19 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a manifestation of his love for us, a two way street, an expression of our love for him, as a means of restoring faith in you, avoid serious setbacks, back to your fold, bring a lot of backsliders, Covid-19 virus, defeat the virus and the unrest, embrace your love and compassion, Friday chant, God's commandments, he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, I will not leave you comfortless, if ye love me, if you want my help, infringement on our personal freedom, introduce a whole new flock, keep my commandments, Mother Nature, obedience to his commandments, oh heavenly Father, one stop shopping, our sinful world, racial strife, rebel against God's rules, security in Christ, show trust towards our Triune Godhead, springtime, stand strong and steadfast, swallowing our foolish pride, the Holy spirit indwells us, the Son is our Redeemer, then keep my commandments, trusting faith, use this pandemic, wake up and smell the coffee, wise guidance, with your omnipotent help
John 14:15. If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.
Welcome my Scrip-Bit friends and family to a glorious sunshiny Friday morning! Springtime is almost here in the northern climes, but I certainly don’t trust Mother Nature, especially in these days of climate change. I won’t put it past her to drop another rough snowstorm upon us…just for good measure, just so we can remember her for the rest of the year. (smile) But until we see and experience it, let’s just fill our hearts, minds, bodies and souls with Jesus nuh, for He is the answer to our every problem, our every wish, our every desire! Glory be my people!
Jesus is indeed what we call today; one stop shopping! Whatever our needs and wants, He can meet them. In fact He is the ONLY one who can do that! But there’s something we must do so that He can help us. We have a responsibility in this wonderful partnership, and it’s a simple, but at times quite difficult rule to follow. Jesus said it this way: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) Yes, it is a simple rule, but in this evil, aggressive, strife-filled and hateful world it’s not always easy to follow it, although when we sincerely come to Jesus, He will enable us to follow it through the workings of His Holy Spirit that indwells all believers.
As one Bible commentator says: ‘God’s commandments are a manifestation of His LOVE for us, and obedience to His commandments is an expression of our LOVE for Him.’ And that’s the glorious truth my people! God gives us rules to protect and guide us, just like we have rules and regulations for our children’s safety. But as our children often rebel against our rules, feeling that they are somewhat onerous and restrict their personal freedom, we also often rebel against God’s rules for the same basic reason; infringement on our personal freedom.
But my people, as we reach out to God, dig deeper in His word, try to understand what He’s really all about, we realize that those rules and regulations are actually for our safety and protection and they are all linked up to LOVE, the same way our rules for our children are based on our LOVE for them. John puts it this way in his first epistle. ‘For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome).’ (1 John 5:3) As the commentator above says, His LOVE for us, and our LOVE for Him.
It’s a two-way street friends. But, unfortunately, we only recognize that as we grow in faith, as we mature in our Christian belief. And that can’t happen until we begin to show greater trust towards our Triune Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who each have a different but vital role in our lives and our growth. Technically speaking, the Father sets the overall agenda; the Son lays the foundation, and the Holy Spirit enables, leads and guides the builders in the task of building the magnificent memorial!
But we need to implicitly trust each of them as they do their part in our lives, otherwise the glorious memorial in which we are involved in building won’t turn out right. And that basically means acknowledging that the Father is the Creator and Controller of the universe; the Son is our Redeemer who died to save us from our sins, and the Holy Spirit is the one who indwells us to show us the way to obedience in Christ Jesus.
Notice what Jesus said to His disciples after He told them our Bit. ‘And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter (Helper), that he may abide in you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.’ (John 14:16-17) Yes friends, Jesus was there stressing that though He had to go away and leave them, the Holy Spirit would come and replace Him, dwell in them permanently. But most importantly, He’d be just like Jesus, a Helper and an Advocate; to lead and guide them in righteousness on their earthly journey.
And hear His awesome promise nuh. ‘I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.’ (John 14:18-20) Wow mih bredrin! That’s a promise of our security in Christ; everlasting security for all believers. We are secure in Christ, and Christ is secure in God! It couldn’t get any better than that!
But I like how Jesus never leaves us without a gentle reminder on whatever topic He’s talking about. ‘He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that LOVETH me, and he that LOVETH me shall be LOVED of my Father, and I will LOVE him, and will manifest (reveal) myself to him.’ (John 14:21)
So the question now is, have we kept His commandments and thus shown our LOVE for Him? And the obvious answer is a big NO! And consequently, our world is in a thorough mess, with sickness and strife and what have you. But now we’re tired of the current situation and want some relief from it, and belatedly realize that Almighty God is the ONLY source of the kind of help we so desperately need. That means swallowing our foolish pride and going to Him in prayer and asking for His help.
And we can do that right now through our Friday Chant. So, as one sincere voice, let’s pray: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks.
And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
And the simple message is like it’s been from the very beginning; ‘If you want my help, then keep my commandments.’ It’s now up to us friends to keep our vows to God. Much LOVE!
…we can’t be disobedient to God’s commandments…and yet expect His divine blessings…
P.S. The ordinary workingman refused to speak to us today because he was real angry about the continuing confusion and negativity of the pandemic situation. (smile) Much LOVE!
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
12 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a feeling of hope is in the air, a labour of love, a li'l light at the end of the tunnel, a means of restoring faith, anxiety, avoid any more serious setbacks, can wake up and smell the coffee, Covid-19 virus, enjoy the good of his labour, faithful believers, fear God, for one to eat and drink, Friday chant, God shall bring every work into judgement, havoc and confusion, in Christ Jesus concerning you, in everything give thanks, in the Lord's time, introduce a whole new flock, it is good and comely, it is his portion, keep his commandments, keep our vow to God, our sinful world, pray without ceasing, racial strife, rejoice evermore, Scrip-Bits Podcast, Some of My Favourite Scrip-Bits, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the first sign of optimism, this is the whole duty of man, this is the will of God, to handle the situation properly, use this pandemic, ventured into the unknown, whether it be evil, whether it be good, wise guidance, with every secret thing, within HIs boundaries
Ecclesiastes 12:13. Fear (reverence) God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Oh friends, it’s another bright and sunshiny morning with more springlike temps! And best of all, the Lord chose to wash the earth clean last evening with a glorious thunderstorm. So out there looks fresh and new now, and there’s a feeling of hope in the air! Yuh know how we usually feel clean and refreshed after a shower! Well that’s how the earth looks this morning! Glory be!
