22 Apr 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a desperate crisis, a glorious future with Jesus, beautiful colours, before men, carry them in his bosom, completely different, Coronavirus, Covid-19, criticize the government, dark evil dangerous world, destitution, do not condemn, do not judge, do not underestimate, don't know why, dropping like flies, empathy, eyes fixed straight ahead, facing loneliness, feed his flock, finite and foolish minds, flakses of white stuff, gather the lambs with his arm, gently lead, glad to be alive, glorify your father in heaven, glory hallelujah, halfway home, homelessness, hunger, in flip-flops, in the same storm, in vinegar or honey, infallible, Jesus Christ, let your light so shine, lighthouses, like a shepher, moment of reflection, Mother Nature's eccentric ways, navigat our won route, needs, never leave nor forsake us, not looking back, our Lord and Saviour, pay the bills, perceptions, ponder, poverty, quarantine, religion, responsibility, see beyond, see your good works, shining lights for Jesus, show our true colours, sit up and wonder, stand up and face the music, thank God, the bad life, the breath of life, the good life, the nose of your face, the pain of others, the political party, the raucous wind, the rockshores, think or imagine, those with young, to the end, true believers, waves crashing mercilessly, We are not in the same boat, Wednesday Wail, with respect
Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
So the caffeine’s hot and strong and sweet and plentiful…just the way I like it, (smile) and everything remains the same. Yes the Covid-19 still has a stranglehold on us and we are still fighting amongst ourselves to determine the truth about it, rather than putting all of our combined energies into finding a cure or something that will stop its rapid spread. Steups! But that seems to be the way of our current world, even when we’re dropping like flies in vinegar or honey and we don’t know why.
Oh, and that raucous wind we said had died down yesterday…well that was only for a time. By midday it had picked up again, squealing through the leafless trees and the over the rooftops. I went out in mid-afternoon to run some errands and did it play games with me. At one stage I dropped a glove and the wind just kept moving it further away from me. Then it blew off my hat…and it was a joke to see me running down the middle of the street after my ole dungaree hat. It’s a good thing the road was empty of traffic. One fellow who saw my epic run, told me that I had gotten my exercise for the day.
And would you believe that in the wind storm, there were also flakes of that white stuff twiddling down from the sky yesterday afternoon, and that this Wednesday morning, the 22nd of April there are remnants of that white stuff on the ground and on the rooftops! Granted, it’s not a lot, but it sure is noticeable, and it surely makes you sit up and wonder…Hn! Makes you think of Mother Nature and ponder on her eccentric ways. (smile) But getting to more important matters; here is this rather interesting and oh so truthful message I got from a friend a couple days ago, re the Coronavirus…what else eh! (smile) It’s titled: ‘We Are Not In The Same Boat.’
So let’s read together. ‘I heard that we are all in the same boat. But it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa. For some quarantine is optimal: moment of reflection, of re-connection. Easy, in flip flops, with a whisky or tea. For others, this is a desperate crisis. For others it is facing loneliness. For some, a peace, rest time, vacation. Yet for others, torture: How am I going to pay my bills? Some were concerned about a brand of chocolate for Easter (this year there were no rich chocolates). Others were concerned about the bread for the weekend, or if the noodles would last for a few more days.
Some were in their “home office”. Others are looking through trash to survive. Some want to go back to work because they are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine. Some need to break the quarantine to stand in line at the banks. Others to escape. Others criticize the government for the lines. Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it, some are not sure their LOVED ones are going to make it, and some don’t even believe this is a big deal. Some of us who are well now may end up experiencing it, and some believe they are infallible and will be blown away if or when this hits someone they know.
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come. So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. And each one will emerge, in his own way, from that storm. Some with a tan from their pool. Others with scars on the soul (for invisible reasons). It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, more than looking, seeing. See beyond the political party, beyond religion, beyond the nose of your face.
