10 Nov 2025
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: a barbaric society, a strife-filled society, a wintry Monday, all sinned and disobeyed your word, at the end it shall speak and not lie, cause me to behold grievance, come to that wise understanding, contention, cry out unto thee of violence, declare all thy works, destroyed all the unfaithful, destroyed all them that go a whoring, divine aid, divine judgement, don't lose hope, ease the pain, envious of the boastful, evil doers are pulling the strings, faith, faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers, God is the strength of my heart, he may run that readeth it, He who has promised is faithful, his soul that is lifted up is not upright in him, holy spirit, how long shall I cry, humble ourselves, humble servants, I have put my trust in the Lord, it is good for me to draw near to God, it will surely come, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, justice doth never go forth, keep your promise to prosper us, little incentive to abide by the law, living in the northern climes, LOVE, make it plain upon tables, makes one's stomach churn, mass confusion, mercy, my flesh and my heart fails, my portion for ever, not enough serious consequences for breaking the law, perverse justice is handed down, pray, prophetic vision, repercussions, rush hour traffic, salvation, set me upon the tower, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, spoiling and violence are before me, stand upon my watch, strong faith in Christ, thank you for life, the burden, the faithful will be vindicated, the God who heals, the law is powerless, the law is slacked, the lawlessness of our society, the many suffering from negative situations, the power to solve our problems, the prosperity of the wicked, the righteous will inherit the earth, the throne of grace, the vision is for an appointed time, the wicked doth compass about the righteous, the wicked surround the righteous, the wicked will be destroyed, then understood I their end, there is never justice, there is strife, they that are far from thee shall perish, thou wilt not hear, thou wilt not save, though it tarry wait for it, to alleviate our problems, toil, trouble, truth, turn from our eil ways, until I went into the sanctuary of God, why di you show me iniquity, wisdom, wise guidance, write the vision, wrong judgement proceedeth
Habakkuk 2:4. Behold, his soul that is lifted up (proud) is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
And then it was a wintry Monday; dark, snowy, slippery, aggravating and frustrating, as snow storms usually are when you must drive to work in them. But that’s all par for the course my brethren. It’s what living in the northern climes calls for and it’s what makes us such tough and hardy folks. (smile) Hope that you all left home early enough to escape most of the rush hour traffic and those who still drive unwisely under poor road conditions. Anyway, we pray that you arrived at your destinations safely, be it work, school or play, and that you will return home just as safely. We pray it all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!
Now, yesterday in church, I heard an interesting scripture that I was not familiar with, but it made a big impression on me. It comes from the book of Habakkuk. The Book begins by saying, ‘The burden (oracle, prophecy) which the prophet Habakkuk the prophet did see. O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
Why dost thou show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance (trouble, toil)? For spoiling (plundering) and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife (there is strife) and contention. Therefore the law is slacked (powerless), and judgement (justice) doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about (surround) the righteous; therefore wrong (perverse) judgement proceedeth.’ (Hab. 1:1-4)
Yes friends, that was Habakkuk’s cry to the Lord, who, in his prophetic vision, was only showing him violence and evil, suffering for the righteous and prosperity for the wicked who were dominating the situation with evil, perverted schemes. In other words, a sentence of divine judgement to befall at the appropriate time. And the part of that scripture which really caught my attention was the last verse about the slackness or powerlessness of the law and the perverse or wrong justice that comes about because of the powerlessness of the law.
And it just struck me as a similar situation to the one which our society is currently embroiled in, where lawlessness is increasing, but the law is not doing anything constructive about it, because the evil doers are pulling the strings, and thus we are becoming a rather violent and strife-filled society. Too many rules are daily being broken with little or no consequences to the lawbreakers. And it’s sad that many of them are not first-time lawbreakers, but those with records to their names.
There is little incentive to abide by the law, as well as not enough serious consequences to stop breaking it. And as some like to say, laws are only made for those who wish to abide by them; those who want to break them, will break them anyway. But there must be some repercussions for breaking them, else why bother to have them at all, let’s simply live in a barbaric society. And that’s exactly what we are inching closer to every day, because there’s such inhumanity towards each other that it makes one’s stomach churn in dismay.
And I can imagine how all the modern prophets burdened with a prophecy like Habakkuk must be crying out to the Lord as they see the injustice, violence and ‘sufferation’ being meted out to many of the righteous in our society. But the wonderful thing about the Lord is that He might allow the evil doers to prosper for a while, but He’s promised that they will eventually be destroyed, and the righteous will inherit the earth and all that the wicked possessed.
So, after opening his heart and complaining to the Lord, about the iniquity of Babylon and their abuse of other nations, here’s how Habakkuk opens Chapter 2. ‘I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower (rampart), and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.’ (Hak. 2:1)
Good for Habakkuk! He’s standing up and waiting for an answer from the Lord and contemplating his own answer to the Lord’s reproof. But the Lord surprises him with this answer. ‘And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables (tablets), that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul that is lifted up (proud) is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.’ (Hab. 2:2-4)
Yes, my people, the Lord instructed Habakkuk to write the coming of the divine judgment on tablets big enough so those who are running by can read it. And He makes sure to tell him that though justice might take a while to come, it surely will come, so don’t lose hope. And I guess that’s the same message He is sending us today my faithful brethren; eventually, He will relieve the pressure and the wicked will be destroyed, and we faithful will be vindicated.
And yes, it might be tough to see the prosperity of the wicked, but let’s remember like Asaph did in Psalm 73, when he was envious of the boastful and the prosperity of the wicked, but thankfully, as he recounts: ‘Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.’ (Ps. 73:17)
Hopefully, we will also come to that wise understanding and afterwards, say like Asaph: ‘My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (are unfaithful). But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’ (Ps. 73: 26-28) Now let’s put that declaration (chuh!!!) in to practice and draw near to God at the throne of grace through our Monday Morning Battle Hym, seeking divine aid.
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, if we sincerely desire divine aid, then it’s ever so necessary for us to do as our prayer says: ‘turn from our evil ways.’ Remember, we are the ones it’s hurting, not the Lord. Much LOVE!
