04 Mar 2019
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all thy getting, almighty god, ask God, aura of love, Bomb Competition, Carnival Monday, Christians, confidence, doubleminded man, doubting, enthusiasm, exalt wisdom, forsake her not, friends, get understanding, get wisdom, gives liberally, good doctrine, grin and bear it, holy spirit, humble servants, in Jesus name, instruction of a father, invincible, Jesus Christ, joy, keep my commandments and live, let thy heart, lies, LOVE, love her, mas, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Ole Mas, promote thee, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, rest, retain my words, reverential awe, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, steelband, taunts, the fear of the Lord, the principal thing, the sight of my mother, the words of my mouth, them's the breaks, trust, ungodly world, unstable, wavering, wiles, wisdom
Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
And the clock ticks…and the seconds, minutes, hours and the days roll by…until they come to Monday…then they just seem to stop, to hang there in mid-air, as though everything suddenly gone in limbo! Oh how we wish that were true eh and we didn’t have to get up and get out and begin a new work week!
And for many of us it’s actually true because this is Carnival Monday, the beginning of the yearly bacchanalian festival in several parts of the world the two days before Ash Wednesday…but nothing to touch the Ole Mas celebration in T&T this Monday morning!
That is where you get real down and ‘dutty’ (dirty), playing in any ole and dirty looking costume, but making sure yuh ketch a steelband coming down the road beating a sweet bomb tune, so you and yuh lady and yuh friends and them could carry on in the street, wine down in the road, carray yuh body any ole how, (ramajay), and just get on bad and disgusting. (smile)
Well that use to be ole mas, don’t know what it morph into these days since I don’t take part in it again. Don’t even know if they still have Bomb Competition – the steelbands beating some favourite tune as they come out on the road Monday morning, vying for Best Bomb Tune. And ah laughing here as I remember some of them ole times.
But leh we move on yes, because some people have to go to work, and they even more distraught than ever because they missing carnival in T&T. So to help us all this Carnival Monday, let’s belt out we Monday Morning Battle Hymn, even if we heart not truly in it, and we mind somewhere down in T&T misbehaving in the road. (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!’
And yeh friends, ah know we feeling better after that, but still…we’d rather be somewhere else partying, making a fool of we self, in the hot weather. But them’s the breaks, so we just have to grin and bear it and get out there and labour in Jesus name. Yeh, reminisce li’l bit every so often, but doh daydream the day away on the people work nuh, because then you’ll be stealing their time and Jesus wouldn’t approve of that. (smile)
Break the spell by telling yuhself that if God spare yuh life, next year Carnival not going to catch yuh up here in this cold weather, but in some warm, tropical climate playing a serious mas, and then seriously start saving yuh money and vacation time from now! And since I know plenty of you won’t like my suggestions, I’m turning to Cousin Sol to pass on a father’s wisdom. Hope you’ll listen to him, cause he was once the wisest man in the world.
‘Hear ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live.
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline (turn away) from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: LOVE her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ (Prov.4:1-7)
Yes my brethren, wisdom, knowledge and understanding are the most important aspects of living a fruitful and sensible life. And how do we get all that? Friends, it begins with this warning from Cousin Sol: ‘The fear of the Lord (reverential awe) is the beginning of knowledge (principal beginning): but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ (Prov.1:7)
Ah mih people, until and unless we revere the Lord God Almighty, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, true wisdom, knowledge and understanding will NEVER be ours. Why? Because that’s where it all comes from!
As James says: ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:5-8)
Yuh see friends, a wise life all has to do with reverence for God, blended with sincere trust and faith in His Word, His promises and plans for our lives. And Cousin Sol ends that li’l speech by declaring (right ho): ‘Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou doest embrace her. She shall give to (place on) thine head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.’ (Prov.4:8-9)
Yes my people, that’s how powerful and important true wisdom and understanding are in our lives. We talking about that wisdom and understanding which comes from and through God, not the worldly stuff. So stop with all the horrors about carnival! Now that we finally see the light nuh, leh we go and do the people work and forget about carnival, because that is what Jesus expects of us. (smile) Much LOVE!
…thinking too much about mas…is not a sign of true wisdom…(smile)
10 Feb 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a sailor band, Ash Wednesday, ashes, bacchanal, buss-up shirt, Carnival, Christian, christianity, church, computers, copy and paste, disunity, esteem, fellowship, focus on Jesus, friends, frustrations, fulfill ye my joy, glory hallelujah, goals, happiness, I'm not looking back, I'm so glad to be alive, Jesus Christ, joy, lack of harmony, laziness, Lent, let this mind be in you, living in harmony, LOVE, mas, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my own strength, needs of others, of one accord, our best days are still ahead of us, pan side, pride, problems of others, put our noses to the grindstone, Scarborough, selfishness, strife, the breath of life, the Lord carried me, to a glorious future with Jesus, Tobago, trust, truth, united in spirit, values, waste of time, Wednesday Wail, which also was in Christ Jesus, wisdom, without partiality
Philippians 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.
Ah Friends, laziness is a hell of a thing yes! How many of you noticed yesterday that the top heading had one date and the bottom one another eh? Computers make it too easy for us sometimes. This copy and paste thing can do serious damage if we’re not careful. My sincere apologies to those of you who noticed. I aced it this morning though, got them both right! (smile)
So the bacchanal done now mih people; Carnival over and we now into the godly season of Lent. Let’s hope that we extinguished all our energy and frustrations during the Carnival period and are now ready to settle down to a serious time of consideration and ‘ponderation’ on God and all that He stands for, because this is the season for it.
Now, as per activities, yesterday, after finishing my buss-up shirt, I went down to Scarborough to see some local mas. Hn! We got down there about two o’clock, only to find the streets empty, not a mas in sight.
We walked up to where they were supposed to be judging the bands, but could not get a seat out of the sun because they had private tents, or tents with no seats, so we walked back to a closed up café or chicken joint, that had an awning over the front, the same place we were last year.
This time there were no chairs in front, apparently the owners got smart after last year, but there were a few benches by the side, we put one under the awning and limed there until we left around five thirty.
At two thirty, no mas had appeared, so I told the duchess if none appears by three o’clock we would leave. Luckily, about ten to three a sailor band with about a dozen people, of whom I knew about four, came down the road, passed the judging stand and eventually ended up liming right by us.
As the afternoon progressed about five bands eventually passed up in front of us, and I saw a few other people I knew, so it wasn’t a complete waste of time. As usual though I could not see a pan side on the road to jump with. Ah Lord eh, what has mas come to eh, when there’s no pan on the road? Steups!
