15 Feb 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a well thumbed Bible, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and doeth it not to him it is sin, be ye doers of the word, deceiving your own selves, endure to the end, explains the age0old problems of sin and suffering, for instruction in righteousness, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, helps cleanse us from the pollutions of sin, ignorance is no excuse, imparts strength, instructs us what to do, it explains the origin of man, live a holy life well pleasing to God, makes our lives fruitful, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not hearers only, not looking back, not looking back at the past, points out the only way to salvation, profitable for doctrine reproof correction, provides us with a sword for victory over sin, the BIBLE, the Bible discovers sins and convicts us, the Bible reveals the truth about God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the frontispiece of every home, the Good Library, the great purpose of the Bible, the inerrant Word of God, the Word of god, to a glorious future with Jesus, to him that knoweth to do good, to reveal the the living Word of God -Jesus Christ, Wednesday Wail
2 Timothy 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Now I like weather forecasters, and I know that their job is tricky and not easy to gauge properly, but listen to my predicament this morning. I just opened my computer and saw the forecast for today as 9% C sunny. But outside it’s wet and chilly. Then I turned away for a minute only to see the forecast then saying, ‘temps plummet.’ And as I look at it a couple of minutes later, it now says ‘12% C cloudy.’ Brother all of that in less than ten minutes! So what’s a body to believe eh?
And sadly, that’s the way a lot of life is these days. You don’t know what’s truth from lies, for everybody is touting something they call the truth and claiming that everything else is a lie. How wonderful it is that we believers have the Bible, the Word of God, the greatest book ever written. But wait a minute, the Bible is not just one book, but a collection of books, 66, to be exact, and that makes it a Library, thus we call it the Good Library. Oh yes, it is indeed a library, covering all kinds of topics, like history, poetry, drama, biography, prophecy, philosophy, science, and it’s even good for just inspirational reading.
And above all else my faithful brethren, the Bible is the inerrant truth of God! That means there are absolutely NO ERRORS! For, as Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.’ (2 Tim. 3:16) And as one commentator says: ‘The Bible has been given to us that we may live a holy life, well-pleasing to God. Therefore God says: ‘But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.’ (James 1:22)
Yes friends, we definitely need to be bigger doers of the word, if we expect to make a difference for Jesus down here on planet earth. But first we need to know the word, so that we can do it, and that takes constant reading, studying, meditating and praying on it. And when we have amassed some knowledge, then we must get out in the crazy world and use it for Jesus’ benefit. One serious reminder here on the subject of knowledge though. James tells us in no uncertain manner: ‘Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ James (4:17)
Now that doesn’t mean we can get away from doing good by saying we don’t, or didn’t know, because if you are a true believer in Christ Jesus, you ought to be studying the word and becoming more mature in the Christian life every day. So as the old saying goes: ‘Ignorance is no excuse.’ So, we all ought to be studying the word, for none of us have yet arrived at perfection, or true maturity, and then putting that word into sincere actions.
And I like this paragraph from the introduction of ‘How to study the Bible,’ found in my King James Version. It says: ‘The Bible alone truly answers the greatest questions that men of all ages have asked: ‘Where have I come from? ‘Where am I going?’ ‘Why am I here?’ ‘How can I know the truth?’ For the Bible reveals the truth about God, explains the origin of man, points out the only way to salvation and eternal life, and explains the age-old problem of sin and suffering.’
Wow! There’s no doubting that the Bible is the ONLY manual that can satisfactorily answer all those questions! Every other theory about mankind falters somewhere along the line, except the Bible. For instance, the Big Bang Theory. As far as I am concerned, that falters right at the very beginning; for what causes the Big Bang eh? Something or someone must have caused it. It doesn’t seem reasonable that just out of the blue, a big bang occurred and the world came to be. But it does seem reasonable that a mighty, omnipotent Spirit, created the world and all therein.
Anyway, however we slice it friends, the Bible is the most important book in our world, that’s why for eons they have been trying to get rid of it, but every year it’s still the best-selling book in our world! Take that you atheists, big bang theorists and whatever else have you! (smile) And by the way, a moment ago I looked at the weather forecast and it said, ‘temps plummet,’ now it’s saying ‘13C cloudy.’ Glory Hallelujah!
Oh, I just noticed this glorious ending to our Bit today on the Good Library. But before we get to it, the introduction to studying the Bible also says: ‘The great purpose of the written Word of God, the Bible, is to reveal the living Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-18)’ That’s also true, but what I want to really share are these seven great things that according to Dr. Wilbur M. Smith, studying the Bible will do for us.
(1) The Bible discovers sin and convicts us. (2) The Bible helps cleanse us from the pollutions of sin. (3) The Bible imparts strength. (4) The Bible instructs us in what we are to do. (5) The Bible provides us with a sword for victory over sin. (6) The Bible makes our lives fruitful. (7) The Bible gives us the power to pray.’ Mama Mia! Does any other Book or faith or whatever give us those many great aspects on life and living? Absolutely not! So please, let’s seriously consider all we’ve said today, and let it help us get into the word ever so much more, so that we can go out and do even more for Christ and our fallen world.
Now, for those of us who are in tune with that sentiment, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! Altogether 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!’
And we like to add this bit of encouragement every week; that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, then we’ll find that the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, please let that help us to endure right to the very end with Jesus nuh. Much LOVE!