Do not underestimate the pain of others if you do not feel it. Do not judge the good life of the other, do not condemn the bad life of the other. Don’t be a judge. Let us not judge the one who lacks, as well as the one who exceeds him. We are on different ships looking to survive. Let everyone navigate their route with respect, empathy and responsibility.’ ~Unknown Author~
Yes friends, it’s all gospel truth! And it’s sad that author’s name isn’t known, because I think he, or she, covered the situation quite well. It’s a sad time for sure, and there are different realities for different people; from being able to enjoy moments of peace and reflection in a prosperous manner, right down the line to facing severe want, even poverty, hunger, homelessness, and total destitution. And we do need to treat this most serious and very dangerous situation with respect, empathy, and responsibility, for our situations can change in the blink of an eye, and then we’ll need others to respond that way to us.
But as always, as firm, and true believers, in these desperate times, we desperately need to turn to our Creator and heavenly Father who has sincerely promised to never leave nor forsake us: ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:11) Yes friends, this is a time of faith testing! And we believers do have to answer that call in a true manner; like Jesus says, be the salt and light of the earth! Now is not the time to hide our lights under a bushel, but be like those proud sentinels of earlier times; the lighthouses on the rocky shores with the waves crashing mercilessly against them.
And there’s many a sad tale that those lighthouses prevented from happening because of their protective and warning light, and we also need to be like lighthouses right now my people. Let’s step up to the plate, reignite our passion, and obey Jesus’ heartfelt declaration: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ And there’s never been a time in our generation when that has been ever more necessary than now! So please my faithful brethren, let’s stand up and show our true colours nuh, the beautiful colours of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
And we’ll begin by declaring (chuh man!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our true and oh so enviable position in Christ. All together 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 are true and faithful to the end, then that glorious future will be even more glorious than our finite and foolish minds can think or imagine! Much LOVE!
…it’s time…for ALL believers to stand up and face the music…be shining lights for Jesus…in this dark, evil and very dangerous world…
P.S. There’s still some coffee left in the cup, but it’s cold now…Steups! I’m still drinking it though… (smile) Much LOVE!
03 Apr 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a sense of purpose, aggravation, all ye that labour, an act of love, backsliders, believers in Christ, boredom, carry them in his bosom, Christians, come unto me, come with a strong hand, comfort ye, comfort ye my people, Corona virus, Disney is out of magic, double for all her sins, everyday is just the same, feed his flock, Friday chant, gather the lambs, gentle, gently lead, God is all we need, grin and bear it, heavy laden, her iniquities pardoned, her warfare is accomplished, his arm shall rule, hope, hugs and kisses, humble, I am meek and lowly in heart, I will give you reat, in the forefront of the battle, jehovah god, learn of me, life exist, like a shepherd, LOVE, Mecca is empty, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, New York doesn't stand up, no longer a fortress, not my masters, omnipotent help, pandemic, Paris is no longer romantic, power beauty money are worthless, puts humans in cages, received of the Lord's hand, restoring faith in you, saith your God, sinful world, sme old, smell the coffee, stand strong and steadfast, take my yoke, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the Chinese wall, the earth, the fly in the ointment, the great invitation, the weekend here, those that are with young, times of calamity, underfoot, wake up, workingman's song, you are my guests
Isaiah 40:1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Well Friday’s rolled around again friends. What’s happening eh? I guess it’s the same old, same old. No work for most, too much for a few, and very little play for anybody. But for the foreseeable future, that seems to be the new state of affairs, so we’d better get accustomed to it. And since it’s Friday, let’s get straight to the workingman’s song, because he’s just dying to get a word in sideways. (smile)
‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday and the weekend here! But is not the same nuh, because there’s no work to go to, or come home from, and every day is just the same. So the weekend doh really mean nothing. Steups! It really playing havoc with mih mind yes. I can’t handle this every day is the same thing business. You can only do so much when yuh lockdown in a small house with small children and a tired wife. Never thought I’d miss going to the slave master work, but I do.
At least it use to give me a sense of purpose, like I was doing something useful. But now, what ah doing eh…with this Corona virus thing that shut down almost everything? Not a blooming thing! Ah tired watching tv…and besides all yuh see on the so and so television is more bad news about the virus, so why watch that and drive mihself more crazy than I already am eh? Steups! And ah can’t drink mihself stupid every day either. The children tired too playing with the same ole toys and driving deh mother mard.
