30 Aug 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all thy commandments are righteousness, deliver me according to thy word, endure to the end, entering the fray, eyes fixed straight ahead, flowing through me, get serious right now, give me understanding, hands on the plough, heartfelt prayer, I do not forget thy commandments, I have gone astray, I have longed for thy salvation, le my cry come before thee, let thine hand help me, like a lost sheep, living for God, my lips shall utter praise, my tongue shall speak of thy word, not looking back, seek thy servant, so glad to be alive, spreading the good news of Christ, thank God, the breath of life, the devil's evil morass, the light of the world, the salt of the earth, thrwart our major purpose, thy law is my delight, time is running out, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, when ye shall search for me with all your heart, ye shall seek me and find me
Psalm 119:176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
And after a thorough cleansing from a steady drizzle last night, Wednesday had opened windy and sunshiny, but unfortunately some dark clouds are now entering the fray, and the power of the sun seems to be waning. However, we cannot afford to allow the weather, whatever it might be, to thwart our major purpose down here on earth; that’s spreading the good news of Christ’s gospel and living the way it says we’re supposed to live. That’s being the salt of the earth and the light of the world, showing our LOVE for each other in true discipleship.
And the Good Library just opened at an interesting point, the last section of the longest psalm, Psalm 119. And I don’t believe I’ve ever really considered before, but it does contain invaluable wisdom to help us do God’s work. So let’s read it together. ‘Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord; give me understanding according to thy word. Let my supplication (prayer of supplication) come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
My lips shall utter praise when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgements help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.’ (Ps. 119:169-176)
Ah friends, such heartfelt prayer is what’s needed in these tough and troubled times. And we’ll notice two important things in the passage; the psalmist is crying out for the Lord’s help, but he’s also entreating Him to teach him His statutes, and commandments and to give him understanding so he can navigate the Lord’s word. It’s a combination of sentiments that cannot be separated. If we want the Lord’s help, we must lean His word and then give Him the praise He’s due.
Hear these pleas: ‘give me understanding…deliver me…when thou hast taught me thy statutes…my tongue shall speak of thy word…I have chosen thy precepts…I have longed for thy salvation…thy law is my delight…’ Can we say those same things in utter sincerity my fellow believers? I don’t think so, because our current behaviour does not point in that direction. Too many of us supposed believers don’t read the Lord’s word, either because we claim to be too busy, or we’re simply not interested. But we surely are interested in receiving His mercy, grace and favour!
However, we will not get one without the other. You’ll notice how the psalmist longed to know the word of the Lord because he found it to be righteous, it was his delight. But not many of us feel that way today. And the marvellous thing about learning the Lord’s word is that it encourages us to give Him praise. The psalmist declares (yesss!!!) ‘my lips shall utter praise…my tongue shall speak of thy word…let my soul live, and it shall praise thee…’ As the old people would say, it takes two to tango, and one hand can’t wash itself, it needs two.
That’s the way our God has designed His universe: We are partners with Him; and partners all have a part to perform to make the partnership successful. The Lord has already done most of His, by sending his Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven, washed clean, then help those who want help to come to the knowledge of His Son’s saving grace. Meanwhile we need to believe, to learn His word, and practice it. And sadly, we’re not doing such a good job, otherwise our world would not be in the disastrous and chaotic state it’s currently in.
Yes my fellow Christians, if we had put up a better Christian performance down through the last few years, our world would definitely not have sunk so low in the devil’s evil morass. But no, we have disregarded our bounden duty so much that it has allowed the evil one to gain a strong foothold in our world. The good news though is that we’re not beaten…that is if we get up our godly gumption and come out fighting on the Lord’s behalf. No, all is not lost, but we have to retool; be unified, get into the word in a serious manner, then sincerely live it, while crying out for God’s help!
You know there are several billion Christians on the planet, and if each one of us just made one good Christian decision each day, and put it into action, you’d be surprised at the difference we’d make in a short space of time. But we have to get serious and sincere…RIGHT NOW…for time is running out, and each day we delay, the enemy gets stronger and thus it gets harder to defeat him. And it’s not like the Lord isn’t there, only too willing to help us, but we need to pull ourselves together first.
And this last verse of Psalm 119 seems like a most appropriate cry for most of us: ‘I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.’ (Ps. 119:176) Ah mih people, if that cry came up to heaven with all sincerity, I’m sure the Lord would not refuse to help us, but He must see sincerity and true desire in the motives of our hearts not simply a means to achieve our lustful desires. Remember His awesome promise in Jeremiah: ‘And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’ (Jer. 29:13)
Now that’s what it will take for us to get the ball rolling, seeking Almighty God with all of our heart! So, let’s do it nuh mih bredrin. We have nothing to lose and so much to gain! And in light of al that we’ve said, it’s time to go home sincerely declaring (chuh man!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know our awesome position in Christ Jesus!
As one strong voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And there’s this added promise; that if we endure to the very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we ever ask or imagine! Wow! So let’s all promise to meet up there at the very end nuh! Much LOVE!
…living for God is a serious full-time business…and takes serious work and sacrifice…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
16 Aug 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: circuit court judges, eyes fixed straight ahead, hands on the plough, LOVE, perverted justice, prods one's faith, Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life, Samuels' sons walked not in his ways, show a heart for God by trying, still flowing through me, the breath of life, the faith of the old heroes, the lure of welath, the sins of avarice and greed, to a glorious future with Jesus, turned aside after lucre
1 Samuel 7:15. And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
And as it should be, after the steady drizzle of rain we had on Tuesday afternoon and evening, Wednesday has opened, clean, bright and sunny. And is it ever so wonderful to awaken to a day of sunshine and blue skies and know that our great God is in His heaven LOVINGLY looking down on us and guiding our lives through His Holy Spirit! It surely is reassuring and prods one’s faith in Christ to higher levels. But can we reach a level like that of the prophet Samuel back in olden times?
Now that’s a very interesting question, for his faith in Almighty God was way out there at the far end of the positive end of the continuum. But it’s that kind of faith, the faith that the old heroes had that we should be attempting to duplicate, because it’s only then that we see and experience the real greatness, generosity and goodness of our Triune God! No, it’s not easy to develop that kind of faith, but we must try to do so, because the Lord is more concerned with our trying than anything else. For when we try, we show a heart for Him, we show that we care enough about Him and His kingdom to put forth the necessary effort. And that’s what He likes to see.
