The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Being Aware of the Possibility of Persecution because of Their Faith!

04 Nov 2025 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 13:3.        Remember them that are in bonds (in prison), as bound (if chained) with them; and them which suffer adversity (are mistreated), as being yourselves also in the body.

And the days keep rolling along, just as the Lord programmed them long ago. Thus, after Monday comes Tuesday, a bright and sunshiny but a tad windy day. We’ll take it though, because it means we’re still alive and kicking, and in sincere communion with our heavenly Father. There’s nothing better that a created human being can ask or desire! And all of God’s children said a loud and grateful, ‘Thank You Lord for all that you’ve done for us, for all that you’re still doing, and for all the amazing things you’ve promised to do!’ 

And today we’re going to talk about a subject that ought to be very near and dear to our hearts; that’s persecution of Christians. So let’s begin with this prayer on the subject from the recently published Prayer Cards by the In Touch Organization. Please pray with me: ‘Jesus, I pray for fellow believers who are suffering for their faith. Please protect those who are imprisoned, harassed, or rejected. Surround them with your comforting presence. Help them hold firmly to the truth. Give them words of witness for You. Open the eyes of their accusers to the gospel so they might also be saved. Thank You that even in persecution, You are glorified. I look forward to the day when Your peace covers the whole earth. This we pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.’ 

Ah friends, the truth of the matter is that even in these supposed liberal and enlightened times many of our fellow believers are suffering serious persecution simply because of their faith. It’s just like Jesus said when he sent the disciples out as sheep amongst wolves to spread the gospel. He warned them: ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Matt. 10:22) And He warned them again when they asked Him for signs of the end times. ‘Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted (to suffer tribulation), and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.’  (Matt. 24:9) 

Then there was also this extended warning. ‘If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would LOVE his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you, for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.’  (John 15:18-21) 

And all of that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! For we see it happening right before our very eyes in so many countries, where believers are persecuted simply because of their faith and trust in Jesus. And we’d better be careful, because it’s beginning to happen right in our Western World countries as times get harder and people become more angry and strife-filled, Christians are an easy target to vent their anger and hatred on. So we don’t only have to pray for those in unchristian countries, but also those like ourselves who supposedly live in Christian ones. 

That brings us to these poignant and very important words of Hebrews, where the writer warns: ‘Let brotherly LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds (in prison), as bound (if chained) with them; and them which suffer adversity (are mistreated), as being yourselves also in the body.’ (Heb. 13:1-3) 

Ah mih people, from the beginning of our faith Christians have been singled out for persecution because we don’t retaliate with violence as so many others do, but bravely endure the persecution for Christ’s sake. And sadly, we must make preparations for such an event, while doing our best to prevent them, for the world is in such an angry frame of mind that any little thing can trigger persecution against us because of our faith. And it’s like the Prayer Card states: ‘When one member of Christ’s body hurts, All hurt. Your prayers do matter.’ 

Yes friends, our prayers for our hurting brethren certainly do matter In fact they are very important, because knowing that they are being prayed for, helps the persecuted brethren to bear up some under the persecution, and our prayers also draw the Lord’s eyes to their sorrowful cries in those untenable situations. And these words of Jesus ought to drive us to do our best for those who find themselves in dire straits. ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food), I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36)  

Oh my brethren, that is how we ought to react to suffering if we are true believers. For as Jesus later says: ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) So let’s keep thinking about, praying for, and helping those unfortunate ones who cannot help themselves, for that’s what Jesus is all about. Remember He came to save the sick and the suffering, the lost and the lonely, and then gave us that job when He returned to heaven. (smile) 

Now it’s time to declare our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry 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 share the amazing LOVE and friendship od Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…Christians are continually being persecuted…but we don’t need to live in fear of persecution…because we have the faithful promises of Jesus…

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

A Day of Reckoning…when the Sheep will be separated from the Goats!

16 Apr 2025 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 25:33.       And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Aye friends, it’s Wednesday of Holy Week, the second wind day of our workweek! A day that helps us get up the gumption and courage to keep on keeping on for the next couple days. This week though, we only have one more day to go, as Friday, Good Friday, is a holiday for most of us. But despite the holiday, we will have a lot of sadness and sorrow because it’s the day that our Saviour Jesus Christ was abused, tortured and crucified to pay for our abominable sins. 

And if we’re true believers, that ought to give us pause and make us consider if our current way of life will satisfy Jesus, and make Him consider the hefty price He paid for our spiritual freedom worthwhile. Now that’s a million dollar question, and I don’t know how many of us will answer it truthfully, but we need to. And if our lives are  not up to scratch, then we need to raise them up, as it may one day cause us to be separated from the sheep and placed with the goats. That means to distinguish between good and bad individuals or those of superior and inferior ability. 