And here’s some more good news. The ole fella now has a podcast on the Anchor website of WordPress, where our blog is displayed. Our God is certainly something else yes, great and mysterious. I’d been wondering about doing a podcast since it’s all the rage now, but thought it would be too complicated, however, a few days ago, when I was posting the blog, I noticed a sign that said turn your blog into a podcast. But that day I ignored it.
The next day though, I ventured into the unknown and soon thereafter, without a whole lot of fuss our Scrip-Bits Podcast was born! Glory to God my people! So for those of you who prefer to hear me, rather than read me, (smile) you can go to this link https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8 and sign in to Spotify with whatever you choose. Now it’s just a simple podcast, so don’t look for fabulous sounds and sights, (smile) just my growly voice.
And oh, here’s something else, I never told you about. If you want to hear my gravelly voice, well done, with music, then you can contact me at randyobrien50@hotmail.com to purchase a C.D, or rather a double C.D, titled ‘Some of My Favourite Script-Bits, Vol. 1’ which I recently put out. It’s not available on a website or streaming as yet. But you’ll get two for one: The spoken word with music behind them, and just music alone. And the music is quite eclectic, varied, so you’re sure to find several things you like.
Believe me, producing that C.D has truly been what we call a labour of LOVE! It’s been about ten years in the making. Ah Lord, when I think about the process, I just have to shake my head and chuckle. I had the vocals all ready to go from the beginning, but couldn’t find anyone willing to write the music. Then, in the Lord’s time, He sent someone along to do it. And even then, there were roadblocks all along the way. But would you believe that’s in the height of the pandemic, He allowed me to complete it.
Ah mih people, I keep telling us that the Lord surely moves in mysterious ways and His timing can be somewhat tough and overbearing, but when we wait on Him, He does good things when we least expect it. And today’s certainly a good news Friday, for here’s what the ordinary workingman has to say. His enthusiasm has certainly been raised a notch, as he declares: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday…And though a whole lot hasn’t changed, there is at least a li’l light at the end of the tunnel. My boss called this week and said that we’d be able to go back to work in the next easing stage of the lockdown! Glory be!
And since I’m one of the older employees, I’ll be amongst the first to go back. It’ll sure feel good to earn some money after such a long time! Let’s hope the next easing stage doesn’t take too long nuh, because then I’ll be so out of shape, I might not be able to do all the heavy lifting and physical stuff we need to do on the job. And with the vaccine being handed out, it’s the first sign of optimism I’ve felt in many a day. Ah Lord eh! Let’s hope that the foolish people out there don’t relax their caution either, now that there’s a vaccine and cause another corona wave to start nuh. So things looking up. Thank God oui!’
Oh mih bredrin, as Bruh Paul so rightly said to the Thessalonians: ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:16-18) And isn’t that the indisputable truth!
And we on a roll here friends, for when I opened the Good Book just now, to look for some scripture to back up all that we’ve said, it opened at this interesting section of Ecclesiastes, where Cousin Sol proclaims: ‘Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely (fitting) for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun (in which he toils) all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.’ (Eccl. 5:18) Yes friends, enjoyment is a gift of God, and we ought to be excited and motivated to do just that, as our life is so short here on planet earth. Oh we can’t get away from troubles, but in our honest toil and labour with God beside us, we can certainly find joy.
And Cousin Sol wraps up the Book of Ecclesiastes with these awesome words. ‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear (reverence) God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl. 12:13-14) And that’s the gospel truth friends! Our job is to obey God and do His will, but we will all answer for our actions or lack thereof come the judgement day.
Now let’s go to God with that awesome privilege of prayer, through our Friday Chant, and empty our hearts, pour out our hopes and dreams before His holy throne. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks.
And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
And if we truly want the strife and sickness in our world to be lessened, then we have to keep our vow to God; be faithful believers, and handle the situation properly with true repentance and LOVE for Him and each other! Much LOVE!
…the Lord gave us life…so that we could enjoy it…within His boundaries…
05 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a crown of righteousness, adapt to the new way of living, all those that love his appearing, anxiety, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, back to your fold, be in the middle of the fray, be responsible and safe, be strong in the grace that's in Christ Jesus, bring a lot of backsliders, but of power love and a sound mind, can wake up and smell the coffee, confusion, Covid-19 virus, embrace your love and compassion, faith, fight for Jesus and His kingdom, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, Friday chant, handle the situation, He who has promised is faithful, hope springs eternal, I can't give up hope, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, if God is for us who can be against us, introduce a whole new flock, live in Hope and die in Constant Spring, only Christ can bring peace and love, Onward Christian soldiers, our sinful world, racial strife, something good is going to happen through me, something good is going to happen to me, the evidence of things not seen, the new normal, the substance of things hoped for, there is laid up for me, thou therefore endure hardness, to handle the situation properly, topsy-turvy mode, wait with patience and perseverance, wise guidance, with your omnipotent help, your faithful believers
2 Timothy 2:3. Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
And then, one more time, it was Friday! Hn! And what does this new day hold for us eh? Only the Good Lord truly knows, but for those who sincerely believe in Him, we do expect good things, like new mercies and compassions, because that’s what He has promised. And remember that He who has promised is faithful, faithful to deliver on ALL of His promises.
So the expectations of believers should be high for good things to happen in our lives. As the saying goes: ‘Something good is going to happen to me today, and something good is going to happen through me today. Glory be mih bredrin. And it all happens through that magnificent principle called faith; the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (convictions) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1)
Yes friends, when we believe in Almighty God, creator of the universe and all therein, we can expect good things to happen, and wait with patience and perseverance, that’s hope and faith, for them to happen, regardless of how long they make take to come to fruition!