And though the weather been nice this past week, you could only spend so much time outside because it still fairly cold, and yuh can’t go the park or anything so. Ah Lord eh! What we going to do? Ah guess we just have to grin and bear it and hope they find some cure for this bloody thing soon oui! Else we going to have a whole world of even madder people than before…for those who manage to survive it.’
And isn’t there a lot of truth in the workingman’s statements. Boredom and aggravation have begun setting in for many people. And being continuously locked up together is certainly going to cause problems in some families, especially the larger ones living in smaller homes. Being constantly underfoot is not something we humans handle very well. But we’d better learn to handle it, because this virus doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
And yuh know what? We believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ are the ones expected to be in the forefront of the battle, leading the way through our good and faithful example! Being fruitful examples of salt and light to a hopeless and disbelieving world! Yes friends, that’s what Jesus expects of us. And the first step in our battle is to talk to our great and merciful God, give Him thanks and ask for guidance and direction and divine relief from our misery. So let’s do so now by chanting our rejigged Friday Chant, in strong and confident, but humble voice.
‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. It’s been pretty rough…though not from work, but from all the confusion and havoc that the Covid -19 virus causing. We not accustomed to that Lord, and it really telling on us. But with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat this virus. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the sure and wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible.
And please use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, and also introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion because of the way we, your faithful believers, handle the situation. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Yes mih people, it’s up to us Christians to stand up strong and steadfast, leading the way, so that the world can see what true faith looks like, and realize that it’s ONLY through Jehovah God that hope and life exist. And hear these words from our comforting Deity that speak to the bleak situation at hand: ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably (comfort) to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished (ended), that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.’ (Is.40:1-2)
Oh friends, ONLY through sincere trust in the Lord can we receive true comfort. Remember Christ’s Great Invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30) Oh precious people of God, who else has ever had the parts to make such an offer eh? NO ONE BUT JESUS! Because He is the ONLY ONE who can make that offer come true! And that offer is still open, and is even more relevant in these disastrous times than ever. So please be wise and accept it.
And we’ll end with this interesting message I got through social media yesterday. A lot of it floating through the airways is nonsense, but I thought this was interesting enough to share. It reads: ‘I don’t know who wrote this, but it’s beautiful. We fell asleep in one world, and woke up in another. Suddenly Disney is out of magic. Paris is no longer romantic, New York doesn’t stand up anymore, the Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, and Mecca is empty.
Hugs and kisses suddenly become weapons, and not visiting parents and friends becomes an act of LOVE. Suddenly you realize that power, beauty and money are worthless, and can’t get you the oxygen you’re fighting for. The world continues its life and it is beautiful. It only puts humans in cages. I think it’s sending us a message: “You are not necessary. The air, earth, water and sky without you are fine. When you come back, remember that you are my guests. Not my masters.”
Yes friends, the world was fine until God made man and woman, and they in their stupidity chose to move away from their Creator. And it will be fine again if He removes us from it through this current pandemic. Throughout the ages, it’s always mankind who has been the fly in the ointment. Everything else unfurls as God planned it. And here’s how He’s planned it; thankfully with our benefit in mind:
‘Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand (strength), and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work (wage) before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:10-11)
Oh, how beautiful are all the promises of our wonderful God! So today, please, please, let’s be wise and take them sincerely and seriously to heart nuh, and thus move forward strong and steadfast, as He desires of us! Much LOVE!
…God is ALL we need…especially in the times of calamity…
10 Sep 2019
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: as a shepherd doth his flock, avoid people, blame others, carry them in his bosom, critical, endure my shame, escape your penetrating gaze, eternal destiny, evade tasks, feed his flock, foolish pride, forgives me so totally, friend of Jesus, gather the lambs, Gentiles, gently lead, he that scattered Israel, hurry, I am known of them, I am the good shepherd, I keep running back to you, I know my sheep, I lay down my life, I shall not want, in god's eyes, intolerable loneliness, Jews, judge harshly, keep him, like a shepherd, lose not one single one, loving me, obstinate, one flock, one shepherd, One Year Book of Bible promises, ransomed him, redeemed Jacob, Ruth Harms Calkin, satanic realm, share His love, The Lord is my shepherd, those that are with young, Tuesday Mantra, understands me so well, welcoming me back, will gather him, worry
Isaiah 40:11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Good news people! Today’s Tuesday! Wow! That means the frustrating and oftimes emotionally negative day called Monday is past and gone, now confined to the dustbin of history, and we can therefore move on without any fear or anxiety about it…at least for another week! (smile) Yeh, a brand new day on God’s great earth has blossomed, for which we ought to be eternally grateful.
