23 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adrenalin, aura of love, be not conformed to this world, be ye transformed, Bruh Paul, complain, conceptions of God, confidence, confusion, conquerors, deceptions, enthusiasm, evil, fellowship, friends, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, graven images, holy spirit, humble servants, idolatry, idols, immorality, in the world but not of it, inroads into the enemy's ranks, invincible, Jesus Christ, keep our focus on Jesus, keep yourselves from idols, lead and guide us, lies, little children, LOVE, material things, moan and groan, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, moth and rust destroy, Oh Lord God Almighty, put a smile on Jesus' face, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, rest, spiritual armour, spunk, steadfast faith, the Battlefield of the mind, the nature of the human animal, the renewing of your mind, the things of the world, the wisdom of Jesus, the work week, treasures in heaven, treasures on earth, trust, ungodly world, vim and vigour, walk in the Spirit, where our minds lead, where your treasure is there is your heart, wiles, wisdom, you cannot serve two masters at the same time
1 John 5:21. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Oh boy, oh boy, it’s Monday; the day that causes so much topsy-turvy and confusion in our lives! It never ceases to amaze me nuh. We know that Monday is coming and that we have to get out to work, but yet every week so many of us are still unprepared for it, and we moan and groan and complain and say all sorts of bad things about such a lovely day. (smile)
And I guess unless our society stops operating the way it does – with work Monday to Friday – we’ll continue to be late and miserable on Mondays until Jesus comes back. Oh, I just realized something; Monday itself is not the problem nuh, it just happens to be the first day of the work week. If we made any other day the first day, the same thing would happen.
Hn, hn! It’s just the nature of the human animal. That means we’ll need our Monday Morning Battle Hymn for a while yet. So let’s sing it out with plenty spunk and vim and vigour. (smile) Remember that Jesus, our choirmaster, requires excellence from us in all our endeavours.
All together in harmony now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Good job my people, good job! Halfway through you could see the smile slowly appearing on Jesus’ face as He realized that we were going to put down an excellent rendition. Glory Hallelujah!
There’s no better thing we believers can do than put a smile on Jesus’ face! Now let’s go into the evil world and see if we can walk in a manner that does the same thing nuh. And we should be able to continue lighting up Jesus’ spirit since our motors are now up and running, fuelled by the adrenalin that’s pumping through our system.
But while we journey through the world my brethren, please remember the wise words of John in our Bit. ‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.’
Yes Friends, we need to not allow the things of the world, be they graven images or simply material stuff to take our eyes and hearts off of Christ. And that’s so easy to do with all the wiles and lies and deceptions that the enemy sends against us. It is imperative that at ALL TIMES our focus be on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour! For though we are in the world, we should not be a part of it; meaning taking part in all the idolatry, immorality, etc. that the world presently glorifies.
Now here are some scholarly comments on our Bit. ‘5:21. Idols here may well have the sense of erroneous conceptions of God. John addressed such false notions throughout the letter. However fervent our LOVE for others and our adherence to God’s commands, such human efforts will come to nothing apart from true understanding of God as revealed in Christ. To know Him as He is causes LOVE and obedience to be the redeeming worshipful responses to God that He intends them to be.’
Yeh Friends, I know that’s somewhat cerebral, (smile) and it is true, but our main concern today is simply about not making the things of the world more important than God. And to do that successfully, the first step is to initiate what Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Rome. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Rom.12:2)
Yes my people, it all begins and ends with the mind. As Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) talks about the book she wrote, ‘The Battlefield of the Mind.’ That’s where the battle first rages for supremacy, for where our mind leads, there shall we go.
And the scholars define that verse thus. ’12:2. Be not conformed (lit. “stop conforming yourselves”): They are to resist being poured into the mould of the present thinking, value, and conduct of his world. This term is used only here and in 1 Peter 1:14.’
Oh we all know that is difficult to do, but if we walk in the Spirit, and not in the flesh, as we are commanded to do, we can do it. And we’ll end most appropriately, with the wisdom of Jesus.
‘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, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt.6:19-21)
And if Jesus says it’s so, then obviously it is so! So my fellow believers, please let’s go out today and not hunger for the things of the world, but for the things of heaven, for that is the ultimate in wisdom. Much LOVE!
…you cannot faithfully serve two masters at the same time…
16 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a thankful conversation with God, an act of war, aura of love, band our jaws, be not troubled, begin the day on the right foot, confidence, energy, enthusiasm, evil, faith, fellowship, fire in Jesus' eyes, get with the programme, glorious kingdom, greed, humble servants, invincible, Jerusalem, Jesus Christ, LOVE, LOVE to hate, make a positive difference, many shall come in my name, meet the enemy in battle, miserable, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Oh Lord God Almighty, peaceful repose, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, righteousness., selfishness, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, stressed out, take heed that no man deceive you, the disciples came unto Him privately, the end is not yet, the end of the world, the Mount of Olives, these things must come to pass, trust, ungodly world, wars and rumours of war, what shall be the sign of thy coming, when shall these things be, wisdom
Matthew 24:3. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?
Well mih breddren, it’s that wonderful day which we all LOVE to hate; Monday! (smile) Unfortunately there is not much we can do about it, so let’s band our jaws and get up and get with the programme nuh.
Obviously, before you get going, you should offer up some praise and thanks for your name and picture not being in the obits today, (smile) and faithfully and sincerely ask for the strength, wisdom and guidance needed to have a successful day. It’s always best to both start and end the day with a thankful conversation with our Maker. That way we begin the day on the right foot and end it with peaceful repose.