It’s based on Jesus story in the gospel of Matthew, when He comes again in all His glory. ‘And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:32-36) 

And when the righteous asks Jesus when they’d done all those things to Him? He answers: ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) Yes my fellow believers, that’s how we are expected to function; helping the sick and needy, the downtrodden and helpless with good hearts, and not expecting anything from them in return, knowing that any future rewards will come from the Father in His own time. 

Now here’s the other side of the equation: ‘Then shall he (king Jesus) say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me no meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.’ (Matt. 25:41-43) 

And when they ask as to what time  they saw Him in need and not minister on to Him? ‘Then he shall answer them, saying, Verily, verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. and these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.’ (Matt. 25:45-46) 

Ah friends, that’s the kind of scenario we might have to face. And since we don’t know how much time we have left, it’s best we begin to improve our lives as soon as possible, in fact right now. Oh, we all know where we are weak and failing, and if we don’t know, then we can ask the Lord and He will gladly show us. (smile) 

The truth is that though we will never be perfect, we can all improve, we can all get better at doing the things Jesus desires of us. And this verse from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Philippians, ought to encourage us to do so. He writes; ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begin a good work in you will perform (complete, finish) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) 

Yes my fellow believers, when we accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour, the Father began a good work in us, which He will undoubtedly continue until Jesus comes back. So there’s no need to worry we’ll be left out of the loop. No way! For that verse speaks to our eternal security, since God’s plan has always been to make all His children conform to the example of His first born, and that will never change.  So, with such great assurance under our belt, let’s faithfully use this Easter season to improve ourselves; physically, spiritually and emotionally. 

And we can begin right now by declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail with strong conviction. As one 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 been promised that if we endure with Jesus to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s plan to meet at the very end and enjoy that future together nuh! Much LOVE!

…in Jesus kingdom…it’s better to be a sheep than a goat…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 July 2019 Proverbs 11:25.

19 Jul 2019 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 11:25.    ​The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat (prosperous): and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
 

And then it was Friday; the worker’s favourite day, especially in the summer where the dress rules are sometimes relaxed for something called ‘casual Fridays.’ Some people don’t even work on Fridays during the summer months, they take the time off to get to the cottage and enjoy a longer weekend. 

All power to them yes! Less wealthy or privileged folks like me can’t afford to do that, so we have to stay here in the city and bear the brunt of, endure the heat of the raging sun. (smile) But I’m okay with that, because going to the cottage also has its own drawbacks. I’m comfortable right where I am, and with age creeping up on me, the desire for change is not that strong. (smile) 

And the ordinary workingman seems to agree with my sentiments as he belts out his weekend song. ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes! Thank Him for granting us this release in the weekend, specially in the summer, else we’d all die from heat exhaustion and overwork. And though the weekend sorta too short, we still going to enjoy it as much as possible. 

And where yuh see we in the full swing of summer now, with all the summer heat and flash floods and inconsistent rain, the weekend is we only saviour, where we could get to do what we want, when we want, with no slave driver flashing his figurative whip at you any time yuh try to take a rest. 

But nobody ever said life was going to be easy, but you have to enjoy the fruits of your labour, and this weekend we surely going to do that; eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you might die! We going to party, go out and play in the park… and since I can’t afford to go to the cottage by the lake, we just going to go and dunk we self in the public swimming pool, like all mih other working class friends and them. 

We not greedy, but we do like to be able to enjoy we time some. So as you enjoy the weekend, please remember to give thanks to God for whatever li’l you have eh, because it have plenty people who have plenty less than you!’ 

And isn’t that the gospel truth friends! Whatever little you have, there is always someone, somewhere who has even less than you. What a paradox! Even in the supposedly first world countries there’s a level of poverty in some areas that’s just mind-boggling. You can’t believe that amongst all the prosperity there is such a dearth of basic necessities. But that’s the reality of life, and for some reason or other we just can’t seem to, or want to fix it. 

However my fellow saints in Christ, please remember what Jesus said, about the unfortunates and those who helped them. ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt.25:35-36) 

Yes precious people of God, that’s the kind of thing we’re supposed to be doing as servants and followers of Jesus, because if we don’t, when Jesus comes to judge, He’ll put us on the left hand with the goats, who’ll be thrown ‘into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (Matt.25:41) Yes friends, ‘even as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt.25:40) 

So please, let’s stop concentrating on ourselves and concentrate on what Jesus wants us to do nuh; that’s helping the poor and needy. Remember too that we reap what we sow. And as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) likes to say, we reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow. So be it bad or good, our sowing produces a big harvest of the same things we sow. 

And though it’s nice to have earthly wealth and be comfortable, that’s not the prescription for greatness in Christ’s kingdom. Hear how Cousin Sol, in his God-given wisdom, puts it nuh. ‘The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat (prosperous): and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.’ That’s how it is in God’s kingdom my people. The more you give, from a right heart, with proper motives, the more the Lord will increase you. And that’s exactly how it ought to be. 

Consequently, Christians ought to be the biggest and most generous givers in this whole wide world! But unfortunately we’re not. We’re even more miserly than plenty of the unbelievers. And strangely, but unfortunately, where we’re most miserly is in giving to God’s church. 