Now here is this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin that highlights some of our problems, but then shows us the answer to them all. It is appropriately titled: ‘I Keep Running Back to You.’
Please pray with me. ‘You know how it is with me, Lord: So often I mess up my days. I judge harshly I am critical and obstinate I waste time and energy I blame others for my failure. There are people I try to avoid And tasks I try to evade And when I can’t have my own way I sulk in my own little corner. Lord, I even turn my back on You To escape Your penetrating gaze.
Then finally I get fed up with myself. The intolerable loneliness frightens me And I can no longer endure my shame. It always happens, Lord – I keep running back to You! Where else can I go? Who else understands me so well Or forgives me so totally? Who else can save me from foolish pride? No one, Lord, but You. So thank You for accepting me For LOVING me For always welcoming me. I just can’t help it, Lord I keep running back to You!’
And my fellow believers that’s just wisdom at it’s highest level! For there’s NO ONE like our great, merciful and LOVING God, who is willing to accept us just as we are! And He’s even happier than us when we come running back to Him, because remember His ultimate desire is that He loses not a SINGLE ONE of His most precious creation to the evil and satanic realm!
That’s why Isaiah proclaimed in his writings these wonderful words of hope and encouragement: ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ Mama Mia! How can you not want to be a child of Almighty God with such awesome promises being made eh?
And furthermore, we know that the Lord never breaks any of His promises, He keeps every single one, which means that offer of shepherd-like care and LOVE are not just empty words, but a most generous enticement and welcome to His wonderful fold! And there are so many scriptures that portray our great God as a wonderful and caring shepherd that today I just want to share a few of them.
And we all know the most popular one; those remarkable words of Bruh David: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.’ (Ps.23:1) Oh friends, those few, simple but endearing and enduring words say it all! With God being our shepherd we’ll never want for any good thing!
And Jeremiah joyfully declares: ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles (ends, lands) afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.’ (Jer.31:10-11)
Ah mih people, although the Lord punished Israel for their abominable sins, His LOVE for them was so great, He promised to gather the remnant and bring them back to their homeland and treat them like a caring shepherd. What other supposed God is so magnanimous eh? NONE but ours!
Meanwhile Ezekiel confirms: ‘Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle (sheep) and cattle (sheep). And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David: he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it.’ (Ezek.34:22-24)
And lest you think that that’s all Old Testament stuff, hear the realization of all those promises from the One and Only, Jesus Christ Himself, as He rightly and righteously proclaims: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) And so He did my brethren! And so He selflessly and sacrificially did!
And as He further declares: ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (flock), and one shepherd.’ (John 10:14-16)
Yes friends, that’s us, Gentiles, non-Jews, that Jesus is referring to there! Please note He didn’t forget about us, but very much included us in His all-encompassing flock! One flock, and One shepherd! That’s all that’s needed when our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is so great and wonderful! Are you hearing His voice today people? Are you heeding His shepherd’s call? I certainly hope so, since your eternal destiny depends totally on it! End of sermon! (smile)
Now let’s go home declaring (wow!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the entire world know who and whose we are. In strong and sincere voice now: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’
And if we’re truly sincere, then let’s go out and share that awesome and amazing LOVE and friendship of Jesus with others who don’t know it nuh. That’s our bounden duty and Great Commission! Much LOVE!