…a well thumbed Bible…should be the frontispiece of every home…along with the good works it engineers…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
01 Feb 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a God-given solution, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, confounded their language, endure to the end, flex their manly muscles, freedom of choice, giveth wisdom unto the wise, glad to be alive, God's endless compassion grace and mercy, he knoweth what is in the darkness, He revelaeth the deep secret things, hidden gme, hypocrisy, I am halfway home, in Christ alone is there hope for the future, knowledge to them that know understanding, looking straight ahead, LOVE, my hands are on the plough, neither hid that shall not be known, not looking back, proclaimed upon the housetops, raise our passion for Christ, removeth kings and setteth up kings, shall be heard in the light, spoken in the ear in closets, stubborn stiff-necked people, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the darkness hideth not from thee, the light dwelleth with him, the Lord changeth the times and seasons, the Lord gives power to get wealth, the tower of babel, there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, there's nowhere to run nor hide from God, this is the day the Lord has made, to a glorious future with Jesus, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, whatever is spoken in darkness, whither shall I flee from thy presence, whither shall I go from thy spirit, wisdom and might are the Lord's
Luke 12:2. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: neither hid, that shall not be known.
And what shall we say this cold and sunny Wednesday morning, the first day of February in this watershed year of 2023 eh? What else but ‘This is the day the Lord has made; we WILL rejoice and be glad in it!’ (Ps. 118:24) Nothing else but thanks and glory to our heavenly Father will do, because He’s the One who created us and keeps us alive until He is ready to take us home. All we do and have flow from Him and His endless compassion, grace and mercy.
Remember yesterday we saw where Cousin Sol reminded us that keeping God’s commandments is a big factor in our health, peace and longevity. (Prov. 3:2) And Moses warned the Israelites in the wilderness thus, re getting too big for their britches after becoming prosperous in the Promised Land. ‘But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish (confirm) his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.’ (Deut. 14:8) But we all know that the Israelites didn’t listen, for they were a stubborn, stiff-necked people, and they paid dearly for their rebellious ways.
And the same thing goes for us today; we’re stiff-necked and stubborn and are paying dearly for our rebellious ways with all the tragedy and disaster currently engulfing our world. It amazes me though, that we try every man-made solution to solve our problems without any success, but refuse to try the ONLY thing that will work for us, that’s a God-given solution. Just take a ‘Selah’ moment and think about it nuh. Our world is both literally and figuratively falling down around us, and we can’t seem to find a way to stop it.
But yuh think anybody amongst the powers that be are really concerned about turning to God for a solution? No sir! They are all looking for manmade solutions, in other words, tripping over each other looking for dictatorial powers. That’s the latest plum in the political sphere; to be a dictator and rule as you see fit. And one of those desires is to remove God from our society. Which is possibly the biggest pipe dream that mankind has ever had.
Remember the tower of Babel? That’s where after the Flood, mankind decided to build a city and a tower reaching up to heaven, and to make a name for themselves. But the Lord nipped the idea in the bud, by coming down and confounding their language, which at that time was all one, so that they could no longer understand each other, then scattered them all over the earth. (Gen.11:1-9) So friends, whatever might happen in these upcoming dark and evil times, Almighty God WILL NEVER allow His Holy Name to be removed from the earth! Let’s all get that straight.
And while we’re doing that, let’s remember the words of the prophet Daniel when the Lord revealed the secret of the Babylonian king’s vision. ‘Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up (raises up) kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know (have) understanding. He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.’ (Dan. 2:20-22)
Oh my people, the Creator of this world is in total control of it all! Please believe that. He might allow all sorts of unfair and unjust stuff to happen but that’s all a part of His plan to bring the world to justice. So don’t for one moment think that the foolish men who are trying to seize power are really running things. The Lord’s just allowing them to flex their manly muscles until He is ready to raise them up or tear them down.
And it’s strange that we talk so much about the omnipotence, omniscience and omni-presence of our great God, but it’s really only talk. We don’t truly believe it, otherwise we wouldn’t be still trying to hide and plot and do the evil things we do, foolishly believing that God doesn’t know or see all that we try to hide in the darkness.
That reminds us of Bruh David’s famous words in Psalm 139: ‘Whither shall (can) I go from thy spirit? or wither shall (can) I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea: Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover (fall on me); even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.’ (Ps. 139:7-12)
Yes friends, there is absolutely NOWHERE, we can run to or hide from the Lord, be it in the earth, the heavens, or the seas! So why don’t we just stop fooling ourselves eh and simply and wisely become obedient to His holy will? It’s really the easiest and simplest solution to all our worries and woes. And please remember also what Jesus said about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and the trying to hide stuff in dark places. He strongly warned: ‘Beware of the leaven (yeast) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light: and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets (inner rooms) shall be proclaimed upon the house tops.’ (Luke 12:1b-3)
And yuh know what my brethren, that doesn’t necessarily mean that our secrets and evil deeds will only be revealed in heaven, but a lot of them will also be brought to light right down here on earth. So, I really don’t know why we are still trying to do stuff in secret and hope that they won’t get out. Just look at the number of whistle-blowers we have nowadays, just letting out secrets, some of them hidden for a long time, but nonetheless, they are eventually seeing the light of day. But the Lord in His wisdom, gave us free will, (Hn!) so all I can ask of us is to use that freedom to be wise and sincerely make Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, for without Him, like the proverbial snowball in the fires of hell, we don’t stand a single, solitary chance of making it on our own. End of Sermon!
Now for those of us who believe that, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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!’
And let’s not forget this li’l hidden gem. If we endure right down to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, let’s use that as fuel to raise our passion for Christ nuh! Much LOVE!
…in Christ alone…is there any worthwhile future…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
25 Jan 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a frail and finite man, a time to dance, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to weep, Beauty for Ashes, concentrate on righteousness, crowd out the glad tomorrows, destroy the wicked, endure to the end, girded me with gladness, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, honest determination, LOVE, LOVE Revolution, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my glory may sing praise to thee, not a one way street, not be silent, not looking back, not putting our best foot forward, patient and long-suffering God, put off my sackcloth, rekindle the charred embers, renege on my promises, renew my broken vows, Renewed Commitment, retract the impetuous words, save the righteous, second chances, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the garment of praise, the joy of beginning again, the oil of joy for mourning, the painful memories of my yesterdays, the spirit of heaviness, to a glorious future with Jesus, to the end, trees of righteousness, turned my mourning into dancing, under the weather, Wednesday Wail, witness for Christ
Psalm 30:11. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth (the sackcloth of my mourning), and girded me with gladness.
