23 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: as it is written, divine revelation, doctrine, ear hath not heard, earthly pilgtimage, encompasses everything we hope to be, eternal life, eye hath not seen, fellowship, forgiveness, Friday chant, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, glory to God, grace, great expectations, human contrivance, illumination, in Jesus' name, inspiration, Jesus fills us with truth, Jesus lights our darkness, Jesus shows us the way to walk, LOVE, man's wisdom, massa's labour, mercy, neither have entered into the heart of man, our earthly walk with Jesus, peace, rallying cry, relaxation, responsibility, rest, Revelation, salvation, sincerity, soul body and mind, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, thanks for getting me through another week of work, the BIBLE, the deep things of God, the freedom from labour, the Holy Spirit, the Life, the Light, the physical realm, the promises of Jesus, the Spirit of God, the spirit of man, the Spirit searcheth all things, the spiritual realm, the things God hath prepared for them that love Him, the Truth, the Way, the weekend, treasure of God's revealed truth, truth, unchanging truth of God, undeserving children of men, wisdom
1 Corinthians 2:9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that LOVE him.
Well then mih people, the day that so many of us look forward to, Friday, is finally here…
And a knowing shout goes up to heaven: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! Thank God for the weekend! Thank God for the release from massa’s brutal labour…even if is only for two measly days! Thank God for the freedom from labour!’
Ah Friends the weekend does bring a surcease from labour, but with that freedom also comes the responsibility to use it wisely. And if you don’t know by now, freedom, though it’s a great rallying cry, it is also one of the most difficult things to successfully implement.
And to help us do that this Friday morning in the midst of this autumn season, let’s chant our Friday Chant with sincerity and great expectations. 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 mih breddren, it all comes right back down to Jesus; to our earthly walk with Him! If we’re walking with Him in sincerity and truth, then He will ably assist us in ALL aspects of our lives.
However, if we’re not a true member of His flock, then things won’t be right with us, for as He says, He is indeed the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE…And please don’t forget He’s also the LIGHT!
Now that simply encompasses EVERYTHING or ALL that we are and ever hope to be! He is the One who lights our darkness and shows us the way we ought to walk, so that we can be filled with truth and receive salvation that leads to eternal life. So who or what can be more important than Jesus in our earthly pilgrimage eh Friends?
NOBODY or NOTHING whatsoever!
And until we truly have all of that written deep in our hearts, minds and souls, then our lives won’t be as good as they can be. Yes mih people, without Jesus, our lives are sadly lacking! That’s why it’s ever so necessary for believers to know and to lean faithfully upon His promises.
Promises like this one that’s our Bit today. ‘But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that LOVE him.’
Oh Friends, that’s all so true, the things that God has prepared for those of us who truly and sincerely LOVE Him have not been revealed through the physical realm but in the spiritual!
As Bruh Paul continues to the Corinthians: ‘But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.’ (1 Cor.2:10)
And the scholars have an interesting explanation on that verse. ‘2:10. Revealed …unto us: Unto us is in the emphatic position in Greek, emphasizing the enormous privilege granted the recipients of divine revelation. The magnificent treasure of God’s revealed truth is accessible to the mature believer.’
Oh my brethren, what a wonderful God we serve and worship, who reveals His beautiful truths to us through the medium of His Holy Spirit!
And Bruh Paul continues: ‘For what man knoweth the things of a man, save (except) the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.’ (1 Cor.2:10-13)
Wonder of wonders Friends! Our God connects with us through the immense power of His Holy Spirit that indwells us! Oh glory to God for His undeserving goodness to the children of men!
Now the scholars have some teachings on those verses that will help us better understand them. ‘2:10-13. The apostle deals with three vital doctrines. In verse 10 he touches on the doctrine of revelation. The truth Paul is talking about is contained in the record God has given to us – the Bible. This is the eternal and unchanging truth of God.
Verse 11 deals with the doctrine of illumination, which has to do with human understanding of divine truth. The subject of verses 12 and 13 is the doctrine of inspiration. In verse 12 Paul talks about the content of inspiration. In verse 13 his concern is with the communication of inspiration. Paul’s message was not of human contrivance. He was a channel simply communicating God’s truth (cf. Gal.1:11-12).’
And that’s it for today my brethren. Don’t want to give us too much to ruminate and meditate on this Friday morning, what with our short attention spans and all the other worldly activities that fill our day. (smile)
So until we meet again tomorrow, God willing, may we all walk in His peace and LOVE, grace, mercy and forgiveness, enjoying them ourselves, and more importantly, also sharing them with others, for that is indeed His desire for us and also the wisdom of the ages. Much LOVE!
…how would we understand the things of God without…His revelation…His illumination…and His inspiration…through His Holy Spirit…
16 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a constant hope, a maturing affection for god, a rewarder of them that diligently seek him, adversities, all thanks and praise, another week of work, believers in Jesus Christ, body soul and mind, Bruh Paul, confession, conforming to God's will, conviction, faith, faith is the substance of things hoped for, feeling of assurance, fellowship, fight the good fight of faith, Friday chant, fun, fun and frolic, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, glory hallelujah, godliness, good works, hardships, hold fast the profession of our faith, hope, Jesus Christ, lay hold on eternal life, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, material wealth, maturity in Christ, meekness, obedience to god, patience, perseverance, realization, relaxation, renewed and refreshed, rest, reverence for God, righteousness., shun a love for money, spiritual warfare, steadfastness, stir up each other to good works, stop striving for material wealth, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, thank God for small mercies, the daily struggle with sin, the evidence of things not seen, The Holy Spirit leads and guides, the Son is always present, the weekend, Timothy, to the Lamb that was slain for us, ungodly things of the world, without faith it is impossible to please God, words of wisdom
Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.
