee my faith by my works, shutteth up his bowels of compassion, slow to speak, slow to wrath, thank God, the awesome breath of God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, to a glorious future with Jesus, to visit the fatherless and widows, undefiled before God, unspotted from the world, unto one of these my brethren, Wednesday Wail, whoso hath this world's goods, you have done it unto me
James 2:17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Now Tuesday was nice and hot and summery until the evening hours when it turned cool, and windy with a thunderstorm. And would you believe that during the night outside was cooler than the air-conditioned inside. And this morning when I went out to do some blood tests, it was chilly as ever. The computer earlier on told me that rain was coming, then shortly thereafter told me it will be mostly sunny.
So who knows what we’re going to get today, this middle of the work week Wednesday, when we try to catch our second win, that enables us to fight the good fight all the way down to Friday? The important thing though is that we have life, the awesome breath of God flowing through us, mightily LOVED by our heavenly Father, created a little lower than the angels but crowned with glory and honour. (Ps. 8:5)
The unfortunate thing though friends is that so many of us don’t behave like we have that glory and honour of God, which takes us back to yesterday’s Bit, ‘Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:’ (James 1:19) This current version of mankind is certainly the opposite of those wise words. We’re rather quick to speak, and speak a lot, quick to get angry and hardly ever listen.
Now yesterday we stopped where James was saying that anyone who was not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, his deeds will be blessed. (James 1:25) And he continues in this vein. ‘If any man among you seem to be (thinks he is) religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain (useless). Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’ (James 1:26-27)
And that’s what Christianity is all about my people! Remember Jesus’ great compassion for widows and orphans, the sick, the poor and the lonesome. He came to save the downtrodden. And throughout the Bible there are numerous verses that indicate that God LOVES the widows and orphans. Psalm 68 describes Him as: ‘A father of the fatherless, and judge (defender) of widows, is God in his holy habitation.’ (Ps. 68:5) Meanwhile Isaiah 1:17 instructs on the Lord’s behalf. ‘Learn to do well (good); seek judgement (justice), relieve (reprove) the oppressed (oppressor), judge (vindicate or defend) the fatherless, plead for the widow.’ And Jesus even promised: ‘I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.’ (John 14:8)
So helping those in need is what we should be focused on, physical help as well as spiritual and emotional concern. That leads us to these powerful verses in 1 John. ‘Hereby perceive we the LOVE of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good (goods or riches), and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion (heart) from him, how dwelleth the LOVE of God in him? (1 John 3:16-17) It obviously doesn’t!
That’s why James continues later on in his epistle about the relationship between faith and works. ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ (James 2:14-17)
And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! We can have all the faith we want, but if we don’t have some sacrificial work in that faith, it’s basically useless, because faith is not just believing, but also doing! As James continues: ‘Yea, a man my say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.’ (James 2:18)
Faith and works just have to go hand in hand my brethren if any of them are to be worthwhile. That’s why sometimes when we try to evangelize the poor and downtrodden, instead of filling them with scripture, we first need to fill them with food, clothing and shelter, that way they will be more amenable to receiving the good news of Christ’s gospel.
Remember when Jesus talked about separating the sheep from the goats? (Matt. 25:31-34) What reasons did He give for that separation eh? ‘For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord….when did we do all these things unto you…. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-37, 40)
Yes friends, that’s what Jesus is looking for in His followers; kindness to our brethren, especially if they are poor, sick, a stranger, widowed or orphaned. Our basic faith might get us into heaven, but it’s our selfless, sacrificial works that are going to earn us heavenly rewards. And it all begins by speaking less and listening more, so that we can understand the truth of the kingdom of God.
Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! Altogether now! ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And as we keep reminding, if we endure with Christ right down to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please let’s us e that as one more bit of encouragement to endure to the very end! Much LOVE!
…Jesus set the example of doing good works…so that His followers could follow it…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
31 May 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new and living way, according to his riches in glory, as ye see the day approaching, assembling together, belly and backbone, Christians need to step up to the plate, DETERMINATION, direct access to god, encouraging each other, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, glorify our heavenly Father, hands on the plough, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, lacking in faith and good works, LOVE, make a difference, my God shall supply all your needs, not looking back, not putting in the faith and effort needed, only a poser, see our good works, shall he find faith on the earth, taking no prisoners, talk the scriptures but don't truly believe them, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the ingredient missing from our Christian walk, the king of glory, the light of the world, the salt of the earth, to a glorious future with Christ, to provoke unto love and to good works, transform hopes and beliefs into actions, we are not of them who draw back into perdition, Wednesday Wail, when the Son of man cometh
Luke 18:8. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
And the week’s moving ahead very quickly; taking no prisoners whatsoever! (smile) Yes friends, it’s already Wednesday, mid-week, the day we try to catch our second wind. But the way the week’s galloping along, we might not be able to do that. That’s just for the unbelievers though, for with Jesus by our side, at our helm, all around us, we can do anything. Wow! What a scripture: ‘I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!’ (Phil. 4:13) And if you don’t believe that, then you’re no true believer, only a poser.
