20 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a very present help in trouble, Abraham Isaac and Jacob, action, an artesian well, blessed, blissful, breathed with God, Christian friends, commuting, contentment, drudgery, expectation, faith, fears, fellowship, Friday chant, friends, fun, generous help, glorious kingdom, glory, God is my rock, God is our refuge and strength, gospel truth, heart attacks, heart's desires, hope, I shall not be moved, incredible happenings, insurmountable, joy, long-suffering, look to Jesus, melted like wax, no need to worry, obedient to god, omnipotent god, One Year Book of Bible promises, opened windows, opens doors, patience, peace, poured into my heart, problems, provides opportunities, refreshed, relaxation, renewed, rest, Revelation, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, saturated my mind, Selah, sheer joy, slave labour, stress, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, the mountains shake, the valley of despair, the waters roar, the weekend, though the earth be removed, threatening clouds, traffic jams, trust, wait for Jesus, walked with God, wax, You did all the rest
Psalm 46:1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present (an abundantly available) help in trouble.
One more day friends, just one more day, and then we’ll all have the short rest we so badly crave…
But unbeknownst to me, the word had already been spread that it was Friday, and the joyful shouts all around the place were deafening.
‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes mih breddren! Hurrah for the weekend, when we do our own thing! No more massa and his slave labour to worry about for two, whole big days! Thank God for Fridays yes mih people!’
And so it went on. The working people were surely glad to have a couple days off from what has become pure drudgery in this supposed enlightened and advanced world.
Just the commuting alone; twice a day, five days a week, in the ever-increasing traffic jams is enough to cause untold stress. It’s a wonder we don’t find more people just dead from heart attacks while sitting in the stifling and irritating traffic jams.
Anyway my Christian friends, that’s where the patience and long-suffering of our Christian belief comes in. (smile) Now let’s chant our Friday Chant which gives us a fine perspective on how to spend our weekends. All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Yes my fellow believers, that’s the route we ought to follow if we expect to be bright and fresh and reinvigorated on Monday morning.
Now here’s an interesting poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one is titled: ‘You Did All The Rest.’
And it says: ‘O Lord God! I did what You asked me to do: I just opened windows Wide… Wide… And You did all the rest! You poured into my heart A blessed, blissful contentment. You saturated my mind With gigantic thoughts of You.
You struck an artesian well within me Until sheer joy sprang forth. You led me out of the valley of despair Into a succession of incredible happenings. Problems which seemed insurmountable Melted like wax before my eyes. Fears faded away like threatening clouds.
You startled me You amazed me With the glory of Your revelation. It is true Gloriously true – I have literally walked and breathed with God. I just opened windows Wide… Wide… God, You did all the rest!’
Oh my fellow believers isn’t that truly beautiful? It surely is! And the awesome thing about it is that it’s also gospel truth! For that’s how we feel when we sincerely look to and patiently wait on Jesus.
In His time He opens doors and provides opportunities and gives us our heart’s desires and just fills our souls with His joy and peace, like we never thought possible.
And the Bible Promise for that writing is our Bit. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present (an abundantly available) help in trouble.’
And if that is true, then this corollary from the sons of Korah, the psalmists, obviously applies: ‘Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (the heart) of the sea: Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.’ (Ps.46:2-3)
Yes friends, let’s just sit and ponder that for a moment nuh. If our God is all that we claim Him to be, then we shouldn’t be afraid of anything that happens in our world. Unfortunately though, it’s not the way it happens in real life. Too many Christians live afraid and anxious lives, despite the assurance of God.
What does that say about us eh? That although we talk the good talk, deep down we’re still not as strong and faithful as we ought to be. That we have not truly or fully surrendered our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to our Creator, and we don’t trust and obey Him like we ought to.
But yuh know what friends, our wonderful God knows our weaknesses and our frailties because He made us, and despite it all, He still LOVES us with that unimaginable, unconditional, never-ending LOVE of His.
And all God’s people shouted a loud, proud and grateful: ‘Glory to God! Praise His Holy Name! May He reign for ever and ever!’
Oh my fellow believers, once we’re doing our sincere best to follow and be obedient to Almighty God, there’s no need to worry. He will undoubtedly stand beside us and help us along our pilgrim’s way.
Now let’s end with some of Bruh David’s thoughts on the subject from Psalm 62 – God only is my rock and my salvation. ‘My soul, (silently) wait thou only upon God; for my expectation (hope) is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved (shaken).
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.’ (Ps.62:5-8)
Oh my brethren, that says it all! It’s up to us now to put all of that into action, if we desire to see better days both down here on earth and in heaven. Much LOVE!
…if the omnipotent God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our God…then there’s absolutely no need for believers to be afraid…
19 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a grand human hope, a positive outlook, a strong will, abundance, all things in common, an opportunity, annals, apostles, blessed, breaking bread, broken right now, change, change for change sake, cheerfully, Christ-like, Christian, christianity, communal sharing, communism, confuse the situation, courage, creativity, Creator, curse, Day of Pentecost, destiny, direction for my life, distributed, divine protection, don't fear change, Dr. Robert H. Schuler, dream dreams, earthly journey, embracing change, faith, family, favour, fear, forgiveness, frame of mind, friends, fulfillment, gladness, God's universe, God's will, good stewards, granite, health, hope, Hour of Power Devotional, I will pour out my spirit, in the name of Jesus, it shall come to pass, Jesus Christ, joy, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, marble, maturity, mercy, negative word, old men, on all flesh, one accord, one idea, particular purpose, Peter, possessions, praising God, promotion, prophesy, prosper, return of Christ, rigid, see visions, self-control, self-discipline, share willingly, signs, simplicity, sincerity, singleness of heart, steel, succeed, success, supernatural strength, surrender, talent, this is the day the Lord has made, Thursday's Blessings, together, trust, walk with Christ, we will rejoice and be glad in it, welcome, wisdom, wise and sensible way, without fear, wonders, young men, your sons and daughters
Joel 2:28. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
Welcome friends, welcome! Welcome to another marvellous day in the annals of God’s great universe! We have all been specifically chosen by our wonderful Creator to meet and greet this new day for a particular purpose that He has planned.
