16 Mar 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: A man without a plan for the day, as for me and mine, aura of love, begging bread, blessings, Bruh David, conquerors, conversation with God, covenant, depart from evil and do good, destruction, evil ways, fellowship, glory hallelujah, Good and upright is the Lord, gospel truth, heavenly Father, him shall he teach in the way he shall choose, holy spirit, humble servants, invincible, is lost before he starts, Jesus Christ, joy, judgement, justice, Lewis K. Bendele, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, loving kindness, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, no man comes to the Father but by Jesus, on a positive note, plan for the day, reject, rejuvenation of spirit, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, steps of a good man, te Way, testimonies, the Life, the Truth, turn away, ungodly world, what man is he that feareth the Lord, wisdom
Psalm 25:12. What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
Well Friends, the big day, Monday, is here once again. Glory Hallelujah! (smile)
Ah mih people, we have to start it off on a positive note, else we’ll just make a shambles of the whole day. And per this quote from one Lewis K. Bendele (couldn’t find any pertinent info on him): ‘A man without a plan for the day is lost before he starts.’
And that’s gospel truth my brethren! We have to begin the day with at least some idea of where we want to go and what we want do, else we’re liable to go nowhere and do nothing at all.
And as we keep saying, the best way to start the day is in conversation with our heavenly Father; thank Him for life and all our other blessings, then tell Him our desires and ask what He wants us to do. Have no fear, if we are truly sincere in our desire to be obedient to Him, He will guide us to His will.
So without further ado, let’s get to our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, and sing it with great gusto, in thrilling harmony. As one 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!’
Now that was a good rendition Friends. It didn’t cause heaven to give us a standing ‘O’ or call for an encore, (smile) but it had them all paying attention. So now with our motors running and the adrenalin just driving them, let’s go out and put into action the plan the Lord has devised for us today.
And our Bit thoroughly backs up all that we’ve said above. ‘What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.’ And as we said yesterday, we do the same thing for those who choose to follow us, so why wouldn’t the Lord?
Now listen to Bruh David earlier on in Psalm 25. ‘Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he will teach sinners in the way. The meek (humble) will he guide in judgement (justice): and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.’ (Ps.25:8-10)
Yes Friends, the Lord our God is indeed a wonderful deity and will NEVER reject or turn away anyone who comes to Him with a sincere heart and desire to serve Him. He will most definitely give them the opportunity to learn His ways, nurturing them like children at school.
And Bruh David in Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked – wraps it all up thus: ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread.
He is ever (always) merciful, and lendeth; and his seed (descendants) is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord LOVETH judgement (justice), and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.’ (Ps.37:23-26)
Oh my brethren, Bruh David has said it all right there. The Lord is a fair and just God, who will fight for and uphold those who truly desire to serve Him. The sincere man will lend and show mercy to those in need, and his descendants will not suffer want. As Bruh David says, he’s never seen them ‘begging bread.’ Neither have I.
Meanwhile, the wicked and their seed will be destroyed, face eternal separation from the Father. So I can’t understand why we are so hot to trot after Lucifer and his fleshly, evil ways, since that will only bring destruction. So please Friends, let’s smarten up and do the wise and sensible thing nuh; live for Jesus. There is so much evidence to prove that that is wisdom of the highest order, and we ignore it at our peril.
So now that we have our plan for the day, made in conjunction with God, let’s go out and work that plan, obviously with the help of Jesus, for He is indeed the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no man comes to the Father but through Him! Much LOVE!
…as for me and mine…we will follow the Lord…
23 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: almighty god, aura of love, baubles and bangles, be not conformed to this world, be transfromed by the renewing of your mind, Christians, confidence, decisions, devotion, direction, eternity, glorious kingdom, God's Word, gospel truth, guidance, Hades, holy spirit, hope, humble servants, invincible, Jesus, Jesus Christ, living sacrifice, lord god almighty, LOVE, loving kindness, loyalty, meet the enemy in battle, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, rejuvenation of spirit, serve a useful purpose, spiritual armour, spirituality, St. Francis, steadfast faith, stop loving the world, sure conquerors, the will of God, trust, truth, ungodly world, wealth of this world, wisdom
Romans 12:2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
‘Monday, oh Monday, how beautiful you are to me! Monday, oh Monday, how I do LOVE thee!’
No Friends, I’m not under the influence of anything but life – life with Jesus, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and cool breezes blowing across Paradise, with the frothing waves rushing up to the shore as the tide comes in! (smile) The only sad part is that this is my last Monday on Paradise for a while. The cold North Country calleth.
But Friends, we have to like Mondays, because it means that we’re out and about for another week, intermingling with others; other believers, as well as unbelievers, who are ideal, fertile soil on which to sow good seeds for Jesus!
That’s how we ought to be looking at Mondays, or any other day for that matter, instead of being foolishly and selfishly caught up in our own problems, re getting up and making our way to work. Please remember too that in these trying and poor economic times, a whole lot of us don’t have jobs, and thus are suffering serious deprivation and want.
So those of us who have jobs, ought to be very thankful and grateful that we do, rather than indulge in the morbid self-pity that we tend to indulge in on Mondays. Again, I want to remind us that if we treat Sundays, the Lord’s Day, as it is supposed to be treated, then we won’t have any problems rising and shining on Mondays.
But enough with the preaching now, (smile) because many of us still aren’t listening, aren’t buying it, and are yet allowing the wicked ways of the world to hold sway over us. Let’s get to our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get our adrenaline running. In loud, harmonious voice now, like the congregation at St. Francis down here does it.
