07 Apr 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great calm, a modicum of hope and faith, a trade war, a world beset by evil, abide with you for ever, all have sinned, bear up under the stress and strain, called unto the fellowship of his son, calm our metaphorical storms, christianity, Christians, despite the trials and tribulations you are facing, disobeyed your word, ease the pain, endure hardness, establish you, faith, give you another Comforter, God is faithful, God-given desires, he dwells with you, He is faithful that promised, hold fast the confession of our faith, holy spirit, humble ourselves, humble servants, I will come to you, I will not leave you comfortless, I will pray the Father, if you love me keep my commandments, in the name of Jesus Christ, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the ONLY ONE, Jesus' light and love, keep you from evil, keep your promise to prosper us, leave you as orphans, life is not easy, like a good soldier of Christ, lost jobs, LOVE, mercy, monotonous regularity, negative situations, peace be still, praise Your Holy Name, pray, resolve to never give up, salvation, shall be in you, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, society is structured, stand up and fight, strong faith in Christ, tedious, that's the way, the best years of our life, the BIBLE, the church exploded with new saints, The Day of Pentecost, the God who heals, the living truth, the mass confusion in our world, the restrictive reins, the Spirit of truth, the storms of life, the throne of grace, the wind ceased, tiring, to alleviate our problems, to earn a living, to liven up the same old routine, trust our Triune God, truth, turn from our evil ways, unemployed, up and at 'em, when things are not going your way, who can offer comfort, wisdom, wise guidance, without wavering
John 14:18. I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.
So, it’s up and at ‘em one more time, that means getting out to work on a Monday morning, something that many of us do with a monotonous regularity for numerous years of our life. Actually, for the best years of our lives. No wonder, after a while it becomes tedious and tiring and we just sometimes want to cry out for a change, for something to liven up the dreary same ole same ole routine.
Yes, we often long for a loosening of the restrictive reins that have us tied to a job that does not satisfy our capabilities or skills and act as a de facto killer to our God-given dreams and desires. But unfortunately, that’s the way our society is structured, and if you want to eat and have a roof over your head, then you’ve got to work, at least with some regularity. (smile)
On a serious note though, in this latest round of one foolish egotist’s doings, a trade war has erupted all over the world, and many have already lost their jobs, due to no fault of their own, and sadly, it appears that many more will if this nonsense isn’t curtailed as soon as possible. And it’s only when we don’t have a job to go to, with no prospects for one very soon either, that we do appreciate the boring, same ole, same ole tasks that we are forced to perform most days of our lives to earn a living.
Let’s hope that all those who find themselves summarily unemployed will wake up and see the light and turn their attentions seriously towards Jesus, for He is the ONLY ONE who can offer you comfort despite the trials and tribulations you might be facing. And I’ve been unemployed, so I know what I’m talking about. Jesus is always the best One to turn to when things aren’t going your way.
He might not always solve your problems quickly, or even solve them at all, but if you are sincere, He will provide you with a modicum of hope and faith that will keep you going through the tough times, in a calm, non-anxious manner, and not allow you to give up. And that’s always the first step in recovery; having a modicum of hope and the resolve to never give up.
You can trust Him to always be by your side. Remember what He promised the disciples before His ascension: ‘If you LOVE me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter (Helper), that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.’ (John 14:15-18)
And He did come to them, and consequently to us, on that memorable day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit began to indwell all believers and the church exploded with new saints. And since then, the Holy Spirit has indwelt every believer, acting as a Guide, Leader and Comforter on behalf of Jesus.
But there’s one thing that we must understand, that life is not easy, never was, and never will be, therefore we have to bear up under the stress and strain of whatever we’re going through, with the help of the Holy Spirit. As Bruh Paul sagely warns Timothy: ‘Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship), as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Tim. 2:3) That’s the living truth; we’ve got to stand up and fight the battles that come against us, all in the name of Jesus.
Meanwhile, the author of Hebrews puts it thus: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)’ (Heb. 10:23) And Bruh Paul also stated that fact, first to the church at Corinth: ‘God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor. 1:9) And then to the Thessalonians: ‘But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish (establish) you, and keep you from evil (the evil one).’ (2 Thess. 3:3)
That means we can faithfully trust our Triune God to look after us and keep us safe when the storms of life revolt against us. Remember what Jesus said to the stormy waves and howling winds on the sea of Galilee? ‘Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.’ (Mark 4:39) So, if He can calm the real physical storm, why won’t He be able to calm our metaphorical ones eh? No reason whatsoever!