Ah mih people, it’s Friday, and the ole fella is feeling fairly wide eyed and bushy tailed because he got a half decent night’s rest. But that means I’m up somewhat late in the morning, and though it’s nice to get up early, it’s always better to get up when the sun is shining rather than when darkness still covers the land. (smile)
And for you early risers, when darkness still permeates the land, I just want to reassure you that though you may not see the sun, the Son is ALWAYS present by your side, with the Holy Spirit assisting you to make good decisions and showing you the right paths to tread.
And all God’s people declared a loud and grateful ‘Glory Hallelujah! All thanks and praise to the Lamb that was slain for us!’
And since most of you have been up before me, most likely you have already expressed your worldly Friday declaration of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, meaning that the weekend is here and the party is getting underway! Thank God for small mercies like Friday and the weekend!’
Now I would like to change that somewhat and give us a better perspective on the whole situation. So let’s chant our Friday Chant nuh, with much conviction and enthusiasm.
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’s more like what we should be saying my people, because the weekend isn’t just for fun and frolic, but also for some serious time with oneself and with one’s Creator.
And we’ll continue with our Bit, those famous words of the author of Hebrews, whom I still can’t help believing is Bruh Paul, because it sounds so much like him. ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’
Positive words of wisdom my people! And we all agree that if we can see something, then there’s no need to hope for it. But if we can’t, then there’s every reason to hope for it and wait patiently and eagerly until it shows up.
And as true believers in Jesus Christ, that’s the kind of faith we need to have Friends; a constant hope that He will come through for us. For you know we can’t have faith without hope. Hope is the starting point of it all, and as it grows, it turns into that strong feeling of assurance, of conviction, that we call faith.
Now here are some potent insights into the subject as related by Bruh Paul to his protégé Timothy. It concerns fighting the good fight of faith.
‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things (love for money, etc. vs.1-10): and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses.’ (1 Tim.6:11-12)
Yes Friends, since we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, then it behooves us to turn away from the lustful and ungodly things of the world and follow the dictates of His Way, which are the things spoken of by Bruh Paul above.
And the scholars offer these insightful explanations. ‘6:11. Flee these things means shun a love for money (v.10) and the striving for material wealth (v.9) with all its resulting woes. Follow after means pursue. Righteousness is practical correctness, conforming to God’s will in one’s thinking and acting.
Godliness is proper reverence for, and obedience to God. Faith is a trust in God that grows stronger. LOVE is a maturing affection for God and man. Patience is perseverance or steadfastness in life and service. Meekness is gentleness.
Now as per ‘6:12. The good fight concerns the daily struggle with sin in the Christian life, and the hardships and adversities in the ministry. A genuine believer demonstrates the reality of his faith by being engaged in this warfare.
Lay hold on eternal life does not negate that fact that a believer now possesses spiritual life (John 3:36); rather, it speaks of fully realizing or appropriating salvation as the believer matures.’
Yes my brethren, it’s all a growing process! So we can begin with small or little faith, but as we progress in our Christian endeavours, our faith ought to grow along the continuum that represents it, until we come to a point of maturity.
However, we never reach that stage here on earth where our faith reaches the end of the continuum and stops growing, because faith is an action word that‘s supposed to be always on the go, keeping us fresh and renewed in the Christian spirit. If our faith ever stops growing, then something’s wrong, and we need to get it checked out by the appropriate authorities; i.e. God!
So until tomorrow Friends, the Lord willing, please let’s try and walk the straight and narrow path today nuh. ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised. And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works.’ (Heb.10:23-24) That is exactly what we are called to do my brethren!. Much LOVE!
…but without faith…it is impossible to please him…for he that cometh to God…must believe that he is…and that he is a rewarder…of them that diligently seek him… (Heb.11:6)
P.S. Sorry Friends, but in between the writing, I had to take an important phone call which lasted for about 20 minutes. So you can subtract twenty minutes from the lateness, because that was not my fault. (smile) Much LOVE!
09 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a better perspective, a just man falleth seven times, a modicum of circumspection, a roaring lion, a sense of purpose, a toehold, be sober, be vigilant, cast thy burden upon the Lord, come up over the enemy, Commit thy way to the Lord, delight thyself in Him, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, fellowship, fire and brimstone, Fret not thyself over evildoers, Friday chant, friends, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, glory and dominion, glory to God, gospel truth, Granny's warning, he may exalt you in due time, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved, he shall sustain thee, his seed begging bread, humble beginnings, humble yourselves in the sight of God, Jesus, kiss and tell, LOVE, Lucifer, make you perfect, merciful, our Lord and Saviour, relaxation, resist steadfast in faith, rest, Rest in him, strengthen, stumble into calamity, thanks for getting me through another week of work, thanksgiving, the devil, the God of all grace, the Lord upholdeth him with his hand, the mighty hand of God, the righteous forsaken, the righteous seed of God, the steps of a good man, the wicked shall fall into mischief, trust in the Lord, we let our hair down, wisdom, your adversary
Psalm 55:22. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).
Well Friends, that long awaited day, Friday, is finally here! And most of us are already shouting ‘Glory to God! TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here, especially this one; this Thanksgiving weekend! Brother! The partying and giving of thanks will be memorable! Thank You again God that it’s Friday!’
Ah Friends, what can I say eh? Not much really. This is indeed the weekend we in Canada celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We do it in October, unlike the Americans, who do it in November. And I have a little secret to share with you. I begun my celebrations yesterday, because it was the duchess’ birthday…
And don’t even venture to ask how old she is! (smile) Remember a lady doesn’t tell her age, just like she doesn’t kiss and tell. Oh I can just feel the fire and brimstone ready to fall on I, if I ever divulge that bit of information! (smile) But I’m a tad smarter than that. Anyway, the celebration wasn’t anything big, just a small family gathering, so there was no need to go overboard.