‘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 good my people! The St. Francis congregation would be proud of us. (smile) Jesus was clapping and tapping too, looking at the Father and smiling, intimating with His look; ‘Yuh see how mih people bright and energetic this Monday morning?’ The Father answered with an indulgent smile, nodding His head in assent.
But He knew that as soon as we got out into the world, we’d allow the ways of the world to confound us. We won’t be following Bruh Paul’s advice in our Bit, as closely as we should. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’
Yes my people, it’s not all fun and games in this crazy, dangerous and evil world. But we, as believers in Jesus Christ, fortified by His strength, power and guidance can handle whatever comes against us. We just have to keep Jesus at the forefront of our lives.
Now hear this explanation from the Scholars, re ‘Dedication to the Will of God.’ ‘12:1-2. God’s will refers to His purpose for the life of the believer. It implies His guidance or direction in all of life’s decisions. Dedication is an act of surrender or submission to His will for our lives whereby we become a “living sacrifice.” Daily dependence on God results in our transformation into the image of Christ.
Illustration: When we seek to discern the will of God we must also be committed to doing the will of God as it is revealed in the Word of God (John 7:17). Application: The believer should evaluate EVERY decision on the basis of biblical principles, knowing that obedience brings God’s blessing. (First Reference, Gen. 22:12; Primary Reference, Rom. 12:1).’
Yes Friends, ALL the decisions we make should first be tested against God’s Word, regardless of whether they are very big or very small! Remember too that oft times it’s the small, seemingly unimportant decisions that start our trending away from God’s Word and His Will for our lives.
And we’ll end with these immortal words of gospel truth from John. ‘LOVE not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man LOVE the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.’ (1 John 2:15-17)
And here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘2:15. LOVE not the world is a command implying that action now in progress must cease: “Stop LOVING the world!” There is, of course, one sense in which Christians should LOVE the world, since God Himself did and does (John 3:16). But in the sense of pledging personal loyalty and devotion of one’s whole being and means, Christians are to “LOVE” God first and foremost (Deut. 6:5; Mark 12:30).’ ‘2:16. World for John signifies the evil desire and sin so much a part of human existence.’
What else can I add to all that eh mih bredddren? Nothing really. Except to tell us to pay serious attention to all that’s been said, if we truly want to dwell with Jesus in eternity. Much LOVE!
…the baubles and bangles, the wealth of this world…are of NO use even in Hades…much less in heaven…
02 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a chance to serve Jesus, Absalom, against mine enemies, anxiety, asthma, aura of love, blessings, Bruh David, Comforter, confidence, encourager, eternal life, evil, faith, fear, fellowship, glorious kingdom, God's promise, God's protection, Guide, holy spirit, hope, humble servants, I am the Lord thy God, I will be with thee, I will not be afraid, if God is for us who can be against us, invincible, Isaiah, Jesus, Jesus Christ, joy, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, loving kindness, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Oh Lord God Almighty, Panaorama, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, saints of Jesus, sense of purpose, spiritual armour, spirituality, steadfast faith, Super Bowl, tarred and feathered, the fire shall not scorch thee, the Holy One of Israel, the only redeemer, the rivers shall not overflow thee, thou wilt revive me, though I walk in the midst of trouble, thy right hand shall save me, ungodly world, when thou passest through the waters, while there is life there is hope, wisdom
Psalm 138:7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
And so it is Monday once again Friends! That beautiful day that we are all beginning to like, (smile) because we finally realize that it is a big day in our lives, with a return to work and also an expanded chance to serve Jesus; to tell others about Him, and to show the wonderful things that He stands for, by the way we behave and react to the outside world.
All glory be to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Yes my people, it’s a brand new day, with brand new blessings and mercies specifically prepared and planned for today, so let’s gratefully accept them, so that they can enable us to be useful ambassadors of Christ, because that’s one of the reasons they’ve been granted to us.
Let’s go out today without too much grumbling and complaining, and don’t forget to put on our spiritual armour so that we can stand strong against the enemy.
And as we do every Monday morning, to get our motors running, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with full, sweet and strong voices 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 was decent friends, good enough to get the adrenalin flowing, so let’s get up and get a godly move on nuh. As the song on the radio’s saying: ‘I’m going to have a good day, be glad, and have a good day!’ And that’s a fact!
As per adventures, the ole fella didn’t do much yesterday. We went for lunch at the Magdalena Grand, where I did better justice to the food than a couple days before. Then we came back home and rested. Was I ever glad to get back inside because of the heat and the asthma nonsense!
But praise the Lord, this morning the ole chest is not as tight and I’m feeling better. And for that I have to burst into song: ‘Oh I’m getting better! Thank the Lord, I’m getting better!’ (smile) But it’s true Friends! Yeah, it’s taking an inordinately long time by my reckoning. But remember in the Lord’s eyes, it’s merely a blink, for a thousand days is like a single one to Him.
The duchess went in the pool and hung around the deck, while poor me rested in air conditioned comfort, wheezing like an old accordion. (smile) In the evening we watched the Panorama Steelband Competition Semi-finals from the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad, in conjunction with the Super Bowl.
For once it wasn’t a bad game, but that last passing play call, with the Seahawks driving for the winning touchdown, almost at the Patriots goal line with less than a minute left in the game… Steups! Pure foolishness! It had a right to be picked off.
You had a running back, Lynch, just running wild all game, and now, with a couple yards to go, you refuse to put the ball in his hands. Chuh! The Seattle coach or coaches who made that call should all be tarred and feathered though town!