Now, let’s go straight to the throne of grace for help, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn as we’ve been instructed to do. 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!’
So, it’s obvious from our prayer that there are certain things we need to do to get divine aid. We know them…so please let’s do them nuh! Much LOVE!
…in a world beset by darkness and evil…Jesus is the ONLY ONE who can overcome them…with His Light and LOVE…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
23 Feb 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a gospel music standard, a sacrifice for mankind, and to your children, be as wool, be baptized, be made the righteousness of God in Him, be reconciled back to Him, be red like crimson, be white as snow, Bible, bringing salvation to mankind, by the one offereing, Christ offered His sinless self, Christians, come now and let us reason together, Edwin Hawkins singers, even as many as the Lord will call, faith, fellowship, for the remission of sins, God placed all of our sins, good news, he hath made him to be sin for us, He taught me how, holy spirit, I will remember no more, imbued by the Holy spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, It is finished, Jesus Christ, live rejoicing every day, LOVE, mercy, offered one sacrifice for sins forever, Oh Happy Day, on Jesus' sinless shoulders, on the cross of Calvary, once and for all time, perfected forever, pro, put my laws in their hearts, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, repeating the same sacrifices, repent, sacrifices of praise, salvation, salvation is for anyone who desires it, sat down on the right hand of God, that can never take away sin, The Day of Pentecost, the gift of salvation, the mountains of snow, the promise is unto you, the promise of redemption, their sins and iniquities, them that are sanctified, though your sins be as scarlet, till his enemies be made his footstool, to all that are far away, to watch and fight and pray, Triune God, truth, we could be set free, what a momentous day, when Jesus washed my sins away, who knew no sin, wisdom, write them in their minds
1 Corinthians 5:21. For he (God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
It’s Sunday once again friends, and I don’t believe we’ll have to cancel the sanctuary visits and in person fellowship this weekend because the snow is all on the banks now, the roads are clean and the temperature has finally dropped a couple of degrees. The good news is that in the early part of next week we’re supposed to be getting temps above freezing for the first time in ages. And who says our God is not a good God eh? Let’s hope that it will be warm enough and long enough to melt away all the mountains of snow by which we’re now surrounded.
And since we can now get to church without too many impediments, I think our song of worship for today is rather appropriate. It’s that 1967 gospel music arrangement of an 18th-century hymn by clergyman Philip Doddridge, recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, which became a big hit in the last years of the 70’s decade, and has now become a gospel music standard. We’re talking about “Oh Happy Day.” So, let’s put our hands, voices, and souls together as we offer up sacrifices of praise for being able to see another day, to join in fellowship in God’s sanctuary, and to be thankful for it. And please don’t forget the marvellous calls and responses: (smile)
Singing: ‘Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) (Repeat) He taught me how (He taught me how) To watch and fight and pray Watch and pray And live rejoicing every day Every day Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) He taught me how (He taught me how) To watch and fight and pray Watch and pray And live rejoicing every day (Good God) Every day Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, it’s a happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, Lord (Oh, happy day) Mmm, good God (Oh, happy day) Oh yeah (Oh, happy day) Mmm, oh (Oh, happy day).’
Oh yes friends, it’s certainly a happy day, because even though we might not be kicking too strong, we’re alive and imbued by the Holy Spirit of our Triune God. And there’s been no happier day in this universe than when our Lord and Saviour Jesus washed all our sins away. Wow! What a momentous day that was! And there are so many scriptures that refer to that tremendous day, that we can never cover them all, but will look at a few.
And I believe we can begin with this one that’s filled with the promise of redemption from the prophet Isaiah, when he promised on the Lord’s behalf: ‘Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’ (Is. 1:17-18) And that promise was faithfully kept when the Lord Jesus Christ offered his sinless self on the cross of Calvary as a sacrifice for all mankind, once and for all time.
