04 Dec 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a modicum of circumspection, a rough workweek, Amen, better late than never, blessed is he that readeth, carousing, cast off the works of darkness, Christ's reign of righteousness, Christian's life, circumspect, doing what we want, drunkenness, earthly pilgrimage, envying, ever-Loving, faith, fellowship, focused, for the time is at hand, Friday chant, fulfilling of the law, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, go astray, gracious, hope, insensitivity, invite the enemy, keep those things which are written therein, licentiousness, LOVE, love worketh no ill, merciful, no giving up in Jesus, partying, patience, perseverance, praise and glorify, put on the armour of light, put on the Lord jesus christ, relaxation, renewed and refreshed, rest, revelry, run afoul of Christ, salvation, sense of balance, sense of purpose, sincerity, strife, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, thank you Father God, the coming of Christ, the demands of Christ, the new life in Christ, the prince of the power of the air, the road is rugged and rough, the sin nature, the straight and narrow path, the weekend, they that hear the words of this prophecy, to awake out of sleep, to walk in company with christ, tough, truth, victory, walking in LOVE, wantonness, we can't give up, we will overcome, wide and destructive path, wisdom, with your generous help
Revelation 1:3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Well precious people, it’s Friday…
And like everybody just went berserk. ‘Wowee! TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here! What a wonderful time we’re going to have, partying, carousing, and doing exactly what we want! There’s no better time than the weekend! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here!’
Ah friends, I do understand the ecstatic sentiments at the end of a rough workweek, but they are ones that will lead us down the wide and destructive path, not the narrow one that leads to our heavenly Father. So we need to be a bit more circumspect, re our weekend activities, if we don’t want to run afoul of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
And to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with sincerity and sense of purpose. As one chanter 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 my fellow believers, we need to achieve some sense of balance in our weekend activities, so that we don’t go astray and invite the enemy into our lives anymore than he’s already there. So please, just a modicum of circumspection nuh, as Jeeves would say. (smile)
And here is the chorus of a reggae song that I heard last night by Michael Arkk, titled ‘Tough’ It goes like this: ‘The road is rugged and rough. We all know it’s tough. But we can’t give up. The road is rugged and rough. We all know it’s tough. But we will overcome.’
Oh my people, my people, that describes believers to a ‘T’! Our earthly pilgrimage can be indeed rugged and rough, but we cannot give up because there’s no giving up in Jesus, especially since He has already assured us that the victory will indeed be ours.
Now it certainly wouldn’t make sense to throw in the towel if you know that victory is guaranteed, you’ll just work through what ever difficulties come against you with faith, hope, patience and perseverance, knowing that you WILL win in the end!
But again, to do all of that successfully requires more than we can manage in our finite and human selves. It needs the help of our wonderful Creator, as our Bit reminds us. ‘Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.’
That’s for certain sure friends! We can’t do very much on our own, we need the ever-ready and always-faithful assistance of our great God and King to keep us focused on the straight and narrow path that leads right to His front door in heaven.
And all God’s children sighed a grateful sigh, and uttered a loud shout of thanks and praise. ‘Thank You Father God for enabling us to successfully walk this path of pilgrimage! We LOVE You, and sincerely praise and glorify Your Holy Name! Amen.’
Oh mih breddren, how beautiful and wise it is to walk this earthly walk in company with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! Nothing else in this world compares even one iota to it!
And all God’s people gave out with a loud and rousing ‘AMEN!’
Now let’s continue looking at scriptures that corroborate our bit, beginning with the words of Bruh Paul in his letter to the church at Rome, when he talks about walking in LOVE.
‘LOVE worketh no ill (does no harm) to his neighbour: therefore LOVE is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we (first) believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly (properly), as in the day; not in rioting (revelry) and drunkenness, not in chambering (licentiousness) and wantonness (lewdness), not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.’ (Rom.13:10-14)
Oh my people, what encouraging and truthful words! Please let’s take them to heart and put them into action, for that is wisdom personified!
Now let’s end with some explanations from the scholars on those verses. ’13:11-12. Sleep means insensitivity to the demands of Christ on the Christian’s life. Now is our salvation nearer: The coming of Christ to deliver us from this sinful world grows nearer every day.
The night is the time while Christ is out of the world, and the world has been delivered into the control of the prince of the power of the air. (Eph.2:2). The day is a reference to the time when Christ will return and establish His reign of righteousness.’
‘13:14. Make not provision for the flesh: One should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature, but should seek occasion to manifest works that are consistent with the new life in Christ.’
Words of awesome truth my brethren! So let’s seriously and sincerely ponder them and make them a precious part of our lives nuh, so that we can dwell in righteousness with our ever-LOVING, merciful and gracious God. Much LOVE!
…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but the ole fella’s sleep was not the greatest, the aches and pains were having a heyday, and thus he got up rather late. And it seems like my trusty computer wasn’t having such a good morning either; it was sort of slow and groggy like me. (smile) But as they say, better late than never. Much LOVE!
09 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a better perspective, a just man falleth seven times, a modicum of circumspection, a roaring lion, a sense of purpose, a toehold, be sober, be vigilant, cast thy burden upon the Lord, come up over the enemy, Commit thy way to the Lord, delight thyself in Him, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, fellowship, fire and brimstone, Fret not thyself over evildoers, Friday chant, friends, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, glory and dominion, glory to God, gospel truth, Granny's warning, he may exalt you in due time, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved, he shall sustain thee, his seed begging bread, humble beginnings, humble yourselves in the sight of God, Jesus, kiss and tell, LOVE, Lucifer, make you perfect, merciful, our Lord and Saviour, relaxation, resist steadfast in faith, rest, Rest in him, strengthen, stumble into calamity, thanks for getting me through another week of work, thanksgiving, the devil, the God of all grace, the Lord upholdeth him with his hand, the mighty hand of God, the righteous forsaken, the righteous seed of God, the steps of a good man, the wicked shall fall into mischief, trust in the Lord, we let our hair down, wisdom, your adversary
Psalm 55:22. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).
Well Friends, that long awaited day, Friday, is finally here! And most of us are already shouting ‘Glory to God! TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here, especially this one; this Thanksgiving weekend! Brother! The partying and giving of thanks will be memorable! Thank You again God that it’s Friday!’
