The Main Purpose of the Christian Life is to Glorify Our heavenly Father, in ALL We Do!

07 May 2025 Leave a comment

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

John 15:8.       Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

And after Tuesday comes Wednesday, a bright sunshiny day with temps around the 20 degrees Celsius mark. It’s also the day we supposedly catch our second wind. Yes, we’re already halfway into the work week, which seems to be flowing by quite quickly. However, the question we must ask, is, are we making any serious and productive headway in living for Christ, growing in spiritual maturity and having a positive effect on the unbelieving majority of our world? And judging from the way it seems more people are turning away from Christ, than are turning to Him, and the stranglehold that evil has on our world, I’d venture to say that the answer to our question is a resounding NO! 

Then the next question will be, what are we waiting for to go out into the world and fulfill Christ’s Great Commission? That was the last thing He desired of us: ‘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) 

Oh my people, Jesus’ desire for us on the earth could not be made any plainer and clearer than that! We’re supposed to go out and teach others what He taught us, as well as living a life that resonates with the things we teach. Like being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As Jesus, so simply but very astutely puts it: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,’ (Matt. 5:16) And we need to remember that everything we do down here on earth ought to bring glory to God and not shame, as so many of us are doing, perpetrating the ungodly deeds and views of this evil and ungodly world. 

And later on Jesus, when talking about the vine and the branches, said to the disciples: ‘If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto (for) you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.’ (John 15:7-8) Ah friends, it’s made very clear there again, that we’re supposed to be doing good works, bearing good fruit so that the Father can be glorified. But the only way to do that is by abiding in Christ and have His words abide in us. And obviously we are not doing that to any sufficient degree, otherwise our world would not be in such a chaotic and lawless state. 

And Peter also said the same thing, when he wrote to the Christian diaspora, spread all over the world. ‘Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.’ (1 Pet. 2:1-3) Yes friends, we need to lay aside all that negative, ungodly stuff that’s so prevalent in our world today. And we can only do that by immersing ourselves in the pure milk of God’s Word, the ONLY thing that can keep us safe and secure from the evils of the world, so that we can become the Holy Priesthood we are meant to be. 

And here’s some practical advice from Peter on how to do that. ‘Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation (conduct) honest (honourable) among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.’ (1 Pet. 2:11-12) There again my fellow believers we’re entreated to live a life that’s worthy of Christ and do works that will glorify our heavenly Father! How much more do we need to hear for us to get out there and live a Christ-worthy life eh? 

Titus also specified the great need for good behaviour from believers, when he wrote: ‘Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness (integrity), gravity (reverence), sincerity (incorruptibility), Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part (an opponent) may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say to you.’ (Titus 2:6-8) 

What more can I say eh friends? And those aren’t all the scriptures that speak of good conduct and good behaviour. There are many more throughout the Bible, which shows how important the subject is, for it’s only with our good behaviour and kind words will the unbeliever even consider turning to Christ. And it’s obvious we’re not doing such a good job, or, as we said earlier, our world would not be in such a disastrous state. That’s also why it’s ever so important, that RIGHT NOW, we need to make some changes, some improvements to our standard of spiritual maturity and living, so that the heathen can see the goodness and godliness in us, and want what we have. 

Otherwise, our world will keep on sliding down the steep and slippery slope to hell fire and damnation. And I know we don’t want that happen, for it will show that we didn’t do such a good job as Christ’s disciples and ambassadors. So, let’s turn up our lights nuh mih people, make them shine as bright as ever, and restore the salty flavour to our lives, so that many others will desire to come to know and LOVE Jesus like we do. Now, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!  

As one strong voice, in all sincerity and truth. ‘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 the good news is that if we endure to the very end with Jesus, the future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So, let’s be wise and endure to the very end nuh, that we can enjoy that glorious future together! Much LOVE!

…the Christian life is all about glorifying God…through good works…and godly behaviour…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 May 2016 Matthew 5:16.

30 May 2016 Leave a comment

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

 Matthew 5:16.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

And then it was Monday… But fortunately, for many people it’s not a work day. In the U.S. it’s the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, where the brave men and women who died while serving their country in the military forces are remembered and honoured. 