Anyhow, all that nonsense is now over for another year. It’s time to get on with constructive stuff. And our Bit is a perfect guide, comforter and encourager for that purpose: ‘Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.’
Ah Friends, Bruh David is speaking there from personal experience, and if we are obedient to God’s will, we will be able to say the same thing. Therefore it’s something to which we should all gladly aspire.
Yeh mih brethren, Bruh David was so confident in God’s protection that even when he ran from his rebellious son, Absalom, he was still able to declare: ‘I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.’ (Ps.3:6) Now that is what yuh call confidence mih people!
Meanwhile, Isaiah tells us of this wonderful promise of the Lord, the only redeemer: ‘When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle (scorch) thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee (in thy place).’ (Is.43:2-3)
Ah Friends, with strong, faithful promises like those we should not face the cruel and evil world with fear and anxiety, but with a strong confidence and sense of purpose. Remember Bruh Paul’s contention to the Roman church. ‘What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:31)
And the answer to that question is an unequivocal ‘NOBODY!’
Let’s remember that, and go home with these refreshing, encouraging and comforting words of Bruh David from Psalm 16 – when he sought preservation and blessing, just like we are doing today.
‘I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope.’ (Ps.16:8-9)
Yes Friends, wonderful words of hope and wisdom! Please let them guide us as we continue our pilgrim’s journey today. Have a safe and blessed day, all you saints of Jesus! Much LOVE!
…while there is life…there is always hope…in Jesus Christ…
15 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: aura of love, behold the days come, christianity, Creator of the universe, dig deep down., encourage, enthusiasm, eternal life, evil, glorious kingdom, holy spirit, house of Judah, humble servants, I will be their God, I will make a new covenant with Israel, invincible, Israel, Jesus Christ, jobs, long commutes, lord god almighty, LOVE, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, New Covenant, Oh Lord God Almighty, presence of god, promises, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, saith the Lord, seed of Abraham, steadfast faith, the House of Judah, the second coming of Christ, the sun follows the moon, those who don't work don't eat, traffic jams, trust, truth, ungodly world, uplift, wisdom, work from home
Jeremiah 31:31. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.
Oh Friends, just as the sun follows the moon from one day to the next, and the seasons each other, so is Sunday followed by Monday, just as the Lord the Creator of the universe planned it. However, it is mankind who planned that most of us would work five days a week in this Western Society, starting on Monday.
But yuh know what? The Lord also admonishes us to obey those in authority over us, (Heb.13:17) and Bruh Paul advocates that those who don’t work should not eat. (2 Thess.3:10) So, as true believers, we have no choice but to get up and go out and labour, putting up with long commutes and endless traffic jams, envying those lucky few who can work from home.
And yes, it’s often difficult to get both the body and spirit up for work, but that’s why we have our Monday Morning Battle Hymn; to encourage and uplift us. So let’s sing it with much gusto and verve. Dig deep down in your souls this morning and find them. (smile)
‘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!’
Oh mih people, that was only a so so version, but hopefully it will lift our spirits enough for us to get up and get a move on. And today is the last day in the series of messages on this life-changing Bit of immense promise. ‘Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.’
Now let’s continue with the scholars explanations that we began yesterday. Some of you might think that all this is not necessary, but if you truly want to grow and mature in the Word, to understand it properly, then you have to take all this stuff into consideration. ‘As a document of prophetic promise, like the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, the new covenant is unconditional.
In form, it corresponds to the Royal Grant Treaties of the ancient Near East. As to subject matter, by comparing Jeremiah 31:31-34 with the other formulations of the new covenant (e.g. 32:37-44; 33:14-26; Is.55:1-3; 61:1-11; Ezek. 34:22-31; 36:22-38; 37:21,28) it may be seen that the new covenant assimilates the elements of the promises made to Abraham and channelled with progressive light through David, and brings them to full realization.
Thus the final blessing of Abraham’s seed will find fruition in Israel’s possession of the Promised Land in perpetuity under the rulership of Christ, the Greater Son of David, the Seed par excellence (cf. 33:26; Ezek. 37:25-27; Mic.7:19-20 with Luke 1:68-78; Acts 3:25-26; Rev.11:15). Further, by faith in Christ, Gentile believers also become the spiritual seed of Abraham and members of the family of God (cf. Is.45:22-25; rom.4:18-25; Gal.3:26-29; Eph.2:1-3,6; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Pet.2:9-10).
Although the new covenant is now operative (Matt.26:27-28; 2 Cor.3:6; Heb.8:6-13) and is attended by the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is resident in believers’ lives (Acts 2:14-37; Rom.8:23; 2 Cor.1:20-22; 5:1-5; Eph.1:13-14; 1 Thess.5:19), the full realization of the new covenant, as the capstone of all the covenants, awaits the second coming of Christ.
He will give to Israel the promises distinctive to that nation, and will rule over the earth in an unprecedented period of universal peace (Is.2:4; Ezek.34:25; 37:26), prosperity (Is.61:7-8; Ezek.34:26-27), and the full knowledge (v.34) of the abiding presence of God. (Ezek.48:35; Joel 3:21).’
Ah Friends, it might all sound long and involved, but if you take your time and read it and check out some of the references, I’m sure you’ll come to a much better understanding of the scriptures. And as a supposed teacher and student too, I’ll be amiss if I didn’t give you all the information at my disposal.
And now let’s close with one of those prophetic references from Ezekiel. ‘Moreover I will make (cut) a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place (establish) them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore. My tabernacle (dwelling place) also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.’ (Ezek.37:26-28)
Oh Friends, after reading the same basic promise from all those prophets, and then having Jesus come and begin the implementation, how could I not believe eh? But each one of us has to come to our own conclusion. Let’s hope that we all come to the right one. Much LOVE!