So, turning to Samuel, let’s delve further into his life. After he had made peace between the Amorites and Israel, the Good Library tells us: ‘And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he bult an altar into the Lord.’ (1 Sam. 7:15-17)
I just had to smile there because like Samuel was one of the first circuit court judges; judges who moved from town to town, judging the cases that had built up during their absence, like we used to have not so long ago, and still have in some of the more remote areas of the land. But, as happens to us all, Samuel got old, and he made his sons Joel and Abiah judges, and they ruled from the city of Beersheba. Unfortunately though, like the sons of Eli, Samuel’s sons, ‘walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre (dishonest gain), and took bribes, and perverted judgement (justice).’ (1 Sam. 8:3)
But what else is new eh? You raise the children the best way you can, but you can’t control their minds. And the lure of wealth and the sin of avarice or greed lurks deep down inside of all of us, it’s just that some of us repress them better than others. Consequently, ‘All the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel in Ramah. And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’ (1 Sam. 8:4-5)
And that’s how it all began my brethren; unreliable, unjust judges led to Israel asking for a king to rule over them like the other nations around them. I guess they were also feeling kind of strange and uncomfortable, possibly left out, because everybody else had a king but them. ‘But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed to the Lord.’ (1 Sam. 8:6) Please note that although Samuel didn’t like the idea, yet He took it to the One who mattered the most, the Lord. And that’s a habit we believers ought to develop; so that automatically, we take everything to God in prayer! And like God stilled Samuel’s fears, He will also still ours.
‘And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto (heed) the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other Gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto (heed) their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them (solemnly forewarn), and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.’ (1 Sam. 8:7-9)
Yes friends, it hurt the Lord’s heart when the Israelites asked for a king, because He was supposed to be their king, just like He’s hurting right now because we’re also rejecting Him with our ungodly and evil ways. But nonetheless, He advised Samuel to grant their request, though first showing them the many disadvantages that a king would bring them. And Samuel warned the Israelites of all the disadvantages of having a king. (1 Sam. 8:10-18)
‘Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us. That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord (repeated them to the Lord). And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.’ (1 Sam. 8:19-22)
Now that’s how the Lord sometimes deals with us too. When we are so adamant about what we want and refuse to listen to His warnings, He gives us exactly what we ask for allowing us to see the error of our ways and feel the negative consequences involved in our wrong thinking and asking. As James says, we ask amiss. (James 4:3) And that’s exactly what happened to Israel when they were so stubborn and hardheaded and demanded a king, for the majority of their kings down through the years were ungodly, greedy and despotic. If you read the books of Kings, you’ll see how badly most of them behaved and performed in their anointed positions.
And we know that the first king appointed in Israel was Saul, and you can find his story in 1 Samuel 9:2-31:13. And although he apparently had the qualities to be a suitable king over Israel in those turbulent times, he eventually showed a spirit of rebellion towards God, who eventually disinherited him from the kingship in favour of Bruh David, which then caused Saul to spend his last years foolishly running behind his successor trying to kill him. And you can read all about it in the references given above.
Ah friends, it just goes to show that we need to be very careful what we ask for and why we ask for it, and then listen to God’s warnings, for our heart’s desires are not always in our best interest. Now, let’s go home declaring (chuhhhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
All together now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And there’s an added promise, that if we endure with Jesus right down to the vey end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So, please, let’s plan to meet there and enjoy that glorious future together nuh! Much LOVE!
…be careful for what you ask…because not everything that glitters is gold…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
09 Aug 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a still small voice, bring all things to your remembrance, drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit, endure down to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, God teaches us lessons through circumstances, hands on the plough, He shall teach you all things, holy spirit, in a covenant relationship with Christ, Jesus Christ, let not your heart be troubled, listen to the Holy Spirit, longing for sunshine and warm weather, LOVE, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, not as the world giveth, not looking back, Peace i leave with you, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, thank God, the bread of adversity, the breath of life, the Comforter, the loud noises of the world, the peace of Christ, the water of affliction, the way of God, thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, this is the way walk ye in it, to a glorious future with Jesus, too much in love with the things of the world, turn to the left hand, Wednesday Wail, when ye turn to the right hand
Isaiah 30:21. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.
Oh friends, I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday nuh! The days are flying by so quickly, leaving me helplessly in their wake, unprepared and not doing any of the things I desire to do. But it’s a beautiful summer’s day in my area though, bright, sunshiny and cool, and if I’m smart, I’ll enjoy it to the last drop, because soon there won’t be any more of these kinds of days.
In fact, as soon as September begins, with the passing of Labour Day, the cold weather creeps back in and drives the beautiful thoughts and actions of summer away. But that’s just how it is in these northern climes. You know it, but never get accustomed to it, always longing for the sunshine and warm weather.
Anyway, with the Holy Spirit of Jesus in us and by our sides, leading and guiding us in the good way, we have nothing to worry about, regardless of what comes against us. But that doesn’t happen automatically. No sir. And why not you ask? Because we’re in a covenant relationship with Christ, which means we also have a part to play; that’s to listen to the Holy Spirit and then follow His godly guidance.
It’s like Isaiah said to the people of Israel, re God’s graciousness and mercy. ‘And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.’ (Is. 30:20-21)
Yes friends, that’s the way the Holy Spirit operates, guiding us with a still, small voice, that we can only hear if we’re paying attention. However, not paying attention, not listening for that still, small voice is what so many of us supposed believers are doing, that’s why so many of us are going astray, and thus ‘eating the bread of adversity, and drinking the water of affliction.’ The scholars tell us that ‘the reference to the bread of adversity and the water of affliction shows that God teaches us lessons through circumstances when we will not listen to our teachers who call us to walk in the way (i.e., the way of God).’