Wow! That means never giving up or turning against Christ and each other though the trials and tribulations of this evil world bombard us unmercifully it. For if God is for us, NOBODY, or NOTHING whatsoever, not even the powerful and fearful pandemic, can be successful against us! And with that certainty playing in our minds, (smile) let’s hear what the ordinary workingman has to say today nuh.
‘Oh brother! Thank God is Friday oui, and I’m another day closer to death, but also closer to work! When is work going to resume eh? When is this lockdown going to end eh, or even relaxed that a body can make a living to feed deh family and keep a roof over deh heads eh? I guess if you believe in God you have to keep living in hope…but let’s hope it’s not like the Jamaican saying, ‘Yuh live in Hope, but end up, die in Constant Spring!’
Yeh, hope springs eternal and all that, but with all the confusion that still going on with this pandemic business a lot of people losing hope – in the government, the medical people and God too. How sad the whole thing is, that this li’l virus can bring this great powerful world to its knees in no time at all and cause even more strife than was already present. Steups! I really don’t know what to say nuh, except that I can’t give up hope – ah have three young children to look after, so I just have to do whatever it takes to look after them as best I can, with God’s help.’
And yuh know friends, that’s all any of us can really do; our best, and pray, hope, believe that with God’s help it will turn out to be enough. Our world is really in topsy-turvy mode right now, with so much corruption, strife, tension, disagreements and what have you, that no one knows exactly how it will end or turn out, what the new normal will be.
One thing is for sure, it won’t be like it was before. We will have to learn and deal with a whole lot of new stuff once this pandemic thing has settled down. And those who adapt to the new way of living the quickest, will probably have an edge over those who don’t adapt quickly. But it will be a whole new world, I don’t know if it will be brave though, (smile) but if we believers are in the forefront of it, it will be brave, because that’s all we know how to do,; be brave with Christ as our Lord and Saviour and Leader!
That means, we believers have to get out there, right in the middle of the fray and fight for Jesus and His kingdom. That’s why Bruh Paul told Timothy: ‘Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Tim. 2:1,3) And we need not be afraid of getting out there and mixing it up for Jesus: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound and disciplined mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7)
So we have all the tools to deal with whatever comes against us. So let’s get with it nuh, so that we will be able to say like Bruh Paul did at the end. ‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all those that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:6-8)
And the best way to start that, as with ALL things, is by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. So what we waiting for eh? Let’s come to God in prayer, though our Friday Chant. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks.
And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
Onward then Christian soldiers, faithful believers, let’s get out there and handle the situation so that Christ will be revered and venerated above all others and everything else! Much LOVE!
…we believers were made for this time…to show the confused, topsy-turvy world…that only Christ…can bring it peace and LOVE…
26 Feb 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a benevolent Father, a thousand years as one day, a thousand years in thy sight, a watch in the night, are but as yesterday when it is past, embrace your love and compassion, faithful believers, Friday chant, have a bright sunshiny day on the inside, humble obeisance, I will be their God, I will forgive their iniquity, I will put my law in their inward parts, introduce a whole new flock, is as a thousand years, lighting up our inner being, long-suffering to us-ward, LOVE, not willing that any should perish, omnipotent help, one day with the Lord, pandemic, racial strife, remember their sin no more, seriosu setbacks, that all should come to repentance, the Holy Spirit of Christ, the Lord is never late, the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, they shall be my people, unrest in the streets, wake up and smell the coffee, with prayer and thanksgiving, write it in their hearts
Psalm 90:4. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and a watch in the night.
Oh mih people, the ole fella’s at a loss for a good, moving, encouraging opening statement this Friday morning! Would you believe it? (smile) Strange things do happen at times yes! But you can bet your bottom dollar that before we finish today, I will have too many words to say, with the Lord’s help obviously. (smile)
Anyway, it’s a bright sunshiny day outside, so there’s no reason why we should not have a bright, sunshiny day on the inside also, especially when we have the amazing Spirit of Christ Jesus lighting up our souls! And all God’s children said a loud, proud and grateful ‘Amen!’ For there’s nothing in this world as good and wonderful as the Holy Spirit of Christ lighting up our inner being! And that’s a promise ourawesomeand ever-faithful God made to His people many many moons ago.
Hear the Good Book tell it nuh, through the prophet Jeremiah. ‘But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, (sufferation for disobedience) saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts (mind), and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.’ (Jer. 31:33-34)
And that’s exactly what the Lord did my friends, through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross at Calvary, His death, resurrection, ascension and the filling of His people with the Holy Spirit on that long ago Pentecost morn! Glory be! Bless His holy name! That just goes to show how faithful our great God is! He keeps ALL the promises He makes! But we have to abide with His timing…and that causes us a lot of problems, because in today’s fast paced world, we want everything now for now, if not yesterday! (smile)
But God doesn’t count days and hours and minutes like we do. Moses said it thus in Psalm 90.‘For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and a watch in the night.’(Ps. 90:4) Meanwhile, Peter, in quoting Moses, said it this way. ‘But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’ (2 Pet. 3:8-9)
Yes friends, our God moves in His own sphere of time which is ever so much higher than ours, and thus incomprehensible to our finite and puny minds. That means abiding in His eternal timetable is ever so important for the followers of Christ, if we are to ever truly receive the best that He has for us. And one thing we surely have today in our modern society is an attitude of gross impatience. Consequently, we are always at odds with the Lord re timing, His timing in particular.
And for our info, the Lord is NEVER late. He might be a bit tardy in our estimation, but NEVER late. And that I can testify to. However, we badly need to get up off our fat pride and ego and remember that He is the Controller and we are the controlled, and we are to move at His pace, not the other way around. But despite our disobedience and rebellion, the Lord is good towards us as Peter says above. He is long-suffering, patient and generous, and puts up with our faults and foibles like a benevolent Father.
Why? Because that is exactly whom and what He is, a benevolent Father, not wanting any of His creation, His children, to suffer eternal death and damnation, but that all of them should come to repentance, receive salvation through belief in His Son Jesus Christ, whom He made to be Lord and Saviour for that express purpose. Yes my brethren, that’s the Lord’s greatest wish. So why are we so annoyed with Him eh? All He wants is what’s best for us.
