29 Apr 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: battle hymn, big up, bounden duty, christianity, Creator of the universe, dangerous jobs, divine protection, do good, easily defeated, enemies, enthusiasm, evil, extol God, forgiving God, give thanks, glorious kingdom, god, God's lifted us up, humble servants, ingrates, invincible, Jesus Christ, joy, joy comes in the morning, maturity, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, reflection of Jesus, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, sing up a storm, sleeping weather, spiritual armour, spread LOVE, steadfast faith, sure conquerors, ungodly world, useful purpose, weary souls, weeping endures for a night
Psalm 30:1 I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
Oh Friends, on this wet, spring, Monday morning, I won’t harangue us about booting it out of bed and getting a move on, even though this is certainly laze-about, sleeping weather. I’m depending on our sense of responsibility and the strong reflection of Jesus in our spirits, our maturity, to get us up and moving. Am I not very nice now? (smile) Without any more delay then, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn as though our lives depend on it. And who knows, they just might. So let’s sing up a storm now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now that was most excellent my people! Yuh see what we can do when we put our minds and hearts to it. It was so good that the Father couldn’t help Himself and gave Jesus a big high five for having such good followers. Now don’t let that go to our heads, we still have to go out into the evil, ungodly world and do the job, provide the action for the talk; be humble, sacrifice and serve like Jesus did. That’s where the separation of the sheep and goats takes place. And in all of that it’s still necessary to lift up, to extol the name of our great and wonderful God, like Bruh David says in our Bit: ‘I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.’ Yes my fellow believers, just like we extol the names of men; celebrities and other powerful people, though most of them do nothing for us, we ought to ‘BIG UP’ our God. I don’t like the term, but that’s what the young people seem to understand these days. Yes we ought to promote, extol, exalt, lift up the name of the awesome and amazing God who does so many wonderful things for us, like giving us new mercies and blessings everyday and not allowing our enemies to overcome us. And in this Psalm – A thanksgiving for deliverance from death, Bruh David wisely and rightly acknowledges the God of his fathers for keeping him safe from harm, and possibly death. He solemnly declares: ‘O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave (the place of the dead): thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit (grave). Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness (holy name). For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.’ (Ps.30:2-5) Oh my brethren, are we being as reverent and thankful for the trials and tribulations that our omnipotent, but very merciful and forgiving God has saved us from, or brought us safely through? I certainly hope so, since the Lord dislikes ungrateful people…and so do I. Just thought I’d throw that in there. As they say, ‘who the cap fits, let them wear it.’ (smile) Further more, to boost the giving of thanks and praise, please note Bruh David’s words from Psalm 28 – A prayer for God’s help. ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed (Messiah, commissioned one) Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance; feed (shepherd) them also, and lift them up for ever.’ (Ps.28:7-9) Oh Friends, please don’t allow the enemy to thwart our thanksgiving to Almighty God! For remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Neh.8:10) Like Samson, when Delilah cut off his locks, and he became weak and easily defeated, the same thing happens to us when we lose that full and bubbling over joyfulness that we acquire when we’re walking in true harmony with the Lord. So let’s get out there into the evil world today and do what Jesus did while here on earth – spread LOVE and do good. That’s our bounden duty, our raison d’être, so let’s live up to it nuh. Much LOVE!…nothing, or no one…should stop the believer from walking in Christ’s footsteps…because we’re assured of His divine protection…
22 Apr 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: breatplate of righteousness, christianity, compare God to, deity, enthusiasm, helmet of salvation, holy spirit, humble servants, loving kindness, magnanimous god, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, renewed vitality, sandals of peace, shield of faith, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, sure conquerors, sword of the Spirit, unknown God, workweek
Isaiah 40:18. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Sorry mih people, but it’s Monday once again, which means it’s time to be up and about, fervently preparing yourselves for the opening salvo in the battle of this new workweek! And please remember to put on your powerful spiritual armour. As the man says, don’t leave home without it, else you’re liable to go down quite easily before the enemy’s aggressive attacks. Please don your helmet of Salvation, breastplate of Righteousness, belt of Truth, sandals of Peace, shield of Faith and the ever mighty sword of the Spirit, which cuts deeply to bring about conviction and repentance! Now let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to give us that jump start we all need on Mondays, to put us in the proper frame of mind to go out and wage unrelenting war against the forces and powers of evil. In one loud, 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!’ Yes Friends, our motors are running, the breath of the mighty steeds we ride billow out from their powerful nostrils as their powerful hooves paw the hard ground in impatient anticipation of the excitement of the coming fray. Oh mih breddren, the ole fella certainly waxing learned and erudite this morning! (smile) With the Lord’s help of course. Now let’s check out our Bit, that question with immense implications, but a very simple and obvious answer. ‘To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?’ And all God’s people unhesitatingly shouted in answer: ‘NOBODY or NOTHING! Our God’s the greatest Being in existence! There’s none like Him, none that can even come close, much less compare to His power and majesty, for He’s the Creator of the entire universe and all therein!’ Gospel truth my brethren, gospel truth! Now let’s continue looking at examples of faithful men who had cause to see, feel and understand God’s greatness. And we’ll begin with the prophet Micah, who in talking of the moral sins of Israel, posed this question: ‘Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by (over) the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy (LOVING-kindness). He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us, he will subdue our iniquities: and thou wilt cast all their (our) sins into the depths of the sea.’ (Mic.7:18-19) What a merciful and magnanimous God we serve my Friends! No other supposed deity has that immense power and self-confidence to forgive and be merciful to sinful man. And the power of our God is so awesome that when Bruh Paul visited Athens, he was amazed by what he saw and declared to the people of Athens: ‘For as I passed by and beheld your devotions (objects of worship) I found an unknown altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship (worship without knowing) him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;’ (Acts 17:23-25) Yeh Friends, even the intelligent men of Athens felt the great pull of God, so much so that they raised a monument to Him and worshipped Him without even knowing who He was. Now isn’t that something! And we’ll end with some telling words from Isaiah, re the power of the Lord and the weakness of idols. ‘Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne (upheld) by me from the belly (birth), which are carried from the womb. And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar (gray) hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?’ (Is.46:4-5) That question again Friends! The Lord then tells them about the weakness of the dead, unresponsive man made idols (vs.6-7) and ends with this warning. ‘Remember this, and show yourselves (be) men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none else like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.’ (Is.46:8-10) That says it all Friends! So please, let’s forget about all the foolish, unworthy idols that the world holds before us today, like wealth, fame and power, for they never last and often corrupt one’s soul. Instead, let’s continue worshipping the ONE who made us and everything else in the universe – the Most High God Jehovah. For He is the only One able to make things right in our confused and troubled world. And all God’s children declared a loud ‘Amen!’ Much LOVE!…like children naturally gravitate to mothers…who bore and raised them…so should all mankind gravitate to the great God…who created us and gave us the breath of life…
15 Apr 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: boast, branches, buffeted and bombarded, confidence, creation, difficult, faith, flesh, foolish pride, glorious kingdom, glory, good works, gospel truth, haughtiness, Holy Name, humble servants, insufficient rest, jobs, justice, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, praise, rejuvenation of spirit, righteousness., salvation, Spirit of Christ, spiritual armour, spiritual rebirth, unfair, vine, wicked taunts
1 Corinthians 1:29. That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday, time to rise and shine and be about our heavenly Father’s business! Yeh, I know you’re tired from too much partying and insufficient rest and relaxation, but that’s too bad. You’ve already danced to the music, now you have to pay the piper. (smile) But I have just the remedy for this lacklustre Monday morning attitude; our Monday Morning Battle Hymn! So let’s sing it with all the exuberance and enthusiasm we can muster. It will be a tad rough to start, but I assure you, by the time we’re halfway through, we’ll be brimming over with much zeal and confidence, just impatiently tugging at the reins to go out there and battle for Jesus. And some of you are looking at me with a knowing half smile, half concern, as if I’m crazy. But no, I’m not crazy, just a tad out to lunch. (smile) So without further ado, let’s sing our hearts out, in harmony and loud voice. ‘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!’ Yuh see Friends, I wasn’t lying. We were certainly singing up a storm by the time we ended. So much so, that it brought strong applause from the rooting section in heaven. Praise the Lord! And now we all have our motors primed and ready, just waiting to hit the gas and zoom away to engage in the ensuing fray! Ah mih people, that’s what the Spirit of Christ does for us, when we surrender to it and allow it to run the show. And that segues quite nicely into our Bit: ‘That no flesh should glory in his presence.’ But in any case, what do we really have to glory about eh mih breddren? Not a single thing! We didn’t create ourselves, or give ourselves health and strength, or the ability to get wealth. All those things are the gifts of our wonderful and generous Creator, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore we shouldn’t be foolishly boasting of any accomplishments that He might have used us to bring to fruition. As Bruh Paul so rightly tells the Ephesians: ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of your yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship (creation), created in Christ Jesus unto (for) good works, which God hath ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them.’ (Eph.2:8-10) And that’s the unvarnished truth my people! There is indeed method to God’s madness; so that proud, foolish men would not boast about getting into heaven on their own strength, earning salvation by their good works. You know what a bam bam that would cause if it were at all possible. That means it’s only through a spiritual rebirth in Christ, which God accomplishes, and which then leads to good works, that we can receive salvation, and consequently a place in heaven. And that’s nothing new, for our God declared His intentions, re man’s boasting, a long time ago, through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise LOVING-kindness (true covenant loyalty), judgement (justice), and righteousness (what’s right in His sight), in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jer.9:23-24) And nothing has changed since then my fellow believers, or will ever change, to make those words untrue! So all our pride, haughtiness and boasting is just useless nattering, useless batting of our gums, for without the Lord’s help, we can do nothing. We’re just like little babies, helpless and in need of constant care. As Bruh Paul asked of the Romans, after showing how righteousness can only be gained by starting with faith in Jesus. (Rom.3:21-26) ‘Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.’ (Rom.3:27) And that my fellow believers is indeed the good news of the New Testament! All good things are had through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, the Way, the Life, the Truth, the Light! Hn! That doesn’t only encompass everything in our earthly lives, but also in the life to come. Therefore, as Bruh Paul reminds the Corinthians in his second letter: ‘But he that glorieth let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.’ (2 Cor.10:17-18) Gospel truth Friends! Gospel truth! So let’s get out into the evil world, kill the foolish selfish pride and the worthless boasting that currently abounds out there, because in our own strength, we’re basically powerless. Only through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father, are we able to function at all. We owe it all to our triune God! Please remember that, and don’t let lying Lucifer tell us otherwise and lead us astray. Much LOVE!…I am the vine…ye are the branches…WITHOUT ME…ye can do nothing…
08 Apr 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: aura of love, body of Christ, church harmony, compassion, confidence, Creator of the universe, disunity of churches, enthusiasm, eternal truth, forgiveness, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, God's children, holy spirit, humble servants, Jesus Christ, jobs, LOVE, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, praise, raging sea, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, risen Lord, sacrifice, saviour jesus, steadfast faith, storms, temple of God, thanksgiving, the anchor holds, the things of Caesar, the things of God
Matthew 22:21. They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Oh Friends, hear this eternal truth nuh, on this second Monday morning of Easter, from one of my favourite songs which I heard yesterday. It says: ‘The anchor holds, though my ship is battered. The anchor holds, though my sails are torn. I’m down on my knees, although I face the raging sea. And yet the anchor holds, in spite of the storm.’ Oh my people, when Jesus is the anchor of our lives, though we are battered and torn, we can still stand strong, even down on our knees, because Jesus has us securely anchored in His LOVE, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and strength. And all God’s children gave a mighty shout of joy: ‘Glory Hallelujah! All strength and power and majesty belong to our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus!’ So my brethren, even though you don’t feel like getting up and going to work this Monday morning, please remember that Jesus is still with you in that storm of tiredness, laziness, or just plain uninterested and unmotivated mood. And if we turn to Him in sincere faith, then He will indeed anchor us, keep us steadfast and strong while we go through those storms, and help us safely work our way back to shore. Now let’s use our motivational tool, our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get our motors running. As one loud, sweet, 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!’ Awright mih people! That was great! The Lord even gave Jesus a high-five for it, and the heavenly hosts cried out for an encore! Wow! We certainly look like we’re in a battling mood this Monday morning. So let’s get out there into the evil world and battle for Jesus, but also be careful to do what He advises in our Bit. ‘They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render (pay) therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.’ And today we’ll look at some scriptures dealing with the last part; ‘and give unto God the things that are God’s,’ focussing on the writings of Bruh Paul. We’ll begin with when the Corinthians were arguing amongst themselves as to whom they belonged; Bruh Paul, Apollos or Cephas, because they all had a hand in their teaching. Bruh Paul pulls them up, by telling them that Jesus is the only foundation. ‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor.3:11) Then he gets more explicit. ‘Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?’ (I Cor.3:16) The temple here does not mean the individual believers, but the local church. ‘Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come: all are yours. And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.’ (1 Cor.3:21-23) Hear the scholars: ‘For all things are yours: The one who belongs to Christ is a child of God, and his Father will do anything for him. The absurdity of their division over allegiances to any of these men is that God gave them “all” to the Corinthians.’ That means we belong to no one else but God. Unfortunately though, today there are still many who seem to hold allegiance to men in the church rather than to God, thus another reason for the disunity of the church. Meanwhile, in chapter 6, Bruh Paul berates them. ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.’ (1 Cor.6:19-20) This time he’s telling them that their bodies are also temples of God, bought and paid for by the sacrificial blood of Christ on Calvary’s cross, and that fact should be of supreme importance to all men. Then in chapter 12, he puts it all together. ‘Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular (individually).’ (1 Cor.12:27) The scholars have this interesting explanation. ‘The church in the New Testament is called the “body of Christ,” and reflects the spiritual organism of the whole church on earth. When the local church is called the body of Christ, the spiritual aspect is emphasized. Illustration: As the church is considered to be the body, so individual members are seen as parts of the body. For any church to function properly, every member must do his or her part in a harmonious spirit of cooperation with the other members. Had the church at Corinth learned that lesson, many of their problems could have been solved. Application: When Christians disrupt the harmony of a church, they bring reproach on the body of Christ. (Matt.16:18; 1 Cor.12:27).’ Sadly Friends, all the negativity of the Corinthians back then, still applies to the modern church, thus making it very difficult for the body of Christ to move ahead and prosper. And finally, in pleading for separation from unbelievers, Bruh Paul tells the Corinthians in his second missive. ‘And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ (2 Cor.6:16) Yes Friends, though everything technically belongs to God, His biggest concerns are His earthly temples; the body of the church, and the bodies of the individuals who make up that church. So please, let’s not defile either, but offer them up with praise, sacrifice and thanksgiving, as becomes true followers of Christ. That’s wisdom for the ages. Much LOVE!… honouring God…is more important than honouring men…