…whoever is smart enough to come to Jesus…will never be disappointed…for they will find help and succour for their every need…in every circumstance…
24 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a light shining in the window, a tree of life, adults, Aloha, Amen, babes, blessings, confidence, Creator of the universe, drinking milk, eating solid food, enthusiasm, eternal life, evil, faith, fall t the ground, fellow believers, fleshly concerns, friends, full of surprises, glorify God, glorious kingdom, gospel truth, grace, growing in the word of God, hearts and minds, holy spirit, hope, hope thou in God, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, Lamentations, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, maturing, mercy, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, Monday Morning, my flesh dwells securely in hope, my glory rejoices, my heart is glad, peace, Praise the Lord, reconciled to the Father, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, rest, rock heaven and earth, sacrifice, salvation, shock, sinless life, spiritual armour, spirituality, steadfast faith, trust, ungodly world, victory, vim and vigour, Why art thou cast down o my soul, wisdom
Psalm 16:9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope.
Aloha Friends! I give you that wonderful first day of the week, Monday!
And all God’s people say a loud and heartfelt ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’
And I almost fall to the ground in shock!
Wow mih people, you all sure are full of surprises. One day I tell you it’s Monday, and you abuse me. Then the next time I tell you that, you glorify God.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am very thrilled to hear you all are accepting Monday so easily and joyfully, for that’s how it ought to be. It shows that we are maturing, growing in the Word of God, no longer babes drinking milk, but adults starting to eat solid food.
Thus we are preparing ourselves better, so that when Monday rolls around, we are well prepared and well able to meet it on our godly terms, rather than its worldly terms. And to celebrate that magnificent victory over our fleshly concerns, that wonderful coming of age, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with extra vim and vigour.
Come on now Friends, let’s rock both heaven and earth. ‘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!’
Oh yeah mih people, that was marvellous! So marvellous that it had all of heaven clapping and singing along – even the Father Himself! (smile)
Now with all that adrenalin flowing, and our motors revving with great expectations, let’s go out into the disaster prone world we live in and tell others about Jesus Christ; about the joy, hope, and faith we have in Him, who sacrificed His sinless life so that we might be reconciled to the Father, whose mercy and grace gives us salvation and eternal life!
Let’s tell them about Jesus and the work the Holy Spirit has wrought in us, so much so that we can now claim the Bit as our own declaration. ‘Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope.’
Yes my fellow believers, our hearts and minds ought to be filled with awesome hope and faith this Monday morning. And today we’ll continue looking at some scriptures that deal with hope.
Oh by the way, let me apologize for a typo I made yesterday. Don’t know how many of you noticed it, but at the end of the verse from Psalm 39 – ‘And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee.’- I put it as (Ps.31:7, rather than 39:7) Please forgive the ole fella, for he is merely human. (smile)
And since we’re talking about Psalms, we might as well continue with them, seeing that they possibly have more hope in God declared in them than any other scriptures.
Listen to these powerful words from Psalm 42 –An intense longing for God – a contemplation of the sons of Korah. ‘Why art thou cast down (bowed down), O my soul? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence)’ (Ps. 42:5)
And that’s how we ought to be my people! Whenever our spirits are down, for whatever reason(s), the best way to fire them back up is by hoping in God, seeking and praising Him.
Now hear these wise words of Cousin Sol: ‘Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.’ (Prov.13:12)
And the scholars explain it thus: ‘13:12. Hope deferred depresses, but its fulfillment revitalizes.’
And the Preacher tells us that: ‘For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they anymore a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.’ (Eccl.9:4-5)
That’s why we say that while there’s life, there’s always hope, for when you’re dead, any chance of hope dies with you.
And we’ll close with these beautiful and wise sentiments of Jeremiah in his Lamentations. ‘The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lam.3:25-26)
Therefore my people, please stand strong in Jesus Christ! Let’s not give up that hope which has brought us so far along. Our great and wonderful God has promised to look after us, and we know that he is faithful to keep His promises.
So let’s go out today brimming over with peace, LOVE, hope, joy and faith, for that’s the wisdom of heaven! Much LOVE!
…hope means…that there’s always a guiding and welcoming light shining in the window…regardless of the hour…
03 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: aura of love, basked in god's love and peace, battle the infidel, be gracious to me, be sober, blessed be God, blessings, Bruh David, confidence, deleted expletives, earthly arsenal, enthusiasm, eternal life, exalts, extols, fear God, fellowshipped, friends, further God's glorious kingdom, gave thanks and praise, give us His peace which passes all understanding, God is so wonderful, God will forgive us, godly wisdom, going from bad to worse, gospel truth, have mercy upon me, hear me when I call, hear my prayer, I cried unto him with my mouth, invincible, jehovah god, Jesus Christ, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, may the Lord bless and keep us, Monday, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, most mighty weapon, most valuable commodity, O God of my righteousness, our flesh is weak, our spirits are willing, peace, peaceful communication, pilgrim's journey, pour out any invective, power of prayer, prayer, prayer power, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, righteousness., so-so, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, taunts, the efficacy of prayer, the end of all things is at hand, the Good Book, the great works of God, the most powerful force in the universe, the need for prayer, the result of prayer is life, the voice of my prayer, thou relieved me when I was in distress, till we meet again, ungodly world, watch unto prayer, wiles, wisdom, worshipped, worthwhile inroads, write it indelibly in our hearts
Psalm 4:1. Hear me when I call , O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged (relieved) me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me (be gracious to me), and hear my prayer.