And if we had done like we were supposed to yesterday, rest and fellowship and worship with other believers, we wouldn’t be all stressed out and miserable this morning before we even went through the door. Anyway, as is our custom on a Monday, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much energy and enthusiasm as we can manage. Oh, by the way, our choirmaster, Jesus, has fire in His eyes this morning. That means he is expecting an excellent rendition.
So let’s sing, as one voice, in perfect harmony. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Oh yes my people, it was good enough, as the smile on Jesus’ face indicates. So now we should all be ready to go out and face a world gone mad with evil and wickedness, selfishness and greed, and do our part to make a positive difference in Jesus’ name.
Now let’s turn to our Bit for today: ‘And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?’
Ah Friends, those were certainly mind boggling questions back then, and still are in these tremulous times. And according to Mark’s gospel, it was Peter, James, John and Andrew who inquired of those things from Jesus. (Mark 13:3) But before we get into Jesus’ answer, let’s see what led up to the questions in the first place.
Matthew describes it thus: ‘And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple.’ (Matt.24:1)
According to the scholars, they were referring to ‘the huge stones of the magnificent temple begun in 20 B.C under Herod the Great and completed some 84 years later.’
‘And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’ (Matt.24:2)
And the scholars tell us that ‘Jesus then left the city, crossed the Kidron Valley, and went east of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives from which He could look down on the temple courtyard. Here His disciples asked Him three questions: (1) when shall these things be? (the destruction of the temple); (2) what shall be the sign of thy coming? (Gr. parousia, technical term for the coming of the King; (3) and of the end of the world? (Gr. aion, “the age”). Therefore, the entire discourse must be looked upon as answering all three of these questions.’
And Friends, Jesus did get into a lengthy speech up there on the mountain. So now that we’ve set the scene, let’s check out Jesus’ answers to those questions. ‘And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers (various) places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.’ (Matt.24:4-8)
And yuh know what Friends, we are indeed seeing these things happen on a wider and larger scale than ever before. The headline in the Toronto star Newspaper yesterday read in big, bold letters: ‘An act of war,’ referring to the cruel and cowardly killing of so many innocent and unsuspecting people in Paris on Friday evening by the criminal sadists, we so nicely label terrorists.
Steups! A cold blooded murderer by any other name is still a cold blooded murderer! I don’t know why we legitimize their terrible behaviour with that name nuh. Anyway, I won’t get into any talk on that subject, because it will only increase my anger, and I might say something(s) I should not.
Suffice it to say, that unless retaliation in kind for this totally uncalled for massacre is soon met, this nonsense will continue unabated. If we had had a suitable response for 9/11, this would never have happened. We’ll continue this tomorrow, God willing.
Till then, please walk safely with our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus, and do not be troubled, as He advised. Be concerned yes, but not worried or anxious, for everything is unfolding as it should. Much LOVE!
...God’s plans are working as they should… believers ought to stay in faith… because of His awesome promises to us…
09 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: angels, aura of love, common grind, confidence, conquerors, Creator of the universe, creeping things, daily task, don't shoot the messenger, enthusiasm, excellent greatness, flying fowl, forgiving, fruitful trees, generous help, glorious kingdom, grace, gracious, heavenly beings, holy spirit, hosts, humble servants, if you don't work then you shouldn't eat, invincible, Jesus Christ, joyful song, kings, lies, LOVE, maidens, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, mountains, praise the Lord from the heavens, Praise ye the Lord, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, shout Hallelujah, spiritual armour, stars of light, steadfast faith, sun and moon, taunts, the children of Israel, ungodly world, universal praise, verve, warms the cockles of God's heart, wiles, wisdom, young men
Psalm 148:1. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah): Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
Well Friends and neighbours, the day of the daily task and common grind has rolled around again. It’s Monday… And I hear a whole set of disgruntled ‘Chuhs’ and ‘Steupses!’
And I have to quickly declare: ‘Wait up Friends, don’t shoot the messenger. I’m only doing my job.’
‘So who should we shoot then?’ comes the reply.
‘Nobody,’ I answer. And truly my brethren, there’s no need to shoot anyone, for it’s not like we don’t know that Monday is coming around, it’s been doing that for ages. It’s just that we refuse to prepare properly for it, so when it does roll around, we get ourselves all in a thither, because we have to get up and go to work and we’re still tired and sleepy from the exhausting weekend.
Now we can always arrange it so that you don’t have to go to work. But as Bruh Paul advised the Thessalonians, if you don’t work you won’t be eating either. (2 Thess. 3:10) So let’s cut out the nonsense and just get up and get ourselves together nuh. Part of that entails thanking our heavenly Father for allowing us to see a new day, and asking for His strength, wisdom and guidance as we face the evil and dangerous world.
And as always, to help in that department, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much verve and enthusiasm as we can manage. Oh… just one word of warning; our choirmaster, Jesus, isn’t looking too pleased this morning, having had to wait so long on us, so we had better mind our ps and qs and sing a good song. (smile)
As one, in perfect harmony now, let’s sing: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Now that wasn’t too bad Friends, except for a little croaking here and there. And I wonder if that’s because Jesus was serious all through it, with only a faint glimmer of a smile at the end. Hn! We do indeed show mucho wisdom when we don’t activate His wrath. (smile)
Anyway, today we’re going to continue concentrating on the positive aspects of our faith; re giving thanks and praise to our mighty, and all powerful God. Our Bit spells it out in spades. ‘Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah): Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.’