Ah Friends, what can I say eh? Not much really. This is indeed the weekend we in Canada celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We do it in October, unlike the Americans, who do it in November. And I have a little secret to share with you. I begun my celebrations yesterday, because it was the duchess’ birthday…
And don’t even venture to ask how old she is! (smile) Remember a lady doesn’t tell her age, just like she doesn’t kiss and tell. Oh I can just feel the fire and brimstone ready to fall on I, if I ever divulge that bit of information! (smile) But I’m a tad smarter than that. Anyway, the celebration wasn’t anything big, just a small family gathering, so there was no need to go overboard.
Now, I would be rather amiss if I did not remind us of Granny’s ever so important warning at times like these. ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’
Oh Friends, I know that it can be a bit of a drag, but it’s a good drag, reminding us not to get ourselves involved in any thing ungodly, or anything that will give the deceitful Lucifer even a toehold in our affairs. And that’s quite easy to do when we let our hair down and behave like we don’t have a care in the world.
Anyway, as usual, to give us a better perspective on how to spend the weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant with a serious sense of purpose nuh. Altogether 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.’
That’s more like it my people! As Jeeves would say, just a modicum of circumspection. And since we can’t ever hope to avoid or resist the tempter on our own, we need to do as our Bit so wisely advises us. ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’
And that’s the gospel truth my people! Remember yesterday, we saw what Bruh David had to say about the situation in Psalm 37; Fret not thyself over evildoers, but Trust in the Lord…Delight thyself in Him…Commit thy way to Him…Rest in Him…
Yes my people, when we do those things we will come up over the enemy EVERY time!
Later on in the Psalm he also made this confident proclamation: ‘The steps of a good man are ordered 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.’ (Ps. 37:23-26)
And Bruh David should know whereof he speaks, because he rose from humble beginnings to be Israel’s most powerful king, not in his own strength, but in the Lord’s! Likewise my brethren, we can also rise from humble beginnings to great heights in God’s realm if we accept His Son Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and faithfully follow His commandments.
Now listen to Cousin Sol’s take on the subject from Proverbs. ‘Lay not wait (do not lie in wait), O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil (assault) not his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity).’ (Prov.24:15-16)
Sure words of wisdom from Cousin Sol my brethren! Regardless of how many times the righteous falls, the Lord will always pick him back up again! What a wonderful promise!
And we’ll end with these wise words from Peter. ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet.5:6-7) More words of truth and wisdom my people!
And here’s a li’l something extra from Peter, that’s especially appropriate for this Thanksgiving weekend. ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom 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 Jesus Christ, 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.5:8-11)
That’s Granny’s warning in the long form! (smile) Now Friends, let’s go out and put all that we’ve learned today into action nuh, so that we can all be assessed as the righteous seed of God, for in that there is abundant wisdom! Much LOVE!
…on whom would it make the most sense…to lay all our cares and concerns on… than on the Creator of this universe…the omnipotent Jehovah God…who controls the world…and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…who died to pay for our sins…
22 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: A Prayer for later years, a sinful nature, a sour old person, a terrific Tuesday, Abraham Isaac and Jacob, accept with graciousness, aches and pains, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you, and I will bear, brow beat, complain about my aches and pains, enchilada of roadwork, encourages, endure the boredom with patience, eternal life, even I will carry and deliver you, even to your old age, expressing an opinion on every subject, favours, from creation in our mother's womb, generous, get to the point, God's mysterious workings, going to bed early is strictly for the birds, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, grace to listen to others, graceful, gracious, helpful, I am he, I have made, immortal spirits soar to heaven, independent, jack hammering, loving, make me thoughtful, Mary's Musings, merciful, mortal bodies return to dust, one true and living God, our Lord and Saviour, Praise the Lord, promises, push and keep us down, pushy, recital of endless destails, salvation, talkative, talkative society, the annals of life, the pleasure of discussing my aches and pains, the sounds of heavy machinery, the wisdom to keep my mouth shut, the work of the devil, tiresome habit, understanding, undeserving children, uplifts, walk the path of peace, wisdom
Isaiah 46:4. And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs (gray hairs) will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Aye mih people, welcome to another wonderful day in the annals of life! (smile) It looks to be a terrific Tuesday, although a tad chilly and noisy in my area. Oh Lord eh! It’s never amusing, inviting or interesting to awaken to the sounds of heavy machinery rumbling along the roadway and jack hammering pounding away at the road.
Unfortunately that’s what I awakened to today. I thought they had finished working in the neighbourhood, and all that was left to do was pave the main road. But when I looked out it seems they were digging up around the manholes, after having smoothened out the road for paving last week. Steups!
Now couldn’t they have dug up around the manholes then, instead of doing it now? To my small mind that would have made much more sense. But the whole enchilada of roadwork and construction this summer has made little sense whatsoever. Anyway it seems as though they have moved on further down the road, so I’m not hearing the noise like before.
And here’s an interesting prayer that seems to cover all bases. It comes on a single sheet of paper. Somebody gave it to the duchess and she gave it to me, and now I’m going to share it with you…. Another of God’s mysterious movements! (smile) It seems to be taken from a Blog called ‘Mary’s Musings – Life and times of a small town Nana…’ And the prayer is titled ‘A Prayer for Later Years.’
Please pray with me Friends. ‘Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit of expressing an opinion on every subject. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details.
Give me wings to get to the point. Give me the grace, dear Lord, to listen to others describe their aches and pains. Help me to endure the boredom with patience and keep my lips sealed, for my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity, and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
Teach me the glorious lesson that, occasionally, I might be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not wish to be a saint (saints are so hard to live with), but a sour old person is the work of the devil. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not pushy; independent; yet able to accept with graciousness favours that others wish to bestow on me.
Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, I am wiser than those who have not lived so long. If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in recent years, give me the wisdom to keep my mouth shut. Lord knows that when the end comes, I would like to have a friend or two left.’
And all God’s people let out a loud shout of ‘Amen! Praise the Lord!’
The paper went on to say: ‘The author is unknown but I wish I had written it. I think it is appropriate for those of us of a “certain age.”
