18 Nov 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a dislike of Monday, a fruitful life, action and sacrifices bring rewards, be of good cheer, bearing our cross for christ, disaster filled world, divine aid, every man to his own place, face the music, faith, grace, have it more abundantly, hear and answer our prayers, holy spirit, humble ourselves, I am come, I am not alone, I am the good shepherd, i have overcome the world, in me ye might have peace, in the world, intimidating, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, joy, live the abundant life, LOVE, mass confusion, mercy, pray, reassurance, rewards, salvation, sincerely seek God, talk is cheap, the Father is with me, the God who heals, the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep, the great life awaiting us in heaven, the thief comes but to steal, the throne of grace, they might have life, tirbulation, truth, turn from our evil ways, unprepared to meet Monday, wisdom, wise guidance
John 10:10b. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Yoo Hoo friends, the weekly rat race has begun! Yes, unfortunately, it’s Monday and we have to be about the Lord’s business in this crazy and disaster filled world. And although we have to keep doing the same thing over and over for many years, many of us never seem to like or accept it. Why is that eh? Who knows? We all have different reasons for disliking Monday and all the uncomfortable, unlikable and intimidating things it brings, or stands for.
But yuh know what? We had better learn to handle it with grace and assuredness if we intend to live the abundant life that Christ died for us to enjoy on this here earth. Remember His most reassuring words? ‘The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.’ (John 10:10-11)
Yes friends, that’s what Jesus did: give His life so that we could enjoy an assured and fruitful life right here on this earth, not wait until we reach heaven to do so. But so many of us get so overwhelmed and distressed about having to go back out to work on a Monday, that we’re wasting, making His death on our behalf of no effect.
Now, few of us are overjoyed to get up early on a morning, especially a Monday morning, and get out into the evil world and face all the stuff that will and might come against us. However, it is all a part of doing life with Christ down here on earth, and we should not allow it to get us miserable and annoyed, or intimidated. The problem though for many of us is that we’re not properly prepared to meet Monday.
Even some of us who go to church on Sunday and are spiritually refreshed and renewed, still find it difficult to get up and get out on Mondays. And I’ll like to propose an interesting way to handle the situation; look at it as part of bearing our cross for Christ. (smile) Remember how He characterized being one of His disciples? ‘If any man will come after (follow) me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23)
And there ought to be some joy and reassurance in following Christ, despite how difficult it can oftentimes be. But if there’s little or no joy in living for Christ, then what’s the point? Remember again, what He said to the disciples before His crucifixion. ‘Behold the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own (place), and ye shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:32-33)
So when all of Jesus’ followers ran away and left Him alone to face the music, He was not really alone because the Father was right there with Him, to strengthen and encourage Him. Likewise, when we are deserted and think we’re alone, we’re not really, for Christ is always with us through His indwelling Holy Spirit, which is there to guide, comfort, strengthen and reassure us of Christ’s promises. Promises like this one: ‘…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b)
So you see my brethren, this wasn’t meant to be an easy life, one of only sunshine and roses, but it’s a tough nut to crack. It was tough for Jesus, and as He says above there, it will also be tough for us, but with His Spirit, His peace, mercy, grace and anointing we can certainly handle it in a fairly joyful manner, if we put our minds and hearts to it. And if we think about the rewards and the great life waiting for us in heaven, for all eternity, this comparatively short earthly life will be a cakewalk. (smile)
Awright…that might be stretching it a bit, (smile) but the truth of the matter is that many of us can be, and ought to be more receptive to life than we are, if Jesus is truly our Lord and Saviour. And that’s enough preaching for today! (smile) Now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid to help us in these times of dire need.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
Now, as our prayer states, if we truly desire to receive divine aid, we must humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek God’s face. So let’s get on with it nuh, because we desperately need that divine aid! Much LOVE!
…talk is cheap…but it’s action and sacrifices that bring rewards…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Oct 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a light unto my path, another beautiful summer's day, because strait is the gate, blessing and cursing, both thou and thy seed may live, broad is the way that leads to destruction, carnal delights, choose life, duty bound, enter ye in at the strait gate, eternal death and damnation, eternal life, faith, few there be that find it, have it more abundantly, hellfire and damnation, hurry, I am come that they might have life, I am the good shepherd, I am the way the truth and the life, I call heaven and earth, I have set before you life and death, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, lusts, narow is the way that leads to life, no man comes to the Father but by me, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, sinful pleasures, the beloved of God, the difficult one leads to life, the easy one leads to death, the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep, the path to heaven is narrow and easy to miss, the path to hell is wide and easy, the thief cometh not but to steal, the way into the kingdom of heaven, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, to kill and destroy, to record this day against you, to whom we belong, topsy-turvy world, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, two paths in life to tread, wide is the gate, wisdom, worry
Matthew 7:13a. Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction,
Oh my people, I’m delirious with the promise of another beautiful summer’s day like yesterday! And was it ever a perfect day: with temps around 25, bright sunshine, you could feel the heat of the sun, and a cool breeze that just set everything to rights. (smile) And it was so good, that last night at around 8.p.m, I was sitting on my porch in just shirtsleeves, watching folks walking by, also in next to nothing clothing.
Now that doesn’t happen very often in the next to last week of October…but we’ll surely give thanks for it right now, because we know that the cold weather will eventually arrive. Of that we can be sure. (smile) And surprisingly, many of the trees are still green, with only a small portion actually changing colour. But who knows what’s happening? Only the Good Lord! Our world is so topsy-turvy and confused that anything is possible.
And that’s why, if we want to succeed in this incomprehensible world, we have to hold on to the ONE SURE THING in it; that’s Jesus Christ, and tread the path that He leads us on; the straight and narrow way. Jesus advises us thus: ‘Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate (how narrow is the gate), and narrow (difficult or confined) is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.’ (Matt. 7:13-14)
Yes my brethren, the majority of the world walks the wide and winding broad path that leads to hellfire and damnation, or eternal death. However, only a comparative few will be wise and brave enough to follow the straight and narrow path which leads to life eternal with Jesus.