…He who has promised is faithful…and that ought to be enough for us…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
07 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a godly promise, a growing relationship with God, a lover of intimacy, a sincere heart, a spiritual man, as a dream, Bishop Riscylla Shaw, brought into desolation, Christian Residence Schools, deepen my breath, destroyed those who are unfaithful to you, destruction of the wicked, envious of the wicked's prosperity, essential to keeping our faith strong, face doubts and fears, faith, find the answer to the problem, God doesn't make idle promises, God is the strength of my heart, guide me with counsel, he won't ever defeat us, holy spirit, I am continually with thee, I have put my trust in the Lord, I marvel to think, I may declare all thy works, I may know you all the more, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, I was as a beast before thee, increase my awareness of you today, Indigenous people, it is good for me to draw near to God, Jesus Christ, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, Lord I want to be with you now, lost his faith, LOVE, mercy, Metis heritage, my flesh and my heart faileth, my flesh and my heart fails, my heart was grieved, my portion for ever, Pentecost Prayer Breakfast, pierced in my mind, pricked in my reins, put on the armour of god, quiet my soul, receive me to glory, received a divine perspective, relax my muscles, reprehensible act of colonialism, salvation, sentiments, slow my thoughts, so foolish was I, stand firm for God, stripped of their culture, stumbled spiritually, Suffragan Bishop of Toronto, thank you for this tenderness, the destiny of the wicked, the enemy can take his best shot, the enemy shoots his fiery darts at us, the spiritually mature, then I understood their end, there is none upon earth I desire beside thee, they that are far from thee shall perish, thou didst set them in slippery places, thou hast held me by thy right hand, truth, Truth and Reconciliation, until I went into the sanctuary of God, utterly consumed with terrors, walk in god's will, warnings of smoke from wildfires, whom have I in heaven but thee, wisdom, with God's protection, write deeply in our hearts souls bodies and minds, you are here with me, you can't be contained, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
Psalm 73:26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever.
It’s a hot and hazy lazy-day Saturday friends, like it was yesterday, with more warnings of smoke from the wildfires. Thankfully, though I saw the haziness of the smoke in the area, I could not smell it because my allergies were acting up, just as they are today. But that did not stop us from going to the annual Pentecost Prayer Breakfast at my church this morning, where everyone had a good time…as always, (smile) led by our indomitable, courageous and joyful pastor Fr. Jeff Brown. And that’s why we’re somewhat late with the Bit.
We also had an interesting and informative Guest Peaker, Bishop Riscylla Shaw, the Suffragan Bishop of Toronto, giving us some insights into her Indigenous (Metis) Heritage and her work with the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. Unfortunately, that Committee was brought about by another disgusting and reprehensible act of the Colonial Era, the Christian Residence Schools, where the Indigenous people were stripped of their language, culture, history and self-confidence so that they could become good Christian children.
Oh, the abominable things we’ve done, supposedly in the name of the Lord! But slowly, things are changing, and though it may take a long time to come to rights, we have to keep working and praying to finally see that day, although most of us currently alive, probably will not see it. In the meantime, let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, with heartfelt sincerity.
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!’
And as we full well know; intimacy is one thing the Lord will not, in fact, cannot refuse, if we come to Him with a sincere heart, because that’s who He is: a LOVER of intimacy, and one of His purposes for creating us. And speaking of intimacy, there’s no better revelation of that fact than in the psalmist Asaph’s situation, as he states in Psalm 73, the first part of which we looked at yesterday. He was jealous and envious of the wicked and their seeming prosperity here on earth, while the righteous were suffering, and he almost stumbled spiritually and lost his faith…’Until I went into the sanctuary of God: then I understood their end.’ (Ps. 73:17)
As the scholars explain: ‘Not until the psalmist entered God’s sanctuary and received a divine perspective on the wicked’s prosperity did he find his answer to the problem.’ Yes, then and only then did he truly realize how our God looks at wickedness, as he says: ‘Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How they are brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.’ (Ps. 73:18-20)
And that’s for certain sure! The Lord has made many promises to destroy the wicked and their seed when He is good and ready. And since we know He doesn’t make idle promises, that destruction of the wicked is definitely in the cards. However, as we said yesterday, for those of us who are having problems envying the wicked and their earthly prosperity, it might also be a good thing for us to go into the house of the Lord and try to find greater intimacy and understanding with Him.
For as Asaph further confesses: ‘Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins (pierced in my mind). So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden (held) me by thy right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.’ (Ps. 73: 22-24) Now those are also faithful promises made by our God to the righteous, so if we walk in His will, then we can be assured that He will keep them.
And I like how he concludes the psalm. ‘Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (those who are unfaithful to thee). But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’ (Ps. 73:25-28) Now my fellow believers, those are words and sentiments that we should all have and write deeply in our hearts, souls, bodies and minds, for they are essential in keeping our faith strong and growing.
And we’ll close with this overall explanation of the psalm from the scholars. ‘He saw (Asaph) the destiny of the wicked (vs. 17-20); therefore, he repented of his foolishness (vs. 21-22) and found his happiness solely in a warm and growing relationship with God (vs. 23-28). The point of the psalm is driven home even more dramatically when remembering that Asaph, the author, was a spiritual man who grew up with deeply religious training. (1 Chr. 15:16-19; 16:4-7; 2 Chr. 5:12; 29:30).’Those are references to where Asaph is mentioned in the Bible as an important musician and seer under Bruh David and other kings.
Now, Asaph’s problem just goes to show that even the spiritually mature amongst us can face doubts and fears when the enemy shoots his fiery darts at us. So, it is incumbent on us to always put on the armour of God for protection, and when we do…then we stand…stand firm for God! Much LOVE!
…the enemy can take his best shot…but with God’s protection…he won’t ever defeat us…that’s a godly promise…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
01 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cloud received him out of their sight, a testament to God's goodness, baptized with the Holy ghost, be able to comfort those in trouble, blessed be God, by the same comfort we received from God, comforts us in all our tribulation, destroyed all them that go a whoring, destroyed all who are unfaithful to you, don't lose faith, down in the valley, faith, fellowship, fight the good fight of faith, file for bankruptcy, give God the reverence He deserves, God in the valley, God is a faithful God, God is the strength of my heart, God on the Mountain, God will make things right when they go wrong, holy spirit, I have put my trust in the Lord, I may declare all his works, I will fear no evil, in the midst of the turmoil, in the presence of mine enemies, it is good for me to draw near to God, Jesus Christ, life is easy when you're on the mountain, LOVE, mercy, my cup runneth over, my flesh and my heart faileth, none on earth I desire but you, salvation, Seventh Sunday of Easter, shall come again in like manner, sweet sacrifices of praise, swimming pools, taken up from you to heaven, talk of faith, the Ascension of Christ, the Father of mercies, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of All Comfort, the God of the bad times, The God of the day, the God of the good times, the god of the night, the gospel truth, the Great Commission, the Mount of Olives, the second coming of Christ, they that are far from thee shall perish, things change, this same Jesus, thou anointest my head with oil, thou art with me, thou preparest a table before me, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, Tracy Dartt, trials and temptations, truth, use our innate wisdom, walking the talk, whom have I heaven but thee, wisdom, you have peace of mind, you're never alone, your faith is put to the test
Psalm 23:4. 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.