Yes my people, there’s nothing that warms the cockles of the Father’s heart and puts a big smile on His face like hearing us offer sincere praise and thanksgiving for all that He’s done, doing and promised to do for us. So let’s continue with the words of Psalm 148, fittingly titled – All creation to praise the Lord.
‘Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished (established) them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.’ (Ps.148:2-6)
Yes Friends, the psalmist is first calling all the heavenly beings and bodies to celebrate and praise our omnipotent God, who, having spoken them into existence, decreed that they last forever, and for that He deserves everlasting praise.
Then the psalmist continues with the list of earthly beings and substances that ought to offer praise to Almighty God: ‘Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons and all deeps (sea creatures): Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:’ (Ps.148:7-10)
Oh my people, what a vast and rather inspired imagination our God had, when He created such exotic creatures and beautiful things!
Then the psalmist finally turns to God’s greatest creation, mankind. ‘Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent (exalted); his glory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn (strength or dominion) of his people, the praise of all his saints; even the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord (Hallelujah!)’ (Ps.148:11-14)
Yes my fellow believers, as the scholars say: ‘Psalm 148: Since nothing in heaven above or on earth below is left out in this praise psalm, it may appropriately be designated as the psalm of universal praise.’
And believe me, ALL of God’s creation ought to lavish eternal praise on Him, especially His most wonderful creation, man! Why? Because He is such a wonderful, LOVING, magnificent, merciful, gracious, forgiving, awesome God, Creator and Provider!
So Friends, let’s display our heavenly wisdom by continually lavishing sincere praise on our heavenly Father nuh, because that’s what we were made for. Much LOVE!
… praise Him, praise Him…tell of His excellent greatness…praise Him, praise Him…ever in joyful song…
02 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, according to the revelation of the mystery, adrenalin, almighty god, as it is written, aura of love, Bruh Paul, children of the Most High God, confidence, conquerors, do love, entered into the heart of man, enthusiasm, eye hath not seen, faith, fire in Jesus' eyes, friends, generous help, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, glory to God, God's promises, God's Word, holy spirit, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, keeping lives and families together, lies, LOVE, Lucifer, minions, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, nor ear heard, our God-given task, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, rest, sincere heart, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Good Book, the obedience of faith, the saga of mankind, the Son's beaming His light, the sun's a rising, the things God hath prepared for them that love Him, the truth of the matter, the truth will set you free, to do exceedingly abundantly, to him that is able to establish you, trust, truth, ungodly world, unto him that is able, up to the challenge, walking obediently with Christ, wicked taunts, wiles, wisdom
Ephesians 3:20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
Aye mateys, it’s time to roll outa your bunks and hit the decks…running! The sun’s a rising, and the Son’s a beaming His most brilliant Light all over His Father’s great universe! Glory to God!
Ah Friends, I’m trying to be as diplomatic as I can, (smile) to let you know that it’s Monday morning and it’s time to get up and go to work. But you know it’s always better to face reality straight in the face than try to slant it, or tone it down. As the Good Book tells us, the truth will set us free.
And the truth of the matter is that we have to rise and shine, let our saltiness flavour our world and our light lead it in a godly manner, for that is our God-given task.
Oh, I know that many of us are still tired, lazy, depressed, whatever, and don’t really feel like getting up and getting a move on, but we have to if we want to make a living. And as usual, to help us do that, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much enthusiasm and energy as we can muster.
Now, as one harmonious choir, with Jesus as our choirmaster, let’s sing. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Not bad, not bad at all mih people! I guess we saw the stern look on Jesus’ face and the fire in His eyes, and realized that He was not in a fooling mood, He meant business this morning. (smile)
So now that the adrenalin is pumping, providing much needed fuel for our somewhat less than warmed up motors, let’s get out there on the firing line and just do LOVE nuh, do LOVE like Jesus did, and still does. Once we’re doing LOVE with a sincere heart, then we know that we are walking obediently in His footsteps, with absolutely nothing to worry about.
So what about it eh Friends? Are we up to the challenge this Monday morning? I’m sure we are. And why am I so sure of that? Because of our Bit, which is a promise from the Word of God, and all God’s promises are faithful and true.
So if Bruh Paul, God’s mouthpiece and messenger says this in his missive to the church at Ephesus: ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,’ then it must be true. No ifs ands or buts about it!
Yes my brethren, we are children of the Most High God, we belong to the family of a mighty Deity, whose power can do infinitely more than our finite minds can even imagine! And please don’t ever forget that! Your heavenly Father is the most omnipotent force in the universe that He created and still controls!
Don’t bother with Lucifer and his li’l fool fool minions. They can’t do anything to stop or harm a child of the Most High God Jehovah! They only have plenty mouth – like some of us Christians – but the Father can destroy them with a simple word. Glory Hallelujah!
Now let’s check out a few scripture passages which corroborate our Bit. In 1 Corinthians, when talking about wisdom being God’s gift, Bruh Paul reminds his readers: ‘But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that LOVE him.’ (1Cor.2:9)
Yeh Friends, none of us really know the wonderful things that God has prepared for those of us who truly LOVE and reverence Him! They are too high and wonderful for our small minds to comprehend.
