The Importance of Accumulating Treasure in Heaven, rather than here on Earth!

08 May 2025 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 6:19a & 20a.       Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up  for yourselves treasures in heaven…

Oh friends, what a joy it is these days to finally look out my bedroom window and see life; see nature being reborn in the green, yellow or cherry coloured leaves of the trees, instead of the dark and dreary lifeless branches I’ve been seeing for the last six months. But surprisingly, there are some trees that still look like stick dancers, with nary a leaf, not even a bud on them. I don’t understand that, when so many others quite close to them are beautifully blooming. And don’t think that it’s only the trees that are vibrant with new life… not at all! 

The grass looks as green as ever with the rain over the last couple of days, the weeds are sprouting too, including the gloriously yellow dandelion. And every time I see those dandelions spread out so beautifully in the grass, I remember the first time I saw them some fifty something years ago, and thought they were such a beautiful flower, only to learn later that they were a very disgusting weed. And brother when they turn from yellow to white, the effect is certainly dramatic. 

Oh, let’s not forget those other early bloomers, the lilies of the field, dressed even more gloriously than Cousin Sol at his best, as Jesus so effectively characterized them in Matthew 6:28-29. And the Duchess has a couple at both the front and side of her garden that are indeed rich in colour. The only problem with the lilies though is that they don’t last as long as we would like then to. So, in other words, I guess I’m saying that spring is finally here, with a bit of summer weather thrown in for good measure, as I got to sit on my front porch yesterday in minimal dress. 

I can’t’ wait for the time when I can sit there every afternoon and watch the folks of the neighbourhood go by, walking and running. There’s a serious disappointment in that though, for these days, many more people are walking dogs than children. Chuh man! I just get disgusted seeing so many dogs, with only a handful of children out enjoying the good weather. For whatever reason, this generation seems to be more interested in dogs than children! I wonder who’s going to walk those dogs, or live in those fancy houses when the old folks die? But who am I to tell others whether to have children or dogs eh? (smile) 

And that brings us to an interesting scripture where Jesus warns us about our treasures and where we secure them. Unfortunately, many of us know it, but like so many other scriptures, simply ignore it. So, one more time, please listen closely to Jesus’ most valuable advice. ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up  for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves do not break through and steal.’ (Matt. 6:19-20)  

Now we cannot find any fault with that advice, because many of us have experienced or know of someone who has experienced the loss of their earthly treasure though rust and earthly decay, as well as through others stealing it, but none have ever complained about losing their heavenly treasure, since there are no moths or decay or thieves in heaven. (smile) Seriously though, Jesus is trying to say that the accumulation of earthly things can be lost quite easily, but whatever you have stored up in heaven will never be lost. 

And the scholars further enlighten us when they say: ‘The attention of the believer is directed toward treasures in heaven. The term treasures implies the addition or accumulation of things. The two kinds of treasures are conditioned by their place (either on earth or in heaven). The concept of laying up treasures in heaven is not pictured as one of meritorious benefits but rather of rewards for faithful service, as is illustrated elsewhere in the teaching of Jesus.’ 

And we have a very good example of that when later on a rich young man approaches Jesus and asks what he should do to have eternal life? Jesus basically told him to keep the Ten Commandments. To which he answered, ‘All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:20-21) Unfortunately the young man went away quite sorrowful because he had much wealth. 

But as the scholars explain, ‘The list of commands that Jesus gave him in verses 18 and 19, centres on outward duties, rather than inward nature, which was the young man’s real problem. He protests that he’s kept these outward demands. His luxurious wealth and self-righteousness blinded him to his real weakness. To expose this, Jesus tells him to go and sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, then come back and follow Him. But he refused to do it. 

Jesus thus shows him that he had not kept the commandments at all. He LOVED himself more than he LOVED his neighbour (the poor), and he LOVED his possessions more than he LOVED God (refusing to follow Jesus). This passage teaches the seriousness of true discipleship, but it in no way teaches that the average man must sell his possessions in order to be a Christian.’ 

And that can never be true, otherwise why would the Lord bestow our undeserved Thursday Blessings on us eh? Blessings that can make us healthy, wealthy and wise. (smile) Because He LOVES us and knows that we need tools to do His earthly work. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration (yesss!!!), we are now indebted to go out and use those blessings on behalf of others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…you cannot straddle the fence between Satan and God…have one foot in both kingdoms…you must have both feet…in one or the other…preferably God’s…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 July 2021 Matthew 19:26.

31 Jul 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 19:26.      With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Welcome to laziness day – Saturday! Yes, after a hard work week of slogging back and forth in the rush hour traffic, many of us just want to sleep in and get up leisurely, under our own steam, not to the maddening cry of some alarm clock or radio, as happens five days a week.