We’ll go out and buy all the nonsense the world has to offer without a qualm, but giving an extra penny to help do God’s work, brother, for so many of us believers, it’s like pulling teeth without any anesthetic. But everybody wants to see a nice, clean, spruced up church. How yuh thing it’s going to get so eh, if we don’t give generously of our time, talent and treasure eh? 

Anyhow, enough sermonizing for today! And who knows if it will make any difference anyway. (smile) So let’s go home chanting our Friday Chant, in all sincerity and true sense of purpose. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. 

Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen!’ 

Enjoy the weekend friends, but please keep in the back of your minds, which hand you want Jesus to put you on; on the left as goats, or on the right as sheep, for your actions today, will help make that monumental decision then. Much LOVE!

…Jesus came to help…the poor, the sick, the lost and the needy…and that’s also what He expects of His followers…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 June 2018 Hebrews 13:1-2.

23 Jun 2018 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 13:1-2.   Let brotherly LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Well mih breddren, it is one of those nice peaceful, quiet, rainy mornings, a Saturday to boot, in my neck of the woods. Oh what a joy it is to simply lie in one’s bed and listen to the mesmerizing riddim of the falling rain! It is possibly the best natural inducement to sleep that we have. And believe me, it had me so induced and mesmerized this morning that I had to force myself to get up and come down to write the Bit. (smile) 

And I hate to spoil the mood now with this bit of news from you know where, the U.S. Reuters reports thus: ‘Nev. He styles himself as America’s best-known pimp, a strip-club owner who runs multiple brothels and looks set to win a seat as a Republican in the Nevada legislature with the blessing of many conservative Christian voters.’ 

Ah Lord eh! What’s wrong with us eh friends? Have we lost our minds or something? It just doesn’t seem right or sensible. But who am I to say anything eh? He might just turn out to be a better legislator than the ridiculous crew now in place. 

But it’s Saturday and we need to turn to some interesting quotes from our friend Anselm, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. Listen to this first one: ‘A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.’ 

I wouldn’t go that far to say that a disciplined mind ALWAYS leads to happiness, and vice versa, since there are some very disciplined people who are definitely not happy. But in most cases it should, since discipline is a by-product of happiness…or the other way around. (smile) 

And hear this next one: ‘Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.’ Ah friends is that ever so true! Remember that rule that was prodded into our heads as youths? Silence is golden! 

And it is often more powerful than words. It says so much more than even sincere words sometimes, because we sometimes just need an appreciative and comforting and quiet presence and not a sermon. I just wish that our current society could see it that way and cut out so much of the unnecessary and insincere talk that’s now so prevalent. But that’s where plenty hope and faith comes in. (smile) 

And then there is: ‘Give the ones you LOVE wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.’ Is that one ever so true my people! It’s not always wise to restrict the movement of those we LOVE for fear that they might go away and not come back, because that very behaviour can make our fear come true. However, if we have given them the proper grounding, that should not be a problem. 

None of us like to be too restricted in our movements, though sometimes we need to be. It’s like the old saying; if you LOVE something or someone, let it or them go. And if you’ve given them sufficient reason; LOVE, nurture, comfort, understanding, appreciation, respect, then they will keep on coming back, sometimes possibly more than you like. (smile) 

And this last quote ought to be a mantra that ALL we Christians live by. ‘Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.’ Yes friends, remember that other old saying; kindness is next to godliness. And is that ever so true. How I wish that our world was just a li’l kinder…what a big difference it would make. 

I can also tell you that I wouldn’t even be around now except for the kindness of many others, complete strangers too. And our Bit says that in spades: ‘Let brotherly LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’ 

Ah friends, I don’t know if we still entertain angels like Abraham (Gen.18:1-3) and Lot (Gen.19:1-2) did way back in olden times, but it is necessary for us to be kind and generous to those in need, since it will be beneficial to both parties when done unto the Lord. 

And Jesus did preach on our need to be kind to each other, especially strangers. ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and you gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt,25:35-36)  

Then the righteous shall look puzzled and ask Jesus when they did all of that to Him? (Matt.25:37-39) ‘And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt.25:40) 

Yes friends, however we treat others, in effect that’s how we’re treating Jesus. So please let that be an invaluable lesson to us nuh, because it will stand us in good stead come the day when Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. 

And we’ll close with these similar, and oh so familiar words from Bruh Paul from his missive to the church at Rome. ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men… Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom.12:17-18, 21) 

No need to read and spell there for us my brethren, because that says it all in plain and simple language! Much LOVE!

…God shows us His LOVING-kindness…so that we can show ours to our fellow man…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 January 2018 Psalm 143:8.

09 Jan 2018 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 143:8.   Cause me to hear thy LOVING-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Awright friends, it’s Tuesday…and we happy! Why? Because we’ve gotten past Monday. (smile) Poor Monday takes so much blame and abuse in our society because it is the first working day of the week, and everybody breathes a sigh of relief after it’s over. 