One friend there kept telling me how the pans usually come out after six o’clock, but who knows if what he said was true, and I definitely wasn’t hanging around to find out. So the duchess and I walked back to the car, not too far really, but it was a bit difficult, and the Lord ended up carrying me.
I definitely couldn’t make it on my own strength, even with my cane. And who says our God isn’t a great and caring God eh! I certainly won’t because there are many days without His help, I wouldn’t make it through. Anyway, enough about me and mas.
Today is Ash Wednesday. Hope those of you so interested went to church and got your ashes. I was too tired to get up, and the service in my area was too early, six a.m. But I think there is one at six p.m. tonight. I might check that out. And since it’s Wednesday, then we need to declare our Wednesday Wail with much gusto and sincerity.
As one now, let’s wail: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Oh my people, it’s so good to be alive on this Ash Wednesday, and alive in sweet Tobago too, that I can die from the happiness! (smile) But then we need to put our noses to the grindstone and focus our every thought on Jesus, keep looking ahead to the wonderful future He has planned for us, not at the past as so many of us unfortunately do.
Ah my fellow believers, what is past has gone, and believe me, our best days are still ahead, out in front of us, if we keep hanging sincerely with Jesus. But as our Bit tells us, we can’t be like Jesus unless we first think like Him. ‘Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.’
And today I want to share some explanations from the scholars on the 2nd to 4th verses of the chapter. ‘Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind.’ (Phil.2:2) Then he continues talking about the need for no strife and pride, selfishness and being our brother’s keeper.
The scholars offer these explanations: ‘2:2-4. Fulfill ye my joy (or, “Make my joy complete”). Paul rejoiced over the Philippians (1:3), but his happiness was incomplete, owing to some disunity and lack of total harmony among them. The Greek equates what, to Paul, constitutes “complete joy” with the readers being likeminded. This means “living in harmony” with one another. That is, the Philippians can “fulfill” the writer’s “joy” by living in harmony among themselves.
But what does such harmonious living entail? Beginning in verse 2 and continuing through verse 4, six participles spell out and clearly define what it means to “live in harmony:” (1) having the same LOVE toward one believer as shown toward another, without partiality; (2) being of one accord; that is, they are to be united in spirit; (3) of one mind; that is, the whole church is to have the same values and goals;
(4) let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, for selfish ambition or conceit; (5) let each esteem other better than themselves, that is, each is to regard his fellow Christian as more important than himself; and (6) look…every man also on the things of others; that is, each is to be just as concerned for the needs and problems of his brother as he is for his own affairs.’
Oh friends, oh friends, that’s exactly what Christianity is all about, living in LOVE and harmony with and for each other! It’s what Jesus taught, and how He lived! But are we doing that today? Hn! Definitely not as much as we should, else our world and our Christian fellowship would not be in the bad shape they are in.
So today, on this Ash Wednesday of 2016, please, let’s sit down and consider, ponder the way we live, and try, with God’s help obviously, to bring it more in line with the Christian principles outlined above nuh. For that my brethren, is the indisputable wisdom of heaven! Much LOVE!
…oh how good and precious it is…when brethren live together in true harmony…
09 Feb 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: #One, blessings, buss-up shirt, Carnival Tuesday, children of God, Christians, consolation, disharmony, encouragement, expand our frontiers, faith, fancy costumes, fellowship, focus, friends, front tears, glory hallelujah, harmony, holy spirit, I am the beloved of god, I can trust my friend Jesus, I don't have to hurry, I don't have to worry, I'm not what I do, I'm not what I have, I'm not what people say about me, Jesus Christ, joy, let this mind be in you, LOVE, many, mas, mercy, music in the streets, opposition, Philippians, Queen's Park Savannah, Scarborough, service of love to all, share His love with the world, the body of Christ, the church, the gospel, the rich and famous, trust, truth, Tuesday Mantra, ungodly world, unselfishness, virtues, which was also in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.
Oh friends, the big day is here at last! Yes, it’s Carnival Tuesday, when all the pretty mas is supposed to come out in the streets, with the music blaring and the participants jumping and wining in their fancy costumes! It’s the height of the bacchanal!
Around the Savannah (Queen’s Park Savannah) the bands will be gathering to go across the stage for competition. And as far as I was concerned that was the best place to see the mas and hear the music, because everything was centered around that spot, and you could move from one band to the other as they lined up to go across the stage.
Fortunately, or otherwise, I can no longer endure that situation, (smile) so I might watch a little of the Trinidad mas on the tube, then go down to Scarborough and watch the mini mas down there. That will satisfy me.
And since Today is Tuesday, that means we need to declare our Tuesday Mantra. So with a strong sense of purpose and sincerity let’s proclaim: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen.’
Yes my people, the only thing that truly matters in this world is that we are children of God, greatly LOVED by Him, and also a true friend of Jesus. Glory Hallelujah! Nothing can be more important than those two things! But we need to sincerely believe them and work accordingly to them in our lives.
We can’t allow what others think and say about us to have more sway over us than what Christ says. And that is one of the problems in our current world; we consider what the people in power, or the rich and famous say and do, more than we consider God’s Word and works. That’s totally unacceptable my fellow believers in Jesus! God and His Word should be our big focus, not what mankind says or does.
And I read a piece in my One More Day Devotional for people with Chronic illness, that I’m going to change to suit our purpose today. It says: ‘Chronic illness means pushing back the “front tears” in our mind so that we can expand the frontiers of our days.’
Now friends, I believe that is also apropos to our situation, where we need to push back our tears, our problems and concentrate on our great and wonderful God, so that we can expand the frontiers of our days. Without truly focusing on God, our frontiers will never expand to their fullest.
And one way to do that is to follow the words of our Bit. ‘Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.’ Yeh mih people, we can’t act like Jesus until we think and believe like Him!
And yesterday we saw what Bruh Paul said to the Philippians: ‘If there be therefore any consolation (encouragement) in Christ, if any comfort (consolation) of LOVE, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind.’ (Phil.2:1-2)
Yes friends, all Bruh Paul is talking about there is harmonious living between believers, as he continues through verses 3 and 4 to push unselfishness and brother looking out for brother. The same attitude applies to us today, though unfortunately we’re not living as harmoniously as we ought to.
My people there is too much disharmony amongst believers today…and that’s an indisputable fact. How can the body of Christ be successful if the parts don’t dwell together in unity eh? That’s impossible to accomplish under those circumstances, but it’s exactly what Jesus desires and expects us to achieve.