…if you’re a sheep…then you need a shepherd…and the best there is…His name is Jesus…
17 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a favourite, a host, a splendid manner, abound, abundant provision, aceptable, aroma, beloved of God, carnality, carry them in his bosom, corroborative scriptures, dependent, encouraging, faith, feed his flock, figures of speech, fragrant scent, friend of Jesus, gather the lambs, generosity, gently lead, gifts, gloriously, glory hallelujah, God's goodness, God's peopel, good to be alive, guest, hell, his reward, his wage, I am full, I shall not want, independent, iniquity, largesse, LOVE, mortal souls, my neck of the woods, needs, New Testament, Old Testament, Paradise, penchant, promises, Protector, provider, received, riches in glory, rightfully deserves, sacrifice, self-sufficient, share His love, shepherd, strong hand, sweet smell, Thank You Lord, thanks and praise, the 23rd Psalm, the believer, The Lord is my shepherd, the Lord's Word, the Philippians, the role of God, those that are with young, to know Him, Tuesday Mantra, understanding, vindication eternal celebration, well-pleasing
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).
Aye friends, it’s a rainy Tuesday morning in my neck of the woods, but it sure is good to be alive! Praise the Lord! I sure hope that all of us who have enjoyed His awesome largesse this morning have given Him the thanks and praise He so rightfully deserves.
Every day we open our sleepy eyes, to another day, we ought to shout ‘Thank You Lord! Thank You for allowing me to see another beautiful day down here in paradise!’ For contrary to what a lot of us think, earth is indeed the Lord’s paradise, we have just made it seem like hell with all our iniquity and the carnality injected by the enemy.
I was actually up a few hours earlier, but still felt sleepy, so I decided to get some more z’s, got to get them when I can (smile) since my sleep recently has not been the greatest, what with all the different medications I’m taking.
But I feel fairly fresh now, so let’s get into our Bit without further ado. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).’
Yeah mih people, we’re still with that most promising of verses, because there is still a lot to say about the 23rd Psalm. Bruh David must have been truly inspired when he wrote it, there’s just no other answer to why it’s so beautiful and so encouraging!
Anyway, what I want to do today is first share some thoughts from the scholars on it, then some choice scriptures which corroborate its verses.
So listen first to the scholars: ‘Psalm 23. The psalm had been a favourite of God’s people through the ages and with due reason: it expresses as simply and clearly as any the role of God as our protector and provider in life.
The charm of the psalm rests on two figures of speech: the Lord is compared to a shepherd and the believer to His sheep (vs.1-4); then the Lord is likened to a host with the believer as the guest (vs.5-6). The image of the Lord as shepherd is a frequent one in both the Old Testament (Is.40:11; Jer.31:10) and the New (John 10:11-16; Heb.13:20).
Believers are never pictured in Scripture as mighty lions, independent and self-sufficient; rather, they are sheep who are dependent on their Shepherd for His provision and protection.
The believer is more than a dependent sheep, however, he is also like an honoured guest, since the Lord prepares a table for him (v.5). Connected with this honoured position is abundant provision, vindication before one’s enemies, and eternal celebration of God’s goodness.’
And all God’s people declared a loud and proud ‘Glory Hallelujah! Glory to our great God on High! Praise His Holy Name, for He is indeed worthy to be praised!’
Yes friends, our awesome God deserves even more praise and thanks than our mortal souls can give! He’s done so much for us, creating, protecting and providing for us all down through the ages, despite our foolish penchant for turning away from Him.
Now let’s look at some corroborative scriptures. Bruh David says: ‘The Lord is my shepherd…’
And Isaiah, when he talks about comfort through trust in the Lord, declares in full agreement: ‘Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand (in strength), and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work (wage) before him.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is.40:10-11)
How beautiful, promising and reassuring is that eh my fellow believers! One can’t ask for more. Then Bruh David says: ‘I shall not want (lack).’
And Bruh Paul shouts back at the Philippians: ‘But I have (received) all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell (aroma), a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever Amen.’ (Phil.4:18-20)
Ah mih people, what a wonderful God we serve and worship! The Philippians had sent some gifts to Paul, and as the scholars tell us: ‘4:18. I have all means that Paul has received their gifts. And abound signifies that he has plenty, since all needs are now met through their generosity. God looks on their gift to Paul as an odour of a sweet smell (a fragrant scent) and a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing.’
‘4:19. Because the Lord is aware of the sacrifice (vs.18) the Philippians made in meeting Paul’s needs, God will surely supply all their need. God will meet their “need” (1) according to his riches, that is, in proportion to His unlimited resources; (2) in glory, that is, He will meet their need “gloriously” or “in a splendid manner”; and (3) by Christ Jesus.’