Yes, when He cried out, ‘It is finished, and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost.’ (John 19:30) That meant the work of bringing salvation to mankind had been successfully implemented for then and forevermore. No more sacrifices of animals and blood that could not erase, but only cover sin for a while. It took Jesus’ shed blood to lift the sins of all mankind. It was an awesome price that the Father desired, but Jesus willingly paid it for our benefit. As Bruh Paul writes in 2 Corinthians: ‘For he (God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (1 Cor. 5:21)
Oh my people, the Lord placed all of our sins on Jesus’ sinless shoulders and made Him bear them so that we could be set free, be reconciled back to our Creator, which was His heart’s greatest desire. The point is that Jesus was the only one capable of doing that because He was sinless. That’s why on the famous day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit began indwelling believers, and Peter and the apostles addressed a large crowd who after hearing about Jesus and His crucifixion asked them what to do.
‘Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord shall call.’ (Acts 2:38-39) Ah my fellow believers, that’s why the gift of salvation is so important; it’s for anyone who desires it, for now and all time.
Wherefore the author of Hebrews could write thus: ‘And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes (repeatedly) the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting (waiting) till his enemies be made his footstool. For by the one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he hath said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities (lawless deeds) will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.’ (Heb. 10:11-18)
The author of Hebrews is there quoting Jeremiah 31: 33-34. And all of God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill to men!’ because that is exactly what Jesus came to earth to bring. So, my fellow saints, with the many promises of the Old Testament fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament, believers ought to be the most joyful people on God’s great earth! And if you’re not joyful, then something is seriously wrong with your faith, so please take a moment today and turn to God and ask Him to help you become as joyful as you ought to be! Much LOVE!
…if Christians were as joyful as they ought to be…then this world would be such a wonderful place…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
16 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a living hope, a positive idea in the mind of a believer, according to His abundant mercy, almighty god, and all these things shall be added unto you, anything is possible, assurance, at the revelation of Jesus Christ, Blessed be the God and Father, blessed day, blessing, brow beat, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christ's Resurrection, Christians, distressed, does not perish, encouragement, eternal life, ever-faithful promise, glory, God is in control, God will work it all out for our good, God's on His throne, Gramps Schuller, hath begotten us again, honour, Hour of Power Devotional, in the centre of God's will, in the name of Jesus Christ, inheritance laid up for us in heaven, inspiring words, Jesus' Second Coming, joy, lead and guide, listen to God's voice, living faithfully for Jesus, LOVE, mature in faith, more precious than gold, most powerful force in the world, My walk, new creation, obedience, our Lord Jesus Christ, praise, refining faith, rejoice, resurrection, righteousness., seek ye first the kingdom of God, Sermon on the Mount, stand strong and steadfast, the straight and narrow path, the things of God, the trial of your faith, the world is our oyster, there are consequences to all decisions, though tried with fire, trials, tribulations, true faith cannot be destroyed, trust, truth, virtual reality, wake up to a new day, walk in obedience to God's will, walking in God's will, we have nothing to fear, worldly things
1 Peter 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Well Friends, another blessed day by the name of Thursday has been added to our life card!
And all God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of ‘Thank You heavenly Father for causing us to see another wonderful day on Your planet earth. We know that You are on Your throne, still in control of everything, which means we have nothing to fear, once we walk in obedience to Your will.
Please lead and guide us safely and sensibly through this day, so that we may live lives worthy of you, and cause others to come to you for salvation. We pray this in the name of Your Son and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.’
Ah my people, what a blessing it is to wake up to a new day, knowing that the world is our oyster, and with Almighty God in control, anything at all is possible! Wow!
But most important of all is His ever-faithful promise, the assurance that He will work everything out for our good, regardless of what happens today. As believing Christians, what more can we ask for eh? Nothing really nuh!
And to add further encouragement to our faith and our day, listen to this poem from our dear departed Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) from his Hour of Power Devotional. It’s simply titled ‘MY WALK.’
Please recite with me: ‘O God, I’m inspired. For you have just impressed the truth into my mind: The most powerful force in the world is a positive idea in the mind of a believer who is walking in your will! I now reach forth my life and say, “God, put my life into the centre of your will.” Amen.’