But remember we are in a partnership, thus both parties have a part to play. The Lord’s played His part already; giving us the opportunity to receive eternal life through faith in Christ. It now behooves us to do our part; accept that free and bountiful gift with gratitude and stop complaining about things we know nothing about. Just come to Him in humble obeisance, with prayer and thanksgiving, and do what He asks of us. That’s what it all boils down to.
So let’s do just that right now nuh, through our Friday Chant. As one strong voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
So, having pleaded so sincerely with the Lord, what’s it going to be now eh my people? Are we going to behave like faithful followers; repent and observe His rules and regulations? I truly hope so, otherwise we just going to keep on suffering for our gross disobedience and rebellion. Much LOVE!
…the Lord is long-suffering…but even His patience will run out at some time…so be warned…
P.S.I did not forget the ordinary workingman’s spiel, he just had nothing to say. (smile)Much LOVE!
19 Feb 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a means of restoring faith, a total muck up, another virus wave, biggish, countenance willful disobedience, Covid time, Dr. Charles Stanley, faithful believers, Friday chant, full of ourselves, give me understanding, handle the situation, I shall keep thy law, in prayer and meditation on His word, in the path of thy commandments, in times of uncertainty and trouble, later than you sow, LOVE, make me to go, more than you sow, new virus variants, observe it with my whole heart, omnipotent help, our sinful world, oversized ego, put that in your pipe and smoke it, racial and political strife, repent, return to God's fold, speaking with forked tongues, stop trying to kick God out, teach me the way of thy statutes, the government saying one thing, the ordinary workingman, the scientists saying another, trusting faith, turn to the Lord God almighty, wake up and smell the coffee, you reap what you sow
Psalm 119:34. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Sorry friends, I had intended this to be another aberration, (smile) because I had some more early morning tests scheduled for today at the hospital. But unfortunately I got up too late to finish it and get to my appointment on time, so I decided to leave it until I got back. So here I am now, all fit and sound and not too thrilled because I thought that I was finished with this constant hospital and doctor scene, but apparently not. Steups! And in these Covid times, going to the hospital is like visiting at the jail; more security and checks than anything else. But I guess that’s all for our benefit.
Anyway, since it’s Friday, let’s hear what the ordinary workingman has to say for himself nuh. And in a touchy manner, he declares: ‘I don’t have nothing to say for myself nuh! I don’t have no work, so I don’t have no money, so how can I say TGIF! Thank God is Friday eh? I’m home every day, with little or nothing to do. You can only fix so much, and after you fix what’s broken, what then? My wife is tired with me being underfoot all the time. My children tired playing with me too. They want to go out and play with their own friends, not their old man father.
And if we thought it had confusion before, now it’s even worse with the new virus variants showing up, that supposedly more dangerous, and nobody knowing how to handle them. What’s wrong with the people in power, the ones who get the big bucks to make big decisions eh? Why can’t they be consistent and agree with one another eh? We have the government saying one thing, to open up the place, and the scientist saying another, shut it down because it have a third or fourth or how much ever wave coming. And one day they say they have enough vaccines, then the next day not.
And then they can’t decide who to give it to first, but the rich and powerful getting them though. So how they expect the ordinary man to trust and have faith in them eh? That is why so much people acting out, although the virus still killing plenty people. And the school situation…Steups! That is another total muck up. Look, doh even ask me my opinion nuh, because all it does is get mih blood stirred up and liable to cause me to go and do something stupid. So a good day to you yes sirs!’
Ah mih people, the pandemic lockdown and the contentious uncertainty is certainly getting to the ordinary man, and you really can’t blame him, for everything he says is true. Yes, it is difficult to balance the need for the economy staying open and the need for people to stay safe, but there are definitely too many officials speaking with forked tongues. So what are we to do eh friends?
I guess the wisest thing is always to turn to the Lord God Almighty in times of uncertainty and trouble, through prayer and scripture reading on the subjects that are puzzling us. And since we’re basically suffering from a lack of understanding, I believe this part of Psalm 119, which is titled ‘Give me understanding’ is a fine place to begin.
So please pray with me: ‘Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto (cause me to long for) thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity (looking at worthless things; and quicken (revive) me in thy way. Stablish (establish) thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgements are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken (revive) me in thy righteousness.’ (Ps. 119:33-40)
And now that we have read and meditated on the relevant scripture for our predicament, it’s time to go to the Lord and sincerely expose our heart and soul to him in personal prayer. So let’s do that through our Friday Chant nuh. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus, the racial and political strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks.
And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
And all it takes friends to change our world is sincere confession of our sins, true repentance and thenceforth obedience to the word and will of God. The ancient Israelites foolishly toyed with the Lord’s word and will and suffered serious consequences for it. But we, oh so wise and brilliant moderns, think that we are above the Lord’s law, no wonder we’re suffering for disobeying it too. The only difference between us and those ancient Israelites is that they were smart enough to repent and turn back to God when the going got real rough. But we so biggish and full of ourselves, our oversized ego will not allow us to consider that wise move.
Ah mih people, why is it so difficult for us to truly understand that the Lord created us and still controls our overall lives, and He doesn’t countenance willful disobedience for long. And the sad but true fact of the matter is this: only when we stop trying to kick God out of our society, repent and return to His fold, will our society recover from the many problems that it’s now facing! Put that in yuh pipe and smoke it! Much LOVE!
…you reap what you sow…later than you sow…and more than you sow… (Uncle Charles – Dr. Charles Stanley)
12 Feb 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a means of restoring faith, amidst all the confusion, be of good cheer, be responsible, bring backsliders back to your fold, Covid-19 virus, distress, don't give up, drive me crazy, every tongue that speaks ill of us, facing uphill battles, faith is belief in action, faithful believers, famine, Friday chant, I am persuaded, I give up, i have overcome the world, in all these things, in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, keep walking in His awesome love, money in short supply, nakedness, neither death, no job, no weapon formed against us will prosper, nor angels, nor life, nothing has changed, obey the rules, omnipotent help, our sinful world, persecution, racial strife, raise our faith, reassure us of the goodness of God, sending the children back to school, separate us from the love of God, talk to the Lord, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the only way to handle difficulties, the ordinary workingman, the virus still running rampant, these things I have spoken unto you, things too conflicting, through him that loved us, tribulation, unrest in the streets, unused faith is a waste of time, use the pandemic, wake up and smell the coffee, walked with Christ beside you, walking with Christ, we are more than conquerors, we still on lockdown, who shall separate us from the Love of Christ
Romans 8:37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that LOVED us.
