The Best Life Possible – Living and Working for Jesus!

25 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Corinthians 1:26.       For ye see (consider) your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

And it’s another Sunday! A glorious looking one indeed! Made just for visiting the Lord’s house on His day, to fellowship with other believers and bring joy to both the Lord’s heart and ours. Nothing could be better than that my people, except entering the pearly gates of heaven. But we’re not quite ready for that. (smile) 

In the meanwhile, let’s get to our song of worship for today, a Christian Contemporary tune titled, ‘I’m just a Nobody.’ I don’t know the author(s) of the song, but the lyrics describe how God uses ordinary people to spread the Gospel of Jesus! We are all flawed, yet the Lord has a purpose for us. In our joy of having been forgiven, we excitedly point to the forgiver, Jesus Christ!   

And we’re going to do a raunchy, rocking, scintillating version, as that done by the Casting Crowns, featuring Matthew West. There will be lots of clapping, dancing, and of course singing! (smile) So, let’s begin with some handclapping, in three fourths time, sing the first line of the chorus three times acapella, then get into the full chorus as the music comes up. So here goes: clap, clap: ‘I’m just a nobody…clap, clap: I’m just a nobody…clap, clap: I’m just a nobody…’ Now the music, and everybody goes crazy: 

(Chorus: ‘I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus!) Why you ever chose me, has always been a mystery. All my life, I’ve been told I belong, at the end of the line. With all the other “Not Quites” with all the “Never-Get-it Rights” But it turns out, they’re the ones you’ve been looking for all this time, 

(Chorus: I’m just a nobody…) Moses had stage fright, and David brought a rock to a sword fight, You picked twelve outsiders, nobody would have ever chosen, and you changed the world. Well the moral of the story is, Everybody’s got a purpose. So when I hear that devil start talking to me saying, “Who do you think you are?” I say, (Chorus: I’m just a nobody…)  So let me go down, down, down in history, as another blood-bought faithful member of the family. And if they all forget my name, well, that’s fine with me. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus… 

So let me go down, down, down in history, as another blood-bought faithful member of the family…That’s all I ever want to be… And if they all forget my name, well, that’s fine with me. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus… Cause I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus!’ 

Oh what sweet sacrifices of praise friends! And Jesus blushed all the way through, while the Father and the rest of heaven sang along with us, giving our wonderful, selfless Lord and Saviour the hearty praise He so rightfully deserves! And strangely enough it’s the ones that world casts aside and looks at in scorn, the “Not Quites”, and the “Never-Get-it Rights” that Jesus seems to pick to do His selfless, sacrificial work. 

As Bruh Paul writes: ‘For ye see (consider) your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound (put to shame) the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound (put to shame) the things which are mighty.’ (1 Cor. 1:26-27) 

That’s exactly like the twelve outsiders, or disciples whom Jesus chose, that no one else would have chosen to do such important, painstaking work. But Jesus knew that although they were nobodies in the eyes of the world, they had the qualities of strength and tenacity that He needed in His followers. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) How many rich, comfortable and well-educated people are willing to live such a sacrificial and self-denied life eh? 

Not many, as can be seen in the example of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus told him about keeping the commandments, but he said that he’d done all that from his youth and enquired what else he lacked. ‘Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt (want to) be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:21) But the young man went away sad, because he had lots of possessions. 

And in any case, when Jesus calls you into His employ, He moulds and shapes you into the vessel that He desires, like a potter does to clay.  And once you get in with Jesus, you only have eyes and ears for Him. Your divine destiny is to tell the world about Him and His good news gospel. As He said to the disciples in what we call the Great Commission: 

‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20) 

Oh my fellow believers, as the song says, ‘Everybody’s got a purpose.’ And that’s our purpose! To help Jesus and those twelve outsiders, twelve disciples change the world. And the good thing about working for Jesus is that He’s always with you through the indwelling of His awesome Holy Spirit, and He always gives you the wherewithal to do whatever He asks you to do. You cannot find a better Boss than Him! 