And I like how this commentary succinctly explains Jesus meaning on the narrow path. It says: ‘What Jesus is talking about is the way to salvation. The way into the Kingdom of heaven. He is saying that the path to hell is wide and easy for people to walk, but the path to heaven is narrow and easy to miss. The way that leads to life is the one and only way.’
For sure! And yuh know what else my fellow believers? Jesus is the gate and the way, as He so openly explained to His disciples when they claimed not to know where He was going and the way there. He enlightened them thus: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) Now, unless you believe that and accept God’s call to find that straight and narrow path, crapaud smoke yuh pipe! For as the psalmist so wisely wrote: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105)
And there’s no getting around that statement my people. Because that’s exactly why the Lord had the Bible (His Word) written; so that mankind could know and see the way to travel to come back to Him, after the dreadful mistake by our forefathers Adam and Eve, caused sin to come in and overtake the world.
And sadly, now, our world is so partial to sin that it’s an uphill battle to get even supposed Christians to understand what’s really happening and the wisdom of following Jesus and the good news of His gospel. We’re so addicted to the lusts and the sinful pleasures of the world, that it’s difficult to break free, especially when the enemy is constantly whispering lies in our ears, as to the supposed benefits of such carnal delights.
But as Jesus says of the enemy, that fallen angel Satan. ‘The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:10-11) And that’s exactly what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary; give His sinless life for ours, take our sins upon His awesome shoulders and pay for them in full, once and for all.
Yes friends, Jesus brings and gives life, while everything that Satan touches is consumed by death and eternal damnation. That shows us, there are only two roads to travel in this earthly life, the straight and narrow one that leads to Jesus and eternal life, or the wide and broad one that leads to eternal separation from God. And the tough part of this whole exercise is that every individual has to choose his or her own path to follow, for even if you allow some one else to choose it, you, personally, still have to live by it. That’s why the Lord gave us free will.
So which path are you going to choose eh? The one that leads to Jesus and life eternal, or the one that leads to Satan and eternal death? And yuh know what my fellow saints, our God is so good and wise, that He even had the wise and right answer to that question written in His Word. Please listen as Moses explains it to the Israelites, recently freed from four hundred years of slavery in Egypt. ‘I call heaven and earth to record (as witness) this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and they seed may live.’ (Deut. 30:19)
Now, let’s hope we all follow that wise advice and choose life with Jesus. And for those of us who have so chosen, let’s go home declaring (ah Lord eh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having said that, we’re now duty bound to go out and spread the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they can also come to know and LOVE Him the way that we do! Much LOVE!
…two paths in life to tread…the easy one leads to death…but if you desire life…then the difficult one’s the way…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
10 Sep 2024
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: a lively hope, according to his riches in glory, after all these things do the Gentiles seek, all these things shall be added unto you, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, Bible, blessing and cursing, born again, choose life, christianity, do not worry, dwhat you shall drink, eternal life, eternal separation from Almighty God, faith, god, have life more abundantly, hurry, I am the door of the sheep, I am the good shepherd, in god's eyes, it's foolish to reject christ, Jesus Christ, LOVE, mercy, my God shall supply all your needs, salvation, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, set before you life and death, share His love with my neighbours, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, take no thought, take no thought for the morrow, the beloved of God, the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep, the gospel of christ, the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, the morrow shall take thought for itself, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar, trial and tribulation, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, what you shall eat, what you shall wear, wisdom, worry, your heavenly Father knows you need all these things
Deuteronomy 30:19. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
So it’s Tuesday, a new day, one filled with lots of new mercies and compassions from our wonderful God, but possibly also much trial and tribulation. However, as Jesus so rightly advised in the Sermon on the Mount re the subject of worry: ‘Therefore take no thought (do not worry), saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow (therefore do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil trouble thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34)
Yes friends, it doesn’t make sense worrying about tomorrow, for who knows what tomorrow may bring…some of us might not even be alive on the morrow…possibly given up the ghost because we were so worried about what could happen. (smile) The fact is that each new day brings a new batch of problems that gives us enough cause for concern, no need to add what might happen in the day(s) to come. And anyway, as Jesus says, if we keep God first place in our lives, then all our basic needs will be taken care of.
And Bruh Paul also reiterates that promise to the Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) And He will, if you truly believe! And if you want more assurance of God’s faithful promise, then listen to this marvellously reassuring statement from Bruh David in Psalm 23, the most well known and beloved psalm. He simply states with heartfelt certainty: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ (Ps. 23:1) Or in other words, if I make the Lord my shepherd, I will not lack anything I truly need.
And what greater promise can one desire than that eh? For the natural nature of a shepherd is to provide for all the wants and needs of his sheep. And Jesus made it absolutely clear of His role, when He made these declarations: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ (John 10:7-11, 14)
Oh my people, what more can we ask of Jesus eh? Nothing really! He came seeking His lost sheep, died for them on the cross of Calvary, so that they could have a better and more abundant life, starting right down here on earth, then morphing into eternal life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! That’s the greatest thing that’s ever been done for mankind! And all we have to do to get that gift of salvation and eternal life is believe on Jesus; that He is the Son of God, and He died to repay our sin debt in full.
What’s so hard to believe in that, especially for the rewards that are held in store for us? As Peter puts it: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 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 at the last time.’ (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
How magnificent is that eh? Through Jesus’s resurrection from the dead, we have new hope, are born again, receive salvation because of our faith in Christ, and are assured of incorruptible and undefiled treasure awaiting us in heaven! Oh my people, what does Satan promise for doing his evil deeds and engaging in some lustful short-lived pleasures eh? Nothing but death and damnation, eternal separation from Almighty God, the worst thing that can ever happen to a human soul! And I keep harping on the eternal separation from God, because it is indeed the worst thing that can ever happen to us!