So please let’s embrace it with the faith and joy and trust and surrender that it deserves, by sincerely declaring, as the psalmist did so long ago: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps.118:24)
Yes my Christian brethren, that is the only wise and sensible way to greet any new day to which we blessedly awaken. Anything less will only darken and confuse the situation unnecessarily and make our lives even more difficult than they already are.
And today I want to share a li’l something from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional, where he talks about embracing change.
He wisely advises: ‘Don’t fear change. Welcome it as an opportunity! If change is a great problem, it is also a grand human hope. One word, one illustration, one idea can transform the whole complexion and the destiny of our life.
I see this happening constantly. Some positive idea falls unexpectedly on the mind and changes forever the destiny of the entire family. Thank God we are not created to be rigid, nonchanging objects of marble, granite, or steel.’
Yes friends, not all change is good, neither should we just change for change sake, but we have to be able to decipher it properly and where necessary embrace it without fear. The important aspect here is being able to accept it ‘without fear.’
Now since this is Thursday, it’s only fitting and proper that we declare our Thursday’s Blessings with much verve, sincerity and faith.
As one now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Awright mih people! Let’s go forth now in that positive and blessed frame of mind and do God’s will!
And today is the last day for this particular Bit. ‘And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.’
Yeh friends, we’ve seen over the last few days how this prophecy was partially fulfilled on that great and powerful day of Pentecost. We’ve also heard the great sermon Peter preached on that day, and the immediate reaction of repentance and baptism to some three thousand previously lost souls. Today I just want to share what happens after the dust has settled.
The Good Book tells us thus about life amongst the believers thereafter. ‘And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted (distributed, shared) them to all men, as every man (anyone) had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord (mind) in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat (food) with gladness and singleness of heart (simplicity). Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be (were being) saved.’ (Acts 2:43-47)
Ah my fellow believers, what a simpler time that was! We certainly couldn’t live like that in this most complex and diverse society of ours. However, please pay close attention to this info from the scholars.
‘2:44-45. Communal sharing was practiced for a brief time by the early church but not throughout Acts. These believers were expecting the very soon return of Christ (as Peter demonstrates in his sermons of chs. 2 and 3), and they therefore sold their possessions. This did not last. Such communal life is not taught by the apostles.
Rather we are taught to be good stewards of that with which God has entrusted us, and to share willingly and cheerfully (2 Cor.8, 9). Further, this does not correspond to communism, because this resulted from a spiritual unity among the people and was a voluntary act. (cf.5: 4).’
And that ends today’s Bit. I do hope it is beneficial to all who read it, re maturity and understanding of true Christianity. And also that it encourages them to get into the Word more themselves, as well as live a more Christ-like life, as desired by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Now may the Lord of all mercy and forgiveness, bless and keep us safely, as we journey along this day on the path that He has chosen for our individual lives. Much LOVE!
…the only way to have a successful earthly journey…is to walk it closely with Christ…
16 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: And it shall come to pass, aura of love, cataclysm, complaining, confidence, conquerors, Day of Pentecost, drem dreams, earning a paycheque, enthusiasm, evil, faith, fellowship, friends, glorious kingdom, God's will, good works, guides us, holy spirit, I will pour out my spirit, inconvenience, invincible, Jerusalem, jobs, kindness, lies, LOVE, makes our day, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, obedience, old men, peace, prophesy, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, short attention spans, Simon Peter, socialize, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, supporting our families, teaches us, the last days, ungodly world, wiles, wisdom, wishy-washy, working, young men see visions, your sons and daughters
Joel 2:28. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
Monday, oh Monday! What a wonderful day thou art! No friends, the ole fella isn’t losing his marbles – at least not just yet.
Monday is a great day. It gets us back into the normal running of our lives and reintroduces us to the outside world, refreshed and renewed. It allows us to socialize with a wide group of people, meet and greet all our friends and fellow workers – those we like and those we’re not so thrilled about. (smile) And above all, it means that we’re working, earning a pay cheque, and supporting our families.
Now doesn’t that make Monday a great day? I think so. But too many of us look at Monday as a day of inconvenience; meaning we have to get up and go out to work, with all that that entails. But whatever day you have to begin work after a period of rest will pose the same problems.
If Tuesday was the first day of the work week, we’d still be miserable and complaining. Just look at how we behave when we’re gifted with a long weekend. So, I’d suggest the sooner we begin to like Mondays, or at least not despise them as much, the sooner our lives will improve. End of sermon! (smile)
Now to tie all of that up and give us the wherewithal we need to get up and get going, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with plenty gusto and lots of enthusiasm. Hn, hn!
As one majestic choir now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Now that sounded real good friends! So good that our choirmaster, Jesus, gave us a big smile and a clenched right fist salute in acknowledgement. Glory Be!