Ah mih people, I believe that’s the major ingredient that’s missing in our Christian walk these days; we talk the scriptures, the many promises and scenarios that make up our faith, but we don’t truly believe them, otherwise our church and our individual lives would not be so lacking in faith and good works. We are supposed to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world now that Jesus no longer walks the earth, but are we truly those things? Does the heathen see our good works and thus want to glorify our God that is in heaven?
Hn! I don’t think so, or there wouldn’t be the great exodus from the church that’s currently taking place and Beelzebub and his evil cronies wouldn’t be the powerful force in our world that they currently are. And by the way, they seem to be getting stronger every day, while Christ’s church seems to be getting weaker, because it’s supposed devotees are not putting in the faith, effort and perseverance we need to see it prosper.
Recently I heard a preacher consider Jesus’ question: ‘Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8).Those are the closing words of Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow, found just before that scripture, and I began seriously considering it myself. Will He, my fellow believers, or will our faith have sunk to such a low level that it might as well be non-existent?
And thankfully I was able to find one commentary that throws a somewhat positive light on the situation. It says: ‘Perhaps, as members of the Church trust with all their hearts, transform their hopes and beliefs into action, and seek to align themselves with the will of the Lord, the answer to the question the Savior asked 2,000 years ago will be a resounding “Yes, He will find faith.’
And oh, how I do hope and desire with all my heart, that before it’s too late, that we, the members of Christ’s Church will come to that high level of trust and transform our hopes and beliefs into action, for that’s the ONLY way, Jesus will ever find faith when He returns to earth. Yes my fellow saints it’s only if we get up off of our fat, lazy, well-fed, entitled fannies and do what we’re supposed to do, that’s stand up strong for Jesus and spread the good news of His wonderful gospel all around the world, that faith will ever be found when Jesus returns to earth as the King of Glory!
That’s why we have to listen to the author of Hebrews when he exhorts us, re holding fast to the faith. ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to great works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:19-25)
Yes friends, the shed blood of Christ which makes Him the eternal sacrifice and therefore our High Priest forever, allows us to go into the holiest of holies, right to the throne of God, that’s to say a new and living way by which we have direct access to God, and don’t have to wait for the priest to make atonement for us once a year. And with that new and living way made available through Christ’s breaking the veil of the holies, we need to come close to Him with pure hearts, baptized with His Holy Spirit, washed in His blood, and assured of the promises He made us.
But it all takes a strong and assured faith to do so; a faith that should lead us to stirring up each other to do the good works that’s required of us. And one of the best ways to do that is by gathering together regularly, and encouraging each other, especially in these troubled and evil times, when it seems the last days are upon us.
And as the author of Hebrews says a little later on: ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance, perseverance), that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry (delay). Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (destruction): but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.’ (Heb. 19:35-39)
There you have it my people: we need to stand strong in faith and do the works we are supposed to do, thus breaking the stranglehold that the evil body has on our world. And as the scriptures say, we are not shirkers of our duty, we don’t draw back. But it takes plenty belly and back bone, guts, perseverance, determination and strong belief in the promises of Christ to stand up strong for Him against the wily and evil enemy. And don’t forget that Christ will come in due time and reward those whom He finds standing in faith.
So, let’s write these two scriptures indelibly in our hearts, so that we can raise them up when necessary. The first is the one we began with: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ And the second is like unto it (smile): ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) That says it all! Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong, confident and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And yuh better believe, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! So please let’s use that as encouragement to endure down to the very end nuh mih bredrin! Much LOVE!
…Christians need to step up RIGHT NOW…and LIVE their faith…if they hope to make a difference in this world….
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
10 May 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a profound understanding if his salvation, according to the riches of his glory, all these things shall be added unto you, eyes fixed straight ahead, floods, forest fires, godliness is profitable unto all things, halfway home, hands on the plough, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, LOVE, made to live in communion with God, my God shall supply all your needs, not looking back, on which side his bread was buttered, pig-headed, redemption, salvation, seek first the spiritual things of God's kingdom, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, so glad to be alive, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the downward trend to total destruction, the promise of life that now is, the tragedy of the ages, to a glorious future with Jesus, wars and rumours of war, weapons of mass destruction, Wednesday Wail
Matthew 6:33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Yes! It looks like we’re going to get three consecutive sunshiny days at long last! Glory be! You in the tropics wouldn’t understand how good that can be during the wet, rainy spring season. And yes, the frozen ground and the plants do need water to moisten them up and give them nourishment to grow, but too much of a good thing can also be bad. Just look at the recent severe flooding that’s occurred in the Western Province of British Columbia, where they got too much rain, and the forest fires in the middle Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, where they didn’t get enough.
Life is meant to be a fine balancing act, and if anything drives it off that precarious scale, disaster often follows. And we can see that in the life of man too. He was made to live in communion with His creator and heavenly Father, but he’s stubbornly, and oh so foolishly turned away from Him! So what’s the result of that imbalance eh? A chaotic world, where wars and rumours of war reign, where hatred, religious conflicts, poverty, sickness, economic disaster, climate change and the disasters that they bring are running riot.