Meanwhile in T& T (Trinidad and Tobago) it’s a holiday celebrating Indian Arrival Day. That was the memorable day of May 30th 1845 when the Fath Al Razak docked in the harbor of Port of Spain with two hundred and something adult Indians; the first set of Indentured (contract) Workers from India. 

Slavery had been abolished and it was difficult to find labourers to work in the sugar cane fields, so the Colonial masters turned to a new form of human abuse and degradation. I don’t know if it was any better than the slavery the African people suffered, because it was still back breaking labour and the Massa still held the upper hand. 

If my history memory serves me right, I believe they were contracted for something like seven years and then were free to do their own thing on a plot of land so generously given to them by the plantation owners. Anyway, that’s how the diverse culture of T&T began, and continued down through the years with all sorts of other races coming to settle there. 

That’s why T&T women are also some of the most beautiful in the world – and that’s no lie – (smile) with the progeny of all the different races mixed together. 

Anyway, last weekend we in Canada were showing off with our Victoria Day holiday, now it’s our turn to face the music this Monday morning and go out to labour. And as always, to help us get up to speed, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with plenty gusto and sincerity. 

As one heavenly choir now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. 

We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. 

But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. 

Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ 

Ah mih people, that wasn’t so hot nuh. Chuh! You could tell that the U.S. and T&T people with their hoarse, raspy voices were already into their cups. Hn! Our choirmaster, Jesus, just shook His head and sighed a knowing sigh. 

And I guess I’ll have to take a little of the blame for that since I forgot to offer Granny’s warning per these long holiday weekends. ‘Sonny Boy, please, ah beg yuh; drunk or sober, please mind yuh business!’ 

And as true believers, we definitely have to remember that, because when we get into the celebrations, especially the fire breathing ‘waters’, we lose all sense of responsibility and give the ever lurking enemy a chance to get into our soul and disrupt it. 

And with a disrupted soul we obviously can’t do what Jesus asks of us in our Bit. ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ 

When our brain is all muddled and befuddled our lights definitely are not shining, neither are we doing good works. And we’re definitely not glorifying our heavenly Father, but rather letting Him down, sullying His holy name. 

So all you friends in the U.S and T&T, please be careful, let’s not spoil the good thing we have going, with our wonderful, ever-faithful, ever-LOVING God. 

Now let’s check out what Bruh Paul had to say to his apostolic delegate Titus on the subject. ‘But speak thou the things which become (are proper for) sound doctrine… In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness (integrity), gravity (reverence), sincerity (incorruptibility), Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part (an opponent) may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.‘ (Titus 2:1,7-8) 

Yes friends, it’s important that the enemy doesn’t have anything bad to say about us, as Peter talks about per suffering and reward. ‘Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation (conduct) in Christ. 

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit.’ (1 Pet.3:16-18) 

Ah mih people, a Christian’s life can be indeed be difficult and somewhat unfair at times, but overall, believe me, it is very rewarding. And we’ll close with some explanations from the scholars. ‘3:16. A good conscience refers to a clear conscience, that is, one void of offense.’ 

‘3:17. In the will of God we are sometimes called on to suffer for well-doing as a testimony to others.’ ‘3:18. That he might bring us to God means in order that Christ might bring us to, or give us access to God.’  

Oh my brethren, none of us like pain and suffering, but it is the lot of our sinful nature, and if we sincerely turn to God in our times of distress, He will give us the wherewithal to bear it. Please remember that. Now let’s go out and continue the good fight so that Jesus’ LOVE Revolution can be successful! Much LOVE!

…stand up, stand up for Jesus…the trumpet call obey…till every foe is vanquished…and Christ is Lord indeed…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 June 2013 Philippians 3:17.

18 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 3:17:    Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.
 
‘Just a closer walk with thee. Blessed Jesus let it be. Always walking close to thee. Let it be, dear Lord… let it be.’
 
Oh Friends, those words from that favourite old hymn are very significant in a believer’s life; so significant that they should be written indelibly in our hearts and be constantly on our lips!
 
Yes my brethren, if we’re to walk closely with God, as believers ought to, then we certainly need His empowerment to help us, because that’s something we simply cannot do on our own. Our sinful nature, our weak will, and Lucifer’s constant prodding just won’t allow us to do it. But we have to walk that close walk to be true and faithful Christians!
 