And it’s another Sunday, this one the first day of June, the Seventh Sunday of Easter, when many churches celebrate the Ascension of Christ which happened this past week Thursday. The Lord spent forty days on earth after He rose from the grave, and on that day, while He gathered with the disciples on Mount Olivet (the Mount of Olives), He gave them the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20), also telling them to remain in Jerusalem until they were baptized with the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:4).
‘And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld (looked on), he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.’ (Acts 1:9:11) Yes friends, Jesus went away, but He will come again, when He comes to judge the earth.
Now, the scholars offer these explanations of those verses. ‘While they beheld suggests several things that are not apparent. Unlike the appearances and disappearances of the former 40 days in which Jesus instantly appeared and vanished, this was a gradual and visible departure. This was different and final. He would no longer appear to them. His next appearance on earth will be at the Second Coming when he visibly (Rev. 1:7) and bodily sets His feet on Mount Olivet (Zech. 14:4).’
And since Jesus left from the mountain, and will return to the mountain, it’s appropriate that we begin our worship today with the song, ‘God On the Mountain.’ (smile) The story of the song is a wonderful testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness. In a nutshell, Tracy Dartt, the author, was in California building swimming pools with a partner in 1974, and though on the outside things looked rosy, in reality they were not. They discovered they had more pools to build than they could afford, and nothing they did could alleviate the problems.
The partner wanted to file for bankruptcy, but Dartt felt that was right. So, in frustration, the partner turned everything over to him, including the massive debt. And all they could do was pray. And did they ever pray! However, while things were going good, Dart and his wife Sharon had founded a country gospel group with another couple, called ‘Country Congregation, for which he wrote all the music, and they were functioning fairly well with a recording contract in hand.
And as the Lord would have it, in the midst of the turmoil, he awoke from a troubled sleep at two o’clock one night with a tune echoing in his mind. He picked up pen and paper and began to write. The first verse came, and as he thanked the Lord for being his God in the valley, the chorus came. And in roughly thirty minutes the song was completed. He thanked the Lord and went back to sleep. The next morning things were still up in the air and they prayed for the Lord to show them His will.
Shortly after he got to his office, someone called and requested a pool for an injured athlete. A few days later another call came for another pool. And so it went on, until they built some 12 pools in the off season, when no one else was building any. And they were able to save their business. And yet, people still say that the Lord is not a good and faithful God and is always with you, wherever you are! Nonsense!
So, finally, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, heartfelt, mid tempo version of this testimonial song to our great God. Singing: ‘Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known. But things change, when you’re down in the valley. Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone. (Chorus: For the God on the mountain, is the God in the valley. When things go wrong, He’ll make them right. And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times. The God of the day is still God in the night.)
You talk of faith when you’re up on the mountain. But talk comes so easy when life’s at its best. But its down in the valley, of trials and temptations That’s where your faith, is really put to the test. (Chorus: For the God on the mountain is the God in the valley. When things go wrong, He’ll make them right. And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times. The God of the day, is still God in the night. (2)’
And isn’t that gospel truth my faithful brethren! Our God, when we’re celebrating on the mountain top, is the very same God who walks with us when we’re in despair in the valley. That’s why Bruh David could famously proclaim from Psalm 23: ‘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.’’ (Ps. 23:4-5)
Yes friends, that how good our God can be to us when things look ever so bleak, with no apparent way out of our unfortunate situations. And that’s why the psalmist Asaph in Psalm 73 – Prosperity of the Wicked – could also write these marvellous words of assurance. ‘Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none on earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (who are unfaithful to thee). But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’ (Ps. 73:25-28)
Now that’s how Christians ought to be talking…while also walking the talk! For our God is undoubtedly a good God, who has promised to never leave not forsake us (Heb. 13:5), and He never breaks any of His promises, so we can stake our lives on any promises He’s made. And furthermore, as Bruh Paul writes of Him to the Corinthians: ‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them, which are in any trouble (tribulation), by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Now what more can we ask for my fellow believers? We have a God who is always with us, whether we’re on the mountaintop or in the depths of the valley, one who comforts us in times of trouble, even to the extent that we can comfort others with the comfort we receive from Him! Wow! What a magnificent God we serve! If only we would use our innate wisdom to give Him the right gratitude and reverence He deserves, our lives would be so much better! Much LOVE!
…whether we’re on the mountaintop…or in the valley…Christians must always be fighting…the good fight of faith…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
11 Mar 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: as a beast before thee, Bible, caught up in the trappings, christianity, cry out for the living God, destroyed them all, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord, faith, fellowship, giveth grace unto the humble, go a whoring from thee, god, God is the strength of my heart, God resisteth the proud, humble yourselves in the sight of God, I have put my trust in the Lord, I have set the Lord always before me, I went into the sanctuary of God, it is good for me to draw near to God, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus, Jesus Christ, losing faith, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, MOnday oh Monday, my flesh also shall rest in hope, my flesh and my heart faileth, my glory rejoiceth, my heart and my flesh, my heart is glad, my portion forever, my soul longeth, our ever-loving Godd, resist the devil and he will flee from you, sincere fellowship, sincere repentance in our hearts, sinned and seriously disobeyed your word, so foolish was I and ignorant, strong faith in Christ, submit yourselves to God, the God who heals, the prosperity of the wicked, then understood I their end, they that are far from thee shall perish, total surrender, turn from our evil ways, wisdom, wise guidance
Psalm 73:26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart (my rock), and my portion forever.
Monday, oh Monday! You beautiful day! Come on down and let us LOVE you like we ought to! Yes friends, like I’ve often said, we ought to treat Monday as a special day, because that’s when we’re supposed to be full of the most joy, strength and confidence after having fellowship on Sunday, with other believers in the presence of our wonderful and ever-LOVING God! But unfortunately, many of us get caught up in the trappings and goings-ons of a new week, and don’t use that newfound energy and confidence wisely.