Oh friends, I do hope that as we ponder all we’ve said today, it will bring a greater understanding of the Lord’s word and His many promises, and increase our faith and LOVE for Him.
Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra in full voice and strong belief. ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’
And that’s the gospel truth my people, so let’s go out and put it all into action nuh! For that’s what Jesus desires of us. Much LOVE!
…to know…know…know Him…is to LOVE…LOVE…LOVE Him…
05 May 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a state of confusion, believers in Jesus, christianity, feed his flock, fulfilled promises, God's always victorious, God's in control, God's promise, God's watching, guaranteed promises, Jesus- the Light, like a shepherd, marvellous assurances, negative darkness, new blessings, new mercies, Psalm 23, spirituality, The Lord is my shepherd, turmoil, wicked earthly shepherds, wonderful creator
Isaiah 40:11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Well a good Sunday morning to all you wonderful believers in Jesus, out there in this evil, ungodly, but still beautiful creation called Planet Earth! Lots of stuff might be ugly and evil, but as believers, we tend to see it all in positive terms of the light that’s Jesus, rather than the negative darkness that pervades the earth and way too many of its inhabitants. Once again we’re being greeted by another new morn filled with numerous new blessings and mercies, a promise that God has fulfilled since the beginning of time. And talking of promises, here’s a poem I recently came across on a torn piece of a magazine page. I don’t even know what magazine it came from, or who wrote it, but what it says is very applicable to our everyday lives. It’s titled God’s Promise, and says: ‘I will not fear; God is always with me. I will not doubt; God is always in control. I will not despair; God is always good. I will not falter; God is always watching. I will not fail; God is always victorious.’ And that my Friends, is eternal truth, encompassing the entire spectrum of our lives under Almighty God! From birth to everlasting time, we’re guaranteed those marvellous assurances. Wow! The doubters and unbelievers really don’t know what they’re missing nuh. And our Bit again ensures us of another powerful promise of our God, to look after us like a shepherd looks after his sheep. ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ Such an awesome promise my brethren! How can we not then LOVE and revere our very wonderful Creator eh? If I’m not mistaken, I believe I heard a pastor say the other day that the Good Book contains some three thousand promises. Mama Mia! But unfortunately, too many of us are too proud and foolish to accept and rely on them. That’s why our lives and our world are in such a state of turmoil and confusion. Now yesterday we ended by looking at some scripture that portrays God as a shepherd of His most worthy creation. And we ended with that wonderful passage from Ezekiel (34:10-16), where the Lord promises to destroy the wicked shepherds of earth and Himself become our shepherd. And continuing in that vein today, we must of course acknowledge possibly the greatest, or for sure, the most well known piece of scripture, the immortal words of Bruh David, forever enshrined in Psalm 23. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack). He maketh me to lie down in (lush) green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters (waters of rest). He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. surely goodness and mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’ (Ps.23:1-6) Oh Friends, right there in those few words we have all the things that a shepherd does for his flock, and Bruh David assures us that the Lord God Jehovah will also do all that for us. What more can we ask eh? Nothing really. Therefore, with so many prophets using the shepherd analogy to describe God, it was only logical for Jesus to refer to Himself as the Good Shepherd when He came to earth incarnated in human form. It was His role to shepherd the lost and unsaved of this sinful world. Hear Him tell it: ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. And as the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (flock), and one shepherd.’ (John 10:14-16) Note the other fold Jesus speaks of is the Gentiles, who will be saved after the Jewish people. But He emphasizes that eventually there will only be ONE fold or flock and ONE Shepherd. So Friends, what are we waiting for eh, why are fighting Jesus, who only wants to save, to LOVE, to comfort and protect us? He’s even willing to go and find the one lost sheep from the flock, and then rejoice when He finds it. (Matt.18:12-14) Our heavenly Father doesn’t want to lose even one of His most precious and important creations to the evil Beelzebub. That’s how much He cares for us. And that’s why Peter could say: ‘For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop (Overseer) of your souls.’ (1 Pet.2:25) Oh my people, the only difference between the human shepherd and the heavenly One, is that He also created us. So please, the wisest thing we can ever do is to turn to Him in sincerity and truth. Anything besides that is total foolishness, folly at its zenith! And we’ll end with some appropriate words from Hebrews. ‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect (complete) in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (Heb.13:20-21) That says it all, my brethren! Much LOVE!…we’re all ONE flock…wisely following…ONE Good Shepherd…Jesus…
04 May 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: christianity, closer walk with Jesus, destroy the fat and strong, due dilgence, feed his flock, fly by night, good time, green pastures, intimate relationship with Christ, isaiah 40, mountains of Israel, never be too busy for God, persistent excellence, responsibilities of a shepherd, review New Year's resolution, rich pasture, saviour jesus christ, seek out my sheep, shepherd, spirituality, ungodly world, wonderful god
Isaiah 40:11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those with young.