Oh my people, that’s why it’s of the utmost importance to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit if we desire to know the true direction the Lord wants us to follow. That was Jesus’ direction to the disciples when He told them of the Holy Spirit’s coming. He said: But the Comforter (Helper), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:26-27)
And it’s that peace of Jesus that enables us to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. And if we don’t have that peace, then we cannot listen, and thus cannot be taught. And that’s the sad part of Christianity today. Too many of us don’t have the peace of Jesus, and therefore allow the loud noises of the world to drown out the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts have become hard, by being too much in LOVE with the things of the world, consequently we cannot hear the quiet guidance of God’s Spirit, and then, when we’re overwhelmed by our negative circumstances because of our unwise decisions, we’re quick to blame God.
But the fault is usually ours, for being too much in LOVE with the deceptive and perishable wealth and things of the world, and not enamoured enough of the imperishable things of God. Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount about the best way to live. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33)
Yes my brethren, if we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, God will ensure that we do not lack anything. And remember, He owns the universe and all therein, and if He wants to make you filthy rich, He can, just like He made Cousin Sol the richest and most powerful man ever, although he did not ask for riches or glory, but wisdom and strength to guide his people. And there are many filthy rich and powerful believers out there in the world, so it’s not like we can’t acquire the good things that the world has to offer, but we have to do it through the auspices, the power of God and not of men or of Satan.
And there’s some more stuff I’d like to talk about, but it will make the Bit too long, (smile) so we’ll leave that until tomorrow, the Lord willing. Now let’s go home declaring (steupsss!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And there’s this added incentive, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Wow! Hope to see you there! Much LOVE!
…without the peace of Christ in our souls…we won’t hear the voice of the Holy Spirit…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
26 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a horse of a different colour, a pronouncement of victory, accustomed to the easy life, added bonus, after the Holy ghost is come upon you, ambassadors of Christ, and lo I am with always, baptizing them, cast blasphemous aspersions at Christ, endure to the end, even unto the end of the world, go ye therefore and teach all nations, grow in Christian maturity, hands on the plough, I'm halfway home, LOVE, make hay while the sun shines, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, never live perfect lives, not trying hard enough to spread the word, not turning back, reap the great harvest of unbelievers, resting on our laurels, rose-coloured glasses, second wind day, sincere trying, talk a good talk, teaching them to observe all things, thank God, the breath of life, the Christian life, the Great Commission, the risen Saviour, the triumphant living Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, toguth sledding against a persistent enemy, unto the uttermost parts of the earth, we only grwo in tough times, Wednesday Wail, whatsoever I have commanded you, win souls for Christ, ye shall be witnesses unto me, ye shall receive power
Acts 1:8b. … and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
And then it was Wednesday, that restorative, second wind day! And it looks like it’s going to be a hot one in my area, for all my computer says about it is ‘HEAT!’ But whatever comes our way, we’re ready and able for it because we have the ONE and ONLY Jesus in our lives, through whom we can do and face anything! Wow! Which other faith can say that eh? NONE! And that’s why we must be careful to live our lives, without giving the heathen cause to cast nasty and blasphemous aspersions at Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Oh, we’ll never live perfect lives, because we’re not perfectly made, and whatever we say or do, somebody will take umbrage at it, and refuse to come to Jesus for the awesome solace and refuge that He provides, but once we can truly say that we’ve tried, we’ve done our best, that’s all Jesus is looking for from us. It’s all in the sincere trying my fellow believers, and sadly that’s exactly where we’re falling down; not enough of us are trying hard enough to spread the good news gospel of Jesus, both in word and deed.
We’ve gotten so accustomed to the good things and the easy life that our world now provides that we’ve fallen prey to Satan’s deceits and lies and are just resting on our laurels, not making a sincere effort to win souls for Christ. But please, let’s remember that as His followers, we are His face down here on earth, and telling others about Him, and living the way He desires is one of our main responsibilities. We can’t remind us enough of the Great Commission Jesus gave to His disciples before He returned to heaven.
‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) 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, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20) Now friends, that was a very important moment in the annals of our faith, and it’s become even more important today as evil and ungodliness sweep our world.
And I just LOVE how the scholars explain its importance. ‘The Great Commission brings the first Gospel (that of Matthew) to a grand finale. Christianity is not represented here as the mere reverential devotion of disappointed men who honour their martyred leader. Here is a far different scene. The triumphant, living Lord sends forth His ambassadors to proclaim His gospel throughout all the world. The Great commission is not just and order but a pronouncement of victory by the risen Saviour through His disciples. All power or authority is now in the hands of Christ, in heaven and on earth. On the basis of that power and authority the Christian disciple is to carry out the Great Commission of the church.’
Wow! And it was so important that Christ reiterated it just before His ascension when He instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem: ‘But ye shall receive power, after (when) the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8)
And now I hope we all see the great importance of our position as followers, ambassadors and agents of Christ on this evil earth! It’s not a request of Jesus, but an order that we get out into the world and teach others about Him and all the good and wonderful news He’s brought to mankind. That is, if we are His sincere followers. And I can’t help but say this because it’s true; not enough of us are making a sincere effort to follow the directives of Christ’s order.
Yes, it is not always easy to live the way He desires, and sometimes it will call for some sacrifice, but look at how Christ sacrificed His sinless life for our sinful ones nuh, just think about all the ‘sufferation’ He bore for us, what’s a li’l pain here and there for Him eh? We should be glad to bear a li’l pain in His name, for that’s when we grow in Christian maturity. We don’t grow when times are good, only when they are tough.
But how many of us are truly interested in growing in Christian maturity eh, especially when it takes some pain? Not very many. We all talk a good talk, but when it comes time to walk that talk, it’s a horse of a different colour, we’re not so mouthy and brave then. But yuh know what, many of us see the Christian life through rose-coloured glasses, all joy and gladness, salvation and everlasting life, and because Jesus LOVES us so much, He won’t cause us any pain.
However, that’s a sad and sorrowful approach to Christianity, for remember Jesus’ requirements for being His disciple. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) That means that Christianity is not always wine and roses, or a Sunday walk in the park, but very often it’s tough sledding against a persistent and evil enemy called Satan, who is trying to undo all the good that Christ has done!