But fear not my brethren, for though we do not make full use of our blessings, once we can say like the psalmist Asaph re The Prosperity of the Wicked from his famous psalm 73, we will be fine. Remember when Asaph was losing his faith because of the prosperity of the wicked, and only got wisdom and saw what was really happening and how the wicked, though they prospered here on earth, their end was to perish. He says: ‘Until I went into the sanctuary of the Lord; then understood I their end.’ (Ps. 73:17)
Yuh see friends, that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to tell us. We can gather oodles of wisdom when we regularly go to God’s house in sincere fellowship. (smile) But, thankfully, Asaph woke up in time, got that divine perspective in the Lord’s house, and woke up saying: ‘So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden (held) me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart (my rock), and my portion forever.’ (Ps. 73:22-26)
And both the Sons of Korah and Bruh David make the same pronouncements in their palms. The Sons of Korah announce in Psalm 84: ‘How amiable are thy tabernacles (how lovely are thy dwellings), O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.’ (Ps. 84:1-2) Meanwhile, in Psalm 16, Bruh David acknowledges: ‘The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintenest (uphold) my lot… I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope.’ (Ps. 16: 5; 8-9).
Oh my people, once we have those deep-seated faithful feelings like those men of God had, we don’t need to worry about anything, our God will protect us, will lead and guide us along the pathways He desires. That’s why Asaph could further declare: (chuh!!!) ‘For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (all those who are unfaithful to thee). But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare (yesss!!!) all thy works.’ (Ps. 73:27-28)
Ah my fellow saints, that’s what we spoke of yesterday in the Olivia Newton-John’s song; ‘Let Go and let God’: letting go, surrendering our all to Him and allowing Him to take full charge of our lives. That’s the only way to truly enjoy and appreciate the largesse of our great God! Remember what James tell us on the subject? ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted (lament), and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness (gloom). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:7-10)
It’s all about turning to God, drawing close to Him, and humbling ourselves before Him. As James say earlier on: ‘But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.’ (James 4:5) And Cousin Sol says it most clearly in Proverbs, one of the seven abominations that the Lord hates is a proud look (a haughty demeanour). (Prov. 6:16-17) So, it’s obvious that humility is an absolute must when we desire to come before the omnipotent God of this universe.
And since we’re in dire need of divine help in these extraordinarily evil and ungodly times, it’s only wise to go to the Creator, to the throne of grace with confidence, but also total humility to seek that fulfilling help we so desperately desire. So through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, let’s pray!
‘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!’
And if we are wise, we will consider these potent words from our prayer: ‘if we turn from our evil ways.’ Now that is indeed the beginning of wisdom! Much LOVE!
…total security is only found in…total surrender to God…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
26 Oct 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a positive outlook on life, bounden duty, but god is the strength of my heart, can add one cubit to his stature, choice of free will, curse, disappointments, faith, favour, God alone is worthy of my trust, God will never leave nor forsake us, God's supernatural wisdom, happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, I have put my trust in the Lord, I place my whole confidence in the Living God, immune to problems and pain, in whom there is no help, it is good for me to draw near to God, Jesus Christ, LOVE, my flesh and my heart faileth, my portion for ever, negative word, nor in the son of man, One Year Book of Bible promises, put not your trust in princes, reversals, rid our society of God, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, Satan the father of lies, severe drought, sorrow, surrendering to an unseen Deity, tears, the grim reaper, the living God, the prosperity of the wicked, there is none upon earth I desire beside thee, Thursday Blessings, thy word is truth, truth, whom have I heaven but thee, wisdom, worldly knowledge and wisdom
Psalm 73:26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever.
And just like Wednesday yesterday, today, Thursday, has opened rainy and somewhat cloudy! Consecutive rainy and cloudy days! But who’s complaining, for we do need some heavenly blessings. Let’s be thankful that we are at least getting a little, some parts of our world haven’t gotten any in a long time and are suffering from severe drought. Let’s pray that they will soon receive some heavenly relief, because there’s nothing worse on this earth than to be without water, both in the human body and on the land.
And it’s been a long time since we’ve shared something from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. So, today, let’s check out this piece simply titled ‘The Living God.’ Please pray with me. ‘I place my whole confidence In the Living God. Not because things Are going my way. Not because I understand All the inexplainables Or because I am immune To problems and pain and sorrow. But despite my questions My reversals, my disappointments Despite my sorrow and tears I place my whole confidence In the Living God For He alone can see me through. He alone is worthy of my trust.’
And that’s the gospel truth friends! The One and ONLY Living God, Yahweh, is the ONLY Being in this universe worthy of our total trust! And why is that you ask? Because whether you believe it or not, He is our Creator and Controller, and nothing happens in our lives or this world unless He instigates or allows it. The problem mankind has though is surrendering their entire life to an unseen Deity, and with our God-given choice of free will, it becomes even harder for man to do so as he increases in worldly knowledge and wisdom.
Unfortunately though, worldly knowledge and wisdom don’t recognize Almighty God as the titan that He is, but relegates Him to a minor background role, even foolishly desiring to completely rid our society of His awesome presence. But that’s something that will NEVER happen, because the Lord won’t allow it. I don’t know why man doesn’t wake up and recognize his real puny, powerless self. As Jesus so rightly asked: ‘Which of you by taking thought (worrying) can add one cubit to his stature?’ (Matt. 6:27)
None of us, because we don’t have the power to make any serious increases or decreases to our bodies and our lives in general. Look at how many rich people die despite their wealth and accessibility to the best medical attention the world has to offer. And so many young ones who go home before we think it’s time. And why do some get real sick and don’t pass on, while others are not sick but nonetheless pass over to the other side? If we truly had the power over our lives, wouldn’t we do it differently.
Of course! But the fact is that when the Grim Reaper comes a calling, we don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of refusing or not accepting his invitation. So, it’s about time mankind wakes up and realizes that there are only a very few aspects of life that he can really control. And even those, he controls through the goodness and grace of Almighty God. That’s why it’s wisdom of immense proportions to surrender our lives to the One, True and Living God.
And the Bible Promise for today’s poem comes from Psalm 73, that very significant expose of the psalmist Asaph’s life, where he almost fell captive to the attractiveness of the prosperity of the wicked, but discovered his folly when he went into the Lord’s sanctuary and finally understood the demise God had planned for them. Consequently, he later penned these poignant but oh so true words that Ms. Calkin uses as her Bible Promise for our poem. He writes: ‘Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever.’ (Ps. 73:25-26)
Now those are very good scriptures on which to base our total surrender to God, because He is truly the Only One both in heaven and earth that we can sincerely and faithfully depend on. The Only One who will never leave nor forsake us, nor deceive us, like Satan, the father of lies and deceit and his evil cronies do.