Now I agree with that to a certain extent, but with the kind of talkative society we now have, I believe people of all ages should embrace that prayer, for it does cover a lot of useful ground.
I also disagree with the point about ‘the pleasure of discussing my aches and pains is becoming sweeter as the years go by.’ Definitely not! They are certainly increasing, and discussing them only makes me remember them and dread their persistence in my life! (smile)
Overall though, it’s a blessed good prayer for ALL of us to pray, since we ALL are guilty of a lot of it. And now I’m going to do exactly what the prayer warns about; complain about my aches and pains. (smile) But it serves a useful purpose, explaining why the Bit is so late.
I went to bed earlier than normal, and woke up at some God-forsaken hour, but refused to get up so early. But as the Lord would have it, after much turning and tossing, I got up late, with a terrible back pain, which I seem to get anytime I lie down too long in bed. So I’m finally convinced that going to bed early is strictly for the birds! End of excuse! (smile)
Now there’s not a lot of time or space left for our Bit, but it is a very interesting promise of God, especially to us old fogeys. ‘And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs (gray hairs) will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.’
Yes Friends, the same God who made us, has also faithfully promised to carry us all the way through this earthly life; right down to our old age with our gray hairs prominently proclaiming our age and our wisdom. Now isn’t that something to be excited about? It certainly is!
No other supposed deity makes that kind of promise. Instead, they all try their best to brow beat us, push and keep us down, with all sorts of disadvantageous rules and regulations.
Only the ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, encourages, uplifts and promises to look after us from creation in our mother’s womb till the time our mortal bodies return to the dust from which it was taken, and our immortal spirits soar to meet Him in the high heavens!
And all God’s people gave out a loud and grateful shout: ‘Oh thank You heavenly Father for being so wonderful, so generous, LOVING, merciful and gracious to us undeserving children of a sinful nature. We LOVE You, praise and adore Your Holy Name, now and forever more. Amen!’
Now Friends, may we all walk the path of peace and LOVE, wisdom and understanding, blessed by the wonderful grace and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Much LOVE my brethren!
…blessed is the man or woman…who follows after Christ… from birth until death…to whom a wonderful earthly life is granted…along with salvation and eternal life…
20 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a man lay down his life for his friends, a new perspective on life, all things are become new, ambassadors of Christ, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, be ye angry and sin not, become more like Jesus, butterfly, caterpillar, celebration, Christ walked His talk, compassionate, deceitful lusts, disobedient, encouragement, every tongue declare that Christ is Lord indeed, except a man be born again, forgiving, freedom of choice, friends, godly character, grab the bull by the horns, greater love hath no man, he cannot see the kingdom of God, he is a new creature, if any man be in Christ, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, let not the sun go down on your wrath, Lord of Lords, loving, madness, merciful, old things are passed away, Pharisees, praise, put away lying, rebellious nature, refusing to believe, renounce our sins, reviling, righteousness., saviour jesus christ, seeking the things of God, sinful, speak every man truth, stupidity, Sunday, thanksgiving, the be all and end all, the ungodly things of the world, to whom every knee must bow, truth, ungodly traits, upliftment, we are members one of another, worship, you are my friends if you obey my commands
2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.
Well Friends, that wonderful day called Sunday has rolled around once more. And we all know what that means; joyful praise and worship, thanksgiving and celebration, encouragement and upliftment in God’s sanctuary, for all those who believe in His glorious Son Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom every knee must bow and every tongue declare that He is the Sovereign Lord indeed!
Oh Glory to God my people, for such a wonderful champion! There’s none else as mighty, as LOVING, as forgiving, merciful and compassionate as Him!
Those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ need to have their heads, hearts and souls thoroughly examined for stupidity and/or madness because He is the be all and end all to every human being. There’s nothing we can ever want that won’t be found in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Unfortunately though, the Father gave human beings the freedom of choice; the freedom to believe or not to believe in His Son, and with our naturally sinful, disobedient, prideful and rebellious nature, a whole host of humans are foolishly reviling and refusing to believe and put their trust in Him.
Thank God we are not amongst that ignorant lot my brethren! We believe…and will keep on believing until the very end, because He walked His talk: ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.’ (John 15:13-14)
Then He went out and showed His great LOVE for us by sacrificing His holy and sinless life on the cross at Calvary, so that we could have salvation and eternal life. Now to prove that we are indeed His friends, we need to do what He’s commanded, otherwise we’re no friends of His. As simple as that.
Now here’s an interesting quote from our friend Anselm, who aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. It says: ‘How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.’
When I read that a few days ago, it brought a chuckle to my soul and I knew that at some time I’d have to share it. But it does make a whole lot of sense. To become a butterfly you must stop being a caterpillar, and if you want to fly so badly, the only way to do that is to stop being a caterpillar.
And the good thing about that statement my people, is that it applies to almost everything in our lives. If we want to be one thing, we need to stop being something else. We simply cannot be two things at once. And becoming something else is very seldom easy as the lowly caterpillar and many of us can attest to.
And it’s very applicable to our becoming believers in Christ, as our Bit informs us. ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.’
That’s indisputable truth my people! To be a true believer in Christ, we must stop crawling through the ungodly things of this world, shed that old caterpillar skin and soar like a brand newborn butterfly into things of heaven!
Please note what Jesus told Nicodemus when he inquired about salvation. ‘Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again (from above), he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ (John 3:3)
So like the caterpillar that goes through a metamorphosis, a significant change to become a butterfly, so too we humans have to go through a significant change to become a true believer in Christ.
Now it’s not an easy task, especially with all the evil and ungodly bombardments we experience in this world. But with God’s help it can be accomplished, and believe me friends, it’s very worthwhile and rewarding. When we are born again, we develop an entirely new perspective about life, about living for Christ.
Listen to how Bruh Paul talked about the new life in Christ to the Ephesians. ‘That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ (Eph.4:22-24)
Yes my brethren, as new born believers in Christ we need to renounce our old worldly ways and sins, constantly being changed to become more like Christ every day, seeking the things that are God, and seeing the world from His viewpoint. All of that helps us to develop a new and godly character, so that we can walk in righteousness and truth.