Awright Friends, here’s today’s good news: that day which we all tend to dislike, despise and shout out all sorts of deleted expletives at….well it has rolled around again.
Yes, my people, it’s Monday once again; a big, bright, bold, beautiful, juicy, edible Monday! (smile) So please don’t pour out any invective at it, just nibble quietly on its tantalizing parts, as we do whatever is necessary to get ourselves to go out and labour.
And if we worshipped and fellowshipped and gave thanks and praise to Almighty God yesterday, and wisely basked in His LOVE and peace, then getting ourselves together shouldn’t be too hard to do, because our spirits would already have been prepared to go out and battle the infidel this morning.
But regardless of what action we took yesterday, useful or harmful, let’s ratchet up our desire for Jesus this morning by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with all the oomph and Christ-like enthusiasm we can muster.
So in strong, harmonious and melodic voice, 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!’
Steupssss! What was that eh mh people? That was only a so-so rendition. Too many hoarse, out of tune, off key voices! What with all the rehearsals and the reminders to practice on your own, we should be doing much better by now.
But as the old people would say, like we going from bad to worse! And that’s no lie! But it is certainly unacceptable. Even Jesus had to shake His head in concern for our poor performance.
But yuh know what Friends, our God is so wonderful, that He will forgive us, because He knows that we are sincerely trying, that our spirits are willing but our flesh is weak. So please, let’s not get down on ourselves. Instead, let’s cry out to Him in the words of our Bit, like Bruh David did in his time of need and anguish.
‘Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged (relieved) me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me (be gracious to me), and hear my prayer.’
Ah my people, the power of prayer is the most valuable commodity, as well as the mightiest weapon in our earthly arsenal! That’s because it connects us to the most powerful force in the universe; Jehovah God, its Creator and Controller!
Now here’s another instance from the Good Book, where our Poster Boy, Jesus Christ, our supreme example of the need for, and the efficacy and effectiveness of prayer, shrugs off everything else and gets quiet with the Father.
After He heals a leper and His fame is so noised abroad that multitudes begin coming to Him for healing, what does He do? ‘And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.’ (Luke 5:16)
Yes my brethren, even Jesus had to renew His spirit through peaceful communication with His heavenly Father. And that only highlights our desperate need for the same, especially since we’re of such sinful nature.
Now listen to these verses on prayer from Psalm 66, which extols the great works of God. The psalmist wisely cries out in testimony: ‘Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled (praised, exalted) with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.’ (Ps.66:16-20)
Ah Friends, what godly wisdom is ensconced therein! Please let’s show our own wisdom and accept it; write it indelibly in our hearts, souls and minds, so that we can, and will have prayer power always at hand!
And here’s a most appropriate ending from Peter. ‘But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.’ (1 Pet.4:7) That’s gospel truth Friends!
So till we meet again, may the Lord bless and keep us safe on our pilgrim’s journey; may He shine His radiant countenance upon us and give us His peace which passes all mortal understanding, and the wisdom to come to Him in prayer at ALL times, be they good or bad. Much LOVE!
…the result of prayer is life… (St. Francis of Assisi)
P.S. Chuh! I was less than perfect yesterday when I gave the reading for the poem ‘Enormous Rewards’ as being Ephesians 5:20. It should have been 3:20: ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.’
Now that’s a much more appropriate scripture. I never felt right about it yesterday, but figured if that’s what the author said, who was I to question it? Then today I was drawn to the poem and discovered my error. Please accept my humble apology. The ole fella is only human…and getting on in age too, so he’s not as mentally nimble as he once was, or his eyesight as good. (smile) Much LOVE!
15 Sep 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a living soul, adrenalin, aura of love, awesome power of the Holy Spirit, breathed into his nostrils, Bruh Paul, children of God, complaing, confidence, conspiracy, do the work of Jesus, eternal life, fear, feeling vulnerable, fellowship, further God's glorious kingdom, Glory Halleujah, God formed man of dust, god moves in mysterious ways, hard for thee to kick against the pricks, heirs of God, holy spirit, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, lead and guide, lord god almighty, LOVE, miserable, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, quaking in our boots, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, Saul, shackles of the flesh, sons of God, spirit of adoption, spirit of bondage, spiritual armour, spirituality, steadfast faith, sure conquerors, the apostle Stephen, the breath of life, the Creation Story, the flesh profits nothing, the highest calling, the spirit gives life, uncertainty, ungodly world, wonders and miracles
John 6:63. It is the spirit that quickneth (gives life); the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Awright Friends, it’s mighty Monday! The day that constantly has us quaking in our boots, feeling vulnerable, miserable, whiny, complaining and disgusted with the working life. But you know what? We have a power that’s mightier, much much mightier than Monday; the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells each of us. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ And when we allow that Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, we can overcome anything that comes against us.
As Bruh Paul says so eloquently to the church at Rome: ‘For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, the heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together.’ (Rom.8:14-17)
So my fellow believers, let’s throw off the shackles of the flesh that only bring fear and uncertainty, and instead, as children and heirs of God, allow the Spirit of God to rule in us this chilly mid-September morn. And if we had planned properly yesterday, that wouldn’t be too hard to do today. (smile) But since so many of us did not do so, to help us get up to speed this morning, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much gusto, in total harmony.
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 was beautiful Friends! So beautiful that it brought tears of joy to Jesus’ eyes. Wow!