Now, I would be rather amiss if I did not remind us of Granny’s ever so important warning at times like these. ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’
Oh Friends, I know that it can be a bit of a drag, but it’s a good drag, reminding us not to get ourselves involved in any thing ungodly, or anything that will give the deceitful Lucifer even a toehold in our affairs. And that’s quite easy to do when we let our hair down and behave like we don’t have a care in the world.
Anyway, as usual, to give us a better perspective on how to spend the weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant with a serious sense of purpose nuh. Altogether 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.’
That’s more like it my people! As Jeeves would say, just a modicum of circumspection. And since we can’t ever hope to avoid or resist the tempter on our own, we need to do as our Bit so wisely advises us. ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’
And that’s the gospel truth my people! Remember yesterday, we saw what Bruh David had to say about the situation in Psalm 37; Fret not thyself over evildoers, but Trust in the Lord…Delight thyself in Him…Commit thy way to Him…Rest in Him…
Yes my people, when we do those things we will come up over the enemy EVERY time!
Later on in the Psalm he also made this confident proclamation: ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread. He is ever (always) merciful, and lendeth; and his seed (descendants) is blessed.’ (Ps. 37:23-26)
And Bruh David should know whereof he speaks, because he rose from humble beginnings to be Israel’s most powerful king, not in his own strength, but in the Lord’s! Likewise my brethren, we can also rise from humble beginnings to great heights in God’s realm if we accept His Son Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and faithfully follow His commandments.
Now listen to Cousin Sol’s take on the subject from Proverbs. ‘Lay not wait (do not lie in wait), O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil (assault) not his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity).’ (Prov.24:15-16)
Sure words of wisdom from Cousin Sol my brethren! Regardless of how many times the righteous falls, the Lord will always pick him back up again! What a wonderful promise!
And we’ll end with these wise words from Peter. ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet.5:6-7) More words of truth and wisdom my people!
And here’s a li’l something extra from Peter, that’s especially appropriate for this Thanksgiving weekend. ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in (experienced by) your brethren that are in the world.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm), strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen’ (1 Pet.5:8-11)
That’s Granny’s warning in the long form! (smile) Now Friends, let’s go out and put all that we’ve learned today into action nuh, so that we can all be assessed as the righteous seed of God, for in that there is abundant wisdom! Much LOVE!
…on whom would it make the most sense…to lay all our cares and concerns on… than on the Creator of this universe…the omnipotent Jehovah God…who controls the world…and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…who died to pay for our sins…
02 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new workweek, bounden duty, Bruh Paul, busyness, charlatans, Church of Christ, Colossians, commuting, doctrine, easily led astray, encouragement, endure afflictions, energy, enthusiasm, enticing words, evangelist, exhort, faith, false teachers, feel good, fellowship, feting, Friday chant, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, godliness, good news of Christ, good works, gusto, heap to themselves teachers, I am with you always, in season, in soul body and mind, itchy ears, lest any man should beguile you, long-suffering, LOVE, lusts, New Testament, observe all things I commanded you, out of season, party time, party-animal mentality, peace, preach the word, rebuke, relaxation, renewed and refreshed, reprove, rest, rested, salvation by faith, strengthened, teach all nations, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the daily grind, the end of the workweek, the gospel, the Great Commission, the weekend, this I say, Timothy, turn away their ears from the truth, unto the end of the world, warning, wisdom, with your generous help
Colossians 2:4. And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing (persuasive) words.
And then it was Friday Friends, the day we all seem to LOVE, because it heralds the end of the workweek and the beginning of the weekend, which many of us consider to be party time. (smile)
And thus it leads to the mantra that many of us declare each and every Friday: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! Work will soon be over and then the feting will begin! TGIF! Thank the Lord it’s Friday yes! Ah can’t wait for this work day to be over!’
Ah mih people that state of mind is understandable because of the daily grind and steady task that our work week has become, with all the busyness, the commuting, or rather parking lot highways and byways, that has become such a major part of our modern-day lives.
But the party-animal mentality is definitely not the best one to have each and every Friday, because it diminishes the importance of the weekend and our days off. Our Friday Chant offers a much better perspective on the way our weekend should be used. So let’s chant it now nuh, with plenty enthusiasm and thankfulness.
‘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, our weekends should be spent with elements of godliness and rest along with some amount of partying. But the end product should allow us to be strengthened and rested so that we can go back out fresh on Monday and began a brand new workweek full of gusto, energy, enthusiasm and peace.
Otherwise our week will undoubtedly be rough and dreary. And that is exactly why Bruh Paul found it necessary to often warn his readers about false teachings and teachers, and in our particular case, the Colossians, which is our Bit for today. ‘And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing (persuasive) words.’
And unfortunately my people, our world today is filled with so many charlatans and false teachers with sweet mouths and persuasive words that unless we are well grounded in the Word of God, we can be so easily led astray.
That brings us to Bruh Paul’s warning and encouragement to Timothy. ‘Preach the word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itchy ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.’ (2 Tim.4:2-5)
What wonderful words of advice and wisdom my brethren, for that is exactly what’s happening in these sorry and sorrowful times! People no longer want to hear real truth, but what makes then feel good, and find and follow those who do so.
Listen to some explanations from the scholars. ‘4:1-4. Preach the word: Preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth. Teachers who appeal to itching ears tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. Thus, both shall be turned into fables (myths or legends).’
‘4:5-8. Do the work of an evangelist: Paul commands Timothy to fully discharge his evangelistic ministry by preaching the gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ. Evangelism is viewed by the New Testament writers as an essential task of the New Testament Church.’
And since we are all a part of the New Testament Church of Christ, then it means that we too should be involved in evangelism; leading people to the Saviour by our godly words and godly lifestyle.
Now many of us make the mistake of thinking that it’s only priests and pastor and preachers who should be involved in evangelism, but that’s totally wrong my brethren! Every believer in, and follower of Jesus Christ has the bounden duty to teach the gospel of Christ; the doctrine of salvation by faith, and not by good works.