And if you still don’t believe me, then listen to this story as told by Jesus, of the rich man and the beggar. While alive here on earth, the rich man enjoyed the pleasures of the world on his wealth, while the poor man, a beggar called Lazarus, sat at his gate and begged for scraps from his table, while the dogs came and licked his sores. However, when the beggar died, he was carried by angels into the bosom of Abraham, or heaven, to enjoy the messianic feast. But when the rich man died, he descended into hell, where the fires continuously burned hot and tortuous.
And in his torment, he looked up to heaven and saw the beggar ensconced in Abraham’s bosom and begged Abraham to send the beggar to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue. But Abraham reminded him that in life he received the good things while Lazarus received evil stuff. Now things were turned around, and Lazarus was receiving the good things while he was being tormented in hell. And besides, there was a great gulf, chasm between heaven and hell which no one could cross over.
Then the hell bound soul pleaded with Abraham to send Lazarus to his family still alive on earth to warn them of the torment in hell. But Abraham replied that his family had the words of Moses and the prophets to listen to, and if that could not persuade them to live right, then neither could one who rose from the dead.’ (Luke 16:19-31)
Ah mih people, it can indeed be a rough life, but if we come to belief in Christ and hold on tightly to Him through all the tough times, we will eventually be well rewarded, not necessarily here on earth, but most certainly in heaven. So what’s it to be eh? A life of worry and illicit pleasures that ends in eternal separation, or one of righteous living that ends in eternal life? The answer rests in the heart of each individual, and no one can answer it but you.
But as Moses said to the Israelites: ‘I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.’ (Deut. 30:19) It could not get any clearer than that my brethren. So let’s go home now declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all the world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that declaration, we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…once you have heard the gospel of Christ…you would be foolish to reject it…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
07 Sep 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new covenant, Bible, born again, carry them in his bosom, Christ's atonement for the sins of mankind, christianity, committed himself, deepen my breath, distorted concept, extending grace to the Gentiles, faith, feed his flock like a shepherd, follow in his steps, forgive their iniquity, gather the lambs with his arms, gently lead those that are with young, god, holy spirit, I am the good shepherd, I may know you all the more, I was an husband to them, I will put my law in their inward parts, in every good work, in my groping effort to find you, increase my awareness of you, Jesus Christ, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, Lost Shepherd, LOVE, make you perfect, need only to surrender, neither was guile found in his mouth, One Year Book of Bible promises, quiet my soul, remember their sin no more, reversed the parable of the Shepherd and the sheep, reviled not again, Ruth Harms Calkin, searching for God, slow my thoughts, stumble through darkness, thank you for this tenderness, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, the blood of the everlasting covenant, the bride of Christ, the God of peace, the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep, the shepherd has been lost, to atone for our sins, to do His will, to him that judgeth righteously, truth, well-pleasing in his sight, when he was reviled, who did no sin
John 10:11. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
So it’s Saturday, and are we ever thankful for it because it’s a chance to rest and laze around and do absolutely nothing, if we so desire. (smile) And even if it’s cool, cloudy and interspersed with some heavenly blessings, who cares? It’s our lazy-day Saturday! And to complete the picture, let’s add the finishing touch to it, our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer.
So as one voice, in all sincerity and truth: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
And without a doubt, our hearts, minds, bodies and souls will soon feel uplifted with the extra presence of the Lord, because He just LOVES to hear us calling out for more of Him. What a pity more of us can’t be bothered to do that, for then our lives would be ever so much more pleasant and godly. Now, let’s look at an apt, thought provoking poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one is interestingly titled ‘Lost Shepherd.’ And by the way, I don’t think I’ve ever shared this one. (smile)
Please read with me. ‘Sometimes, Lord In my groping effort to find You I have reversed the parable Of the Shepherd and the sheep. In my distorted concept The Shepherd has been lost And the sheep have trudged down Dangerous mountain cliffs to find him. How sadly prone I am to forget That I would not be searching for You If You were not first wanting me. Let me remember always, Lord How foolish it is To stumble through darkness Searching for You When I need only to surrender To your search for me.’
Ah friends, how true that is! Sometimes, in our tough and anxious moments, we go searching for the Lord, when all that’s necessary is to surrender ourselves because He has already instituted a search for us. In fact He’s always searching for us, like lost sheep, to bring us back home to His safe and protective fold. And the Bible Promise for our poem today is none other than this one of great assurance, where our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ makes it known: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11)
And did He ever back up those words with positive action, by dying on the cross of Calvary to atone for our sins. As Peter tells it in his first epistle. ‘For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile (deceit) found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again (in return); when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes (wounds) ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop (Overseer) of your souls.’ (1 Pet. 2:21-25) Yes my fellow believers, that in a nutshell, is what our Lord and Saviour did to become our wonderful Shepherd!
And what’s so marvellous about the Lord’s Word, the Bible, are the promises and prophecies made in the early stages that have all come through in the latter times. For instance this scripture about Jesus being the good shepherd. The prophet Isaiah prophesied about it long before Jesus ever came to earth, in these familiar words: ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:11)
And the prophet Jeremiah outlined God’s plans when talking about the New Covenant. ‘Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which was my covenant they brake, although I was an husband to them, saith the Lord:
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts (minds), and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall know me, from the last of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and will remember their sin no more.’ (Jer. 31:31-34)
Now what does all of that mean? Here’s a brief explanation from the scholars. ‘In this prophecy Jeremiah foresees the new covenant (testament) that God will make with mankind by extending His grace to the Gentiles. Under this new covenant, God will call out a people for Himself from all the nations of the earth to form the bride of Christ (Rev. 21:1-9). This new and unconditional covenant is better than the old covenant because it rests on the efficacy of Christ’s atonement for the sins of mankind.’
And it all began falling into place, when Jesus the good shepherd came to earth and began gathering sheep to His flock, those who were willing to be born again through the Holy Spirit. And that’s why the Bible is such a true and powerful document; for whatever it prophesies, does come to pass. Consequently, we can go home with these reassuring words from Hebrews. ‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect (complete) in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (Heb. 13:20-21)
And we all know the work that Jesus did on our behalf, setting us an example that He expects us to follow. So let’s get out there and do it nuh! Much LOVE!
