10 May 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a drunken man, at the foot of the cross, at their wit's end, believers in Jesus Christ, burdens, calm, calm the storms, children, come unto me, comfort, congregation, cry unto the Lord, distinction, distresses, exalt him, faithfulness, fear, find rest for your souls, forbidding alley, fruit of the Spirit, gentle, gentleness, give thanks to the Lord, goodness, He maketh the storm a calm, heavy laden, hidden lairs, hoodlums, humble, I am meek, I am the beloved of god, I can trust my friend Jesus, I don't have to hurry, I don't have to worry, I will give you rest, I'm not what I do, I'm not what I have, I'm not what people say about me, impotent man, joy, kindness, labour, laugh, learn of me, long-suffering, LOVE, loving kindness, lowly in heart, meekness, merciful God, mount up to heaven, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, no need to fear, omnipotent god, peace, peace instilling presence, Praise the Lord, reel to and fro, responsibility, rest, robert h schuller, safe haven, safe streets, self-control, serene, share His love with the world, sheltered, silent skies, stagger, stars, storm, stormy times, surpasses all understanding, take it to Jesus, take my yoke upon you, temperance, Thank You Lord, the great invitation, the heathen, the sun will outlast the storms, the waves are still, the works of the Lord, their soul is melted, troubled mind, Tuesday Mantra, vicissitudes of life, When I face a storm, wonders, worried, yellow moon, yoke
Psalm 107:29. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
So how goes it this beautiful morning eh, my fellow believers in Jesus Christ? I do hope that it is going well, but as usual, if it isn’t, then let me remind us that there’s no need to fear or be worried.
We just have to take it all to Jesus, lay it at the foot of the cross, and He will take our burdens and instead offer us His comfort and His wonderful peace that surpasses all understanding.
Remember His Great Invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle and humble) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Yes friends, there’s no better invitation than that in the entire world! And if we’re wise, we’ll gladly take it whenever times become overwhelming.
And if you’re in a full-blown storm this morning, then here is some more good advice from Gramps Schuller (Robert H Schuller) from our Hour of Power Devotional, to help you weather it. It’s titled ‘When I Face a Storm.’ I believe I’ve shared it before, but when it’s good, it’s always best to wheel and come again. (smile)
So please pray with me. ‘You never promised, Lord, that I would be forever sheltered from stormy times in my life. You have promised that the sun will outlast the storms. You issue the grand command from outer space and the renegade storm clouds break up, scatter, and flee like hoodlums furtively racing from the streets, back to their hidden lairs in some forbidding alley.
The bright stars come out to laugh again, like little children returning once more to safe streets for happy play. The sky clears. A huge, yellow moon sails once more calm and serene through the silent skies.
Even as you restore peace after the storm, so will you bestow a renewed calm to my troubled mind through your peace-instilling presence that is surrounding me now. Your quiet and calming spirit is flowing within me now. My fear is gone! Thank you, Lord! Amen.’
Ah mih people, let’s hope that whatever fear we were holding is now gone and the calm and peace of Jesus is now controlling our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, like He promised.
And since today is Tuesday, let’s further bolster our faith by declaring our Tuesday Mantra with lots of hope, vision and sense of purpose.
As one now: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen’
Yes friends, that’s such an important declaration and distinction, one we need to carry with us at all times. For we are indeed God’s children, and no one can take that away from us.
But on the other hand, we also have a responsibility to behave like children of God, so that the world can see what He’s like, through the living examples of our lives. We need to have the fruit of God’s Spirit showing brightly through our godly behaviour.
And just in case we’ve forgotten what’s the fruit of the Spirit, let’s refresh our minds. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness). Meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.’ (Gal.5:22-23)
Oh my brethren, those are the things the heathen ought to see in our lives! That’s the only way we can ever make a good and fruitful impact on them. All our words are meaningless unless and until we back them up with true action!
That brings us to our Bit, taken from Psalm 107 – God’s wonderful works to the children of men. But first let’s set the scene. ‘They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end (all their wisdom is swallowed up).
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then they are glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.’ (Ps.107:23-30).
Yes my precious people, the same way the seafarers cry out to God in times of storms on the sea, the same way we ought to cry out to our heavenly Father when the vicissitudes of life, our ever-changing circumstances, overwhelm us. And as promised, He will calm the storms and bring us safely to the haven of His LOVE.
Oh friends, there’s none other like our great God! That’s why the psalmist so wisely advises: ‘Oh that men would praise (give thanks to) the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.’ (Ps.107:31-32)
There’s nothing more I can say friends, except to implore us to do as the psalmist and Jesus wisely advise: before anything or anyone else, turn to your omnipotent and merciful God in times of trouble. Much LOVE!
…why turn to impotent man in times of trouble…when we have an omnipotent God to turn to…
15 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a time to every purpose under heaven, all ye that labour and heavy laden, and all these things shall be added unto you, and rest awhile, come aside into a deserted place, come unto me, constant work, day of fellowship and rest, do not worry about tomorrow, emotional disease, fellowship, find rest for your souls, friends, glory hallelujah, glory to God, heed God's warning, I am meek and lowly in heart, I will give you rest, learn from me, like a chicken with our heads cut off, LOVE, making God our first priority, mental, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, pamper ourselves, physical, praise, proselytizing, recharging batteries, rest, rest is not a matter of doing nothing, rest is repair, righteousness., seek ye first the kingdom of God, so much as to eat, spiritual rejuvenation, strengthening of faith, Sunday, take a time out, take my yoke upon you, thanks, the first day of the week, the foolish attitude of the world, the great invitation, the Sabbath, the Sermon on the Mount, there were many coming and going, they had no leisure, to everything there is a season, tomorrow shall take care of itself, work and worry
Mark 6:31. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
And then it was Sunday; that wonderful day of fellowship and rest. Glory to God! Yes friends, it’s time once again to make our way to the Lord’s sanctuary to give Him much deserved praise and thanks and glory, and in return receive spiritual rejuvenation and a strengthening of our faith.