Welcome to Friday; somewhat snowy and blustery, but all a part of the winter system. Hope I think so when I have to go out the street later. (smile) So how’s your day going so far eh? I hope for those of you in my time zone it’s begun on a good note, and for those of you whose day is almost ending, hoping that you had a good one, despite whatever difficulties you encountered, as you walked with Christ beside you all the way.
Oh my people, I shouldn’t have to remind us, but I will, (smile) that walking with Christ is the ONLY way to handle, to mitigate some of the troubles and difficulties we’ll experience in this evil and dangerous world. Remember Jesus promised that we’d have problems, but once we’re walking with him, things would be all right. Here’s what He said: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33)
Yes friends, we all know that scripture, but do we really consider it when hard times come against us? That is the question. Do we remember promises like that when we’re facing uphill battles and need reassurance? I hope so, because that’s what those scriptures are for; to reassure us of the goodness of God and His promise to work things out eventually for the good of all those who LOVE Him, and sincerely try to do His will.
So please, I implore us, in these rough and uncertain times, to keep the promises of our God front and centre in our lives, so we can use them to raise our faith and keep walking in His awesome and amazing LOVE! Otherwise, our supposed faith is just a waste of time. It doesn’t make sense having faith if you don’t use it positively. End of sermon! (smile)
Now let’s see what the ordinary workingman has to say today nuh. And he is somewhat crochety. ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes, and I’m still alive, though just barely. And I don’t know what you all expect me to say nuh. Nothing has changed in the last little while; we still on lockdown, I still don’t have no job, money in short supply, the virus an’ them still running rampant all over the world…So what new thing all yuh expect me to say eh?
Oh, they thinking about sending some of the children back to school…when? I don’t know, and don’t really understand why everybody want them to go back to school. If big people can’t handle the situation, how yuh expect children to handle it in such crowed schools like we have eh?
Steups! I just give up yes! Things too conflicting, yuh getting all sorts of different information from different people, and everybody claiming that theirs is the truth. So what’s an ordinary body to do eh? I don’t know about nobody else nuh, but me, I’m just going to keep me peace, and do the best I can with what I have. That is provided this lock up home situation don’t drive me crazy before we get the situation under control. Until then, I’ll just have to thank God and ask Him to keep me and mine safe oui.’
Ah mih bredrin, I think that’s the best advice for all of us yes; don’t give up, obey the rules as best we can, don’t put ourselves in any untenable situations, and talk to the Lord in all sincerity about the situation. It’s all in His hands friends, and He’s promised that this too shall pass, and also that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and every tongue that speaks ill of us will be condemned. (Is. 54:17)
And Bruh Paul has also reminded us of our divine heritage with these words. ‘Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?…Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that LOVED us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:35, 37-39) And all of God’s children said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’
Yes friends, I do hope that we are all truly persuaded that NOTHING will separate us from God’s LOVE, because if we don’t, then our faith is again a waste of time and crapaud will smoke we pipe. And having said all that, let’s do the first thing we ought to do each and every day, and when we are in troubled times, turn to God in sincere prayer. And some of you might be wondering why I keep talking about sincerity, but that’s simply because the Lord doesn’t just hear our words, but checks the motives, the sincerity of our hearts before He considers our requests.
So with sincere hearts (smile) let’s lift up our Friday Chant to heaven. As one voice now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets.
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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways.
It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
And now that we’ve shown our hearts to be sincere, let’s show the world that we are truly faithful believers in Christ Jesus and handle the situation as we ought to! Much LOVE!
…faith is belief in action…so let’s get some serious action going nuh…to show some serious faith…
05 Feb 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beacon of light, a means of restoring faith, a vaccine, an alluring winter scene, be responsible, being at home unemployed, believers in Christ, Covid-19 virus, faithful believers, Friday chant, glorify your father in heaven, God's enduring faithfulness, good candidates, handle the situation properly, keeping the children in limbo, leaders arguing, Let your light so shine before men, natural treasures, not obeying the rules, our sinful world, people still getting sick, racial strife, ramp up our faith, reaffirm our belief, romanticizing the snow, show the world, stay safe, still alive, surrender to His will, TGIF!, thank God for small mercies, Thank God is Friday, the efficacy of Jesus, the fruitfulness of beleiving in Him, the ordinary workingman, the promises of God's goodness, the whole thing is a joke, they may see your good works, to confuffle the situation, to offer help and encouragment, to show the way, trusting faith, unrest in the streets, variants, virginal scene, wake up and smell the coffee, when is all the confusion going to finish, wise guidance
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.
Well people, instead of melting, as most of us wished, the snow added another layer during the night. Not a terrible amount, but enough to confuffle the situation, and the strong wind I hear blowing out there, isn’t helping matters either. But all of that is to be expected during the Canadian winter months.
It’s also one of her many natural treasures; you can’t beat a beautiful, alluring winter scene with everything covered in white. Although it’s cold, and you may hate trudging through it, you simply cannot overlook the beauty of such an unspoiled, virginal scene. Yeh, it still amazes me when I see a new snowfall with everything covered in a blanket of unsullied white.
But enough of my romanticizing about the snow, especially since I may have to go out in it later. (smile) It’s Friday, so let’s hear what the ordinary workingman has to say about life nuh.
And he opens with a weak and unenthusiastic: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday oui! Not so much because the weekend coming up and I’d be off work for a couple of days, but more so because I’m still alive, though not kicking so heartily, after all this time of being at home unemployed. Ah Lord eh? When is all the confusion going to finish eh?
People still getting sick by the handful, because they still not obeying the rules. And now ah hear they have variants too, different strains of the original Covid, that even more dangerous. So what’s going to happen with them now eh? More confusion I guess.