Anyhow, enough of my preaching, which too often falls on deaf ears. Let’s hear some of what the scholars have to say on those verses. ‘2:1. Therefore resumes the thought begun in 1:27-28, namely, that the Philippians are to be “worthy” and steadfast in unity, striving together for the gospel’s progress. The word if, occurring four times in this verse, denotes fact, not doubt; it might then be translated “since.”
Paul is thus affirming that in Christ there exists consolation (encouragement); comfort of LOVE (solace furnished by LOVE); fellowship of the Spirit (partaking of the Holy Spirit’s life and sharing in His gifts, ministry, help, values etc.); bowels (affection); and mercies (sympathy).
This verse forms the basis for Paul’s appeal in verse 2: “Fulfill ye my joy.” His thinking is this: Since these five benefits or virtues exist in Christ, and since you are Christians, then exercise these virtues toward one another as you contend for the gospel and face opposition.’
Oh my fellow believers in Christ, what more can I say eh? Not much really, because the same situation faces us today, and probably on an even larger scale. Jesus thought in terms of harmony and unselfishness, and so should we, if we want to be truly his followers.
Why do you think Bruh Paul talked about ‘The service of LOVE to all,’ in Romans 12 eh? Because that’s the only thing that would keep Christ’s church together!
Listen to him: ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office (function): So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one (individually) members one of another.’ (Rom.12:3-5)
Yes friends, the long and short of the story is that we are all Christians, believers in Christ, and we all have individual functions to perform, but we need to perform them in harmony, so that the body of Christ, His church, the great organization that He envisaged and founded will be able to go forth and prosper.
That’s enough for today. So my people, please remember that though we are many, we are still one! Much LOVE!
…no organization can grow and prosper…unless there is harmony within it…
P.S. Going to have breakfast now, finish some buss-up shirt and curry that I bought yesterday, (smile) then get ready to go down to the mas in Scarborough. Much LOVE!
08 Feb 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a modicum of circumspection, aura of love, blessings, Carnival Monday, confidence, conquerors, consolation, Creator of the universe, Cricket, Crown Point, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, encouraged, enthusiasm, evil, exaltation, fellowship, friends, fulfil my joy, Granny's advice, holy spirit, Hotel Magdalena, humble servants, humilation, invincible, it begins in the mind, J'ouvert, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, keep thinking this, labour, let this mind be in you, lies, likeminded, LOVE, lowliness of mind, Lucifer, mas, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, one accord, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, serve a useful purpose, sound bites, strife, Super Bowl, taunts, think like Christ, trust, truth, ungodly world, vainglory, victuals, weary souls, West Indian brunch, West Indies, which was also in Christ Jesus, wiles, wisdom
Philippians 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.
Well mih people, it’s Monday; Carnival Monday, and the craziness has begun!
J’ouvert (the opening) must have been something else, but I did not go to the stuff down at Crown Point here in Tobago, or watch that in Trinidad on the tube. The duchess didn’t want to go and I was somewhat concerned about my left knee, which isn’t as bad as it was a few days ago, but still not as good as it should be.
And to tell the truth, what I saw down at Crown Point last year didn’t thrill me; it was just noise and people walking about. The mas wasn’t impressive at all. So I don’t believe I’ve missed anything at all. Hopefully though, by tomorrow my knee will be feeling good enough for me to go into Scarborough and watch some of the Tuesday mas. Obviously it’s not as good or as big as that in Trinidad, but it will do. (smile)
Yesterday after writing the Bit, I went up to the Hotel Magdalena for Brunch. They serve a good West Indian brunch on a Sunday. The food was good, but like all the stuff I’ve been eating since I’m here it did not thrill me. For some unknown reason, although they taste good, the victuals just haven’t been turning me on. Most of the time I’m just eating
for eat sake.
Anyway, after that I came back home, bloated and tired, (smile) rested, then watched the 50th Super Bowl. As usual it was more hype than substance. A real ugly game too; too many penalties, turn overs and simply a defensive match up. It might have been good to some, but I like to see offense.
Then I watched some under 19 World Cup Cricket, where the West Indies were playing Pakistan in Bangladesh. Now that was more interesting, because the West Indies have a couple of fast bowlers who do look promising for the future. Let’s hope they do live up to that promise, as the West Indies have been at the bottom of the table for far too long.
I don’t know how it ended because after falling asleep on myself a couple times, (smile) I went to bed, but the West Indies were in a superior position at the time, so I hope they prevailed and got into the semi-finals.
However my people, I know that not all of us have the blessing of no work today, so let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much gusto. And those of you who don’t have to go to work, please lend a healthy enthusiasm to the singing, so that our brothers and sisters who have to go and labour will be truly encouraged.
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 good my people. Our choirmaster, Jesus, wasn’t thrilled, but satisfied. So those of you who have to work, please go with the Lord and do his bidding with strength and wisdom.
Meanwhile, those of us who intend to party, please do so with a modicum of circumspection, heeding Granny’s wise and timely advice: ‘Drunk or sober, please mind your business,’ because this is a time when the ole scoundrel Lucifer is in his element, for he knows that come carnival time, we’re not as careful as we usually are and are more liable to do things we shouldn’t do, and open up a spot for him to invade our souls.
Now let’s turn to our Bit which will help us with all those things. ‘Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.’
And what does that mean. Listen to the scholars: ‘2:5. Let this mind be in you means literally “keep thinking this,” that is, constantly maintain this attitude within yourselves. The “mind” or attitude the Philippians are to maintain is spelled out in verses 2c-4, which constitutes harmonious living. Paul informs his readers that the same attitude of verses 2c-4, which they are to retain within themselves, was also in Christ Jesus.’
Ah my brethren, this chapter deals with the humiliation and exaltation of Christ, so before we get to the particular attitude Bruh Paul is asking us to have, let’s put it all in context, so we can better understand it. He begins the chapter thus. ‘If there be therefore any consolation (encouragement) in Christ, if any comfort (consolation) of LOVE, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.
Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.’ (Phil.2:1-4)
Yes friends, those are the basic things Bruh Paul’s talking about when he writes our Bit: ‘Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.’ And it is also expected that we will do likewise.
Now I don’t want to make the Bit too long, knowing your penchant for sound bites, (smile) so we’ll stop there for today. Tomorrow we’ll get into the meanings of the various words and phrases, so we can better understand what it’s all about. Till then, please walk safely with God, and enjoy your day to the full. Much LOVE!