Our God definitely knew what He was doing when He set aside one day in every seven for rest and fellowship amongst His earthly creation. Since He created us, He obviously knew our limitations, physical, emotional and spiritual. Our batteries do need recharging every once in a while, and He figured seven days was a goodly and godly number. (smile)
Unfortunately though, many of us refuse to heed God’s warning about rest and rejuvenation and simply continue to follow the foolish attitude of the world of constant work, until our bodies break down with physical, mental and emotional diseases. Now that’s definitely not wisdom my people.
Oh yes, I know that many of us need the money that comes from work, but remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow (therefore do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof. ’ (Matt.6:33- 34)
That’s the beauty of making God’s business our first priority; He will provide all our necessities. There’s absolutely no sense worrying about tomorrow and in running down the things of the world and then don’t have the time to enjoy them, or fall down before we do.
That brings us to a quote from an author by the name of Daniel W. Joselyn. I couldn’t find any other pertinent info on him, but he is reputed to have said, or written that ‘Rest is not a matter of doing absolutely nothing. Rest is repair.’
And that’s the gospel truth my brethren. To rest doesn’t necessarily mean to do nothing. It just means to take a break from whatever’s been occupying our time. Take a few moments or whatever to recuperate from that activity. But sadly this modern society makes us feel guilty if we take time off to renew ourselves, because it’s all about go, go, go.
Whenever we feel, anxious, angry, or like the burdens of the world are bearing down on us, it’s quite okay to take a time out. As the Daily Devotional for People with Chronic Illness, from which I got this quote says: ‘Pamper ourselves once in a while to rejuvenate the physical and emotional strength needed to face our world.’ Now that’s an absolutely brilliant idea!
And all of that provides a very smooth segue into our Bit. But first, here is what leads up to it. ‘And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert (deserted) place by ship privately (by themselves.’ (Mark 6:30-32)
That was Jesus’ advice to His disciples and the action they took, after they had returned from the mission field. Obviously Jesus saw their need for a break from the strenuous activity of proselytizing, especially on foot. And if He could recommend rest and revitalization, why are we so proud and /or foolish not to also take it for ourselves every so often eh?
It makes it ever so much easier to begin the week on a day of rest and righteousness than on one of work and worry. And that’s why I keep telling us that Sunday, which most Christians celebrate as the Sabbath, is the first day of our week, not the last, and we need to use it wisely in rest and godliness so that come Monday, we will be refreshed and renewed and able to handle the cares of the world with greater ease and much more passion.
Remember too, Jesus’ Great Invitation: ‘Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh my people, my people, what an awesome invitation! Whenever we’re tired or weary, in any aspect of our lives, we have an open invitation to go to Jesus and get rest. Glory Hallelujah!
But yuh know what? Too many of us, for whatever reason, disdain to accept Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for rest and renewal. That’s why we’re always running around like a chicken with our heads cut off, too busy to make time for ourselves, always anxious and uptight about the cares of the world. But true wisdom tells us that we shouldn’t always be rushing around.
How did Cousin Sol famously put it as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes? ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.’ (Eccl.3:1)
Yes Friends, there was, and still is, method to God’s madness. However, I can’t say the same for us, as our crazy, very disturbed, and chaotic world so perfectly exemplifies.
So please, for all our sakes, let’s be wise and make this day, this Sunday, one of rest and worship nuh, thereby giving us a fresh mind, body and soul for tomorrow, Monday. Now that’s definitely the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!
…’I can simplify my life…by giving myself this day for relaxing…’
07 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a fool's wisdom, a no-brainer, a place of authority, aches and pains, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, as for me and mine, belief, caring, christianity, come boldly to the throne of grace, come unto me, compassionate, cramps, disappointments, discernment, earthly pilgrimage, earthly sojourn, faith, friend, genius, glory hallelujah, grace, guidance, hanging out with Jesus, hard experience, high priest, I am halfway home, I am meek, I will give you rest, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, in the presence of Jesus, infirmities, intercession, Jesus Christ, LOVE, loving, lowly in heart, mercy, my burden is light, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my testimony, my yoke is easy, natural inteligence, obtain mercy, our High Priest, our Lord and Saviour, out on a limb, praise and thanksgiving, promise, rest, sin, sympathize, take my yoke upon you, tempted, the breath of life, the Good Book, the great invitation, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, the Son of God, the throne of grace, them's the breaks, to a glorious future with Jesus, to help in time of need, we will follow the Lord, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, with God's help, without sin, worship
Hebrews 4:16. Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ah Friends, it looks like it’s going to be another nice day, but right now the ole fella’s shaking it a bit on the rough side. (smile) I guess it all has to do with rest; with not getting enough of that most precious commodity. And to make matters worse, I was rudely awakened by a couple of cramps in my legs. It doesn’t get any better than that. (smile)
But what can I say eh? Them’s the breaks! Cause it’s nobody’s fault but my own. Anyhow we going to putter and stutter along in faith, and with God’s help, we WILL produce a Bit that’s worthy of our heavenly Father.
And since today is Wednesday, it is only appropriate that we get wailing with our Wednesday Wail. So mih breddren, let’s wail nuh, in all sincerity and truth.
As one wailer now: ‘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!’
Ah Friends, what a glorious future that promises to be! Not looking back at all my past mistakes, but just ploughing straight ahead with Jesus by my side; continually being in the presence of, hanging out with the Son of God, Jesus Christ…Chuh!
How could it get any better than that eh mih breddren? No way! But for some inexplicable reason(s), too many of us opt not to accept that promise of being continually in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That’s a fool’s wisdom my people!
And yuh know what? To show you why that attitude is unwise, right now, in my rough and ragged state, I am going to take hold of that promise and do like our Bit says: ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’
And oh how I do need grace aplenty right now to help me find the right things and words to say in this work of praise and thanksgiving to our great God! What other faith offers such a wonderful opportunity eh Friends? No other! So why would I not partner with Jesus under those conditions eh? To me it’s a no-brainer.
And listen to what the scholars say re our Bit. ‘4:16. Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest (Jesus Christ). That figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed.’
And believe you me, I desperately needed it, and went straight to the Father’s throne and pleaded for grace to do His will. And without any problems, through His Holy Spirit which dwells within me, He granted me the discernment, the guidance and wisdom to write what I’m writing now.