…there’s no shepherd as good as Jesus…for His sheep always have the best care…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
17 Feb 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all things work together for good, be as ashes under the soles of your feet, blowing his own horn, divine help, dwell in the land of the shadow of death, glorify your father in heaven, grow up as calves of the stall, have life more abundantly, have seen a great light, holy spirit, I am the door of the sheep, I am the good shepherd, I am the light of the world, increase my awareness of you, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the answer, know you all the more, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, Let your light so shine before men, lighteth every man that comes into the world, LOVE, quiet my soul, salvation, see your good works, sincere prayer, slow my thoughts, the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, the Messiah, the people that walked in darkness, the Sun of righteousness, the thief only comes to steal and to kill, the true light, tread down the wicked, upon them hath the light shined, warm the cockles of God's heart, wisdom
John 10:7. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I AM the DOOR of the SHEEP.
And this snow-white, chilly, lazy-day Saturday has opened up with brilliant sunshine! Glory to God! And isn’t it rather interesting and amazing how sunshine can alleviate even the worst of days, both physically and emotionally. I guess that’s just the normal response that the light of Jesus has on us, His oh so important creation. Remember, He created both the sun and us, and all His creations work hand in hand with each other as He’s built in an automatic chemistry between them. Yes friends, in God’s great and wonderful universe, all things work together, for good. (smile)
Now, let’s turn to our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer and offer it up in all sincerity and truth. As one voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
That prayer touches my heart, and I know it touches God’s too, because it’s simple and to the point; desiring more of God in our lives, to truly feel His awesome presence and LOVE flowing around, in and through us. And the Lord always answers sincere prayers like that, because they warm the cockles of His heart, letting Him know that His people truly desire Him to be with them. And that’s why, if we were sincere in that prayer, our hearts and souls are now quiet and at peace, and we can say ‘Thank You Lord, for Your peace and LOVE!’
Now, yesterday we began looking at the many I AM’s that Jesus declared (yes!!!) Himself to be, while here on earth, but because of much talking, (smile) was only able to finish the first one; ‘I AM the BREAD of LIFE!’ So without further ado, let’s look at the second one, ‘I AM the LIGHT of the WORLD!’ (John 8:12) Jesus made that magnanimous statement to a group of unbelieving Pharisees, who figured that it could not be true because he was ‘bearing record’ or witnessing of His own self, in other words blowing His own horn.
But if the foolish, hypocritical Pharisees had taken time to consult the scriptures, the Old Testament, since there was as yet no New Testament, they would have seen several references to Christ as the bearer of spiritual light. Scriptures like this one from Isaiah: ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ (Is. 9:2) To whom does that refer, if not to Jesus, the coming Messiah?
And this scripture from Malachi also refers to Jesus. ‘But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall (grow fat like stall-fed calves). And ye shall tread down (trample) the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord.’ (Mal. 4:2-3) Yes friends, as the scholars explain, ‘the Sun of righteousness is a figurative representation of the Messiah,’ our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
And we all know that the main purpose of the Sun is to bring light to the darkness, therefore Jesus’ coming, brought light to this dark and evil world. And John 1:1-9 gives us further enlightenment on Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world. But because of time and space we can only quote this verse: ‘That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ (John 1:9) John the Baptist only came to bear news of the Light, that was Jesus. And most importantly, now that Jesus is no longer on earth in physical form, He’s bequeathed to us, His followers, that designation, when He said: ‘Ye are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 6:14 &16)
That means we have our work cut out for us here, in this world of near total darkness. But that’s a sermon for another day,let’s turn now to the Jesus’ next declaration (yeah!!!) of ‘I AM,’ which has to do with being the door to the sheep enclosure. As He specifies: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, I AM the DOOR of the SHEEP. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I AM the DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:7-10)
Isn’t that ever so wonderful my people, that Jesus is the door to our salvation! Anyone else who claims to be our Saviour is a liar and a thief, and only comes to disrupt the sheepfold and bring further calamity. But Jesus refuses to allow it, as He says in His next ‘I AM,’ statement. ‘I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling (a hired man), and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling (hired man) fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD, and know my sheep, and am known of them.’ (John 10:11-14)
Oh my fellow saints, do we truly know and believe that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of our Christian flock, and the door by whom we must enter to receive salvation? I certainly hope so, otherwise we’ll be left out in the cold when Jesus returns. And if you think things are bad now, believe me, they’ll be ever so much worse if Jesus returns and you’re not numbered amongst the sheep of His fold. So please, on this first lazy-day Saturday in Lent, let’s take the time to analyze both our physical and spiritual selves and see if we are in sync with Jesus. And if not, let’s go to the Father, through the Holy Spirit, and ask for divine help to make it so. Turning to the Father for divine help is always the best decision in any situation! Much LOVE!
