07 Oct 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abominable sins, acceptable, adrenalin, aura of love, battle, bear hug, beautiful day, believers in Christ, bombarded, close attention, complain, confidence, conquerors, control our thoughts, credibility, deceitful fool, defiles, disappointed, enthusiasm, every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, evil, faithfulness, families, followers, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, grateful, gratitude, guarantee, hearts and minds, hell or high water, high-five, holy spirit, humble servants, influence our paths, innocent, invincible, Jesus, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, King of Kings, lies, life of faith, Lord of Lords, LOVE, Lucifer, make or break, master of our lives, meditation, mighty wings, Monday Monday, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, not afraid, only superstar, peace, pedestal, planet earth, platitudes, power, protection, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, represent Jesus, roof of heaven, saviour, shoot the messenger, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, surrender, taunts, Thank You Lord, the greatest, unconditional LOVE, useful purpose, utmost faith, utmost importance, weary souls, whine
Psalm 19:14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength (rock) and my redeemer.
And the crowd sang lustily: ‘Monday, oh Monday; just can’t wait for you to come…!’
Now, for the good news Friends; Monday is here! Glory Hallelujah! Nothing like the bearer of good tidings eh! And please don’t shoot or curse the messenger, or whine and complain about being tired and otherwise, for that’s not the proper response for followers of Jesus. Simply get up and gratefully say: ‘Thank You Lord for allowing me to see another beautiful day on your beautiful planet Earth.’ Then get yourself together to go out and labour.
And as always, our Monday Morning Battle Hymn is here to get our sluggish engines started, get the adrenalin flowing so that we can go out and represent Jesus in the best manner possible. Now let’s raise the roof of heaven this Monday morning, with a most excellent vocalization. (smile)
All together 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!’
Yes mih people, that was indeed most excellent!
Meanwhile, up in heaven, the Father cannot contain Himself, and high-fives Jesus, saying: ‘Yes mih boy! Your people are certainly in good voice this morning. But let’s see how they’ll do when it comes time to join the battle with that deceitful fool Lucifer.’
Without missing a beat, a smiling and confident Jesus just raises His right hand in a clenched fist salute and replies: ‘Don’t worry Father, they’ll do just fine! I have the utmost faith in them.’
The Father LOVINGLY pats Him on the back and says: ‘I’m glad to hear that Son. Wouldn’t want You to be disappointed in the people You’ve chosen.’
But Jesus calmly rejoins: ‘Don’t concern Yourself Father. I’ve personally vetted every one of them, and they ALL have what it takes to be true, loyal and faithful followers.’
The Father then embraces Jesus in a tight and warm bear hug, and says: ‘Thank You Son. I know the feeling, for I also had the utmost faith in You when I sent You down there to redeem them from their abominable sins.’
Oh mih breddren, mih breddren, all yuh hear that conversation that just went on up there in heaven! Jesus put His actual life on the line once for us already, now He’s putting His credibility before the Father, His ability to pick good followers, guaranteeing our faithfulness! That means that come hell or high water, (smile) we just cannot let Him down, we can’t afford to disappoint Him, especially after all He’s innocently suffered on our behalf.
And after the Father done boast about Him and place Him on that high pedestal, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that HE’S THE GREATEST, the ONLY real SUPERSTAR!
No sir! We definitely can’t let Jesus down. So please, today, RIGHT NOW, let’s get truly serious about being His followers nuh, and get ourselves out into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, requesting His help, like Bruh David did in the memorable words of our Bit: ‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength (rock) and my redeemer.’
Yes Friends, all of us know those words, but too many of us just mouth them as simple platitudes, without taking them seriously. Today though, I want ALL of us to begin paying very close attention to them because they are of the utmost importance in our life of faith. Our hearts and minds control our thoughts, emotions and beliefs, and thus greatly influence the paths we choose, while our words declare what’s in our hearts and minds.
Remember too that words contain unimaginable power. So much so, that God used them to create the universe and all therein, as described in Genesis chapters 1 and 2.
And don’t forget either these wise and truthful words of Jesus: ‘Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.’ (Matt.15:11) Therefore let’s pay close attention to our words, for they can either make or break us.
More on this Bit tomorrow, God willing. Till then, may the Lord bless and keep us safely ensconced under the LOVING protection of His mighty wings, give us His wonderful peace and fill our hearts with His unconditional, eternal LOVE! Much much LOVE to all you, my fellow believers in Christ!
…oh what joy and gratitude enriches our souls…when Jesus is the Master of our lives…
03 Oct 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a light thing, Ahab, Baal, bounden duty, calamity, cast off restraint, deceitful promises, did evil in the Lord's sight, disaster, disastrous effect, disobey God's laws, don't look back, ease up the pressure, economic decline, Ephraim, exalted himself, faithfulness, Federal government, fiasco, footstool, glorious ray of hope, good news, gospel truth, gracious hand of God, grandiose promises, greed, green light, health care, hope, hypocrisy, ignorance, insincere leaders, Israel, Jeroboam, Jesus Christ, Jezebel, judgement, justice, lead and guide, lies, LOVE, loving kindness, low esteem, mercy, misery, needs God less, no saviour besides God, Obamacare, offended, only way out, partisan support, peacefully, pedestal, petty hang ups, political decline, political state marriage, prophetic vision, prosperously, put our hands to the plough, recessions, Revelation, rhetoric, rich and powerful, ruthless leaders, sad situation, self-deception, selfishness, served Baal, small-minded actions, Solomon, spiritual death, spiritual decline, suffering, suffering masses, sweet words, the people perish, the things of man, to walk in the sins, true believers, turn to God, U.S. leaders, vote, wait on God., worship of Baal, worshipping idols
Hosea 13:1. When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
Oh Friends, I can’t believe it nuh! But ignorance is a helluva thing yes! Can you imagine it? The leaders of the U.S. have really shut down most of the Federal government’s business, in classic blinkered style, in partisan support of their selfish, foolish, petty, hang-ups!
And the sad result is that thousands of government employees have been sent home, until only the Lord knows for sure, without pay, because the leaders have not voted the money necessary to pay them. But yuh know what, the same selfish, petty, foolish leaders in congress are still going to get paid, in spite of their bumbling! What hypocrisy!
Ah Lord eh! And as always, it’s the poor and needy who suffer, while the rich and powerful continue to profit, regardless of their evil and greedy ways.