…to become Christ-like…we first have to think like Christ thinks…it all begins in the mind…
05 Feb 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living
Tags: afflictions, arthritic bones, Ash Wednesday, bacchanal, backbreaking labour, be sober, be vigilant, blessings, Carnival Friday, doing wrong, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, evil, faith, fanciful, fellowship, Friday chant, friends, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, glamourous, glory hallelujah, glory to God, Granny's advice, Hallelujah, in Jesus' name, Jesus Christ, joy, jump and prance., leggo beasts, Lent, Lenten season, LOVE, Lucifer, make you perfect, mas, merriment, modicum of circumspection, New Orleans, penchant, pleasure, Praise the Lord, rejuvenation, relaxation, resist, rest, Rio, satisfy my soul, Scarborough, seeking whom he may devour, settle, spirit of Carnival, stablish, steadfast in faith, strengthen, suffered, sunburn, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the God of all grace, the Lord in favour, the weekend, time of feasting, trust, truth, ungodly world, walk with god, week of work, wiles, wisdom, words of encouragement, your adversary the devil
1 Peter 5:8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
Oh friends, on this Carnival Friday, a wet and windy one, I come to you from my little cottage by the sea in Tobago with these words of encouragement and LOVE! Glory to God!
Yes my brethren, it’s the start of the weekend, and I know that many of you around the world are going to, or have already shouted ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend’s here at last! No more backbreaking labour for a few days! Thank God it’s Friday yes!’
And so it should be my people; constant work deserves a spell of rest and rejuvenation. But the first thing I want to remind us about is how we spend our weekend, not in debauchery and lustfulness, but in thanks and praise and general well-being.
So let’s chant our Friday Chant which helps us to truly understand what the weekend is all about. As one 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.’
Yes friends, that’s the general scene we ought to hold to on a weekend, especially this Carnival one, where in places like T&T, Rio and New Orleans, where the god of pleasure and debauchery, Bacchanal himself will be ruling the roost and so many of us will be behaving like true leggo beasts.
I don’t know about the other festivals, but here in T&T many people won’t be working from today until Ash Wednesday, so that’s a five-day weekend. And you know what can happen in such a long layoff from work, especially when pleasure is the subject of the day.
At no other time is Granny’s advice more necessary than now my people. So let me spell it out right away. ‘Sonny boy…and young girl too…please, please, ah beg all yuh…this is Carnival time, so drunk or sober, please mind yuh business! For as Shadow says in his kaiso; ‘on Carnival night…when them men get tight…they doh care who they bite…’
And that’s the gospel truth my people! At Carnival time even the most peaceful and ‘geekish’ body seems to develop a penchant for doing wrong, whether it’s through drugs and alcohol, or simply the enervating spirit of Carnival.
Oh I know this is the time before the Lenten Season when we are supposed to release all our pent up energy and frustrations before settling down to a more holy and godly time. But there is a way to do that, and also a way not to do it.
And our Bit today from 1 Peter gives us admirable, wonderful advice, advice truly akin to Granny’s. ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
And the sad part is that at this particular time of feasting and merriment, the ole crook and scoundrel Lucifer doesn’t have to look far or wide, or even search hard for people to devour, because we open wide the doorway for him to come in and take up residence within our souls, with the kind of behaviour we put down during Carnival.
Now nobody’s saying we shouldn’t celebrate or party, but we ought to do it with a modicum of circumspection, as Jeeves would say. We can’t afford to give the evil one, even an inch, because you know he’ll end up taking a nail. (smile)
As for me, my days for the leggo beast kind of partying seem to be over. Hn! I can’t even walk properly, much less to jump and prance! The last couple days my left knee began acting up on me, and I’ve been limping around, just doing whatever I need to do, plus the duchess had a bout of the flu, so we’ve just been sitting around mostly, trying to get ourselves together.
I have been going to my waterhole every afternoon though. Got to get the ole arthritic bones soaking in that therapeutic sea water as much as possible. I don’t need to worry about the sunshine, because it’s been very hot the last few days, I might even have gotten sunburn. (smile)
This morning though I want to go up into the big city of Scarborough and try to get some proper channels on the t.v. Hn! Now that I have satellite t.v, the channels don’t appeal to me. Not even a good sports station, or a Christian one to boost my spirituality! Chuh! It might cost me more money, but what’s a few dollars for one’s comfort and satisfaction eh!
I’ll be in quiet Tobago for the weekend, hopefully watching some of the mas on the tube. And if my knee feels better, I might even go down to Scarborough on Tuesday afternoon to take in some Tobago mas. Oh it’s not as big and fanciful and glamorous as that in Trinidad, but it will satisfy my soul.
And besides, the overall mas scene has gone downhill as far as I am concerned; the good costumes are few and far between, with just a bikini top and bottom with a few feathers being more the norm, but still costing a lot of money.
Anyway friends, let’s end up here with the continuation of Peter’s warning after our Bit. ‘Whom (the devil) resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in (experienced by) your brethren that are in the world.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm), strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Pet.5:9-11)
And all God’s children said a loud and proud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!’
So my fellow believers in Christ, until tomorrow, the Lord in favour, please let’s walk safely and securely under His comforting umbrella, successfully thwarting the evil wiles of the enemy. Much LOVE!
…to successfully thwart Lucifer…one MUST walk with God…
17 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: according to the blessing of the Lord thy God, be not deceived, be not weary in well doing, bread for your food, Carnival season, Carnival Tuesday, come and follow me, Crusoe's Isle, do not lose heart, every man shall give as he is able, financially wealthy, friends, generous, give to the poor, giving, go and sell that thou hast, God is not mocked, God's blessings, harvest, he hath given to the poor, he that sows to the flesh, he that sows to the Spirit, idyllic scene, if we faint not, importance of giving, in due season you shall reap, Ireland, Jehovah-Jireh, magnanimous god, make our own decisions, mas, material wealth, ole-timers, Pan on D Road, prosperity, Psalm 112:9, Queen's Park Savannah, reap corruption, reap eternal life, reef, righteousness., serene, spiritual increase, supplies the needs of the saints, thanksgivings unto God, the Corinthians, the Lord our Provider, the Lord thy God, the same measure will be used to give back to you, tranquil, treasure in heaven, water hole, West Indies, whatever measure you use, white surf, World Cup Cricket, yield, you will be enriched
Deuteronomy 16:17. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.
Ah Friends, the big day of bacchanal is here at last – Carnival Tuesday! And at 9.15 in the morning mas is already hopping across the Main Stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad. The duchess is inside watching it while I’m outside on the verandah overlooking the pool and the sea writing to you.
The mas doesn’t really thrill me because it’s mostly the same nonsense; a bikini with a headpiece or wings of feathers, except possibly the king and queen of the band. I guess the days when most of the revelers had serious costumes are over. Even then I was never a big mas fan, but those costumes were usually intriguing and had you going; ‘Wow!’ at some of them.