That’s why all who come to Him don’t seek their own advancement and don’t boast about their doings, but in the work of Jesus. That’s why Bruh Paul writes: ‘But he that glorieth (boasts), let him glory (boast) in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.’ (2 Cor. 10:17-18) 

And in closing, let’s remember that whatever our original background, we are now, all ONE in Christ, for by His work on the cross, He has broken down the wall between us, bringing both Jews and Gentiles into ONE body, His church. And our job is simply to do His work to the best of our ability! Much LOVE!

…living and working for Christ…is the best life possible…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   26 March 2023 Luke 19:10.

26 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Luke 19:10.        For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.

Well come on down friends, it’s Sunday, the Lord’s Day once more! That means fellowshipping in His sanctuary, for the giving of thanks and praise and receiving His divine blessings for the upcoming week. And I’m sure you’ll enjoy todays song, titled ‘I’m just a Nobody’ because it’s a Contemporary Christian tune that we’re going to do in a rocking, raunchy, good times version, similar to that of the Casting Crowns featuring Matthew West. There’ll be lots of clapping, dancing, and  of course singing. (smile) 

Without further ado then, let’s get rocking. And we’ll begin with some handclapping, in three fourths time, then sing the first line of the chorus three times acapella, then get into the full chorus as the music comes up. So here goes: ‘clap, clap: I’m just a nobody…clap, clap: I’m just a nobody…clap, clap: I’m just a nobody…’  And now the music comes in and everybody goes crazy: ‘I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! 

Why you ever chose me, has always been a mystery. All my life, I’ve been told I belong, at the end of the line. With all the other “Not Quites” with all the “Never-Get-it Rights” But it turns out, they’re the ones You’ve been looking for all this time, Cause I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! 

Moses had stage fright, and David brought a rock to a sword fight, You picked twelve outsiders, nobody would have ever chosen, and you changed the world. Well the moral of the story is, Everybody’s got a purpose. So when I hear that devil start talking to me saying, “Who do you think you are?” I say, I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! 

So let me go down, down, down in history, as another blood-bought faithful member of the family. And if they all forget my name, well, that’s fine with me. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus… So let me go down, down, down in history, as another blood-bought faithful member of the family…That’s all I ever want to be… 

And if they all forget my name, well, that’s fine with me. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus… Cause I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus!’ 

Now didn’t that up-tempo bit of worship gladden your soul, put some pep in your step? Of course it did! And that’s what happens when we celebrate the wonderful ministry of Jesus. One commentary says: ‘The lyrics describe how God uses ordinary people to spread the Gospel of Jesus! We are all flawed, yet the Lord has a purpose for us. In our joy of having been forgiven, we excitedly point to the forgiver, Jesus Christ!’ 

And that’s the undeniable truth! When Jesus takes us up from what ever lowly place we’ve fallen and causes us to be reconciled to the Father, forgiven, justified, sanctified and all the other marvellous things His death and resurrection did for us, it’s hard not to be filled with joy; His joy, that then makes us want to go and tell EVERYBODY about what He’s done for us! And as the song says, Jesus has indeed been looking for all the “Not Quites” with all the “Never-Get-it Rights.” That’s the ones who are lost, fallen through the cracks and are wallowing in the mire of darkness of Satan and his sinful doings. 

He made it very clear that He came to save and not to condemn when He said: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:17) And furthermore, He was mostly interested in the sick, the lost and suffering as He declared (chuh man!!!) several times. For example, when He ate at the house of Zaccheus, the publican. Zaccheus repented after lunching with Jesus. ‘And Jesus said unto him. This day is salvation come to this house forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.’ (Luke 19:9-10) 

He also told His audience the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, noting that the owners of the lost sheep and coin searched diligently for what they had lost, while the Father of the prodigal son was always on the lookout for his lost boy coming back home, so he saw him as soon as he crossed the horizon, ran an hugged him and forgave him and made a celebration on his return. Likewise the owners of the lost cheep and coin also had celebrations when they found their lost property. (Luke 15) 

And in the midst of those parables, Jesus made the following observation twice. ‘I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just (upright) persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7) And then three verses later Jesus again declares (yesss!!!): ‘Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.’ (Luke 15:10) 

And if you still don’t believe that Jesus came for the lost and hurting souls, then listen to Him again, this time after the scribes and Pharisees murmured against Him for eating and drinking with the publican (tax collector) Levi and other sinners. ‘And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole (healthy) need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ (Luke 5:31-32) 

Yes my fellow saints Jesus came to save those that are lost, those who cannot help themselves, so if you are amongst that unfortunate lot, then please, I urge you to look to Jesus and take His free offer of salvation through the gift of grace, asap! It will be the wisest decision you’ve ever made, and can ever make. Much LOVE!