So you don’t like ‘Obamacare,’ the medical plan recently instituted to help millions of Americans who can’t afford to go to the doctor. But if you want to chop it up, do you have to do that on the backs of the poor and helpless, by shutting down the government and putting even more pressure and suffering on the masses? I don’t think so. Especially not when the nation is just trying to fight its way out of one of its worst recessions.
But we’re behaving as if the rich and powerful have ever truly cared about the masses, except as a pedestal, a footstool on which to build their power and material wealth. They spout a lot of rhetoric and make grandiose promises, but in the long run, it’s always what’s in their best interest that gets the green light.
And sadly, too many of the masses fall for the lies, sweet words and deceitful promises of their leaders. But as some wise man once said, we get the leaders we deserve. And that’s gospel, people!
We complain about our leaders and governments, but who put them there eh? We the people! And we the people can also remove them! I do hope the people of the U.S. do wake up soon and see the very low esteem in which their current leaders hold them, and vote them out of office.
But my brethren, when we disobey the laws of God and turn to the things of man and the world to lead and guide us, what else can we expect eh?
As Cousin Sol so wisely declared long ago: ‘Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast off restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.’ (Prov.29:18)
Unfortunately my brethren, God has been removed from too much of our world, especially in the U.S. and the law of God, to all intents and purposes no longer reigns there.
Anyway, let’s pray loud, long, and sincerely that the those ruthless and insincere leaders will soon come to their senses and realize that their small-minded actions are hurting the entire country, in fact the entire world, for though their world status has recently dropped, it’s still remains, as the U.S. goes, so does the rest of the world.
Ah Friends, I don’t want to even think, much less talk about it, because it just gets me going, and unfortunately my displeasure won’t change a thing, except raise my blood pressure, which is already too high. So let’s turn to our Bit, and ease up the pressure some. (smile)
‘When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.’
And the scholars have this to say about it. ’13:1-16. When he offended in Baal, he died: Under Ahab, the nation gave itself to the worship of Baal, and the result was spiritual death. The nation’s spiritual decline also resulted in political decline (cf. 1 Kin.16:31).’
And that’s exactly what’s happening in the U.S. and most of the world today, my brethren! The spiritual decline of the Western World is causing all sorts of political and economic decline. And I’ll quote the reference from 1 Kings, so we don’t to look it up. (smile)
It talks about when Ahab marries Jezebel. ‘And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.’ (1 Kin.16:31)
Oh Friends, it all comes right back down to our worshipping idols, the things of man’s hands, the things which do not fall under the law of God.
And the scholars’ rightly point out. ’16:31. As in the case of Solomon, political state marriage was to have a disastrous effect for Israel (cf. 21:25). Ahab’s reign was to bring Israel to its spiritual depths. Jezebel’s name means ‘Where is the Prince?’ (Baal)’
And the Good Book further states about Ahab. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above (more than) all that were before him.’ (1 Kin.16:30). Now that’s saying something about Israel’s sad state… and also our own!
Ah mih people, we’re just wrong, so wrong in turning away from Almighty God, especially at this most crucial and critical juncture in the history of mankind, for it augurs no good whatsoever. But the good news is that there’s still life, thus there’s hope that we can turn this unbelievable fiasco around. How, you ask?
As the Good Book wisely advises: ‘Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy (LOVING-kindness or faithfulness) and judgement (justice), and wait on thy God continually.’ (Hos.12:6) It’s the ONLY way out of our misery, my people.
And we’ll end with this verse that confirms that statement. ‘Yet I am the Lord thy God from (ever since) the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside(s) me.’ (Hos.13:4)
Ah mih breddren, until the nations of the world take that statement to heart, and return to living by it, there will be nothing but disaster, calamity and gross ‘sufferation’ all over God’s great earth!
And what boggles the imagination is that we have numerous examples of just that fact happening all down through the ages. But apparently as man evolves, gets more advanced, technologically etc. he begins to feel that he needs God less and less. But that’s the biggest lie and self-deception, my brethren!
And as usual, in this ungodly world, it falls to us, the true believers in Jesus Christ, to try and rectify the situation. So please, let’s put our hands to the plough nuh, and don’t look back, but move straight ahead and try our best to remedy the sad situation we’re in, for that’s our bounden duty. We are the world’s glorious ray of hope! Much LOVE!
…when will mankind ever learn…that it’s not possible to live peacefully and prosperously…without the gracious hand of Almighty God upon us….
30 Sep 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: ashes, aura of love, bombarded, buffeted, celebrity news, charge our batteries, confidence, conqueror, Creator of the universe, criticsm, disobedience, don't be afraid, enemy's ranks, enthusiasm, ever-LOVING God, evil, fear not, followers of Jesus, folly of idolatry, glorious kingdom, God's promise, graven image, holy spirit, humble servants, idol makers, idol worship, idolatry, idols of the heathen, if you can't beat them, inanimate objects, indisputable truth, inroads, interesting scripture, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, join them, lies, living God, merciful, mere men, moans and groans, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Most High God Jehovah, no nonsense God, other people's business, pagan idolatry, polytheistic, praise his holy name, precious things, prophet isaiah, raise the adrenalin, ready for battle, rearing to go, rebellious souls, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, resigned reaction, ridicule, scholarly thoughts, shame, silver and gold, spiritual armour, spread His Word, steadfast faith, surrender, taunting, truthful words, ungodly world, useful purpose, useless, vanity, weary souls, wicked taunts, wiles, witnesses
Psalm 135:15. The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
Oh Friends, I’ll say it quietly. Today is Monday, another work week beckons. And surprise, surprise, the response I receive is fairly good! There’s no overt resentment or whining, with a smattering of enthusiasm, but the majority portray a kind of resigned reaction in the shrug of their shoulders. Like they’re thinking, I can’t beat them, so I might as well join them.
And though my people, it’s an improvement over our past reactions, it’s still not good enough for followers of Jesus. The true followers of Jesus ought to be well rested and rearing to go out and spread His Word and His Holy Name! (smile) Anyway, I know that reaction will come in time, for it’s all about growing, about maturing in Christ. So until that awesome time arrives, let’s keep on singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to raise the adrenalin and charge our batteries.
As one, loud and proud voice now, let’s sing: ‘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!’