01 Apr 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: April Fool's day, celebration, confidence, confusion, Creator, criticism, dissensions, divisons, drunk or sober, Easter Monday, enthusiasm, faith, glorious kingdom, humble servants, Jesus Christ, jobs, LOVE, LOVE Revolution, mind your business, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, obedience, our Saviour, rejuvenation of spirit, religion, renewed vitality, spiritual armour, spirituality, TGIM, Thank God is Monday., thanks and praise, times of celebration, walking God's path, weary souls
John 21:21. Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Oh Friends, it’s Monday, Easter Monday! And suddenly there’s a joyous shout of ‘TGIM! Thank God is Monday yes! Thank God is Easter Monday and we don’t have to go to work! Thank You sweet Jesus!’ Hn, hn, hn! Yes Friends, that joyful shout was more because Easter Monday is a holiday in many countries around the world, than that we’re ecstatic to go back to work. And I hope that we all had an enjoyable Easter Sunday, with uplifting fellowship and worthy gatherings of friends, families and neighbours, many of which will continue today. Just remember Granny’s warning though: ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’ Yeh mih breddren, we need to do that all the time, but more so in times of celebration. And usually the greater the celebration, the greater the potential for Lucifer and his band of evildoers to find a chink in our spiritual armour and exploit it. Anyway, today’s not only a day of wine and song, because many of us still have to go out and labour. So to give them that spiritual boost, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in full voice with them. ‘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, though I suspect that the loudest voices were those that did not have to go out and battle the forces of evil today. (smile) And by the way, did you realize that today’s April 1; April Fool’s day, or as we call it back in the West Indies, All Fool’s day, where practical jokes are played on unsuspecting individuals. I don’t believe it’s such a big thing now, but in my youth, it was, and consequently often led to inflamed tempers and the odd fisticuff. Please be careful what jokes you run today, because with the recent sudden explosion of communication possibilities, they can more easily lead to serious problems. Now let’s see what our Bit is about. ‘Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do (what about this man)?’ Ah mih people, that’s certainly an interesting Bit, and involves a negative principle that still greatly reverberates with us two thousand years later. Let’s get some background on it. It comes from from John chapter 21. The scene’s set in the early morning on the beach, the third time Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. That night, seven of them, like lost lambs, had gone fishing, the only thing they knew how to do. They hadn’t caught a thing, and on drawing close to shore, they saw this man standing on the beach, but didn’t know it was Jesus. He asked if they had any fish, and when they answered no, He then told them; ‘Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.’ (John 21:6) They obeyed, and caught so much, they could hardly drag the net to shore. Then John realized that it was Jesus and pointed it out to Peter. To cut a long story short, after they had wrestled the catch to shore, Jesus invited them to dine with Him. After that, He got on Peter’s case. Using his old name of Simon, not his new spiritual name of Peter, three times Jesus asked if he LOVED Him. Three times He got the same affirmative reply, and three times He told Peter to feed His sheep. (John 21:15-17) The scholars claim that Jesus used Peter’s old name and repeated the question three times to coincide with the three times that Peter had earlier denied Him. After the third time, Jesus continued: ‘Veruly, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.’ (John 21:18-19) That’s when Peter turned around, saw John and asked the question in our Bit. But lo and behold, ‘Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry (remain) till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.’ (John 21:22) Oh Friends, in plain speaking terms, Jesus told Peter to mind his own business. What happened to John was no concern of his. Peter should just concentrate on doing what he was called to do. And sadly my people, that’s exactly what’s happening to a great extent in our society today. We’re too taken up with what others are doing, and not paying enough attention to our personal calling. It’s a major problem in Christ’s church, where there’ are too many cliques, too much watching and sou-souing, (smile) and criticizing, instead of getting on with our own jobs. It brings to mind 3 Canal’s advice in their song: If you don’t have a business, then find one, and stop minding other people’s. The sad fact though is that today minding other people’s business is big money business. Note the rise of the paparazzi, the tabloids, the shows like Entertainment Tonight. There’s no real entertainment, just gossip and other people’s business. The sad part is that we, the general population lap it all up like a thirsty dog. We don’t have any lives of our own, or what we consider interesting lives, so we have to live through other people’s. And unfortunately we can’t, or refuse to see the mess that most of these supposed celebrities and important folks make of their own lives. Followers of Jesus should not indulge in this foolish celebrity