As Bruh Paul continues to the Ephesian’s. ‘Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil.’ (Eph.4:25-27)
Yes Friends, those are just a few of the things that we need to cut out from our old behaviour, and replace them with their opposite and godly behaviour. And there are many more characteristics of daily living that Bruh Paul advises us to change, which I won’t go through in detail, but you can read for yourself in Ephesians 4:28-32.
So my brethren, now that we are new creatures, new creations in Christ, let’s act and look the part nuh. We can’t afford to be exhibiting the same ungodly traits and characteristics we showed before we were born again, otherwise we’d be considered hypocritical, like the Pharisees of old, and give Christ a bad name and a less than stellar reputation.
And we surely don’t want to do that, so let’s grab the bull by the horns, get ourselves together, so that we can be good ambassadors for Christ. That’s everlasting wisdom! Much LOVE!
…to truly live for Christ…means throwing out the old ways of the world…and bringing in the new ways of heaven…
15 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 20-20 vision, a helping hand, according to His abundant mercy, almighty god, Blessed be the God and Father, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christian's destiny, comfort, compass, compassionate, continually guarded by God, deliverance, Easter Sunday, encouraging words, faith, forgiving, frenzied state, friends, gentle, glory hallelujah, glory to God, God never relaxes His vigil, God's attributes, God's great earth, God's magnanimous works, grace, guaranteed by Jesus' resurrection, hath begotten us again, hindsight, histrionic fits, hope, I am halfway home, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, incorruptible, inheritance, into a lively hope, Jesus as the guide, kept by the power of God, kind, life eternal, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, loving, lurking in the background, makes life worth living, merciful, mercy, morally untainted, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, new stage of life, no element of uncertainty, not looking back at the past, of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Creator, our Provider, Peter, plan of salvation, ponder it all, powerful, promises, reserved in heaven, revealed in the last time, rose triumphantly from the dead, rudder, salvation, security, sincerity and truth, stepped into the breach, surrender my life to Jesus, thank God, that fades not away, the author of salvation, the breath of life, the Lord works, the presence of God, the presence of sin, the ravages of time, the resurrection of Christ, the sun and Son are shining, the trees dancing to a fast riddim, the work of salvation, through faith unto salvation, time from a Western perspective, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, undefiled, vigil, Wednesday Wail, what a wonderful God we serve and worship, wisdom, wisest action, with God's help
1 Peter 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Ah Friends, it was just one of those days where the ole fella went to bed at a Shakespearean early hour. (smile) Three o’clock found me sitting on my porch, but I didn’t stay long because the wind was in a rather frenzied state and had the poor trees dancing to an incredibly fast riddim, and it was also a tad chilly in my shorts and T-shirt.
It’s surprising that nothing seems to have been blown down, for since early evening the wind had been having serious histrionic fits. I had to close a couple of my windows because it was making such a fuss. And it’s still not completely over it’s bad behaviour, but just not as challenging as during the night.
Thankfully though, both the sun and Son are shining quite brightly this Wednesday morning. And since it’s Wednesday, then I guess it’s time for our Wednesday Wail. Please wail with me.
‘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, what a Friend, Lord and Saviour we have in Jesus Christ! Glory to God! I don’t know what we’d do without Him nuh, for He is so LOVING, gentle, kind, compassionate, merciful and forgiving… And that’s just the tip of His attributes. It would take me half the day to name them all.
Yes Friends, having Jesus as the guide, the rudder and compass of our lives is the wisest action we can ever take down here on God’s great earth! I don’t know how I lived, how I existed before I truly let Him into my heart. Oh, He was always there, but lurking in the background, waiting for me to smarten up and surrender my life to Him.
As they say, hindsight is certainly 20-20 vision yes! For in hindsight, I can now see the many occasions on which He lent me a helping hand. Many times when others couldn’t or refused to help, He was the One who stepped into the breach and shored it up.
That’s why, now that I’ve truly bought into His plan, I can say with all sincerity and truth; what a wonderful God we serve and worship! And am I ever so grateful for His LOVE, mercy, comfort and grace which certainly makes this life worth living.
And I know that I’m not alone in that regard because the Lord works His magnanimous works in the lives of ALL who sincerely believe in and honour Him.
That’s why we can agree with Peter when he so wisely declares in our Bit: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’
Yes my brethren, this new life of ours all stems from the resurrection of Christ. Without His resurrection, there would be no new creation of man!
And as Peter continues:’(We have been raised) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’ (1 Pet.1:4-5)
Oh Friends, what powerful and encouraging words and promises! But all of it indisputable, gospel truth!
Now let’s delve into what it all means with the help of the scholars. ‘1:3 –2:10. The Christian’s destiny: salvation. Salvation means “deliverance.” Peter’s view of salvation is ultimate salvation, that is, when the believer will be rescued from this world into the presence of God.’
‘1:3-12. The plan of salvation: Peter does not look at time from a Western perspective. The Hebrews regarded the present as so fleeting that in their language they have essentially only two tenses: past and future.’
‘1:3-5. The portrayal of salvation looks to the future. The author of salvation is portrayed as the blessed God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The work of salvation (vv.3-5) is described as to its effect. Hath begotten us again refers to a new stage of life that begins at salvation.
This lively hope has no element of uncertainty, for it is guaranteed by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. The believer’s inheritance is described as incorruptible (Gr. aphtharton), imperishable or indestructible, and undefiled (i.e. morally untainted). That fadeth not away (Gr. amaranton) means it is not subject to the ravages of time.
Further it is reserved (Gr. teteremenen, perfect tense), that is, it has been preserved in the past and still is in heaven. Kept is a present passive participle – we are secure because we are continually guarded by God, who never relaxes His vigil. Salvation here refers to final salvation, that is, deliverance from the presence of sin and into the presence of God.’
Ah Friends, I do hope that the general descriptions, as well as the more specific ones help us to better understand what salvation is, and all that’s laid up for us in heaven, and also helps to increase our faith by knowing, by being assured that Almighty God, our Creator and Provider is constantly watching over us, and we can have no better security than that.
Now let’s ponder it all, then put it into action as our lives unfold, obviously with God’s help, for it is indeed the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!