Now all that’s left for us to do is to get ourselves involved in the ongoing battle and give the enemy heck! Kill them with LOVE and kindness! Oh, I know that is very difficult to do with some folks, but that’s what our Leader desires of us. And what our Leader wants, our Leader gets!
And having only celebrated the day of Pentecost yesterday, when the Holy Spirit was universally introduced, it is indeed important that today we be filled with it and let it control and guide our lives as our Lord and Saviour expects. That means we can’t be wishy washy today my people.
We have to stand up and be counted in true Christian fashion, like ole Simon Peter stood up on that first day of Pentecost and preached a marvellous sermon, based on our Bit. ‘And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.’
Now let’s hear some of what Peter said. ‘But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose , seeing as it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that day which was spoken by the prophet Joel…’ (Acts 2:14-16) And then he went on to quote Joel 2:28-32, which includes our Bit. (Acts 2:17-21)
And the scholars offer this important warning re Peter’s sermon. ‘2:16-21. Peter does not say that Pentecost is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy concerning the last days (Rev.6:12). Peter does not see a celestial cataclysm (vv.19-20). Yet it is that of which Joel speaks, because it is the beginning of that fulfillment.
Peter did not see the Spirit coming upon all people, but he did see Him coming upon 120 (those in the room with him). It was the beginning, but surely not the complete fulfillment. Peter understood, as we should, that the last days had already begun, even with the birth of Christ (Heb.1:2; 1 Pet.1:20).’
Yes friends, we are indeed in the last days, but the last days as God sees them; meaning that they are stretched out over a long period of time in our reckoning, but in His it’s not that long. And we’ll end there for today, because the rest of stuff I have to share will make it much too long. And I always have our short attention spans in mind. (smile)
So my brethren, until tomorrow, God willing, may He bless and keep us all, grant us His peace that passes all understanding, and help us to stand strong in faith and do good works in obedience to His will. Much LOVE!
…who is the one that teaches us what to say…the Holy Spirit…who is the one that guides our way…the Holy Spirit…He is the one that makes our day…
12 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a great family, a jealous God, a last resort, a positive outllok, a prison house, a strong will, abundance, action, Asa, awesome God, belief, believer, blessed is the nation, blessings, broken right now, chutzpah, courage, creativity, curse, diseased in his feet, disobedience, divine protection, done foolishly, drawn to Jesus, earthly pilgrimage, eternal life, faith, favour, favourites, followers of Jesus, freely, friends, fulfillment, generously, godly example, good works, habitation, havoc, he considereth all their works, He fashioneth their hearts alike, he sought not the Lord, health, heartache, heathen, I am blessed, improvements, in a rage, in the name of Jesus, inhabitants of the earth, inheritance, insignificant, interest, LOVE, lowly doings, lowly selves, make a difference, mercies, negative word, omnipotent, on behalf of them whose heart is perfect, oppressed the people, passion, praise to the Lord, promotion, prosper, salvation, self-control, self-discipline, serious notice, strength, succeed, success, suffering world, supernatural wisdom, talent, The eyes of the Lord, the physicians, the sons of men, thirsting, Thursday Blessings, to show himself strong, topsy-turvey world, true believers, understands, ungodliness, uproot evil, whose God is the Lord, wisdom, worthwhile changes, worthy of His interest, zenith
Psalm 33:15. He fashioneth their hearts alike (individually); he considereth (understands) all their works.
Ah mih breddren, another beautiful day has dawned, and we have been granted the godly opportunity to see it and make our mark in this topsy-turvy world for Jesus!
We have been destined to uproot the evil and the ungodliness that is causing such havoc and heartache in our once beautiful and godly world.
Are you up to the task? Of course you are! As true believers and followers of Jesus, we all have been empowered to make a difference in this life, even though it may just be a small one.
Yes, not all of us can make major contributions to God’s cause, but we all can make minor ones, which still glorify His precious and holy name and have others thirsting for the salvation and eternal life that He so freely and generously offers.
So let’s never believe, much less say that we’re too small and insignificant to make worthwhile changes, because we are not. As children of God we are imbued with all that’s necessary to do good works in the name of Jesus.
So as we continue our earthly pilgrimage on this new day, let’s sincerely decide that we will do our best to bring the awesome blessings and mercies of our great and awesome God to the hungry and thirsty people of our intensely struggling and greatly suffering world.
And to help us do that, let’s declare our Thursday Blessings with much chutzpah, plenty passion and positive emotion, backed by the all-important sincere belief, in what we’re declaring.
As one now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Ah mih people, what a strong and positive declaration! It only requires us now to go out and put it all into action amongst both the heathen and the believer alike, so that much needed improvements in our world can be made by the godly example that our lives so vividly project.
As I keep saying, it’s only through our worthwhile examples that others will be sincerely drawn to Jesus. That brings us to our rather appropriate Bit, taken from Psalm 33 – Praise to the Lord for his creation.
Let’s set the scene first though. ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The Lord looked down from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike (individually); he considereth (understands) all their works.’ (Ps.33:12-15)
Yes friends, from His home in the high heavens, the Lord looks down on each of us individually, checking out the hearts that He has fashioned in each of us, appropriate to whatever plan He has designed for our lives, paying close attention to, and understanding all that we do, be it great or small.
That’s the faithful and awesome kind of God we serve and worship; One who takes a significant interest in ALL that each and every one of us does. He doesn’t play favourites, or consider anything too small or insignificant to be worthy of His interest.