Please remember these true and uplifting words of another psalmist. ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man (human beings), in whom there is no help (no salvation). His breath goeth forth (his spirit departs), he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever.’ (Ps. 146:3-6)
Now that is the ultimate in wisdom, my brethren! And please pay particular attention to that last statement: ‘which keepeth truth for ever,’ because it is the indisputable truth! Real truth is only to be found in the Word of God! As Jesus so sincerely stated as He reverently prayed to the Father for the disciples: ‘Sanctify them (set them apart) through thy truth: thy word is truth.’ (John 17:17) And what does that mean? This commentary explains it as simply as possible: ‘God’s Word is truth; what He says is true. We cannot simply discard it because we disagree with it. If we do, we are, in effect calling God a liar.’ And sadly, too many of us do that, or insinuate it every single day.
No wonder our world is in such a mess. But our great God doesn’t take offence because He knows that in the long run we will all have to come running back to Him if we desire salvation and eternal life. In fact, He’s even generous to a fault, bestowing blessings on us that we don’t deserve, but which are necessary for us to do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings, and to activate them, we need to declare (yesss!!!) them aloud. So please, let’s do that right now.
Altogether! ‘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!’
Now, having been blessed, it’s our bounden duty to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…it is good for me to draw near to God…I have put my trust in the Lord God…that I may declare all thy works… (Ps. 73:28)
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
26 Feb 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beast before thee, a crown of righteousness, blessed be God, don't lose faith, finished my course, God is the strength of my heart, God on the Mountain, He'll make things go right, I have fought the good fight, I have put my trust in the Lord, I may declare all thy works, I will fear no evil, it is good for me to draw near to God, Jehovah-Jireh, life is easy when you're on the mountain, LOVE, Lynda Randle, my flesh and my heart faileth, never give up, peace of mind like you've never known, still God in the valley, the Father of mercies, the God of All Comfort, the God of the bad times, the God of the good times, the God on the mountain, the Holy spirit is our shepherd, the righteous judge, the time of my departure is at hand, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, Tracy Dartt
Psalm 73:28. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
It’s that time once again friends, to come on down to the Lord’s sanctuary and join other believers in worship, praise and thanks to our Creator and Provider, Jehovah Jireh! Yes, there’s no better place to be on the Lord’s Day than in the Lord’s house. And as often as possible, we should endeavour to pay a visit to His house on Sundays, because that’s where and when we are renewed, refreshed and made ready to face the upcoming work week and all the ungodly stuff that will come against us out there in the crazy, turbulent world.
And today’s song of worship is an interesting one, in that it tells us about both the highs and lows of life, and is aptly titled ‘God on the Mountain.’ It’s a song written by Tracy Dartt and made popular by the gospel artist Lynda Randle. So, let’s offer up our sacrifices of praise in a soulful, mid-tempo harmonious version, making note of the simple but very important sentiments it offers.
Singing: ‘Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known But things change, when you’re down in the valley Don’t lose faith, for you are never alone For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley When things go wrong, He’ll make them right And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times The God of the day, is still God in the night
We talk of faith way up on the mountain But talk comes easy, when life’s at its best Now it’s down in the valleys, trials and temptations That’s where your faith is really put to the test For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley, When things go wrong, He’ll make them right And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times The God of the day, is still God in the night The God of the day, is still God in the night.’
Yes my fellow saints, it’s short, simple, sweet and to the point. Our God is the same God whether it’s day or night, whether we’re on the mountain top or down in the valley, whether things are going right or wrong. He’s the same one we must turn to in ALL circumstances, for He is the ONLY ONE that has all the answers!, and who’s promised to work everything out eventually for our good. (Rom. 8:28)
And none of us can ever get away from the comparison between life on the mountain and life in the valley, because we all visit either place at some time or other in our earthly lives. For as the song says, ‘Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known But things change, when you’re down in the valley.’
Now isn’t that the awesome truth! We talk a big talk when we’re living high on the hog, but when our circumstances fail, that’s a horse of a different colour. We don’t talk as big, sometimes we even lose our voices and go dumb. (smile) But that’s exactly when we ought to allow our faith to rise up and keep us steadfast and strong, because although we might be down in the dumps, we’re never alone. No, our wonderful God is always with us, wherever we are, whatever our situation, be it day or night, it’s the same great God that controls our lives.
And we couldn’t find a better scripture to encourage us when we’re in the depths of the valley than these marvellous words of Bruh David from the magnificent Psalm 23. ‘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.’ And Bruh David, being a shepherd, could write with sure testimony of the value of the shepherd’s rod and staff in taking care of the sheep. And like a kind and compassionate shepherd, Our God uses the Holy Spirit to do His shepherding in our lives; leading and guiding us in the best ways possible to do His will and accomplish His plan for our destiny.
Now here’s another excellent scripture on much needed faith during adversity. It comes from the psalmist Asaph, when he almost fell prey to the prosperity of the wicked. But after he caught himself, and in the sanctuary of the Lord to boot, he wrote: ‘So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. nevertheless, I am continually with thee: thou hast holden (held) me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart (my rock), and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (are unfaithful to thee). But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’ (Ps. 73:22-28)
Ah mih people, how can we quarrel with those words and sentiments eh? We can’t, because they are the living truth, it’s what our great God is all about. And both Bruh David and Asaph, and also many of us can speak from personal experience of God’s help in both the rough and the good times. The important thing is that we NEVER GIVE UP! I like to say those words are not in Jesus’ vocabulary, so we can’t ever use them. (smile)
And when we talking about comfort in the tough times, brother, there’s none better at that than our ever-LOVING God. Listen to how Bruh Paul describes it to the church at Corinth in his second missive. ‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble (tribulation), by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Now how can you beat that eh? Our God comforts us so that we can comfort others with the comfort that He comforted us! Mama Mia! And how can I not LOVE and worship Him! And here’s a most fitting scripture to close with today. It’s from Bruh Paull’s second letter to Timothy, when he knew that his time was running out.
He wrote: ‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:6-8)
Oh, my fellow believers, please let’s raise our level of faith, good works and whatever else we need to raise, so that at the end of our days, we will be able to make such a positive declaration. (steups!!!) Much LOVE!