…oh what an auspicious, blessed and reassuring day…was that Easter Sunday morn…when Christ triumphantly rose from the grave…and gave us all the hope of future life eternal…with Him in heaven…
13 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abundant in goodness, all his works are done in truth, and new wine the maids, anxious, aura of love, being obedient to God's will, Bruh David, Bruh Paul, confidence, corn shall make the young men cheerful, Creator of the universe, encouragement, faithful, fearful, For how great is his goodness, friends, get up and go, God's favour, godless world, gospel truth, gracious, harmonious voice, hectic weekend, holy spirit, how great is his beauty, humble servants, in the land of the living, invincible, Jesus Christ, justice, labouring time, lies, long-suffering, LOVE, loving kindness, merciful, mercy, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Moses, Mt. Sinai, O Lord God Almighty, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, repentance, rest, right motives, righteousness., rightousness, Rome, sincere, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, taunts, the BIBLE, the goodness of the Lord, the judgement of God, the Ten Commandments, the word of the Lord is right, trials and tribulations, truth, ungodly world, uptight, wiles, wisdom
Zechariah 9:17. For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn (grain) shall make the young men cheerful (thrive), and new wine the maids.
Ah mih people, it’s labouring time once again! That beautiful day of Monday has come around so that some of us can go to work and rest after a hectic weekend. (smile) Yeh, a few of us have life easier at work than at home; no family and/or children to constantly yell at and clean up after. Thus you are happy to get out of the house after a couple of hectic days at home.
But whatever your situation, all of us can always use some encouragement, some get up and go, come Monday morning. So let’s stir up the adrenalin with a loud and lusty rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn nuh.
As one harmonious voice now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
That was good Friends, not great, but good enough to bring a smile to our conductor, Jesus’ face. And anytime we can bring a smile to Jesus’ face, then we are surely on the right track. But now we have to venture out into the cruel and godless world and try to keep that smile on His face by being obedient to His will, otherwise our day will be all for naught.
That doesn’t mean we have to be uptight, fearful and anxious about Jesus’ reaction to our daily walk, because He knows our frail and fragile human nature and has experienced firsthand the trials and tribulations of this world. We just need to be faithful and sincere and do our best out of a heart flushed with right motives.
And we don’t need to worry if we don’t accomplish all we set out to do in a manner glorifying Him, because as our Bit says: ‘For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn (grain) shall make the young men cheerful (thrive), and new wine the maids.’
Yes my people, the Lord’s goodness has been legendary right down through the ages. And He doesn’t wait for anybody to say it, He said it Moses, the second time he went up Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. The Bible details it thus: ‘And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth…’ (Ex.34:6)
And since our God cannot lie, that means His words were gospel truth! And eventually people began believing after seeing it for themselves. As Bruh David says in Psalm 27 – The Lord is my light and my salvation. ‘I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.’ (Ps.27:13)
Ah Friends, that is also indisputable truth, for where would be if we couldn’t expect to see God’s favour and goodness down here on earth eh? Things would have been even rougher than they are now. But such is the wisdom, compassion and mercy of our wonderful God! He knows that we need to experience His favour down here on earth so that we can handle all the stuff that comes against us in a wicked world.
Then in Psalm 33 – Praise to the Lord for his creation, the psalmist boldly and confidently declares. ‘For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He LOVETH righteousness and judgement (justice): the earth is full of the goodness (LOVING-kindness) of the Lord.’ (Ps.33:4-5) And that’s no lie Friends; otherwise our world would be even more cruel, evil and topsy-turvy than it currently is.
Now listen to Bruh Paul in his missive to the church at Rome, where he’s telling them that to judge others is to condemn themselves. And by the way, that still applies to all of us today. ‘And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest thou the same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?’ (Rom.23-4)
Oh Friends, oh Friends, never were truer words spoken! As I keep saying, I don’t know what we would have done without the goodness of our magnanimous God!
And we shall end with the words of Bruh David from Psalm 145 – The Lord is gracious. ‘I will speak of the (meditate on) the glorious honour (splendour) of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible (awesome) acts and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly (eagerly) utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.’ (Ps.145:5-7)
My brethren, Bruh David did as he declared, and was amply rewarded for his faithfulness. Now it’s our time to passionately talk of God’s goodness and sing of His righteousness. Please, let’s go out and do that today and every day, for it is undoubtedly wisdom from above. Much LOVE!
…the goodness of God is what keeps us keeping on…
11 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a faithful Creator, a good soldier of Christ, always render more and better service, Bruh Paul, busyness, confession, contradiction, conveniences, double duty, faithfulness, for he is faithful that promised, forgiving, go a mile, go the extra mile, go with him twain, God cannot deny Himself, God is always faithful, hope, household chores, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, I will triumph in the works of thy hands, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, kind, lend us a hand, lesiure time, let us hold fast the profession of our faith, LOVE Revolution, loving, magnificent and magnanimous God, mental deprivation, merciful, paradoxically, Saturday, Sermon on the Mount, sleeping in, spiritual intention of our heart, stand strong in the Lord, strenuous, suicide, surrender to Jesus, the ordinary man, the will of God, thy counsel of old, Timothy, tiresome, truth, ungodly world, well doing, without wavering, work ethic
Hebrews 10:23. Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Oh Friends, it’s Saturday; sleeping in time for some, but for many others household chores, shopping and looking after young children will possibly make their day more strenuous and tiresome than any of the five days they slog off to work outside the home.
But that’s the unfortunate contradiction of modern day society; we have more conveniences than at any other time in man’s history, which ought to make our lives easier and give us more leisure time, but paradoxically we are also busier and enjoy less free time than our forebears. For sure, life wasn’t as hectic even just one generation ago, but as we supposedly evolve to a higher standard of life, we seem to have less time for ourselves.
Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do about it overnight as a society, but as individuals we can surely scale back the busyness in our lives which is causing us more stress and anxiety and thus increasing mental deprivation and higher rates of suicide, especially among the young.
Ah Friends, contrarily, life is becoming more difficult for many as our civilization evolves and we have to try and manage it as best as we can in our own interest, not the interest of the world and the powers that be. We have to look after ourselves because no one else is looking after the ordinary man who makes up the bulk of the society.