Oh my people, I do hope that I’m making some headway in convincing us of the great importance of our talk and behaviour as disciples of Christ. Remember we are all the unbelievers might ever see of him, and if we don’t reflect and mirror Him properly, then they will just turn away from His wonderful invitation. Now we don’t want to be responsible for people turning away from Christ, but for them turning to Him. So please, let’s wake up nuh man, time is running out, every day we’re a day closer to death and to Christ’s return and we need to make hay while the sun still shines, to get out into harvest and reap the great harvest of unbelievers that are there to be reaped. That’s our bounden duty!
And for those of us who are trying our best to do just that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!) our Wednesday Wail letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! Altogether now! ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Then there’s this added bonus. (smile) If we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Wow! Hope to see you at the end enjoying that even more glorious future! Much LOVE!
…working for Jesus carries many responsibilities…but the rewards are very worthwhile…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
19 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a challenge to get on our horses and ride, a crying shame, a personal desire to sacrifice for Christ, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, after one time is two, artificial intelligence, be strong in the Lord, bounden duty, but of power love and a sound mind, endure to the end, evil doers are bullies, evil is ruling the roost, eyes fixed straight ahead, fighting the good fight, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, girding your waist with the truth of Christ, hands on the plough, in the power of his might, life's basic behaviour does not change, LOVE, mano a mano, more pervasive and distrustful, not turning back, prayer the vital umbrella, put on the whole armour of God, putting ourselves out for Christ, ride for Jesus, sacrificing, so glad to be alive, spiritual battles, take advantage of their physical strength, the breastplate of righteousness, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the gospel of peace on your feet, the Great Commission, the helmet of slavation, the loud voices of Christians, the shiled of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, there is no new thing under the sun, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, without proper regulations
Ephesians 6:11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.
Oh friends, this Wednesday is going to be another glorious summer’s day! It might not be boiling hot, but it’s sunny, nice and cool, just the way I like it! (smile) After being in this climate of changing seasons for so long, it seems like I can’t handle the heat as well I use to it. I guess it’s like the old people would say; after one time is two. And isn’t it amazing that for almost every scenario in our lives today, we can quote something from our fathers and forefather’s generations that tie in so nicely with them. It just goes to show that the basics of life don’t change that much from generation to generation.
As Cousin Sol so wisely said, writing as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes: ‘The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.’ (Eccl. 1:10) And that’s basically true, for though we might have some new inventions, our basic behaviour and the things we do through this life are just like the ancients did. Get up, work, eat, sleep, party, be sinful, and hopefully praise God, while LOVING each other, then die.
It’s only the how, not the why, that’s been changed down through the ages. We have invented ways to live better, but also ways to be more sinful and ungodly, and, unfortunately, the latter behaviour is what’s currently ruling the roost in our world, which is a crying shame! One would have thought that by now, with all of our enlightened accomplishments and vast learning, mankind would have realized that godliness is ever so much better than evil doing and sinfulness. But no, the devil has gotten his evil claws into so many of us, that godliness is running in second place in our world, and a far second place too.
This however is wholly unacceptable my fellow believers. We cannot allow the evil doers to control our world, especially after all the sacrifices our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made on our behalf! No! We have to get up, put away our fear, or whatever is holding us back, and attack the enemy full force, mano a mano, not run away from him like scared rabbits, as so many of us are now doing. Jesus stood up staunchly for us, it’s now our turn to stand up staunchly for Him, and He’s already given us all the tools to do the job, the great Commission, that He desires of us.
And it’s all so easy; tell people about Him and the good things He wants to share with them, and live in a manner that will cause others to want what we have, the intimate relationship with Him. But it does mean putting ourselves out, sacrificing and not always living the easy, carefree, doh care life. And that’s what so many of us supposed believers shy away from. With all the wonderful amenities in our world, it’s become so easy to just relax on our lollies and do almost nothing, but still exist.
And with the recent upgrade and breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence, brother, we’ll be doing even less than before, because this new invention will even think for us. Are we on our way to obsolescence my people? Who knows, but it ought to give us definite cause for concern, when our society is already filled with all sorts of fakes and untruthfulness, now we’re going to be even less sure if a real person was involved in a particular situation or thing, or whether it was the work of Artificial Intelligence.
It’s already such a big part of our world, and without proper regulations, it’s only going to get bigger, more pervasive and more distrustful, like all of mankind’s inventions, especially with the evil and untrustworthy minds that are currently at the forefront of our world. And if any serious and worthwhile changes are going to be made in our world, it will have to be through the loud voices of Christians, because we are the only group who seem to want goodness, mercy and the LOVE of God to flourish.
But that’s our very problem; our voices aren’t being heard, because they’re not plentiful or loud enough to make a difference, and until we make them loud and plentiful, nothing will ever change! That’s why I’m calling on us to rise up today, as one solid and unified body of Christ, His marvellous church, and dare the evil doers to stop us from taking over our heavenly Father’s world! It’s well known that evil doers are basically bullies who take advantage of their strengths, but are basically cowards underneath, and this is indeed a challenge for us believers to get on our horses and ride, ride for Jesus, like we should have been doing long ago!
And it’s important that we don’t just rush in willy nilly without a proper plan and proper safeguards. That means before we go into battle, we must put on the whole armour of God! As Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians: ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.’ (Eph. 6:10-11) Then in verse 12, he goes on to explain that it’s not a physical battle we’re fighting, but a spiritual one. However, we still need protection even in spiritual battles, just a different kind. And what’s that you ask?
Briefly speaking, it’s the truth of Christ girding your waist; the breastplate of righteousness guarding your chest; the eagerness of the gospel of peace on your feet; the shield of faith with which to divert the fiery arrows of the enemy; the helmet or hope of salvation to protect your head; the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God to fell your enemies, and finally prayer, which brings everything under its vital umbrella and without which no battle can be won!
So we have all that we need to fight the enemy, except the courage and desire to do it. But please, let’s remember that our great ‘God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7) That means the only thing holding us back is our desire to engage the enemy, because we have everything else. And, sadly, that desire must come from deep within each of us, it must be a personal desire to sacrifice on Christ’s behalf. No one can make us do it.
And for those of us who are willing to put up that fight, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful, irreversible position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we endure to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So let’s promise ourselves to see it nuh! Much LOVE!