Then, in his letter to the Colossians, Bruh Paul in talking about his service for Christ, ends the chapter with these powerful words. ‘Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.’ (Col.1:29)
Oh my fellow believers, when we LOVE God and aspire to do His bidding, He will also work mightily in us! Oh glory to God!
Then in his concluding doxology to the church at Rome, Bruh Paul assures them: ‘Now to him that is of power (is able) to stablish (establish) you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.’ (Rom.16:25-27)
Yes Friends, the whole saga of mankind (the mystery) was prepared even before the world began, but only made known through the prophets and the coming of Jesus in God’s right timing!
So please, let’s go out today and do what we need to do nuh, without fear or worry, because the most powerful force in the universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is looking out for us. Much LOVE!
…there’s no one better to have your back…than Almighty God…
26 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adrenalin pumping, almighty god, anxious, aura of love, Bruh Paul, choir director, confidence, conquerors, controversies, Creator of the universe, cry out to God, economic downturn, enthusiasm, eternal life, even the youths shall faint and be weary, faith, fearful, fellowship, forgiveness, friends, glory hallelujah, good hands like All State, gospel truth, grace, hast thou not heard, He gives power to the faint, holy spirit, humble servants, I will exalt him, if any would not work, inconsistencies, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, lies, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, my father's God, neither should he eat, omni-present, omnipotent, omniscient, put our trust in Jesus, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, salvation, serve a useful purpose, shall mount up with wings like eagles, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, the day of sorrows, the good news of the gospel, the long and short of the story, the Lord fainteth not, the Lord is my strength and song, the Thessalonians, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint, they that wait upon he Lord, to the foot of Christ's cross, to them that no might he increaseth strength, trust, truth, ungodly world, wiles, wisdom, wonder of wonders
Isaiah 40:29. He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Well, well, well… if it isn’t Monday, the day of sorrows for so many people! Yes Friends, a lot of the workforce rather dislike Monday mornings because they have to get up and go to work and they are not properly prepared for it. On the other hand, some are glad to see Monday, either because they are prepared for it, or they just want to get away from home for whatever reason. (smile)
The long and the short of the story though is that we need to work so that we can live as best we can amidst the worldwide economic downturn that is now in progress. And as Bruh Paul told the Thessalonians, ‘if any would not work, neither should he eat.’ (2 Thess.3:4)
And that’s by no means an unreasonable command. But man being what he is, there will always be inconsistencies and controversies in our daily lives. So to help us over the hump, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with plenty of hungry hope and expectant faith, paying close attention to our choir director, Jesus as He leads us in song. (smile)
As one harmonious whole now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Now that wasn’t a bad rendition at all my brethren, but nowhere as good as the one last week, when we had the Father up and dancing and singing with us. I guess we can’t be that good every week. But at least hopefully our adrenalin is now running and we are getting in the groove to go out and do good, serve Jesus faithfully in a wicked and ungodly world.
And even though we might not be up to scratch, there is no need to be fearful or anxious because as our Bit so faithfully promises: ‘He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.’
And that’s the gospel truth Friends! I can personally testify to that, because there are many days when my aches and pains get the better of me, both physically and emotionally and I have to cry out to the Lord for the strength and wherewithal to continue.
And wonder of wonders, His awesome and never ending supply of grace soon lifts me up and enables me to carry on. Oh glory to God my brethren! So please don’t despair if you’re under the weather and things are difficult. Just cry out to God in sincere faith and He will strengthen you.
Now listen to the wonderful scripture that precedes our Bit. ‘Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.’( Is.40:28)
More indisputable truth my people! Our God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, which means He is always on the go, never tired or weak, seeing everything and being everywhere! That’s the magnificent God we serve and worship! So I don’t see why so many of us refuse to put our entire trust in Him, to surrender our lives to His amazing action plans.
And if you weren’t impressed or overwhelmed by what went before our Bit, (smile) then listen to what comes after it. ‘Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Is.40:30-31)
Mama Mia! What an awesome promise! And it’s not an empty one either, because many of us believers can testify to it. So Friends, what shall it be this autumn Monday morn eh? Shall we put our trust in Jesus and cry out to Him for help to get ourselves together and to get going, so that we can spread the good news of His gospel by our words and actions, and thus bring the unbeliever to the foot of His cross for forgiveness, salvation and eternal life?
Now that would be an unbelievably wise decision; possibly the best one we’ve ever made! Yeh mih people, both wisdom and common sense dictate that we look to Almighty God for succour.
Hear how Moses puts it in his song. ‘The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation (praise Him); my father’s God, and I will exalt him.’ (Ex.15:2)
Oh glory Hallelujah! Now if Moses says that the Lord was his strength etc. etc. who are we to doubt him eh, especially in light of all the marvellous things he did? So today, please let’s stand strong, faithful and true in Jesus, for that’s wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!