But having said all that, I want to share a quote from our friend Anselm, who aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. (smile) And in this quote Anselm reminds us to; ‘Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.’
Now that may seem a bit harsh and unfair, but it is what Jesus advocated in the Sermon on the Mount. ‘And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain (two).’ (Matt.5:41)
And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘5:41. In ancient times government agents were in a position to compel forced service upon a subjugated people. A Roman soldier, for example, could compel a Jewish native to carry his armour or materials for one mile. Jesus now states that if someone compels you to walk a mile, go with him twain. The believer is to be willing to “go the extra mile.” Doing double our duty not only proves our loyalty to human authority, but likewise proves the spiritual intention of our heart.’
Oh my people, I know that many of you are chuckling and shaking your heads at that last sentence because numerous amounts of us nowadays don’t even want to do our simple, single duty, much more double. Hn! We have raised a generation that has no idea of, or use for the word ‘work-ethic.’ And that’s a sad mark on our resume as parents of this current generation.
But yuh know what Friends? We still have hope, we can still turn them around, both to come to Jesus, surrender their lives to Him and also find pride in doing good work. In fact we don’t have much of a choice if we intend to grow the LOVE Revolution of Jesus upon this wicked and ungodly world.
And one of the best ways to do that is by steadfastly and sincerely holding on to the words of our Bit, while working diligently to obtain our godly outcome. ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised ;)’
For sure my brethren! When we stand strong in the Lord and ask for His help to accomplish worthwhile projects, He will faithfully lend us a hand. The Lord has made numerous promises down through the ages and He has kept every one of them, so why should He change now eh? No reason whatsoever, once we keep our half of the bargain.
Now let’s look at some more scriptures which address our Bit. And here is an interesting one from Bruh Paul to Timothy. He’s talking here about being a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ‘If we suffer (endure), we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us: If we believe not (are faithless), yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim.2:12-13)
Isn’t that wonderful Friends? Regardless of our faithfulness, our God is ALWAYS faithful, because that’s just His nature. Just like He can’t lie, or help being merciful, forgiving, LOVING and kind.
Meanwhile, Isaiah in the song of praise by the redeemed confidently proclaims: ‘O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsel of old are faithfulness and truth.’ (Is.25:1) Again we see God’s faithfulness recognized and lauded by men of great faith.
And in Psalm 89 – God’s sure promises to David, Ethan the Ezrahite also proclaims with great confidence. ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens…. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints… O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?’ (Ps.89: 1-2,5, 8)
And the answer to those last two questions my people is an emphatic ‘NOBODY!’
And we’ll end with these well-known words of Psalm 92 – Praises for the Lord’s goodness. ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord; and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth (declare) thy LOVING-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery (lute or lyre); upon the harp with a solemn (harmonious or melodic) sound. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.’ (Ps.92:1-4)
Yes Friends, if the people of God did not see faithfulness in Him, none of the scriptures we’ve read over the last few days would ever have been written. Now let’s go out there without any doubts whatsoever in our hearts, re the faithfulness of our magnanimous and magnificent God, for that is heavenly wisdom!. Much LOVE!
…wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God…commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing…as unto a faithful Creator… (1 Pet.4:19)
01 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abounding in mercy, absolute truth, Birthday Canada, british north america act, Canada, Canada Day, celebrations, challenge, confession, covenant, Daniel, dark times, disobedience, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, epitome of wisdom, face to face, forgiveness, forgiving, glory hallelujah, God is in control, God loves a challenge, God's glorious attributes, God's promised never to leave nor forsake us, grace, Happy Birthday Canada, holy people, I'm not turning back, in the valley of the shadow of death, iniquity, interceding, kind, logic, long-suffering, LOVE, magnanimous god, mercies, merciful, mercy, Moses, Mt. Sinai, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, rebelled, rebellion, repay, repentance, responsibilities, rest in peace, signs and wonders, sinful times, slow to anger, summer, take advantage, the breath of life, the glory of the Lord, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Lord is merciful and gracious, the people of Israel, the Promised Land, the Ten Commandments, to a glorious future with Jesus, transgression, ungodly behaviour, Wednesday Wail, why to worry
Psalm 103:8. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness).
HAPPY CANADA DAY!
Happy Birthday Canada! On this 1st of July 2015, we’re a bright and sparkling one hundred and forty eight years old today! Wow! And the celebrations will be enormous! I began mine last night as you can see from the lateness of the Bit. (smile)
And why not eh? Canada has been good to me. It’s where I’ve spent the last forty two years and counting of my life. It hasn’t been easy, but it has certainly been interesting and rewarding. Like most other countries we’re on somewhat of a downward slide now, but by golly, it is still the best big country in the world! Glory Hallelujah!
In 1867 the British North America Act conferred some self-governing powers on Canada and she became a Dominion of Britain. Since then she has not looked back and has gone on to take her place as one of the leaders of the free world. Let’s hope that continues as time goes by.
Ohhh! Lest I forget later on, let me remind us right now about Granny’s wise words. ‘Sonny boy… remember that drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’
Words of absolute wisdom my brethren! For we all know that when we get into celebrating, we tend to get a tad loose and that only gives the wily old fox Lucifer a chance to invade our souls. And we definitely don’t want to do that. So let’s just keep our wits about us in the celebrations today.
And since it’s Wednesday, let’s do some wailing nuh. On the count of three: one, two, three. ‘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!’
Yes my people, is it ever so good to be alive on this first day in July, although the temperature is only supposed to go up to something like 21, and it is a tad chilly and cloudy outside. The summer doesn’t look to be shaping up too good nuh. But why to worry eh? Our great God is in control and He knows our wants and needs.
Plus He has faithfully promised never to leave nor forsake us, so if the true summer weather is a bit tardy in coming, we just have to take it in stride and rely on His wonderful promise to bring us safely through our dark times in the valley of the shadow of death.
Therefore we can now unconditionally declare: ‘The Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is a mighty and magnanimous God! We will rest in peace, safety and joy in His holy and everlasting, LOVE, mercy and grace! Amen!’
And now let’s turn to our Bit which so wonderfully proclaims all that we’ve said so far. ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness).’