Oh Friends, it’s already the 4th day of May, and I want to see if we’ve done our due diligence for this month as yet. I’m talking about reviewing our New Year’s resolution monthly, to see if we’ve made any improvement, or have lost ground. The reason here is that when we check it out monthly, instead of at year’s end, we have a much better chance of keeping it. And many of you are asking, what was our New Year’s resolution again? Well for those who have forgotten, meaning that you obviously haven’t checked it in the last few months, our most important and only resolution was to develop a closer walk, a more intimate relationship with our LOVING Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Please remember my brethren that this is not a fly-by-night operation we’re trying to build, where it arises in full bloom one day, and then disappears the next. It’s a constant and consistent relationship built up over time, by spending time with Jesus, talking most intimately with Him, listening to His comments, and then trying to emulate Him in all aspects of our lives. Obviously we won’t ever get to His standard, but persistent excellence is what he requires from His followers. That means if we don’t spend serious and sufficient time with Him, our relationship is likely to falter. As they say, for each day we don’t read or hear the Word, our faithfulness slips a little. And with all the unnecessary things and relationships being foisted upon us these days by an evil and ungodly world, we need the constant truth of the Word even more than before. So please my Friends, let’s sit down today and review the state of our relationship with Christ. And don’t say you’re too busy. You should never be too busy for God! Just imagine if you called on Him in a dire emergency and you got a recording that He was too busy to deal with your problem at that time. What would your reaction be eh? Most likely you’ll want to write God off as being of no use. Well just think that that works both ways my people, cause it takes two to tango. And God is not there to be our servants, always there at our childish, petty beck and call. We were made to be His servants. And now that we’ve gotten the right direction in which authority flows, let’s look at our Bit; ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those with young.’ Oh my fellow believers, throughout the Good Book, a shepherd’s role has often been mentioned. Why is that eh? I guess in the first place the Jewish society of old was an agrarian community, with farming and animal husbandry being their basic livelihood. So it was something they all could relate to and understand. And secondly, I guess, a shepherd played so many roles in the lives of his flock that it became a good analogy for a kind, caring, efficient and disciplined person. The shepherd is responsible for leading the sheep to green pastures and drinkable water, for protecting them from ferocious prey, for ensuring that they don’t get lost and for looking after them when they are sick. In other words, he is their be all and end all, responsible for their every need. The shepherd is the most important person in the sheep’s life. The only thing he doesn’t do, is create them. No wonder the prophets spoke about God as a shepherd, because He IS the most important person in our lives, whether we realize it or not, and He created us. Jeremiah puts it thus: ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles (coastlands) afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.’ (Jer.31:10) And Ezekiel had this to say: ‘Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock (sheep); neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat (food) for them. For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers (streams), and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat (rich) pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgement (justice).’ (Ezek.34:10-16) Oh Friends, oh Friends, what an awesome promise from our Creator! After detailing the sins of Israel’s shepherds (leaders) and pronouncing judgement on them, (Ezek.34:1-9) God promises to Himself be the true Shepherd of Israel. I wasn’t planning to use all of that scripture, but after reading it, how could I not share it, because I’m sure many of us are not acquainted with it. I wasn’t until I read it just now. And doesn’t it sound very familiar? Of course, because those are the same things that Jesus said when He came to save us centuries later. But that’s enough for today, we have a lot to ponder. So please let’s get ourselves together and spend some good time with our wonderful God, reviewing our relationship with Him, and finding out what His plans are for each of our lives. That’s wisdom at the highest level. Much LOVE!…the sheep is of no use…without the shepherd…