Christianity can only be spread by teaching, and if you are a Christian, then you are expected to do your part in spreading it. For remember some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always(s), even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt.28:19-20)
And that is exactly what the disciples did my people, otherwise we would never have known about Jesus and His Good News Gospel. Now the duty falls on us to carry on their work, to continue spreading the gospel, until it has reached the four corners of the earth.
So please, let’s go out today and every day that we’re alive and do just that nuh, for it is indeed the wisdom of heaven. Much LOVE!
…ALL believers are expected to uphold the Great Commission of Jesus…
25 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a better perspective, a son is given, an everlasting kingdom, at the end of the day, Counsellor, Daniel in the lion's den, Darius, down at the pub with lads, examples work more forcibly than precepts, fellowship, For unto us a child is born, Friday chant, friends, fun, generous help, glorious kingdom, He must increase, Henry Fielding, I must decrease, in Jesus' name, Isaiah, Jesus, John the Baptist, little Johnny, LOVE, Nebuchadnezzar, no more work, pagan kings, relaxation, rest, School's over, see you when I see you, Son of the Most High, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, thanks for getting me through another week of work, the everlasting Father, the example we set, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the King of heaven, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the zeal of the Lord of hosts, those that walk with pride he abases, time for some cold ones, tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, washing away the soot and grime, wisdom, with a few pints, Wonderful
John 3:30. He must increase, but I must decrease.
Ah mih people, it’s Friday again! That reminds me of a story I recently heard. This primary school teacher asked her first grade class what day it was? And they all shouted Friday!’ ‘And what happens on a Friday’ the teacher continued? ‘School’s over for the week!’ many of them declared.
But little Johnny had his hand up, looking eager to say something. ‘Yes Johnny,’ the teacher says. ‘Tell us your story.’
And this is what Johnny said. ‘Well Miss, at my house on a Friday morning, as my dad is leaving for work, he tells my mom: “Well Mavis, TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! No more nasty work for a couple days!
And as usual, you know where to find me at the end of the day…down at the pub with the lads, washing away the soot and the grime from me insides with a few pints.
Be good now, and take care me darling. See you when I see you.” Then he sighs and declares as he is going through the door: “TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday yes, and it’ll soon be time for some cold ones!”
Ah mih people, it’s a good story, but it’s definitely not the way to finish the workweek or begin the weekend. And what of poor little Johnny eh? What’s he going to do when he grows up?
Most likely the same thing as his father. That’s why we have to be ever so careful about the example we set for our children, because remember they usually do more of what we do than what we say.
‘Examples work more forcibly on the mind than precepts,’ I believe is the way the author of ‘Joseph Andrews,’ Henry Fielding (1707-1754) the English novelist, also the author of ‘Tom Jones’ puts it.
Anyway, let’s delve into a better way to end the workweek and begin the weekend by chanting our Friday Chant. As one 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 my brethren, that presents a much better perspective on the situation than the story above! So let’s pay some serious attention to it, rather than to the drinking parties nuh. (smile)
That brings us to our Bit; the same as yesterday: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ The faithful and fateful words of John the Baptist, when his disciples told him that everybody was going to Jesus to be baptized, accepting that his role was gradually being diminished to make way for Jesus’ to increase, as declared by the Scriptures.
And what I want to do today is quote a couple of meaningful scripture passages, re the rise of Jesus’ role. And we’ll begin with one of the most monumental of scripture passages; this from Isaiah on the birth of the Prince of Peace. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:6-7)
Yes my people, that’s how great the kingdom of Jesus will be! And if you don’t believe Isaiah, then listen to these pagan kings. After Daniel interpreted the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and it came true, where he went mad for seven years because he figured that he was such a hot shot, (Dan.4) then was healed and resumed his rule.
Here’s what he says when he decides to tell the story to the people. ‘I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! And how mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.’ (Dan.4:2-3)
And at the end of the story, he solemnly declares: ‘Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgement (justice): and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.’ (Dan.4:37)
Yes Friends, our God does move in mysterious ways when He’s ready to showcase His awesome powers!
Then after Daniel was placed in the lion’s den and came out unscathed, Darius, another pagan king was filled with wonder and acknowledged. ‘Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men (must) tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in the earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power (hand) of the lions.’ (Dan.6:25-27)
Ah mih people, even the kings of olden times recognized God’s awesome power, but we in these foolish times refuse to even consider, much less accept it. Chuh! How foolish eh! But please remember there are serious consequences for not accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.
And we’ll end with the story of Mary being confronted and comforted by the angel who revealed her upcoming pregnancy with Jesus. ‘And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest (Most High): and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ (Luke 1:30-33)
Yes Friends, the kingdom of Jesus shall have NO END! So please let us get our houses in order NOW, and bow down and sincerely worship Him before it’s too late, for that is everlasting wisdom. Much LOVE!
…in the beginning there was Jesus…and till eternity…there will be Jesus…He will reign for always and always…
P.S. Friends, the Bit is late today because I got wise and went to bed late (early) this morning. (smile) Much LOVE!
11 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: against powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, all them that Love Jesus, Bruh Paul, but against principalities, coerced, demonic forces, evil strategies, exuberant celebrations, fellowship, fodder for the enemy, Friday chant, fun, generous help, get ahead, glorious kingdom, grace, having done all to stand, having your loins girt about with truth, imprison our spirits, Jesus Christ, Labour Day, LOVE, love with faith, Lucifer, maelstrom, make ends meet, pay the price, peace be to the brethren, perseverance, physical warfare, praying always, relaxation, renewed and refreshed, rest, soul body mind, spiritual battle, spiritual warfare, stand our bounce, supplication for the saints, take up the whole armour of God, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the armour of God, the breastplate of righteousness, the evil day is at hand, the evil one, the fiery darts of the wicked one, the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the protective armour of Almighty God, the right perspective, the shield of faith, the spiritual realm, the sword of the Spirit, the weekend's here at last, the Word of god, walk safely in god's light, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, week of work, whirlpool of madness, withstand in the evil day
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world (age), against spiritual (hosts of ) wickedness in high places.