Ah friends, please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but the ole fella was somewhat under the weather this morning and didn’t have the parts to get up and write earlier. (smile) So, we will endeavour to keep it short and sweet. Hn! Hn! Please remember though, I’m not God, only a frail and finite man, so sometimes I might renege on my promises.
Anyway, let’s check out this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, that’s most appropriate for this new year of 2023. It’s titled” ‘Renewed Commitment,’ that’s to Jehovah God, something all of us need to seriously look into, because as the body or church of Christ, we are not putting our best foot forward on His behalf.
So please read with me: ‘Forgive me, dear Lord For too often Letting the painful memories Of my yesterdays Crowd out the glad tomorrows You graciously offer me. I know I cannot rekindle The charred embers Of the past year. I cannot erase the blunders Made so impulsively Nor can I regain the opportunities That are forever lost. I cannot retract the impetuous words I wish I had not spoken Or replace the shallow choices I should not have made. But I Can open my wayward heart To Your cleansing power. With honest determination I Can renew my broken vows. And I Can begin to praise You This very day For the joy of beginning again.’
Oh my people, doesn’t that sound like so many of us this past year? Of course!. But as the poem says, we CAN renew our broken vows to God and begin worshipping and praising Him this very day, for the joy of beginning again. And isn’t that one of the majestic mercies of our great God; the ability to extend second chances…even third fourth and fifth ones! That’s what is so amazing about Him; despite our rebellious nature and wayward ways, He always takes us back, whenever we come running back to Him.
Forgiveness, based on His unconditional and everlasting LOVE for us, His most important creation is just a natural aspect of His Being. Once He judges us to be sincere, He will forgive. But we must not attempt to take advantage of His wonderful grace and mercies by overdoing our rebelliousness, for though He is patient and longsuffering, He will not put up with our foolishness for ever. You just have to look at what He made His chosen people, Israel go through for their stubborn and continuous disobedience.
So, let’s remember that our God is a most wonderful and forgiving Deity, but He’s no pushover, as He’s always promised, in His time, He will destroy the wicked, but save the righteous. That means we’ve got to concentrate on righteousness this new year of 2023. And we don’t have a lot of time to do it, because the first month of January is almost over.
But enough with the conviction (smile) let’s turn to the Bible Promise on which our poem was based. It comes from Psalm 30, and says: ‘Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth (the sackcloth of my mourning), and girded me with gladness.’ (Ps. 30:11)
That brings to mind a couple of other scriptures on the subject of mourning and dancing. First up are these true words of Cousin Sol writing as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, where he reasons that there’s a season for every thing, including: ‘a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.’ (Eccl. 3:4)
Then the prophet Isaiah, in declaring (yesss!!!) the acceptable year of the Lord to his people Israel said: ‘To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto (console) them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.’ (Is. 61:2-3)
Now that’s the main reason the Lord made us: to glorify Him! And those are the things He desires to give to us, ‘beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness:’ things that so many of us are not enjoying because of our rebellious and unrighteous ways. We cannot be the ‘trees of righteousness’ the Lord desires us to be called if we are not in sync and harmony with Him.
And this is the reason the psalmist gives for the Lord turning his mourning into dancing and girding him with gladness instead of sackcloth: ‘To the end that my glory (soul) may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.’ (Ps. 30:12)
And that’s exactly what Christ desires of us, His supposed followers; to not be silent, as so many of us are, for whatever reasons. And also to sing His praises to ALL the world for as long as we live! And I’m sincerely pleading with us that this is the year we must turn things around in Christ’s favour; let His name, His LOVE, mercy, grace and forgiveness explode all over the planet and cause a magnificent revival of His LOVE Revolution!
Wow! That’s our goal for this year, couldn’t have a better one. And so, for all of us in agreement with that, let’s go home now declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, informing all and sundry of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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!’
And for added encouragement, let’s remember that if we endure to the end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please allow that to boost our faith, enthusiasm and witness for Christ! Much LOVE!
…to be in successful partnership with God…we must also do our part…it’s not a one way street…
P.S. Glory be! I did keep my promise and made it shorter…a li’l bit. (smile) Much LOVE!
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
04 Jan 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a sacrifice to God, as Christ has also loved us, became obedient unto death, being in the form of God, emptied himself of his privileges, endure to the end, even death on the cross, for a sweetsmelling savour (aroma), God commendeth his own love toward us, halfway home, hath given himself for us an offering, heap coals of fire upon his head, I'm so glad to be alive, learn to walk in love, live peaceably with all men, living for Jesus is wonderful and very rewarding, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, never look a gift horse in the mouth, not looking back, practical aspects of living the new life, recompense to no man evil for evil, right down to the nitty gritty, shame, sufferation, thank God, thank you Lord for the rain, the breath of life is still flowing through me, to a glorious future with Jesus, vengeance is mine saith the Lord, walk in LOVE, Wednesday Wail, while we were yet sinners christ died for us
Ephesians 5:2a. And walk in LOVE, as Christ also hath LOVED us…
‘It’s raining, it’s raining… on this Wednesday morning in early January of this new year.’ And that’s so much better to sing than ‘It’s snowing, it’s snowing…on this Wednesday morning in early January of this new year.’ Ah mih people, I don’t know if we’re truly blessed or our time has just not arrived, but rain and wind are all we’ve been getting in my neighbourhood over the last couple of weeks, while others have been bombarded, inundated with snow and all sorts of negative happenings due to the snow fall.