…if you think man-made All State has such great hands…hn…can you then imagine the hands of our Creator…the most magnificent of course…
20 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a police state, adversity, an errand boy, an historic day, Be not thou far from me O Lord, belly and backbone, Bobby Schuller, change in government, confident boldness, corruption, Could you hurry a little, cries of anguish, cry boldly, deepens dependence on God, deliver my soul from the sword, draconian laws, everlasting wisdom, Federal Sections, glory to God, God is not our errand boy, God's timing, haste to help me, hedged in on every side, humble servants, I am the beloved of god, I can trust my friend Jesus, I don't have to hurry, I don't have to worry, I will praise thee, I'm not what I do, I'm not what I have, I'm not what people say about me, in the midst of the congrgation, Justin Trudeau, left me to my own devices, live obediently to god's will, Lord it's time for you to act, mea culpa, nonchalance, O my strength, obtain answers, One Year Book of Bible promises, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, prayer, promise, Psalmist David, save me, share His love with the world, songs of praise, stand steadfast, Stephen Harper, strengthens faith, the affairs of this world, the annals of Canadian history, the Conservatives, the Creed of the Beloved, the Liberals, the rich and famous, the winds of change, times of trouble, Tuesday Mantra, waiting develops endurance, walking papers, we are the children of God, wisdom
Psalm 22:19. But be not thou far from me O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Oh Friends, it’s a mea culpa kind of morning! I went to bed real late this morning, and got up much later than I expected or wanted to. I guess the good Lord in His everlasting wisdom decided I just needed the rest, or He simply left me to my own devices, and we see how that panned out. (smile)
Anyway today is an historic day in the annals of Canadian history! Yes mih people, the winds of change have blown across this country in a most remarkable way. We now have a new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and a new governing party, the Liberals, after yesterday’s Federal Elections.
The Conservative Government under Stephen Harper, which has mismanaged the country for almost a decade, got their most deserving walking papers. Glory to God!
Let’s hope now that the micro-management, the secrecy, the draconian laws which have brought us to the reality of a police state, the widespread corruption and the nonchalance towards the ordinary working man, in favour of the rich and famous will now stop, or at least be substantially reduced.
And would you believe that yesterday a wicked windstorm blew across my area all day, possibly heralding the significant change in government. Let’s hope too that the big knock against Trudeau, his youth, merely thirty something, doesn’t affect his governing. At least he doesn’t seem to be as arrogant as His father, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, who ran the country from 1968-1979, and 1980-84.
Notwithstanding that though, Pierre Elliot was possibly the most popular Prime Minster in our history. Let’s hope though that Justin does have the wisdom, the belly and backbone that his father had, and a true penchant for improving the entire country, not just the rich and famous.
Anyway, enough politics for today. I’m not a political animal, but I do take some interest in the goings ons around me. (smile) And since today is Tuesday, a wet and cloudy day in my area, we need to declare our Tuesday mantra. Or as the person who wrote it, Bobby Schuller, Gramps Schuller’s grandson, likes to call it, the Creed of the Beloved.
So all together now: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’
And that’s exactly how we have to view this life my brethren! The most important aspect of our lives is that we are the children of the Most High God Jehovah! That’s what defines us, nothing else!
And I just could not pass up this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Caulkin, as it is very reflective of our behaviour. It’s titled: ‘Could You Hurry a Little.’
And it says: ‘Lord, I know there are countless times When I must wait patiently for You. Waiting develops endurance. It strengthens my faith And deepens my dependence on You. I know You are a Sovereign God – Not an errand boy Responding to the snap of my finger. I know Your timing is neatly wrapped In Your incomparable wisdom.
But, Lord You have appointed prayer To obtain answers! Even David the Psalmist cried With confident boldness: “It is time, O Lord, for you to act.” God, on this silent sunless morning When I am hedged in on every side I too cry boldly. You are my Father, and I am Your child. So, Lord, could You hurry a little?’
Oh my fellow believers, I’m sure that many of us have prayed that kind of prayer many a time! And nothing’s really wrong with it, except that too many of us tend to treat the Lord our Mighty God as an errand boy.
Yes Friends, we often don’t remember Him until there is a problem in our life, then we cry out to Him and expect Him to run and fix it. But that’s a totally false image and manner of dealing with Almighty God.
Please remember that He is the Master and we are His humble servants. We are here to do His bidding, not the other way around. And though we are entitled to cry out to Him for help, we also are required to wait patiently on His timing, which is NEVER wrong or late.
And the promise on which that poem was based, is also our Bit for today. ‘But be not thou far from me O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.’
Yes Friends, that was Bruh David crying out for the Lord’s help in one of his many times of trouble. And as I said before, we are also entitled to cry out to our heavenly Father for help. We just need to live obediently to His will during the remainder of the time, if we truly expect Him to help us when adversity rears its ugly head.
We simply cannot live the way we want to, enmeshed in the affairs of this wicked and godless world, then when times get tough, run to Him and expect immediate succour.
And we’ll end today with the remainder of Bruh David’s cry for help. ‘Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling (precious life) from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns (and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered me).
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise him: all ye the seed (descendants) of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him (hold him in awesome reverence), all ye the seed of Israel. For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.’ (Ps.22:20-24)
Yes my people, that’s the awesome promise of our ever-LOVING God: when we consistently live for and praise Him in our daily lives, then we are entitled to cry out to Him for help in times of trouble. And as Bruh David so rightly says, He never turns away from the afflicted, but hears him. Now that’s a promise we can stand steadfast on! Much LOVE!
…for a true believer…cries of anguish…should always be interspersed with songs of praise…
19 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a disciple's prayer, almighty god, as we forgive our debtors, aura of love, call unto me, confidence, deliver us from evil, Eliphaz, enthusiasm, for thine is the kingdom, forgive us our debts, forgiveness, give us this day our daily bread, glorious kingdom, hallowed be thy name, humble servants, I love them that love me, I will answer thee, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jesus is calling, joy, labouring time, lead us not into temptation, lies, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, on earth as it is in heaven, Our Father which art in heaven, prayer, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, show thee great and mighty things, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, the Lord's prayer, the power and the glory, those that seek me early will find me, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, ungodly world, vain repetition, wisdom
Proverbs 8:17. I LOVE them that LOVE me; and those that seek me early (diligently) will find me.
Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s labouring time, labouring time! Monday morning is here, and Jesus is calling to us to join the fray…
But first He says, just take a few moments and pray: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever…and ever. Amen.’ (Matt.6:10-13)
Yes my people, it’s a simple and somewhat generic prayer, but nonetheless powerful in its simplicity. According to the old time formula for prayer, it begins with adoration …’Hallowed be thy name…’ then moves into petition…’Give us this day our daily bread…’ then ends in more adoration…’For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory…’
And though it’s a useful prayer, per the scholars: ‘This prayer, often called the “Lord’s Prayer,” is in reality a disciple’s prayer. In no way does the prayer itself embody all of Christ’s teaching about prayer; and having just warned against vain repetition (v.7), He did not intend for this particular prayer to be merely recited with empty meaninglessness.’
Unfortunately though, that’s what many of us do; recite it without any true heart-felt feeling. Please let’s stop doing that, because it just demeans and lessens the power and purpose of the prayer.
And having said all of that, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with a joy and exuberance that will put a brilliant smile on Jesus’ face, and have the Father tapping His toe and clapping along with us.
In perfect harmony now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Oh my people, that was indeed wonderful…magnificent…magnifico! You could see the joy in Jesus’ eyes as He wielded His baton with grace and majesty, while the angels sang along. And, wonder of wonders, the Father, unable to help Himself, had to get up and dance, so moving and exhilarating was the performance! Mama Mia!
Now that ought to get us all ‘adrenalized’ (smile) to go out and do God’s will, and thus invoke the sentiments of our Bit. ‘I LOVE them that LOVE me; and those that seek me early (diligently) will find me.’
Ah mih breddren, how truly wonderful it is to LOVE and serve the Most High God and be able to seek and find Him under any and all circumstances. Let’s make sure though that we just don’t seek Him when times are rough and we need help, as so many of us tend to do.
It’s ever so important to seek Him during both the bad and good times, so that we don’t give the impression that we’re only in it for what we can get from our omnipotent God, but because we truly LOVE and adore Him and we feel refreshed and enlightened in His company; He just brings out the best in us.
Now let’s check out a couple of scriptures which corroborate our Bit, beginning with words from the promise of a glorious return to Jerusalem of the captive Israelites in Babylon. ‘Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (are inaccessible).’ (Jer.33:2-3)
Yuh see Friends, Judah had turned away from the Lord, been corrupt, proud and unfaithful to their covenant with Him, so they had to suffer the unfortunate consequences. Likewise, we, individuals as well as nations will suffer serious consequences for our disobedience. However, our God is so gracious, merciful and forgiving, that if we repent and sincerely turn back to Him, He is willing to accept us back into His fold.
That brings us to Job being implored to repent of his sin by his buddy Eliphaz. ‘Acquaint now thyself with him (God), and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law (instructions) from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shall be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles (tents)…
For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.’ (Job 22:21-23, 26-28)
Yes my people, all Eliphaz says there is gospel truth, and since our God and His Word does not change, that means it all still applies to us today. So please let’s grab hold of wisdom, and understanding and sincerely turn to God, and follow Him faithfully from now until eternity, for that’s the only thing that makes any sense in this lost and forlorn world. Much LOVE!
…if you’re not following Jesus…then you’re not doing the right thing…and will suffer the eventual consequences…which won’t be very pleasant…
12 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new week of work, anger, aura of love, blessings, confidence, conquerors, Creator of the universe, cussing, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, enthusiasm, faith, fighting, friends, further God's glorious kingdom, fussing, generous help, give thanks and praise, glory hallelujah, God shall redeem Israel, God's ever-loving ways, God's merciful ways, grace, Granny's warning, hear the birds singing, holiness, hope, humble servants, I wait for the Lord, in his word do I hope, iniquities, inspiration, invincible, Jesus Christ, joy, let Israel hope in the Lord, lies, LOVE, loving kindness, man's fallen nature, mercy, my soul doth wait, my soul waiteth for the Lord, O Lord God Almighty, peace, plenty to be thankful for, Praise the Lord, redemption, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, rest, righteousness., spiritual armour, steadfast faith, strife, surrender our all, taunts, Thanksgiving Day, the best things in life are free, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, to rise and greet a new day, trust, truth, ungodly world, wiles, wisdom, with the Lord there is mercy
Psalm 130:5. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY CANADA!
And do we ever have plenty to be thankful for in this Canada my people, the best big country in the world! Glory Hallelujah!
And I recently heard one of my old favourite reggae songs that’s ever so appropriate for this Thanksgiving Day, that I had to share it. I believe I’ve shared it some time long ago, and I don’t even remember the singer’s name, but it does fill today’s bill.
Please sing along with me. ‘The earth is Jah Lord’s, and the fullness thereof! Jahman, give thanks and praise! It’s five o’clock in the morning, As I rise to greet a new day, I wish everyone could feel the way I do today. Just to hear the birds a-singing, and the joy that they’re a-bringing. We are Jah gifts for we are life.