And though they claim to now have a vaccine, it doesn’t seem to be making much difference, because the system either too slow and not well designed and they don’t seem to have enough vaccine either. And yuh still have leaders arguing and bickering with one another and can’t get their act together.
What a bam bam, what a fiasco this whole Covid business has turned in to eh. Steups! They can’t even make up their minds about the children going back to school. Is either they going or they not going, stop keeping the children in limbo.
And to think that we here in Ontario believe that we handling the situation better than many other places! Brother! I wouldn’t like to see how those other places handling it nuh. But what to do eh? Yuh just have to grin and bear it yes, and do yuh best to keep you and yuh family safe, and look out for the plenty fools it have out there who think the whole thing is a joke.
I really don’t see how you could consider people getting sick so easily…and dying so quickly and agonizing as a joke nuh. But thank God for small mercies oui! So far he keeping me and mine safe, and I pray that He continue to do so.’
Ah friends, it is indeed a rough situation all over the world. We had enough other problems before Covid, but now that has intensified everything, spreading more fear and uncertainty than we need, and more than many of us can handle. And, fortunately, or unfortunately, it’s left to us believers in Christ to show the way, because we have, or are supposed to have, the spiritual tools to handle the situation.
We talking about a strong faith in Christ and sincere belief in His promises, with which we need to lead the way in these turbulent times. No, it won’t be easy, but we have promises of God’s goodness and His enduring faithfulness that make us good candidates to offer help and encouragement to others.
We talk about being able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us, (Phil. 4:13) and that the Lord will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) Well now is the time to stand securely on those promises and the many others we have in our arsenal.
It’s time to ramp up our faith and show the world the efficacy of Jesus; the effectiveness, the productiveness and fruitfulness of believing in Him, His great leadership, His fatherly comfort in the time of storm. That’s our earthly purpose friends. This is the time when we are called to lead by godly example.
The scriptures tell us that we believers are expected to be the salt and light of this dark and evil world. So what are we doing about it eh? Not enough I believe. Let’s listen to these fateful, but simple words of Jesus one more time and reaffirm our belief and surrender to do His will nuh. ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:16)
Yes friends, that’s what needed of us right now; a beacon of light and good works to glorify God and thus lead others to Him. And the best way to always begin is with prayer. So let’s offer up our Friday Chant which encompasses our hopes and fears, our dreams and expectations.
Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways.
It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
Now it’s time for us to show ourselves as faithful believers and handle the situation properly! Much LOVE!
…to sincerely serve Jesus…or not…that is the question…
29 Jan 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: afraid of the corona virus, are afflicted, because of their transgression, bound in affliction and iron, bring backsliders back to your fold, bring us back to God, broke their chains, contemned the counsel of the Most High, Covid-19 virus, declare His works with rejoicing, despised God's word, fools, for he satisfieth the longing soul, for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children of men, Friday chant, he filleth the hungry soul with goodness, he saveth them out of their distresses, in a bleak and challenging way, in the shadow of death, issuing from our hearts and mouths, kick Him out, life goes on, Lucifer, negative consequences, no denying of God's Word, obvious place of refuge, oh that men would praise the Lord, old fashioned and obsolete, on which side their bread was buttered, our godless society, racial strife, rebelled against God, run God out of town, sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, such as sit in darkness, thanks and praise, the joy of the Lord in our souls, the process of elimination, their iniquities, they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, they rebelled against the words of God, wake up and smell the coffee, wise guidance
Psalm 107:15. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Well it’s Friday, and life goes on in a somewhat bleak and challenging way. Nonetheless, there is the joy of the Lord in our souls and thanks and praise issuing from our hearts and mouths for God’s wonderful goodness to the children of men.
Psalm 107 says it. ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men. For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Ps. 107:8-9) And there can be no denying of God’s Word.
I also like how the psalmist describes the situation. ‘Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron (prisoners);’ (Ps. 107:10) And it is fair to say that many of us today are sitting in darkness, prisoners of the world and all its evil spells; afraid of the corona virus and all that it’s doing to our godless society.
But why is that eh? Hear the words of the psalmist. ‘Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned (despised) the counsel of the Most High:’ (Ps. 107: 11)
Oh my people, we cannot deny that charge of rebellion, since we have indeed despised God’s word, even to the point of desperately trying to kick Him out of our modern, technological society, because we think He’s old fashioned and obsolete!
But we obviously have not learned from the history of mankind, where many other nations rebelled and tried to get rid of Jehovah God, with no success whatsoever, because the universe is His; He created it and still controls it, and will not let mere mortals, His creation, push Him around.
Remember how Lucifer, the then archangel rebelled in heaven? And where is he now eh? Walking around the earth as the evil Satan. Kicked out unsolicitously from heaven for his foolish pride and insolence, wanting to overthrow his Maker. Israel is also a very good example of that rebellion.
Remember, we’re supposed to learn from History. But we obviously are not, for there are inevitable negative consequences when you despise God’s word and try to run Him out of town. The psalmist puts it thus: ‘Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.’ (Ps. 107:12)
Yuh notice how we falling like flies these days, and we don’t seem to have any help? But that’s not quite true; there’s always help available, if we look in the right places. And the Israelites were famous for finding help when the consequences of their rebellion stung them to the core.
Hear the psalmist again nuh. ‘Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of the darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder (broke their chains in pieces.’ (Ps. 107:13-14)
Oh my people, my people, the Lord God Jehovah is our obvious place of refuge, our sure solution in these times of abject darkness and sorrow and despair! It’s the only place where we can find succour and true refuge from all that afflicts our society. It doesn’t even require much wisdom, but mere common sense, since nothing else we’re trying is working.
Just the process of elimination alone, should bring us back solemnly, respectfully and repentantly to Almighty God! No wonder the psalmist thought that this verse was so nice he had to include it twice: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men!’ (Ps. 107:15)
I don’t know why we’re not doing that on a much larger scale nuh friends, ‘For he (God) hath broken the gates of brass (bronze) and cut the bars of iron in sunder (asunder). (However) Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.’ (Ps. 107:17-18)
That’s us, our current society the psalmist is talking about friends. When are we going to wake up and realize that Almighty God is our ONLY solution to EVERY problem we face eh? That’s why I admire the Israelites to a certain extent. Although they were foolish to turn away from God in prosperous moments, in the consequential tough times, they always remembered that it was with Him that their bread was truly buttered and turned back to Him.