Now that was the pre-pandemic picture, but what’s happened or is currently happening eh? Are we seeing a different, or new normal? Many of us had no jobs to go to during the raging storm of the virus, so we got accustomed to sleeping in late several days of the week.

But since the lifting of most of the tougher lockdown regulations, some of us have gone back to the nine to five routine. I wonder how we are handling it, after all that free time at home? It must be taking some getting used to. (smile) It’s surprising how habits formed over many years, can be unlearned or cast aside in a short space of time. And how difficult it can be to relearn them. But fear not! We are the children of the Most High God Jehovah, that means we can do anything that’s within His will, for nothing is impossible to Him! All glory to God! 

That brings us to Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler who came seeking eternal life. When Jesus told him to keep the commandments, he said he was already doing that, but figured he lacked something. (Matt. 19:16-20) ‘Jesus then said unto him, If thou wilt be (want to be) perfect, go and sell (all) that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:21) 

Now that must have been like a powerful punch to the gut of the young man. For the Good Book continues: ‘But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.’ (Matt. 19:22) And many of us supposed believers scoff at the young man, but in his position all of us would have felt the same way, because it is indeed difficult to give up wealth. But Jesus was trying to show the man that although he did the outward duties, there was a problem with his inner nature. 

Yes friends, the worldly concern with wealth seriously affects our relationship with God. As Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy. ‘For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds of) evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’ (1 Tim, 6:10) And is that ever the living truth my brethren! 

Money and wealth or material possessions in themselves are not terrible, but it’s the insatiable LOVE for them that gets us into trouble. So much so that our greed is usually our downfall. When we strive after the riches of this world, we usually end up in trouble, for they do not allow us to take God seriously or move in the direction of His august and awesome plan for our lives. 

No wonder Jesus made these eye-opening statements to the disciples. ‘Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matt. 19:23) Meaning that it was, or is hard, extremely difficult, for a rich man to enter heaven. And the disciples most likely looked at Christ in amazement, with their tongues hanging out of their mouths, for back then it was generally understood that it was the rich who got to heaven easily because they were blessed by God and in some sense, automatically saved. 

But Jesus corrected that misunderstanding by telling them that it was very hard for the rich to be converted, born again and be saved, because of their innate affection for their material wealth, though it was not altogether hopeless. That led Him to make this statement which has caused controversy from the time He spoke it until now. ‘And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’ (Matt. 19:24) 

Mama Yo! What a statement! And ‘When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?’ (Matt. 19:25) Now that’s a very good question my brethren? But let’s focus for a moment on what Jesus meant when He said those controversial words. 

The scholars tell us thus: ‘The illustration of a camel going through the eye of a needle has been interpreted as a camel-hair rope going through a needle; or an actual camel squeezing through a small gate, in particular, the one called “The Eye of the Needle” next to the main gate at Jerusalem, or the absolute impossibility of a literal camel actually going through a tiny needle’s eye. This last usage is most likely.’ 

And, considering Jesus’ next pronouncement, that seems to make sense. ‘But Jesus beheld them (the disciples), and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ (Matt. 19:26) I guess He was trying to bring home to them, to open up their young minds to the true and awesome power that their God possessed. So powerful was He, that He could even make a large unwieldly and ungainly camel go through the small eye of a needle. And believe me friends, our God can do it! And until we truly believe that He has such awesome power, we will continue to sell Him, and consequently our faith and ourselves short! 

Oh precious people, if God could create this magnificent universe and all therein, then make Jesus come down to earth, be born of a virgin, with no man’s help, then do all kinds of miracles while being sinless here on earth. And eventually sacrifice His sinless life on the cross for us, pay for our sins and reconcile us to Himself, then have Him ascend back into heaven, and send His Holy Spirit to dwell within us, to lead and guide us, why can’t He do such a simple thing as make a camel go through the eye of a needle eh? (smile) 

Seriously though friends, in light of all we have heard and seen our God do, we still don’t believe His omnipotence as we ought to. I guess that’s because of our small, finite minds, they are simply unable to grasp the true magnitude of our great God. But please, let’s keep on trying. The worst thing we could ever do is to stop believing in Him, to give up on Him. Much LOVE!

..our God can do…whatever needs to be done…or undone…because He is the eternal Creator…                                  

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 February 2015 Deuteronomy 16:17‏‏‏‏‏

17 Feb 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Deuteronomy 16:17.    Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.

Ah Friends, the big day of bacchanal is here at last – Carnival Tuesday! And at 9.15 in the morning mas is already hopping across the Main Stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad. The duchess is inside watching it while I’m outside on the verandah overlooking the pool and the sea writing to you.