… the Lord God Jehovah is all we need…in this life…and the next…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
17 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again, another day of life, awesome blessings and love, believe also in me, dr robert h schuller, empower us to do His work, failure, failure will not overtake you, fear not, God is the strength of my heart, gratitude, hold on tightly to Jesus, Hour of Power Devotional, I am halfway home, I have put my trust in the Lord, I may declare all his works, I'm not turning back, if at first you don't succeed, if only you persevee, if we endure to the end, it is good for me to draw near to God, keep looking to Jesus, lay the foundation of the church, let not your heart be troubled, LOVE, more glorious than we can ask or imagine, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my flesh and my heart faileth, my hands are on the plough, my portion for ever, never fear, never give up, no concrete examples to follow, no giving up in Jesus, our Christian heritage, seeing our lives fall apart, that go a whoring from thee, the breath of life, the future, the sorrowful path we call failure, the wicked shall fall into mischief, they that are far from thee shall perish, thou hast destroyed all them, to a glorious future with Jesus, try try try again, Wednesday Wail, ye believe in God, you will conquer, your courage will appear
Psalm 73:26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (the rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Oh friends, it’s such a wonderful feeling to wake up and realize that our heavenly Father has given us another day of life, one filled with His awesome blessings and LOVE! Let’s not misuse such an unbelievable gift nuh, because if we don’t show the proper attitude and gratitude, one day He might just decide not to allow us to wake up to another beautiful day. You know He has the power to do it. And believe me, that would be to our detriment not His.
So every morning that He’s kind enough to open our eyes to the world, evil though it may be, let’s give Him sincere thanks and praise for that awesome blessing, so that He may continue our earthly journey and empower us to do His work with excellence and powerful faith! And all God’s people said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’
And today we’ll talk about something that’s of great concern to so many of us in these very trying times, where many of us are seeing our lives fall apart before our very eyes, and are thus terrified as we slowly and ofttimes with no apparent recourse, journey down the sorrowful path we call failure. Yes friends, the fear of failure in this pandemic time is very real. In fact, many have already suffered, succumbed that terrible indignity through no fault of their own. So how do we combat this real demon that’s stalking so many of us eh?
To begin, let’s get a few facts about what constitutes failure or what we believe it is, from the writings of Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) from his Hour of Power Devotional. He says: ‘Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure…It does mean you haven’t succeeded yet. Failure doesn’t mean you have accomplished nothing…It does mean you have learned something. Failure doesn’t mean you have been a fool…It does mean you had a lot of faith. Failure doesn’t mean you have been disgraced…It does mean you were willing to try.
Failure doesn’t mean you don’t have it…It does mean you have to do something in a different way. Failure doesn’t mean you are inferior…It does mean you are not perfect. Failure doesn’t mean you’ve wasted your life…It does mean you have a reason to start afresh. Failure doesn’t mean you should give up…It does mean you must try harder. Failure doesn’t mean you’ll never make it…It does mean it will take a little longer. Failure doesn’t mean God has abandoned you…It does mean God has a better idea.’
Oh my people, all those words of Gramps Schuller are gospel truth. What the world terms failure is nonsense, because failure only happens when we give up. But until then, we always have a chance to succeed. And if you’re a believer in Christ Jesus, then it automatically behooves you to NEVER GIVE UP, because there is NO GIVING UP in Jesus!
When the world says that we’ve failed, all it really means is that we’ve got to start again, try again, for success very seldom comes with the first, second or even third try. Just ask people like Walt Disney, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. All of them failed numerous times, but they kept on trying, and eventually succeeded. What’s the children’s song? ‘It’s a lesson all should heed, Try, try, try again; If at first you don’t succeed, Try, try, try again; Then your courage will appear, If you only persevere, You will conquer, never fear! Try, try, try again.’
That’s the awesome truth of the situation my brethren. Failure wants you to give up, but success calls for you to keep on trying, to persevere, to endure. And yes, many of us know all that stuff, but we have never gone through a time of worldwide sickness and strife like we are now experiencing, so there are no concrete examples to follow, and thus we are at a total loss at where to turn, when everything bad seems to be coming our way.
‘Fear not,’ friends. Those were the words our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ continually used to those around Him when their faith was low or non-existent. He also said: ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.’ (John 14:1)
And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘14:1. Let not your heart be troubled refers to Peter. Jesus having just told him of his imminent denial of his Lord (13:38). But the larger reference is to all the apostles, through whom Jesus is going to lay the foundation of the church. His comfort also includes instructions about His departure, the sending of the Holy Spirit, the promise of spiritual power, of answered prayer, and of peace, but especially the promise of His return.’
And yuh see what a difference the apostles made with only promises, several of which have long come true before our time – like the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, answered prayer, spiritual power and His awesome peace – and we now enjoy them as normal aspects of our Christian heritage. So friends, when we turn to Jesus, failure should not be a part of our makeup, because we know that He never gave up, He fought through all the shame and disgrace and persecution on our behalf, and expects the same of us.
Remember, we are His ambassadors, and as such, we have to represent him properly. And my fellow believers, there are so many scriptures in the Good book that encourage us to not give up, to stand strong and endure. Let’s look at a couple nuh. Hear Cousin Sol from Proverbs. ‘For a just man faileth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity). (Prov. 24:16) Yuh see that people? The one who sincerely believes in Jehovah God keeps getting up EVERYTIME he falls.
Now hear Asaph, the psalmist in his famous Psalm 73 – The mystery of prosperous wickedness, where he found himself envying the wicked their prosperity, until he went into God’s house and understood their end, and thankfully concluded. ‘My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (the rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from (are unfaithful to) thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare (hn,hn) all thy works.’ (Ps. 73:26-28)
Yes my fellow saints, it is indeed good and wise for us to draw near to God and put our trust in Him, for He’s the Creator and Controller of the universe and all therein, and our fate is in His hands. So now, for all of us who acknowledge that indisputable fact, let’s go home declaring (chuh man!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most excellent position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And it’s a fact that if we endure to the end, that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So let’s hold on tightly to Jesus my people! Much LOVE!
…keep looking to Jesus…and failure will not overtake you…
20 Nov 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a second go round of the virus, all things are possible with Jesus, avoid anymore serious setbacks, be responsible, bulging pockets and bellies, Covid-19 virus, divine succour, faithful believers, fall into oblivion, Friday chant, gospel truth, grace, I have put my trust in the Lord, I may declare all his works, imbues us with divine strength, incompetent leaders, injustice and inequality, Jesus Christ, Jesus is faithful and true, looking out for our welfare, mercy, no need to worry, nothing that comes against us will harm us, omnipotent help, our society will implode, our trusting faith, pandemic situation, safeguard us from the virus, social animal, spend quality time, stay outa jail, stay safe, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, that go a whoring from thee, the people cast off restraint, the people perish, the rich getting richer, the word of God as its banner, they will be cast aside, thou hast destroyed all them, through Christ who strengthens me, unless the people wake up, unrest in our streets, wake up and smell the coffee, wannabe dictator, we do all things, we have our Lord and Saviour, where there is no visioin, wise guidance
Proverbs 29:18. Where there is no vision, the people perish.