How can I not LOVE and worship Him then eh? Otherwise I’d be left hanging out on a limb to dry, alone and unable to help myself.
Ah mih people when I talk about being Friends with Jesus, some of you no doubt chuckle and possibly think I’m crazy. But I am only talking from hard experience here. And you will never know how wonderful it is to serve Jesus, until you actually begin to do so.
As the Good Book says, it’s all done through belief and faith. If you don’t have them, how can you know what they’re all about eh? And how do you think I’ve been writing this Bit for…for some eight years now eh? Do you think it’s through my natural intelligence and brilliance, my innate genius? Definitely not!
It’s only been possible through the powerful, ever-faithful and ever-present help of the Holy Trinity! Many days I’ve come to write with no clue whatsoever about what I was going to write about. But in His own way and timing, He has ALWAYS led me to write something worthy of His name.
And the great thing about turning to Jesus for help and intercession is that He, in His earthly sojourn experienced all the aches and pains and disappointments that we’re now going through, so he understands what’s happening with us.
As the Good Book says before our Bit: ‘For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ (Heb.5:15)
Yes Friends, Jesus was tempted in all areas of life, just like we are. The only difference is that unlike us, He did not yield to the temptations and remained sinless during His earthly pilgrimage. But He understands better than anybody else, exactly what we are going through.
So this Wednesday morning in early October of 2015, I am beseeching, I am imploring us to turn to Him for succour and comfort. Nobody else does it the LOVING, caring, compassionate and friendly way that He does. Just listen to this awesome promise as we close. It is called the Great Invitation!
‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle and humble) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh Friends, oh Friends, that is truly the GREATEST invitation that’s ever been uttered! And Jesus has no reason to lie, because He is God and thus able to do whatever He promises! So please wake up, be wise and turn to Him today nuh. I guarantee that that will be the wisest decision you’ll ever make in this life. Much LOVE!
…as for me and mine…oh…without a doubt…we will definitely follow the Lord…
P.S. Friends, today’s Bit is a fine example of our God’s grace and mercy. At the beginning I was feeling rough and had no idea what to write, except our Wednesday Wail.
And now, having gone confidently to the throne, look at how much I’ve written – more than I actually bargained for. And I know it’s not all nonsense. So that’s my story, my testimony. And I’m sticking to it. (smile) Much LOVE!
26 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all thy commandments are faithful, another sun fest, as the hart panteth after the water brooks, ask and it shall be given to you, backbone, belly, but I hope in thy word, Christ has conquered hell death and the grave, Christ-like, confidence, contentious, destitute, doing good, downtrodden, execute judgement, faith without works is dead, give you rest for your weary souls, glory to God, greedy, holier than thou, I do not forget thy statutes, I forsook not thy precepts, jehovah god, keep the testimony of thy mouth, knock and it shall be opened, live in your bubble of happiness, loving kindness, my burden is light, my soul fainteth for thy salvation, my soul pants after God, my soul thirsteth for god, my yoke is easy, power hungry, Quicken me, resentful, reticence, salfish, seek and you shall find, sharing, stop sharing your dreams with dream killers dream killers, the battle has been won, the good news of Jesus, the light of the world, the living God, the pagan onslaught, the poor, the salt of the earth, trust, victory is ours, weary souls, what a privilege to work for Jesus, wisdom of the ages, wishy-washy
Psalm 119:81.My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Oh Friends, another sun fest is expected in my area this Saturday morning! Glory to God! And on top of that I did not read my name in the obits this morning either. Wow! That means I am still alive on God’s great earth with work to do for Him. What a marvelous privilege to work for Jesus!
And you know what? When we work for Jesus we enjoy the time, even though some of the tasks might be difficult, painful and inconvenient. Mama Mia! What a great Master He is to work for because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matt.11:30) Yes my people, Jesus is the only employer that calls the toiling and heavy laden unto Him, so that He can teach them and give them rest for their weary souls. (Matt.11:28-29)
Now why wouldn’t you want to work for such a caring and compassionate employer eh? I really don’t know and can’t find a good explanation for the reticence, especially since the majority of our earthly employers are greedy, selfish, power hungry, slave masters. That puts me in mind of the quote I got today from our friend Anselm, who is always aspiring to inspire us for a better tomorrow.
And the quote says: ‘Some people are just plain old negative so stop trying to convert them. When they are ready to graduate to the next level you’ll see the change in them the way they saw your light shining. Until then, live in your bubble of happiness and stop sharing your dreams with dream killers.’
Now there is a lot of truth there, because some of us are so ignorant, stubborn and negative that it doesn’t make sense to try and show them a better way, to tell them about the good news of Jesus, and continuing to spend time with them only frustrates us. Once we have shared the Word with them and see their negative response, it’s truly better to leave them to God and just enjoy our own journey with Christ, let them see from our lifestyle how joyful we are in Jesus; being the salt of the earth and shining like the light of the world.
As James says, faith without works is useless, is dead. (James 2:17-18) And unfortunately today our Christian walk truly lacks Christian works. That’s why so many people laugh and jeer at us and don’t have time for Jesus. And why should they if we’re not performing as we should? This world could be such a beautiful place if believers in Jesus behaved just a tad more Christ-like.
And that doesn’t mean holier than thou, but simply by doing good as Jesus did; sharing and caring for the poor, downtrodden and destitute, of which there are far too many in our world. Enough preaching though, (smile) let’s turn to our Bit from Psalm 119, under the section CAPH – All thy commandments are faithful.
And they definitely are my brethren, that’s why the psalmist confidently declares: ‘My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.’ What trust and confidence the psalmist has in the word of the God of his forefathers!
Oh Friends, do we possess that high level of trust and confidence to day in Jehovah God? I sincerely doubt it. Otherwise we would not be behaving as wishy-washy, resentful and contentious as we are, while trying to run Him out of our society.
Listen as the psalmist continues his plea. ‘Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? For I am become like a bottle (wineskin) in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgement on them that persecute me? The proud have digged pits (dug pits, laid traps) for me, which are not after (according to) thy law.