…ONLY in Jesus…can one find…one’s lost soul… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ    

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 April 2020 Matthew 28:19.

26 Apr 2020 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 28:19.    ​Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 
 

Aye mih bredrin, we’re back to Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and we still don’t have the option to fellowship together in the Lord’s sanctuary because of the social distancing business, but that’s never stopped us before, and believe me, it won’t stop us today either because we have technology! Technology, the wizardry that allows us to communicate live and in person across major distances, so though we can’t hug and kiss and shake hands, we can still celebrate the Lord’s Day with thanks and praise and reading of His Word and getting His assurance and confidence to successfully handle our difficult circumstances. 

I don’t know how our forefathers managed during their time of plagues and pandemic problems. But they still managed to hand down the gospel to us. Yet we, with all our technology, can’t get it into our children’s heads. But that’s another story for another day. So let’s get to some praise and worship to open the proceedings. And today’s song is of the contemporary Christian genre, titled ‘I’m just a Nobody.’ 

Now there seems to be at least two versions, each with different lyrics in the verses, one a soulful version by the Williams Brothers, but we’re going to follow the Casting Crowns version featuring Matthew West; a rocking, raunchy, good times one, with lots of clapping, dancing, and of course singing! (smile) We’ll begin with some hand clapping, in three fourths time, then sing the first line of the chorus three times acapella, then get into the full chorus as the music comes up. So here goes: clap, clap: ‘I’m just a nobody…clap, clap: I’m just a nobody…clap, clap: I’m just a nobody…’ and then music and everybody going crazy! 

‘Chorus: I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus!)  Why you ever chose me, has always been a mystery. All my life, I’ve been told I belong, at the end of the line. With all the other “Not Quites” with all the “Never-Get-it Rights” But it turns out, they’re the ones you’ve been looking for all this time, (Chorus:  Cause I’m just a nobody… living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus!) 

Moses had stage fright, and David brought a rock to a sword fight, You picked twelve outsiders, nobody would have ever chosen, and you changed the world. Well the moral of the story is, Everybody’s got a purpose. So when I hear that devil start talking to me saying, “Who do you think you are?” (Chorus: I say, I’m just a nobody… living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus!) So let me go down, down, down in history, as another blood-bought faithful member of the family. And if they all forget my name, well, that’s fine with me. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus… 

So let me go down, down, down in history, as another blood-bought faithful member of the family…That’s all I ever want to be… And if they all forget my name, well, that’s fine with me. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus… Cause I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody, who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus! I’m living for the world to see…Nobody but Jesus!’ 

Oh yes friends, that was indeed a happily sung ditty; one of hope, faith and rejoicing! And I like what one web site says about the song: ‘The lyrics describe how God uses ordinary people to spread the Gospel of Jesus! We are all flawed, yet the Lord has a purpose for us. In our joy of having been forgiven, we excitedly point to the forgiver, Jesus Christ!’ And all God’s people said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’ And that’s indeed our main purpose in this life my brethren; to ‘excitedly point to the forgiver;’ to spread the gospel of Christ with unyielding zest and holy enthusiasm. 

As Jesus declared to His disciples: ‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20) And that my people is what we refer to as ‘the Great Commission!’ And moreover, against all odds, the disciples were indeed able to do that seemingly impossible task; twelve poor, uneducated men charged with proselytizing the entire world! 

And they certainly laid a good foundation for us to further build on! Let’s not forget that we are Christ’s arms, legs, head, hands and body in this dark and sinful world, and that He’s depending on us to show the lost the light of His gospel and lead them to Him so they can be saved; forgiven, granted salvation through grace, which leads to eternal life. Remember Jesus memorable words about why He came into the world: ‘For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.’ (Matt.18:11) And that philosophy hasn’t changed down through the ages friends, which means we still need to show interest in and help those lost in the darkness of Satan’s world. 