And we can carry on with much more of the chaotic stuff that’s happening because mankind has turned away from a gracious, merciful, forgiving and LOVING God. That’s the tragedy of the ages! And until we wake up and realize why our world is in such a calamitous state, we’ll keep on the downward trend to total destruction. Can you believe that at this stage of our existence, knowing our very fragile current situation, despite the overwhelming disaster that one mistake, or one madman can trigger, we’re still in a race to build bigger and better weapons of mass destruction?
What’s wrong with us eh? Why are we so pig-headed that we keep rolling along the path that will bring certain destruction, and not the one that will bring redemption and salvation? Didn’t we hear, or didn’t we understand what Jesus said so long ago? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Yes friends, man was made to seek first the spiritual things of God’s kingdom and not the material things of this evil and fallen world.
If we make the righteousness that’s characteristic of God’s kingdom our priority, then Jesus promises that all the material stuff we need will be supplied. Bruh Paul also promised it when he said: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) What’s it eh? Don’t we have faith in the promises of God? Don’t we think we can live a life that’s characterized by the righteousness of God? If not, then the words spoken by Bruh Paul to the Philippians: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,’ (Phil. 4:13) are a complete and utter waste of time.
In fact, it’s a total lie! And all else that flows from it is nothing but fallacy and falsehood. Oh my fellow believers, Jesus will NEVER lie to us, or refuse us His help in anything we undertake in His will and His name. Let’s believe that nuh, because it’s what our faith is based on. Otherwise all the fuss we make about His death and resurrection, salvation, eternal life et al is a complete waste of time. We cannot believe one aspect of Jesus’ ministry and philosophy and don’t believe the others. So it’s very necessary that we believe it all if we are to benefit from it.
And if you don’t believe that God will supply all our needs if we put our sincere trust and faith in Him, then listen to what He did for Cousin Sol, way back when, when he became king of Israel on the death of his father, Bruh David. One night, in a vision, the Lord asked Cousin Sol what He wanted, and he asked for wisdom and understanding to rule the people in a wise and godly manner. Now the Lord gave him that wisdom and understanding, that’s why to this this day, he’s still known as the wisest man ever, because the Lord said; ‘so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee, shall any arise like unto thee.’ (1 Kin. 3:12)
But listen to this, as the Lord continues: ‘And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any (anyone) among the kings like unto thee all thy days.’ (1 Kin. 3:13) Yuh see that friends, Cousin Sol didn’t ask for wealth and honour, but the Lord gave them to him anyway, because of his trust and faith, and in such abundance too, that no other king was as rich and honoured as him. But yuh know what, the Lord interspersed one proviso amongst all the showers of blessings.
Listen up: ‘And if you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen (prolong) thy days.’ (1 Kin. 3:14) Oh my fellow believers, the key to the whole thing, the key to all the wealth and honour of the kingdom of heaven is simply walking in the Lord’s will and ways. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect, because He knows that He did not create perfect but imperfect, sinful, disobedient souls. Just look at some of the stuff that Bruh David did, nuh; adultery and murder, yet the Lord still considered him a friend and a man after his own heart and made him the greatest king ever of Israel.
But the big difference is that Bruh David always sought the Lord. He knew on which side his bread was buttered, and thus brought every problem to God and did his best to stay on the straight and narrow path. So why is it so difficult for us to understand that our bread is also buttered on the same side as Bruh David’s was eh, and with even small faith, keep going to Him for refuge and understanding, and the things we need in this life? I can’t answer that question, but I do know that I’m trying to do like Bruh David, and though I’m far from perfect and have made many mistakes, the Lord has still blessed me with stuff that I certainly don’t deserve.
Life hasn’t been easy, but all through it I can now see His hand working on my behalf. And He will work on the behalf of anyone who sincerely puts their trust in His Son Jesus Christ and do their best to stick to His statutes and commandments. And what better scripture to close with than these words from Bruh Paul to Timothy. ‘But refuse (reject) profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.’ (1 Tim. 4:7-8)
What more can I say eh? Not much. But for those of us who are sincerely trying to practice godliness, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Now friends, let’s just keep om seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness so that others can see that it works. Much LOVE!