…fighting the good fight for Christ…is the believer’s bounden duty…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
12 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a father of the fatherless, a judge of widows, a little lower than the angels, catch our second wind, crowned with glory and honour, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith if it hath not works is dead, fight the good fight, hands on the plough, how dwelleth the love of God in him, I will not leave you comfortless, inasmuch as ye have done it, Jesus set the example of doing good works, let every man be swift to hear, not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, not looking back, pure religion, selfless sacrificial works, separating the sheep from the goats, shew me thy faith without thy works, shew thee my faith by my works, shutteth up his bowels of compassion, slow to speak, slow to wrath, thank God, the awesome breath of God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, to a glorious future with Jesus, to visit the fatherless and widows, undefiled before God, unspotted from the world, unto one of these my brethren, Wednesday Wail, whoso hath this world's goods, you have done it unto me
James 2:17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Now Tuesday was nice and hot and summery until the evening hours when it turned cool, and windy with a thunderstorm. And would you believe that during the night outside was cooler than the air-conditioned inside. And this morning when I went out to do some blood tests, it was chilly as ever. The computer earlier on told me that rain was coming, then shortly thereafter told me it will be mostly sunny.
So who knows what we’re going to get today, this middle of the work week Wednesday, when we try to catch our second win, that enables us to fight the good fight all the way down to Friday? The important thing though is that we have life, the awesome breath of God flowing through us, mightily LOVED by our heavenly Father, created a little lower than the angels but crowned with glory and honour. (Ps. 8:5)
The unfortunate thing though friends is that so many of us don’t behave like we have that glory and honour of God, which takes us back to yesterday’s Bit, ‘Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:’ (James 1:19) This current version of mankind is certainly the opposite of those wise words. We’re rather quick to speak, and speak a lot, quick to get angry and hardly ever listen.
Now yesterday we stopped where James was saying that anyone who was not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, his deeds will be blessed. (James 1:25) And he continues in this vein. ‘If any man among you seem to be (thinks he is) religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain (useless). Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’ (James 1:26-27)
And that’s what Christianity is all about my people! Remember Jesus’ great compassion for widows and orphans, the sick, the poor and the lonesome. He came to save the downtrodden. And throughout the Bible there are numerous verses that indicate that God LOVES the widows and orphans. Psalm 68 describes Him as: ‘A father of the fatherless, and judge (defender) of widows, is God in his holy habitation.’ (Ps. 68:5) Meanwhile Isaiah 1:17 instructs on the Lord’s behalf. ‘Learn to do well (good); seek judgement (justice), relieve (reprove) the oppressed (oppressor), judge (vindicate or defend) the fatherless, plead for the widow.’ And Jesus even promised: ‘I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.’ (John 14:8)
So helping those in need is what we should be focused on, physical help as well as spiritual and emotional concern. That leads us to these powerful verses in 1 John. ‘Hereby perceive we the LOVE of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good (goods or riches), and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion (heart) from him, how dwelleth the LOVE of God in him? (1 John 3:16-17) It obviously doesn’t!
That’s why James continues later on in his epistle about the relationship between faith and works. ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ (James 2:14-17)
And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! We can have all the faith we want, but if we don’t have some sacrificial work in that faith, it’s basically useless, because faith is not just believing, but also doing! As James continues: ‘Yea, a man my say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.’ (James 2:18)
Faith and works just have to go hand in hand my brethren if any of them are to be worthwhile. That’s why sometimes when we try to evangelize the poor and downtrodden, instead of filling them with scripture, we first need to fill them with food, clothing and shelter, that way they will be more amenable to receiving the good news of Christ’s gospel.
Remember when Jesus talked about separating the sheep from the goats? (Matt. 25:31-34) What reasons did He give for that separation eh? ‘For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord….when did we do all these things unto you…. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-37, 40)
Yes friends, that’s what Jesus is looking for in His followers; kindness to our brethren, especially if they are poor, sick, a stranger, widowed or orphaned. Our basic faith might get us into heaven, but it’s our selfless, sacrificial works that are going to earn us heavenly rewards. And it all begins by speaking less and listening more, so that we can understand the truth of the kingdom of God.
Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! Altogether now! ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And as we keep reminding, if we endure with Christ right down to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please let’s us e that as one more bit of encouragement to endure to the very end! Much LOVE!
…Jesus set the example of doing good works…so that His followers could follow it…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
05 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious future with Jesus, a human phenomenon, a subconscious reaction, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, become discouraged in your souls, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners, endure to the end, endured the cross despising the shame, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, have Jesus' desires uppermost in our hearts, I will come again and receive you unto myself, in my Father's house are many mansions, kept by the power of God, lay aside every weight, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds, let no your heart be troubled, living by faith, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, not looking back, outweigh the pain and suffering of earth, run with patience, sacrificing His sinless life, seeing we are compassed about, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, so great a cloud of witnesses, thank God, that fadeth not away, the author and finisher of our faith, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the crown of glory, the crown of life, the crown of righteousness, the imperishable crown, the joy of the crowns of heaven, the race that is set before us, the sin which doth so easily beset us, the swift of foot, through faith unto salvation, to be revealed in the last time, Wednesday Wail, witnesses of our faith
Hebrews 12:3. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (become discouraged in your souls).
Wow! It’s Wednesday already! I can’t believe it! I had to ask the duchess this morning if it was really Wednesday? As usual, she shook her head, looked at me with that strange look she uses when she doubts my sanity, and simply said, ‘All day.’ I don’t know about anybody else nuh, but I find that the days are passing by swifter than they ever have. July just started, and it’s already the fifth of the month.
I guess though that it’s all a human phenomenon; when you’re young, you feel like time isn’t moving along as quickly as you’d like, and when you’re older, like me, you feel that time is passing by much too quickly. It’s a subconscious reaction to know that your days on God’s great earth are numbered at the bottom end of the scale rather than at the top. But nonetheless, we old people will keep on keeping on. And all the old people shouted a loud and proud: ‘Yes we will!’
Yes friends, we cannot stop doing Jesus’ work here on earth until the last minute before He calls us home. While we have life, we ought to have His desires uppermost in our hearts, just like He had ours when He hung shamelessly on the cross of Calvary, sacrificing Hie sinless life for our sinful ones. Let’s never forget the pain and the shame He bore so that we could be set free form the bondage of sin.