03 May 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: anxiety, awesome universe, barbecues, be not afraid, christianity, comfort, covenant, doubt, fear, feed his flock, fellowship, Friday chant, fun, gather the lambs, generous help, gently lead, good shepherd, good tidings, good weather, guys and dolls, human incarnation of God, Jesus, lawnmower blues, lawnmowers, like a shepherd, live our faith, living God, Love our God, Messiah, one true God, promises, relaxation, rest, security, spirituality, spread His Word, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the weekend, trust in God, truth
Isaiah 40:11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
And then it was Friday – a seeming summer Friday to boot! And all the workers around the world, declared a loud and joyful, ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes! Praise the Lord! The weekend’s here at long last!’ Ah Friends, I can imagine what this first warm weekend in the north country will be like; the barbecues will be flaming, the guys and dolls will be out in their summer wear, half-naked, the hot rods have already been going, and so too have my nemesis, the lawnmowers. Chuh! It never fails, just when I lie down to rest, during the day, some lawnmower around the area starts up its irritating noise, and I get up using some expletive deleted language. Sometimes its even my own lawn- maintenance person, but that doesn’t make me feel any better, possibly worse, since it’s right close to my bedroom window. Anyway, I’m thankful that the good weather is here, and for that I can, and will suck up the lawnmower blues. (smile) And more than ever, today, with the wonderful weather in the offing, we need to chant our Friday chant to keep the right perspective of the weekend in front of us. So let’s chant with a right heart and clean spirit. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And now that we’ve set the right tone for the weekend, let’s look at one of the greatest promises that God has made in our Bit. But first a little background. This chapter is titled, ‘Comfort through trust in God.’ And that’s exactly where our best hope for comfort and security lies my people! Isaiah felt the prophecy so keenly that he began the chapter thus: ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.’ (Is.40:1) Yes Friends, the prophet saw a day of salvation coming for God’s people. Then he goes on to lay out this vision: ‘O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand (in strength), and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work (wage) before him.’ (Is.40:9-10) Now what other God is bold and confident enough to declare those mind-boggling things eh, my people? NONE other than the ONE TRUE and LIVING God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Creator and Controller of this awesome universe! But He’s not done there, He declares in our Bit: ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ Oh my brethren, don’t you just shake your head in awe and wonder at the prophecies that were made in the Old Testament and then were fulfilled in the New, with the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Hundreds of years before John began crying out in the wilderness re the making straight the crooked and rough places for the Messiah’s coming, the Lord promised that His people, those in serious covenant with Him, would be fed and well looked after by His shepherd, when the time was right. And two thousand years ago, the time became right. Jesus, the human incarnation of God was born, gave us the good news of the gospel, then died for our sins, and rose from the grave to give us salvation and eternal life. And all God’s people declared a mighty shout of ‘Praise the Lord, for His goodness to the children of sinful men!’ So why do we keep on doubting the Word of God eh? Everything that’s been prophesied there, beside the Second Coming of Jesus, has been fulfilled. And there’s no doubt that the Second Coming will happen in God’s good time. Yet doubt and disbelief still linger in the hearts of many of God’s people, because we listen to the heathen who cry down God’s Word with a loud voice. Oh Friends, the volume, nor the insistence doesn’t dictate the truth nuh! So though many are up in arms against Jesus, and cry out vociferously against Him, that in no way denies the truth of His Coming to earth and His shepherd-like duties towards the people in covenant with His heavenly Father. Even Jesus described Himself in those terms. ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) And that He did Friends! So today, let’s release and remove any doubts, fears or anxieties that are preventing us from truly accepting and holding on to God’s great promise of a good, kind and LOVING shepherd in our lives, because we have already seen and experienced Him…and His name is Jesus Christ. More on this tomorrow, God in favour. Till then, please let’s do our bounden duty and truly LOVE our wonderful God, diligently LIVE our Faith and faithfully SPREAD His Word. That’s the wisdom of a true believer. Much LOVE!…promises, promises, promises…unlike man…ALL of God’s come true…
SCRIP-BITS 