…the devil is destroying our world…so why aren’t we turning to the One who wishes to save it eh…Almighty God…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
03 May 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: arthritis inducing weather, be filled with the Spirit, be not drunk with wine, be of good cheer, endure to the end, envying one another, eyes fixed straight ahead, giving thanks always for all things, grin and bear them, halfway home, if we live in the Spirit, in the fear of God, Jesus has overcome the world, Jesus is the Great Physician, let us also walk in the Spirit, let us not be desirous of vain glory, LOVE, more lorious than we ask or imagine, not as fools, not looking back, prayer is a great privilege, provoking one another, renew the face of this earth, renew us gracious God, renew us to do justice, so glad to be alive, thakn god, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, the fruit of the spirit, the lust of the flesh, the spirit against the flesh, these are contrary one to the other, to a glorious future with Jesus, to love kindness, to walk humbly with you our God, vision for our church community, walk circumspectly, Wednesday Wail
Galatians 5:23. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Oh, what a glorious, wet, damp, drizzly, arthritis inducing Wednesday May morning! (smile) Yes friends, the last few days have been a combination of drizzle and weak sunshine, and the dampness that sneaks into the bones, causing the arthritis malady to raise its ugly head. But thank the Lord the weather doesn’t affect my aching bones. I don’t know why, but it’s never really made my supposed arthritic condition any worse. My pains come around when they feel like, regardless of the weather. And I’ve learned over the years to just grin and bear them, taking the odd medication when the pain gets a bit much.
What I don’t like about my joint pains is that they are annoyingly intermittent; suddenly showing up out of the blue, with no warning, and no obvious aggravation on my part. They’ll stick around for a bit, then disappear just as suddenly as they came, for another period of time. It’s a good thing Jesus warned us that in this world we’d have trials and tribulations, but we ought to be of good cheer, for He’s overcome, He’s conquered this evil world! Glory be my brethren!
And we do have to learn to handle some of our pain and not run to the medication bottle as soon as the pain shows up. My logic is that if we use the medications too often then they will cease to work properly after a while. But that’s just me, and I suppose my aches and pains might not be as bad as some of you my fellow believers. Each of us though need to keep Christ first place in our lives especially in our times of illness, for remember He is the Great Physician and prayer is our greatest privilege. So let’s try and use it more than we use the medications nuh.
And we can begin right now with this prayer I found amongst some papers while doing some spring cleaning in one of the many cubicles on my desk. I found all sorts of stuff, written ages ago, some that I couldn’t even read properly because of the terrible handwriting, and that was just a small portion of what’s hiding there. I’m sure there are many gems amongst the crud, but only time and my persistence in cleaning the desk will tell. Anyway, enough talk. Let’s pray this prayer that’s titled ‘Renew Toronto,’ but is very appropriate for renewing both our cities and our lives. And please don’t ask me where I got it from, (smile) because I haven’t the foggiest notion.
Instead, please pray with me: ‘Gracious God, in your wisdom and LOVE, You create us in your image and likeness. You call us to be your Presence in the world. Let the Spirit of Jesus grow with us for this journey – inspire in us insight and vision for our Church community – ready our hearts and hands to bring healing to our sinfulness – move our feet to live the Gospel of Jesus with courage and joy. Renew us, GRACIOUS GOD. Renew us by your LOVING acceptance of us. Renew us to do justice, to LOVE kindness, and to walk humbly with you, our God. To renew the face of this earth. Amen.’
Ah friends, I like it, and I hope you do too, because it’s simple and straightforward, yet covers all the bases. And oh, do we ever need a total renewing in these ungodly and evil times, where faith and trust in Almighty God is sadly on the wane, and the enemy is getting bolder and more prevalent every day. How we do need the Holy Spirit of Jesus to fill us up like Bruh Paul exhorted the Ephesians.
‘See that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation, licentiousness); but be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ (Eph. 5:15-21)
Yes my fellow believers, that’s how we ought to live; being filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill us with God’s own life, character and values, rather than the dissipating wine that leads us astray to ungodly and sinful thoughts, deeds and actions. For it is only when we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God that we can receive the things we just prayed for; that’s inspiration for insight and vision for our Church community, to ready our hearts and hands to bring healing to our sinfulness and to move our feet to live the Gospel of Jesus with courage and joy.
Then, and only then can we fulfill Bruh Paul’s words to the church at Galatia. ‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirt, ye are not under the law.’ (Gal. 5:16-18) That’s oh so true my fellow saints, we only have two options; to walk in the Spirit or to walk in the flesh and Bruh Paul breaks down what both consist of in the verses that follow: ‘the lust or works of the flesh vs.19-21, and the fruit of the Spirit, vs. 22-23.
Please read and study them, so that they can take root in our souls, so that we can therefore do as he later says: ‘And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections (its passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory (conceited), provoking one another, envying one another.’ (Gal. 5:24-26) Now, those are certainly words to live by, especially in these turbulent and contrary last days my brethren! And for those of us who are sincerely trying to live that way, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our fabulous position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Now, please remember that it’s also been promised that if we stick with Jesus right down to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Yes, our puny, finite minds simply won’t be able to comprehend it. (smile) So let’s use that as further encouragement to endure to the end nuh. Much LOVE!