But we have the whole thing wrong yes. Monday is supposed to be the best and easiest day of the week because we’re coming off of two days rest. Every day after that is supposed to get harder rather than easier. The problem is that we don’t rest over the weekend, therefore it’s difficult to get the body and spirit moving for work on Monday, and we end up blaming it for all our many woes. (smile) 

But be that as it may, listen to this take from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin that admirably describes so many of us. It’s titled ‘Another Year.’ 

Please read with me. ‘Another new year! How did it steal in so silently? How did it arrive so quickly? So many things I determined to do in January of last year are still completely undone. So many notes and letters still unwritten. Friends I planned to entertain were never invited. 

The books I planned to read haven’t been opened. The cupboards and drawers I hoped to clean are still cluttered with things I don’t need or use. Clothes I no longer wear still crowd my closet. I planned to have coffee with our neighbours, but often I managed no more than a quick wave between errands. 

If only I could have held on to the old year a little longer! But the old year is gone. I must put it away with all its failures and broken resolves. There is no way I can reclaim even one week of last year. I see that the road to good intentions is wide and circular. I’ve walked around it until I am utterly exhausted. 

I confess my failures, my procrastination. I know God, in his graciousness will forgive me. I have one more request. I pray for God’s power to keep my forgiveness up-to-date.’ 

Yes friends, good intentions are great, if we put them into action, otherwise we just keep aimlessly going round the same mountain, like the Israelites in the wilderness. And way too many of us are guilty of all those things we read above, basically a combination of laziness, procrastination and busyness. And it’s not hard to do in the extra busy society in which we now live, where everything is go, go, go. 

But the only way we’re going to overcome those failures and disappointments is by sincerely turning to God and putting the leading of our lives in His most capable hands. For once He is in control of our lives, we won’t be as busy-oriented as the world wants us to be, and He definitely won’t put more on our plate than we can handle. And whatever He puts there, we are assured we can handle it, because He gives us the wherewithal to do so! Glory Be! 

That’s the beauty of sincerely partnering with Almighty God; He controls it all! And the Bible Promise for that writing is also our Bit for today. ‘Cause me to hear thy LOVING-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.’ 

Oh my people, what beautiful words of prayer from Bruh David! Just right for every time we open our eyes to a new day. What better decision is there to start a day than to ask God for His LOVING-kindness and direction so we can do His will, because we have placed our entire trust in Him? None my brethren! None! 

And Bruh David continues: ‘Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me (I take cover in thee) Teach me to do thy will: for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken (revive) me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off (put an end to) mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul; for I am thy servant.’ (Ps.143:9-12) 

Yeh friends, excellent words, but of no use unless we show the action that comes with that last, all important line: ‘for I am thy servant.’ Until we are involved in real servant hood to Christ, all our words are useless, for that’s where the truth of our faith shows up. 

That’s how and why Jesus came the first time: to save and to serve. He came humbly, helping the poor and downtrodden, the sick and needy, and until we begin doing the same, with right hearts and motives, we won’t be classified as servants of God. 

Remember what Jesus said about separating the sheep and the goats: ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: 

I was in prison, and ye came unto me…And the king shall say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt.25:35-36,40) 

Yes my faithful followers of Christ, until we begin helping the least, we will never be the most in Christ’s kingdom. And there are a whole lot of needy out there to be helped, so please let’s make this Year of LOVE, also one of servant hood nuh, for you can’t truly have one without the other. 

Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting the world know who and whose we are. In sincerity and strong voice: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world.  Amen!’ 

Now let’s go out and action those statements. Much LOVE!

…oh how beautiful…how heartwarming it is…to share Christ’s LOVE with others…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 April 2016 Matthew 25:40

05 Apr 2016 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 25:40.   And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Ah friends, thankfully the mess and muck of yesterday’s precipitation should have been mostly cleared away from the roads, so the trip to work this morning shouldn’t be that bad. But it’s cold, beastly cold, so please dress warmly, possibly your long johns (smile). 

Then let’s put a smile in our hearts which shows up on our faces and our conduct as we face the evil and godless world and evoke the gospel of Christ, and hopefully bring others to the truthful realization that He ONLY, is the way to salvation. 

And since today is Tuesday, it’s only mete and right that we declare our Tuesday Mantra. So as one now: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world.  Amen’ 

Oh yeah, my brethren! We are indeed not what we do or what people say about us, but the beloved children of God! Glory Hallelujah. Once we believe in Jesus and surrender our lives to Him, we are immediately adopted into God’s fold and become joint heirs of the kingdom with Christ. 

What a bam bam! Joint heirs of the kingdom of God with Christ… Mama yo! Nothing could be better than that my people! So please let’s stop allowing the world to define us and have us foolishly running around like chickens with our heads cut off to live up to its standards. 

Remember we are working for our FRIEND Jesus to share His LOVE with a sinful world! That’s what defines us. Now I want to share something from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s titled ‘Walking Together.’ 