Don’t you see what I see? Give thanks and praise, give thanks and praise, give thanks and praise to Jah for His ever-LOVING ways. Ah say: Give thanks and praise… do you hear: Give thanks and praise, Give thanks and praise to Jah for His merciful ways.
I think to myself, that beautiful days like these, should not be wasted in a cussing and fussing and fighting. As I trod along the way, As I trod along today, I know the best things in life are free.
O do you hear: Give thanks and praise, Give thanks and praise, Give thanks and praise to Jah for His merciful ways. Can’t you see what I see? Give thanks and praise, give thanks and praise to Jah for His ever-LOVING ways!’
Oh my people, now isn’t that ever the most appropriate way for us to behave each and every day, not only on Thanksgiving Day! It surely is! For just being able to rise and greet a new day is sufficient to give much thanks for.
And when you add the sweet singing of the birds and the joy they bring us with their song, plus the beauty of the day itself – and today indeed looks like another beautiful one – then our God’s merciful and ever-LOVING ways, with all the best things in life being free, why should there be any cussing and fussing and fighting eh?
This earthly life should be all about giving thanks and praise to Almighty God for all the goodness He’s so generously bestowed on us. Unfortunately though, with our fallen nature, it just doesn’t work out that way. We seem to have more cussing and fussing and fighting, more strife and anger than praise and thanks. What a pity!
Anyway, today is Monday, and though we in Canada don’t all have to go out and labour, many others over the world have to. So in sympathy with them (smile) let’s belt out a wonderful rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to give them some inspiration and faith to go out and serve God with holiness and righteousness.
All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
That was wonderful Friends! Jesus was pleased, as the broad smile on His handsome face revealed. Although I believe that most of the enthusiasm came from us Canadians who don’t have to go to work today. (smile) But nonetheless it was a good rendition.
Now let’s try and do what our Bit says, for this last day nuh. ‘I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.’ That’s a must Friends, if we need to see God’s grace and mercy in our lives!
Now listen to how the psalmist continues his song of hope and faith. ‘My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy (LOVING-kindness), and with him is plenteous (abundant) redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.’ (Ps.130:6-8)
Oh Friends, isn’t all of that the living truth? It most certainly is! We just have to hold on to it my brethren, and not let the nonsense that the world is so full of today, to get into and disrupt our godly lives.
So let’s all have a good day, giving thanks and praise for our God’s grace and mercy, as we ought to, for that’s wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!
…remember Granny’s warning…drunk or sober…mind yuh business (smile)…
05 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new workweek, adrenalin pumping, aura of love, Bruh Paul, charles stanley, christianity, Christians, confidence, Creator of the universe, deceitful lusts, do good like Jesus did, earning a living, enthusiasm, evil, friends, furthering the kingdom of God, generous help, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, grieve not the holy Spirit of God, holy spirit, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, join Jesus in battle, jolt of morning caffeine, joy, keeping lives and families together, leave all the consequences to Him, lies, light one's fire, lord god almighty, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, motors running, obedient to God's will, obey God, our free paper's burnt, physical behaviour, put on the new man, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed in the spirit of your mind, renewed vitality, repercussions, rest, righteousness., serve a useful purpose, spiritual armour, spoken word, steadfast faith, stop complaining, taunts, test our faith, tests, the godless world, the new life in Christ, throw off the miserableness, trials, tribulations, true holiness, under the weather, ungodly world, until the day of redemption, whereby ye are sealed, wiles, wine roses and song, wisdom, witness
Ephesians 4:30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Arise! Arise my people! Arise and let us go forth into the wicked, godless world that surrounds us. It’s Monday morning, that means it’s the beginning of a new workweek and our free paper has been burnt. Glory Hallelujah! (smile)
And with the burning of our free paper we have to get ourselves together and go out and work so that we can eat, buy clothes and have a roof over our heads. And while we are earning a living, we must also be furthering the kingdom of God through our witness, both spoken word and physical behaviour. That is the task that is set before us this chilly Monday morning in early October.
Now let’s stop the foolish complaining, and throw of the miserableness, and simply do what we need to do; go out and join Jesus in battle; go out and do good like Jesus did. And since not all of us are quite awake and with it as yet, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get our motors running and our adrenalin pumping.
Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Ah Friends, that rendition of our famous Battle Hymn was not very moving or enlivening at all! You could see that our choirmaster, Jesus wasn’t too thrilled, because there was no enthusiasm, no brashness, no get up and go, no joie de vivre, nothing to truly light one’s fire. But hopefully we’re up and about now, our motors are running, or rather sputtering, until we imbibe that first jolt of our morning caffeine. (smile)
Oh my brethren, if we are in such a sad state, then how can we go out into the cruel and evil world and adhere to Bruh Paul’s admonition in our Bit eh? ‘And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.’ It’s very difficult to do under the best of circumstances, much less when we are somewhat under the weather, not at our finest.
That’s why we keep encouraging us to make Sunday a warm up day for Monday, so we can go back to work rejuvenated and refreshed – emotionally, spiritually and physically, and truly live the new life in Christ.
And what is this new life in Christ, you ask? Well Bruh Paul spells it out thus for the Ephesians and also for us. ‘That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ (Eph.4:22-24)
And what does all of that mean? Here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘4:22-24. Christianity taught the addressees to (1) put off…the old man, to renounce their pre-conversion life and sins; (2) be renewed in…your mind, to be constantly changed, being brought more and more into line with God’s own viewpoint; and (3) put on the new man, that is, to assume a new nature (character) and conduct (life) at conversion.’