But we’ll certainly say, ‘Thank You Lord for the rain!’ As the old people would advise, never look a gift horse in the mouth. It’s bad manners. Yes, just say thanks and move on. And that’s exactly what we’ll do today, (smile) move on to more practical aspects of living the new life found in Christ.
Now, in chapter 5 of Colossians, Bruh Paul continues his admonitions. ‘Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children: And walk in LOVE, as Christ also hath LOVED us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweetsmelling savour (aroma.)’ (Col. 5:1-2) Yes my faithful brethren, that is one of the most powerful, wise and sensible admonitions in the Bible! If we want to walk like Christ did, be a real Christian, a true disciple and ambassador of His, the first thing we need to do is to learn to walk in LOVE!
And it can be learned, so there are no excuses about I don’t know how, I wasn’t born that way, and all the other foolish excuses we tend to dredge up when we don’t want to do something that’s somewhat difficult. No, we don’t have to like everybody, but we need to treat everybody decently, with kindness and compassion.
Bruh Paul strongly advised the Roman church: ‘Recompense to (repay) no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (have regard for good things). If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire (shame) on his head. Be not overcome of evil; but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12: 17-21)
And that’s basically what walking in LOVE means. Giving of ourselves without too many complaints, doing like Jesus did, going about and doing good! Do you think He really wanted to leave His comfortable position in heaven and come to earth as a human being and experience the terrible ‘sufferation’ He did on the cross of Calvary? Obviously not! But His Father desired it because of His great LOVE for us. The Scriptures say: ‘But God commendeth (showed) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8)
And Jesus was ever obedient and wanted to please the Father because He LOVED Him. As the scriptures recall: ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant (emptied himself of his privileges), and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil. 2:5-8)
And that’s the way we believers in Christ also ought to be; willing to do anything for and in Jesus’ name, because we are obedient and LOVE Him very dearly! Ah friends, the mark of true LOVE is doing stuff sacrificially, doing it when you don’t want to, and even when it costs you in terms of pain, money and time. That means we are also expected to give ourselves as ‘an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour (aroma).’
And please remember that all these things can be learned though listening to and following the lead and guidance of the Holy Spirit which indwells us. That’s why He was ensconced there; to lead and guide us so we could become the sweet smelling aroma of sacrifice to Almighty God. And Bruh Paul, as always, breaks it right down to the nitty gritty. (smile)
‘But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor (coarse) jesting , which are not convenient (fitting): but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain (empty) words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.’ (Eph. 5:3-7)
Now, in conjunction with the Bits of the last two days, I believe that gives us a good grasp on how we ought to conduct our lives as children of God, as sons and daughters, and joint heirs with Christ. Remember, if we want to receive that inheritance set aside for the joint heirs with Christ, we have to live up to a certain standard of behaviour and conduct. We cannot behave like the world. Or as too many of us do, behave righteous on Sundays, then like the rest of the world during the week.
No my fellow saints, living for Christ is a twenty-four seven programme. And though we may fall off several times, with His help we can always get back up and ride again! That’s the beauty of living for Christ…you never fail, He always helps you, if you are sincerely doing your best! And for those of us who are trying our best to live for him, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our most excellent position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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!’
Now friends, there’s this li’l bit of encouragement: if we endure to the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! Living for Jesus gets better all the time. So, let’s plan to endure right down to the end nuh, so that we can experience that more than glorious future! Much LOVE!
…living for Jesus is ofttimes difficult…but it’s always wonderful and very rewarding…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
28 Dec 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious future with Jesus, anger, as unto the Lord and not unto men, blasphemy, by this shall all men know that ye are my disiciples, Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, covetousness, endure to the end, filthy communication, hands on the plough, idolatry, LOVE, love covers a multitude of sins, malice, mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, New Year's Eve, not looking back, not on things on the earth, put off the old man with his deeds, salvation, seek those things which are above, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, set your affection on things above, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the nature of the human animal, the reward of inheritance, Wednesday Wail, whatsoever ye do do it heartily, wrath, ye are dead, ye love one another as I have loved you, ye serve the Lord Christ, your life is hid in Christ
Colossians 3:2. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.
Can you believe it’s already Wednesday, the middle of the work week! And today is the first day some people are going out to work! It’s sure good to have Christmas fall on the weekend. But I wonder how much work is going to get done this week, with the Christmas celebrations still holding us in grip, and all the exciting and wonderful memories we have to share. Then, adding the upcoming New Year’s Eve excitement, with all the amazing plans in store, I’m sure not much work will be done in next the few days. (smile)
You can’t do much about it, because that’s just the nature of the human animal. But as followers of Christ Jesus, we are expected to always put our best foot forward and do what we’re getting paid to do, for though our employer might not be watching us, the Lord is certainly watching and evaluating us. Remember the words of Bruh Paul to the church at Colossae. ‘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 (salvation): for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ (Col. 3:23-24)
And though Bruh Paul was referring there particularly to the slaves of men, it also applies to us, possibly even more, because we are servants of the Living God. So, generally speaking we should not abuse our privileges at work, but do our best all the time, not only when our employer is watching. And since the year is coming to an end, and we’re talking about always doing our best for Christ’s sake, I guess it’s apropos for us to consider a couple of things that we should endeavour to accomplish in 2023.
Like seeking the things that are above, as Bruh Paul explains to the Colossians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col. 3:1-3)
And the scholars explain that situation thus. ‘As all wisdom and knowledge reside in Christ (2:3) (In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.) So, the believer’s new life is stored up in Him. This means that the Christian life belongs to the spiritual or heavenly realm. Jesus is in intimate relation with God; so are his followers. And since the Colossians (and us) now belong to the heavenly realm and are intimate with God, they (we) should seek those matters and interests pertaining to heaven and not to earth.’