And that is something a lot of us believers have problems with. We can’t believe that our great God is interested in our lowly selves, as well as our lowly doings. But my people, our God is so wonderful that He is interested in each soul that He has created and in each and everything that goes on in our lives. That’s why He’s so awesome and magnificent!
And we have a great bit of scripture to uphold our assertions. This from 2 Chronicles, where King Asa is rebuked by the prophet Hanani for not trusting in the God of his fathers and instead relying on a pagan king to fight for him.
‘For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (at peace with or loyal) toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Then Asa was wrought with the seer, and put him in a prison house, for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time…. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not the Lord, but to the physicians.’ (2 Chr.16:9-10,12.)
You see my people, Asa in his egotistical self, sought not his omnipotent God, neither in the major aspects of war, or in the smaller things, namely his diseased feet and thus paid a hefty price for such disobedience.
Please my brethren, let us take serious notice today, and everyday of our omnipotent but very jealous God, and run everything that concerns us by and through Him, before we turn to anything or anyone else. For that is indeed wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!
…it’s certainly not wise to turn to humans first…then to God as a last resort…God desires to be first…each and every time…
09 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: almighty god, as for me and mine, as fruitful as a vine, aura of love, blessed, Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, children, common sense, compassion, confidence, countenance, Creator of the universe, darkness, delights in His commandments, enthusiasm, eternal life, evil, faith, faithful, faithfulness, friends, fruit of thy labour, glorious kingdom, gospel truth, grace, Hallelujah, happy, holy spirit, humble servants, impregnable fortress, invincible, iron sharpens iron, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, lies, light, LOVE, mighty upon the earth, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, New Testament, obedient, Old Testament, olive plants, our Lord and Saviour, pass the test, peace, Praise ye the Lord, priority, proud, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, rest, rest my case, rewards, righteousness., salvation, seek ye first the kingdom of God, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, test our faith, test our mettle, the church of jesus, treasure trove, true believers, trust, ungodly world, useful purpose, we will follow the Lord, wiles, wisdom
Psalm 112:1. Praise ye the Lord (Hallelujah). Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Ah mih people, once again the big day called Monday has come around … It’s come once more to test our mettle, our faith, to see if we have what it takes to successfully make it through this earthly pilgrimage!
But yuh know what friends? As true believers in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we do have the necessary parts, and we WILL pass that test of faith with flying colours! For our mettle is strong an impregnable as a fortress manned by God!
As the Good Book declares, in the wise words of Cousin Sol: ‘Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.’ (Prov.27:17) Yes my brethren, that’s how the body, the church of Jesus Christ operates!
And the scholars offer this explanation. ’27:17. As the proper tool shapes and sharpens iron for its desired use, so a man sharpens his friend morally and intellectually by their personal friendship.’
Now I do hope we are all doing that, today and every day, and you’re not making me a liar when I proclaim it. (smile) But nonetheless, it’s Monday, meaning it’s time to rise and shine and make our way to our places of labour, wherever it may be.
And I know we’re only human, so we’re not always up to scratch on this the first day of the new work week, that’s why we have our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to wake us up, to raise our adrenalin levels and get us going to face the world with faith and courage. So let’s put down a good rendition today, make our choirmaster, Jesus, and all the hosts of heaven proud of us.
All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Glory be, mih breddren, that was magnificent! As Jesus enthusiastically twirled His baton, He looked back at the Father with a big smile on His handsome face and winked. As if to say: ‘That’s my people, and I’m oh so proud of them!’
Now friends, let’s go out into the evil and ungodly world that surrounds us and make Jesus really proud of us by being obedient to His will, being living examples of His gospel, salt and light to the world, so that others will see our joy and prosperity and come to Him for salvation and eternal life!
And today we have a wonderful Bit that holds awesome promises from our awesome God. ‘Praise ye the Lord (Hallelujah). Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.’
And those words are ever so true my fellow believers! The righteous person; the one who holds our God in great awe and reverence and delights in His commandments will be truly blessed! Glory to God!
And the psalmist continues: ‘His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth (stands, lasts) for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.’ (Ps.112:2-4)
Oh my precious people, you see what is in store for the righteous person and for his descendants? Wealth and power, as well as the godly attributes of grace and compassion. Brother, what a treasure trove a man can reap by being obedient and faithful to our ever-faithful God!
And if you think that that isn’t true because it comes from the Old Testament, then listen to Jesus declare the very same thing in the New Testament. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33) Yes people, when we make God and His kingdom our first priority in this life, then we’ll want for nothing!
Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that life will be all wine and roses, but it will be certainly better, with true peace and joy in our hearts and souls than if we were to follow the foolish fallen angel Beelzebub!
Now listen to a couple of other scriptures which declare the same thing, starting with the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. ‘Blessed are the undefiled in the way (the blameless), who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.’ (Ps.119:1-3) More gospel truth friends!
And we’ll end with these awesome words from Psalm 128 – The rewards of faithfulness. ‘Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands (fruit of thy labour): happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides (in the heart) of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.’ (Ps.128:1-4)
I rest my case people! Much LOVE!