There’s supposed to be a mas parade in Scarborough today too, don’t know if I’m going though, what with the hot sun, the parking and walking situation. (smile)
Last night I went down to Scarborough to see what they call ‘Pan on D Road.’ Hn! I went expecting to see some pan beating on the road, so that I could catch a little jump. But it was merely a group of pan sides set up along the grassy shoulder at the junction of Milford and the old Orange Hill Road, competing for some prize or the other.
I got there about 8.30, after the bands had already played their first tune, so I was just in time to hear the second. It wasn’t the greatest though, for the sides were small and the members were obviously tired from the hectic activity of the Carnival season, and you could hear and see it from their lack of intensity. I obviously saw several people I knew and hung out with a couple till the show ended.
After that, we walked up Milford road towards the town, stopping at Mr. Gomes watering hole to talk to a group of ole-timers who were sitting there imbibing a few. Then we walked a little further up the road to a judging point for some night mas.
On the other side of the road a temporary stand had been erected for onlookers, so we sat there for about half an hour, watched a few small bands come down the road and parade before the judges. But it was nothing really spectacular.
After that I came home, watched a little World Cup cricket from Australia; West Indies versus Ireland, where some of the West Indian batsmen were taking advantage of the lowly Irish bowling. Hopefully when they come up against the cricket powers, like Australia, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa they can do the same.
Earlier this morning I went for a walk along the shoreline of the property. Would you believe that I’ve been here for three weeks and it’s the first time I’ve done that? It’s beautiful along the rocky shoreline, with the white surf breaking in a line against the reef a little further out to sea.
Oh, I actually discovered a better looking water hole up the shoreline, which seems to have sand and not rocks. I’ll try it out sometime later. And that’s my report on the simple life on Crusoe’s Isle, as a lawn mower nearby disturbs the tranquil, serene, idyllic scene. (smile)
Now turning to our Bit – the last day – and I hear some sighs of relief. (smile) ‘Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.’
And again Friends, I want to impress on us the grave and great importance of giving; of giving generously and freely, for if we don’t give in that manner, we will NOT receive in that manner. As Jesus said, whatever measure you use to give, the same measure will be used to give back to you. (Luke 6:38) So it’s left up to each of us as individuals to make our own decisions.
And we turn to Jesus again, this time when a rich young man came and asked Jesus how he could gain eternal life? (Matt.19:16) However, when Jesus told him: ‘If thou wilt (want to) be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’ (Matt.19:21)
The young man hung his head and went away sad because he had a lot of material wealth. And so it is with us Friends; there’s nothing wrong with having material wealth, but you have to share it generously and with a good heart to gain God’s blessings.
For as Bruh Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians: ‘As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever. Now (may) he that ministereth (supplies) seed to the sower both minister (supply) bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness (liberality), which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want (needs) of the saints, but is abundant (abounding) also by many thanksgivings unto God.’ (2 Cor.9:9-12)
Yes Friends, it all comes from Almighty God, according to His purpose and plan! Now hear these explanations from the scholars.
‘9:9. His righteousness (prosperity) remaineth for ever: Neither Paul nor Psalm 112:9, cited here, advocates “prosperity theology,” that is, that every generous believer will be financially wealthy. Both experience and the context (c.f. 8:2) deny this.
This statement only says that the generous believer will always prosper in two ways: (1) financially, all his needs will be met, so that he will be able to keep giving (vs.8); and (2) spiritually, he will increase in everything (vs.12).
9:10. This verse may be translated; “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread to eat will supply and multiply your seed and will increase the harvest (yield) of your righteousness (prosperity).”
9:11. Being enriched is better translated, “You will be enriched.”
And we’ll end this series of messages on giving with these immortal and most appropriate words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth the Spirit shall of the Spirit real life everlasting.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:7-10).
Ah mih people, that hits the nail right on the head! It all comes from God in the first place, and as we share what we have, we will never suffer from want for the Lord will increase us, give us enough for our own needs as well as left overs to give to others.
Let’s get that basic law planted firmly in our souls nuh, so that we can follow it and thus live a prosperous and generous life. That’s truly heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
…Jehovah Jireh…the Lord our Provider…the Lord our Giver…is one of the many names of our wonderful, majestic and magnanimous God…
16 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cool breeze, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God, aches and pains, adrenalin flowing, aura of love, be generous, bless, blessings, bondservant, Carnival Monday, cold weather, confidence, conquerors, Cousin Sol, Crown Point, curse, cut to the chase, doing it like a boss, don't fool yuh fat, enthusiasm, eternal life, every man shall give as he is able, evil, glorious kingdom, God's little Acre, God's LOVE, godly, gospel truth, greedy, heat, holy spirit, hot like hell, humble servants, increase, invincible, J'ouvert, Jesus Christ, joy, li'l bit, lies, LOVE, Lucifer, Machel Montano, mas, miserly, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, New Orleans, North country, Oh Lord God Almighty, Paradise, poverty, Proverbs, ramped to the gills, rejuvenation of spirit, Rio, Roxborough, Scarborough, scatter, smile, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, Store Bay, T&T, therapeutic treatment, tinnitus, trust, truth, wisdom, withhold
Deuteronomy 16:17. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.
Well Friends, it’s Monday once again, but a Monday unlike any other, because while most of you around the world have to get up and go out and labour, in places like Rio, New Orleans and T&T, where I am, it’s supreme party time; Carnival, with all its attendant street parades filled with costumed bands, pounding, blasting music and revellers everlasting!
Yes Friends, in T&T it was J’ouvert morning, or the opening ceremonies for the party on the road. I got up about 3 a.m. having slept through most of the night, and after having a cup of caffeine, went down to the j’ouvert parade with the duchess.
The main road was blocked off by the police so we had to go through the back road. We found a decent spot on the grass shoulder to park, right down Crown Point, next to Store Bay, then went walking along the road back towards the Main Road.
This was about four o’clock and still dark, but the place was already hopping with people, ordinary revellers as well as those playing mas, with music blasting out from business places and trucks ramped to the gills with big speakers.
Brother! I had to get out of range of most of them, for when they passed you, or you passed them, you could feel your soul tremble from the loudness! (smile) Is a wonder I don’t have tinnitus, the music was so loud on my ear drums.
But the duchess seemed to be enjoying herself, taking pictures and grooving to the music, while I was somewhat sour because the music was so loud and nothing was happening to get the parade underway. I thought it was supposed to start at four, but it didn’t get underway till five.
And then there weren’t too many bands; most of them small, with a couple of them between fifty and a hundred participants, one of those being the white people’s band. And don’t fool yuh fat, the white people, both local and foreign, enjoy their mas. Numerous white tourists were also mixed in with the crowd.