Yes my fellow believers, as followers of Christ, it’s essential that we concentrate on heavenly things and not all the ungodly things of the earth. Stuff like ‘current heretical philosophies, legalistic practices, and vices, nor should we dwell on things that are not wrong in themselves, (houses, jobs, careers, ambitions etc.) but can be wrong should they become priorities over Christ.’ And it’s ever so easy for us to make things of this world take priority over Christ, which makes whatever it is an idol!
It’s therefore important in this coming year to have our priorities in proper order. Which, as Christ so plainly declared: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Now that’s been our proverbial problem. We say we believe it, but we don’t act like we do. We still go out and try to make all the things we want happen in our own way and time, and only when we are unsuccessful, do we remember to turn to God.
That brings us back to Bruh Paul’s advice to the Colossians, where he says: ‘When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore (put to death) your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry.’ (Col. 2:5) That means ‘put to death all the various sins that exist, and seek to express themselves through different “members” of the human body. Inasmuch as they “are dead” to sin (vs. 3), they are to make this death to the old life a reality in daily living.’ Now that should be one of our major goals for this new year; being truly dead to sin in our daily lives.
And Bruh Paul continues: ‘For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.’ (Col. 3:6-9)
And what a wonderful world we would have if just we believers would do as directed and give up the things of our old lives, before salvation, before receiving Christ as Saviour! That’s because we still do too much of that stuff; too much worldly thinking and sinful acts. We still engage in too much anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and evil communication. If we just stopped or even lessened those five things, there would be such a great improvement in our individual lives, the church and the world at large.
Now it’s not that difficult to do, if we concentrate on Christ’s direction: ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye have LOVE one to another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) And why can’t we have LOVE to each other eh my fellow saints? If we would just do what we are supposed to, then there’d be no cause for all the negative stuff that’s currently taking place among believers.
And Peter puts it this way: ‘And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover the multitude of sins.’ (1 Pet. 4:8) Oh my people, LOVING each other is not always easy, but with God’s help we can certainly do much better than we’re now doing. And that’s what is expected of us in this new year of 2023. Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ.
Altogether: ‘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!’
And we like to add this l’il bit of encouragement. If we endure right down to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, let’s hang in there right to the very end nuh! Much LOVE!
…our world can be made better…if we believers make ourselves better…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
07 Dec 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new commandment I give unto you, a warm-blooded animal, bright lights, by this shall all men know that ye are my disiciples, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, fiftieth anniversary in Canada, glad to be alive, halfway home, hands on the plough, if ye love me keep my commandments, impatience, in all these things we are more than conquerors, iniquity workers, lack of love, love one another as I have loved you, not looking back, plenty love, plenty saltiness, resntment, roll over and play dead, the best big country in the wrld, the breath of life, the new norm, to a glorious future with Jesus, ungodly quagmire, Wednesday Wail
John 13:34. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.
So, Wednesday has turned out to be damp and cloudy, but I’ll take that any time over the cold and snow. And today marks my fiftieth anniversary of being in this blessed country called Canada. Yes, it’s been fifty long years of snow and cold, but by nature I’m still a warm-blooded animal! (smile) Can’t get the tropics out of me, because I was born and bred there. But that doesn’t mean we can’t handle the icy climate, just that we don’t like it. For remember we can handle anything at all with the help of Jesus who strengthens us.
And who do you think enabled me to handle the last fifty winters eh? Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And I can’t believe how quickly those fifty years have gone by. It seems like it was just yesterday I landed at Toronto airport, not yet renamed Pearson, on a cold, dark evening, coming directly from hot, tropical sunshine, with very little money in my pockets…and I still have very little. (smile)
I remember the next day, getting up around eight a.m. and still seeing it dark outside, then walking to the subway in freezing rain in a thin, borrowed spring coat and dry-weather shoes, going downtown to Simpson Sears, the big, cheap store at the time, to buy winter clothing. And my first memory on entering the subway was wondering how all the white people in the cars looked so frigid and cold and wrinkled. I definitely wasn’t accustomed to seeing so many supposedly normal people looking unhappy and prune-like.
I believe I asked my mother what was wrong with them, and she most likely just smiled at me in my ignorance. Then to make matters worse, my mother, bless her departed soul, made a mistake and took us off the streetcar at the wrong stop, which meant we had to walk a whole long block back to where we should have gotten off. It surely was an eventful welcome to what has become my home for the last half-century.
And there were obviously times I wanted to go back to the sunshine and saltwater, but it’s difficult to pull up stakes once one is settled with family and other responsibilities. I must admit too, that though it wasn’t easy, it surely was interesting and adventurous, and I learned to do a lot of stuff for myself, that might not have been the case if I had remained in T&T.
Now, I believe without a doubt, that Canada is the best big country in the world! Oh, like everybody else, we do have our problems, but we tend to be a li’l more understanding than most. Although that seems to be changing with the new generation, as all over the world impatience, resentment and lack of LOVE is becoming the norm. But that’s why we of the old generation ought to be ramping up our efforts in Jesus’ name to stop that negative turn from becoming more prevalent than it already is.
Remember what Jesus said: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) And what’s His commandment? He said it loud and clear: ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.’ (John 13:34) How could it get any clearer than that eh my people? No way! But knowing how fickle and faithless we could be Jesus repeated the commandment later on. ‘This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you.’ (John 15:12) And why did He harp on us LOVING each other? As He says: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:35)
Yes my friends, the world will only recognize us as followers of Jesus if we not only have, but more importantly, show LOVE to each other! It’s the litmus test for Christians! But unfortunately, for whatever reason(s), many of us are failing it every day, and that’s why our world is in such an ungodly uproar. There isn’t enough LOVE in our world to quiet the raving hearts of men. And ONLY LOVE will ever conquer hate. So, if we want to get rid of the hate that’s sadly consuming us, we need to replace it with the LOVE of Jesus as quickly as possible, otherwise our world will just continue sinking into the evil and ungodly quagmire that’s the devil’s greatest desire.