…but as for me and mine…hn!…we will definitely follow the Lord…for that’s not only common sense…but wisdom from on high…
06 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abuse God's name, asaph, atonement, attitude, Babylonian captivity, berate, birds chirping, blessed day, blessings, boldface, castigate, children of God, Christ-like path, comeuppance, Controller, Creator, deliver us, deliverance, desolation of Jerusalem, early mornings, evil, eyewitnesses, fools, forgiveness, Friday chant, friends, fun, futility, generous help, glorious kingdom, grace, heathen enemies, help, humiliation, intercession, Jesus Christ, laments, late nights, live it up, LOVE, make fun of god, materialistic behaviour, mercy, misery, no need to fear, O God of our salvation, offspring of Lucifer, petition to god, purge away our sins, recognized God's existence, redemption, refreshed, relaxation, remove god from our society, renewed, repenting, rest, retribution, revenge, revenging of the blood, safely through, salvation, shun, sinfulness, songs of praise, sufferation, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the destruction of Jerusalem, the error of your ways, the glory of thy name, the lusts of the flesh, the tender mercies of God, the weekend, to go to bed late is to be up early, turning to god, ungodly world, welcome you, where is their God, wisdom, with open arms
Psalm 79:9. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away (provide atonement for) our sins, for thy name’s sake.
Well friends, it was just one of those days; one of those interesting, divinely blessed days when everything just seems to go right! Glory to God! Oh, there were a few hiccups, a few bumps along the way, but none too serious to overcome or simply absorb. (smile)
Yes precious people, yesterday was indeed a good day in the ole fella’s life; busy, but not frustratingly so. And it’s strange that those sort of days simply morph into real late nights, or very early mornings. For as Willie Shakespeare was won’t to say; to go to bed late is to be up early.
And I had to chuckle when I heard the birds chirping their early morning songs of praise as I was going to bed this morning. Now that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it! (smile)
But I’m sure you all don’t really care because it’s Friday, and I can hear all the hoopla about ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! The weekend has finally come and we going to live it up as much as possible! Thank God for Fridays and the weekend yes!’
Ah mih breddren, that is the wrong attitude to have towards the weekend. It’s not just for play, as so many of us seem to believe, but for a combination of things, including rest and renewal for the following week.
And to help us better understand the purpose of the weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant, which lays out a more positive, sensible and Christ-like path. All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Now that sounds more like the right way to use the weekend, not simply for partying and satisfying the lusts of the flesh!
That brings us to our Bit, which is certainly an interesting verse of scripture. ‘Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away (provide atonement for) our sins, for thy name’s sake.’
Here, the psalmist Asaph, in his prayer for the destruction of heathen enemies, pleads for God’s intercession on the basis of glorifying His holy name. And he continues in the same vein. ‘Wherefore should the heathen (nations, gentiles) say, Where is their God? Let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging (avenging) of the blood of thy servants which is shed.’
And before we go any further, let’s check out the scholar’s take on Psalm 79. ‘Psalm 79. A companion poem to Psalm 74, this psalm laments the destruction of Jerusalem at the time of the Babylonian captivity. The psalm has two distinct parts: expression of the lament to God (vv.1-5) and petition to God for deliverance of His people and retribution on their enemies. (vv.6-13)
Three motives for God to act are cited: the misery God’s people are experiencing (vv.1-4) the tender mercies of God Himself (v.8), and the humiliation brought to his name (v.10) Unlike Psalm 137, which seems to have been written during the Captivity, this psalm was apparently written by eyewitnesses of the desolation of Jerusalem.’
How typical eh friends, that after the wanton sinfulness of Israel, in the time of their comeuppance, they cry out to God for mercy, redemption and revenge. And they boldface enough to use the non-glorification, the humiliation of God’s name as an excuse for His intervention.
But at least the Israelites recognized the existence and power of the heavenly Father, even though somewhat late. However, today, although we are in the same basic plight as the Israelites, undergoing much ‘sufferation,’ we won’t even acknowledge His existence – or rather we acknowledge it, by trying to remove Him from our society.
Foolishly, unlike the Israelites, we figure He is of no earthly use to us. Instead of repenting and crying out to Him for help, since He’s the Creator and Controller of the universe and everything therein, we shun, make fun of, abuse His holy name and relegate Him to the backwaters of our society.
That’s a fool’s wisdom, my brethren! And there certainly are a lot of fools walking around in this evil and ungodly world!
Hopefully, if you are reading this, you are not one of them. Or better yet, if you are one of those unwise people, you will see the error of your ways and repent and come back home to Jesus, where you rightfully belong.
And there’s no need to fear returning to His fold, for He will not berate or castigate you, but welcome you with open arms, showering you with LOVE and tenderness, just like Jesus talked about in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Oh my people, it’s about time we see the lack of wisdom in our sinful, lustful, materialistic behaviour, the futility of trying to erase God from our lives, for He is the One who gives us the very breath of life.
Without Him, His LOVE, forgiveness, mercy, blessings and grace, we are nothing. Let us please remember that and start behaving like the children of God that we are, and not the offspring of the fool Lucifer, as our society is currently reflecting. For turning to God, is indeed the wisdom of all the ages. Much LOVE!
…even in our most sinful state…crying out to God for mercy and forgiveness…is undoubtedly…the wisest thing to do…
05 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a light unto my path, a positive outlook on life, abundance, almighty god, Beelzebub, blessed, blessings, break free, commandment, compassionate heart, corrupt, courage, creativity, darkness, earthly pilgrimage, enlightening the eyes, everlasting light of Jesus, evil, evil minions, eyes of faith, faith, family, favour, find time, flattery, frauds, friends, fulfillment, glory to God, God's supernatural wisdom, health, I am blessed, illuminating our souls, Jesus Christ, lift up, lift up your soul, light of the world, make time, making wise the simple, material world, meditate, mercies, more to be desired than gold, our Lord and Saviour, prayer, promotion, prosper, protection, receive clear direction, reggae ditty, rejoicing the heart, reproofs of instruction, reward, righteousness, Scrip-Bit, self-control, self-discipline, shamans, shine bright, strife-filled world, strong will, study, succeed, success, supernatural strength, sweeter than hony, talent, testimony, the BIBLE, the Book of Life, the fear of the Lord, the Guide Book of Life, the judgements of the Lord, the law, the secret of life, the way of life, the Word of god, Thursday's Blessings, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, ungodly world
Psalm 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Morning mih Scrip-Bit breddren! Another new day has dawned, and we are alive to see it…Glory to God!