As the author of Hebrews points out so poignantly. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us.’ (Heb. 12:1)
And is that ever so necessary my fellow believers. We have the heroes or witnesses of our faith who have gone before us as examples of living by faith, but to do that successfully we have to throw off whatever weight and sin that keep us back, and push forward with perseverance and endurance, because the race of faith is not for the swift of foot but for those who stay the course.
And the author of Hebrews further tells us that the best way to stay the course of faith is by ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith); who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (become discouraged in your souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3)
Better and wiser words were never spoken my fellow saints, for Jesus is the prime example of what it takes to run this race of faith and earthly life. He began the journey for us, set the stage by disregarding all the hostility and suffering that came against Him, using the joy that He knew would be forthcoming, when He fulfilled the Father’s commission. That joy was the privilege of sitting at the right hand of the Father’s throne. Thus, He endured all the shame and suffering down here on earth, knowing that the joy of heaven would make up for it.
And that’s how we, His disciples, agents, ambassadors should also be thinking and behaving; knowing that the joy of being with Jesus in heaven will surely outweigh whatever shame and suffering we have to endure down here on this sinful and ungodly earth. Remember Jesus’ promise? ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwellings): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.’ (John 14:1-3)
Now, we all know that Jesus doesn’t make empty promises, so if He says He’s going to prepare a place for us, then coming back to receive us unto Himself, then we’ve got to believe it, and use it as encouragement to keep keeping on, to keep fighting the good fight of faith as Bruh Paul testified to, so that we can get the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge will give to all them that LOVE Him at the day of reckoning. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
Then there is also the crown of life that James speaks of. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (tested), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12). That gives us even more ammunition to remain faithful to Christ and endure whatever comes against us, for remember too that the Lord won’t allow us to be tempted more than we can bear, but will provide a way out for us when the going gets too rough. (1 Cor. 10:13)
And Peter talks about the crown of glory that will be reserved for the church elders. ‘And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.’ (1 Pet. 5:4) Above all friends, we need to realize and believe that the crowns of the earth will decay and rot eventually, they are perishable, but the crowns which we seek are imperishable, as Bruh Paul describes in 1 Cor. 9:24-25. And as Peter describes: ‘To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’ (1 Pet. 1:4-5)
Oh my fellow believers, life will be somewhat rough and tough down here on earth, but if we keep walking in faith with Jesus, those tough times will pale in regard to the rewards, the joy that’s set aside for us in heavenly places. So please, let’s stand strong in Jesus and pursue our earthly purpose with the same joy, endurance and perseverance that He used during His earthly sojourn. Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, then it’s guaranteed that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! That’s just one more enticement to keep fighting the good fight of faith! (smile) Much LOVE!
…the joy of the crowns of heaven…far outweigh the pain and suffering of earth…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
28 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a smoke alert, among whom ye shine as lights of the world, an inferiority complex, bear your whoredoms, complaining means that God is not good enough, do all things without murmurings and disputings, endure to the end, halfway home, hands on the plough, how long shall I bear with this evil congregation, I will smite them with pestilence, if God spares life, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, know my breach of promise, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not turning back, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Israelites constantly complained, the negative consequences of complaining, to a glorious future with Jesus, we love to complain, Wednesday Wail, would God we had died in Egypt, would God we had died in this wilderness, ye may be blameless and harmless, your carcasses shall fall in the wilderness, your children shall wander in the wilderness
Philippians 2:14. Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings:
Oh boy, are these days ever moving along swiftly. Can you believe it’s already Wednesday, not to mention the last few days of June. And to make matters even worse, today there’s a smoke alert in our area from the wildfires up north that apparently are still spewing out their pollution. And the real summer weather hasn’t even truly arrived. Yes, we have gotten a few hot days along the way, but not consistently, the air conditioners have hardly been on. (smile) It’s been more like springtime weather.
Let’s hope that July brings some consistently warm weather, so that we can complain that it’s ever so hot. Yuh know how we just LOVE to complain, especially when we get what we ask for and discover it’s not what we really want. And on that note, I think we are being guided to look at complaining in a more serious and biblical sense, because the Bible tells us in several scriptures about the negative consequences of complaining. And there seems to be so much relevant stuff on complaining that this might just have to run for two days. (smile)
Now, I guess the best place to begin is right at the beginning, where complaining first reared its ugly head with serious consequences. And that’s when the Israelites having seen all the miracles that the Lord had done for them on the way out of Egypt, once in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land began murmuring and grumbling and about their situation. They complained about the lack of water, the lack of proper food, the lack of meat, etc. etc. Things got bad and the Lord threatened: ‘I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.’ (Num. 14:12)
Yes friends, the Lord was so tired with the ugly griping and complaining after all the wonderful things He’d done for them, that He was willing to destroy them and make a greater second nation for Moses. But Moses interceded on their behalf, pointing out how it would look if He destroyed them, when He was supposed to be their God and looking after them. And the Egyptians would have a field day spreading all kinds of nasty rumours. So the Lord listened to Moses’ wise words and relented, and instead of destroying Israel, He pardoned them. (Num. 14:1-20)
But they kept on complaining. And finally, the Lord’s patience wore thin. ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur (grumble) against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you. Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole (entire) number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me.
Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware (solemnly promised) to make you dwell therein, save Caleb of Jephunneh, and Joshua of Nun. But your little ones which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know (be acquainted with) the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcasses, they shall fall (die) in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness (be shepherds) forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness.
After the number of days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities (guilt), even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise (rejection or opposition). I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. And the men, which Moses sent to search (spy out) the land, who returned and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander (bad report) upon the land. Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the Lord, died by the plague before the Lord.’ (Num. 14:26-37)
Oh my people, yuh see what the evil of complaining accomplished. And how what you wish for can be used against you, for in verse 2, they had complained: ‘Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God that we had died in this wilderness.’ And they eventually got their wish after refusing to go into the Promised Land because of the negative report of ten of the twelve spies who went in and checked it out. That was a terrible slap in the face to God, because ‘Grumbling complaints directly or indirectly declare that God is not sufficiently good, faithful, loving, wise, powerful, or competent.’