…whatever your situation calls for…Jesus is the answer…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
04 Jan 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, after one time is two, curse, exposes its evil soul, faith, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, holy spirit, I am the good shepherd, I am the light of the world, I am the resurrection and the life, In the beginning was the Word, Jesus Christ, jumping for joy, light pierces darknessto its very core, LOVE, negative word, only Christ can guide us through tough times, prosper, shall have the light of life, succeed, supernatural wisdom, take sunshine for granted, the darkness comprehend it not, the darkness of sin, the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, the guiding light of Christ, the life was the light of men, the light shineth in the darkness, the Son of God, the sun is shining, the Word was God, the Word was with God, Thursday Blessings, truth, what ain't meet you ain't pass you, whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die, wisdom
John 8:12. I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the sun! Brother, I was almost blinded earlier on when I peeked through my window blinds and saw bright sunshine! Imagine that nuh! After two weeks of nothing but dark, damp, wet, cloudy weather with a li’l snow thrown in for good measure, Father Sun has finally condescended to grace us with His presence. In my entire life, I’ve never gone two weeks with out seeing the sun, not even an occasional touch of it peeking through the clouds. But as the ole people would say, after one time is two, and what ain’t reach you ain’t pass you. (smile)
And it’s surely been an interesting though somewhat discombobulating experience when all through Christmas and New Year’s it’s only dark, damp, wet and cloudy weather. At least we had a somewhat white New Years…but even then the sun was noticeably absent, for usually when you get a new snowfall, the sun comes out bright and shiny the next day, even if it’s cold. So, the moral of the story is that we never know what we have until we lose it. We have always taken sunshine for granted, but I guess now we know better, and will appreciate it even more when we receive it. End of monologue! (smile)
Now that’s why I have to warn us of the importance of having Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, for it’s only with His comfort and perseverance that we can make it through such uncomfortable times. He is the ONLY ONE who can, and will guide us with a LOVING hand through the auspices of His Holy Spirit which indwells us. Satan won’t do it. In fact he’ll be glad, jumping for joy when we go through those periods of darkness, both literally and figuratively, because he is the prince of darkness and that’s all he wants us to experience, not the bright light that’s Jesus.
Remember the opening words of John’s gospel? ‘In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.’ (John 1:1-5) Yes friends, Jesus brought light to the children of men, who, unfortunately, did not understand or accept it.
Even when He personally declared (yesss!!!) to those around Him: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) They still did not believe Him, and the Pharisees even disputed His authority, because He witnessed to Himself. But who else was going to witness for Jesus in this dark and sinful world eh? Nobody! Not until some of us saw His miraculous works and believed that He was indeed the light of the world.
And what does Jesus being the light of the world really mean? This commentary puts it quite nicely and concisely. (smile) ‘We can’t see our future, direction, or destination, but Jesus can. Like the lighthouse guided the ship, Jesus directs us toward God’s light. The light of Christ guides us through the darkness of sin, life, and struggle both spiritually and literally.’ And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Without the guiding light of Christ we cannot make it successfully through this evil and sinful world!
And sadly, those who don’t believe that Jesus is the light of the world and adhere to His desires and dictates will only find themselves living marginalized lives down here on earth and eventually being eternally separated from God when this life is over. I truly don’t know why we keep on listening to Satan and believing all his lies, for just like he deceived our forefathers Adam and Eve in the Garden eon’s ago, that’s still his heartfelt purpose to this day. He’s only using us as bait, trying to get revenge against God for kicking him out of heaven when he tried to overthrow Him, and takes great pleasure when we rebel against God.
But please listen to Jesus on the subject of Satan’s vengeful desires. ‘The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.’ (John 10:10-11) Yes friends, Christ showed His sincerity by sacrificing His sinless life for us on the cross of Calvary, so that we could have the option of eternal life. But Satan is nothing but a liar and a cheat, with nothing but destruction on his mind, while Jesus is about bringing life and light to all!
Now which one would you rather serve eh? The deceiver and the destroyer, or the Giver of life and light? Wisdom would dictate that you serve the latter, Jesus Christ, because He’s the One who appears to LOVE and cherish those who follow Him, and even more importantly has the power of eternal life in His resurrected body. As he said to Martha, Lazarus’ sister, when she was admonishing Him for not coming sooner to save her brother. ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live. And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:25-26)
Oh friends, that’s a very good question, and one which we should also ask ourselves at this present time, and for our sakes, sincerely fashion an answer that resembles Martha’s. ‘She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.’ (John 11:27) And with those fateful and faithful words ringing in our ears, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Thursday Blessings, activating undeserved blessing generously bestowed on us by God to do his earthly work.
As one voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having activated those blessings, it’s our duty now to go out and use them, just as generously, to help others come to the light and life of Christ! Much LOVE!
…darkness tries to hide from light…but it can’t…for light pierces darkness right to its very core and exposes its evil soul…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
29 Oct 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: crapaud smoke we pipe, Drinking from my Saucer, dwell in the house of the Lord for ever, faith, fellowship, goodness and mercy shall follow me, holy spirit, I am the door of the sheep, I am the good shepherd, I lay down my life for the sheep, I shall not want, I've got a friend in Jesus, in the fires of hell, Jesus Christ, LOVE, mercy, my cup runneth over, never give up, never too busy to help others, reaping better than I sow, sacrificial praise, salvation, the dark clouds broke, the joy of the Lord is our strength, The Lord is my shepherd, the sun peeped through again, there shall be one fold and one shepherd, truth, wisdom
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
And that day which the Lord declared sacred and special, Sunday, has come around again friends, meaning it’s also time to gather in the Lord’s sanctuary for fellowship and worship, with a joyful rejuvenation of our souls and spirits. Remember the joy of the Lord is our strength, (Neh. 8:10) so when we gather together, His joy percolates through us making us strong and confident in this evil world in which we live. And today we’ll open our worship celebration with a song that reminds us of the never-ending goodness of God, of His marvellous mercies and grace to the children of men who hold Him in high esteem.
The song is aptly titled ‘Drinking from My Saucer’ and is performed by Jamaican gospel artist Javenius Walker, better known as Jabez. It’s a bright and soulful ditty, so let’s get into soulful mode and offer up heartfelt sacrifices of praise to heaven. And the song opens with these spoken words of praise: ‘We Worship You Lord, we worship You with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds.’ Then we burst into soulful song: ‘I’ve Never Made A Fortune, And It’s Probably Too Late Now, Oh but I Don’t Worry About That Much, Cause I’m Happy Anyhow. And As I Go Along Life’s Journey, I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow. I’m Drinking From My Saucer, Because My Cup Has Overflowed.
I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches, And Sometimes The Going’s Rough, But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus, And That Makes Me Rich Enough. I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I Remember Times When Things went Wrong, And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin, But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke, And the Sun Peeped Through Again,’
(Monologue: ‘You know, right now you may be going through some rough times in your life, but I’m here to encourage you today, not to give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! I pronounce a blessing upon your life, upon your family. You must prosper and be in good health in the name of Jesus. I believe it with all my heart.’)