Jesus also made His Father’s intentions quite clear in these momentous and memorable words that we all know: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17) 

Let’s remember that this Sunday friends, as we are unable to worship in physical proximity, and realize in that sense, we are still the lost, and that we still need saving from the Coronavirus, and that Jesus is the ONLY ONE who can do it! Much LOVE!

…without Jesus…we’re all hopelessly lost…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 February 2020 Hebrews 4:15.

23 Feb 2020 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hebrews 4:15.    ​For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (our weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
 
Well it’s Sunday, the Lord’s Day and the ole fella did not get to visit His sanctuary because there wasn’t one close by, but he did fellowship with other believers on the tube. Yes friends, however you do it, it is important on a Sunday to join with other Christians to hear the Lord’s Word and celebrate His sovereignty with songs of praise and sacrificial offerings of prayer. 

And as always, we begin our proceedings with praiseful worship. Today it’s an old Negro Spiritual from back in the days of slavery, titled ‘Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.’ And back then our forefathers had plenty trouble, just like we do today, but they did the wise thing, called out to the Lord in song. So let’s do the same nuh, sing this ole ditty made famous by people like Mahalia Jackson and Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong. 

Let’s raise it to heaven with soulful, heartfelt, harmonious emotion, so that the Lord can feel our supplication and have no other alternative but to help us. (smile) So altogether now: ‘Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen  Nobody knows my sorrow  Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Glory, Hallelujah!  Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen  Nobody knows but Jesus  Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Glory, Hallelujah!  

Sometimes I’m up Sometimes I’m down Oh, yes, Lord Sometimes I’m almost to the ground Oh, yes, Lord. Oh, nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Nobody knows my sorrow  Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Glory, Hallelujah  Oh, every day to you I pray Oh, yes Lord For you to drive my sins away Oh, yes Lord. Oh, nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen (Glory) glory Hallelujah (hallelujah) (Lord)  

Although you see me going ‘long so Oh, yes, Lord I have my trials here below Oh, yes, Lord  If you get there before I do Oh, yes, Lord Tell all-a my friends I’m coming to Heaven! Oh, yes, Lord  Oh, nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen (Glory) glory Hallelujah (hallelujah) (Lord).’ 

And isn’t that the awesome truth friends? Nobody knows our troubles like Jesus does. He sees ALL and He hears ALL! And what’s even better is that He understands it ALL, because He himself faced the same sorrows and heartache, the same rejection, disappointment, betrayal, and in the end undeserved sacrificial death in our place! 

As the ole song says; ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ For without that selfless sacrifice of Jesus, we’d be all heading for Hades right now to keep company with the fallen angel Lucifer, in his reincarnation as the demon meister Satan. That certainly calls for another ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ my people.  

And this scripture from Hebrews says it all: ‘For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (our weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.’ 

Yes precious people of God, our High Priest, Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ was tempted just like we are, because He was human just like we are, and once you’re human you’re liable to temptation, but because of His godly nature, He did not sin. Now it’s necessary to make a distinction between temptation and sin. Not because you’re tempted means you’ve sinned. The sin only applies when you fall for the temptation and actually do it. 

And Isaiah describes Jesus’ suffering and temptation in more vivid detail. ‘He is despised and rejected of (forsaken by) men; a man of sorrows (pains), and acquainted with grief (sickness): and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem (reckon) him stricken, smitten of (struck down by) God, and afflicted. 

But he was wounded (pierced through) for our transgressions, he was bruised (crushed) for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes (wounds) we are healed.’ (Is.53:3-5) 

Ah mih people, if that isn’t suffering I don’t know what is nuh. But the important thing is that through it all Jesus NEVER sinned! As Bruh Paul so truthfully informed the Corinthians: ‘For he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Cor. 5:21) 

Yes friends, Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness. What more can we ask for eh? And why aren’t we more grateful for that act eh? Because we’re too much into worldly things to appreciate it’s significance. But friends, the sooner we appreciate the great significance of Jesus’ work on the cross for us, the better off we’ll be. 

For when He returns, if your name’s not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life, then you’re in serious trouble, then crapaud surely going to smoke yuh pipe, as you’re left on the outside looking in, facing eternal separation from Almighty God. And as I keep reminding us, that is the WORST thing that can ever befall a human soul. 