And though it’s somewhat cloudy, with rain in the forecast, there’s no need for believers to be overly concerned, since we ALWAYS have the bright, shining everlasting light of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ illuminating our souls, to lead and guide us safely through the darkness of this evil and ungodly world.
And all God’s children declared a loud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord!’
And talking about shining, I heard this li’l reggae ditty last night titled ‘Lift up your soul,’ by Kaisha Lee.
It contained a wonderful chorus that went something like this: ‘Shine bright, lift your heart up; lift your soul up; lift your smile up. Shine bright, lift your heart up; lift your soul up; lift yourself up. Why don’t you break free and lift your heart up; lift your soul up, lift your smile up. You know that you want to. You know that you got to… Shine bright…’
Yes friends, we’re supposed to shine bright because Jesus considers us the light of the world, and we do need to break free from the chains of this corrupt and material world and lift up our hearts, our souls and our basic selves to a standard that’s approved by our Leader Jesus Christ.
And since today is Thursday, let’s prepare ourselves to receive the new mercies and blessing our great and gracious God is getting ready to send our way, by declaring our Thursday’s Blessings, because, remember, a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken over someone.
As one now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Ah mih people, how can Beelzebub ever hope to defeat us when we are so well surrounded and bolstered by all those blessings of Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of this universe eh? No way Jose!
The only problem now is that have to believe it, see the blessings coming to pass through our eyes of faith. That brings us to our Bit, which rather appropriately has to do with light and guidance. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’
What a wonderful and true bit of scripture my fellow believers. The Word of our God is indeed a lamp and a light to guide us safely through this world. The Bible is the Guide Book of Life and Living in this crazy and strife-filled world. It contains answers to every question and every situation that we can face in this earthly pilgrimage. But we won’t know those answers unless we read it my brethren.
And strangely and sadly, it can be so difficult to get supposed believers to read the Word of God. I don’t know why. We claim to be believers, and that the Bible is important, but for some unholy reason we can’t seem to find the time to read it.
Friends, let me let you into a little secret: you don’t find time to read God’s Word; you MAKE time to read it! Just like you make time for all the other activities in your life, you need to make time to find out how to live this life.
And that’s a simple reason why so many supposed Christians are having untold problems in their lives; they refuse to read the Word to find the answers to their problems, and instead rely on all the frauds, the shamans and all the other ungodly counsellors and directives of the world.
Wake up nuh precious people of God! You can’t know what God has to say unless you communicate with Him through His Word and prayer!
And hear how Cousin Sol puts it in his warning against adultery. ‘For commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman (seductress).’ (Prov.6:23-24)
Truer words were never spoken my fellow believers! Until we have a lamp filled with oil and a clean glass covering so that we can clearly see the way, we will always falter in the consuming darkness of this evil world.
Lucifer and all his evil minions read and study and meditate on their tomes of evil, so that they can become even more evil than they already are. So why can’t we do the same with our directives for righteousness eh?
And we’ll end with Bruh David’s take on the subject from Psalm 19 –The creation and covenants of God. ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting (restoring) the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yes than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the (drippings of) the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in the keeping of them there is great reward.’ (Ps.19:7-12)
Oh my people, I can’t put it any better than that! And Bruh David knew exactly what he was talking about because he lived it. Why are we so presumptuous to think that we know better eh?
Anyway, nuff said for today! I implore us to ponder it all and to make the wise and sensible decision to get seriously involved in God’s Word, for that is the only way to successful living. Much LOVE!
…only in the Book of Life…can one find…the secret to the good life…
28 Apr 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a positive outlook on life, a strong will, Abraham Isaac and Jacob, abundance, asaph, be acceptable in thy sight, clear direction for my life, come to know Jesus, courage, creativity, curse, devastating circumstances, disobedience, divine protection, everlasting love, family, favour, friends, fulfillment, gladness, glory to God, God was their rock, God's supernatural wisdom, gospel truth, he shall stand at the last day, health, honour, I am blessed, I know that my Redeemer lives, in the name of Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lucifer, negative word, our Lord and Saviour, our part to play, prince of darkness, promotion, prosper, punishment, return void, self-control, self-discipline, succeed, success, supernatural strength, talent, the God of his fathers, the high god their redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the meditation of my heart, the mighty One of Jacob, the Old Testament, the words of my mouth, Thursday Blessings, Top o' the morn, truth
Job 19:25. For I know that my Redeemer (lit. Kinsman) liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth.
Well hello there you beautiful believers! Top o the morn! Don’t worry that it’s somewhat cloudy, our God will drive away the clouds from our lives and allow the bright sunlight of His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to enter therein and calm all of our fears and sorrows.
Oh give Him many thanks and much praises my people for His wonderful ways to the children of men!
Can you imagine what our situation would be like if He was a harsh and judgmental God, like some of the many false gods that abound today, instead of the caring and compassionate Deity that He is? Crapaud would surely smoke we pipe!