Oh Friends, what inspiring words and sentiments! Gramps Schuller has gone home to the many mansions in the sky, but his words of truth and inspiration still linger on with us and help to guide us along the straight and narrow path. And he is right yuh know. There is no more powerful force on this earth than a God-given idea to a believer who is intent on walking in God’s will.
So today, please let’s concentrate on doing just that nuh; listening to God’s voice and walking in His will, like the obedient children we’re supposed to be. Let’s let go of all the nonsense that the world is pushing at us, and concentrate on the things of God, as Jesus wisely advised in the Sermon on the Mount. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33)
Yeh Friends, if we simply seek the things of God, all the worldly things we need will be granted to us. That’s God’s promise, and we know He never breaks promises. So why are we so reluctant to seek Him and His way eh? I really can’t answer for anybody else.
But be sure that the time will come when we will each have to answer individually for our earthly behaviour. So there is no sense trying to brow beat or force anybody into obedience, we all have the option to make our own decisions. Just remember that there are consequences to whatever decisions we make.
Enough preaching now, (smile) let’s get to our Bit, a most wonderful expose on God’s goodness to mankind. ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’
Oh my brethren, as we said yesterday, without Christ’s resurrection, there could have been no new creation, no eternal life, and for that we should be everlastingly grateful!
We also saw that there is an inheritance laid aside for us in heaven that cannot be destroyed or corrupted and doesn’t fade away. And we are kept by God’s power, through our faith that believes in salvation, which will be revealed in the last days. (1 Pet.1:4-5)
And Peter continues: ‘Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness (distressed) through manifold temptations. That the trial (the genuineness) of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried (tested) with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearance (revelation) of Jesus Christ:
Whom having not seen, ye LOVE; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.’ (1 Pet.1:6:9)
Yeh mih people, that’s the beauty, the magnitude and strength of our faith! We’ve never seen Jesus, yet we believe in Him and LOVE Him everlasting! We also find unspeakable joy in living for Him, and sincerely and confidently trust Him to provide our salvation in the end times!
So much so, that even when we go through trials and tribulations here on earth, we consider them tests of our faith. And though they may be extremely tough and fiery, we pass through them with assurance, giving thanks and glory to God, eagerly and patiently waiting for Jesus’ Second Coming.
Yeh Friends, it’s not an easy life living faithfully for Jesus, but I can assure you that it’s a very rewarding one, if you stand strong and steadfast in faith.
Now here is some info from the scholars on those verses. ‘1:6-9. The problem of salvation looks to the present. Earthly trials constitute a problem of our salvation, but they are only for a season, or temporary. Manifold temptations means diversified trials. True faith cannot be destroyed though God is in the process of refining faith through our trials.’
Ah Friends, in closing, I’d like us to pay particular attention to that last sentence of the scholars because it is the absolute truth. If our faith is true, it will be strong, and thus not able to be destroyed, even though God is testing us with fiery trials and temptations.
So please, let’s hang in there in faith, knowing that all the promises made by Almighty God, our Creator and Provider, will, in His time, be revealed and become reality – not the virtual type that we’re so take up with nowadays, but the real reality that only comes from and through Him. Much LOVE!
…Once we mature in faith with Jesus…It is virtuallyunbreakable…even though tried by fire…
02 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: almighty god, awesome power of prayer, Bruh David, Bruh Paul, disappointment, distress, faith, fellowshipping, friendship rewards, fulfilment, Garden of Gethsemane, giving thanks, glory, have mercy upon me, hear me when I call, hear my prayer, hope, in the name of Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, let this cup pass from me, LOVE, merciful God, O God of my righteousness, omnipotent god, praise and worship, pray without ceasing, prayer, purpose, put your trust in the Lord, righteousness., sacrifice of righteousness, shame, Sunday, the Father's will, the Lord's Day, the Sabbath Day, the Son of God, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, trust, walking obediently with God, watch and pray
Psalm 4:1. Hear me when I call , O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged (relieved) me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me (be gracious to me), and hear my prayer.
Oh my Friends, it’s Sunday; the Sabbath Day, that blessed day of the Lord, when He rested from all His workweek labour! Oh Glory be! Let’s try and follow His example and do the same today nuh, as much as we can, or allowed to do in this 24/7 society.