Now let’s keep the adrenalin from the power of the Holy Spirit going full blast, and get ourselves out into the work-day world and diligently do the work that Jesus has assigned us to do. For as Jesus says in our Bit: ‘It is the spirit that quickeneth (gives life); the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’
Yes my brethren, it is the Spirit of God that promotes life, both literally and figuratively. And we have the best literal example in the Creation Story, where the Good Book declares: ‘And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.’ (Gen.2:7)
Oh what a mighty force is the Spirit of our God my people! For it is by His Spirit that we were first imbued with physical life. That brings us to a couple of figurative examples of the Spirit’s power. In Acts, when the apostle Stephen was doing all sorts of wonders and miracles, the Jews couldn’t keep up with him. ‘And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.’ (Acts 6:10)
So they did the age old thing; set up a conspiracy against him with false witnesses and eventually had him stoned to death, with the consent of Bruh Paul, who was then known and feared as Saul, the destroyer and persecutor of Christians.
And how wonderful and marvellous is our God, whose sense of humour and drama are unmatchable, for it is the same Holy Spirit that worked on Saul to turn him from a destroyer of Christians to the greatest evangelist of all time. Hn! How ironic eh.
We all know the story of how on his way to Damascus to seek out and persecute more Christians, “suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou Lord?
And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (goads). And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.’ (Acts 9:3-6)
And Bruh Paul got up from the ground blind, and had to be led to Damascus by his men. ‘And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.’ (Acts 6:9)
Yes Friends, our God does move in mysterious ways through the power of His Holy Spirit, His works to perform!
And remember that same Spirit that was in Bruh Paul is also in us. And we know what wonderful and powerful work the Spirit led him to do. So in like manner, let’s allow the Holy Spirit of God that dwells within us to lead and guide us to do great works in Jesus’ name today nuh, for that is the highest calling to which we can attain. Much LOVE!
…we never know to what heights we may attain…when God’s Spirit is leading the way…
03 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abomination, be of good courage, blessed day, branch of God's planting, buckle down, burdens, confess our sins, Creator, crying, curse, days of mourning, death, defile, destruction, devastation, encourage, endure afflictions with patience, establish, everlasting light, expectant faith, eyes of faith, faithful, fire in your hearts, forgive and forget, former things are passed away, friends, gates, glorified, glorious day, glory, glory and honour, glory hallelujah, glory of God, good tidings, gospel truth, heavenly guidance, hungry hope, inherit the land, Isaiah, Jesus, Jesus Christ, John, joy, keep us focused on god, kings of the earth, Lamb's book of life, light, live our faith, Lord and Saviour, lord god almighty, LOVE, Love our God, magnanimous, manifestations, mettle, moon, motivate, New Jerusalem, nightmares, obedient to God's will, Oh Happy Day, pain, passages through fire, patience, perseverance, praise, Praise the Lord, promise, provider, pull up our britches, repentance, Revelation, rewarded by god, righteous, salvation, serve and worship, settle, Shekinah, sinned and fallen short of God's glory, sins, smile, sorrow, spread His Word, steadfast and strong, strengthen, sun, take hold of God's grace, tears, temple, tests, thank the Lord for small mercies, that God might be glorified, the garment of praise, the Lamb, the oil of joy for mourning, the planting of the Lord, the spirit of heaviness, the throne of God, to console them that mourn, to give them beauty for ashes, trees of righteousness, trials, tribulations, ups and downs, violence, walk and talk with Jesus, when Jesus washed my sins away, wisdom, without growing weary, work of god's hands, yokes, Zion
Isaiah 61:3. To appoint unto (console) them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Oh Friends, it’s a nice cool Thursday morning in early summer! And what does the ole fella have to say for himself? Not a whole lot nuh. I went to bed late, reading a novel, then had a rough night, turning and tossing, dreaming all sorts of stuff. But luckily though, it was all pleasant stuff, no nightmares, nothing scary… Thank the Lord for small mercies!
And now I’m here to write the Bit, seeking heavenly guidance to write something sensible that will help us all; that will motivate, encourage and keep our focus steadily on Almighty God, our LOVING Creator and generous Provider.
And in keeping with that task, I’ll just remind us that our task on this great earth is to take hold of God’s grace, to endure our afflictions with patience, without growing weary, knowing that in His own good time, our heavenly Father will perform, establish, strengthen and settle us.
We must be of good courage and wait with patience and perseverance, hungry hope and expectant faith on our wonderful and most faithful God. And all God’s people said a delightful ‘Praise the Lord! Amen.’
Yes Friends, we ought to, because that is all simply gospel truth! And why is that so? Because every worthy name named in the Good Book, had their trials and tribulations, their ups and downs, their tests and passages through the fire to check their true mettle.
And those who stood steadfast and strong, who passed the tests – obviously with God’s help – were subsequently rewarded By the Most High God Jehovah.
Oh my people, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and expectations. However, when we do acknowledge our shortcomings, confess our sins and return to being obedient to His will, He is most magnanimous to forgive and forget.
Oh what a great God we serve and worship! He delights so much in our repentance, that He’s promised there would be future glory in Zion, with good tidings of salvation:
‘To appoint unto (console) them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.’
And was His great and holy name ever glorified when His Son Jesus fulfilled the first part of His everlasting promise!
We’re just waiting now, with patience and perseverance, hungry hope and expectant faith – yes, I do like those terms – for that fateful day when, as Isaiah promised in the Lord’s name: ‘Violence shall no more (longer) be heard in thy land, wasting (devastation) nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. The sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw it self: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Thy people shall also be righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his (its) time.’ (Is.60:18-22)
Oh Friends, what a glorious day that will be eh!