Anyway, thankfully He is a most LOVING and kind God and showers us with blessings each and every day. And since it’s Thursday, and a blessing is not a blessing until it is spoken, let’s declare our Thursday Blessings over ourselves with plenty vim, vigour and sincerity.
All together now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Yes friends, sometime soon now blessings will just follow us and overtake us… Glory to God!
But as always, remember that we have our part to play in this relationship with Almighty God, so let’s get out there and do it this Thursday morning nuh; give others a chance to come to know Jesus and His everlasting LOVE.
And why are assured that we can do whatever is necessary to accomplish that task? Because as Job so boldly proclaimed in our Bit: ‘For I know that my Redeemer (lit. Kinsman) liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth.’
Yes friends, Job didn’t know Jesus, the actual Redeemer, but he certainly knew the God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who made him and cared for him, despite his then current devastating circumstances.
And yuh better believe he exuded a lot of faith with those words he solemnly and truthfully declared. I don’t know how many of us would be able to do and say the same things under similar circumstances.
Now all I want to do today is highlight some scriptures from the Old Testament that deal with the Redeemer, beginning with these memorable words of Bruh David from Psalm 19 – The creation and covenants of God. ‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength (my rock), and my redeemer.’ (Ps.19:14)
Oh my people, we all know those words and say them fairly often, but is the sincerity there when we mouth them? For all of our sakes, I sincerely hope so, otherwise our prayer is meaningless.
Now listen to the psalmist Asaph, as he recounts Israel’s punishment for their disobedience, and their eventual turning back to God from Psalm 78 – A reminder of God’s goodness to Israel.
‘When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early (diligently sought) after God. And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.’ (Ps.78:34-35)
Oh my brethren, are we behaving like the Israelites of old, only turning to God when He slays us? I think we’re behaving worse than them, for they at least learned their lesson, even though their hearts still wasn’t right with Him.
Unfortunately though, in today’s world, even though the Lord slays us, not necessarily literally, but certainly figuratively, we are still so stubborn and hard headed that we refuse to turn to Him and keep on following the foolish ways of Lucifer, the prince of darkness.
That’s definitely not very wise my friends, since Lucifer is a fallen angel. But each individual is responsible for their actions and will pay whatever price He determines is necessary.
And Isaiah, while talking about the judgement of Babylon, declares thus: ‘As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.’ (Is.47:4.)
And that’s gospel truth friends, as we all found out when Jesus Christ redeemed us by sacrificing His holy and sinless life on the cross on our behalf.
And we’ll close with another scripture passage from Isaiah, this one, when he talks about Israel being restored to Zion. ‘And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.’ (Is.49:26)
Now, with those words of indisputable truth, speaking to our hearts precious people, lets go out today and do the Lord’s will with honour and gladness nuh, so that His Word does not return void. Much LOVE!
…without the timely redemption of our Redeemer…Jesus Christ…our mortal lives would have been of little significance…
25 Apr 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a doer of the work, a forgetful hearer, adrenalin, attitude towards work, aura of love, Christian, complaining, confidence, death, enthusiasm, evil, followers of Christ, free from the law of sin, friends, fun, glorious kingdom, gospel truth, heart, holy spirit, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, lies, life in the Spirit, LOVE, mankind's fallen nature, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, no condemnation, peace, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, righteousness., salvation, shall be blessed in his deed, sinful flesh, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, the law of the Spirit, the perfect law of liberty, the principles of sin, the things of the flesh, the things of the Spirit, treasure, truth, ungodly world, walk after the flesh, whining, win souls for Christ, wisdom
James 1:25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (in what he does).
Awright friends, it’s Monday morning, so let’s get up and get ourselves ready to go to work nuh. No whining and complaining about how we feeling sick and tired and otherwise. We know that we have to go back to work every Monday morning, so it behooves us to get ourselves together for that time.
And especially as followers of Christ, we shouldn’t be full of whimpering excuses for not wanting to work. Jesus is sick and tired of us and our less than Christian attitude towards work. So let’s throw all of that out the window, and instead sing a rich and moving rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.
As one earthly choir, but sounding heavenly, with Jesus as our choirmaster, let’s sing: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Now that was most excellent my people! Jesus was very pleased. Yuh see how we can come up to scratch when we need to, and when we put our hearts and souls in it. Now let’s go out into that wicked and foolish world and use that adrenalin that’s currently pumping through our veins and bodies to help us do what we’re supposed to do; win souls for Christ!
And we’re going to continue with the Bit of the last few days. ‘But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (in what he does).’
And that’s gospel truth! That’s the way our God operates; you do what He desires and He blesses you.
Now we’ll continue looking at some of the passages that the scholars referenced when they spoke about the ‘perfect law of liberty.’ ‘It is a law of liberty because it frees from the principles of sin and death.’ And one of the references for that was this one, where Bruh Paul talks to the Roman church about ‘Life in the Spirit.’
‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for (on account of) sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
That the righteousness (righteous requirement of) the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh, do mind (set their minds on) the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.’ (Rom.8:1-5)
Yeh friends, that’s as simple as it gets. Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of sin, through righteousness. But we have to give up the things of the flesh and live by the things of the Spirit if we want to accomplish that wonderful ideal.
Now here are a couple of notes from the scholars. ‘8:1. Many manuscripts omit “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” They don’t say why, but it seems that the sentence is better explained with those last few words.