And that includes fellowshipping with other believers at His sanctuary, where we can increase our faith, hope and trust in Almighty God through communal praise and worship. Yes my people, gathering together to magnify our mighty and magnanimous God is filled with all sorts of rewards.
And talking about rewards, here is a poem from that new to me, but old in actual age Devotional – The One Year Book of Bible Promises. The poem is titled ‘Enormous Rewards’ and says: ‘O dear God Thank you for teaching me The enormous rewards of walking obediently with You: There is joy without guilt Freedom without fear Satisfaction without sordidness Purpose without confusion Friendship without compromise Forgiveness without penance Fulfilment without disappointment.’
And the scripture reading that comes with it is: ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;’ (Eph.5:20) Not a bad idea at all my people, in fact a rather wise and advisable one for ALL believers, from the many that Bruh Paul declared.
Now let’s turn to our Bit, where Bruh David is calling out for help through prayer, to the God of his fathers. ‘Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged (relieved) me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me (be gracious to me), and hear my prayer.’
Ah mih breddren, that is indeed a most worthy plea, but are our hearts in sync with God’s Word? That’s the big question? As our poem above talks about, are we walking obediently with Him? Hopefully the answer is a vigorous and truthful ‘Yes!’
And Bruh David continues thus with his evening prayer of trust in God: ‘O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye LOVE vanity (worthlessness), and seek after leasing (falsehood)? Selah.
But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call upon him. Stand in awe (tremble, be agitated), and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.’ (Ps.4:2-5)
Oh Friends, we couldn’t get any better advice than that! Put your trust in God and talk to Him in prayer!
And Jesus is our poster boy, our most worthy example of that. Check out the night before His crucifixion, when He went up to the Garden of Gethsemane, and said to the disciples ‘Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder (over there) And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful (grieved) and very heavy (deeply distressed).
Then said he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry (stay) ye here and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is week.
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except (unless) I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.’ (Matt.26:36-44)
Oh Friends, what more do we need to make us believe in the necessity for prayer eh? There we have the Son of God, in His passion, beseeching His heavenly Father for mercy and help to endure His upcoming tribulations. Note too though, that regardless of all His pleas, one thing remained constant; He always acknowledged, it was the Father’s will that would be done.
And our prayers ought always to have that same acknowledgement my people. Regardless of what we desire, we must always be prepared to do the Lord’s bidding, to endure His will, because His will is paramount over everything. If Jesus recognized that, then as His followers, we should be wise enough to do so too.
Now let’s look at one more example of the power of prayer: this when Herod kills James and imprisons Peter, having him personally watched by a squad of four soldiers, intending to put him on trial after the Passover. The Good Book relates: ‘Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.’ (Just as Bruh Paul advises in 1 Thess.17)
‘And when Herod would have brought (was about to bring) him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers (guards) before the door kept the prison. And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him (stood by), and he smote Peter on the side, and raise him up saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist (knew) not that it was true (real) which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
When they were past the first and second ward (guard posts), they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety (for certain), that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.’ (Acts 12:5-11)
Yes Friends, that’s the awesome power of sincere prayer! Please let it reassure and encourage us in all our worldly dealings. We do have an omnipotent and merciful God to call upon in times of need. Let’s make full use of that wonderful option, for it is indeed the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!
…prayer is our number one source of communication with our Creator…
27 May 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a return to godly living, a time for every purpose under heaven, all praise and glory to God, all-seeing, all-wise, Amen, as wise not as fools, be filled with the Spirit, be not drunk with wine, beautiful people, being a witness to sinners, bless and keep us safely, blooming, Christians, dissipation, enjoy every minute of time, Ephesians, ever-present, evildoers are not procrastinating, exposing the sins of the lost, flowers of Jesus, further His righteous kingdom, giving thanks always, glorify God, God of comfort, godly wisdom, growing, healing, heathen, hymns, in the fear of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, knock their evil blocks off, know the true value of time, looking beautiful in the sight of unbelievers, Lord chesterfield, maturing, never put off till tomorrow what you can do today, no idleness, no laziness, no procrastination, omnipotent, on a roll, perilous moral age, provision, psalms, Redeem the time, reflecting God's love, security, sins, So let it be, spiritual songs, strength, summer-like Tuesday, the days are evil, the image of God, the will of the Lord, time for repentance, time never comes back, to every thing there is a season, top o' the morning, true believers, truth, undeniable truth, under the umbrella of god's unconditional love, using time wisely enhances our lives, walk circumspectly, watch carefully how you walk, wisdom, wisdom of the highest order, words to heed and live by
Ephesians 5:15-16. See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Well hello there you beautiful people, all made in the remarkable image of our wonderful God! Top o’ the morning to you all! We are a tad late, but as always, better late than never. (smile)
And may our God of comfort, healing, provision, strength and security, bless and keep us all safely under the umbrella of His unconditional and everlasting LOVE!