…a spiritual walk with Christ…has so much more to offer…than a lustful, carnal walk with the enemy…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
12 Apr 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Commonplace Days, concrete jungle, day by day drudgery, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, do all to the glory of God, down to earth living, endure to the very end, entitled to everything, eyes fixed straight ahead, foolishly waiting for divine inspiration, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him, glamourless duties, God in all things must be glorified through Christ Jesus, grab my heart, halfway home, hands on the ploufh, life is all about glorifying God, looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus, LOVE, men-pleasers, not looking back, quiet me, social media, the Holy Spirit of God, trite mundane tasks, Wednesday Wail, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, whether ye eat or drink, whine and whimper, without lifting a finger
Colossians 3:17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Ah friends, can you believe it’s already Wednesday, the middle of the work week and the ole fella is up this early writing the Bit. But, as they say, wonders never cease, but daily they increase. And I’m up this early just because I have to take the duchess to a mid-morning medical appointment in the city, and once you go to that concrete jungle, with cranes and tractors and construction all over, meaning blocked streets and congested traffic, you can never be sure what time you’ll return, thus my early rising. (smile)
And today we’ll look at a li’l poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin simply titled ‘Commonplace Days,’ which I think is ever so appropriate for many of us living in these busy, complex, modern times. So please pray with me. ‘Lord of my commonplace days Forgive me for foolishly waiting For “divine inspiration” Before moving in on the tasks Personally assigned to me.
Hopefully I am learning To face with greater determination The day by day drudgery The trite, mundane tasks The pushing-pulling glamourless duties. Lord, even when I think I’m getting no place Keep me pushing on and on With purpose and direction. Grab my heart and quiet me When I begin to whine and whimper. Despite the daily drain I think I see it more clearly now: It is only when I begin to do That you begin to bless.’
Now that’s certainly an interesting notion my fellow believers: only when we begin to do what we ought, then the Lord begins to bless us. And so it should be, why should we be blessed when we’re not doing what we ought eh? But sadly, that’s how we think in these days of entitlement. We believe we’re entitled to everything, without lifting a finger to do anything. But let’s get back to the gist of the poem; those many dog days of daily life, where it’s simply one mundane, seemingly unimportant task after another.
Oh, so many of us crave the seemingly exciting lives of the celebrities, but don’t think that they don’t have days like ordinary people too. How do you think they got to be celebrities eh, just out of the blue, or as they are called, ‘overnight successes’? No, many of them laboured for years in nondescript jobs, doing whatever they could to survive before they made it to the big time.
But what this foolish society is leading so many to believe is that we can reach the top without drudgery and same old, same old uninviting, glamourless tasks. That’s not real life though. Real life is doing the same old, same old every day, and doing it without whining and whimpering. But we’ve become such a soft-bellied society, totally lacking in belly and backbone that our first reaction to hard or mundane tasks is to whine and whimper.
There’s never been a more complaining society than this present one. That’s because we’ve had, and are having life too easy with all our modern conveniences and amenities, so we’ve lost all sense of what it is to live a real down to earth life. And it gets even harder when you truly begin to live for Jesus; you get real down to earth living, with sacrifices and carrying your cross daily. But as the poem says, when we begin to do as is expected of us, without a whole lot of complaining, then the Lord blesses us.
Please remember that the Lord is the Boss, so He sets the standards and tasks, it’s merely our job to carry them out with His support. And we can never say that He doesn’t support us in any task that He asks us to complete, because He always provides the wherewithal to accomplish them. And it’s interesting to note the Bible Verse associated with today’s poem. It comes from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and certainly reflects what our attitude should be to the everyday vicissitudes of life. Please read with me: ‘And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Col. 3:17)
Yes my people, that’s how we ought to react as true believers in Christ; doing everything in His name, desiring to bring glory to the Father through Him. And nobody’s saying that that’s an easy way to live, but it is doable, if we truly live to please God and allow the Holy Spirit of God that indwells us to lead and guide us in our daily activities. It’s the same thing Bruh Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his second letter when talking about how they should react to certain situations in life.
He says: ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God. Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.’ (1 Cor. 10:31-33) Now that doesn’t mean we are to be men-pleasers, but it does mean that we are not to be arrogant and self-seeking, looking out only for our own interests.
And Peter said it thus: ‘As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Pet. 4:10-11)
Yes friends, it‘s as simple as that: (smile) whatever we say or do, ought to bring glory to our wonderful heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ the Son. That means we have to think carefully before we talk or act, not be like the rest of the world is today; unconcernedly shooting off their mouths and contentions, especially through social media and doing untold damage to friends and neighbours.
Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Christ, let’s go home today declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we endure right down to very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, let’s plan on seeing it nuh. Much LOVE!
…life…be it on earth or in heaven…it’s all about glorifying God…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
22 Mar 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a false witness, a lying tongue, a proud look, an already vanquished foe, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, as a flower of the field, be afflicted and mourn, draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, feet that be swift in running to mischief, friendship with the world is enmity with God, from everlasting to everlasting, glad to be alive, gossip, hands that shed innocent blood, he hath showed thee O man, he that soweth discord among brethren, his days are as grass, humble yourselves in the sight of God, injustice, lovehands on the plough, man has a finite time on earth, not looking back, resist the devil, return to the dust, seven things are an abomination to God, so big for our britches, speak not evil of one another, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the enemy of God, the help of the Lord's Spirit, the mercy of the Lord, there is one lawgiver, to a glorious future with Jesus, to do justly and to love mercy, to them that fear him, walk humbly with thy God, Wednesday Wail, what doth the Lord require of thee, what is good, ye lust and have not
Micah 6:8. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to LOVE mercy (LOVING-kindness), and to walk humbly with thy God.