Ah Friends, if our God didn’t possess all those glorious attributes, I don’t know, and fear to think what might have already become of us, with our truly disobedient and ungodly behaviour.
And as we’ve been doing for the last few days, let’s look at some scripture that shore up our Bit, beginning with Moses interceding with God for the people of Israel after they had foolishly rebelled against Him.
‘And now I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.’(Num.14:17-19)
Oh Friends, Moses wasn’t as stupid as he claimed to be nuh. The Lord was about to destroy the Israelites for their rebellion, but Moses used God’s own words back at Him, those He had used to Moses when He passed before Him on Mt. Sinai, while getting the second version of the Ten Commandments.
And I like the logic he used on God: If He destroyed the Israelites, then the other nations would say it was because He was unable to bring them safely through the wilderness. And we all know that our God LOVES a challenge! (smile) Tell Him He can’t do something, and you know He’ll prove that He can.
And though the Lord pardoned the Israelites, He promised, ‘But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.’ (Num.14:21) He rose to Moses’ challenge, and also declared that none of those who came out of Egypt and saw all His signs and wonders would step foot in the Promised Land. And so it was.
So my brethren, though our God is wonderful and merciful and kind, He won’t allow us to take advantage of His goodness and mercy, so please remember that there are consequences for continual disobedience.
Now hear Moses again, this time warning the Israelites that they were a holy people to the Lord and thus had great responsibilities. ‘Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that LOVE him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him (delay with those who hate Him), he will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments and the statutes, and the judgements, which I command thee this day, to do them.’ (Deut.7:9-11)
Oh Friends, we have it right there in black and white! We have also seen it in action down through the ages. So why do we in these unfaithful, ungodly and rather sinful times believe, or simply ignore the fact that we will not suffer God’s punishment for our boldfaced disobedience eh?
I assure us that we will, in God’s own time. He is indeed long-suffering and will give us plenty of rope, in the hope that we will wake up and smell the roses, or on the other hand, to hang ourselves.
Now let’s end with these words of absolute truth, as spoken by the great prophet Daniel in his prayer for his people, Israel. ‘To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him.’ (Dan.9:9)
And that’s no lie Friends! But we can’t keep on rebelling and keep expecting mercy and forgiveness forever. It’s not realistic from a holy, righteous and just God, and it will not happen.
So please let’s take the necessary precautions and turn once more in confession and repentance to the One who created us, the universe and all therein. That is the zenith and epitome of wisdom. Much LOVE!
…disobedience and rebellion NEVER pays…regardless of who or what we think we are…
28 Jun 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abounding, as a father pitys his children, as far as the east is from the west, be glad, befall a human being, believers in Jesus, Bruh David, criticizing God, damage occursgoing to church, destiny of our souls, encouragement, excuse, fellowshipping, flood warnings, forgiving, fragility, from everlasting to everlasting, goodness, gracious, heavenly blessings, iniquities, iniquity, Jesus, just desserts, long-suffering, loving kindness, majesty, man's days are as grass, merciful, Moses, Mt. Sinai, only true and living God, plenteous in mercy, praise, rejoice and give thanks, revere, reverence God, rewarded us per our sins, righteousness., sinful children of men, slow to anger, Ten Commandments, thanks, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Holy One of Israel, the Lord is merciful and gracious, the worst fate, tit for tat, transgressions, truth, up in arms, upliftment, wet and windy day, what's good for the goose is good for the gender, worship, wrongdoings
Psalm 103:8. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness).
Well Friends, welcome to a wet and windy Sunday morning in my area of the universe! In fact it’s been wet and windy since yesterday around noon, and will probably remain the same until sometime tomorrow morning.
So much heavenly blessing is expected that flood warnings have been issued to the low lying areas and those around rivers and creeks. Let’s hope that no serious damage occurs, although it’s always good to be prepared, just in case. However, a little water from heaven should not stop most of us from going to church this morning, though we are always ready to use it as an excuse.
I wonder how we would feel if when we cry out to God for help, He says: “Sorry I can’t offer any help right now nuh because the rain’s falling, or the snow is coming down in a blizzard, and in any case I’m just too busy, lazy or tired to help you right now. Check me back later, I might be able to do something then.’
No doubt we’d all be up in arms, criticizing God, but we feel it’s quite okay for us to make simple-minded excuses to stay away from His sanctuary and miss giving Him the praise, thanks and worship that are His due, as well as fail to receive the spiritual upliftment and encouragement that comes from believers in Jesus fellowshipping together.
Remember Friends, what’s good for the goose is also good for the gander. (smile) We can’t ignore God, then get annoyed and upset if He ignores us. But it’s a marvellous and wonderful thing that we don’t have that kind of God; one with a tit-for-tat personality and attitude, where whatever you mete out to Him, He has to necessarily meet back the same thing to you.
On the contrary my brethren, we have such a forgiving God, that it makes me sit and ponder in awe of His majesty and righteousness. Listen to how Bruh David describes our awesome God in our Bit that comes from Psalm 103 – Thanksgiving for God’s mercy. ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness).’
Wow mih people! Can that be said of any other supposed deity? Obviously not! Because none other than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are real, true and living gods. And nobody would know that better than Bruh David since he was a constant recipient of God’s LOVING-kindness despite his many wrongdoings.
Now hear how he continues after our Bit. ‘He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING-kindness) toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame (understands our constitution); he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more (not remember it). But the mercy (LOVING-kindness) of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;’ (Ps.103:9-17)
Oh my brethren, how can we not LOVE and revere such a wonderful Deity eh? We’d certainly be very foolish not to do so! He isn’t always chiding us for our mistakes, and His anger doesn’t last for very long. Most importantly, He has not given us our just desserts for the abominable sins we have committed. If He did, none of us would be alive to tell the tale, that’s for sure, since we have all sinned and come short of His glory. (Rom.3:23)
And even better yet, all those abominable transgressions have been removed from us as far as the east is from the west. He even treats those of us who worship and reverence Him like a father. He also knows our fragility, because He’s the one who created us from the dust of the earth and made our days comparatively as short as the flowers and grass that bloom in the fields.