All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. They had almost consumed me (made and end of me) upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. Quicken me after (revive me according to) thy LOVING-kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.’ (Ps.119:82-88)
Yes my brethren, though life seemed to be pretty rough with the psalmist, nonetheless throughout all his pleading, he never once doubted or gave up on the Lord and His Word…’yet do not I forget thy statutes…but I forsook not thy precepts…’
Oh my people, if only our faith in the Most High God today was so strong and incorruptible! But sadly it isn’t, for our generation doesn’t seem to have the parts, the belly and backbone to stand up to the enemy the way we ought to. No wonder every day they are taking away more of our godly and Christian rights, rites and ways. Meanwhile we just mutter and complain and do nothing about it.
I’m sure Jesus must be sorely disappointed to see how we are simply lying down before the pagan onslaught and not putting up a more serious fight. Please remember Friends, the battle has already been won, victory is ours, for Christ has conquered hell, death, Lucifer and the grave!
We just have to stand strong now and see the war through until Jesus returns in all His glory, power and splendour. But for whatever reason, we seem incapable of doing that. We don’t seem to have the longing for God that the older folks did.
And we’ll close with some most appropriate words from Psalm 42 – An intense longing for God. ‘As the hart (deer) panteth after (longs for) the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?’ (Ps.42:1-2)
Oh my people, that’s how we ought to be longing for the Lord our God; so much that we can’t wait to come before Him. Now let’s see if we can’t sit down today and begin that process nuh, that soulful longing for our Creator, by seriously and sincerely inspecting our souls, see where we may be found wanting and ask the Father to help us change our somewhat negative, less than stellar approach. You know He will always help us, so please don’t be afraid to ask for it, since it is the wisdom of the ages. Much LOVE!
…ask, and it shall be given you…seek, and ye shall find…knock, and it shall be opened unto you… (Matt.7:7)
04 May 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all ye that labour and are heavy laden, anxieties, aura of love, blessings, burdens, card carrying Christians, cares, cast thy burden upon the Lord, christianity, come unto me, confidence, Creator of the universe, enthusiasm, evil, faith, fear, fellowship, glorious kingdom, gospel truth, grace, guidance, harmonious choir, He is faithful that promised, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved, he shall sustain thee, hostile world, humility, I cried unto the Lord, I will give you rest, injustice, Isaiah, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, joy, lies, LOVE, loving kindness, make a living, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, mount up with eagles wings, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, Oh Lord God Almighty, opportunity, passion, peace, promises, protection, rejuvenation of spirit, renew their strength, righteousness., run and not be weary, soul-lifting words, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, thanksgiving, the Lord fainteth not, the Lord sustained me, trust, truth, ungodly world, walk and not faint, wisdom, worldly lusts
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).
Awright Friends, most fortunately, Monday has rolled around once again! (smile) And hopefully, we have also rolled out of bed at a decent hour, so we don’t have to rush to get ready. And most importantly, we have also rolled out of bed with a prayer to Almighty God on our lips and in our hearts; a fervent prayer of thanksgiving for seeing another day, and one for wisdom, guidance and protection as we go out to work in a hostile world.
And yuh know mih people, since we don’t have much choice, we might as well enjoy it for what it is; an opportunity to make a living that will benefit us. So please put aside all the miserableness, the complaining and whining – which you shouldn’t be doing anyway, if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ – and just get on with the programme.
We do offer some help though, (smile) in the form of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, so let’s blast it out with mucho passion. As one harmonious choir under the leadership of our awesome choirmaster Jesus, 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!’
Oh mih breddren that was wonderful! Jesus was proud of us. Yuh see what can happen when we put our hearts and minds sincerely into something! Now let’s go out and show this ungodly world the power, the humility, the grace and LOVE that runs through our souls as sincere followers of Jesus.
And we’ll certainly be able to do so if we follow the wise advice of our Bit. ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’
What soul-lifting words of gospel truth my people! Our God has promised to be always with us, to never leave us, and we can definitely rely on His promises, for the Good Book says: ‘for he is faithful that promised.’ (Heb.10:23b)
Now let’s hear what a couple of great men of faith have to say about casting our burdens on the Lord. Listen to Bruh David declare his faith and trust in the God of his fathers in Psalm 3 – A prayer of confidence in God. ‘I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill (mountain). I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.’ (Ps.5:4-6)
What a bold proclamation of faith my Friends! Now how many of us can make such an unwavering statement of trust in the Most High God Jehovah eh? Not as many as should. But my brethren, until we get to that stage, we’ll be missing out on a lot of the Lord’s LOVING-kindness, for the greater our trust and faith, the more benefits and blessings we see.
And we’ll end with these powerful words from Isaiah; words that we know, but don’t allow to truly reverberate in our lives. Listen up: ‘Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Is.40:28-31)
Oh mih people, mih people, what beautiful words of hope and encouragement! But unfortunately most of Jesus’ supposed followers don’t seem to truly believe and appreciate them, else there wouldn’t be so much doubt, fear, distrust and anxiety amongst card carrying Christians.
And I’ll reiterate here, that until we put that faith and trust we claim to have into serious action; by truly surrendering our all to Christ, casting our every care on Him, and waiting patiently and expectantly for Him to lead and guide us, we’ll only be shortchanging ourselves, doing ourselves a great injustice. And that my Friends, is no kind of wisdom at all!
So this Monday morning in early May, please, let’s cast aside the foolish worldly lusts that seem to be driving us away from God, and instead drop all our burdens and cares and anxieties in His lap, for that is what He desires of us. Much LOVE!