And then it was Wednesday all over again! Thank the Lord! Ah friends, the days are rolling along, just like the Creator programmed them. They will continue to roll along as long as the earth exists, but we will not, because we have a finite time to experience the earth before we return to the dust from which we were made.
As Bruh David says in Psalm 103: ‘As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more (not remember it). But the mercy (LOVING-kindness) of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear (reverence) him, and his righteousness unto children’s children. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.’ (Ps. 103:15-18)
Yes my people, man’s life is unpredictable. He can be here today, then gone tomorrow. It all depends on the Lord’s plan. We grow up quickly and wither just as quickly. But while we are here, it behooves us, it is wise to enjoy the largesse of our great God. That means keeping His commandments, revering and LOVING Him, the way He desires us to. And what does all that mean, you ask? I think the prophet Micah puts it best, in simple language. ‘He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to LOVE mercy (LOVING-kindness), and to walk humbly with thy God.’ (Mic. 6:8).
Yes friends, that is basically all that the Lord our God asks of us. To be just and merciful and walk humbly before Him. And yes, doing those things can get somewhat complicated and difficult at times, especially when we are goaded by the devil to do otherwise. But with the help of the Lord’s Spirit that dwells within us, we can do them, if we are serious about living for Christ. And possibly the most important of those three things listed above is to walk humbly before God. Why? Because there’s nothing the Lord dislikes as pride and a haughty nature, because it says that you don’t need Him.
Remember Cousin Sol remarked in Proverbs that there are seven things the Lord dislikes, that He considers an abomination unto His Spirit. And the first is ‘A proud look or haughty eyes.’ But just for our information and remembrance, let’s check out all seven things the Lord considers abominable nuh. (smile) ‘A proud look (haughty eyes), a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (devises wicked plans), feet that be swift in running to mischief (evil). A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.’ (Prov. 6:17-19)
And yuh know what? Unfortunately, in these turbulent and disastrous times, our world is flooded with all those abominations. They are all ever so prevalent, because our current society is built on pride, lies, evil plans, the shedding of innocent blood, injustice, gossip, false witness and those who stir up trouble for their own evil and ungodly purposes. In other words, our current society is built on abomination in the Lord’s eyes. No wonder He’s allowing all sorts of misfortune and disaster to happen in our world.
And we have gotten so big for our britches nowadays with the great advancements in our society, that we’ve come to the opinion that we no longer need God. Therefore, we are trying to get rid of Him. But that’s an impossibility. For He will not allow it. And we need to wake up and realize that, otherwise we’ll sink even further down into the mire of Satan’s evil world and draw even further away from God, until we end up eternally separated from Him, which I keep reminding us is the worst fate that can ever befall a human soul.
And James, Jesus’ brother spelled out our current predicament very well way back then, when He wrote: ‘From whence come wars (conflicts) and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts (desires for pleasure) that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill (murder), and desire to have (covet), and cannot obtain: ye fight and war (battle), yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (pleasures). Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will (wants to) be a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God.’ (James 4:1-4)
Oh my fellow saints, unfortunately that is indeed the current state of our world. If James thought things were bad back in his time, he wouldn’t want to see them now. But while showing us the error of our ways, he has also instructed us in how to turn things around. Listen up as he writes. ‘Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)? But he giveth more grace, Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted (lament), and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness (gloom). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil of one another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?’ (James 4:5-12).
And is that ever the gospel truth! So now that we know our problems and the solution to them, it’s up to us change, or just remain with the ungodly status quo. But if we sincerely desire to see godly change, then we’ll begin doing those things that James has advised, like humbling ourselves, turning away from the lustful things of the world, stop speaking lies and doing evil, etc. etc. And for those of us who have already made that decision to live for God, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And it’s been promised that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. And who doesn’t want to see a glorious future eh? So let’s endure nuh! Much LOVE!
…it’s ever so foolish to fight against God…on the side of Satan…an already vanquished foe…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
08 Mar 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: archangel Lucifer, become so enamoured of ourselves, blessed are they that keep judgement (justice), EGO - Edging God Out, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, gave them their request, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, God is good...all the time, halfway home, hands on the plough, he saved them for his name's sake, he that doeth righteousness at all times, his mercy endureth for ever, I am the Lord that is my name, I may glory with thine inheritance, I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, I may see the good of thy chosen, I'm so glad to be alive, LOVE, lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, man is made in the image of God, my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images, not turning back, power hungry, Satan, sent leanness into their soul., tempted God in the desert, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the mercies and compassions of God, the world and they that dwell therein, they are new every morning, they soon forgat his works, to a glorious future with Jesus, too busy to notice what God's doing, visit me with thy salvation, waited not for his counsel, Wednesday Wail, where their bread was buttered, who can show forth all his praise, who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord
Psalm 106:3. Blessed are they that keep judgement (justice), and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Oh boy, it’s another brand new sunshiny day, filled with all the many mercies and compassion of our great God. And isn’t it wonderful to know that every day, regardless of the weather or our circumstances, has them brand new, newly made. Yes friends, no left-over mercies or compassions for our God! He cares for His children too much to allow them to have leftovers. (smile) That means on this middle of the week Wednesday, we can truly rise up and declare (yesss!!!): ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24)
Why? Because our God is good, and He’s good to us all of the time. The psalmist said it so perfectly in Psalm 107. ‘O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy (LOVING-kindness) endureth for ever.’ (Ps. 107:1) Wow! What a statement! But what does it mean eh? One commentary explains it thus: ‘This means that as long as He exists, He will be good. No factor controls His goodness, God is good all the time. In fact, ‘good’ began with God. We associate the word “good” with people but forget that God made people in His own image.’