Okay Friends, our engines are revving and we’re ready for battle! So let’s get straight into our Bit, because I have plenty interesting scripture and scholarly thoughts to share this morning. (smile) And I hear the moans and groans in the background.
But yuh know, if it was celebrity news and other people’s business, there would be nary a groan, instead everybody would sit up and show interest. And then, when our God accuses us of idol worship, of not paying sufficient attention to Him and His Word, we get all upset and claim it’s not true.
Anyway, here’s our Bit: ‘The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.’ Now that, we all know to be indisputable truth! However, though we might know it intellectually, our disobedient and rebellious souls refuse to accept it, as our actions prove each and every day.
But listen to this rich and powerful scripture, the words of our wonderful and ever-LOVING, but no-nonsense God, as spoken through His prophet Isaiah. As expected, it deals with the folly of idolatry and the Lord’s promise to have His Spirit continually watch over Israel.
‘Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have I not told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no (other) God (Rock); I know not any. They that make a graven image are all of them vanity (useless); and their delectable (precious) things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
Who hath formed a god, or molten (moulded) a graven image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his fellows (companions) shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of (mere) men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.’ (Is.44:8-11)
Ah mih people, strong and truthful words indeed! And the prophet goes on to ridicule the makers of idols in God’s name, up to verse 20. Please read it, so you can get the full discourse.
Now hear the scholars take on all that. ’44:9-20. This expose of idolatry is the most taunting in all of the Bible. The prophet Isaiah, serving as the spokesman of Yahweh, reveals the utter foolishness of polytheistic pagan idolatry. The graven image (carved idol) is called vanity (nothing). Delectable things refers to the adornment of idols with gold, silver and precious stones.
The prophet announces that the idols themselves are their own witnesses, (whereas man is God’s witness). They see not, nor know. Therefore these inanimate objects are profitable for nothing. Isaiah then berates the workmen (artisans) for designing and constructing their idols in the figure of a man. He exposes the basic fallacy of idolatry, a god made in the image of man. Thus the prophet’s criticism of one who would worship an idol carved from the same tree that he would use for firewood is that he feedeth on ashes.’
Oh Friends, please, please, let’s ensure today that we’re not feeding on ashes, or doing any of those things idolaters are supposed to do. And remember that the worshipping of idols doesn’t only include statues and graven images, but refers to ANY and EVERYTHING which we consider more important than God, and spend so much time on or in, with little or no regard to spending time with the Most High God Jehovah!
So please let the Word and the Holy Spirit be our guides today, as we go out to join the enemy in battle on Jesus’ behalf this Monday morning, the last day of September 2013. It’s the only way to disprove the contention that we’re idol worshippers. Much LOVE!
…what’s the purpose of worshipping inanimate, immobile man made objects…who can do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for us…especially when there’s already a powerful, merciful, forgiving, LIVING GOD in existence…
23 Sep 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adrenalin, aura of love, autumn, blessed, chomping at the bit, christianity, circumcised of heart, circumcision, colourful hues, confidence, conquerors, death traps, disdain, earthly privileges, enthusiasm, eternal life, evil workers, eye candy, faithful, favour with God, fear of the Lord, foolish, fountain of life., Gentiles, glorious kingdom, glory, God's will, hibernation, holy spirit, human attainment, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jews, jobs, Judaizers, Law of Moses, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, mutilation, panoramic scenes, place of refuge, pomp, praise, pressing towards the mark, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, reverence, righteousness., salvation, scavengers, snares of death, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, thanks, the enemy's ranks, the flesh, theology, true believers, truth, ungodly world, useful purpose, weary souls, wicked taunts, wiles, wisdom, wise, worthwhile inroads
1 John 5:14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday – officially the second day of autumn, that beautiful, unique season between summer and winter, when nature starts to go into hibernation mode, but before doing so, bathes us in bright, colourful hues and splendid, panoramic scenes. I guess you can call autumn (fall) the season of eye-candy! (smile)
Anyway Friends, the Lord, in His usual mysterious movements, wanted me to remind us that ‘We, we are blessed! If you’re a believer, then you, you are blessed. So let’s tell the world, that we, we are blessed!’ That’s a take on the song ‘I am Blessed,’ by I believe it’s sung by Kay Morris and her group. But my people, it’s ever so important that this Monday morning, as we get up to go back out to labour in God’s name, and it’s in His name that we’re working, not man’s, that we remember we’re BLESSED in all that we do. For without His blessing we can do very little.
And having brought that fact in to focus, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get us ready to go out and battle Lucifer and his evil cohorts. And since we’re not as tired as we usually are, because we’ve gotten some decent rest this weekend, let’s let it all hang out and sing with pomp and glory nuh. (smile)
As one voice 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!’
Awright mih people, the engine’s revving and the adrenalin’s flowing, so let’s get out there and be worthy soldiers in Jesus’ army. Remember, He’s already at the front lines, and, like His magnificent steed, He’s just chomping at the bit, waiting for us to arrive and engage the enemy.
Now let’s get to our Bit: ‘And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.’ And that my Friends, is what’s called absolute truth!
That brings us to supporting scripture. And we’ll begin with some wise words from the wisest man ever, Cousin Sol, as he contrasts the wise and foolish. ‘In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart (turn one away) from the snares of death.’ (Prov.14:26-27).
Wow! Wise words indeed my brethren! When we have a proper reverence for Almighty God our confidence never wavers, always stays strong, because we know we can always turn to Him in times of need. There’s always a place of refuge for us under His wide and ever-LOVING wings. That reverence will also keep us alive and kicking, in that it will keep us from falling for, and into the death traps that the enemy lays for us.
Next we’ll turn to Bruh Paul, as he talks to the Ephesians about pressing towards the mark. ‘Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision (mutilation, circumcision). For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.’ (Phil.3:2-3)
Ah mih people, Bruh Paul was here warning the Ephesians of the Judaizers, those supposed Christians who were preaching that you still need circumcision, per the Law of Moses to receive salvation, which was a total lie. He called them dogs, because dogs were regarded as shameful, despicable, creatures, just running around behaving like scavengers, and the Jews held the Gentiles in the same disdain that they held for stray dogs.
Bruh Paul even refuses to refer to them as ‘the circumcision’, instead using it for those circumcised of heart in Jesus, and not of the flesh. He turns the table on those false Christians, the Judaizers, and calls them ‘dogs’ instead.