And it says: ‘It would be sheer mockery, Lord It would be subtle hypocrisy For me to kneel Anguished and weeping Before Your cross Unless – As I walk with You now Down my personal Emmaus Road I introduce You With singing joy To the broken and bound The weary and worn The depressed and defeated Whom we meet on the way. And, Lord, I observe That as we walk together Foot traffic thickens.’ 

Oh friends, what glorious truth! As we walk together with Christ along our earthly path, and we meet the broken and needy and share the good news of Christ’s gospel with them, as well as any material help we can offer, we are indeed joined by others in our journey and Christ is indeed more glorified. 

Remember Christ said that He came to save the lost, to feed the hungry, to heal the sick and broken, and take care of the stranger, the widows and orphans. So it is necessary that we too, as brothers and sisters with Christ, look after the lost and needy. 

That’s why in our Bit, and also the Bible promise for the poem above Jesus declared: ‘And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ 

Yes my fellow believers, it’s all about how we react to those who are suffering in this ungodly and evil world! If we spread Christ’s message and His material benefits amongst them, then we’ll be set on His right hand with the sheep… Oh glory to God for His goodness to the children of men! 

But if we spurn and/or ignore the lost and needy, regardless of all our other so-called good deeds, we’ll end up on Christ’s left hand with the goats… How sad! Because hear what He’ll say to that group. ‘Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 

For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me no meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.’ (Matt.25:41-43)  

Brother! We certainly don’t want to be in that lot my precious people, because as we keep saying, eternal separation from Almighty God is the worst thing that can happen to a human soul. 

And Jesus spelled it out earlier on in Matthew when talking about rewards. ‘He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.’ (Matt.10:40-42) What glorious promises my brethren! 

And the scholars have this to say about those verses. ’10:41-42. In the name of a prophet (i.e., “as a prophet”). The meaning of this statement is that those who are not prophets themselves may share in the labour and reward of the prophets by willingly supporting their ministry. One of these little ones is a reference to the fact that even the smallest service done to the most insignificant of Christ’s servants shall be rewarded by the Lord Himself.’ 

Oh friends, yuh see that living and working for Jesus is not rocket science, but simply letting the goodness of our hearts flow to others, especially those in need! 

And we’ll end with these wise words of Cousin Sol from Proverbs. ‘He that oppresseth the poor (needy) reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor (needy).’ (Prov.14:31.’ 

Yes my people, when we honour the needy, we honour our God and Maker. So please let’s go out and do that with a sincere heart today nuh, and thus help our cause in Jesus’ eyes. That’s nothing but the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!

…being a Christian means…being a servant…a helper…a friend to the poor and needy…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 February 2016 Proverbs 11:17

27 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 11:17.  The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Oh friends the time is a drawing near for the ole fella to leave paradise! I only have another week left! How am I going to handle it eh? Obviously with grace and aplomb centred in the Lord’s mercy and LOVING-kindness. 

No doubt it’s going to be somewhat rough. Chuh! Merely thinking about leaving such wonderful rejuvenating saltwater and sunshine to go to back to cold and dreary snowbound vistas upsets the body’s balance and psyche. (smile) But what to do eh? Nothing but grin and bear it. 

I always knew it would have to end, but we all know the human penchant for fooling ourselves. Anyway, as with all things, with God’s assistance, we shall handle it in a manner befitting one of His children. Amen! 

Now let me apologize for going away for a few hours to visit a home for abused children. A friend of mine has been trying to get me to see the place for a couple of weeks now. 

I’d heard about it and wanted to see if there was any way I could help, and she showed up while I was in the middle of the Bit, saying that was the only time we could get to visit. So I had to leave. 

Anyway, I was disappointed in what I saw and heard. The lady who runs the home has a prosthetic leg, and uses crutches to get along more quickly. That obviously doesn’t preclude her from running the home, but her personal appearance didn’t convey any confidence either. 

Neither did the glimpse I got of the interior of the house impress me; it looked rather untidy. And though she seems well educated and can talk a good talk, by the end of the conversation I still didn’t know how the place was run. 

It doesn’t seem as though there is any concrete funding, and handouts and the generosity of others seems to play too big a part. She also seemed to belong to too many organizations and doing too many other things to be able to properly focus on the problem youths under her care. 

But that’s just my humble opinion, and I know she says that she is doing God’s work, however, I believe that God’s work could surely do with some improvement there. For we know that Jesus wants us to do our best, to come up as high as possible. I just don’t know if she is coming up as high as she can. 

Then on the way back we stopped for some Tobago pigeon (gungo) peas soup, by my friend’s brother-in-law. Mama yo! It’s the three largest iron (dutch) pots I ever saw! Big like a baby’s bath tub! (smile) I told the duchess I had to take her there next week to check them out. 

One held the pigeon peas soup, the other some dasheen bush soup and the last some cow foot soup. And yuh better believe he was doing a brisk trade. It had people sitting down right there eating, while every minute another vehicle pulled up to get their Saturday morning repast. 