And we simply cannot allow that to happen my faithful brethren. It would be a huge injustice to Christ after He’s given His all, sacrificed His very life for us to be set free from the chains of sin and ungodliness. That means we, the faithful believers, have to make a big, bold move in Jesus’ name, if we want to right the wrongs that are being currently done in our world. And it won’t be easy, but if we are sincere and true disciples of Christ, with His help, we can certainly turn things around.
But it’s going to take a great effort from all of us believers, for the devil is not going to roll over and play dead when we attack his strongholds. No! He’s going to have his iniquity workers ramp up their evil and ungodly efforts and try to keep us at bay. But they won’t be successful if we are determined. Remember what Bruh Paul said to the church at Rome. ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that LOVED us.’ (Rom. 8:37)
Oh my fellow saints, anytime we step out to do Christ’s bidding with a true and sincere heart, nothing or no one can stop us from achieving victory! But the problem is we need to develop the hope and faith to do it! And for those of us who are sincerely working towards that goal, let’s go home now declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong voice: ‘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!’
And my fellow believers, if we endure to the end with Jesus, then I can guarantee that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! So please, let’s use that as an incentive to keep working for Jesus nuh, shining like bright lights, and being as salty as ever, showing the world our LOVE for each other, like He desires of us! Much LOVE!
…living for Jesus…means bright lights…plenty saltiness…and plenty, plenty LOVE…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
30 Nov 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a man after His own heart, bet your life on it, discover our motives, Dr. Robert H. Schuller, dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, endure to the end, even the night shall be light about me, even there shall thy had lead me, evidence of righteousness, eyes fixed straight ahead, God judges the intents of the heart, halfway home, hands on the plough, I the Lord search the heart, if I take the wings of the morning, LOVE, not looking back, O Lord thou hast searched me and known me, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, sharper than any twoedged sword, the heart is deceitful above all things, the motives of the heart., the state of our hearts, the Word of God is quick and powerful, thou art acquainted with all my ways, to a glorious future with Jesus, try the reins, Wednesday Wail, whither shall I go from thy spirit, who can know it
Psalm 139:1. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Well, on this last day of November 2022, it’s a rainy, overcast Wednesday morning (afternoon) in my neck of the woods. But I suppose that’s better than saying it’s a white overcast morning. (smile) Yes, we’ll always be glad to see rain rather than snow, although the white stuff will come in due course of time, you can bet your life on that. And let’s hope when it comes, it’s not a terrible downfall which causes more damage and confusion than we already have.
Now that’s why we have hope, faith and prayer. (smile) And although our prayers are not always answered the way we desire, we know for sure that they are heard by our heavenly Father and after considering the state of our hearts He answers them in His own time and way. Oh friends, it’s ever so important that we realize that God doesn’t just look at our outside appearances or what we say but He delves deep down inside of us to find out our motives before he answers our prayers.
As one commentary says: ‘God looks at the motives of the heart for evidence of righteousness in our hearts. Our motives reveal who we are living for and the things we care about. When God searches the heart, He can see the “why” behind our thoughts and choices. The Bible tells us that God judges the intents of the hearts (see Hebrews 4:14).’
That quote there is wrong though, it’s Hebrews 4:12, which gives us this magnificent scripture: ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight (hidden from him): but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (give account to). (Heb. 4:12-13)
Yes my brethren, the word of God is exceedingly powerful, so powerful that it reaches right down into our thoughts and intentions and discerns them. But then our God is also omniscient, knows everything, sees everything and intently scrutinizes everything that we do, therefore we have to be always on the up and up with Him, without excuse or pretense because He sees us so deeply, like we’re naked.
And Bruh David said it so beautifully in Psalm 139 – The everlasting presence and power of God. He writes: ‘O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thoughts afar off. Thou comapassest (comprehendeth) my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.’ (Ps. 139:1-4) Oh friends, those are words of indisputable truth. The Lord knows everything about us, even before we know them ourselves, for it is He who created us, for His personal purposes, and if you create something, you usually know everything about it. (smile)
But my favourite part of the psalm comes later, when Bruh David says: ‘Whither shall I (where can I) go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I (can I) flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell (Sheol), behold thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover (fall on me), even the night shall be light about me. yea, the darkness hideth not from (is not dark to) thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.’ (Ps. 139:8-12)
Mama oh Mama! What beautiful and ever so true scripture. The Lord sees us wherever we are, and knows everything about us, so there’s no use trying to hide from Him. And every time I read or hear those scriptures, I remember the first time I actually paid any attention to them. It was in an Hour of Power service many years ago, when the founder, Dr. Robert H. Schuller read them in his dynamic, expansive manner. I can see him now raising up his hand with that big smile on his face, asking the question: ‘Whither shall I go from thy spirit?’ NOWHERE! That’s where!
And there are several other prominent and pertinent scriptures that tell us how deeply the Lord looks into our lives. The most famous possibly being in the Book of Samuel, when the Lord sends him to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the next king. And when Samuel saw the first one, Eliab, he figured that was surely the one. ‘But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused (rejected) him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.’ (1 Sam. 16:7)
That’s saying it loud and clear my people! We aren’t really able to judge a man’s heart, because his outward actions can belie those of his heart, but we can’t fool the Lord God our Creator. Thus, seven of Jesse’s sons passed before Samuel, with only Bruh David out in the fields looking after the sheep. Jesse had figured it wrong, for none of the big boys were accepted. However, when they sent for Bruh David and he came in, the Lord immediately said to Samuel: ‘Arise, anoint him: for this is he.’ (1 Sam. 16:13)
There was no hesitation friends, because the Lord had looked at Bruh David’s heart and knew that although he would make several serious mistakes, he would be righteous, true and honest to Him all his days. That’s why he could call him a man after His own heart. (1 Sam 13:14) And if you want more fodder before you believe the Lord searches the hearts of all men, then let’s look at these seminal verses from Jeremiah. (smile) ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try (test) the reins (mind), even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings (deeds).’ (Jer. 17:9-10)
That tells us exactly why the Lord searches our hearts before He responds to our requests. So we can stop, right now, with all the tomfoolery that some of us carry on with regarding the Lord, because we’re not hiding anything from Him. And for those of us who have recognized and acknowledge that fact, let’s go home declaring (oh yeah!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether 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!’