And here’s what the scholars have to say about verse 3. ‘3:3. The circumcision or true people of God are described here in three ways. (1) They are those who worship God in the spirit. Their worship of God is prompted, directed, and enabled by the Holy Spirit. (2) Real Christians also rejoice in Christ. They boast and take pride in Him, not in themselves.
(3) They have no confidence in the flesh. “Flesh” here means one’s earthly privileges, human attainments, and religious accomplishments. God’s people refuse to depend on such things for their salvation; instead, they rely upon Christ to obtain favour with God.’
And that’s it for today Friends! As usual, I hope the message moves us further along the continuum to maturity in Christ Jesus, for that’s the ultimate purpose; to help us grow a little more each day, in wisdom, righteousness and LOVE. That’s God’s plan for us, so please, with His awesome help, let’s keep working faithfully towards it. Much LOVE!
…if our hearts aren’t truly circumcised in Christ…then we can’t really be true believers…
16 Sep 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abundance, adrenalin flowing, assurance, aura of love, battle, bending ears, Bible Study, blessed, change for the better, Colorado, confidence, constantly in thy mouth, counsel of the ungodly, diabetic coma, enemy's ranks, enthusiasm, faith, floods, glorious kingdom, God's kingdom, God's Word, good news, greedy, heavenly Father, high on the hog, holy spirit, in the way of sinners, invincible, Jean and Dinah, Jesus Christ, jobs, joyful lips, keep on trying, keeping families together, laggards, lazy, lead and guide, lies, Lord and Saviour, Lord bless you, lord god almighty, LOVE, meditate, Mighty Sparrow, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, new week of work, not afraid, partying, pinnacle of living, promise, prosperity, rejoice, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, reverence, rivers of water, satisfies the thirsty soul, scripture do the talking, selfish, shadow of God's wings, Slinger Francisco, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, success, sure conquerors, surrender, the righteous, weekend, weekend habits, wicked taunts, wiles, worthwhile inroads
Joshua 1:8. This book of the law shall not depart (shall be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Oh mih Friends, check out this story nuh!
As the young lady steps out her front door, she sees her elderly neighbour sitting on her porch next door. ‘Morning Miss Mavis!’ she greets in a bright and friendly voice.
‘Mornin’ Neighbuh!’ the older woman replies. Then noticing that her young friend was already dressed for work, she continues in a slightly sarcastic but pleasant tone. ‘But what a way yuh early this Monday morning chile!’
The younger woman laughs and says: ‘Yuh notice nuh! But this weekend I decided to take it easy, no setta partying and such. I even went to bed early last night, and so was able to get up early. Ah just tired being so tired and late every Monday morning, so I’m trying a different tack this week. And for once I want to be on time for the Bible Study they have at work every Monday morning. I’m always getting there when they almost finish. Steups! Ah feel so bad.’
‘Good for you mih chile!’ Miss Mavis says with an accompanying laugh. ‘But a good night’s rest does wonders for both yuh body and yuh soul. So just keep it up, and you’ll soon see a real change for the better, in all aspects of yuh life.’
‘Thank you, Miss Mavis,’ the young lady replies. ‘I’m trying…’
‘Well just keep on trying mih girl,’ is the older woman’s advice.
‘Thank you Miss Mavis,’ comes the answer.
‘And the Lord bless you, as you go on your way this morning,’ Miss Mavis adds.
‘Thanks Miss M,’ the young lady replies, stepping off down the sidewalk to catch the oncoming bus.
Ah mih people, how many of us have recently adopted that young lady’s approach to Monday eh? I hope quite a few, because it’s the only wise and sensible way to begin your work week. Now let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get the adrenalin and faith flowing. In strong voice, as a heavenly choir.
‘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!’
That was a very hearty rendition mih people! Obviously some of the laggards have changed their weekend habits, (smile) and that ought to get us off and running to a fine start.
Before we get to our Bit though, I want to encourage us to pray first for those unfortunate folks in parts of Colorado in the U.S. who have suddenly been hit by some rather serious flooding this past weekend. Ah Lord eh! When is not one disaster, is another yes!
And please pray also for the greatest entertainer to ever come out of the West Indies, Slinger Francisco, better known as the Mighty Sparrow, Calypsonian extraordinaire. Apparently, instead of rumours of his demise, he’s actually in a diabetic coma in New York. Sparrow’s been entertaining the world for at least half a century, starting with hits like Jean and Dinah, Melda – Obeah Woman, and many others, too numerous to mention here.
Now let’s check out our Bit. ‘This book of the law shall not depart (shall be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’
Yes Friends, it’s that simple! If we study God’s Word and live by it, then we’ll eventually be warmly greeted by prosperity and success. And the good news is that I won’t be bending your ears this morning. (smile) We’re just going to let the scripture, do the talking, re meditating on God’s Word.
And where better to begin than Psalm 1; Blessed are the righteous. ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder by talking to oneself) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps.1:1-3)
Oh mih breddren, mih breddren, what a wonderful scripture, just chocked full of promise – if we do our part by pondering on the Lord’s law, then faithfully living it! We really can’t ask for more than that. But being the lazy, greedy, selfish animal man has become, we all expect to live high on the hog without doing anything to deserve it. But unfortunately it doesn’t work like that in God’s kingdom.
And we’ll end with these wonderful words of faith and assurance from Bruh David, taken from Psalm 63, God satisfies the thirsting soul. ‘My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow (the best) and fatness (abundance); and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings I will rejoice.’ (Ps.63:5-7)
Oh Friends, I couldn’t put it any better than that! So in closing, I’ll just pray that for all of us whom the Lord has helped and is still helping, that we’ll continue rejoicing in the shadow of His awesome wings. That’s the very pinnacle in living, be it here on earth, or in heaven above! Much LOVE!