‘8:3. Law…was weak: There is nothing inherently wrong with the law. The presence of sin renders the believer powerless to do what the law demands. The likeness of sinful flesh: Christ was truly human but not a sinner. (2 Cor.5:21).’
So my brethren, we see that the basic problem with mankind is his fallen nature, his sinful leanings based on the lusts of his flesh. That’s what Jesus came to correct through the righteousness of those who believe in Him, and live according to the law of His Holy Spirit, not in accordance with man’s fleshly lust.
And as Jesus said: ‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt.6:21) That means if we are bent on seeking earthly treasure, then our hearts will be grounded in the world and the things of the flesh.
However, if, as Jesus desires, we are more concerned with seeking heavenly treasure, then our hearts will be set on the things of heaven, the things of Jesus, and we’ll be living by the law of His Spirit, not by that of man, and the prince of darkness, Lucifer.
And we’ll conclude today with that most important aspect of our Christian faith. Now let’s show the world as we go forth today, that our treasures and our hearts are indeed set on the things of heaven and not those of earth, for that is indeed true wisdom. Much LOVE!
…the treasures of earth are corruptible…but those of heaven are incorruptible…and thus much better for laying up…
22 Apr 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a doer of the work, a forgetful hearer, authority, blessed in his work, blessings, burden, Christian, Christians, commandments, contentment, Corville Peters, difficult circumstances, earth, faith, faithfulness, fellowship, fete, Friday chant, friends, fun, generous help, glorious kingdom, hate, hate met love, heaven, heaven met earth, Jesus' work, kingdom of heaven, labour, Law, Live at the Cross, LOVE, moderation, one jot, one tittle, plan of God, practice what you preach, principles of the law, refreshed, relaxation, renewed, rest, revitalization, reward, slaving, sweat, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, the perfect law of liberty, the souls of men, the weekend, time to party, true believers, truth, verily, vocation, week of work, wisdom, worship
James 1:25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (in what he does.
Well mih people, the day that we all seem to crave has finally come around again – it’s Friday!
And you know that means joyful shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! The weekend’s here! No more labour, no more sweat! Time to party, time to fete! Thank you God for Fridays and the two days off from slaving for massa! Only wish everyday was Friday!’
Yeh friends, don’t we all wish that everyday was Friday. Only thing about that is if we didn’t work, we wouldn’t eat nor have a roof over our heads. So though it sounds real good, it’s not practical in the real world. Neither is too much partying and feting. Moderation and contentment should be our motto, not extremes.
Anyway, since today is Friday, let’s chant our Friday Chant, which gives us a much better perspective on the use of the weekend. As one chanter now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Yes my brethren, the weekend ought to be one of rest and revitalization and worship, with elements of partying so that we can have the necessary wherewithal to go back out next week, strong and ready to do Jesus’ work.
And here I want to mention a little thing I heard brother Corville (Corville Peters) from the Christian call in t.v. show ‘Live At the Cross,’ say recently. He said: ‘At the cross, where heaven met earth, and hate met LOVE, and LOVE overcame.’
Oh friends, how true that all is! Whenever hate meets LOVE, LOVE will ALWAYS prevail, because LOVE is by far the stronger of the two emotions. To LOVE under difficult and unfair circumstances as we Christians are supposed to do, is not easy.
And that’s why for some of us, LOVING is more difficult to do than hating. But LOVE is what we should be all about, because that’s our vocation as true believers in Jesus Christ.
And with those awesome words of wisdom, (smile) let’s turn to out Bit. ‘But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (in what he does.’ More words of indisputable truth my friends!
And we’ll continue where we left off yesterday with Christ talking about the law, that He didn’t come to destroy it but to fulfill it. ‘For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot (Gr. iota) or one tittle (smallest stroke in a Hebrew word) shall in no wise (by no means) pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.’ (Matt.5:18)
And the scholars explain that thus: ‘5:18. Verily I say is a unique form used by Jesus throughout His preaching to draw attention to the authority of His message.
Verily (Gr. amen) means “truly” or “certainly.” It is used as a designation of authoritative teaching. One jot or one tittle refers to the most minute letter and marks of the Hebrew alphabet.
He explained that even the smallest statement in the law must be fulfilled. A “jot” (yodh) is the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It functions as a Y in English and looks similar to an apostrophe. A tittle is a small projection on the edge of certain Hebrew letters to distinguish them from one another.’
So we see friends, that the law is still, and will always be of supreme importance in our lives. And Jesus continues: ‘Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matt.5:19)
And here’s what the scholars have to say about that. ‘5:19. Because of the seriousness of the law, Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping even its smallest details. However, in the ultimate plan of God, the law was not to become an extra burden on the souls of men.
Rather than pointing the way to salvation, the law convinced men of the need of the Saviour. Therefore, whoever shall teach men so but shall not live what he teaches, he shall be made least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach the principles and precepts of the law shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
This simply means that God will reward the faithfulness and effectiveness of our lives, and there will be varying degrees of blessing and reward in heaven.’
Ah mih breddren, yuh see it all comes right back to the old saying, about practicing what we preach. In our Christian faith, it’s not right or lawful to say one thing and then do another.
And in closing today, I want us to ponder our individual lives and see to what extent that is a factor in them, because we all do some of it, at various times, to a certain degree.
And as always, with God’s help, let’s try and banish that sort of behaviour from our lives, for as we can see from Jesus’ teaching, it is a critical aspect in our heavenly rewards and blessings. Much LOVE!
…a practicing Christian…must always try to practice…whatever he or she preaches…
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