And then it was Friday…
And obviously the shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! The weekend’s here at last!’ are heard everywhere. And even though it’s been a short week, only four days, a lot of us are extremely happy to see it because we’re pretty tired from the exuberant Labour Day celebrations on Monday, then right to work without a refreshing break.
But Friends, if we want to party too heartily, knowing that work is right around the corner, then we will have to stand our bounce and pay the price it calls for. Anyway, the weekend is upon us, and we’re all glad that it’s here, so let’s chant our Friday Chant to find the right perspective, so we don’t mess up our lives any further. (smile)
As one 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.’
Ah Friends, I do hope we take that simple prayer seriously, because one of the negative things in our crazy world is that everyone is so busy and consequently so tired, trying to make ends meet or simply get ahead in this maelstrom, this whirlpool of madness, that our world’s become.
But my people, we have to be careful in this apparent madness, because it is not all instantaneous and/or unplanned. Not on your life! The evil one and his associates have planned a lot of it to throw us off balance, get us weary and disappointed and thus more easily coerced into their evil strategies and schemes.
And thankfully, our Bit so wisely informs us: ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world (age), against spiritual (hosts of) wickedness in high places.’
Yes Friends, physical warfare is not the only kind that’s widespread in our world, but an even more vicious and threatening and dangerous one is being waged in the spiritual realm. This one to capture, enslave and imprison our spirits and souls in a dark and wicked dungeon controlled by Lucifer and his evil forces, from which the chances of escape are rather slim.
That’s why, as we saw yesterday, Bruh Paul strongly advised the Ephesians. ‘Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph.6:13)
And believe me my brethren, we need to take that advice today even more seriously than the Ephesians, because the evil day is at hand!
Yes my fellow believers, the powers of evil and darkness are in the ascendance right now. Oh so sadly, they are indeed holding sway in our confused and troubled world, that’s why we so badly need to put on the protective armour of God, for that’s the only thing that will offer us protection from the attacks and machinations of the dark and evil powers.
And what, you ask, is this armour of God that’s so powerful to protect us from Beelzebub? As believers in Jesus Christ, we should all know it, but I’ll let Bruh Paul refresh our memory.
‘Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (having girded your waist) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (an eagerness and willingness to take the fight to the devil).
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph.6:14-18)
Yes Friends all that protection is absolutely necessary in the spiritual battle against the evil and demonic forces of this ungodly world!
And you’ll notice how Bruh Paul lays it out just like the armour of a soldier going into battle, with a helmet, a breastplate, waist securely girded, with proper shoes to handle the terrain, a shield, and a trusty sword, all backed by the power of prayer.
Oh my people, without the armour of God, we are simply fodder for the enemy. He will cut us down like a sharp scythe cuts grass or a lawnmower mows it; with no problems at all. So please, please let’s be wise and take this most important advice to heart nuh, provided you want to be saved from the unpleasant advances of the wicked world.
That’s enough for now. Tomorrow we’ll continue looking at the wonderful protective armour of God, delve into it a little deeper. Till then, please walk safely in God’s light.
Or as Bruh Paul would say: ‘Peace be to the brethren, and LOVE with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that LOVE our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.’ (Eph.6:23-24).
Much, much LOVE my people!
…one cannot walk this wicked earth safely…unless one has on the protective armour of Almighty God…that’s a proven fact…
04 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living
Tags: a miserable experience, another week of work, Beelzebub, befuddled mind, corrections, dead in trespasses, divine punishment, ethnic groups, evil, faith, fellowship, for His great love, Friday chant, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, Gentiles, God who is rich in mercy, God's power, going down the wrong path, going to bed early is for the birds, grace, grin and bear it, hostile to God, in Jesus' name, Jews, labouring for massa, lifestyles, LOVE, Lucifer, made alive, mercy, opposed to God, philosophies, preparing for a fantastic time, pull up our bootstraps, quickened, relaxation, renewed and refreshed in soul body and mind, rest, right perspective, Satan, sinful children, sinners, stubborn, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, the children of disobedience, the children of wrath, the course of this world, the dictates and wishes of Satan, the gift of God is eternal life, the long and short of the story, the lusts of our flesh, the prince of power of the air, the rules of God, the straight and narrow path, the wages of sin is death, the weekend's here at last, the world system, through Jesus Christ our Lord, time for thought, unconditional LOVE, ungodly, values, walking in disobedience, wherewith God loved us, wicked, wisdom, with God's help, with the help of Jesus
Ephesians 2:4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great LOVE wherewith he LOVED us.
Oh Friends, this going to bed early business is truly for the birds yes! Steups! I tried it last night – not that early, but earlier than my usual time – and was it ever a miserable experience.
Ah Lord eh! I got up several times during the night, turned and tossed, trying to find a comfortable position, but all to no avail. And being stubborn, I refused to get up, claiming I needed the rest as an excuse. Hn, hn! Well I got the rest, but I woke up feeling lousy, more tired than when I went to bed.
Ah mih breddren, what yuh going to do eh? Just grin and bear it and move on with the help of Jesus. And that’s my gripe for today. (smile) But wait nuh, today is Friday, isn’t it?
And the response to that question assured me that it was indeed Friday. ‘But what’s wrong with you boy? How come yuh don’t know today is Friday eh? Can’t you hear everybody shouting ‘TGIF. Thank God is Friday, and the weekend’s here at last? You’re possibly the only one not shouting that and preparing for a fantastic time! But later for you yes, we have preparations to make!’
And the throng moved away loudly mouthing ‘TGIF! Thank You Father God for Friday’s yes!’