…come unto me…all ye that labour…and are heavy laden…and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy…and my burden is light…
24 Apr 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Abednego, abide in me and I in you, affections, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, anxiety, basking in hot temperatures, bring forth fruit, Bruh Paul, bundling up in winter coats, circumspection, cling to Jesus, come unto me, crucified the flesh, Daniel, deceitful, difficult and distressing times, envying one another, faithfulness, fear, fellowship, Friday chant, friends, generous help, get relief from your pain, God is a good god, God is ever-faithful, God won't burden us with more than we can bear, goodness, gospel truth, grace, help, I am meek and lowly in heart, I am the vine, I can do all things through Christ, I will give you rest, in Jesus' name, indisputable truth, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the answer, joy, kindness, lay them at the feet of Jesus, learn from me, like super glue, live in the Spirit, long-sufferng, LOVE, lusts, meekness, men plan while God laughs, Meshach, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, no threat of snow, our sufficency is of God, passions, peace, positive action, provoking one another, rejoice, relaxation, rest, running around half naked, self-control, sensible thing, shadrach, succour, sufficent of ourselves, summer accoutrements, take my yoke upon you, temperance, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the best laid plans of men and mice, the fruit of the spirit, the great invitation, the lion's den., times of need, truth, vain glory, walk in the Spirit, what a bam bam, which strengtheneth me, wisdom, wise, wishful thinking, without me you can do nothing, worry, ye are the branches, ye shall find rest unto your souls
Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Aye Friends, as the old people would say, the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray, and also, men plan while God laughs. I wanted to get up early, write the Bit and do some other stuff before the morning was finished. Hn! But obviously that was only wishful thinking. (smile)
And remember too, how a couple weeks ago when we were basking in temperatures in the upper teens and low twenties, when people were running around half naked, and all the summer accoutrements were being rolled out to enjoy it? Well that has all been reversed, without any warning either.
We’re lucky if we can get up into the high single digits now in the day time, and we’re back to bundling up in our winter coats. What a bam bam eh?
But Friends, let’s at least be thankful for one mercy; the sun is shining brightly this Friday morning and there’s no threat of snow in the offing.
So let’s rejoice, as we are wont to do, by declaring: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday yes! The weekend’s here and labouring soon finish for another week! Our God is a good God, and He won’t give us more than we can handle! Let’s say it again: Thank God it’s Friday yes!’
Oh Friends, our God is indeed a wonderful Deity and He won’t burden us with more than we can bear, for that just doesn’t make any sense. Instead He helps us to bear our heavy loads, and invites us in His Great Invitation to come to Him for help and succour in times of need.
‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh my people, what a magnificent offer and invitation! And since we know that God is ever-faithful, and keeps all His promises, this morning I implore all who are bearing heavy burdens, to come and lay them at the feet of Jesus and get relief from your pain, your worry, your fear and your anxiety.
That’s the wise and sensible thing to do, especially in these difficult and distressing times. No one else can even promise such things, much less keep the promise: ONLY JESUS CAN!
Now let’s chant our Friday Chant to get us in the right mood, the right perspective to handle the short but oh so volatile weekend. As one now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Yes my people, we do have to handle the weekend with some circumspection, else we’ll be no good to God, or ourselves come Monday morning. And it all begins and ends with the faithful promise of our Bit. ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’
Glory be, my people! With God’s help we can walk through fire like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and come out without even smelling of smoke. (Dan.3:20-30) And like Daniel, we can rest in the lion’s den without even one hair being plucked from our heads. (Dan. 6:14-23)
No wonder Bruh Paul made this bold and factual statement to the Corinthians in his second missive to them. ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.’ (2 Cor.3:5) And that is the gospel, gospel truth my brethren!
Now hear Jesus tell it to the disciples, and ultimately to us. ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:4-5)
And that Friends, is the indisputable truth! Without Christ we can do little or nothing at all! That’s why it is ever so important for us to believe in Him and cleave, cling to Him like super glue (smile) if we want to do good and useful stuff in this godless and evil world.
And we’ll end today with a reminder of the kinds of stuff Jesus is talking about when He refers to us bearing fruit. Listen to Bruh Paul expatiate on the subject to the Galatians. (smile)
‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness), Meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (its passions).
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory (be deceitful), provoking one another, envying one another.’ (Gal.5:22-26)
Oh Friends, what a wonderful way to end today’s message! Please, let’s take it all to heart and go out and put it into positive action, in Jesus’ name.
And all God’s people declared a loud, proud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’ Much LOVE my brethren!
…remember …for whatever ails us…whatever we need…whatever we desire…whatever the problem…Jesus IS the indisputable answer…
27 Mar 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all ye that labour and are heavy laden, almighty god, anguish, betrayal, Bruh David, burial, Calvary, Christian, common sense, conviction, covenant, crucifixion, cry out to God, defeated death, die on the cross, Easter Sunday, encouraging, eternal life, faithfulness of God, fellowship, focusing on God, forgive our sins, forgiveness, Friday chant, friends and neighbours, further God's glorious kingdom, generous help, Good and upright is the Lord, gratefulness, guidance, guide in judgement, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, He will teach sinners his way, Holy Week, humble, I am meek and lowly in heart, I will forgive their iniquity, I will give you rest, I will remember their sin no more, if we confess our sins, in Jesus' name, iniquity, Jeremiah, Jesus is the way the truth and the life, Jesus' great invitation, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, joy, justice, know the Lord, Lenten season, loving kindness, meek, mercy, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, our main priority, Palm Sunday, panache, pardon my iniquity, philosophical, poetic, protection, reconciled, rejuvenation, relaxation, repentance, rest, resurrection, sin, testimonies, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the heavy load, the living God, the sins of my youth, the weekend, thy goodness sake, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, truth, uplifting, wisdom, zest
1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And then my beautiful Friends and neighbours, it was Friday! The day that so many of us around the world can’t wait to come around, because it signifies the end of our labour for two, big, whole days. (smile) That’s why the joyful cry of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend’s here at last!’ rings out all over the land every Friday.
However Friends and neighbours, just to see Friday come around should not be the uppermost fact or factor in our lives. It does have its importance, but that’s certainly not at the head of the list.
Our main priority should always be our focus on the living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the One who created the universe and all therein. The One who LOVED us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us on a wooden cross at Calvary’s Hill, so that we could be reconciled to Him.
Now that’s a more worthwhile focus, especially in this upcoming last week of the Lenten season, Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, where we recreate Jesus’ triumphal entry into the Holy City of Jerusalem. Then during the week, we feel with Him the anguish of waiting for His betrayal, crucifixion, and burial.
And finally, the greatest moment of all in man’s history, when we celebrate His triumphant resurrection on Easter Sunday morning! For that’s what entitles us to promise of eternal life! If Christ had not arisen from the grave, having defeated death, then there’d be no after life for us to celebrate today, two thousand years later.