And if you don’t believe Isaiah, then listen to those same promises reiterated by our faithful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to John in His Revelations: ‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’ (Rev.21:4)
Oh Glory Hallelujah! I can’t wait for that day my brethren! No more aches and pains – Wow!
And furthermore, hear this on the New Jerusalem: ‘And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Rev.21:22-23)
Oh happy dayyyy! When Jesus washed… When Jesus washed… ALL my sins away…!
As the scholars explain: ’21:22-23. There is no temple in the city, since both the Father and the Son will be present in their fullest manifestations. Its light will be provided by the Shekinah glory of God and of Christ (cf. Ex.3:3-4; 24:15-17; 33:14-16; Luke 2:9; 9:29; Heb.1:3).’
Plenty of scripture references tocheck out Friends. (smile)Now that’s not all: ‘And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh (causes an) abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.’ (Rev.21:24-27)
Mama Mia! Oh my brethren, the imagined sight of that, through the eyes of faith is just working on me, stirring me up! (smile)
And there’s more: ‘And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in (on) their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle (lamp), neither light of the sun; for the Lord giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.’ (Rev.22:3-5)
Oh my people, that is what awaits us at the end of the day, if we bear our burdens and yokes, already much lightened by our Saviour Jesus Christ, with patience and perseverance, hungry hope and expectant faith! There’s absolutely nothing better than what He’s promised!
So please, let’s get serious nuh, let’s buckle down, pull up our britches, pull up our socks, and whatever other cliché there is concerning improving our behaviour, and just live for Jesus, as He desires us to do. That’s wisdom of untold benefit! Much LOVE!
…Let’s LOVE our God…LIVE our Faith…and SPREAD His Word…that’s all He asks of us…
P.S. Oh my Friends and fellow believers, I do hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. There was a smile on my face and joy in my heart from soon after I began writing it, and saw where it was headed. Hope it brings a smile to your faces too and produces a fire in your hearts for Jesus! Please have a most blessed day walking safely and talking intimately with Jesus! Much LOVE!
16 Jun 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Achan, Ananias, aplomb, apostles, aura of love, Barnabas, blessings, body of Christ, christianity, communal way of life, complaining, confidence, disobedience, fear, gave up the ghost, gospel truth, hate, hate to love, Holy Ghost, holy spirit, humble servants, invincible, Jericho, Jesus Christ, Jesus featuring in our hearts, keeping lives and families together, lead and guide, learn from the mistakes of others, lied unto men but unto God, living for Jesus, lord god almighty, LOVE, LOVE to hate, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, peace, Pentecost, perfect example, Peter, poignant, positive mindset, power of the holy spirit, punished, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, sacrifice, Sapphira, Satan, Satan filled thine heart, sin, Spirit of God, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, surrender, the Good Book, useful purpose, weary souls, wisdom
Acts 5:3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Monday, oh Monday! The day the working people LOVE to hate, and hate to LOVE! They find it to be a rather great inconvenience in their lives. (smile) But as believers, with Jesus featuring in our hearts, we ought to handle it with much ease, aplomb and peace.
Awright, so realistically we have a hard time getting ourselves together on Mondays, but that’s mostly because we don’t prepare for it properly on Sundays. And furthermore, as I keep reminding us, if we can’t do anything about it, we might as well stop complaining, since complaining doesn’t help, but just makes matters worse. We need to develop a positive mindset, so when we realize that it’s Monday, we just glow with pleasure, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Okay, okay, please don’t shoot the messenger! (smile) Anyway, to help us get over the hump that’s Monday, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with great gusto. As one harmonious and whole body of Christ 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!’
Oh Friends, that was indeed a most rousing rendition! Jesus was greatly pleased, as He demonstrated by singing and clapping along with us. He could feel the Holy Spirit diligently moving in our hearts and souls. And today we’ll continue looking at the movement and power of the Holy Spirit back in the early days of Christianity.
Now, before we interrupted our message on the Holy Spirit for Father’s day, we had just seen where a whole lot of believers were selling their possessions and joining in a communal way of life. At the end of chapter 4 we were told about Joses, surnamed Barnabas, who sold his possessions and brought the proceeds to the apostles. And chapter 5 opens with the story of two other people who did the same thing, but with a slightly different twist.
Listen to the Good Book relate it. ‘But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to (aware of) it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles feet.’ (Acts 5:1-2)
And my people, here the Spirit of God truly begins to work, as Peter declares to Ananias starting with our Bit. ‘But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power (control)? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost (breathed his last): and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound (wrapped) him up, and carried him out, and buried him.’ (Acts 5:3-6)
Lordy, Lordy, my brethren, what a poignant and perfect example the Holy Spirit set!
Now here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘5:3-4. The deity of the Holy Spirit is evident within this passage. In verse 3 Peter states that Ananias has lied to the Holy Spirit. Then in verse 4 Ananias is told he has lied to God.
5:4. Communal sharing is still being practiced some weeks or months after Pentecost, but it was totally voluntary. Ananias’s sin was not that of keeping back part of what he sold, but his hypocrisy about it.
5:5. Though God does not judge every believer’s sin with death, in some situations God does. (1 Cor.11:30; 1 John 5:16).As with Achan, this first act in a new era serves as an example (Josh.7:10-26).’
That last reference is to the story of Achan, who disobeyed God’s ban on taking plunder from the fall of Jericho. That led the Lord to take away His favour from Israel in time of war. Eventually Achan confessed, then he and his family were stoned to death, and burned with fire. What a horrible way to die! But the Lord apparently desired that sacrifice to appease His anger and disappointment, and also set an example, letting the people know that disobedience would be severely punished.