Wow mih people! The ole fella’s certainly on a roll this summer-like Tuesday morning. But that’s how we ought to think as true believers in Christ, and as I mistakenly said yesterday, ‘flowers of Jesus’ instead of followers.
But after reviewing the situation, I concluded that ‘flowers’ was and even better description, because it implies that we are blooming, growing, maturing, looking beautiful in the sight of the unbelievers and the heathen. All praise and glory to our omnipotent, all-wise, all-seeing and ever-present God!
And all God’s people declared a loud and grateful: ‘Amen! So let it be!’
And today I want to share a quote attributed to Lord Chesterfield – Phillip Stanhope (1694-1773). In this, one of his many quotes, he wisely advises: ‘Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination, never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.’
Words of awesome wisdom and truth my brethren! Words that we should all heed and attempt to live by, because time is one of the most valuable things we have, and unfortunately it is also one of the things that never comes back. We can never retrieve whatever time we’ve wasted or loss, not even one second of it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!
So today, please let us look closely at the use we make of our time, and try to improve it, use it to the best of our ability. And the great thing about using time wisely is that it enhances our lives immeasurably.
And all of that measures up and segues nicely into our Bit: ‘ See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’
Oh Friends, what undeniable truth and godly wisdom! We do have to walk carefully and use our time profitably in these evil times. Please note that the evildoers are not procrastinating, but using their time wisely to do all the evil they desire. So too should we believers, provided we truly desire to knock their evil blocks off.
Now here is some info from the scholars’ re our Bit: ‘5:15. See then that ye walk circumspectly means “therefore watch carefully how you live.”
5:16. Redeeming the time (or, “making the most of every opportunity”): Contextually, the specific opportunity in view is that of exposing the sins of the lost and being a witness to them. Because the days are evil assigns a reason to seize each opportunity. It is because the sins being committed during these days are so evil.’
And we don’t have to wonder about that last sentence Friends, since we see it happening daily, for the sins and evil of this world are ever increasing!
Bruh Paul could never have imagined the sorry depths that mankind would reach two thousand years after he wrote these wise words to the Ephesians. Words that still very much pertain to our current situation.
Listen up closely friends. ‘Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (scholars – since the current age is so perilous morally, Christians must clearly understand what the will of the Lord is). And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess (dissipation); but be filled with the Spirit;
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ (Eph.5:17-21)
Oh my people, as true believers, that’s how we ought to live!
So today, please, let’s ponder all those things we’ve spoken of and try to successfully integrate them into our lives, or simply improve on each aspect, so that our lives will truly reflect the LOVE of God, and thus glorify Him, and further His righteous kingdom, as is expected of us. That’s wisdom of the highest order! Much LOVE!
…to every thing there is a season…and a time to every purpose under the heaven… (Eccl.3:1)…now is a time for repentance and return to godly living…
08 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a spirit of divination, accolades, afraid, ashamed of Jesus, behind closed doors, believers, change, Christian land, christianity, colour business, corrupt, counterfeit method, courage, demon possessed, drawing the noose tighter, feet in the stocks, fight back, forces of darkness, fortune telling, fraudulent, freedoms being eroded, futile, genuine method, God's Word, God's work, godly wisdom, good deed, great things, hope of profit, in the name of Jesus Christ, insidious attack, jehovah god, Jews, joking matter, lackadaisical attitude, mission on earth, new believer, oppressed countries, plenty action, politically correct, prison, racism, religion, Satan, serenity, Serenity Prayer, sincere passion, spirit of divination, spirituality, stand up strong, stripes, suffer for my name's sake, the 'n'word, the Great Commission, the Holy Ghost, the occult, the way of salvation, theology, tribulation, unlawful customs, wisdom, wisdom to know the difference, with Jesus all things are possible
Acts 9:16. I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Oh Friends, as I was cleaning up my desk earlier on, I discovered a plaque with the Serenity Prayer, engraved on it, and consequently figured that was the best way to begin today’s Bit.