Yes Friends, when we come to walk seriously with Jesus, we need to throw out all the old, sinful trash that was in our lives before; stop going to certain places and doing certain things with certain people, which will prevent us from being all that Jesus expects us to be.
We’ve just got to scrap our old way of life and become a new person in Christ. Now that doesn’t happen overnight, or come easily, for there will be tests and trials and tribulations still in our lives, ostensibly to test our faith. So please understand that becoming a new person in Jesus is not all wine, roses and song. (smile)
But with the Holy Spirit of God living within you and leading and guiding you, it is indeed possible for you to slowly move from glory to glory, and thus understand what the new man is all about. Again, it all depends on the individual’s willingness to learn; to read and study God’s Word and to put that word into practice.
Unfortunately, that character trait seems to be sadly lacking in us Christians today. We talk about God, intimating that we’ve put on the new man, but in reality we live like the world, like we used to live before, with the old ways taking precedence over the new ways of God.
Now that obviously grieves the Holy Spirit; in fact the entire God-head, the Holy Trinity which also includes the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ.
It’s just like our earthly bosses are displeased when we claim to do what we ought, but have actually done the opposite. And there can be serious repercussions for such lies and deceit. Likewise, there are repercussions when we are not obedient to God’s will.
So Friends, let’s all wake up and smell the coffee, (smile) and get ourselves together this Monday morning, so that we won’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Now that is true wisdom! Much LOVE!
…like Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) says…the best way to live this life…is to simply obey God…and leave all the consequences to him…
28 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a heart attack, alive and kicking, all flesh is grass, aura of love, but my words shall not pass away, come as a thief in the night, complaining, confidence, crapaud smoke yuh pipe, Creator of the universe, do the best we can, enthusiasm, evil, friends, friends and neighbours, glorious kingdom, glory to God, gospel truth, greetings friends and neighbours, Hades, heaven, heaven and earth, heaven and earth shall pass away, holy spirit, humble servants, in Jesus' name, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jesus' Second Coming, joy, keeping lives and families together, laze around, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, meet the enemy in battle, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, our God is long-suffering, pussyfoot, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, repentance, rest, salvation, serve a useful purpose, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, that all should come to repentance, that any should perish, the breath of life, the day of the Lord, the flower fades, the grass withers, the spirit of the Lord, the voice of wisdom, the word of the Lord will stand for ever, thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, trust, truth, ungodly world, wicked taunts, wiles, wisdom
Matthew 24:35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Greetings my wonderful Friends and neighbours on this most auspicious Monday morning! (smile) And I guess you’re wondering why it’s so auspicious eh? Well first of all we’re alive and kicking…sorry, not all of us are kicking, (smile) but God’s breath of life is certainly flowing through our mortal bodies.
And you better believe that’s a rather important and auspicious occasion. And I say that because just last Sunday at the early morning service in church, one fellow who usually comes with his wife, was there alone, and when I inquired of her, he said that she recently had knee surgery and was still recuperating.
Imagine my consternation when at the early morning service yesterday, the pastor announced that the fellow, Don, had unexpectedly and suddenly died of a massive heart attack this week. Ah Lord eh! Now the poor wife not only has to put up with her medical problems, but the sudden and unexpected departure of her spouse too. And we complain because we have to get up and go to work. Steups!
Look Friends, instead of being miserable and complaining, let’s just get up thankfully and get ourselves off to our jobs and do the best we can in Jesus’ name eh! For that’s what He has called us to do, not to laze around, pussyfoot and complain. And to help us get ourselves together this last Monday in September, which looks like it’s going to be another nice day in my area – oh glory to God – let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much joy, enthusiasm and appreciation.
As one trilling and harmonious choir now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Now that wasn’t bad at all my people. I guess the news of my fellow parishioners’ sudden passing woke some of you up to the reality that one moment we could be here on earth, and the next floating away to heaven or Hades. I don’t know if Don had any prevailing heart problems but it just highlights the predicament we’re all in, of being ready to meet the Lord anytime He chooses to call.
That brings us to our Bit, where Jesus, having explained some of the signs that would indicate His Second Coming in glory to the disciples, He declares: ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away.’ And isn’t that the gospel truth my fellow believers! It certainly is!
And there’s a whole lot of scripture to prove it. Let’s look at some, beginning with the words of the psalmist from Psalm 102 –A cry in distress. ‘I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure (continue): yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.’ (Ps.102:24-27) More truth of an indisputable nature my brethren!
Now listen to Isaiah as he solemnly declares: ‘The voice said, Cry (out), And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness (loveliness) thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit (breath) of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.’ (Is.40:6-8)
Now listen as Peter adds his two cents worth. ‘’The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief (robber) in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.’ (2 Pet.3:9-10)
Yes Friends, our God is long-suffering and desires that all who trust Him will receive salvation. But He’s not going to wait forever, and the day of judgement is already set. So if you’re not amongst those who sincerely believe and trust in Jesus at the time of the Rapture, then crapaud smoke yuh pipe when the day of judgement comes.
That’s it in a nutshell my people. So please listen to the voice of wisdom that’s crying out to us get ourselves together, NOW, while we still have a chance, for that day could come like a thief in the night and take us unawares. Much LOVE!
…wisdom dictates that we should be ever ready…either for when the Lord returns…or if He calls us home first…
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