Then of course when I got home, I had to eat mine too. And did it ever go down well! Just like a good pigeon peas soup ought to. (smile) And after that I needed a nap. So that accounts for my tardiness. 

Now let’s turn to our Bit, taken once more from the wisdom of Cousin Sol. ‘The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.’ 

Oh my fellow believers, we all know that as heavenly truth! And why? Because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ spelled it out in spades in His wonderful and most memorable Sermon on the Mount. ‘Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.’ (Matt,5:7) 

Plus in God’s divine reality, what we sow is what we reap. It’s His guiding dictum. (smile) So if we’re merciful, then we will receive mercy. But if we’re cruel and do not show mercy to our fellow humans, then cruelty and ‘unmercifulness’ is what we’ll receive at the hands of others. It’s as simple as that my brethren. 

Listen to how Bruh David puts it in Psalm 41 – Abuse and assurance. ‘Blessed is he that considereth the poor (helpless or powerless): the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 

The Lord will strengthen him upon his bed of languishing (sickbed): thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness (restore him in his sickbed).’ (Ps.41:1-3) 

Oh friends, that’s how the Lord looks after those that show mercy! Now how can a believer not show mercy to others eh… unless he is downright ignorant and foolish. And if you don’t believe any of that, then listen as Jesus spells it out in black and white in the telling of the parable of the talents. 

‘And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was an hungered (hungry) and you gave me meat (food): 

I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt.25:33-36) 

Then all those sheep, perplexed, will ask when they did all of that? ‘And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt.25:40) 

Yes my people, that’s the reward for showing mercy, for being sheep and for helping the poor and needy! 

But to the proud and cruel goats: ‘Then shall he say also unto them on his left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (Matt.25:41) 

Oh my brethren, all I can say in conclusion is that we all try our best to be merciful and kind and Christ-like in this earthly life, so that when the time comes, and come it will, we shall be on Jesus’ right hand. Much LOVE!

…you can’t talk Jesus talk…but walk the devil’s walk…and expect to end up in heaven…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 June 2014 Acts 5:29

20 Jun 2014 Leave a comment

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

Acts 5:29.  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
 
‘Friday, oh Friday, beautiful and blessed Friday! Thank God for it yes! Thank God it’s Friday, and the work week is drawing to a close! Thank God for Fridays!’
 
Yes my people, we ought to thank God for Fridays as our work week winds down. But even more importantly, we are to thank Him for every day that we draw breath, every day we open our bleary eyes to a new, exciting and uplifting day filled with His faithful promises of new mercies, blessings and the same old, same old but beautiful, unconditional and everlasting LOVE!
 
And all God’s children said ‘Praise the Lord!’ 
 
Now let’s chant our Friday Chant to give us the right perspective for handling the big two days off over the weekend. As one, holy chanting voice now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
 
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
 
Now that should give us a little better guidance on how to spend the weekend; not merely in sloth, slumber and/or decadence, but in rest, relaxation and fellowship. (smile)
 
And we’ll continue looking at the mighty moving of the Holy Spirit in Acts… And please don’t ask me when we’ll be done with that, because I truly don’t know. I’m just taking it one day at a time, as per how the Spirit moves me. (smile)
 
Oh Friends, I know that too many of us have the worldly trait in us, where we don’t want to hear about anything on a consistent basis. Everyday we want it new, even though we haven’t understood what we’ve heard before. But my Brethren, the Holy Spirit is the MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR EARTHLY LIVES!
 
Why? Because it is our DIRECT CONNECTION TO JESUS; TO ALMIGHTY GOD! It is the arm of the Holy Trinity that’s supposed to lead and guide us into all truth and righteousness!
 
And without our serious knowledge of its awesome power and purpose, how it worked before, and how it can still work in us, we’re lost, floundering like a rudderless ship on a stormy sea, for it’s the Holy Spirit that imparts God’s direction, strength, purpose and plan for our lives.
 
And having tried to convince us of the necessity of knowing about and fully understanding God’s magnificent Spirit, let’s hear what happens after the confounded Jewish council heard that the apostles weren’t in prison, where they had placed them the day before, but were teaching in the temple.
 
‘Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
 
Saying, did not we straitly (strictly) command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.’ (Acts 5:26-29)
 
And those words of our Bit my brethren are gospel truth! God’s word is way way more important than man’s!
 
But please listen closely to the scholars’ note on that verse. ‘5:29. Peter is not sanctioning civil disobedience, as he makes clear in his first epistle (1 Pet.2:13-17; cf. Rom.13:1-7). We are to obey civil government, but when it goes contrary to the explicit commands of God, we must obey God and be ready to suffer the consequences.’
 
That’s more gospel truth my people! But please take a moment and read those referenced scriptures, for they will greatly enlighten you as to what our responsibility is to both man and God.
 