passion because it’s essentially idol worship. The Lord gave us all different things to do, and that’s what we should be concentrating on, not what other people are doing. If we were doing that, our affairs, personal, national and worldwide, wouldn’t be in such a mess. Anyway my people, the moral of the story is that of today, this Easter Monday of 2013, let’s stop worrying about what others are doing and start paying closer attention to what we’re supposed to do. If the Lord chooses to let our paths coincide, then fine. But otherwise, please let’s concentrate on walking the path, working the plan, the Lord has set out for us as individuals. That way we’ll be able to do so much more profitable work in Jesus’ name, with less confusion, dissensions, divisions, gossiping and all the other negatives that minding other people’s business brings. Then we can truly further Jesus’ glorious kingdom as we’re expected to do. It’s the only way that the LOVE Revolution can be successful. Much LOVE!…only as we follow the Lord’s plan for our lives…can we ever hope to truly become like Jesus…
25 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: anger, bitterness, christianity, confidence, confrontation, enemy's taunts, envy, eyes of faith, God's glorious kingdom, gospel truth, harvest, heartfelt prayer, jealousy, Jesus, jobs, lies, LOVE Revolution, Monday, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, rejuvenation of spirit, resentment, strife, trust, wiles
James 3:16. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday once again! And a joyful shout goes out from all of God’s people: ‘TGIM! Thank God is Monday, so that we can go out and bring the heathen to their knees before Jesus, tearfully repenting and pleading for forgiveness, salvation and eternal life! Hn, hn! That will be the day eh Friends. But don’t worry, I’m not giving up on us. My hope is plentiful, and looking through the eyes of faith, I can see the Lord working in and on us right now, and in His own time, we’ll all be that enthusiastic to get out into the wicked, ungodly world that now rules the roost, and reap the great harvest of unbelievers out there just waiting to hear the Word and see true Christian living in action. Ah mih people, that’s the beauty of Christianity; any and everything IS POSSIBLE with our omnipotent God! If He can create this great universe and all in it, and if, as Jesus says, He can pass a camel through the eye of a needle, (Matt.19:23-26) then NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE to Him. But until that fateful day when we’re all that mature in Jesus, we’ll continue to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get our engines revving. So without further ado, let’s belt it out with great gusto, make the heavens sit up and take notice. 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!’ Awright Friends! All heaven sat up and took notice of our sincere and heartfelt prayer. There were shouts of: ‘Yes! Way to go!’ The Father even gave Jesus a friendly jab on the arm, saying; ‘Good job, Son!’ That means we can’t let Jesus down now, after the Father was so proud of Him. And to keep that productive and positive trend going, one of the first things we need to do, in all walks of our lives, is to get rid of the malignant jealousy and strife that inhabit it. For as our Bit so poignantly points out: ‘For where envying and strife is (self seeking exists), there is confusion and every evil work.’ And that my brethren, is the gospel, gospel truth! It’s so true that it takes two ‘gospels’ to state it. And the first place we need to start is in our immediate families. I pray everyday that there’ll be no strife in my family, because I’ve seen how evil and destructive it can be. And I’ve also been telling my children from long ago, that if I see any of that foolishness amongst them after I’m gone, I will come back to haunt them. (smile) But seriously Friends, there is way too much envy and disagreement in our families today. We see strife between spouses, between parents and children, and way too often between siblings. That’s because every one in the modern family has their own agenda and expectations and refuse to sit down and talk it out sensibly. They much prefer to get up in arms and thus create anger, resentment, bitterness and all the other negative things that strife brings, and will quickly break up a relationship, be it in or between families, friends or neighbours. As Micah warned so long ago: ‘Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide (companion); keep (guard) the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.’ (Mic.7:5-6) That’s possibly even truer of today than in Micah’s time. And unfortunately this selfish, adversarial relationship is also being played out in other areas of our society; like schools, workplaces, playing fields, and ever so sadly in Jesus’ church too. I don’t know if that selfish, jealous, confrontational attitude began from below or on top, but it is prevalent throughout all society, and has even moved on to nations. It’s much easier to name the places where there is little or no strife, than to name those where there is, that’s because they are so numerous. Violence and strife are possibly the number one products of our world now. And we’ll end there for today, as time and space have run out. But since this is such an important topic, we’ll continue it tomorrow, God willing obviously. Till then Friends, let’s make a conscious effort to sincerely walk in peace and LOVE nuh, just as Jesus did in His earthly sojourn, and wants us to do in ours. It’s the only way we’ll prevent Jesus’ heart from breaking. Much LOVE!…as the LOVE Revolution goes…so goes the peace of the whole world…
18 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Advocate, enemy's taunts, evil, faith, glorious kingdom, god, incredible aura of LOVE, intercessor, Jesus laments, Jesus wept, jobs, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, outpouring of grief, rejuvenation of spirit, right on, sweet harmony, tears, TGIM, Thank God it's Monday, ungodly world, unison, wiles and lies