Singing: ‘So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living, When The Way Grows Steep And Rough I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings Jesus, For I’m Already Blessed Enough, And May I Never Be Too Busy, To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord, Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes My cup has overflowed…’
And that’s the unblemished truth my people, because some of us have been so blessed by the Lord God Almighty that we don’t know what to do with ourselves! (smile) Now, although there are many scriptures that can be applied to different parts of the song, the scripture that I believe best encompasses the whole song are those marvellous words penned by Bruh David, that we call Psalm 23,or more precisely, ‘the Lord is My Shepherd.’ And if you don’t believe me, there’s no better way to make my point than by us declaring it (chuh!!!).
So please pray with me: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’ (Ps. 23:1-6)
Wow mih bredrin! That surely reads like the song! All the tough times and trials we go through in this earthly life are covered, made up for by our wonderful God, our mighty and ever-LOVING Shepherd! That’s what the shepherd is all about; taking care of the sheep, and Jehovah God does indeed take care of those who follow obediently in His fold. And one of the reasons why I believe that psalm captures our imaginations so much is because we know that Bruh David lived the words he wrote.
He didn’t have an easy life, and paid dearly for his mistakes, but through it all, he never strayed far from the Lord, and consequently the Lord gave him the desires of his heart, made him a mighty warrior, a LOVING and generous soul, and when all was said and done the most powerful and adored king that Israel ever had. Bruh David himself learned the tough lessons out in fields looking after his father’s sheep, so he was very conversant with a shepherd’s duties and thus could write from personal experience, that’s why the psalm is so real.
And let’s not forget that Jesus referred to Himself as a shepherd, the Good Shepherd. And He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him and will not follow another. Furthermore, He went on to boldly proclaim: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them, I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:7-11)
And that’s exactly what Jesus did for us my fellow believers; gave His sinless life on the cross of Calvary for our salvation. And since then He’s been looking after us as well as can be expected given our sinful and disobedient ways. So how can we not say that He is indeed our Good Shepherd eh? We cannot, if we are being truthful. And Jesus continues with the shepherd analogy. ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so I know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (flock), and one shepherd.’ (John 10:14-16)
Now, we had better give a big ‘Thank You!’ to Jesus for including us Gentiles in His fold, for we are the other sheep He was referring to. And if hadn’t included us, then crapaud would surely smoke we pipe down in the fires of hell with Satan! Ah my fellow saints, I jut can’t understand why so many of us refuse to believe in Jesus, when He’s the best option we have in this topsy-turvy, chaotic and evil world. But as they say, there are no accounting for taste buds. And all I can say to those unbelievers is, as for me and my house, we will follow Jesus, right down the very end. And I sincerely hope you’ll join me there. Much LOVE!
…the sheep that doesn’t follow its shepherd…will eventually get lost and be forsaken…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
17 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a crying shame, cheap imitations, Christ died for us, created us to have fellowship with Him, free will, getting to know the Father better, God commendeth his own love toward us, God sent not his Son into the world to condemn it, God so loved the world, have everlasting life, he gave his only begotten son, I am the good shepherd, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, increase my awareness of you today, it is certain we can carry nothing out, Jesus is the only true way, lazy-day Saturday, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, let my muscles relax, LOVE, materail wealth, monye, obeying God's word and will, only interested in what god can do for us, prideful arrogant, quiet my soul, slow my thoughts, stubborn, take some sacrifice, thank you for this tenderness, that I may know you all the more, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, the world through him might be saved, there are always consequences to our deeds, we brought nothing into this world, while we were yet sinners, you can't be contained, your peace and love are present
John 3:16. For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
And finally lazy-day Saturday has arrived! Yes. The day that many of us dream of, where we do absolutely nothing, or a little as possible. And it’s a beautiful though a tad cool day. But sadly, some of us only have so much lazy time at our disposal, and unfortunately, I’ve used up all of mine already, so now I’ve got to be about my father’s business. (smile) And with that in mind, let’s say our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
Ah friends, what a beautiful prayer, and oh so appropriate to a day when we don’t have to do much of anything, where we can just relax and spend some worthwhile time with our wonderful heavenly Father, getting to know Him better, and who gets so much pleasure when we spend sincere time with Him. But that’s one of the reasons He created us, to have fellowship with Him, so why wouldn’t He be joyful when we do it out of a deep and abiding LOVE for Him.
The unfortunate thing though is that many of us are not really interested in God Himself, in enjoying who He is and what He stands for, but merely in what He can do for us. And is that ever a crying shame, for then we miss the true joy that can come from a tight and faithful union with our heavenly Father.
I guess it’s just like so many of us with our earthly father’s; we’re not particularly close, and we don’t really want to get close to them, we’re simply interested I how they can help us; provide a roof over our heads, food on the table and whatever else we need to go our merry way. And though that kind of relationship is never really beneficial to either side, sometimes it can be understandable by the way our human actions play out in this evil, ungodly and confused world, as some of our earthly fathers don’t care much for us either.
But our heavenly Father…why are we against Him? Why do we refuse to truly connect with Him eh? He’s never done us any wrong, and LOVES us with such a powerful LOVE that there’s no stronger LOVE in this whole wide world. And He’s made us so many wonderful promises if we just obey His Word and LOVE Him the way He desires us to. And even when we disobey and turn away from Him, His LOVE still persists, even to the point where the Bible says: ‘But God commnendeth (demonstrated) his (own) LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8)
Wow! What a powerful LOVE that is, that instead of waiting for us sinners to come to Him and repent, God went ahead and made an easier way for us to come back to Him, where before there was no easy way. But yet still, with the free will He granted us, we chose to keep rebelling against Him, being prideful, arrogant and stubborn, believing that we know the world and all therein that He created, better than Him. But that’s such utter foolishness my people. We are allowing the enemy, the devil and his demonic cohorts to turn us against the One who’s prepared such a wonderful life for those who truly LOVE and obey him.