…those who don’t LOVE and revere the Father…really don’t know what they’re missing nuh…
02 Sep 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 24/7 society, all ends of the earth, anxious, aura of love, battle hymn, bitter days, bombarded, buffeted, clear as day, confidence, contented, continue fighting, corrupt governments, days of slavery, deaths, don't glory in riches, don't glory in strength, don't glory in wisdom, drunk or sober, economic slavery, enthusiasm, ever increasing profits, every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear, feudalism, fights, forefathers, freedom, further your glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, glory in the Lord, Granny's advice, hard fought victories, hard won rights, heritage, hold water, holy spirit, human animal, humble servants, in these things I delight, indentured servants, indifference, Jesus Christ, jobs, justice, justified, Labour Day, labour struggles, learn our history, lies, lord god almighty, loving kindness, mind yuh business, Monday Morning, nature of the human animal, no weapon, omnipotent god, owners of capital, poor getting poorer, praise, Praise the Lord, read and spell, rejuvenation of spirit, remuneration, renewed vitality, rich getting richer, righteousness., rise against, sally forth, salvation, satiated, saved, seed of Israel, servants of the lord, shall prosper, shame, slavery, sloth, solidarity, spiritual armour, standard of living, steadfast faith, struggle, take for granted, the word is gone out of my mouth, true wisdom, truth, useful purpose, weary souls, wicked taunts, wiles, worker's rights, world problems, worthwhile inroads
Isaiah 54:17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday… And a raucous shout of joy rises up. ‘Yeah! Labour Day Monday to boot, which means we don’t have to go to work! Glory Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!’
Yes Friends, it is indeed Labour Day Monday, and many of us don’t have to go out and face the common grind and daily task. But I wonder how many of us ever take the time to reflect and contemplate on how this Labour Day holiday came about? How many of us moreover take the time to look up the chronicles of the serious struggles, fights and deaths that our forefathers suffered to win the rights of workers now enshrined in our society, and which we so casually take for granted?
It didn’t just come about like that nuh. It wasn’t granted out of the goodness of the hearts of the owners of capital. It was a long and hard fought struggle; much blood flowed and many lives were given up for it, from the bitter days of slavery and feudalism, to indentured servants and finally some freedom and worker’s rights that we now enjoy.
But it’s the nature of the human animal to get lazy, contented and satiated after fiercely struggling for something, be it material, spiritual or emotional. Having won it, we then tend to think that’s all there is to the struggle, and we get too comfortable, thus allowing our hard fought victories to slip away through sloth and indifference.
And sadly Friends, that is exactly what’s happening in our society today. Most of us have become so comfortable, we figure nothing or no one can take away our hard won rights. But that’s obviously not true, for if we look around at our societies, our economies and our general standard of living, we’ll see that they all are falling. Good, solid jobs are being lost by the thousands, while wages are being cut and rights inevitably infringed with the help of the corrupt, inept governments that we have elected.
Meanwhile the owners of capital are laughing all the way to the banks, which themselves are laughing all the way to wherever with their ever increasing profits. I don’t know of any company leader who’s worth around 400 times more remuneration than an ordinary worker. But that’s the current standard, and it’s only fulfilling the old adage of the rich getting richer, while the poor get poorer.
Just a word of warning my people. So please let’s get involved, learn our history and continue fighting for those rights that have made our society the best the world has ever seen, cause if we don’t, the greedy, conscience-less owners of capital will drive us right back to economic slavery, while they keep on living high on the backs of our labour.
Now let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in solidarity with those who have to go out and labour today in our modern 24/7 society. All together, in full voice 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, let’s hope that raises the adrenalin of our faith to levels where we don’t get too scared and anxious about our individual and world problems, for as true believers we do have the ever-faithful promises of our most omnipotent God to hold on to, as our Bit so admirably demonstrates. ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me.’
But as we said yesterday, the operative aspect of that promise is that we must be ‘servants of the Lord,’ otherwise the promise doesn’t hold water. Today though, we’re going to look at the part of our Bit that deals with righteousness, which it tells us comes from God.
Hear Jeremiah: ‘Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercises LOVING-kindness, judgement (justice), and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.9:23-24)
Oh Friends the Lord’s words are as clear as day; we should know, understand and only glory in Him!
Now listen to Isaiah as he revels in the subject. ‘Look (turn) unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear (take an oath).
Surely shall one say (He shall say to me), in the Lord I have righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed (angry) against him shall be ashamed. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.’ (Is.45:22-25)
Oh Friends, once again the Lord is reading and spelling for us. If we can’t understand and obey, then I don’t know what else to say.
Enjoy your Labour Day, but please remember Granny’s advice, for Lucifer is on the serious prowl: ‘Son, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’ Words of true wisdom my brethren! Let’s attain unto it nuh. Much LOVE!
…of a truth…salvation, righteousness and glory…are of the Lord…
30 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: advantages, banner, believers, blazing fire, blessings, brotherly LOVE, christ-like attribute, christianity, commandments, conundrum, Cousin Sol, dangerous times, death, despised, dilly-dallying, dire enemies, disciples, discipleship of Christ, doing a good job, drunk or sober, exciting, extinguished, feelings and actions of LOVE, fellowship, fight a good fight, flames, floods, forgiveness, Friday, Friday chant, Friends in Christ, fun, further God's kingdom, generous help, heavenly Father, humble, hunger, impossible task, increase more and more, indwelling Holy Spirit, jealousy, jesus name, joyful shouts, Labour Day, labour day weekend, let it all hang out, liars, lies, LOVE, Love cannot be bought, love cannot be destroyed, LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, Love makes the world go round, LOVE one another, LOVE Walk, loving, loving kindness, mama yo, material things of the world, mercies, mind yuh business, modicum of circumspection, napping, opportunities, oppression, party down, party-hearty attitude, perennial warning, poverty, pre-eminent position, prevention, prowling, refreshed in body and soul, relaxation, religion, rest, right perspective, rudiments of brotherly love, selfish ways, sickness, special emphasis, spiritual armour, spirituality, strong as death, suffering, summer's day, tests of true knowledge, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the evil one, the grave, the LOVE of God, titivating, trolling, true disciples of Christ, true predator, truth, very vulnerable, walk as Jesus walked, weather forecasters, weather patterns, week of work, wiles, wise words
John 13:35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one for another.
Oh Friends, through the eternal LOVING-kindness of our heavenly Father, we’ve been granted another day on planet earth, with all its new mercies, blessings, and forgiveness! Wow!
And it plans to be either a bright, scorching hot summer’s day, or a hot rainy one, to kick off the last long summer weekend of this year, which culminates on Labour Day on Monday.