Now that’s where the Christian mind should be focused in these difficult and trying times. And to help us get into that frame of mind, rather than the ‘Thank God it’s Friday’ one, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much conviction.
As one powerful 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.’
Yeh mih people, we need to concentrate on rejuvenating ourselves, so that we can continue our pilgrim’s journey with zest and panache next week. (smile) And an important part of all that is doing what our Bit advises. ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’
Unfortunately though my brethren, a lot of us don’t seem to believe that and we just go on constantly toting the heavy load that is sin on our frail human shoulders. That’s not wisdom nor common sense my people, for long long ago the Lord promised to forgive our sins if we turned to Him in repentance.
Listen to these beautiful, uplifting and encouraging words of the prophet Jeremiah nuh. ‘And they shall teach no more every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.’ (Jer.31:34)
Oh Friends, we all know the faithfulness of our God, so why is it so difficult to embrace that promise eh? Why do we insist on letting our sins weigh us down, when it’s not necessary?
Bruh David is a great example of not letting his sins weigh him down too much. He did his thing, but when times got rough, he wasn’t afraid to cry out to the God of his fathers for mercy and forgiveness. Hear this cry of his from Psalm 27 – A prayer for guidance and protection.
‘Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy LOVING-kindness; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
The meek (humble) will he guide in judgement (justice): and the meek (humble) will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity; for it is great.’ (Ps.25:6-12)
Ah mih people, we don’t have to wax as poetic and philosophical as Bruh David, but we do have to bring our sins to Almighty God for forgiveness as often as possible, so that we can shed the heavy load that they bring to bear on us. Please remember Jesus’ great invitation to all and sundry.
‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh Friends, there we have it in living colour, straight from Jesus Himself! What shall we do about it eh? Shall we foolishly reject such a wonderful invitation? Or shall we embrace it with joy and gratefulness?
I beg to advice that the latter option is the only wise and sensible one. So today, let’s ponder our true relationship with Jesus nuh, and hopefully come to the conclusion, that He is indeed the Truth, the Light, and the Way in this dark world of evil and sin. Much LOVE!
…the greatest wisdom mankind can embrace…is that of truly and faithfully following Jesus…
12 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a Prophet, a way with words, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, as for me and mine, but on whom this stone falls, calm, chief cornerstone, Christ died for us, come unto me, cornerstone, discouragement, don't give up, done deal, doubt, encourage, eternal life, eternal separation, faith, faithful promises, fallen world, follow in the footsteps of Jesus, full steam ahead, Gentiles, God demonstrates His love to us, God's Guide Book, God's love changes us, gospel truth, grind him to powder, halfway home, hang in there, heavenly wisdom, hypocrite Pharisees, I am meek (gentle) in heart, I will give you rest, is become the chief cornerstone, it is marvellous in our eyes, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the chief cornerstone, judgement, keep keeping on, learn from me, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, mercy, motivate, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, Old Testament, parable of the wicked husbandmen, Pentecost, persevere to the end, pilgrim's journey, powerful, purposeful, rejection, renew our fragile spirits, repentance, salvation, Sanhedrinists, solace, something to hold on to, take in front before in front takes you, take my yoke upon you, the BIBLE, the foundation of the church, the great invitation, the nations bringing forth the fruits, the race is not for the swift, the real cornerstone of God, the road is rough and rugged, the stone which the builders refused, the surest of feet, the true cornerstone, this is the Lord's doing, ultimate triumph, victory is assured, warning of judgement, we will follow Jesus, while we were yet sinners, who shall fall on this stone shall be broken, ye shall find rest unto your souls
Psalm 118:22. The stone which the builders refused (rejected) is become the headstone of the corner (chief cornerstone).
A hale and hearty Wednesday morning Friends! We’re halfway home, and victory is assured if we just hang in there, just keep on keeping on, following in the wonderful footsteps of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
It’s a done deal mih people…but only if we don’t give up, if we persevere to the end! So if we stumble, as we most likely will…don’t give up, because that’s expected since the road ahead is rough and rugged.
And even if we happen to fall, please, please, let’s just get ourselves back up, dust ourselves off and keep on going, full steam ahead, for the race is not for the swiftest, but for the surest of feet, those who persevere to the end.
And please remember that our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has promised to meet us at the level of our faith. Let’s allow His Great Invitation to fill our hearts and minds this morning. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
That my Friends, is an invitation we’ll never regret accepting!
Now here’s an interesting poem from the One Year Book of Bible Promises. It’s simply called ‘Reversal’ and it says: ‘Lord For so long I thought Your LOVE Demanded that I change. At last I am beginning to understand That Your LOVE changes me.’
We cannot dispute that my brethren! It’s God who changes us!
And the Bible promise given to support that declaration is Romans 5:8: ‘But God commendeth (demonstrates) his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’
That’s gospel truth Friends; pure, unadulterated gospel truth! So please, let’s allow that to resonate in our souls, hearts, bodies and minds today!
Ah my people, there’s nothing like scripture to encourage and motivate us along our pilgrim journey. In fact, that’s one of the reasons why God’s Guide Book, the Bible was drawn up; so that in times of doubt and discouragement, we‘d have something strong, powerful and purposeful to give us solace, for us to hold on to, something to calm and renew our fragile spirits.
Now here’s another piece of scripture to cogitate on (smile) and hold on to. That’s our Bit: ‘The stone which the builders refused (rejected) is become the headstone of the corner (chief cornerstone).’
And that again is indisputable, gospel truth my people! For Jesus Christ, whom the leaders of the Jews refused, despised and worked diligently to have Him eventually crucified, has indeed become the chief cornerstone of this world; bringing salvation and eternal life to the wise of this fallen world, those who would believe in His Deity and stand on His ever-faithful promises.
Wow! What a wonderful God we serve my brethren!
And in talking to the leaders of Jewish people, Jesus reveals the parable of the wicked husbandmen (tenant farmers) who refuse to pay their rental to the owner of their vineyards, and instead kill his representatives, who came to collect, even his son. (Matt.21:33-39)
Jesus then asks them, ‘When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked husbandmen, and will let out (lease) his vineyard unto other husbandmen (tenant farmers), which shall render him (pay back) the fruits in their seasons.’ (Matt.21:40-41)
Jesus tricks the hypocrite Pharisees into admitting that the owner of the vineyards ought to destroy the wicked husbandmen and replace them with others who would faithfully keep their agreements.