Wow! I just had to say it again, (smile) because it is a wow moment to realize that we’re made in the beautiful image of Almighty God! And are we ever privileged to declare (yesss!!!) that we are the only one of His many creations that have that marvellous, miraculous and momentous honour! And Psalm 106, after opening with the same basic statement as Psalm 107, continues: ‘Who can utter (express) the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise? Blessed are they that keep judgement (justice), and he that doeth righteousness at all times.’ (Ps. 106:2-3)
Yes my faithful brethren, that’s what is expected of us in return for God’s continued goodness. That led the psalmist to plead: ‘Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance (the people of thine inheritance).’ (Ps. 106:4-5)
Now that’s a prayer, a sentiment that we should all be sincerely floating up to heaven, because like the psalmist says: ‘We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.’ (Ps. 106:6) And indeed we have. For as the psalm continues: ‘Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of they mercies (LOVING -kindness); but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known…Then believed they his words; they sang his praises.’ (Ps. 106: 7-8, 12)
Ah friends, like the people of Israel, we have forgotten the Lord’s kindness. Though He parted the Red Sea for them to escape the Egyptian army, and did so many other wonders on their behalf in the wilderness, they still rebelled and followed their own lustful and sinful ways. Oh, they sang the Lord’s praise after He parted the Red Sea for them to cross over, then drowned the Egyptian army. But ‘They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.’ (Ps. 106:13-15)
Yes, the Lord gave the Israelites what they desired, but they suffered mightily for their rebellion, with all kinds of natural disasters,; fires, earthquakes, physical sickness, snakebites, etc. etc. And likewise, are we currently suffering for our rebellion, after the Lord gave His Only Son, Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Redeemer, showed His redemptive powers and heart, but we continue in our evil deeds and ungodliness. No wonder we’re experincing so many unaccustomed natural disasters; snow in places that haven’t seen it in generations, volcanoes erupting that haven’t done so for ages, worldwide famine, drought, strife, greed, envy, poverty, economic frustration and pandemics like the world has never seen all at one time together!
Please don’t tell me that the hand of God is not somewhere in all of that natural as well as manmade disaster. And even if He’s not causing it, He’s certainly not preventing it. That ought to tell us something. But, like the Israelites of old, we’re so taken up with our own petty, prideful selves, that we’re too busy to notice what God’s doing. We’ve become so enamoured of ourselves and the amazing society we’ve developed that we’ve forgotten where it all comes from, and who gave us the ability to do it; Almighty God.
Our egos are now so big, that we believe we don’t even need God any longer in our lives, so we’re trying to remove Him from our society. And by the way, that word EGO, is an acronym for ‘Edging God Out.’ But that’s a dream that will NEVER come to pass. For though the Lord might allow us to fool ourselves into thinking we’re removing Him, the earth and all therein is His creation and He WILLNEVER give up His possession. God said it quite clearly a long time ago through the prophet Isaiah. ‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.’ (Is. 42:8)
Just ask the foolish, power-hungry once upon a-time archangel Lucifer, now renamed Satan about that. And the Israelites also found that out the hard way, like we are currently doing. But unlike them, we don’t have the wisdom or humility to turn back to God when we find our lives falling apart and there’s nothing we can do, or will do to stop it. Down deep, the Israelites knew where their bread was buttered, and after every rebellious period, when their lives were becoming extremely difficult, they repented and returned to the God of their Fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
And being the ever-LOVING, forgiving, gracious and merciful God He is, He took them back and restored their worthless lives. But no, our generation is so pompous and foolish, despite all our own insufficent efforts to right our societal woes, we refuse to even consider a return to godly ways as a means of solving our many problems. End of sermon!
Now, for those of us who are trying to live right, to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole word know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, so that hopefully some of them will joyfully come to know Him. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And for those of us wise enough to endure to the very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! So please, let’s use that to encourage us to endure to the end nuh. Much LOVE!