Oh Friends, I think we’ll stop there for today, because what I’d like to say would definitely make the Bit too long, and I never want to tax our powers of concentration too much, especially on a Monday morning. (smile)
So let’s ponder the lessons found in today’s message and learn from them nuh, so that the same, or similar repercussions won’t befall us. It’s always better to learn from the mistakes of others. That’s wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!
…totally living for Jesus… is such a beautiful and inspiring thing…there’s nothing else on earth that compares to it…nothing else even comes close…
26 May 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: arrogance, aura of love, bless, cavalier, complaining, corruption, dreams, evil, evildoers, expectant faith, exuberance, foolish ways, further God's glorious kingdom, God's mercy, going to hell in a hand-basket, greed, greet Monday with joy, hate, have good success, holy spirit, humble servants, hungry hope, immorality, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, keeping families together, let the nations be glad, let the people priase thee, Libya, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, LOVE Revolution, make thy way prosperous, meditate on God's Word, Memorial Day, merciful, mercy, Monday Monday, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, Mother Africa, negative attitude, peace, pigheaded, pride, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, removing God from our lives, repenting, righteously, serve a useful purpose, sing for joy, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, strife, struggle for freedom, stubborn, stupidity, sure conquerors, Syria, taunts, the earth shall yield her increase, the Good Book, the Lord shall judge righteously, the Ukraine, theatres of strife, total destruction, true believers, turning back to God, ungodliness, ungodly world, war, we surrender our all to you, wisdom, worthwhile inroads
Psalm 67:4. Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth. Selah.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday…! And much to my surprise, my people began sweetly singing: ‘Monday, Monday! Oh how I LOVE that day! Monday, Monday, don’t ever go away! For whenever Monday comes, it finds me bright and eager, full of joy, peace and LOVE!’
Okay Friends, so I’m dreaming. But isn’t that why God made dreams; so that we can have those big, bright, beautiful visions? For sure! And I’m still living with hungry hope and expectant faith, that I’ll yet see the day when the majority of God’s people will greet Monday with the joy that they are supposed to, instead of the petty complaining and the disgusting negative attitude that prevails today.
If we only knew the staggering amount of the world’s six billion people who would give their eye teeth – long time I haven’t heard that – just for a taste of the jobs and standard of living that we so unappreciatively enjoy, we wouldn’t treat our jobs so don’t care and cavalier.
However, it’s time to put aside the dream. Please note I didn’t say kill it, but merely leave it simmering in our unconscious selves, and return to real reality. And to help us do that, to jump start our motors, to get us going in the fashion that Jesus desires of His followers, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with the exuberance worthy of true believers.
And to those of you in the U.S. who don’t have to work today, who are celebrating Memorial Day, in honour of the many who have fallen in the long and arduous struggle for freedom, please raise your voices loud and clear to help your less fortunate comrades who have to go out and face the ungodly world.
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!’
Not bad mih people, not bad at all! But it’s obvious that some of you are already in your cups, while others haven’t recovered from theirs as yet. (smile)
Ah my people, all we’re trying to do here is what our Bit advises: ‘O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth. Selah.’
Yes Friends, contemplate that for a moment nuh. There’s a whole lot of truth to that statement – and not only truth, but also wisdom of the highest order. We all know that our God is a God of justice and righteousness, and He can do nothing else but judge justly and rule righteously. So once we live according to His rules, we have nothing whatsoever to fear.
No wonder the psalmist begins by invoking God’s mercy: ‘God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us. Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health (salvation) among all nations.’ (Ps.67:102)
Yes my people, we need to know God’s ways and vigorously apply them to our everyday lives. And the only way to do that is by reading and studying His Word; the Bible and getting proper guidance from those who are more enlightened than us. That’s why it is ever so important for us as individuals to constantly delve into the Good Book and try to fashion our lives around it.
As the Lord so emphatically told Joshua when He appointed him leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses: ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh.1:8)
Oh Friends, that is so straightforward and simple that there’s nothing to question in it. If you want to have success and be prosperous, then read and constantly meditate on the Word. But we the creation, the created, have gotten so big and bumptious with ourselves, that we now think we know more than our Creator. What arrogance, pride and stupidity my brethren! That’s why our world is snowballing downhill faster and faster every day.
And the psalmist is also trying to show us the right way, when he declares after our Bit: ‘Let the people praise thee O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase (give her produce); and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.’ (Ps.67:5-7)
Ah Friends, I don’t know what to say nuh, what will make us change our evil and foolish ways. We’re so stubborn and pigheaded, that though our world is going to hell in a hand basket, especially since we’ve begun removing God from being an integral part of our lives, we simply refuse to turn back to Him.
Man’s leadership is only bringing negative things like war, hate, greed, corruption, immorality, and ungodliness to our nations. Every day a new battleground of strife and enmity arises, while none of the ongoing ones are quelled.
The Ukraine has just started up, while Syria has been ongoing for about three years, and we have now forgotten that Libya is still a lawless, ungovernable country. And we won’t even talk about the many theatres of strife in Mother Africa.
So unless we want our children’s children to pay the terrible price for our ungodliness, then we’d better make a positive move RIGHT NOW my people! The evildoers are quite happy with the status quo, since they are profiting quite handily from it, so it’s up to us, true believers, to turn this world around.
And we can only do that by repenting and turning back to the omnipotent, but merciful, forgiving, just, righteous and merciful God of our Fathers. Consider ourselves warned, my brethren! Much LOVE!
…only the rapid spread of Jesus’ LOVE Revolution…can save our world…from total destruction…and that’s no lie…
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