I’ve said that it could either be sunny or rainy because I’ve seen and heard forecasts for both types of weather. We definitely have to say some prayers for the poor weather forecasters yes, for their job was hard and unrewarding enough before, but now with the changing weather patterns that are devastating our world, it becomes an even more impossible task.
But Friends, be the day sunny or grey, it’s still Friday…
And that obviously brings forth joyful shouts from tired workers. ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday again yes! We’ve been working hard all week, and with this long Labour Day weekend on tap… Mama yo! We going to party down the place like we crazy!’
Oh mih breddren, please take care, we can’t let it all hang out like that, for remember the evil one is out there prowling, just trolling for defenceless victims, like the true predator that he is. And it’s in these throw down, anything goes party times that he catches us napping and very vulnerable to his wiles and lies.
So here’s Granny’s perennial warning, that most of us don’t like because we feel it inhibits us, but which we certainly cannot afford to set aside. ‘Son, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’ And that’s a most essential warning for this weekend my beautiful friends in Christ!
Now to tone down the party-hearty attitude somewhat, not to kill it completely, and thus get things in their right perspective, let’s chant our Friday Chant, with extra special emphasis for this long and dangerous Labour Day weekend.
All together 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.’
Yeh Friends, we definitely need to handle this weekend with a modicum of circumspection and prevention! And please, let’s wear our spiritual armour all the time! Don’t leave home without it! (smile) Because that’s the only way we can fight a good fight when the enemy calls us out to do battle.
And all that we do this day my people, please, pretty please, let’s do it with feelings and actions of LOVE nuh. For as Jesus tells us in our Bit: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one for another.’
And I know that we all desperately want to be true disciples of Christ… but we aren’t ever going to be, if we’re not dealing in that wonderful emotion termed LOVE, the exciting, titivating and Christ-like attribute that makes the world go round.
Awright Friends, so I’m laying it on a bit thick, (smile) but isn’t that what LOVE is supposed be all about? But anyway, enough with the dilly-dallying, let’s get to the rest of the scriptures I promised yesterday.
And we’re going to begin with John, from his first epistle, re tests of true knowledge and LOVE, where he wisely declares: ‘And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the LOVE of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.’ (1 John 2:3-6)
Yes Friends, that’s the conundrum many of us face. We claim to know Jesus, but we don’t keep His commandments, or walk as He walked here on earth, humble and LOVING, so therefore we’re liars and only fooling ourselves and each other.
And Bruh Paul had this to say to the Thessalonians: ‘But as touching brotherly LOVE ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to LOVE one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;’ (1 Thess.4:9-10)
He didn’t need to teach them the rudiments of brotherly LOVE, because Christ Himself, through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit plus hearing of the Word had taught them that. And furthermore they were doing a good job of showing it towards the believers throughout all Macedonia.
What Bruh Paul expected of them was that they continually increased in the showing of that brotherly LOVE!
AND MY PEOPLE, THE VERY SAME THING IS EXPECTED OF US TODAY!
Please note I put it in capitals and also highlighted it, because it’s very important that we understand the pre-eminent position that walking in LOVE plays in our discipleship of Christ, especially in these very trying and dangerous times.
And since we have many more advantages and opportunities than the Thessalonians had, why can’t we, or aren’t we doing a better job than them of showing brotherly LOVE eh? Why are so many millions of people still suffering sickness, poverty, hunger and oppression all over God’s great earth eh? Possibly because we’re still too caught up in the selfish ways and material things of the world.
But if that’s so, then Friends, we’re not doing what Jesus expects of us, we’re not showing that we’re His true disciples. In fact we’re being more His dire enemies, because we’re turning others away from Him by our selfish, worldly ways.
And we’ll end with some of Cousin Sol’s wise words from his Song. And though in this particular instance, it pertains more to romantic than brotherly LOVE, it truly shows the power of ALL and ANY kind of real LOVE. Listen up now my brethren.
‘Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for LOVE is strong as death; jealousy is cruel (hard, severe) as the grave: the coals (flames) thereof are coals (flames) of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench LOVE, neither can the floods drown it: if a man should give all the substance (wealth) of his house for LOVE, it would be utterly contemned (despised).’ (Song 8:6-7)
Now this is what the scholars have to say about those two verses: ‘These verses are clearly the climax of the story. The maiden describes in the most vivid terms the unquenchable nature of true LOVE: it cannot be destroyed by death or the grave; it burns like a blazing fire that cannot be extinguished; and it cannot be bought.’
And that my fellow believers in Christ is everlasting truth! True LOVE cannot be bought or extinguished!
Let’s ponder on that today nuh, and see if we can’t improve on our own LOVE-walk, because then, and only then, will we be true disciples of Jesus Christ. Much LOVE!
…and his banner over me was…LOVE… (Song 2:4b)
26 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abomination, adrenalin pumping, almighty god, aura of love, battle hymn, bombarded, buffeted, chant, Christian soldiers, christianity, confidence, confidence soaring, conquerors, Creator of the universe, cut down like the green grass, destroyed, enthusiasm, eternal life, evil and ungodly world, evildoers, exalted Being, faith, fight to the death, final reward, fret not, further your glorious kingdom, futile nature, fuzzy smile, God's eternal staying power, heavenly places, humble servants, iniquity workers, invincible, jeopardize our eternal destiny, jobs, joyful and godly mood, lies, Monday Morning, omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, prosperous wickedness, Psalm 37, radiant countenance, rejuvenation of spirit, religion, renewed vitality, sacrificial death, salvation, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, strength, stumbled, TGIM, Thank God it's Monday, the enemy's ranks, the enemy's wicked taunts, the front lines, the Holy Spirit, the righteous struggle and suffer, the true state of the wicked, the victory is ours, the wicked prospering, theology, truth, unfamiliar strain, useful purpose, warm smile, weary souls, wiles, windows of heaven, wisdom, wither as the green herb, worthwhile inroads, Yahweh
Psalm 37:1: Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Oh Friends, as Jesus opened the windows of heaven this morning, before He could even look out, an unfamiliar strain from earth reached His ears. It sounded like a chant, but one that He’d never heard before. So He leaned out the window to try and hear it better. Lo and behold my people, a warm, fuzzy smile broke out over His radiant countenance as He heard these words rising up to heaven.
‘TGIM! Thank God it’s Monday! Time to be up and about Jesus’ business! The battle will soon be joined, for Jesus is already at the front lines! Up and at them Christian soldiers! For the victory is ours, through Jesus! Amen!’