…the earth is the Lord’s…and the fulness thereof…the world…and they that dwell therein… (Ps. 24:1)
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
08 Feb 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new day with new mercies, cease from anger, commit thy way unto the Lord, endure to the end, evil doers shall be cut off, eyes fixed straight ahead, glad to be alive, good intentions, hands on the plough, hope and wait patiently for the Lord's salvation, I'm halfway home, in our faithful God we trust, it is of the Lord's mercies we're not consumed, laziness, LOVE, more glorious than we can ask or imagine, not turning back, procrastination, rejoice and be glad in it, that which I do I allow not, the desires of thine heart, the Lord is my portion saith my soul, the Lord's will shall win out, the wormwood and the gall, therefore have I hope, this is the day the Lord has made, to a glorious future with Jesus, too much on my plate, trust in the Lord and do good, Wednesday Wail, what I hate that I do, what I would do that I do not, work ethic
Romans 7:15. For that which I do, I allow not (don’t understand): for what I would do (want to do), that I do not; but what I hate, that I do.
Wait a minute…is it Wednesday already? And a sunny, warm Wednesday according to my computer? Wow! We’ve been so busy celebrating the potentiality of Monday and Tuesday that we did not even notice them going by! Therefore, I suggest we do the same for Wednesday. Why not eh? It’s a new day, with new mercies, new life and grace of God. and the Good Book even tells us to do so. ‘This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24)
And I like that approach to life, celebrate each and every day as if it’s our last. Be thankful that we’ve been granted life to see it, and be hopeful that we’ll be granted more life to see another one. But if not, then on that very day, we’ll be in paradise with Jesus! Glory Be, my faithful brethren in Christ!
Ah friends, the ole fella is going through a season where the mind is chipper enough, but the body is not responding with the corresponding chippiness. That means we’re not doing as many of the things we want to or need to do. And sometimes it bugs me, while at other times, I simply say: ‘Chuh! Why to worry? They will all get done at some time or another.’ It seems like I’m full of good intentions, but not the necessary actions to fulfill those good intentions.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not totally lethargic, (smile) I am doing stuff, just not as much as I want to, and with the priorities that I believe I should have. I’m doing the easy stuff that doesn’t take much mind bending or elbow grease. The only thing that thoroughly engages my mind these days is the Scrip-Bit. Faithfully, each and every morning I awake and get myself down here to write it. And I have no problems in doing so. I know that’s the most important thing I have to do each day, so I just buckle down and get it done. It’s just the other stuff in which my most heartfelt dreams are encapsulated, that I’m not getting to as I desire.
And I’m chuckling here now, because the Good Library opened right at the passage of scripture that I envisioned would be somewhat appropriate for my behaviour. It’s when Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Rome. ‘For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal (fleshly), sold under sin. For that which I do, I allow not (don’t understand): for what I would do (want to do), that I do not; but what I hate, that I do.’ (Rom. 7:14-15) The difference between Bruh Paul and I though, is that I don’t hate the things I’m doing. And I’m not doing anything wrong. It’s just that I’m not doing more of the things I believe I ought to do.
And granted some of that has to do with my stance on the importance of the work ethic and dislike of laziness and procrastination, although, sometimes that is useful for our souls and bodies. (smile) And I guess some of it is the enemy trying to wind me up and make me feel guilty, while the Lord is trying to tell me to settle down and just do whatever I can on His timetable. Who knows, perhaps I just have too much on my plate, and even if I went at it tooth and nail, I won’t be able to accomplish it all, the way I want to.
Now that’s a lesson I should have learned long ago, from my earlier much too busy life. Trying to do too many things at the same time, you end up not doing any of them properly. But this one thing I do know: that the Lord’s Will shall win out eventually. But in the meantime, I’m still not happy with the situation. (smile)
Anyway, enough with the dissatisfaction of the soul, let’s turn back to what we were originally discussing; rejoicing over a new day. And I don’t think anybody says it as poignantly as the prophet Jeremiah in his Lamentations. In the tough times he suffered on the Lord’s behalf, he wrote: ‘Remembering (I remember) mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall (bitterness). My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled (bowed down) in me. This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam. 3:19-23)
And is that ever the gospel truth my people! Yes, it’s only because of God’s great LOVE for us, and His faithfulness to His covenant with us, that we wake up each and every day. Otherwise, our sinful and unfaithful behaviour would have caused Him to destroy us a long time ago. And that faithfulness of God causes Jeremiah to continue in the best way possible. He sincerely declares (yesss!!!): ‘The Lord is my portion, saith my soul: therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lam. 3:24-26)
Mama Mia! Those are certainly words to live by; faithfully seek the Lord and with expectant hope wait on Him! And Bruh David in Psalm 37, expounds on that theory more widely, when he says: ‘Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on His faithfulness). Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm). For evil doers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:3-9)
It couldn’t be said any better than that friends! And believe me, like many of us, I can testify to all Bruh David says there, from earlier experiences in my life. I guess, like we often do, I just needed a refresher course today. (smile) So let’s go home now declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And now friends, this further word of encouragement. If we endure to the very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask of imagine. So let’s use it to help us endure nuh. Much LOVE!
…in our faithful God we trust…and it shall ever be so…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
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