And the sad part is that the devil has nothing really to offer us but hellfire and damnation, for all he does is lie and deceive. But Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) And that’s exactly what He did: give His life so that our miserable sinful souls could be saved from eternal separation from our Creator. And what has the devil done for us eh? Nothing but steal and lie and deceive us. But yet still we refuse to turn to Jesus and run behind the foolishness the enemy tells us, like material wealth and money, which we cannot do anything with when we’re dead.
As Bruh Paul so wisely reminded Timothy. ‘For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.’ (1 Tim. 6:7) So why run down the things that the enemy and the world think are so important when all we do is leave it all behind for others to misuse and/or fight over.
For as the wisest and richest man who ever lived, Cousin Sol discovered in his search for wealth and wisdom says in Ecclesiastes. ‘Yea, I hated all my labour, which I had taken (toiled) under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. and who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have tule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity (futility, useless).’ (Eccl. 2:18-19)
And that has a whole lot of truth in it. For we see it played out in the world every day, where some wealthy person who spent most of his life accumulating earthly riches only for it to be passed down after his death to complete wastrels and fools, who just use and abuse it until there’s nothing left, or to those who fight each other tooth and nail for some portion of it, and finally most of it ends up in the hands of lawyers and other officials as fees or whatever.
And the sad part is that if we so badly want material wealth the best place to get it from is God Almighty, who owns it all anyway, and gives it generously to those who LOVE and obey Him. The devil can never give you foolproof wealth, because he owns nothing. He’s just the biggest scam and fraud artist around. But we so desire the easy way out, that instead of obeying God’s word and will, which might take some sacrifice, we fall for the enemies lies and deceptions.
Oh friends, please realize that like us, Satan is one of God’s creations, who in foolish pride and arrogance tried to overthrow God and got kicked out of heaven to walk the earth in grief and shame, and be eventually destroyed in the lake of fire So why do we insist on following him eh when he has absolutely nothing of value to offer, only fake baubles and bangles, that look nice but are just cheap imitations of the real McCoy that God has to offer?
And I can’t think of a better scripture to close with today, than this monumental one. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17)
Now therein lies the truth of it all my people, and it’s up to us to believe it or not. But please remember that there are consequences, either good or bad to each side of the equation. Much LOVE!
…you follow the enemies lies and deceptions…to your own travail…for Jesus is the way…the ONLY true way…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
28 Apr 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a feeling of freedom, be responsible and stay safe, carry them in his bosom, defeat the simmering unrest in our land, depart from iniquity, Friday chant, gather the lambs with his arm, gently lead those that are with young, give thanks to Almighty God, glorious resurrection, his reward is with him, I also suffer these things, I am the good shepherd, I know my sheep and are known of mine, in every good work, introduce a new flock of believers, lack-of-work-ethic society, LOVE, make you perfect, omnipotent help, raises our adrenaline level, receive His blessings, redeeming death, return backsliders to your fold, salvation, shed his sinless blood, spiritual renewal, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, that great shepherd of the sheep, the error of their ways, the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep, the Lord knoweth them that are his, the Lord will come with strong hand, to be happy in Jesus, to do His will, trust and obey, wellpleasing in his sight, wise guidance
John 10:11 & 14. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
And finally it’s Friday…and that enormous worldwide shout has gone out: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! And at long last the weekend is here! Glory Be!’ Yes friends, that last day of the work week which we all so look forward to is finally here. And what difference does it make eh? Why are we so glad, so overjoyed to see it eh? Because it reminds us of the two days off work that we have coming up. And since work is not a favourite action of this lazy, entitled, lack-of-work-ethic society, just knowing that for the next two days, without a boss constantly looking over our shoulders, we can do whatever we want, that feeling of freedom just raises our adrenaline level.
But please friends, let’s not forget that if you’re a serious believer in Jesus Christ, that one of those two days is set aside for gathering in worship, praise and fellowship, to give thanks to Almighty God and receive His blessings and spiritual renewal, and to generally rest and recuperate, which means you only have one real day to do as you please. (smile) But true believers in Christ don’t mind that, because they know that their Lord and Saviour is always with them, helping them, LOVING them, keeping them safe, comforting them and all the other things a good caretaker or shepherd would do for His flock.
And that’s why Jesus could adamantly declare (yesss!!!): ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ (John 10:11 & 14) Ah mih people, with those two statements Jesus tells us all that we really need to know about Him. He is intimately acquainted with His sheep, knows them by name, and He will give His life, allow His sinless blood to be shed for His sheep. Those are possibly the two most important aspects of a shepherd’s duties; to know His sheep and to go to the ends of the earth for them, which is exactly what Jesus did for us.
And yuh know what my faithful brethren, Jesus doings were not last minute, hurriedly put together actions, but actions which had been pre-ordained from the beginning of time, and shared with man through the prophet Isaiah, who let it be known, loud and clear, far and wide: ‘Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand (in strength), and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work (wage) before him. He will feed his flocks like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:10-11)
Yes friends, all this stuff about Jesus was planned a long time ago, and finally manifested, or put in place, when the Lord judged the time right for it. And since He is the Creator and Controller of the universe, with thoughts and ways much higher than ours, He knows what is best for us all. That’s why it makes no sense whatsoever to reject Jesus and His wonderful free grace that’s embodied in salvation, through His redeeming death and glorious resurrection.