Ah Friends, what a blessed day that will be eh, when we begin the workweek in such a joyful and godly mood and state of mind! But don’t worry, we’re working on it. It will become reality in God’s good time. But until then, let’s lustily sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.
As one sweet, sounding harmonious 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 breddren, that was good! Jesus was pleased. So with the adrenalin pumping, the faith, strength and confidence soaring, let’s go out now and engage Lucifer and his evil buddies in a fight to the death!
And our Bit ties in quite nicely with all of that my people. ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.’
Oh Friends, I know that is often very difficult to do in this evil and ungodly world, when it seems that the wicked is forever prospering, while the righteous struggle and suffer. But please remember my fellow believers, that even the psalmist and man of great faith, Asaph, also had that problem, as he tells us in Psalm 73, the mystery of prosperous wickedness.
‘But as for me, my feet were almost gone (I had almost stumbled); my steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish (boastful), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.’ (Ps.73:2-3)
But Bruh David then tells us why we should not be jealous of the prosperous evildoers. ‘For they shall soon be cut down like the green grass, and wither as the green herb.’ (Ps.37:2)
Now that’s the true state of the wicked my brethren! And I’m sure we don’t want to be a member of any group that’s eventually going to be destroyed by Almighty God.
Note too, that Moses in his only psalm, ‘From everlasting to everlasting thou art God,’ acknowledges God’s eternal staying power and man’s short, flimsy and futile nature. ‘For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down and withereth.’ (Ps.90. 4-6)
Meanwhile Friends, the author of Psalm 92, in his praises for the Lord’s goodness, puts it thus: ‘Oh Lord, how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring (sprout, spring up) as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.’ (Ps.92:5-8)
And that’s undeniable, unalterable, indisputable gospel truth my brethren, for our God is the Creator and Controller of this universe and all therein! Please let’s not forget that very significant and salient point, because in doing so, we jeopardize our eternal destiny.
Yes Friends, with His omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence, there’s NOTHING or NO ONE greater than Yahweh, the Most High God Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
It thus behoves us to pay serious attention to His Word, His commands, His statutes and His dictates, if we want to live a long, prosperous and righteous life, encompassed by salvation through the sacrificial death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with eternal life in heavenly places as our final reward.
And that, my fellow believers, is true wisdom, wisdom of the everlasting kind! Much LOVE!
…wickedness will never prosper for very long…because in the eyes of our righteous and just God…it is an abomination to His exalted Being…and therefore must be destroyed…
24 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a step backwards, actions of man, back to school, believers, blame game, breakdown of the family, chameleons, church, commensurate action, confidence in man, confidence in princes, constant fear, deceitful above all things, deceitfulness, deceptions, deceptiveness, divine direction, ever-faithful God, evil deeds, faithful God, faithful promises, fellowship, food for thought, fruit of his deeds, gospel truth, grieved the Lord's heart, hazardous act, heartbreaks, holy presence, incurably sick, Jesus Christ, lazy weekend, let our faith soar, lies, LOVE, make ends meet, man's innermost being, man's natural disposition, outsourcing, price to pay, progress, proper fellowship with God, redeemed heart, redeeming grace, refined by the fire, religion, righteous purposes, spirituality, stand strong in Christ, sunshine and roses, take heart, the heart is deceitful, the Lord searches hearts, theology, tree of life and knowledge, true motives, trust, umemployment, untrustworthiness, weekends, wickedness, working two jobs
Jeremiah 17:9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (incurably sick): who can know it?
And then it was Saturday… Hip, hip hurrah! (smile) Long time I haven’t heard that one. Yes Friends, it’s Saturday with all its late rising due to tiredness from the workweek, plus from Friday night’s partying, with more plans for partying later on. Let’s hope though, that somewhere in our busy and /or lazy weekend, there are also plans for church and fellowship with other believers.
Unfortunately, some people work harder at home on the weekends than they do during the week at their places of employment. What with young children to look after – no baby sitter then, laundry to be done, groceries bought, the house cleaned, and all the necessary preparations for the following week.
Some people, especially mothers long for the week to begin. And with school soon opening, hn! That means more shopping for new fashionable stuff to wear, and all the other accoutrements for back to school. It’s a good thing my days for that stuff are over. Thank You Lord!
No wonder a lot of parents aren’t too enamoured of the weekends since their personal lives get even busier than during the week. But Friends, that’s the price they say we have to pay for progress, although I really don’t see how we can call it progress, when we’re so busy that we don’t have much time for ourselves.
And with both parents out working now, often at more than one job, just to make ends meet, that seems to be a step backwards rather than forwards, especially when you add stuff like the breakdown of the family, the high unemployment rate and the constant fear in the air of losing one’s job to outsourcing in some undeveloped country.
Anyway my brethren, I know it’s rough out there for many of us, and it’s liable to get rougher before it gets better. But as believers, we need to stand strong in Christ and the faithful promises of our wonderful and ever-faithful God.
Now He never promised that life would always be sunshine and roses, but that He will not cause us to suffer more than we can bear, and will bring us out of anything He allows us to go through, refined by the fire. So we need to let our faith soar, to take heart and believe that our Creator will come through for us, as He’s promised.
And talking about heart, let’s finally bring in our Bit: ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (incurably sick): who can know it?
And that’s gospel, gospel truth my people! Our hearts are so deceptive, and change so quickly, like chameleons, from one extreme to the next, who can really know what’s truly buried in them eh?
That’s why Jeremiah continues speaking on God’s behalf: ‘I the Lord search the heart, I try (test) the reins (mind, most secret parts), even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings (deeds). (Jer.17:10)
Oh Friends, the Lord’s lucky, He can see into the depths of man’s soul and reveal their true motives. Meanwhile, we humans can only judge another’s heart basically by their words and outward actions. And sadly that leads to an inordinate amount of lies, deceptions, heartbreaks and other evil deeds.
Now before we get into some relevant scripture, hear these important words from the scholars. ’17:9-10: The heart (cf. Prov.4:23) means man’s innermost being. The bent of man’s natural disposition, apart from God’s redeeming grace, is described as deceitful (lit. crooked) and desperately wicked (incurably sick).