Well I have been told, haven’t I? (smile) And I lay it all at the feet of going to bed early and getting up late with a befuddled mind. Anyway, to bring everything back into right perspective, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much enthusiasm and true sincerity.
‘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.’
Ah mih people, that ought to give us pause, time for a little thought on how we’re going to spend our weekend, the valuable couple days off from labouring for massa.
That brings us to our Bit, a simple sentence, but one chocked full of meaning and glorious importance. ‘But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great LOVE wherewith he LOVED us.’ Yes Friends, it all comes right down to God’s unstinting and unconditional LOVE for us sinful children.
The earlier verses of this chapter, which deal with grace and faith, have us looking real terrible. ‘And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world (age), according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Among whom also we all had our conversation (conducted ourselves) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath. (Eph.2:1-3)
And what does all of that mean eh my people? Listen to the scholars. ‘2:1. Quickened means “made alive.” In 1:19 Paul prays for his readers to recognize what God’s power has done in them. As part of the answer to this prayer, verses 1-10 inform them of some of the effects divine might has accomplished in them.’
‘2:2. Ye walked means “you lived.” The course of this world: The word course signifies the tendencies, thoughts, pursuits, deeds, and so on, that characterize the present period of history. “This world” (kosmos) means “world system,” that is, those philosophies, values, and lifestyles that are opposed to God and hostile to Him.
Before conversion the Ephesians used to conduct themselves in accordance with such ungodly values. The prince of the power of the air may be read “the ruler of the kingdom in the air.” They also used to live by the dictates and wishes of Satan.’
‘2.3. We all had our conversation means “we all conducted ourselves.” In contrast to “ye” in 2:2 which refers to Gentiles, note the “we” of this verse, which refers to Jews. In essence Paul admits, “We Jews were no better than you Gentiles – both ethnic groups were sinful.” Children of wrath refers to people subject to divine punishment.’
Oh Friends, I know that some of those explanations can be a bit taxing, but the long and short of the story is that before God shone His wonderful LOVE on us, we were all a bunch of unworthy and terrible sinners, regardless of our ethnic situation.
However, and very sadly and disappointing too, two thousand years after God showered His LOVE on us through Jesus, we are reverting to that same position, worshipping the ‘prince of the power of the air,’ Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub, whatever you choose to call him.
And right now our world can again be termed as ‘children of wrath,’ because we are so wicked and evil and ungodly and deserving of divine punishment. It’s definitely not a nice picture we paint today my brethren, and we have to pull up our bootstraps very soon, if we don’t want to be victims of that divine punishment.
For believe it or not, divine punishment ALWAYS comes to those who insist on thwarting the rules of God and walking in total disobedience to His Holy will, as we are currently doing. History proves it.
So as we end today, please, let’s make it our first priority to check our individual lives and see where we may be going down the wrong path, the wide and unfortunate one, instead of the straight and narrow one that leads to Jesus, and make any corrections that are necessary, with God’s help of course. For that my brethren, is the true meaning of wisdom. Much LOVE!
…for the wages of sin is death…but the gift of God is eternal life…through Jesus Christ our Lord… (Rom.6:23)
28 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a modicum of circumspection, be strong and of a good courage, clears our paths, confidence, do the Lord's will, ever-faithful, evil thoughts, faith, fear not, fellow believers in Christ, fellowship, Friday chant, friends, fun, garrulousness, generous help, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, glory to God, grace, He will not fail thee neither forsake thee, heirs with Jesus, in Jesus' name, invade your soul, Jay Douglas, jehovah god, Jesus carried me on His shoulders, Leroy Sibbles, let your guard down, let your hair down, LOVE, Lucifer, makes straight our ways, Merry Ole England, my grace is sufficient for thee, my Saviour, my strength is made perfect in weakness, nor be afraid of them, on the Lakeshore, perspective, Reggae music, relaxation, rest, smile, strong loving arms, tempestuous world, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the C.N.E, the Canadian National Exhibition, the fight is the Lord's, the fight's not ours, the Lord goes before us, the Lord thy God, the Lord thy God goes with thee, the Lord's bidding, the weekend's here, trust, unconditional LOVE, ungodly world, wicked ways
Deuteronomy 31:6. Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Well Friends, at last it’s Friday… And that statement, as usual, is greeted by joyful shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday, and the weekend’s here! Glory Hallelujah! The heavy labouring is done for two days. Now it’s my time to let my hair down and do my own thing. Thank You again Lord for Friday!’
Yes mih people, it’s our time to do what we want now, but please be careful, for when you let your hair down, you also let your guard down, which gives the ole crook Lucifer a possible avenue to invade your soul with his evil thoughts and wicked ways.
And we definitely don’t want that to happen, so let’s chant our Friday Chant which gives us a somewhat better perspective on how to spend our weekend.
Please chant with me. ‘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.’
Yeh Friends, a small modicum of circumspection – not a big one (smile) is necessary when we consider how we’re going to spend our short but oh so valuable weekends.
But let me let you all into a li’l secret here. For many people in Toronto and the surrounding area, the weekend actually began last night; yes Thursday night, with some rocking Reggae music down on the Lakeshore.
Yeh mih breddren, last night was Reggae Night down at the Ex; the C.N.E; the Canadian National Exhibition, that big, annual country fair that happens during late August and early September. I’m sorry, but to me it has always been just a big country fair, with hucksters of every nature and rides of different kinds. To me it’s always been more about children. I’ve only been to it about two or three times in my entire Canadian sojourn.
However Friends, with an interesting evening of Reggae promised down by the Bandshell of the Ex, the ole fella put on his brand new knee supports – bought them a couple weeks ago when my knees were acting up, but never used them – and along with my trusty ole cane – which just hangs up on my stairs for most of the time – I boldly and confidently ventured down to the Exhibition grounds, via the Go Train with the Duchess and a young cousin from Merry Ole England.