Please pray with me: ‘Oh Lord God, please grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.’
Yes Friends, those few words impart a most important message to us. It makes life ever so much easier when we know what we can change and what we can’t. But the devil is being able to know the difference, which is why we can only do it through the wisdom that emanates from Jehovah God and His everlasting Word.
That brings us to our Bit. ‘I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.’
Now yesterday I was taken up with the racism and colour business, re the ‘n’ word. Steups! I have to steups and chuckle in disbelief at the foolish lengths we’ll go to appear politically correct, as though it’s going to change anything.
But enough of that, today I want to focus on some of the stuff, the ‘great things’ that Bruh Paul suffered for the Lord’s sake. And we’ll begin in Philippi, where he stayed with a new believer named Lydia. (Acts 16:14-15)
‘And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying (fortune telling). The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.
And this did she many days. But Paul being grieved (greatly annoyed), turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.’ (Acts 16:16-18)
Now hear this explanation from the scholars. ’16:17: The strange words of the demon possessed girl, that Paul is proclaiming the way of salvation, reveal Satan’s insidious attack upon the work of God. His method is to counterfeit that which is genuine, thereby confusing and corrupting it. (cf. Luke 4:41: 2 Cor.11:13-15)
Please read those scriptures for yourselves, for they are very interesting and educational.
And sadly, a lot of that stuff is still going on today, despite the supposed enlightened times we live in. Lots of people are still heavily involved in the occult. And you wouldn’t believe how many of them are considered intelligent and well educated, yet they continue to waste their time, efforts, money and lives dealing with the futile, fraudulent forces of darkness.
But getting back to Bruh Paul’s supposed good deed. It certainly didn’t win him any accolades or endear him to the girl’s masters. ‘And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught (seized) Paul and Silas, and drew (dragged) them into the market place unto the rulers (authorities).
And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city. And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent (tore) off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely (securely). Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made (fastened) their feet fast in the stocks.’ (Acts 16:19-24)
Oh Friends, doesn’t that remind you of the unfair and unjust manner in which they treated Jesus? It sure does! And unfortunately, many believers in other parts of the world today still face those fearful circumstances, where they can’t speak openly about their faith in Jesus Christ, but they still do in secret.
Meanwhile, we in the free western world, who have nothing like that to fear, are still very afraid and/or ashamed to talk publicly about Christ. But as I keep reminding us, Christianity is not a behind closed doors, or a closed mouth organization like some of the occult societies that still prevail, but it is one that needs to be broadcasted to all and sundry, all over the world.
That was Jesus’ last command, to His disciples; the Great Commission: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt.28:19-20)
Ah mih people, that’s our mission on this earth! But obviously not enough of us are taking that command as seriously as we should, and actually working on Jesus’ behalf with sincere passion and plenty action. Now can you imagine what the reaction would be, if we were still not free to worship as we please, and the very name of Jesus would bring down untold tribulation on our heads?
Hn! But don’t laugh Friends, because of our lackadaisical attitude, the enemy is drawing the noose tighter and tighter and many of our freedoms are being gradually eroded. So this is not a joking matter. And unless we stand up strong and fight back in the name of Jesus, we’ll soon be like many other believers in the oppressed countries.
That’s why I’m imploring us today, and everyday, to get out and get Jesus in the action, for it’s only with Him going on before us that we can ever hope to continue dwelling safely and securely in a Christian land.
And please don’t use the Serenity Prayer as an excuse, (smile) meaning that changing the world in Jesus’ name is one of those things we cannot do. Because remember with Jesus working in and through us, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! And we do indeed have the godly wisdom to know that! Much LOVE!
…the right to worship Jesus…will only be had…in proportion to the fight believers put up…
SCRIP-BITS 