Uh oh…it’s Friday! Already? Yes boy, with bright sunshine too, something we haven’t seen around here for a few days now! But don’t let the sunshine fool you nuh, it also have a strong chilly wind blowing with it! Well what else do you expect eh, it’s time for the cold days to come creeping into these northern climes. Only thing is they don’t creep in, they generally just hit you with an unexpected rush. (smile)
But thankfully, there’s no need to worry because we have our Lord and Saviour, Guide and Protector, Jesus Christ looking out for our welfare, and we know that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us, who imbues us with divine strength and protection! Glory Hallelujah my believing brethren!
With Jesus in our corner ALL things are possible and nothing that comes against us will harm or have victory over us because He has faithfully promised never to leave nor forsake us, and we know for a fact that He keeps every one of His promises, for faithful and true is He! And that’s my li’l sermon, my li’l reminder of God’s goodness and mercy for today. (smile)
Now let’s hear the ordinary workingman’s spiel nuh. And sadly, he doesn’t seem to be his usual enthusiastic, ebullient self. His opening remarks are somewhat lacklustre, and with good cause too. ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday and the weekend is finally here!’ And so is the blooming Covid-19 virus yes! It coming back for a second go round. Why eh? Because we so stupid and childish we can’t keep weself quiet and stay home for a li’l bit!
Oh Lord, the only thing we have to safeguard us from the virus is masks and social distancing, so why we can’t do them simple things eh? Steups! Since when we this big social animal that we must get together all the time eh? In normal times, so often we don’t see each other for long periods because we too busy, but all of a sudden we must get together! Foolishness yes!
What a world we living in eh Captain Jack! And then that other jack down in the U.S not even bothering with the Covid situation, he only intent on trying to retain his wannabe dictator powers and causing so much confusion in the land, when he full well know that he lost the so and so election. And yuh know why he fighting so hard to stay in power? So that he and his blooming crooked family could stay outa jail, because he know that as soon as he step foot outa the white house, they going to lock up him and his crooked and thiefing family.
Brother! Ah never see such imbecile and incompetent and thiefing leaders like we have all over the world nowadays nuh! Ah sorry for mih children if this state of affairs continue yes. But ah keep on thanking the Lord for Fridays and weekends, so I could get some rest from the slave master work and spend some quality time with mih family.’
Yes friends, the ordinary working man is not a happy camper, and he has a right not to be, because it’s the ordinary working people who are suffering the most in this pandemic situation. They are the ones who have lost most of their jobs, and thus are having money, food and housing problems, while the rich and well to do are getting richer and more well to do. The sudden pandemic has certainly shown up the vast inequity in our society, and if we don’t do something about it soon, then our society will eventually implode.
And we’re already seeing serious signs of implosion because quite a large part of the population is suffering unnecessary injustice and inequality. But the powers that be don’t seem to truly care. Once they can fill their already bulging pockets and bellies all’s well with them. But for the creation who is supposed to be God’s greatest and wisest, we’re sadly ignorant and selfish too. That brings us to this eternal saying of Cousin Sol. ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish.’ (Prov. 29:18)
And that’s the gospel truth my people. Where there is no prophetic vision, no thought of, or word from God in a society, the people cast off restraint, do as they please and eventually fall into oblivion, for a society can’t survive successfully without the word of God as it’s banner. A society can’t sincerely rise to its challenges and commitments without a godly infrastructure.
Thus the words of the psalmist Asaph from Psalm 73 – The mystery of prosperous wickedness – hold true. ‘For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (are unfaithful to thee). But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’ (Ps. 73:27-28)
Oh friends, history is filled with the rubble of so many great societies who turned away from God when they became rich and prosperous, do we want ours to be numbered amongst that infamous lot? I certainly hope not! That means we have to do our best to keep God’s word and His mores alive in our society. And the first step in doing that is turning to Him in prayer, asking for help, mercy, grace and divine succour. So let’s do that right now nuh through our Friday Chant nuh.
Altogether with sincere hearts. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that 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 both the virus and the unrest in our streets.
So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the sure and wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways.
It’s also a good opportunity to introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion because of the way we, your faithful believers, handle the situation. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And if we were truly sincere in our plea and vow, then we now have to go out and handle the situation as faithful believers. Let’s not let down our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ nuh! Much LOVE!
…unless the people wake up to God…they will be cast aside…
29 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all I need, blind, broken every barrier, cleanse, Cleanse your hands, come unto me, confidence, conflict, courage, deceitful, deception, detrhone God, doubt, downtrodden, draw nigh to God, evil, face the upcoming week, fears without, fightings within, gather in the Lord's sanctuary, gentle, give you rest, goodness, grace, he who has ears to hear, healing of mind, health, heavy laden, humble, I come, I have put my trust in the Lord, I may declare all his works, inner thoughts, invaluable, it is good for me to draw near to God, James, Jesus Christ, Just as I am, labour, let him hear, lowly, lusteth to envy, meek, my burden is light, needy, O lamb of God, of one dark blot, offer grateful praise, outward deeds, pardon, Praise the Lord, pride, proud, purify your hearts, rascal, receive, relieve, resist the devil, rest unto your souls, rooting for Jesus, sacrifice of our lips, sinners, slow down, smell the rose, strengthen your spirit, submit yourselves to God, Sunday, take my yoke, the first day of the week, the great invitation, the lake of fire, the undeserving children of men, thy blood was shed for me, to rid my soul, to save the poor, understand the Lord's word, wealth, welcome, without one plea, worldliness, worship, wretched
Psalm 73:28. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
And then it was Sunday: the first day of the week, where we slow down, take time to smell the roses and gather in the Lord’s sanctuary to offer Him our grateful praise and worship, and in return receive health, wealth and the ability to face the upcoming week with courage and confidence.
Wow! What a mouthful! But a true mouthful! And all God’s people declared a loud and proud: ‘Praise the Lord for His wonderful goodness to the undeserving children of men!’
And on that glorious note, let’s offer up some sacrifice of our lips by sincerely belting out this favourite old hymn, ‘Just as I am.’ So in loud voice and sincere belief, let’s raise our voices to heaven.
‘Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come! Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot; To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt; Fightings within, and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind; Yes, all I need, in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Just as I am, Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down; Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!’