John 11:35. JESUS WEPT.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! And surprisingly there’s a smattering of applause, along with a few shouts of ‘TGIM! Thank God is Monday yes!’ Wow! It’s taking hold people, we’re being a little more receptive to Mondays than we were. (smile) We still have a long way to go though, before we come to the stage where Monday’s don’t bother us, where Jesus is satisfied with our attitude towards the workweek. But thankfully, while there’s life, there’s always hope. So hopefully one day we’ll attain that eager beaver attitude to get up and go out to labour on a Monday with a big grin on our faces, joy in our hearts and the steadfast determination to excel at whatever we do in Jesus’ name, obviously with His awesome help. Yes Friends, I am hoping for plenty, dreaming very large. But until such time we’ll continue to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. And today’s a lucky day for some of us in Ontario where it’s a holiday, celebrating Family Day. So if you’re one of the lucky ones that get to stay home today, please sing with great gusto and enthusiasm to encourage those who have to go out and labour. So in unison, sweet harmony and vocal strength, let’s sing. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And now that we’ve got our motors running, heading for the highway – as I believe it’s BTO – Bachman, Turner Overdrive- sings in their song, (smile) let’s try and keep that verve and excitement going all day nuh, show unbelievers what a good example of true Christianity looks like in action. And Jesus just lifted His right hand, fist clenched in a power salute, and joyously declared: ‘Right on brethren!’ And that’s no joke Friends, for Jesus is always pleased when we perform as we ought to. He’s definitely not a one dimensional Being. Just as our Bit can say: ‘JESUS WEPT,’ because He was sad, He also shows joy when He’s pleased. Now yesterday we saw how our Saviour wept, sadly adding His outpouring of grief at Lazarus’s death with the family and other mourners. But that’s not the only time the Scriptures say He wept. Luke describes how on Palm Sunday just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the disciples and other believers were rejoicing and praising God, some of the Pharisees told Him to rebuke the disciples and make them stop. (Luke 19:39) Ostensibly, as the scholars suggest, because all the tumultuous activity would bring the wrath of the Roman soldiers down on them. And also because they didn’t want to see Jesus proclaimed king. But Jesus answered them: ‘I tell you that, if these should hold their peace (keep silent), the stones would immediately cry out.’ (Luke 19:40) The scholars’ think that reply might have referred to Habakkuk 2: 11. Please look that up for yourselves. Anyway, the Good Book continues: ‘And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it.’ (Luke 19:41) Then He spoke about it’s destruction in the not too distant future, (Luke 19:42-44) possibly the Roman devastation of A.D. 70. The scholars’ comment on that scripture thus: ‘Jesus laments over Jerusalem. He was not fooled by the ardour of the welcoming mob. The picture is one of Jesus being overcome with emotion following the months or years of preparation for a ministry whose terrible climax would take place here.’ So it seems He didn’t shed tears like at Lazarus’ grave, but here it was more of an internal crying, a weeping of His heart. And that Friends, brings us to the finale, (smile) two basic points. First that Jesus felt and experienced all the human emotions, suffering, joy, disappointments, the highs and lows that we feel because His ‘humanness’ was for real. Therefore, since He experienced all, and even much more than we’ll ever go through here on earth, it definitely qualifies Him to be a most powerful intercessor and advocate for us at the right hand of the Father’s throne. It’s as they say: ‘He who feels it, knows it.’ And Jesus certainly felt it! So my brethren, let’s not be afraid to call on Him for all our needs, both in the good times and the bad, because no one else understands what we’re going through down here on earth better than Him, since He experienced it all first hand, and thus has a deep compassion and empathy for our hardships. That’s why He’s our bright and shining star; both of the day and night! No one else can ever attain such majesty. Much LOVE!…until you walk a mile in my shoes…you’ll never really know my troubles…thank God Jesus did that yes…
11 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Bomb Competition, Carnival Monday, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, human-rights, humble servants, lasciviousness, Lucifer's wiles and lies, Mardi gras, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Ole Mas, orleans mardi gras, snowstorms, spirituality, sure conquerors, taunts, the Sabbath, vibrant atmosphere
Luke 6:9. Then Jesus said unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
Well Friends, the big day, Monday is finally here – Carnival Monday to be exact! By the time you receive this, down in T&T, the impatient crowds will already have taken to the streets in droves, with sweet music for J’ Ouvert (the opening), with things like Ole Mas – raggedy, dirty costumes- and the steelbands beating in the Bomb Competition. To tell the truth, I don’t know if they still have the Bomb Competition, because the last Carnival I actually witnessed was thirty years ago. But I do remember standing on the corner of St. Vincent Street and Independence Square listening to Blue Diamonds coming down the road beating their Bomb Tune, Carol King’s old hit, ‘It’s Too Late.’ I guess Mas in T& T must have changed some, so that I wouldn’t recognize some aspects of it today. And though Rio and New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations might be bigger in terms of actual volume of people and size of the parades, there’s a feeling, an atmosphere, a tempo, a vibe, an aliveness in T &T Mas that just can’t be beaten. It is definitely the greatest party in the world! And for those of you will be involved in all the bacchanal over the next two days, please, please remember granny’s ever so important warning: ‘Drunk or sober, mind yuh business.’ And ah don’t care if yuh all tired hearing it, because it’s especially important at this time, for that’s when Jesus’ followers are usually at their lowest spiritual level, but Lucifer is at his brightest and best because there are so many easy marks to be had. And you women, please remember, as Shadow or Nelson said in a kaiso some years ago, that at Carnival time, when men drink and smoke, and with the lascivious feeling in the air, they don’t care who they latch on to, they’re even more animalistic than usual, and nine months later, is you to ketch (catch), and you don’t know is who. (smile) It sounds amusing, but many of you know from personal experience that it’s the living truth! Anyway, it’s Monday and most of us outside of those party hopping places still have to go out and labour for a living, and knowing that we can’t be in those places having fun, just brings down our spirits even further. That’s even truer for those of us in the northern climes who are digging ourselves out of the wicked snowstorms that so viciously assaulted us this past weekend. But with our great God still in control of His universe, and having promised to work everything out for good to those who LOVE and follow Him, we can only do our best, then faithfully leave the rest to Him. So let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much gusto as we can muster, and thus give our spirits the rise we need to go out and face the awful weather and evil, ungodly people out there in the evil, ungodly world. All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now hopefully that lifted our spirits enough to at least put a smile on our tired faces. But let’s turn to our Bit now. And you can see it’s a very interesting question Jesus asked of the Pharisees. ‘Then Jesus said unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?’ Unfortunately we won’t be able to get through it all today, but at least let’s get some background on the story. The Chapter begins: ‘And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he (Jesus) went through the corn (grain) fields, and his disciples plucked the ears of corn (heads of grain), and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?’ (Luke 6:1-2) Now according to the scholars, ‘Corn would be a cereal grain such as wheat. Ears were the heads of grain.’ Also, ‘The disciples’ action was not in itself illegal (Deut.23:25), but the oral tradition held that they were breaking the Sabbath.’ And for those of you too lazy to check Deut. 23:25, it basically says that when you pass through a neighbours corn field, you can pluck off some to eat, but you can’t use a sickle to cut it down. That alone shows how much they had varied from the scripture, which said nothing about desecrating the sabbath by plucking and eating some corn if you’re hungry. But Jesus refuted their arguments by telling them about when Bruh David was on the run and was hungry, how he went into the temple and took the show (hallowed, holy) bread which was meant for the priests alone, and divided it between His men and himself. (1 Sam.21:1-6) Thus He used the Old Testament itself, to show the hypocrite Pharisees how their man-made tradition was false. And we’ll end there for today Friends. By the way, those of you who live in my general area, please be careful on the roads this morning, cause freezing rain is coming down, and its resultant icy conditions will make the rush hour traffic very treacherous. So please, let’s take our time and be careful in all we do today, whether we’re partying or going to work, and walk safely with God. Much LOVE!…it’s always better to be safe…than sorry…
21 Jan 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: aura of love, bringing in the sheaves, communion with Jesus, holy spirit, humble servants, joy, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, reap in joy, rejoicing, rejuvenation of spirit, sow in tears, sure conquerors, TGIM, Thank God it's Monday, weary souls
Psalm 126:5. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Aw Friends, it’s Monday again… And behold I am suddenly bombarded by hooting and hollering, clapping and joyful shouts of ‘TGIM! Thank God it’s Monday!’ Hn! And see me just standing there nuh, rooted to the ground in shock, my mouth and eyes opened wide in surprise and amazement. Okay, okay, so I have the cold, and it might just be making me a touch light-headed. But doesn’t that reaction to a Monday morning just sound wonderful? God’s children ecstatic to go out on the first day of the work week, couldn’t be anything but wonderful…and miraculous too! That’s what I’m hoping for, working towards and praying on. And one day, with the Good Lord’s help obviously, I’m going to achieve that goal, because I believe, and I have faith. (smile) Oh my people, for the few that are above par this morning, and for the many that are sub-par, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn as if we really mean it nuh. Let’s put our whole being into it. Let’s wake up the heavenly hosts this morning with a real rousing rendition of our battle Hymn. 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!’ Awright mih breddren! All heaven sat up and took notice, riotously applauded and even gave us a Standing O. Wow! Let’s go out now and put all those daring words into action and make Jesus real proud of us. Yes my fellow followers of Christ, though it’s hard on plenty of us this Monday morning, let’s get out there and bring what our Bit says to fulfilment. ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.’ And that’s the gospel truth Friends! As the verse after the Bit rightly declares: ‘He that goeth forth (to and fro) and weepeth, bearing precious seed (for sowing), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing (shouts of joy), bringing his sheaves with him.’ (Ps.126:6) And I’m talking here from hard, personal experience, not hearsay, because right now I’m feeling crappy, what with the constant sneezing, my nose sore and running like a pipe and all the various other aspects of the common cold, but the Lord, in His eternal wisdom raised the level of joy in my spirit, caused me to write our entertaining intro, then led me to an appropriate Bit. There were some other interesting ones, but as soon as I saw that one, I knew that it was destined for today. Chuh! I hate having to stop every so often and gingerly wipe my sore nose! But anyway mih people, let’s ramp up our joy today nuh! As I keep reminding us, Christians should be the happiest and most joyful people on planet earth. What with all the good news and stuff we have to look forward to in communion with Jesus, who wouldn’t be joyful eh? But sadly, we’re still some of the most rude, grouchy, unmannerly, gloomy, miserable, resentful people around, even though we live in one of the most prosperous and free areas of the world. Now let’s look at some scripture that talks about the joy of the believer, the joy inherent in believing. First off is Isaiah, re Israel restored to the glory of Zion. ‘And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.’ (Is.35:10) And Isaiah was so sure of that promise, that he repeats it almost word for word in Chapter 51:11. Please read that for yourself. Meanwhile, Jeremiah, also in talking about the restoration of Israel, proudly proclaims: ‘They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first born. Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles (coastlands) afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for (new) wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a (well) watered garden; and they shall not sorrow anymore at all. Then shall the young virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. And I will satiate (fill) the soul of the priests with fatness (abundance), and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.31:9-14) Oh Friends, I didn’t plan to put in all of that, but after reading it, and hearing the wonderful promises, I had no choice. That means we’ll have to leave the rest until tomorrow, God willing. But my people, what more can we ask of our great, LOVING, merciful and forgiving God eh? Nothing really! For He’s kept all of His promises, given us His heart of LOVE, His Holy Spirit, and His sacrificed Son. There’s no more left to give, so let’s appreciate it, and as obedient followers, go out and do the same; give of ourselves, sow good seeds even in our most difficult times, so that eventually we shall reap an abundant harvest of joy. That’s our raison d’être here on earth. So let’s do it without too much complaining. Remember, Jesus never complained about the terrible ordeal He suffered to save our unworthy sinful souls, and neither should we. Much LOVE!…remember that old hymn…bringing in the sheaves…bringing in the sheaves…we shall come rejoicing…bringing in the sheaves…
14 Jan 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: aura of love, enthusiasm, faith, gift of God, glorious kingdom, grace, holy spirit, humble servants, Jehovah, Jesus, lies, living water, Monday blues, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Pentecost, powerful spiritual armour, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, salvation, speaking in tongues, weary souls, wicked taunts
John 4:10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
‘Good morning neighbuh!’ the stocky, middle aged woman greets the younger woman across the fence, as they simultaneously open their front doors and step out on to their respective porches. ‘What’s so good about it eh?’ the younger woman replies in an irritated voice. ‘Oh, but look,’ the other woman enthusiastically answers, ‘the sun’s shining, the birds’ singing, you alive, and you have a steady job to go to.’ ‘So…’ the younger lady churlishly mouths. ‘So you should be happy,’ the neighbour answers. ‘Steups! You doh know nuh woman,’ comes the reply. ‘Is Monday, and I’m just too tired to go to any blooming work this morning yes!’ Then with a thoughtful frown, she continues. ‘You wouldn’t by any chance want to get dressed and go and do this work for me…this work you so badly want?’ ‘Oh Miss Janice,’ the woman replies, a bit perturbed, ‘you know I couldn’t do your high class work, cause I don’t have your education and training.’ ‘Too bad yes,’ the young woman replies, as she turns on her heel and goes back inside to get ready to go to her high class job, leaving the older lady shaking her head in sad bewilderment, and asking,’ What happen to these young people nowadays eh?’ Oh Friends of mine, I sure hope none of you are to be found numbered amongst that miserable, unmannerly, unappreciative ungodly lot this morning, for it would certainly break Jesus’ heart. Anyway, to get over that surly, grouchy, Monday morning mood, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much verve and gusto. Even fake it if you have to, cause as they say, if you fake it long enough you’ll end up doing it for real. Now as one trilling and thrilling earthly choir, (smile) let’s bombard the heavens with song. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Oh my brethren, I hope all that brought a chuckle, a bit of levity to your soul, raised your adrenalin level, but also encouraged you to get a move on. Now let’s get into our Bit: ‘Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.’ Ah Friends, trust Jesus to tie up the poor woman’s brain. Anyway, yesterday we talked about ‘the gift of God,’ in that passage, and discovered it to be God’s wonderful, unmerited, undeserved grace. Today, let’s check out ‘the living water’ scenario. And that basically means the Holy Spirit. That’s how it was sometimes referred to before Jesus finished His earthly work and returned to heaven. And we all know that the Holy Spirit wasn’t noised abroad to each and every believer before Pentecost, when the Apostles sitting in the upper room suddenly felt this rush as of a mighty wind from heaven. ‘And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ (Acts 2:3-4) But that doesn’t mean the Lord’s Spirit wasn’t involved with mankind before that. It came upon all the great leaders, prophets, and whomever the Lord singled out to do His bidding before Christ’s coming. Isaiah talks about it in Chapter 12, re thanksgiving for God’s mercies. ‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he has also become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.’ (Is.12:2-3) And Isaiah again refers to it in Chapter 44, the Spirit of God to be on Israel. ‘Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.’ (Is.44:3-4) Now here’s the definitive word on the subject from Jesus Himself, at the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. ‘In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly (heart) shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.’ (John 7:37-39) So there we have it Friends, plenty to ponder on this Monday morning as we journey out to continue our LOVE Walk with and for Jesus, in this evil, ungodly world. May He strengthen, and enable us with living water, keep us safe and peaceful, as we do His earthly bidding. Much LOVE!…living water…the Holy Spirit…can only be found at its true source…the fountainhead…Jesus…
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