Anyway to cut to the chase, when the bands began moving we went back towards where the car was parked since that was where the judging of the bands was taking place. We finally sat down in a bus shelter, just getting up to see the bands when they entered the park. And would you believe it, the ole fella’s body was aching all over from the little exertion.
All told we hadn’t walked more than a quarter of a mile, and I hadn’t been doing any jumping, yet my thighs, my knees and my back were aching, while the duchess was standing strong and partying, especially when she heard her favourite song, ‘Doing it like a boss’ by Machel Montano. That probably will win the Road March title for the tune most played on the road during the two days of carnival.
Anyway, by seven o’clock everything seemed quiet, so we left and came home. As we were leaving, we spoke to a policeman about the situation, and he said that mas in Tobago, in particular Scarborough and Crown Point had seriously deteriorated over the years, and if I wanted to see any of the older stuff, I had to go to Roxborough, where the real mas apparently now takes place.
Anyway I came home, had breakfast then went back to bed and woke up a few hours later, aching all over. I guess the Lord’s sending me a message that I’m not as strong as I think. That means I have to go to the beach later to get some more therapeutic treatment. (smile)
But enough about my aches and pains, let’s sing out our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much enthusiasm and verve as we can manage. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Ah mih people, that wasn’t such a hot rendition nuh, but it at least got our adrenalin going, and I’m sure the Lord will understand, for He is very good that way. So there’s no excuse for not doing as we just sang, especially when we add our Bit to the sentiments. ‘Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.’
Oh my people, if we are truly children of Jehovah God, then we should be living to give, to give generously and of a free will, for that’s what is expected of us. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Cousin Sol from Proverbs.
‘There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet (right), but it tendeth (leads) to poverty. The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat (rich, prosperous): and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.’ (Prov.11:24-26)
And the scholars give an excellent, succinct explanation to all of that. ‘11:24. Scattereth means to be generous in your giving. It can lead to prosperity, but miserliness can lead to poverty.’
And that my brethren is nothing but gospel truth! So therefore I once again encourage us to be generous, share whatever we have with others less fortunate. And regardless of how little we have, there’s always somebody with less than us, so we can’t use the excuse that we only have a li’l bit.
Anyway Friends, that’s it for today. Blessings and God’s LOVE from Paradise, where it’s about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the sun truly blazing down. But I guess most of you in the North Country would trade your extremely cold weather for this extremely hot one any time. And I wouldn’t blame you. It’s hot like hell, but a cool breeze is always blowing here on God’s Little Acre which minimizes the heat! (smile) Much LOVE!
…to give generously is godly…but to be greedy and miserly is to be Lucifer’s bondservant…
17 Oct 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a heart filled with love, almighty god, Amos, bacchanal, Carnival, chikungunya, Christmas, confidence, confines of heaven, corruption, courage, crush the needy, darkness, deadly Ebola virus, death, demon-filled, depravity, depressed, destruction, disaster, disease, disgruntled, disgusting society, dissolute, doom and gloom, Ebola, economic downfall, economic engines, executing judgement, famine, fellowship, fishhooks, flood, forgiving, Friday chant, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, global village, god unleash His wrath, hooks, indictment, Israel, It's all about Jesus, Jamaica, Jesus Christ, Jesus' sacrifice, joy, kine of Bashan, look on the bright side, Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, LOVE, Lucifer, lush pastures, make a mockery, mas, may the Lord bless and keep us, merciful, moral perversion, negative aspect, one and only true and living deity, oppress the poor, party down the place, passes all understanding, peace, perverse, positive enablers, posterity, prayer, punishment, put Jesus first, re-offender, relaxation, relent, rest, right choices, safe from harm, sales, Samaria, Scrip-Bit family, sentence, serving, shopping, sincere hearts, splendiferous light, storm, strife, stubborn pride, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the hand of God, the weekend's here, the women of Samaria, wantonness, war, West Africa, wisdom, wives, worshipping, wrath, wreaking havoc, yet you have not returned to me, zenith of wisdom
Amos 4:6B. …yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.
So Friends, it’s Friday! What do you have to say for yourselves eh?
And everybody just began rejoicing: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! The weekend’s here! Work soon finish, and we going to party down the place! Getting ready for Christmas and Carnival, checking out the parang, (Venezuelan based folk music popular in T&T) and whatever else there is to check out!
Yes Friends, the Christmas scenario is already being played out in T&T, and after Christmas is obviously the epic street party termed Carnival, Mas, Bacchanal, etc. etc. Imagine that nuh, in the middle of October, we already touting Christmas!
Every year it seems to start earlier and earlier, driven by the economic engines of sales and shopping. But my people, we need to remember that it’s not all about partying, or shopping, or any of those worldly related things.
It’s all about Jesus! The One who made it all possible, from a heart exceedingly filled with LOVE for us. So let’s try to put Him FIRST nuh… FIRST in all we say and do, because He is the One who enables us to do anything at all!
Now today I want to ask us to address two serious problems in prayer; that of the deadly Ebola virus that’s wreaking havoc in West Africa and is slowly spreading to other parts of the world. It’s already in Europe and North America, so please don’t think that because we’re so far away from Africa, that we’re immune to it. The very fact of our small, global village world and the ease with which we can travel makes anything very easy to spread.
And I also want us to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Jamaica, who are apparently suffering the wrath of another virus called ‘chikungunya.’ It doesn’t seem to be as deadly as Ebola, and consequently isn’t making as many headlines, but it certainly seems to wreaking havoc in J.A.
I don’t know much about it myself, but as I e-mailed some of you a message earlier on, sent from one of our Scrip-Bit family members, a doctor down there, asking for immediate prayer, because it appears to be taking a serious toll on the Jamaican population, and prayer is ALWAYS the best, if not the only solution to our woes.
Ah mih people, every day something new on the sad and unhealthy scene is raising its ugly head! If it’s not war and strife, then it’s some other natural or even manmade disaster; disease, famine, flood, storm, economic downfall, etc, etc.
We just can’t seem to get it right these days. And why is that? Because we have moved away in foolish, stubborn pride from sincerely serving and worshipping Jehovah God, the ONE and ONLY TRUE and LIVING DEITY; the ONE who created the world and all therein!
And then we wonder why our world is in such a damned state, one of death and destruction, where the positive enablers of peace, LOVE and joy are sadly lacking!
That brings us to the similarity of our current situation to that of Israel, its serious depravity, moral perversion and corruption which the prophet Amos spoke about. And our Bit is simply the end of several punishments that the Lord brought against Israel back then, unfortunately though, without the end He desired.