So, none of them who came out of Egypt, except Caleb and Joshua, entered the Promised Land, but died in the wilderness. That’s because they were the only two spies who had positive reports on the land. Now you might say that was in the Old Testament and it doesn’t apply today. But you’ll be oh so wrong, for there’s this prominent scripture from Bruh Paul to the Philippians that refutes your contention. It quite clearly says: ‘Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless (innocent), the sons (children) of God, without rebuke (fault), in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (generation), among whom ye shine as the lights of the world.’ (Phil. 2:14-15)
Yes, my fellow believers, we are warned not to grumble and complain as we go through this tough life, but to be strong and steadfast, blameless, innocent and shining as the lights of the world that Jesus desires of us. And as we saw above, when we grumble and complain against God, it means we don’t consider Him good or strong enough to handle our problems. And believe me, if God could destroy His chosen people, the Israelites for constant complaining and disobedience, why wouldn’t He do likewise to us? No reason whatsoever!
And I know God claims to be patient and longsuffering, but what with all the sin and disobedience that’s running rampant in our world, I’m sure His patience is growing thin with us, just like it was with the Israelites way back then. And yuh see the lethal punishment that He can mete out. So please, as they say, a word to the wise is sufficient. Let’s be wise then and cut down on our complaining. That’s enough for today. More tomorrow, if God spares life. Let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And let’s remember, that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, that glorious future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…when believers complain incessantly…it upsets God…gives Him and inferiority complex…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
14 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: as ye have done it unto one of the least, depart from me ye cursed, endured the cross despising the shame, eternal life, everlasting punishment, for the joy that was set before him, get our second wind, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, humility, into everlasting fire, join the fray, lack the parts to walk that talk, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, my eyes are looking straight ahead, nailed naked between two thieves, not looking back, not my will but thine be done, obedience, prepared for the devil and his angels, salvation, saving grace, separate the sheep from the goats, set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left, Simon the Cyrene, talk a good talk, thank God, the author and finisher of our faith, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the crown of thorns, the Great tribulation, the Great White throne judgement, the righteous into eternal life, the shame of the cross, the sufferation of Jesus, to a glorious future with Jesus, ungodly ingrates, Wednesday Wail, ye have done it unto me
Matthew 25:40a. …inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
And we’ve progressed to Wednesday, the middle day of our work week, when we get our second wind for the last part of the five labouring days. (smile) I guess it’s like the race cars going like crazy around the oval, who pull into the pits every so often to refuel, change tires and fix whatever else may be wrong, then head back out to the track with a burst of speed to join the fray once again. Yes my faithful brethren, that’s how we ought to be; getting refueled, recharged in our spirits, then getting back into the fray to help lost souls come to Christ to receive His saving grace, salvation and eternal life.
Oh, what a wonderful assignment for a wonderful Saviour! Ah friends, we couldn’t have a better guide, leader and employer. He came to earth and died for us, thus paying for our sins and saving us from eternity with Satan in Hades, then went back to heaven where He currently advocates for us, meanwhile giving us His Holy Spirit to help and comfort us, to enable us to do what He desires of us, then when our days on this earth are over, the unimaginable joy of spending eternity with Him in heaven! How could it get any better than that eh? It certainly could not!
The problem though is that some of us want the benefits without lifting a finger to do the work necessary. But do you think Christ wanted to go to the cross and die that shameful death? No way Jose! Yuh see how the night before His crucifixion, in the Garden of Gethsemane He begged the Father three times about not having to go through it. He was so anxious about the whole situation that He even sweated what seemed to be blood. But the Father’s answer was a silent No! Although He did send an angel from heaven to comfort and strengthen Him (Luke 22:39-46)
Eventually Jesus got the message that there was no other way to save the souls of us sinners, and it shows up in His fateful words: ‘Not my will, but thine, be done.’ Yes, my fellow believers, Jesus didn’t relish the thought of going to the cross, but He did it because the Father asked Him to, and He LOVED both us and Father enough to give His sinless life to save our sinful ones. And I hate to bring this up because every time I think about the ‘sufferation’ Jesus endured for our ungrateful sakes, it makes me feel sick inside.
Can you imagine the lashes of that maniacal whip slashing across His back, creating untold and irreparable scars; the crown of thorns pressed down on His holy and sinless head; the spitting and jeering that He was forced to undergo, then carrying that heavy wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary? It’s a good thing the Father saw His sorry state and sent Simon the Cyrene to help carry His cross and give Him a much needed break. And do you think the nails fiendishly pounded into His hands and feet or the gaping javelin wound in His side were a pretty sight and fun to bear.
And just imagine the shame of being nailed up on that cross, between two thieves, totally naked for all to see and jeer, then the added insult of casting lots for his garments, while poor Mary His mother stood there her heart just breaking into fine particles, knowing that that was His destiny, but still wishing that her first born son would not have to undergo such agony for people who couldn’t care less about Him. And now, we want to go to heaven but don’t want to live the godly life it calls for and help others to come to Him for salvation.
Chuh man! What a bunch of ungodly ingrates we are! And we have the gall to be ashamed of Jesus! But look at how He handled all the ‘sufferation’ and shame. The author of Hebrews tells us: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (become discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3)
Now that’s how Jesus handled all the sad and disgraceful stuff He went through, because of the joy of sitting at the Father’s right hand that would come afterwards. Now why can’t we do likewise and put up with some difficulties when we are guaranteed the joy of heaven for eternity eh? Because we’re so full of heifer dust! We talk a good talk but lack the parts to walk that talk. But we want to go to heaven! Hn! Yuh think the Lord lets any and anybody into heaven?
Remember what Jesus said about separating the sheep from the goats? Many of us who think we’re going to heaven will be sadly disappointed because we didn’t do the things that Jesus considers worthy of heaven, like sincerely helping others and not being ashamed of Him and spreading His word sincerely, etc. etc. As He said: ‘When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee and hungred (hungry), and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then he shall say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (Matt. 25:31-41) Yes friends, that’s what’s going to happen. And those on the left hand shall ask the same questions as the righteous did, but get the unfortunate reply: ‘Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.’ (Matt. 25:45-46)
Now I think it’s important that we should hear the scholars take on the subject. They say: ‘The judgement of the nations concludes our Lord’s prophetic discourse. This judgement of all nations must be distinguished from the Great White Throne judgement at the end of the Millenium. The nations are those peoples living through the Great Tribulation on earth at the time of Christ’s return. This is a judgement of separation: sheep on his right – goats on the left. At this judgement all nations (better, “all Gentiles”) stand before Christ who then separates the sheep (the saved) from the goats (the lost) in a manner reminiscent of the wheat and tares parable.