Now why wouldn’t I be glad and rejoice and give thanks and gratefully appreciate all that eh? Hn! Unfortunately though, a lot of us, way too many, don’t believe it, neither do we appreciate God’s goodness to the sinful children of men. How sad and foolish my people.
It is indeed a very unwise move we are making, for we are playing with the eternal destiny of our souls, which could lead to death, damnation and everlasting separation from God. And as I keep reminding us, that is the worst fate that can ever befall a human being.
Now listen to those same sentiments expressed by the Lord Himself, when He passed before Moses on Mt. Sinai, the second time he went up there to receive the Ten Commandments.
‘And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him (Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.’ (Ex.34:5-7)
Ah Friends, those were the words of the Lord God Jehovah Himself! And nothing much has changed since then. He is still the same faithful, forgiving, merciful, ever-LOVING, gracious, wise, compassionate and understanding God that He has always been.
Consequently, I urge us all to smarten up, to get our acts together and sincerely and reverently worship, praise, give thanks and glorify the Holy One of Israel; the ONLY TRUE AND LIVING GOD! For that is the ultimate in wisdom! Much LOVE!
…only fools run from the presence… and therefore the blessings of Jehovah God…
10 Jun 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a future and a hope, adversity, attitude of prayer, be careful for nothing, benefits of following Jesus, blessed Trinity, blessings, christ jesus, Controller of the universe, earthly pilgrimage, evildoers, fellowship with God, fretting, give God all the glory, giving thanks, glorious future with Jesus, glory hallelujah, God in three persons, God is sovereign, godly advice, grateful, holy holy holy, in every thing give thanks, in everything by prayer and supplication, last days, let your requests be made known unto God, line of communication, lord god almighty, LOVE, make a joyful noise, merciful, mighty, our best interests at heart, our song shall rise to thee, peace, pray without ceasing, praying, promises, rejoice evermore, rejoicing, sinful nature, sing unto the Lord, stop worrying, thanksgiving, the Creator of the universe, the face of adversity, the good and bad times, the heathen, the Holy Spirit, the Lord is a great God, the rock of our salvation, the unbeliever, the voice of thanksgiving, the will of God, Thessalonians, thoughts of peace, to give you an expected end, wash mine hands in innocence, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, wondrous works
Philippians 4:6. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Oh Friends, please sing the Wednesday Wail with me to open today’s proceedings! (smile) I’m still not sure if it’s going to be a permanent part of our routine, but for now, let’s sing it for all we’re worth and start our day off on the right foot – with prayer.
In sweet harmony now, let’s sing: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of live is still flowing through me on this Wednesday!
I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And what a glorious future that promises to be my brethren, for remember what the Lord promises in Jeremiah: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’ (Jer.29:11)
What a marvelous promise that is my people! Our God only has good thoughts towards us, and a wonderful future in store for those who LOVE Him and sincerely keep His commandments and do His will. So please, let’s stop worrying and fretting about the things of life which we can’t control, and just surrender them all to Jesus, who has our best interests at heart, and is in control of ALL THINGS. Glory to God!
Now Friends, let’s turn to our Bit, which is another piece of encouraging and comforting scripture. ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.’
Ah mih people, excellent words of godly advice and wisdom that! And it follows logically that if God is sovereign, supreme and in control, then who better for us to turn to, in whatever state we might be in, be it good, bad or indifferent? NOBODY my brethren!
The Creator of the universe and all therein wants us to come to Him with every problem, every woe, and also when things are right, just to fellowship with Him in peace and LOVE!
So just like we spend time with our earthly fathers, both in the good and bad times, likewise we ought to make it a habit to turn to our heavenly Father regardless of what’s happening in our lives. That’s a line of communication we must keep open at all times, if we are to truly enjoy the blessings and benefits of being a true believer.
But enough of me, (smile) let’s hear some scripture which validates our Bit. Listen to Bruh David from Psalm 26, where he invites the Lord to examine and prove him.
‘I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency (innocence): so will I compass (go about) thine altar, O Lord: That I may publish (proclaim) with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.’ (Ps.26:5-7)
Yes Friends, in these difficult and trying last days, we also need to get our lives together and proclaim the wondrous works that God has done in our lives. For how will the heathen, the unbeliever hear about them otherwise eh? It’s all up to us and the Holy Spirit working together in tandem.
Now hear Bruh Paul’s simple but powerful advice to the Thessalonians. ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess.5:16-18)
What wonderful words of wisdom my people! Hn! What could be better than rejoicing, praying and giving thanks on a constant basis eh? NOTHING at all folks!
And the scholars give us this explanation. ‘5:18. In every event or circumstance (thing) the Christian is to give thanks to God for the good He can bring out of the event, even should the event be unpleasant. The constant attitude of prayer, mentioned in verse 17, will help the believer to maintain gratitude in the face of adversity.’
And that my brethren, giving thanks even in the face of adversity, though such an important part of our belief system, is much easier said than done. It’s no problem to be grateful when times are good, but being thankful when they are rough, goes against the very grain of our sinful nature.
But it is something that’s required of us, and like most other things in life, we can only get perfect at it by consciously practicing it. So let’s make a conscious choice to practice it nuh, until it becomes and automatic habit.
And then the psalmist, in Psalm 95 – A psalm of praise to the great God, joyfully proclaims: ‘O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto him with psalms (songs). For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all Gods.’ (Ps.95:1-3)
Oh Friends, there’s no disputing those last statements, therefore it behooves us to approach our heavenly Father with the reverence and thanksgiving that He so rightfully deserves. And if you think all of that is a bit much, then please check out what is happening around God’s throne in heaven, as John the Revelator describes it.
‘And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest (cease) not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts (living creatures) give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 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.4:8-11)
Oh mih people, can you imagine the celebration, the praise and thanksgiving that’s constantly going on in heaven! Mama Mia! Our earthly pilgrimage ought also to reflect that constant joy and praise for the Creator and Controller of the universe and all therein.
So please, let’s get serious about giving God ALL the glory for ALL that we do nuh, for that is certainly the wisdom of both heaven and earth! Much LOVE!
…Holy, holy, holy…Lord God Almighty…early in the morning…our song shall rise to thee…Holy, holy, holy…merciful and mighty…God in three persons…blessed Trinity…
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