The mas doesn’t really thrill me because it’s mostly the same nonsense; a bikini with a headpiece or wings of feathers, except possibly the king and queen of the band. I guess the days when most of the revelers had serious costumes are over. Even then I was never a big mas fan, but those costumes were usually intriguing and had you going; ‘Wow!’ at some of them.

There’s supposed to be a mas parade in Scarborough today too, don’t know if I’m going though, what with the hot sun, the parking and walking situation. (smile)

Last night I went down to Scarborough to see what they call ‘Pan on D Road.’ Hn! I went expecting to see some pan beating on the road, so that I could catch a little jump. But it was merely a group of pan sides set up along the grassy shoulder at the junction of Milford and the old Orange Hill Road, competing for some prize or the other.

I got there about 8.30, after the bands had already played their first tune, so I was just in time to hear the second. It wasn’t the greatest though, for the sides were small and the members were obviously tired from the hectic activity of the Carnival season, and you could hear and see it from their lack of intensity. I obviously saw several people I knew and hung out with a couple till the show ended.

After that, we walked up Milford road towards the town, stopping at Mr. Gomes watering hole to talk to a group of ole-timers who were sitting there imbibing a few. Then we walked a little further up the road to a judging point for some night mas.

On the other side of the road a temporary stand had been erected for onlookers, so we sat there for about half an hour, watched a few small bands come down the road and parade before the judges. But it was nothing really spectacular.

After that I came home, watched a little World Cup cricket from Australia; West Indies versus Ireland, where some of the West Indian batsmen were taking advantage of the lowly Irish bowling. Hopefully when they come up against the cricket powers, like Australia, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa they can do the same.

Earlier this morning I went for a walk along the shoreline of the property. Would you believe that I’ve been here for three weeks and it’s the first time I’ve done that? It’s beautiful along the rocky shoreline, with the white surf breaking in a line against the reef a little further out to sea.

Oh, I actually discovered a better looking water hole up the shoreline, which seems to have sand and not rocks. I’ll try it out sometime later. And that’s my report on the simple life on Crusoe’s Isle, as a lawn mower nearby disturbs the tranquil, serene, idyllic scene. (smile)

Now turning to our Bit – the last day – and I hear some sighs of relief. (smile) ‘Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.’

And again Friends, I want to impress on us the grave and great importance of giving; of giving generously and freely, for if we don’t give in that manner, we will NOT receive in that manner. As Jesus said, whatever measure you use to give, the same measure will be used to give back to you. (Luke 6:38) So it’s left up to each of us as individuals to make our own decisions. 

And we turn to Jesus again, this time when a rich young man came and asked Jesus how he could gain eternal life? (Matt.19:16) However, when Jesus told him: ‘If thou wilt (want to) be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’ (Matt.19:21)

The young man hung his head and went away sad because he had a lot of material wealth. And so it is with us Friends; there’s nothing wrong with having material wealth, but you have to share it generously and with a good heart to gain God’s blessings.

For as Bruh Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians: ‘As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever. Now (may) he that ministereth (supplies) seed to the sower both minister (supply) bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness (liberality), which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want (needs) of the saints, but is abundant (abounding) also by many thanksgivings unto God.’ (2 Cor.9:9-12)

Yes Friends, it all comes from Almighty God, according to His purpose and plan! Now hear these explanations from the scholars.

‘9:9. His righteousness (prosperity) remaineth for ever: Neither Paul nor Psalm 112:9, cited here, advocates “prosperity theology,” that is, that every generous believer will be financially wealthy. Both experience and the context (c.f. 8:2) deny this.

This statement only says that the generous believer will always prosper in two ways: (1) financially, all his needs will be met, so that he will be able to keep giving (vs.8); and (2) spiritually, he will increase in everything (vs.12).

9:10. This verse may be translated; “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread to eat will supply and multiply your seed and will increase the harvest (yield) of your righteousness (prosperity).”

9:11. Being enriched is better translated, “You will be enriched.”

And we’ll end this series of messages on giving with these immortal and most appropriate words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth the Spirit shall of the Spirit real life everlasting.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:7-10).

Ah mih people, that hits the nail right on the head! It all comes from God in the first place, and as we share what we have, we will never suffer from want for the Lord will increase us, give us enough for our own needs as well as left overs to give to others.

Let’s get that basic law planted firmly in our souls nuh, so that we can follow it and thus live a prosperous and generous life. That’s truly heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!

…Jehovah Jireh…the Lord our Provider…the Lord our Giver…is one of the many names of our wonderful, majestic and magnanimous God…