Then ‘Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner (chief cornerstone): This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to the nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived (knew, realized) that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for (held him to be) a prophet.’ (Matt.21:42-46)
What a way Jesus had with words, my people!
Now here are some explanations from the scholars. ’21:40-43. Verse 40 represents the condemning question of the judicial parable, What will he do unto those husbandmen? Their reply again unwittingly condemns their own attitude of rejection toward Jesus.
The other husbandmen are the Gentiles (v.43). Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23 exactly from the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament, relating to His present rejection to His ultimate triumph (cf. Acts 4:11; 1 Pet.2:6-7, where the stone which the builders rejected is also quoted in relation to Christ).
The Sanhedrinists represent the builders of Israel’s religion, who rejected the real cornerstone of God, Jesus, the true Cornerstone of the foundation of the church.’
And the scholars further explain: ‘21:44-46. The warning The kingdom of God shall be taken from you (v.43) was fulfilled at Pentecost when the kingdom was mediatorily transferred to the church. Yet, within this warning of judgement, Jesus offers mercy to those falling on this stone, meaning falling upon Him in repentance and faith. But His falling upon man in judgement will grind him to powder.’
Oh my Friends, how much more do we need to hear and experience eh, for us to truly believe in and put all our trust in Jesus Christ? I don’t know nuh! But as for me and mine, we have heard and experienced enough to obediently follow His lead.
Hopefully the same can be said of you and yours, because following Jesus, the cornerstone of the church, is heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
…please take in front before in front takes you…fall on Christ, the cornerstone…and receive salvation and eternal life…before the cornerstone falls on you…and brings judgement and eternal separation…
07 Oct 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a man sharpens the countenance of his friend, a man with many friends comes to ruin, a perverse man sows strife, adversity, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, anxiety, beating him down emotionally, bless them that curse you, blessings, call on god for help, Calvary, come unto me, encouragement, fear, forgiveness, friend, friends, friendships, God makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, God sends rain on the just and the unjust, God's wrath was kindled, gospel truth, gossip, gossip destroys friendships, greater love hath no man, grief, Healer, Helper, how good is our God, I am meek (gentle) in heart, I will give you rest, iron sharpens iron, Jesus is our be all and end all, Job, keep our focus on god, LOVE, Love your enemies, make a positive difference, mercies, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, offer burnt offerings, one more day, praise God, pray for them which use you, prayed for his friends, praying for others, redeem, repent, servants, serve God dilgently, sins, sons of the Father, sorrow, stand strong in Christ, strife, take my yoke upon you, that a man lay down his life for his friends, the Good Book, the great invitation, the poor is hated by his neightbour, the rich have many friends, wealth makes many friends, words of comfort, worry, you shall find rest unto your souls
John 15:13. Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
One more day Friends, one more day! Wow! We’ve been granted life anew for another day, so let’s use it wisely please. Let’s use it like the present God desires it to be, with all the new mercies, blessings, forgiveness and LOVE that He’s showering down on us.
Let’s keep our focus on God: praise and serve Him diligently and sincerely, and do the works He desires of us. He has given us all we need to accomplish the tasks on our task sheets, so there should be no serious problems involved.
But if perchance, one does crop up, we have the freedom, or rather we’re expected to call on Him for assistance, which He’ll never refuse, once we’re sincere. For as Jesus says in His Great Invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
So my fellow believers, with those words of comfort and encouragement bubbling in our souls, let’s not allow anything or anyone to cause us anxiety, fear or worry today. Let’s stand strong in the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, and try our very best to make a positive difference in this crazy, troubled world in which we now live.
That’s what Jesus desires of us! And remember that He is indeed our be all and end all! He is our Healer, our Helper, our Redeemer and our Friend! What more can we ask eh? Nothing really.
So let’s look at our Bit: ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’
And it’s worth repeating and remembering that after He spoke those purposeful words, He went out and died for us at Calvary… as Friends, not servants.
And we’ll continue looking at the interplay of ‘friends and friendships’ as found in the Good Book. Then there was Job and his supposed friends. They ostensibly came to comfort him in his sorrow and grief, but unfortunately ended up beating him down emotionally, claiming that his hidden sins had caused his disastrous experience.
And God’s wrath was kindled against them, because they had not spoken rightly of Him as His servant Job had done, and He commanded them to repent and offer burnt offerings. (Job 42:7-9)
But hear this: ‘And the Lord turned (restored) the captivity (losses) of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.’ (Job 42:10)
Yes my people, the Lord turned Job’s adversity around when he prayed for his friends, and also worked some serious miracles on his behalf, blessing him with twice as much as he had lost. Oh how good our God is to us!
That brings us to this rather important point; the importance of praying for others, even when they’ve done us wrong. I know that’s sometimes pretty hard to do, but it’s required of believers.
Jesus said it loud and clear: ‘But I say unto you, LOVE your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you, and persecute you; That ye may be children (sons) of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.’ (Matt.5:44-45)
So if you ought to pray for your enemies, it’s logical to assume that you ought to pray for your friends and fellow believers too. (smile)
Now let’s look at some wisdom of Cousin Sol, re ‘friends and friendships’ as divined in Proverbs. He declares first of all that: ‘The poor is hated even of (by) his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends (the LOVERS of the rich are many).’ (Prov.14:20)
And isn’t that the gospel truth! The scholars explain it thus: ’14:20-21. Social standing is improved with riches, but the good neighbour will have concern for all, regardless of their status.’ That’s how it ought to be, but sadly in this topsy-turvy world of ours, we still look down on the poor and up at the rich.
And here’s a fitting companion to that Proverb. ‘Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour (friend).’ (Prov.19:4)
And we see that everyday. Many of us have also experienced it. When times are good and we are rolling in plenty, we have plenty supposed friends around us, but as soon as the good times stop flowing, they all disappear.
Now listen to these Proverbs. ‘A froward (perverse) man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief (the best of) friends.’ (Prov.16:28) Or as the scholars say: ’16:28. Gossip destroys friendships.’ That we all know and have experienced too.