And Peter tells it very well, when he writes. ‘For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile (deceit) found in his mouth: Who, when reviled, reviled not again (in return): when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes (wounds) ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop (Overseer) of your souls.’ (1 Pet. 2:21-25)
Oh my people, it could not have been put any better! Jesus took the bit in His mouth and did exactly what a shepherd is supposed to do: die protecting his flock! And if you don’t think that Jesus knows the sheep in His flock, then listen to Bruh Paul in his second letter to Timothy. First, he admits his total trust in Christ. ‘Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against (until ) that day.’ (2 Tim. 1:11-12)
Ah friends, do we have such a monumental trust in Christ Jesus? We ought to, if we intend to live seriously for Him and do His earthly work. Then Bruh Paul acknowledges Jesus’ comment in our Bit. ‘Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having his seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’ (2 Tim. 2:19)
Then, here is this perfect closing scripture from Hebrews. ‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect (complete) in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (Heb. 13:20-21) That’s such a beautiful scripture passage my fellow saints, one that truly encapsulates all that we’ve spoken of today.
So now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, pay our respects and ask for divine intervention in our earthly affairs. Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land.
So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to return backsliders to your fold, show them the error of their ways.
And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And if we truly desire the Lord’s help, then we now have to clean up our act, keep our promises, and do as He desires. Much LOVE!
…trust and obey…there is no other way…to be happy in Jesus…than to trust and obey…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
20 Mar 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a momentous occasion, a perfect recipe for disaster, all the days of my life, anointest my head with oil, blessings run you down, divine help, dwell in the house of the Lord for ever, eternal life, faith, free will, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he restoreth my soul, heal our Lnad, humble servants, I am the good shepherd, I will fear no evil, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the only way to go, joy, leadeth me beside the still waters, live for Christ, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, monumental news, my cup runneth over, one truth from the Bible, promised to hear and answer our prayers, salvation, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, sincere repentance, still fresh through all the ages, the Bible is God's word to us, the fly in the ointment, the God who heals, the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep, the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, to demonstrate commitment, truth, unwise in an unwise world, victory, wisdom, wisdom at our finger tips, worth more than all man's wisdom
Psalm 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Oh friends, on this sunny but chilly Monday morning, we want to open with some monumental news! Yes, it is a momentous occasion! One where we hear and understand that The Bible is God’s Word to us. That it is still fresh through all the ages, and if we read it, we will find God’s exceptional wisdom on its pages! Wow! What magnificent news that is my people! Because it means that all of us who are sincerely seeking wisdom just have to read the Bible, God’s Word to find it.
Yes friends, wisdom is right at our finger tips, no further than the Bible that sits looking pretty on your desk or table, but is truly gathering dust, since you don’t read it. And by the way, here’s this other piece of monumental information: One truth from the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of man! That’s worth another Wow! Yes mih bredrin! Imagine that nuh. One li’l truth from God’s Word is worth more than all of man’s wisdom! Meaning to say that man’s wisdom is not worth very much, especially when compared to God’s.
So why then do we all insist on learning and spouting the wisdom of man and not God’s eh? If man’s wisdom is worth so little, we should all be hungry and thirsting for the wisdom found in God’s Word. But to get that means reading God’s Word, the Bible, which so many of us claim to be too busy to do. That’s why so many of us are unwise in an unwise world, because the world doesn’t value God’s Word and His immortal and infinite wisdom.
And it’s the basic answer to all of the earth’s problems. If you ignore the Word of the Creator of the universe and all therein, and the amazing truths it contains, how can you ever live a successful life, either individually or communally? No way Jose! The fly in the ointment here is that in addition to His Word, God also gave us free will to do as we please, sincerely hoping though that we’d be wise enough to read His Word and then follow His plan for our lives. But unfortunately, too many of us are trying to do it our own way without God’s help, and that is a sure and perfect recipe for disaster.
Jesus Christ. God’s Son, whom He sent to earth to help us see the light said it quite simply and clearly. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Now that’s one of the essential truths of God’s Word. If we seek His kingdom and His righteousness before anything else, then we will have all our needs fulfilled. How did Bruh David put it in that marvellous psalm that we all know and revere with our mouths but not our hearts: ‘The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.’ (Ps. 23:1)
And what does a shepherd do for his sheep eh? ‘A shepherd is committed to a flock and the one responsible for guiding the sheep, protecting them, and attending to their needs. So, to serve as a shepherd means to demonstrate commitment to the well-being of other people. It involves watching out for them, helping them, and teaching them.’ Therefore, that means if the Lord God Almighty is our shepherd, then He is thoroughly committed to our well-being. And His Son Jesus Christ said it in so many words. ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11)
And that’s exactly what He did; gave His sinless life on the cross of Calvary so that we, His sheep could be saved, could have victory, salvation and eternal life. So why is it so difficult to follow him eh? So hard to read God’s Word, believe it and then live it, despite all the marvellous examples of great men of God laid out in that Good Library, we call the Bible? I truly don’t know. Instead, we’re all going crazy for the things of the world and its evil doings, which don’t truly satisfy, and therefore we have to continually run them down, regardless of how much we have already accumulated.
But friends, here is another word of wisdom for us. When you live for Christ, you don’t have to run down anything because God’s favour, grace and blessings run you down! But I guess we all have to find out the uselessness in running down the things of the world for ourselves before we believe. Meanwhile, here are the words of Bruh David, who as we all know personally lived them, and consequently experienced the joy of God’s favour. Hopefully, hearing them again will light a spark in our own souls and lives and wake us up to the reality that God, through Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to go.
Please read with me: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ (Ps. 23: 1-6)
Oh friends, if we look at all the things Bruh David wrote there, we will see that he experienced it all. His life wasn’t easy, but God never promised us an easy life. He promised us a full, abundant and interesting one. And that’s a big part of our problem as believers. We think that because we’re following Jesus, life should be easy. But that’s the furthest thing from the truth, because Jesus said it quite clearly. ‘If any man will come after (follow) me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) That doesn’t mean easy living my brethren, but rather a sacrificial sense of purpose, because Christianity was not made for cowards.
So now that we’ve acquired some godly wisdom, (smile) let’s go to God, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn and place all our problems before Him, as He’s said in His Word that we ought to do. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And having said all of that, it now behooves us to turn our words into sincere action, so that the Lord can do His part. Much LOVE!
…if you’re seeking wisdom…why go anywhere else than to the fountainhead…Almighty God…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
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