As the prophet wrote: ‘yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.’
Can you imagine it Friends? Listen to how Amos begins Chapter 4. ‘Hear this word, ye kine (cows, wives) of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters (husbands), Bring, and let us drink.
The Lord God hath sworn by his holiness, that lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. And ye shall go out at the breaches (breaks in the walls), every cow at that which is before her (each one straight ahead of her); and ye shall cast them into the palace (be cast into Harmon), saith the Lord.’ (Amos 4:1-3)
Now is that the kind of thing a God should have cause to say to His chosen people? Of course not! But He certainly had occasion to say it to the depraved and corrupt Israelites back then.
And unfortunately my people, today, this very day, He’s saying the same thing to us, because we are even more depraved and dissolute than Israel was back then. We just can’t seem to get it into our foolish skulls that a lot of the disaster befalling our world today is the hand of God, executing judgement on an evil, godless, depraved and disgusting society.
Hear how the scholars explain those verses. ‘4:1-3. Ye kine of Bashan is an indictment against the women of Samaria. The “cows” of Bashan were noted for being well fed and strong because of the lush pastures of the area.
The women of Samaria lived in luxurious wantonness, enjoying their luxury because they oppressed the poor and crushed the needy. When the women of the land sink to such a low moral and degraded state, God’s judgement must fall, for the entire land is degraded.’
And that’s exactly what’s happening to day my Friends! Our land is so depraved, depressed, disgruntled, distrustful, demon-filled, perverse, corrupt, beset by such doom and gloom that the true, just and holy God we are supposed to serve, has no other choice but to unleash His wrath, His punishment on us.
Anyway my brethren, enough of that negative aspect for today, let’s look now on the positive side of the ledger. Our God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is a merciful and forgiving God, who LOVES His children dearly, and is only too glad to relent of His anger and punishment, if and when we return to sincerely worshipping and serving Him, as we’ve seen happen on several occasions with Israel.
Yes my people, that’s the answer to all our problems; get out from under the evil darkness of Lucifer, which is currently blanketing our world, and move rejoicing and refreshed into the bright and splendiferous light of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
That’s why He left the cozy and comfortable confines of heaven to come to earth and die in our place. And now, if we don’t accept Him, and all that He stands for, then we’re simply making a mockery of His sacrifice, making it all a huge waste of time.
Anyway Friends, let’s hope that calmer and wiser heads will soon prevail, and we will return to worshipping and serving Almighty God with sincere hearts, because that is the zenith of wisdom!
Now let’s go home chanting our Friday Chant. Thought I’d forgotten nuh? (smile) 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.’
Now may the Good Lord bless and keep us safe from harm. May He make His face, His favour to shine upon us, and give us His extraordinary peace that passes all understanding, as well as the wisdom to make right and good choices today, as we venture forth with courage and confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us! Much LOVE!
…what’s a judge to do eh…with a proud, stubborn and foolish re-offender…but to hand down sentence…and execute punishment…
04 Mar 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: after one time is two, apostasy, archives of our memory, awesome truth, bacchanalian festival, bear fruit for Jesus, blasphemers, blazing sunshine, blessings, boasters, Bruh Paul, cares and riches, Carnival, Christ's return, cold weather, conclusion, corrupt minds, Cousin Sol, covetous, crescendo, deathly cold morning, disobedient, divers lusts, down south, faith, false teachers, fleeting pleasures of the world, folly, foolishness, fruit, futile, God's Word, godliness, good memories, gospel true, haughty, he who loves pleasure, he who loves wine and oil, I AM, in the hot sun, injustice, Jesus Christ, knowledge of the truth, life experiment, LOVE, lovers of God, lovers of pleasure, LOVETH, mas, maturity, meaningless, memories of carnival, merriment, Moses, neck of the woods, New Orleans, no self-control, northern climes, parable of the sower, perilous times, physcial warmth, playing mas, profound, proud, quest for truth, reckless, religion without power, reprobate, resist the truth, rewards in heaven, Rio, ruin, shall be a poor man, shall not be rich, silly women, sinful minions, slanderers, spiritual life, splendour of costumes, spontaneity of action, T&T, thanks and praise, the church age, the Good Lord, the last days, thrown to the wind, Timothy, unsatisfying, vain, warning, wine women and song, wisdom
Proverbs 21:17. He that LOVETH pleasure shall be a poor man: he that LOVETH wine and oil shall not be rich.
And the raging, unforgiving, unrepentant cold weather continues unabated in the northern climes, while down south, under blazing sunshine, mas and merriment are being joyfully made! What injustice! (smile)
But that’s the way the great I AM planned and created His awesome universe, so who are we, his sinful minions to dispute His higher than high ways, wisdom and understanding eh?
Yes Friends, it’s another deathly cold morning in my neck of the woods, while later today, down in Rio, New Orleans, T&T and wherever else, the crescendo of carnival is building up to its climax on the final day of the bacchanalian festival.
Oh that I was somewhere down there to enjoy the physical warmth, the splendour of the costumes, the joy, the spontaneity of action when the music blasts into your soul!
Oh Friends, there’s no feeling like playing mas in the hot sun, with the music, be it brass or steel, just jamming, and you singing and jumping to the high heavens! Ah Lord eh!
That’s why I keep reminding us to make good memories, because that’s all the ole fella has now – memories of carnival in yesteryear, when he made a fool of himself… oh but what enjoyable foolishness! (smile)
But as they so rightly and wisely say, after one time is two times. So all we ole fogeys who can’t jump and prance again, just have to delve into the archives of our memory and retrieve the good ones of a time when we were much less physically and mentally challenged. Hn, hn!
And at the same time, let’s all remember to give the Good Lord some thanks and praise for bringing us so far along into this life, and blessing us with all the blessings that so many others never received.
But my people, please, please never forget these extremely wise, very profound and gospel true words of our Bit: ‘He that LOVETH pleasure shall be a poor man: he that LOVETH wine and oil shall not be rich.’ It’s the awesome, awesome truth!
And we saw that yesterday, saw how Cousin Sol proved it with his great life experiment. (Eccl.2:1-11) And also as the scholars so wisely noted, that three thousand years after Cousin Sol’s empirical and factual conclusion to the contrary, mankind is still trying to find satisfaction and meaning in the unsatisfying, meaningless and fleeting good feelings of the pleasures of the world.
Yes my brethren, wine, women and song are pleasurable for the moment, but they have nothing of real and true lasting value. Only the things of God have true lasting value, can stand the test of time and the fire that our deeds will be eventually tested with.