And what does sincerely accepting Christ as our High Priest, Lord and Saviour enable us to do? In the words of the author of Hebrews: ‘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.’ (Heb: 4:16) 

Oh my people, isn’t it wonderful to know that because of Christ’s selfless and sinless sacrifices we can come before Almighty God and ask for help with the utmost confidence! Wow! It surely is! So let’s smarten up and begin truly living for Jesus nuh so that we are assured of spending eternity with Him. That’s where the wise money is. (smile) Much LOVE!

..there are only two options in eternity…Hades with Satan…or Heaven with Jesus…it’s your choice… 

P.S. Yes, we’re really late but I just was not up to scratch after a busy day and late night yesterday at the wedding. And no, I did not imbibe too much (smile) hardly imbibed at all. Much LOVE!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 December 2016 1 Peter 5:8.

26 Dec 2016 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Peter 5:8.    Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Well friends and fellow believers, Christmas Day is over, but not the Christmas season. Let’s see if we can’t drag it out for as long as possible nuh – until next year this same time. (smile) 

Yeh, I know that’s only wishful thinking because come the second, if not the first week of January 2017, we’ll be back to our ungodly, uncaring ways, treating each other with discourtesy and contempt, having forgotten the kind words, the generous giving and heartfelt compassion we had shared just a couple weeks before. But I guess that’s just the nature of the human animal, unable to stay on the straight and narrow path for any length of time, especially when the frivolities of the world call. 

And although many of us are off today, many still have to go out and labour since our society has become a 24/7 machine that never stops.  So let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with those unfortunate ones who have to go out and face the music today. Let’s lend them a helping voice so that they can be inspired and enthused to go out and work diligently on Jesus’ behalf. 

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!’ 

Hn, hn! I have to laugh yes mih people, because it happens all the time. On the Mondays when only some of us are going to work, the raucous sound of those who are off are always louder and more enthusiastic, but also more out of key and harmony.  Our Choirmaster, Jesus, could only chuckle and shake His head, because He was well aware of the earthly goings on. And He does appreciate us putting our hearts into it, though our voices weren’t that sweet.  

And before we get to our Bit, it’s necessary to remind us of Granny’s warning: ‘Sonny Boy, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’ Because if we don’t, Beelzebub will certainly mind it for us as He is out seriously prowling for any unfortunates he can find this Christmas season.  I guess that’s why I’ve been led to this Bit for today. ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.’ 

Ah mih people that’s ever so true! Lucifer is always on the watch for when we step out of line. And he’d be especially pleased to get his tenterhooks into us in this Christmas time when we’re celebrating the birth of our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To catch us offside while we carrying on about Jesus…Wow! That would be a real feather in his cap.  So that’s why we have to pay particular attention to Granny’s advice when we are celebrating, or for that matter doing anything at all. 

And Peter continues after our Bit. ‘Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in (experienced by) your brethren that are in the world.’ (1 Pet.5:9) 

Oh friends, that ought to give us some encouragement, knowing that others in the faith are also suffering some rough times, with the evil one right on their heels, just waiting for them to falter, to stumble and fall. Sometimes it will, and sometimes it won’t. For as we say, ’Nobody knows the trouble I see. Nobody but Jesus.’ 

We all feel that our afflictions and problems are different and more serious than those of other believers. But the truth is my brethren, we all suffer at different levels and different degrees, but ‘sufferation’ is ‘sufferation’ in any form or level that it comes. 

That’s why Peter advised us before our Bit to: ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet.5:6-7)  

Yeh precious believers, our wonderful God cares a whole lot for us, but He can’t help us unless we surrender our all to Him. We just can’t keep some things for ourselves and give the rest to Him. He wants it all. That’s the only way He can properly control our circumstances. And believe me, He won’t ever leave us in the lurch, for He’s promised never to leave nor forsake us. And we all know that He’s ever-faithful about His promises. 

And here are some encouraging words from Peter for us to go home with today. ‘But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm), strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Pet.5:10-11) 

Yes friends, in due course, the Lord will bring us out of our troubles, much stronger than when we first encountered them. So let’s apply ourselves to wisdom nuh, if we want to be honoured, exalted and looked after by our heavenly Father. Much LOVE!

…all things work together for good…to them that LOVE God…to them who are the called…according to his purpose… (Rom.8:28)