Here is a companion to that one. ‘He that covereth a transgression seeketh LOVE; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very (the best of) friends.’ (Prov.17:9) More reflections on gossip.
Then we have this bit of wisdom. ‘A man that hath friends must show himself friendly (may come to ruin): and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.’ (Prov.18:24)
The scholars explain that this way: ’18:24. A man that hath friends must show himself friendly may also be translated, “A man of many friends comes to ruin.” In other words, a man must not spread himself too thin among many superficial relationships. Far better it is to have genuine friends who become like family and LOVE at all times. (17:17).’
And isn’t that the gospel, gospel truth my people! It surely is!
And we’ll close with this priceless gem of wisdom from Cousin Sol. ‘Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.’ (Prov.27:17)
Mama Mia! Wisdom from heaven Friends!
The scholars explain it thus: ’27:17. As the proper tool shapes and sharpens iron for its desired use, so a man sharpens his friend morally and intellectually by their personal friendship.’
Now that’s the kind of friends we need to have and need to be! Friends, who encourage, comfort, exhort, educate and uplift each other in as many walks of life as possible.
So let’s go out today and be that kind of friend nuh mih people. It could only make our world a better place for our children and us. Much LOVE!
…the fewer the friends…the less possibility of strife and troublesome friendships…
17 Aug 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Abraham, ambassadors, and not unto men, as to the Lord, ask for the old paths, celebrate, come unto me, comforted, do it heartily, economic situation, energy, enthusiasm. witnesses, eternal life, evil, Father Abraham, giving thanks, gladden our hearts, go off like a dream, godly ways of our forefathers, good news of Jesus, great invitation, Hades, hate, heathen, heavy laden, I am meek, I will give you rest, injustice, Jesus, joy, labour, Lazarus, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, lowly in heart, Lucifer, Moses, my burden is light, my yoke is easy, parable of the rich man and beggar, peace, prosperity. the ways of God, refuse to walk with God, rejuvenate our spirits, repent, resurrection, reward. inheritance, search the scriptures, singing, stand in the ways and see, standard of living, strife, Sunday, take my yoke upon you, that ye might have life, the Lord's Day, the ways of death, tormented, ungodly world, where is the good way, wisdom, worshipping, you shall find rest for your souls
Jeremiah 16:6. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Oh Friends, neighbours and fellow believers, it’s the best day of the week – Sunday, the Lord’s Day! So let’s celebrate appropriately by going to His sanctuary and worshipping, singing praises and giving thanks with other believers!
Wow! What a blessed day! And if you are too sick or frail to get out, then turn on the tube or the radio and celebrate with others that way. And if by chance you can’t do any of those things, then simply get your Bible out and read it and sing whatever hymns you know and worship with the Holy Spirit and Jesus as your companions.
The important thing is to get some celebratory face time with the Father on this restful day. (smile) But please don’t let the joy and singing and pleasure disappear when you come out of the sanctuary or turn off the TV and radio, because that is when our real work for Christ ought to begin.
Going to the sanctuary, in fact worshipping is also a means to rejuvenate our spirits, gladden our hearts, so that we can spread the joy and good news of Jesus to others. That’s where we’re supposed to get the energy, enthusiasm and whatever else we need to be good witnesses, good ambassadors for Christ.
And as we’ve been saying, it’s also the best way to prepare for that awesome first day of the workweek, Monday. Once you do right, make good preparations on Sunday, Monday will go off like a dream. (smile) And if you don’t believe me, then just try it nuh.
Now let’s continue with our Bit of the last couple days: ‘Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.’
Ah Friends, that is such an important scripture that we do ourselves a great injustice by not paying proper attention to it. History is littered with nations and individuals who refused to pay it the attention it deserved. Please don’t let us and our society be numbered amongst that unfortunate lot nuh.
We all know that when Western society truly had God at the forefront of their lives, it prospered like never before. But now that we’ve foolishly removed God from so many parts of Western life, everything is now on the downslide.
There’s very little peace and LOVE, but lots of hate and strife, while the economic situation is terrible and the standard of living is continually falling. But yet we refuse to return to the godly ways of our forefathers.
Oh my brethren, in the ways of God there’s peace and prosperity, and rest for your souls. Listen to Jesus’ great invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh my people, how could we ever turn down such a wonderful invitation eh? It’s the epitome of foolishness! But unfortunately, there is a very large number of fools in this evil, ungodly world who refuse to walk with God and accept Jesus’ most awesome invitation. I’m sorry for them, but they’ve made their choice.
This brings us to a scripture in Luke 16, where Jesus is telling the parable of the rich man and the poor beggar Lazarus covered with sores that the dogs licked as he sat at the rich man’s gate, eating the crumbs from the rich man’s table, where a sumptuous meal was laid out every day.
But as the Lord would have it, the rich man died and went to sojourn with Lucifer in Hades, while Lazarus was transported to heaven where he enjoyed Abraham’s company in a messianic feast. We all know the story, where the rich man in severe torment, lifts up his eyes to heaven, sees Lazarus hanging with Abraham.
‘And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.’ (Luke 16:24-31)
Ah mih people, yuh see how life turns around on the other side, and how those in the nether parts of the world are suffering severe torment? That alone should be enough to make us serious believers. But sadly it doesn’t. As Abraham says, if we won’t listen to Moses and the prophets and Jesus, as I’ll show you in a moment, why would we listen to one coming from the dead eh?
In fact Jesus came from the dead and told us both before and after His resurrection, yet we didn’t believe and refused to walk in the godly paths. Now hear Jesus while talking about His relationship with the Father. ‘Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And (but) ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.’ (John 5:39-40)
Ah mih people, two thousand years later, mankind is still stupidly refusing to come to Jesus so that they might have life! But we believers are still expected to work at bringing the heathen to our wonderful Lord and Saviour, so let’s not get weary and tired, though the task seems difficult:
‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ (Col.3:23-24)
That’s wisdom of the highest order my brethren! So please let’s practice it nuh. Much LOVE!
…there is a way which seemeth right unto a man…but the end thereof are the ways of death… (Prov.14:12)
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