As the psalmist records: ‘Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.’ (Ps. 107: 19-20)
Oh my brethren, the Lord did send His Word, Jesus Christ to heal us and save us from our self-destruction, but we’re not paying sufficient attention to Him, and that’s the major reason why we’re currently suffering our current ‘sufferation.’
Disobedience to God WILL ALWAYS bring negative consequences! That’s a given! But repentance and subsequent obedience is rewarded with God’s goodness to the children of men. So let’s be wise and turn to God for help nuh, through our Friday Chant. We have absolutely nothing to lose, and so very much to gain.
Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways.
It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
Now friends, if we’re truly sincere in that prayer, then we need to do as the psalmist advises: ‘And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing (joyful singing).’ (Ps. 107:22) Much LOVE!
…the smart money…in whatever situation…is ALWAYS on God…
15 Jan 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a means of restoring faith, a rebellious generation, apostasy, atomic annihalation, be responsible, but my words shall not pass away, chaos, complete uproar and disarray, Covid-19 virus, doh fool yuh fat, faithful believers, Friday chant, godless, going off mih rocker, handle the situation properly, heaven and earth shall pass away, indisputable truth, Israel's return to the Promised Land, it's only a matter of time, li'l pittance, life-threatening conditions, live hand to mouth, locked down, loveless world, more prevalent today, no work...no pay, our number one tool, our sinful world, pollution, population explosion, prayer, rebelling, revoluting, strife-filled, summer is nigh, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the Lord God Almighty, the new strain, the ordinary workingman, the parable of the fig tree, the virus spreading like wildfire, tighter than a drum, trouble, unrest in our streets, wake up and smell the coffee, who can help us
Matthew 24:35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
And yes, believe it or not, it’s Friday! The day we all look forward to so much…or at least use to look forward to. (smile) But when yuh not doing much of anything on any given day, no need to look forward to any special one. Well, except for the few people who actually going out to work.
And now, since yesterday the Province of Ontario is even further locked down, if that’s possible. The Covid numbers have been increasing steadily despite the lockdown, the vaccine and the efforts of the government beseeching people to follow the few rules we have to contain the virus.
But this is a rebellious and belligerent generation who are not listening but doing what they want to do. And we all know that rebellion and belligerence cause nothing but trouble and chaos. Anyway, let’s hear what the ordinary workingman has to say for himself today nuh!
He shakes his head and sadly intones: ‘One time I’d be so glad to see Friday, even to the point of shouting out ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ That’s because I knew the work week was done and I’d be able to spend the weekend with mih family. But right now, Friday is like any other day – no work…and no pay. Steups!
Granted, ah thankful for the li’l pittance we getting from the government, at least it help us to live hand to mouth and not starve. But what kinda life it is when a strong, healthy and willing man can’t go to work to feed his children eh? And since yesterday we locked down even tighter than a drum because people not behaving and the virus spreading like wildfire, we even have the new strain.
Don’t know what people want nuh, if they expect it to just go away without any help from them? And with the nonsense that going on down in the States, where they rebelling and revoluting…Steups! Who knows when that same attitude going to flare up up here eh? Doh fool yuh fat nuh, we have plenty like them up here, they just not as stupid.
Ah Lord, tell me when all this going to done nuh? The whole thing driving me crazy! Don’t know how much more I could handle without going off mih rocker nuh! Help me nuh Lord, help we nuh! Is only you who could help we now yes!’
And isn’t that the gospel truth friends! It’s only the Lord God Almighty who can help us now oui! We’ve dug ourselves into such a deep hole that we can’t drag ourselves out without divine help.
What a world we living in! A world that’s in complete uproar and disarray with serious dissension all over it. I don’t know if this has ever happened before, where the whole world was in such a panicked situation! So what can I say to give us some comfort eh friends? Not a whole lot.
But let’s remember Jesus’ talk about His Second Coming when the world would be in a real bad state. (Matt. 24:29-31) That might be the only thing to save us. Who knows eh?
Hear these words of His though: ‘Now learn a parable of (from) the fig tree. When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it (He) is near, even at the doors.’ (Matt. 24:32-33) Yes my people, though we don’t know exactly when Christ will return, there are certain signs that it is imminent, or pretty close.
And the scholars list some of these for us: ‘Israel’s return to the Promised Land, the obvious acceleration of lawlessness, increase of apostasy (turning away from God) (1 Tim. 4:1), the socio-religious climate preparing for the one world church, and the rapid acceleration of life-threatening conditions – such as potential atomic annihilation, population explosion and pollution – that require Christ’s return before events run their natural course and terminate the world. Paul listed certain conditions, which, though true in every age, appear to be more prevalent today (2 Tim. 3:1-5).’
And that’s the indisputable truth! We are awfully close to the breakneck point. Hence these words of Jesus are so important. ‘Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.’ (Matt. 24:34-35) More indisputable truth my brethren!
And the scholars explain: ‘24:34. The generation that shall not pass is the generation in whose lifetime all these signs occur. That generation will not pass away until all these things be fulfilled. In other words, the previously listed signs will continue to multiply throughout the church age and reach their ultimate climax at the end of the age in the generation of those who will live to see the entire matter fulfilled in their lifetime.’
Yeh friends, the way we’re so LOVELESS, godless and strife filled, it might even happen in ours. But make no mistake, if we continue the way we’re going, it won’t be far off. However, as always, our number one tool is prayer. So let’s turn to the Lord and with all sincerity, through our Friday Chant, lay bare our souls before Him nuh. That is our best bet.
So as one strong, sincere voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways.
It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
Now it’s up to us, the faithful believers to handle the situation…properly! Much LOVE!