Yeh friends, it doesn’t matter what state we are in, our wonderful Saviour will accept us just we are. You know some places you have to clean up before they’ll accept you, but not with the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s looking for you at your worst possible state, because that’s one of the reasons he came to earth, to save the poor and needy, the sick and downtrodden.
He is the ONLY One who declares that you can come to Him just as you are. And believe me, you won’t be wise if you don’t accept His wonderful invitation. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh my brethren, every time I hear that beautiful piece of scripture, my heart just jumps for joy, knowing that I have such marvellous person to turn to in my troubles and times of need. All glory be to God for Jesus Christ!
Anyway, before we get into our Bit, let me apologize for my typo yesterday. I don’t know how many of you noticed it, but instead of saying ‘you reap what you sow,’ I wrote ‘you sow what you reap.’ Technically speaking it’s the same thing, since you can only reap what you sow. (smile)
And our Bit just reiterates the ideas we have declared in our hymn, and in the Great Invitation of Jesus. ‘But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’
Now why wouldn’t I put my trust in the Creator and Controller of the universe eh? Why would I put it in the foolish and deceitful rascal who tried to dethrone God and now aimlessly walks the earth backed by a façade of evil and deception, until the Lord is ready to immerse him in the lake of fire? I’m sorry friends, but as for me and mine, we’re rooting for Jesus!
Now hear James, the half-brother of Christ, who like a lot of Christ’s family, did not believe until the end of His earthly ministry. Listen as James talks about worldliness and pride. ‘Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)? But he giveth more grace; Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Submit yourselves therefore to God: Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Be afflicted (lament), and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:5-10)
Oh my fellow believers, God gives us more grace than any of the world’s attractions or the lusts in our spirits, which means we can withstand both of them.
And the scholars explain the last three verses thus: ‘4:7-10. Therefore: The exhortations that follow logically result from the conditions in verses 1-6. Resist the devil: do not submit to, fear, or flee from Satan, but stand against him (1 Pet.5:8-10). Satan cannot lead (one) into sin against one’s will. Draw nigh: God will not be unmoved; His welcoming response is always near (cf. Deut. 4:7; Lam.3:57; Luke 15:20). Hands and hearts: The cleansing of one’s life must involve both outward deeds and inner thoughts (cf. Ps.24:3-4).’
The only advice I can give after reading all of that friends, is to read those references given in the scholars note. I just did, and believe me they are invaluable, they just strengthen your spirit and help you to better understand the Lord’s word. Much LOVE!
…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…
28 Jan 2017
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: and all these things shall be added unto you, Anselm, as a beast, asaph, aspires to inspire, believer in Christ, boomerang, building christ's body, change our path, change will ever last, change within our hearts, Christians, cloudy days, consumed, desolation, destruction, earthly wealth, envious, every aspect of our lives, far from thee, favourite pastimes, follower, foolish, glory to God, go a whoring, God is the strength of my heart, grace, haunted, held me by thy right hand, history repeats itself, I have put my trust in the Lord, I may declare all his works, ignorant, immortal words, irresponsible place, it is good for me to draw near to God, Jesus Christ, learn the lessons, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, mercy, my flesh and my heart faileth, my portion for ever, responsible, righteousness, Saturday, seek ye first the kingdom of God, selling our souls, shall perish, slippery places, take responsibility, terrors, that's no lie, the agenda, the blame game, the boastful, the foolish, the Lord is totally involved, the prosperity of the wicked, the riches of the wicked, the sanctuary of God, the SON, the uniting call, to the wrong, under the umbrella of god, understood their end, unfaithful to thee, wake up, wisdom, wise advice, you reap what you sow
Psalm 73:28. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Cloudy days are here again…but at least it’s dry. (smile) Yeh mih breddren, I don’t know where the sun has gone these last couple of weeks nuh, but we do have the SON, and that’s the most important one of them all. Glory to God!
So it’s Saturday, what’s on the agenda eh? Cleaning and household chores, grocery shopping, resting, relaxation… Whatever it is, please make sure that the Lord is totally involved in it with you, otherwise it won’t work as well, or it might not even work.
Remember our amazing and awesome God wants to get involved in every aspect of our lives, even down to the tiniest bit, and He feels sadly left out if we don’t include Him.
Now here are some quotes from our friend Anselm, who always aspires to inspire us. First off, he tells us that: ‘History repeats itself until we learn the lessons that we need to change our path.’ And that’s no lie! We’ll keep on making the same mistakes until we wake up to the wrong we’re doing and change it.
Now here is one that runs contrary to the modern day world. ‘We must take responsibility for what is in our life.’ Oh friends, our world has become such an irresponsible place that it’s not funny.
No one wants to take responsibility for anything. The blame game has become one of our favourite pastimes. But until we become responsible for all that we do, life will remain rather miserable.
And this one says: ‘When we change who and what we are within our hearts, our lives follow suit and change too.’ Now that’s the only way any change will ever last!
And finally: ‘Whatever we put out in the Universe is what comes back to us.’ Oh people, life is like a boomerang; whatever you let fly, will eventually come right back to you. It’s God’s basic principle of ‘you reap what you sow.’
That brings us right back to where started, having God totally involved in our lives, as so well advised by our Bit. ‘But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’
Now let’s back up a tad and hear how Asaph was haunted by the prosperity of the wicked. ‘For I was envious at the foolish (boastful), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.’ (Ps.73:3)
Ah friends, that’s still happening to too many of us today. The wicked are still prosperous and too many of us supposed Christians are wanting what they have and consequently selling our souls to the wrong people to get earthly wealth.
But please remember the immortal words, the everlasting promise of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33)
Now if you’re not diligently working under that promise, then you’re unwise, and no true follower of and believer in Christ.
But getting back to Asaph. He was falling under the spell of the wicked and earthly riches…’Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.’ (Ps.73:17-19)
Oh my fellow believers, Asaph didn’t understand the situation until he spent time in God’s sanctuary. Maybe some of us need to do that too, so we’ll understand that we don’t have to worry about the riches of the wicked, the Lord will do that in His own time.
We need to get ourselves solidly under the umbrella of God’s LOVE, mercy and grace, and concentrate on building His body, His church here on earth.
Now hear Asaph’s conclusion. ‘So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden (held) me by thy right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom I have in heaven but thee?
And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength (rock) of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (who are unfaithful to thee).
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.’ (Ps.73:22-28)
Ah friends, there’s nothing left for me to say, but to implore us to listen to Asaph, to take his wise advice and follow the Lord God Jehovah, for that is wisdom of heavenly proportions. Much LOVE!
…to faithfully and diligently follow Jesus…that is the uniting call of all Christians…
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