Therefore man cannot trust his own heart but must leave all to God who alone knows the heart and judges all men fairly. Only a person with a redeemed heart can live in proper fellowship with God. (Job 11:13; 1 John 3:18-24).’
Yes my people, because of the naturally evil disposition of our hearts, trust in man is a very uncertain and hazardous act. No wonder the psalmist so strongly advised: ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.’ (Ps.118:8-9) Please note that he specified that not even royalty can be trusted.
But all of this untrustworthiness began right at the very beginning when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command not to eat of the tree of life and knowledge. When the Lord came looking for them, they hid, because they knew they had disobeyed Him. Their eyes were also opened and thus they realised their nakedness and attempted to cover up themselves. And when God asked them what had happened, the blame laying began. Adam blamed Eve, and she blamed the serpent.
Ah Lord eh! But God was having none of their deceitfulness and kicked them out of the beautiful garden. (Gen.3) And sadly Friends, from that day onwards, man’s heart just kept getting more and more evil.
Until the day God finally took stock of man: ‘And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination (thought or intent) of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (all the day long). And it repented the Lord (the Lord was sorry) that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.’ (Gen.6:5-6)
So much so, that He decided to destroy everything that He’d so tenderly made. Ah mih breddren, when man’s heart becomes so wicked that it alarms God and grieves Him so much that He considers destroying all the beautiful things He’s made, you must know that things are in a really bad state.
And we’ll end with some more important words from the scholars on those two verses. ‘Repented does not imply that God made a mistake in His dealing with men, but rather indicates a change in divine direction resulting from the actions of man.
It is “an anthropopathism” (a human emotion applied to God), describing the pain that is caused God by the destructiveness of His creatures. It is used 30 times with God as its subject, each time speaking of a change of mind or intention that accords with His righteous purposes, and results in action commensurate with those purposes.’
Wow! We’ll soon need someone to explain the explanations! (smile)
Oh mih people, there’s a lot more to come tomorrow, God willing of course. But let’s ponder today’s stuff with an open heart, remembering that it’s only as we turn to Almighty God with a redeemed heart, that we’re able to stand in His holy presence. That ought to give us plenty of food for thought. Much LOVE!
…who knows the true thoughts of a man’s heart…only the Lord God Jehovah…
19 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abased, achievements, aura of love, battle hymn, benefits, confidence, conquerors, conscious decision, contrition, corrupt sinner, enemy's wicked taunts, enthusiasm, eternal wisdom, evil practices, evil world, exalted, false exaltation, fantastic job, fight a good fight, foolsih pride, glorious kingdom, God of second chances, God's realm, godless world, haughty heights, help of the Holy Spirit, humble, humble servants, humble spirit, immorality, important principles, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, justified, lazy, lies, lost souls, LOVE, mercy, Monday, necessities of war, new workweek, physical attributes, power, procrastinate, rejuvenation of spirit, religion, renewed vitality, repentance, responsibility, salvation, serious determination, sinful nature, social status, spiritual armour, spirituality, steadfast faith, straddle the fence, the things of God, theology, true believers, ungodliness, ungodly world, useful purpose, value, weary souls, wickedness, wiles
Luke 18:14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday once again, time to get ready for a new week of work! And though by nature, mankind is lazy and likes to procrastinate, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have the responsibility to get up and get things done in His name.
That’s why on Mondays we shouldn’t be miserable and complain about having to go to work, but be happy that we have the opportunity to get out and fight a good fight for Jesus; a fight that will consequently have lost souls falling at His feet in repentance, seeking mercy and salvation.
Now let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, in full voice, with purposed hearts, to energize our selves and get us ready to face the wicked and godless world that awaits us.
All together 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!’
That certainly was a most hearty rendition my people! All heaven was pleased. Now let’s check out our Bit. ‘I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’
Yes my brethren, today we’re again going to look at two major problems in our society, foolish pride and false exaltation. Now the world places great emphasis on our physical attributes, achievements, power and social status, but Jesus teaches the greater benefits to be had from the virtue of humility. That’s because a humble spirit is one of the most important principles in God’s realm. We cannot come before Him without a humble and contrite spirit.
Note what Jesus said about the Pharisee and the publican in our Bit. The former, who exhibited a proud and arrogant spirit, would be abased, cast down from his haughty heights, while the latter with a genuinely humble heart, though a corrupt sinner, would be exalted, simply because of his contrition.
Ah mih people, it’s the very same lesson that Jesus taught in the parable of the wedding feast. (Luke 14:7-14) There He tells us that when we’re invited to a function with no specific seating arrangements, don’t run up to the front, or the place that is the most visible, where you can be seen by everyone and have them think that you’re so important.
But rather, stay in the background, find a seat that’s not so visible, so that when the host or hostess comes and sees you sitting in that lowly position, they will move you up, exalt you to a higher position and chase one of those self-important, social status seekers, who had proudly vaulted himself, down to your position. ‘For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased (humbled); and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’ (Luke 14:11) And Jesus says the same thing again when He denounces the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:12.
Oh my brethren, how many times does Jesus have to repeat that all important principle for us to accept it and actually put it into practice eh? Remember we can’t be straddling the fence, having one foot in the ungodly world and one in the divine realm. It has to be both feet in one or the other.
Yes, we do have to be IN the world to see and know what’s happening and help to make it right, but we cannot be OF the world, advancing its immorality, ungodliness and evil practices. And with our sinful human nature, that’s not always easy to do, but with a conscious decision, serious determination, the help of the Holy Spirit and our continued concentration on the things of God, we can do a fantastic job.
And we have time and space for one scripture that also reminds us of the immeasurable value of humility in God’s arena. It comes from Job, when his good buddy Eliphaz was lambasting him for his supposed sins. And though Eliphaz was on the wrong track in particular with Job, in general, he had the right idea, as he tells him. ‘When men are cast down, then shalt thou say, There is lifting up (exaltation); and he shall save the humble person.’ (Job 22:29)
Now Friends, that’s eternal wisdom, for wherever and whenever men are abased for their proud, haughty behaviour, they can yet be exalted by our merciful God of second chances with the proper contrition. So please let’s embrace it and go out and fight a good fight in Jesus’ name today, well suited up in our spiritual armour plus all the other necessities of war. Much LOVE!
…if we truly LOVE Jesus…then we’ll do our very best to fulfill His desires…
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