Now the walk from the Go Train Station to the Bandshell was indeed plentiful, but with my props I had no problems. And it was indeed a very rewarding evening, for local boy Jay Douglas and once upon a time Torontonian Leroy Sibbles of Heptones fame mash up the place with some lively and lovely roots music, such that I haven’t heard in many a day.
Reminded me of the times back in the seventies and eighties when T.O was a real Reggae Town, with numerous local Reggae bands, possibly the biggest and best outside of J.A.
Now that I believe was also my first real outing for the summer, and most likely my last. (smile) But it was certainly worth it, as me and my trusty ole cane partied down the place. Obviously not as heartily as once possible, but heartily enough to satisfy my soul.
The fairly large crowd was rocking – everybody stood up when Leroy came on – and sang boisterously to all the old songs from way back when. What better way to spend a somewhat cloudy summer evening down by the lake eh Friends? None really!
The rough part though began on the walk back to the train station. But as always my fellow believers in Christ, when my Saviour saw that it was getting a tad difficult for the ole fella, He just took me up in His strong, LOVING and comfortable arms, placed me on His broad shoulders and carried me safely back to the station. O Glory to God!
And you all wonder why I LOVE Him so much! That’s why; because He NEVER let’s me down, NEVER leaves me in the lurch, NEVER allows me to carry more than I can bear. Praise His Holy and ever-faithful name Friends!
And you’d think that my knees would be a mess this morning, but they’re not. It’s my back that’s acting up, because I laid in bed for too long. Steups! Explain that to me nuh.
Now I guess with all that garrulousness, it doesn’t leave much time nor space for our Bit. (smile) And it’s rather an appropriate one. ‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’
Yes my brethren, in this extremely tempestuous world, it is indeed necessary for us to be strong and of a good courage, because it’s rough out there. But thankfully the fight’s not ours, it’s the Lord’s. He it is who goes before us and clears our paths, makes straight our ways and imbues us with His strength and awesome grace.
So we don’t have to be afraid of anything or anybody, once we’re in thick with the Lord God Jehovah, once we’re one of His heirs with Jesus, to His heavenly kingdom.
Now I could have said yesterday that the walk and otherwise would be too long and difficult, and just stayed at home and be disappointed about missing the show. But the Lord caused a strong faith and strength to rise up in me, and I went merrily along my way, confident that He would enable me to do whatever was necessary.
Oh my people, please let that same confidence and faith and trust in our wonderful and omnipotent God be in us today, as we obediently go out to do His bidding and His will, bringing His Word and His unconditional LOVE for ALL to this ungodly world. Do not be afraid or anxious, for He WILL enable us to do whatever He desires of us. ALWAYS remember that. Much LOVE!
…my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength (power)…is made perfect in weakness (weaknesses)… (2 Cor.12:9)
21 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all things are lawful unto me, all things do not edify, bondage, Bruh Paul, build up, but not all things are expedient, Christ's work, Christian behaviour, Christian Liberty, Christian's own judgement, circumscribe, Corinthians, debauchery, edify, expediency, expedient, fellowship, fresh like a daisy, Friday chant, friends, fun, generous help, glorious kingdom, go crazy, go overboard, I will not be brought under the power of any, indulgence, Jesus Christ, Judaistic legalism, lawful, liberty, live balanced lives, LOVE, perspective, power, principles, refreshed, relaxation, renewed vitality, rest, restrictions, right decisions, right in the sight of God, self-control, straight and narrow path, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the Corinthians, the weekend, tiresome labour, vim and vigour, what is acceptable to God, wisdom
1 Corinthians 6:12. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient (helpful): all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (anything).
And then it was Friday Friends! Not soon enough for some, but nevertheless they declare in loud and joyful voices: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! Wow! The weekend’s here at last, and I’m just going to go crazy over those two days away from tiresome labour! Thank You God for this Friday yes!’
Ah mih people, it is right to be happy over the two days off of work, but by the same token, we just can’t use them to go overboard, because then we’ll be of no use to anybody, including ourselves, come the beginning of the new workweek. And as believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ, we are expected to live balanced lives.
For Remember what Bruh Paul says to the Corinthians in our Bit. ‘All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient (helpful): all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (anything).’
Yes Friends, it’s not everything that’s lawful is right for us to do. As we saw in our recent Bit, ‘proving what is acceptable unto the Lord,’ we have to analyze every decision and see whether it’s acceptable to God or not. So though some of them might be lawful, they might not be acceptable to God. And wasting away the weekend in debauchery is certainly not acceptable to God. (smile)
Now the scholars give us a good explanation of that verse. ‘6:12. Paul’s principles may be summarized in three words: Lawful, expedient, and power. The first is the principle of liberty. When Paul says “all things,” we cannot take this in an absolute sense. Obviously, what God forbids can never be allowed.
Rather, it refers to those things about which the Scriptures are not explicit. Such matters are left to the Christian’s own judgement. The apostle is careful not to weaken the important doctrine of Christian liberty by leading these people back under Judaistic legalism.
Rather, his intent is to circumscribe its application through proper restrictions. These are expressed in the principle of “expediency.” Not everything is beneficial.
A second restriction is expressed in the words, I will not be brought under the power of any. This is the principle of self-control. Certain forms of indulgence become wrong when they bring the person into bondage.’
There you have it my people, we need to pay close attention to the expediency of things, even in our Christian liberty, and invoke that most difficult of tasks, self-control, in all that we do.
Bruh Paul felt so strongly about that, that he chose to repeat it in a slightly different form, later on in chapter 10. ‘All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient (helpful): all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not (do not build up).’ (1 Cor.10:23)
So my fellow believers, though many things are lawful and legal, not all of them are becoming re Christian behaviour. If they don’t edify, build us up, keep us on the straight and narrow path that leads to God, then they should not be indulged in.