However, as the scholars note, we must be prepared to suffer the consequences re honouring God’s word if it differs from that of man. Quite often those consequences can be very serious, even life threatening, but we must have the enabling faith to not waiver, to stand our ground, knowing that our great God WILL NOT leave us in the lurch when we stand up strong and steadfast in His Holy Name.
 
And that’s another reason why we so desperately need to know about and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, because He is the ONE who also enlightens us about wrong and right! It was the power of the Holy Spirit that gave the apostles the wisdom and the courage to stand up against a group of men who had earthly dominion over them.
 
And boldly, they continued in the power of the Spirit to inform the council: ‘The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance in Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
 
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.’ (Acts 5:30-32)
 
Oh Friends, more gospel truth! Wow! What a morning, where we’ve heard, been bombarded by so much indisputable, unadulterated truth! (smile)
 
Now let’s go out into the evil, ungodly world in which we dwell, but are NOT a part of, and let that truth of Jesus set us free, through the providential guidance and direction of His Holy Spirit. Much LOVE!
 
…if you don’t understand the how and why of the Holy Spirit…then you can’t use it successfully… 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2013 Matthew 25:35-36

07 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 25:35-36.   For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, as I keep saying, our God is indeed a magnificent and mysterious God yes! He constantly bends over backwards to help us, and in the process, amazes us with His LOVING-kindness. Now here’s a personal testimony to His goodness.
 
Yesterday morning I was listening to some music on the R&B channel of the t.v and my mind happened to focus on a song I had heard about a week before. The song had taken my heart by storm then. I even considered calling my young daughter and asking her to get it for me, as we had been big fans of the artiste in the early stages of his career. But as the Lord would have it, I didn’t call her.
 
Then yesterday morning, a couple of minutes after the tune flashed through my mind, I heard the opening bars of this music that caught my attention, and when I looked up at the screen, lo and behold, the title of the song that greeted me was, ‘Who do we think we are?’ by John Legend, featuring Rick Ross. And yuh better believe mih people, that the ole fella was immediately transported to musical heaven, because that was the tune I had just thought about!
 
And they say that our God isn’t good and doesn’t move in mysterious ways to satisfy us? Nonsense yes! He certainly does!
 
Aye mih young D, I hope you got the message. (smile) Cousin John has a tune out that the yuh ole father truly, truly likes, and you know when he likes a tune, he just goes crazy over it, regardless of what anybody else thinks.
 
Anyway Friends, enough about me and my little miracle moment, though as I keep reminding us, it’s in the small, sometimes seemingly unimportant things that our God shows His favour, works His miracles. So please pay attention to the small things in your life, because that’s where we often encounter stuff that truly opens our eyes and thus builds our faith.
 
And talking about faith, here’s an excerpt on the subject from an article by Father Bob Colaresi, the Director of the Society of the Little Flower, St. Therese, taken from the 2013 summer issue of their magazine, Between Friends.
 
He begins the article thus: ‘This Year of Faith is a call to deepen our lives as followers and friends of Jesus. We continue to be invited to walk the path of faith: faith in God’s presence, power and LOVE, faith in other people, and faith in our selves as the dwelling place of God. Jesus constantly said to everyone He healed: “Your faith has saved you!’
 
And that’s the undeniable truth my brethren! Our faith is what keeps us going on. But then part of that faith is to show it in good works in action, as specified by our Bit: ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’
 
Yes my people, those are the things our Lord, Saviour and Leader, Jesus Christ expects of His followers. And today I want to highlight a few scriptures that show those were very important things to our God, long before Jesus ever came to earth in human form. Listen to Isaiah, as he talks about true religion in Chapter 58.
 
The Israelites were fasting and doing other stuff to get God’s attention, but not with right hearts and motives. Thus God admonished them: ‘Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact (exploit) all your labours (labourers).
 
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite (strike) with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?
 
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens (bonds of the yoke), and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal (share) thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out (homeless, wandering) to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
 
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health (healing) shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward (rear guard). Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.
 
If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth (pointing) of the finger, and speaking vanity (wickedness); And if thou draw out (extend) thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity (from darkness), and thy darkness (gloom) be as the noonday.
 
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought (dry places), and make fat (strengthen) thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee (offspring, descendants) shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths (streets) to dwell in.’ (Is.58:3-12)
 
Oh Friends, after reading that section, I just had to include the whole thing, because it just encompasses all that our Bit talks about. So yuh see, is from long time now that our God has been trying to teach us that to help the poor and downtrodden, to share our wealth with the less fortunate is the way to prosperity and His LOVING-kindness.
 
Then Jesus came and preached the same message. But have we learned that lesson yet? Not really, because we still insist on concentrating on our selfish, worldly lusts and desires, instead of helping the way too many unfortunate souls in our wealthy societies.
 
Oh my brethren, there are so many who desperately need our help, but are not getting it because of our insensitivity. But to be a true believer and follower of Jesus, we cannot let insensitivity capture and take over our souls. We have to be sensitive to the needs of others, whatever they may be, and try to help ease their burden, as Jesus desires of us. Otherwise we’re not true followers of Christ, plain and simple.   Selah.
 