And if we endure to the end, then that future will indeed be even more glorious than we ask or imagine. Please, let’s use that rewarding promise to endure to the very end nuh. Much LOVE!
…you might run…but you can NEVER hide…from Almighty God…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ
23 Nov 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: behold I come as a thief, blessed is he that watcheth, children of light, Christ can return at any time, drunken in the night, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, for a helmet, glad to be alive, God's mercies are new every day, halfway home, keepeth his garments, lest he walked naked and they see his shame, let us not sleep, LOVE, not looking back, peace and safety, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, sudden destruction cometh, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night, the Great tribulation, the hope of salvation, the Millennial kingdom, the parable of the ten virgins, the unfaithful servant, this is the day the Lord has made, this is the Lord's doing, to a glorious future with Jesus, watch and be sober, watch therefore, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, wherein the Son of man cometh, ye are not in darkness, ye know neither the day nor the hour
1 Thessalonians 5:2. For ourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
And then it was Wednesday…already, I complain. (smile) Yes, but it’s a beautiful day in my neighbourhood; with bright sunshine, you can even feel a dash of heat from the glowing orb, no snow and temps around 7 Celsius. For this time of year, around here that’s gorgeous weather. So, let’s do like the psalmist did and declare out loud: ‘This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:23-24)
Yes friends, we had better enjoy this day the Lord has given us, for who knows if we’ll ever see another one. Remember, God’s mercies and compassions are new every day, like fresh bread, He gives them to us for our enjoyment. So let’s show some gratitude and appreciation by enjoying them nuh.
And yesterday we were talking about a very important topic in the believer’s life; that of being ready for whenever Jesus returns, which to all intents and purposes will be sudden and unexpected. Please don’t laugh, it’s no joking matter, like some people think it is, because if you’re not ready when He returns, you will be left behind to suffer all the evils and persecutions of the Great Tribulation. And who wants to really suffer those indignities eh, when we can go home with Jesus in the Rapture of the church.
But that means we have to be ready and waiting in faith whenever He returns for His bride, the church. And there are a few other scriptures we ought to look at, besides those we studied yesterday. First of all, there is the parable of the unfaithful servant (Matt. 24:45-51) who was abusing his authority in his master’s absence, when the master suddenly returned home unexpectedly and caught him red-handed. And Jesus ends that parable by declaring (steups!!!): ‘there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And so there shall be when He returns and many are not ready.
Then there is the parable of the ten virgins: (Matt. 25:1-13) five who were smart and took oil for their lamps to wait for the bridegroom’s coming to meet his bride, and five foolish who took no oil, and eventually got locked out of the ceremony when the bridegroom came late, and they had gone looking for oil for their lamps. And friends, Jesus ends that parable with this warning again. ‘Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 25:13)
Now just in case you didn’t get Christ’s warning, then please check out chapter 5 of Bruh Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, where he writes: ‘For ourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.’ (1 Thess. 5:2) Jesus also issued that warning, though in a slightly different way when talking about the thief coming at an unexpected time to rob the master’s house. ‘Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:44)
Then Bruh Paul goes on to warn the Thessalonians: ‘For when they shall say, Peace and safety (slogans of the Roman Empire); then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail (labour pains) upon a woman with child (a pregnant woman); and they shall not escape. But ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and LOVE; and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together (encourage each other), and edify (build up) one another, even as ye also do (are already doing.’ (1 Thess. 5:3-11)
Wow! What a momentous passage of scripture my fellow believers! It’s educational, encouraging, comforting and a serious warning, all at the same time. And that warning still holds good for us today, possibly more so than back then since Jesus hasn’t returned yet and can do so at ANY TIME; day or night, today, tomorrow…or even a hundred or a thousand years from now! But return He will! And it is certainly time for us, the supposed children of light to awaken from our lethargy and get ourselves ready for Jesus’ return.
Meanwhile, the scholars explain that ‘The day of the Lord is an all-encompassing term to describe the period that begins with the Great Tribulation, and includes the second coming of Christ, and the millennial kingdom.’ So, there’s plenty stuff that’s coming, but exactly when, no one but the Father knows, that’s why we have to be in a state of constant preparedness!
Then there’s this last scripture which Jesus relates to John in the Book of Revelation. ‘Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.’ (Rev. 16:15) That’s ‘an exhortation to the surviving believers after the last great war, Armageddon, to be watchful and alert, and to remain faithful and loyal to Christ during a time of intense persecution. To have garments rather than be naked, relates to spiritual preparedness.’
Yes my fellow saints, from today, right down to when Jesus actually sets up His millennial kingdom, we must remain spiritually prepared. And for those of us attempting to do that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail. Altogether 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!’
And believe me, if we endure right down to the end with Christ, then that future will be even more glorious than we can either ask or imagine. Now that’s good encouragement to keep us living for Jesus! Much LOVE!