And we have some excellent advice in our Bit on that subject, where Bruh Paul is talking to the Philippians, encouraging them to keep pressing on towards the mark, walking faithfully in the Spirit of God.
 
‘Brethren, be followers together of me (join in following my example), and mark (note) them which walk so as ye have us for an example (a pattern).’
 
And the scholars it thus: ‘Paul asks the Philippians to imitate him. (But) due to his absence they cannot observe him (personally), so he tells them to imitate those among them who live as he does.’
 
And my people, that admonition holds up even until today, and will be forever applicable as long as believers walk this ungodly earth, since we cannot do it all ourselves, but need like-minded persons around us to help and encourage us. That’s why fellowship amongst believers is ever so important, especially in these rough, trying and godless times!
 
Bruh Paul also said basically the same thing to the church at Corinth. ‘Wherefore I beseech (urge) you, be ye followers of (imitate) me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.’ (1 Cor.4:16-17)
 
That’s why we need learned, responsible brethren like pastors and such to teach and show us the proper way to walk with Christ. All Christian congregations need good, strong, knowledgeable and sincere leadership and guidance, if they are going to thrive and succeed in doing the will of God.
 
And not wanting the Corinthians to forget that, Bruh Paul reminds them of it in Chapter 11. ‘Be ye followers (imitators) of me, even as I also am of Christ.’ (1 Cor.11:1)
 
Oh Friends, in this godless, evil age, we certainly need all the reminders we can get about walking safely, securely and faithfully with Jesus!
 
Now why is that so important eh? Bruh Paul goes on to explain it after our Bit. ‘(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind (set their mind on) earthly things.) (Phil.3:18-19)
 
And are there ever numerous enemies of the cross of Christ today my brethren; in fact there are more enemies than friends! 
 
Now hear how the scholars explain those verses. ‘For provides the first reason the readers should emulate the apostle’s life; there are many professing Christians whose worldly, hedonistic lifestyle can corrupt them unless they imitate Paul. These enemies of the cross are described in four ways:
 
(1) Their end or destiny is destruction, that is eternal punishment. (2) Their God is their belly. In submitting to, and being controlled by their earthly nature, they worship their sensual desire by surrendering themselves to gluttony, sexual immorality, licentiousness, and all manner of unbridled lusts.
 
(3) Their glory or reputation consists in their shame – they are well known indeed, their renown being that of ignominy (dishonour, infamy). (4) Their mind is constantly on earthly rather than heavenly things.’
 
And isn’t that the living truth! Oh Friends, earthly excesses are all around us, and sadly have now become the norm rather than the exception. But as followers of Christ we can’t afford to get caught up in all the immorality and godlessness that’s so prevalent today. 
 
It’s not easy Friends, and Jesus knows that, because it’s everywhere we turn, protruding from almost every little nook and cranny. Bruh Paul also recognized that ungodly lifestyle in his day, that’s why he’s so adamant about us staying on the straight and narrow path. But if he thought things were bad in his day, he’d have a fit, a heart attack when confronted by the high levels of evil and wickedness that’s running rampant in today’s world.
 
That’s why it’s ever so important for us to surround ourselves with true and faithful believers, otherwise we’re liable to get sucked into the evil and immorality that’s running riot.
 
Oh my brethren, in this age we also need to be pressing on diligently and steadfastly towards the mark; that’s walking faithfully in the dictates of God. And thankfully, this advice that Bruh Paul gave to Titus so long ago, still holds true today. Listen to it carefully.
 
‘In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness (integrity), gravity (reverence), sincerity (incorruptibility), Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part (an opponent) may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.’ (Titus 2:7-8)
 
Yes my fellow believers, that’s sound, wise and wholesome advice; advice that can surely benefit us all! So please, let’s read, mark, learn and inwardly digest it nuh, and thus be enabled to have that close or closer walk with Jesus, which we all so badly desire. Much LOVE!
 
…just as every job requires the right tools…to walk with Jesus…one must also acquire the right tools… 
 
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit Friends, I simply got up late, then had problems finding a Bit that suited what I wanted to say. But as always…better late than never! (smile) Much LOVE!