Yes Friends, food for thought. Take a moment and ponder it. By those guidelines, are you a true believer? And if not, why not? Much LOVE!
 
…talk is cheap…but taking action…means stepping out of our comfort zone…and that’s the mark of a true believer…
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 July 2013 Matthew 25:35

06 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 25:35.    For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.

Oh my beloved Friends and fellow believers, welcome to another momentous day on God’s great earth! And you know it’s momentous just by us being alive, so you can imagine what it’s going to be like when we add the new mercies and blessings that are being prepared to flow like an open tap from heaven to lighten and brighten our day!
 
And all God’s children declared a loud and heartfelt ‘All thanks and praise be to Jehovah God, for His goodness and mercy towards us!’
 
However Friends, having been cultivated with that wonderful grace of God, it’s our obligation to share it with others in less fortunate circumstances. And this quote from Helen Keller (1880-1968), the American author, political activist and lecturer, but also the first blind//deaf person to acquire a Bachelor of Arts Degree, gives us some insight into what happens when we seek excellence in living.
 
‘When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.’ And that’s gospel truth my brethren!
 
Generally speaking, we can never be sure of the effect our words and actions will have, both on ourselves and on others. That’s because of what’s known as the ripple effect; like when you throw a stone in the water, it doesn’t only disturb the water that it actually hits, but also a certain amount that surrounds it. You can see the ripples moving outward from the point where the stone made contact with the water.
 
The same goes for our words and actions Friends. They can have far reaching, far away effects on both ourselves and others, especially in these times of almost instantaneous and far flung communication. Whatever kind of stuff we send out, be it negative or positive, you can bet your bottom dollar it will breed the same reaction.
 
That’s why we’re always obliged to do our best, especially as believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ, whose motto is LOVE, framed with excellence, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. We definitely cannot afford to say or do things that reflect negatively on the body of Christ, His church.
 
But unfortunately it’s happening quite a lot. Many believers don’t take the time to consider how their words and behaviour affect the church, of how people perceive them when they talk and pursue various forms of action. It all boomerangs back on us, and on Christ’s overall body eventually.
 
That’s why the infighting and pettiness amongst the different religions draws such negative criticism from both believers and unbelievers. We’re supposed to be ONE body in Christ, but we surely aren’t acting that way. How can we spouting peace and LOVE to all and sundry, but living like cats and dogs with each other eh?
 
Jesus told us to go out and spread the gospel to the very ends of the earth, (Matt.28:19-20) but that doesn’t only mean talking it, but more importantly living it! As I keep reminding us, Christianity is an action movement, which should be buttressed by the talk, not vice versa. 
 
That brings us to our Bit and the verse after it. ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt.25:35-36)
 
Yes Friends, that’s what it means to be a true Christian; helping others, meeting their physical needs where possible, while sharing the good news of the gospel with them. That’s why God gave each of us talents, (re Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matt.25) to use them for good, to make a difference, to make the world a better place for all to live in, not to selfishly hoard them and use them only for our own benefit.
 
That’s why in Jesus’ parable, those who used their talents to bear increase, were given more, while he that hath little and hoarded it, lost it eventually.
 
The same goes for us today my fellow believers. We can’t see people suffering and don’t try to help in some form and fashion. We can’t be like the Jewish priest and Levite who passed by on the other side of the road when they saw their fellow Jew lying bruised and battered on the ground. Instead we have to be like the Good Samaritan, who, though he was his avowed enemy, nonetheless stopped and looked after him.
 
That’s what Jesus was, is, and always will be about; helping the poor and downtrodden. He didn’t come to earth to be served, but to serve, and that’s exactly what He also expects of us, His followers. And for those who adhere to that way of life, come the judgement day, they will be assembled as sheep on the right hand of Jesus. (Matt.25:31-33) 
 
‘Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matt.25:34)
 
But to those on His left hand, the goats: ‘Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.’ (Matt.25:41, 46) 
 
Ah mih people, regardless of how much we talk, what we do is even more important, because in the long run, that is what will get us into Jesus’ good books, that is what will earn us rewards in heaven. So please Friends, let’s cut back on the talk, and raise the level of true Christian action and activity nuh, for there’s too much suffering and misfortune in our world for us to just sit back and do nothing about it.
 
The evil doers like it so, but out Lord and Saviour Jesus doesn’t, and wherever we are, in whatever position, there are ALWAYS opportunities for us to do good, to help others, to live that true Christian life.
 
And I pray that today the Lord will allow His Holy Spirit to rise up in us, and we’ll forget all the petty, selfish, immaterial things that are keeping us apart, and we’ll truly become ONE body in Christ, and follow His motto of LOVE, framed in excellence, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. That’s undoubtedly wisdom at its highest level. Much LOVE!
 
…on which side will you be numbered…with the sheep…or with the goats…now is the time to make that monumental decision…