Note that these are living nations, whereas the Great White Throne judgement is one of the wicked dead whose bodies are resurrected to face the final judgement of the lost. Thus the saved are invited to come into and share the blessings of His kingdom. Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom. The basis of their acceptance seems to be their treatment of the least of these my brethren, the saved of the Great Tribulation.’
Yes friends, it’s heavy and plentiful, but it’s time we begin eating some meat and potatoes of the scriptures rather than simply drinking milk all the time. We cannot grow unless we get down to the nitty gritty of the word. And it takes time and energy to do that. So if we want to grow in the word, then we need to spend the necessary time and energy it calls for. Now let’s go home letting the world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, as we declare (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail.
In full voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And just to remind us that if we endure right down to the end with Jesus, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. Much LOVE!
…obedience and humility…that’s what Jesus is seeking from His followers…
P.S. Brother is it ever long, and I completely forgot about continuing where we left off yesterday talking about money. I only remembered it halfway through this discourse. But don’t worry, there are methods to mine and God’s madness. (smile) Much LOVE!
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
31 May 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new and living way, according to his riches in glory, as ye see the day approaching, assembling together, belly and backbone, Christians need to step up to the plate, DETERMINATION, direct access to god, encouraging each other, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, glorify our heavenly Father, hands on the plough, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, lacking in faith and good works, LOVE, make a difference, my God shall supply all your needs, not looking back, not putting in the faith and effort needed, only a poser, see our good works, shall he find faith on the earth, taking no prisoners, talk the scriptures but don't truly believe them, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the ingredient missing from our Christian walk, the king of glory, the light of the world, the salt of the earth, to a glorious future with Christ, to provoke unto love and to good works, transform hopes and beliefs into actions, we are not of them who draw back into perdition, Wednesday Wail, when the Son of man cometh
Luke 18:8. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
And the week’s moving ahead very quickly; taking no prisoners whatsoever! (smile) Yes friends, it’s already Wednesday, mid-week, the day we try to catch our second wind. But the way the week’s galloping along, we might not be able to do that. That’s just for the unbelievers though, for with Jesus by our side, at our helm, all around us, we can do anything. Wow! What a scripture: ‘I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!’ (Phil. 4:13) And if you don’t believe that, then you’re no true believer, only a poser.
Ah mih people, I believe that’s the major ingredient that’s missing in our Christian walk these days; we talk the scriptures, the many promises and scenarios that make up our faith, but we don’t truly believe them, otherwise our church and our individual lives would not be so lacking in faith and good works. We are supposed to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world now that Jesus no longer walks the earth, but are we truly those things? Does the heathen see our good works and thus want to glorify our God that is in heaven?
Hn! I don’t think so, or there wouldn’t be the great exodus from the church that’s currently taking place and Beelzebub and his evil cronies wouldn’t be the powerful force in our world that they currently are. And by the way, they seem to be getting stronger every day, while Christ’s church seems to be getting weaker, because it’s supposed devotees are not putting in the faith, effort and perseverance we need to see it prosper.
Recently I heard a preacher consider Jesus’ question: ‘Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8).Those are the closing words of Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow, found just before that scripture, and I began seriously considering it myself. Will He, my fellow believers, or will our faith have sunk to such a low level that it might as well be non-existent?
And thankfully I was able to find one commentary that throws a somewhat positive light on the situation. It says: ‘Perhaps, as members of the Church trust with all their hearts, transform their hopes and beliefs into action, and seek to align themselves with the will of the Lord, the answer to the question the Savior asked 2,000 years ago will be a resounding “Yes, He will find faith.’
And oh, how I do hope and desire with all my heart, that before it’s too late, that we, the members of Christ’s Church will come to that high level of trust and transform our hopes and beliefs into action, for that’s the ONLY way, Jesus will ever find faith when He returns to earth. Yes my fellow saints it’s only if we get up off of our fat, lazy, well-fed, entitled fannies and do what we’re supposed to do, that’s stand up strong for Jesus and spread the good news of His wonderful gospel all around the world, that faith will ever be found when Jesus returns to earth as the King of Glory!
That’s why we have to listen to the author of Hebrews when he exhorts us, re holding fast to the faith. ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
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 great works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:19-25)
Yes friends, the shed blood of Christ which makes Him the eternal sacrifice and therefore our High Priest forever, allows us to go into the holiest of holies, right to the throne of God, that’s to say a new and living way by which we have direct access to God, and don’t have to wait for the priest to make atonement for us once a year. And with that new and living way made available through Christ’s breaking the veil of the holies, we need to come close to Him with pure hearts, baptized with His Holy Spirit, washed in His blood, and assured of the promises He made us.
But it all takes a strong and assured faith to do so; a faith that should lead us to stirring up each other to do the good works that’s required of us. And one of the best ways to do that is by gathering together regularly, and encouraging each other, especially in these troubled and evil times, when it seems the last days are upon us.
And as the author of Hebrews says a little later on: ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance, perseverance), that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry (delay). Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (destruction): but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.’ (Heb. 19:35-39)
There you have it my people: we need to stand strong in faith and do the works we are supposed to do, thus breaking the stranglehold that the evil body has on our world. And as the scriptures say, we are not shirkers of our duty, we don’t draw back. But it takes plenty belly and back bone, guts, perseverance, determination and strong belief in the promises of Christ to stand up strong for Him against the wily and evil enemy. And don’t forget that Christ will come in due time and reward those whom He finds standing in faith.
So, let’s write these two scriptures indelibly in our hearts, so that we can raise them up when necessary. The first is the one we began with: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ And the second is like unto it (smile): ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) That says it all! Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong, confident and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And yuh better believe, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! So please let’s use that as encouragement to endure down to the very end nuh mih bredrin! Much LOVE!
…Christians need to step up RIGHT NOW…and LIVE their faith…if they hope to make a difference in this world….
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
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