…Christ will come again…it’s only a matter of time…
08 Jan 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a false witness that speaketh lies, a hear that deviseth wicked imaginations, a lying tongue, a means of restoring faith, a proud look, act shamefaced, against the workers of iniquity, as the world turns, be responsible, Canadians shouldn't get uppity, cast down the poor, Christ is alive and kicking, cut down like the grass, do as I say not as I do, don't give a darm about the people, drawn out thier sword, faithful believers, fear ye not, feet that be swift in running to mischief, Fret not thyself over evildoers, Friday chant, handle the situation, hands that shed innocent blood, have a job, he that soweth discord among brethren, I'm alive, into outer darkness and damnation, introduction of a vaccine, kicking the butt of the wicked, neither be thou envious, noses in the air, omnipotent help, our light to shine the brightest, pandemic, people still dropping like flies, repeated lockdowns, salt to be the most flavourful, selfish and evil world, seven abominations the Lord hates, show our Christian side, stand still and see, stay safe, still on the throne, stop playing musical schools, take up His yoke, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the Lord God Almighty, the Lord shall laugh at the wicked, the number of Covid-19 cases, the ordinary workingman, the salvation of the Lord, the watering holes are shut tight, their sword shall enter into their own hearts, time longer than twine, trending upward every day, trusting faith, unrest in the streets, wake up and smell the coffee, wise guidance, wither as the green herb, ye shall see them no more
Psalm 37:1. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
And so, as the world turns slowly on its axis, once again we come to Friday, the day we all LOVE and revere, because it reminds us that our work week will soon be over. The only problem here though, is that many of us are not working, or are afraid to go out after work, or there’s no way to go because all the watering holes and other places of excitement are shut tight. That’s why it’s surprising that the number of COVID-19 cases are trending upward every day.
Remember when we were aghast at a few hundred? Now a few thousand is the norm, despite the introduction of a vaccine, repeated lockdowns and entreaties to stay safe and observe the necessary rules. But who listens in this selfish, me-first, I don’t care about anybody else society eh? Enough of me though, (smile) let’s hear the ordinary workingman’s take on the situation nuh, we haven’t heard from him in a while.
His greeting is the same, but not very enthusiastic. ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday…and at least I’m alive, not like so many others who aren’t. Ah Lord eh…what’s becoming of our world eh? People still dropping like flies from this Covid business…and to make matters worse, no work. Can’t tell when last ah went to work nuh…or when next I might go. That is if the slave master still going to have a job for me. With the state of the economy, who knows? The li’l money we getting from the government just keeping we from starving.
And the school situation ain’t no better…one day they learning online, next they going to school, then they staying home again. Ah wish somebody would make up their blooming minds and stop playing musical schools with the children! And what kind of leaders we have eh, when they telling us to stay home, but so many of them going holidaying around the world…and getting away with it too? They obviously believe in the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ philosophy.
And then look at that crazy, egotistic jack-a down in the U.S nuh. Instead of bringing the country together, he focussed on fomenting insurrection, just so he could stay in power and get away from the squalid jail cell that waiting for him. Hn! He not going to get away from it though! And just look at all the people who fraid him nuh and doing his lying, foolish, criminal bidding! Brother! What kind of leaders we have nowadays eh? No balls whatsoever! Is only greed and fear and corruption that fuelling them! They don’t give a darm about the people they suppose to be representing and who money they thiefing!
And we Canadians shouldn’t get uppity nuh with we noses in the air nuh, because we have the same kind up here in Canada too, just on a smaller scale! But as a pardner keep telling me, ‘time longer than twine yes boy,’ and all ah dem twine soon run out. Glory to God that He still on the throne oui, and have His own plans for the wicked.’
Oh friends, I’m chuckling at the ordinary workingman’s tale, but deep down we all know what he’s saying is true. We’ve lost our way in this selfish and evil world, and what li’l LOVE we had for humanity has now disappeared completely! Can you imagine leaders behaving so irresponsibly so blatantly? At least before they would hide and act shamefaced if they were caught. Not now though. They couldn’t give a darm! Who doesn’t like it, tough on them! That seems to be the prevailing attitude. But as the ordinary workingman reminds us, the Lord God Almighty is still on the throne, and His eyes are on both the righteous and the wicked, with His own plans in store for either set.
And it just happens that the Good Book is open in front of me in the sayings of Cousin Sol, on what he terms the seven deadly sins. ‘These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him (his soul): A proud look (haughty eyes), a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (devises wicked plans and schemes), feet that be swift in running to mischief (evil), A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.’ (Prov. 6:16-19)
Oh mih people, those abominations Cousin Sol listed so long ago are exactly the ones that are most prominent in our society today! No wonder our world is in such a serious state of upheaval and disaster! But there is hope my brethren! Yes there is indeed hope, because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is alive and kicking, and when He’s ready, He’s going to be kicking the butt of the wicked right into outer darkness and damnation!
Listen to these reassuring words of Bruh David from Psalm 37, re The true state of the wicked. ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.’ (Ps. 37:1-2)
Yes friends, every dog will have its day, but the final word will be the Lord’s. Hear how Bruh David puts it nuh: ‘The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation (conduct). Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.’ (Ps. 37:12-15)
Oh my fellow saints in Christ, that’s the future of the wicked, so please, let’s not envy them, or join with them, because they will soon be no more! Just like the promise the Lord made to the Israelites through Moses when they were fleeing Egypt and the Egyptian army was hot on their heels at the Red Sea. ‘And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation (deliverance) of the Lord, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.’ (Ex. 14:13)
And the Lord kept that promise when He drowned the whole Egyptian army in the Red Sea. And that’s the self-same promise He’s giving to us today my people; if we will turn to Him and be not afraid, He will fight for us. Now let’s go to him in prayer nuh, carry all our burdens, cast our care on His strong and mighty shoulders, take up His yoke, as He desires of us, so that He can strengthen and refresh us. In unison and sincerity, let’s send up our Friday Chant to heaven.
‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 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 help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to 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 and the unrest in the streets 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!’
Now let’s really show our Christian side nuh, for we are the ONLY hope our world has! Much LOVE!
…it’s time for our salt to be the most flavourful…and our light to shine the brightest…
P.S. Yes, it’s long, but good and necessary! (smile) Much LOVE!
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