So let’s now see what the scriptures have to say re Cousin Sol’s pronouncement that seeking a life of earthly pleasure is vain and futile.
And no words can be more telling than those of our Leader, Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Listen to Him as He talks about the parable of the sower, explaining what happens to the seeds that fall in different places when they are thrown to the wind.
‘And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection (maturity).’ (Luke 8:14)
Oh my fellow believers, if we’re only concerned with the cares, riches and pleasures of this world, we’ll NEVER bear fruit for Jesus! And thus our rewards in heaven, if we do get there, will be severely limited.
Now, are you willing to take the chance on any of those two scenarios happening in your life? I certainly hope not! For as Bruh Paul warns Timothy about the apostasy of the last days.
‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be LOVERS of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers (irreconcilable), false accusers (slanderers), incontinent (without self-control), fierce (brutal), despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady (reckless), high-minded (haughty), LOVERS of pleasures more than (rather than) LOVERS of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate (disapproved) concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.’ (2 Tim.3:1-9)
Oh Friends, I couldn’t say it any better than Bruh Paul! But there are some words from the scholars that I think are important for us to know, although it will make the Bit longer. But what are a few more words when they help us to understand God’s Word eh? (smile)
And the scholars declare: ‘3:1-4. The last days began with the birth of Christ and will culminate in Christ’s return to the earth to set up His kingdom. The prediction of perilous times indicate that apostasy will characterize the final days of the church age.’
‘3:5-9. A form of godliness is mere religion without power or spiritual life. Paul commands Timothy to turn away from these false teachers who prey upon silly women laden with sins, who are especially susceptible to false teachers.
Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth condemns not intense study but some esoteric quest for truth apart from God’s Word. Jannes and Jambres, according to Jewish tradition, were the two magicians in Pharaoh’s court who attempted to duplicate Moses’ miracles (cf. (Ex. 7:11; 9:11).’
So Friends, it’s obvious that our total concentration on the pleasures of this world, only leads us to ruin! And daily we see lots of evidence of it around us. So please, I’m pleading with us, let’s all take serious note of it nuh, and consequently restructure and conduct our lives in a more appropriate fashion, one that suits true believers. Now that’s wisdom in spades! Much LOVE!
…he who LOVES the pleasures of this world…will not receive much LOVE from heaven…
03 Mar 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adrenalin, aesthetic, artistic pleasure, aura of love, bacchanal, Bacchus, blessed, brass, calamitous, Carnival Monday, catclysmic, confidence, Cousin Sol, Creator of the universe, disastrous, evil emotion, experiment, fame, fellowship, fight the good fight, fool's wisdom, great works, he who loves pleasure shall be poor, holy spirit, honour, humble servants, in search of enduring fulfillment, invincible, jealousy, Jesus Christ, jobs, lasting satisfaction, lord god almighty, LOVE, mas, mind yuh business, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, pain, pan, party hearty, pleasure, point of excess, power, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, suitable for believers, sure conquerors, time, to receive glory, trust, useful purpose, valus of earthly pleasure, wealth, wine, wisdom, word of warning, worthwhile inroads, worthy
Proverbs 21:17. He that LOVETH pleasure shall be a poor man: he that LOVETH wine and oil shall not be rich.
And then it was Monday, Friends… Carnival Monday! And at 4.a.m on a warm summer’s morn, the party-goers are starting to pour out into the streets from the all-night fetes, impatiently waiting for the steelbands to get organized and start jamming some pan to get J’ouvert, the first session of the big road party underway. Mama Yo! Fete fuh so!
Yes mih people, that’s what’s happening in T&T and various places around the world right now, in preparation for two days of pan and brass and mas out on the streets; two days of letting go, two days of uninhibited pleasure dedicated to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and partying, before settling down to a strict Lenten Season.
Meanwhile, I’m out here in the cold, on the outside sadly looking in. Steups! But not to worry Friends, I don’t mind missing the mas itself because in my opinion it’s not half as good as it used to be. What I miss is the heat of the sun.
Anyway mih bredden, one word of warning, please go easy on the pleasure, not too much bacchanal or ‘Luciferous’ type of pleasure, (smile) for as Cousin Sol so wisely advises in our Bit: ‘He that LOVETH pleasure shall be a poor man: he that LOVETH wine and oil shall not be rich.’
And there are absolutely no words to describe the truth of that statement my people!
Now generally speaking, there’s nothing wrong with pleasure, for as the Good Book tells us: ‘Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (by your will they exist.’ (Rev.5:11)
That shows our God is not averse to pleasure, that’s why He made nice things; first for Himself, then for us to enjoy. However, when the earthly pleasure reaches a point of excess, it’s no longer suitable for believers.
And there’s plenty of evidence, much research from way back, done by Cousin Sol on the topic. He had great wealth, much wisdom and plenty time, so he decided to conduct a practical and personal experiment on the subject; to try and prove the value of much earthly pleasure.
Listen to him in Ecclesiastes: ‘I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove (test) thee with mirth (gladness), therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity (futility).’ (Eccl..2:1)
Yes Friends, Cousin Sol found that too much earthly pleasure, or just living to enjoy earthly pleasure is vain and futile! You can read the rest of his documentation on the experiment in Eccl.2:2-11)
The scholars also have some good info on those verses. ‘2:1-11. Solomon pursued fulfillment through pleasure (vv. 1-2), wine (v.3), great works (vv. 4-6), wealth (vs.-8), aesthetic and artistic pleasures (v.8), and fame (v.9).
All of these failed to bring lasting satisfaction to the wisest man of all time, yet people three thousand years later are still trying them in search of enduring fulfillment. Musical instruments (v.8) translates an uncertain Hebrew word and possibly refers to a harem or group of concubines.’
So yuh see mih people, Cousin Sol tried it all, but found that embarking on a life of earthly pleasure is nothing but a fool’s wisdom! Hn, hn! That phrase seems to be popping up quite often these days.
But unfortunately so many of the things that are popular today, like the scholars say, belong to that category, and that’s a major reason why our world is so disastrous, calamitous and cataclysmic.
And no, I haven’t forgotten that not all of us can go out on the streets and party today, most of us still have to go out and slave for Massa. So to help us do that, as well as keep the evil emotion of jealousy out of our hearts and souls (smile) let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with great gusto.
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!’
And on that note, we’ll close for today. Now with the adrenalin running, let’s go out and fight a good fight in Jesus’ Name, make Him ever so proud of us. Much LOVE!
…oftimes…too much pleasure…sadly turns into plenty pain…so party hearty…but remember to mind yuh business…
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