And sometimes it’s not even so much indulging in those things, but more like overdoing them. And we have a perfect example in the way we spend the weekend. Nothing’s wrong with partying per se, but when we overdo it, get black up and start misbehaving, losing our self-control, then that’s certainly not expedient and useful to us.
And that’s why we have our Friday Chant; to give us a better perspective on how to spend our precious two days off. So as one now, let’s chant it with some vim and vigour nuh
‘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 Friends, that’s more like how we ought to come up over the weekend; with rest, relaxation and fellowship, so that we can go back out next week fresh like a daisy, (smile) fully empowered, in both body and soul, to do Christ’s work. And that my brethren, should always be our first priority!
Now on this summer Friday then, let’s get our thoughts together as believers, and with the necessary self-control and help of Jesus, make the right decisions on how to spend our weekend, for that is indeed wisdom of the highest order. Much LOVE!
…it’s legal and lawful in man’s world…but is it right in the sight of God…that is the question…
07 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a dark world, be obedient to god's will, busy, Caribana, consequences, death cannot celebrate thee, desire, diligently learn, disobedience, eagerly utter the memory of thy great goodness, expectant faith, fellowship, flavourless, forms of communication, Friday chant, friends, fun, generous help, get on our horses and ride, glorious kingdom, God's greatness is beyond our understanding, great is the Lord, hope for thy truth, hungry hope, immerse ourselves, Jesus Christ, lazy, light, LOVE, magnificent and magnanimous God, make known thy truth, make me to understand, making the effort, men shall speak of thy awesome acts, not interested, one generation shall praise thy works to another, passionate about God, praise thy works, putting up a good fight for Jesus, quicken me according to thy word, relaxation, rest, righteousness., salt, salvation, seek first the kingdom of God, sing of thy righteousness, so shall I talk of thy wondrous works, spread the good news of Jesus, spread the word, teach me thy statutes, tell others about Jesus, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the father to the children, the godless infidel, the gospel of Jesus, the grave cannot praise thee, the living shall praise thee, the Lord's greatness, the right perspective, the things of God, the things of the world, the way of thy precepts, wisdom, wisdom of the ages, wondrous works
Psalm 119:27. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of (meditate on) thy wondrous works.
And then it was Friday; a short workweek for many of us after the Caribana weekend. And yuh better believe many of us are truly thankful as we tiredly shout: ’TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday yes! Mama yo! Though the week’s been short, it’s been truly rough. So hard to catch yuhself after all the Caribana partying. Thank God for true that is Friday oui!! Definitely going to rest this weekend away.’ Hn, hn!
Yes Friends, when we abuse our body it does come back to haunt us. But remember the weekend is not solely for rest, but also for participation in godly fellowship, so to help us keep the right perspective, let’s chant our Friday Chant with whatever verve and gusto we can muster. (smile)
As one 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 people, it’s ever so important that our souls, bodies and minds be renewed and refreshed so that we can go back out with a spring in our step, hungry hope and expectant faith in our souls, to continue putting up a good fight for Jesus against the godless infidel.
Yes, because our mission is to be salt and light to a dark and flavourless world, as well as to spread the good news of Jesus all around the globe! Jesus delegated that awesome job to a handful of men before He ascended into heaven, and look at the wonderful work they’ve wrought.
Two thousand years later, it is now our turn to spread the Word, to bring Jesus and His wonderful salvation to the masses. And no generation has ever had the ability to really spread the gospel of Jesus all over the world, like we now have, with the many forms of almost immediate communication at our command.
So please let’s get a move on with it nuh. No excuses will be tolerated. (smile) Do we want to be labeled the generation who could, but didn’t? Obviously not!
Therefore let’s get on our horses and ride; tell others about Jesus, and above all, live a life that’s pleasing and obedient to Him, so that those we talk to will see the genuine LOVE and desire working and reflecting in us. That’s the only way to do it my brethren.
That brings us to our most appropriate Bit. ‘Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of (meditate on) thy wondrous works.’
Yes my people, we can’t talk sensibly about what we don’t understand, therefore we need the Lord’s help to bring us to a true understanding of His Word. Like at work, we need a supervisor to explain the instructions, the duties of the job, otherwise we’d just make a mess of things.
The psalmist says earlier in this section of Psalm 119, under the heading – Make me to understand thy way: ‘My soul cleaveth unto (clings to) the dust: quicken (revive) thou me according to thy word. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest (answered) me: teach me thy statutes.’ (Ps.119:25-26)
Ah Friends, we desperately need to know God’s Word, but unfortunately too many of us are either too lazy, too busy, or simply not interested in making the effort it requires to do so. However we are quite ready, willing and able make the effort to acquire and learn about the things of the world though!
I’m sorry Friends, but that’s not the way it ought to be. Remember Jesus said that our first requirement is to seek the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and then all the things of the world that we need would be granted to us. (Matt.6:33)
If we unwisely choose to do it the other way, then we’ll just have to suffer the consequences. For remember too that there ARE consequences for disobedience.
My people, we need to be able to talk about our God as sincerely as Bruh David does in Psalm 145 – The Lord is gracious. ‘Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable (beyond our understanding). One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
I will speak of (meditate on) the glorious honour (splendour) of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible (awesome) acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly (eagerly) utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.’ (Ps.145:3-7)
Oh Friends, are we that passionate about our God, about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? I don’t think so. At least not sufficient of us supposed believers. But then again, we can’t be passionate about Jesus when we don’t spend sufficient serious time in His Word.
We ought to be able to sincerely shout out like Isaiah: ‘For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit (grave) cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.’ (Is.38:18-19)
Yes Friends, we are the living, and we are the fathers to the children, so please let’s praise and make known our magnificent and magnanimous God, for therein lies the wisdom of the ages. Much LOVE!
…only as we diligently learn…and deeply immerse ourselves in the things of God…can we talk wisely and sincerely about Him…
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