…a lot of the believer’s time…should be taken up with…watching and praying…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ
16 Nov 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a pristine white blanket, came out of the great tribulation, endure to the end, feed them upon the mountains of Israel, God shall wipe away all tears, halfway home, hands on the plough, he leadeth me beside still waters, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures, hunger no more, I am the good shepherd, I will both search my sheep and seek them out, LOVE, made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Mother Nature, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back, over one sinner that repenteth, seek that which was lost, so glad to be alive, thank God, that which was lost, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the first snowfall of the season, the Lamb shall feed them, the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, the parables of the lost sheep coin and son, the son of man is come to seek and to save, there is joy in the presence of the angels, thirst no more, to a glorious future with Jesus, washed their robes, Wednesday Wail
Psalm 23:1-2. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Well friends, we were wondering when it would come. The suspense is over now, because it came yesterday. Yes, we were greeted with our first snowfall of the season yesterday morning, and another set during the night. But thankfully it’s not a terrible situation, the roads are fairly clear though the lawns and other open spaces are covered in white. That gives us a chance to get accustomed to, or reacquainted with the white stuff before it just comes raining down on us as the winter season progresses. (smile)
And though you might dislike snow, when you see it covering the rooftops, the leafless trees and the lawns in a pristine white blanket, unsullied by humans, you have to admit that it is an eerily beautiful sight! (smile). Oh, if you are fascinated by the beauty of Mother Nature, then you will admire God’s awesome winter workmanship, like the other seasons, for it’s all part and parcel of His brilliance! And with that nod to Mother Nature and her winter qualities, let’s move on to greener pastures. (smile)
And when we talk about green pastures, no doubt all our minds turn to the marvellous words of Bruh David in Psalm 23: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.’ (Ps. 23:1-2) Now that’s indeed a promise from our heavenly Father. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to the prophet Ezekiel, after he rails against the sinful shepherds (leaders) of Israel and ‘promises the care of God Himself as the true Shepherd of Israel.’
‘For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers (streams), and in all the inhabited places of the country.
I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat (rich) pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgement (justice).’ (Ezek. 34:11-16)
Oh my people, what a glorious promise from the Lord our God! And remember He never reneges on His promises. And if you think that was just for Israel in the Old Testament, then listen to Jesus in the New Testament after the tax-collector Zaccheus repents. ‘And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’ (Luke 19:9-10) Yes friends, Jesus came to save those of us who were lost. Glory to God! And are we ever grateful that He did, because there was no other option but for crapaud to smoke we pipe down in the fires of hell!
And the scholars tell us: ‘The words seek, save and lost all appear elsewhere in the Scripture in a shepherd context. This verse may be taken as a kernel statement of the central theme of Luke: Jesus is the compassionate, searching Herdsman who seeks to save those who can by no means save themselves.’ And yuh better believe that includes all of mankind! And if we think that Jesus isn’t serious about searching and finding the lost, then please listen to Him here as He talks about His role in a shepherd context. ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of them.’ (John 10:11, 14)
Then please read the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost or prodigal son in Luke 15. The shepherd, the coin owner and father drop everything else and seek that which was lost. And when they found what they had lost, they celebrated it’s finding. Thus, Jesus says: ‘Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.’ (Luke 15:10) Oh my faithful brethren, doesn’t that just bring joy to your hearts, knowing that heaven celebrates when one of us comes to Christ? It ought to.
And I guess you have heard enough about the green pastures; you want to know now about the ‘still and peaceful waters.’ (smile) Then listen to John the Revelator, as he writes in the Book of Revelation, after seeing a great multitude of people of all nations and tongues that stood before the throne and the Lamb dressed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. (Rev. 7:9)
Later on, an elder explains it to John. ‘These are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light (strike) on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (shepherd) them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears (every tear) from their eyes.’ (Rev. 7:14-17)
Oh my fellow saints, that’s what we have to look forward to! Being shepherded by the Lamb in the bright and shining presence of the Lord God, the Father Himself! And I don’t see how anyone in their right mind can turn that down for being in the fiery pits of hell with Satan. But since there’s no accounting for taste buds, then we’ll just leave it alone and let each individual do their own thing, and pay whatever price becomes necessary. (smile) However, for those of us who intend to stick with Jesus, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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!’
And believe me friends, if we endure with Jesus right down to the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or even imagine! So, let’s use that as added encouragement to live for Him nuh! Much LOVE!
…when Satan wanted us to die with him…Jesus came to save us to live with Him…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ
02 Nov 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a sure shot miracle, abundant life, all the promises of God in him are yea, be careful for nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, do a brand new thing in me, emotional fatigue, enable me to praise you, endure to the end, give me rest from my sorrow, give me water in the wilderness, glad to be alive, God will never break His promises, halfway home, hands on the plough, in him amen, in these crisis days, keep and guard your hearts and minds, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back, omnipotent heavenly Father, piercing pain, rest from my fear and bondage, satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, satisfied with my goodness, shortest and best prayer -help, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, The Hardest Thing, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the virgin rejoice in the dance, to a glorious future with Jesus, turn their mourning into joy, unto the glory of God by us, Wednesday Wail, you promised to be my God
2 Corinthians 1:20. For all the promises of God in him are yea (yes), and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us.
A fine Wednesday afternoon to all you my Scrip-Bit friends and family! Yes, we’re in the afternoon because I had to go out the street earlier on, that’s why we’re a tad late. And I do hate it when other stuff interferes with my morning routine. But dem’s the breaks, and it is indeed a glorious autumn day out there. My computer tells me it’s 13 and cloudy, now it’s saying fog, but yuh better believe it’s as sunshiny as ever! I have to stop believing what it tells me. (smile) And although yesterday began somewhat wet and cloudy, it turned into another beautiful day of autumn sunshine.
So, so far, November has been a good weather month! But despite the weather being good for this time of year, I know, that for one reason or another, many of us are having a difficult time in our lives, through physical or mental illness, financial or relational mishaps, problems that we can’t quite fix on our own. However, we were never meant to fix stuff on our own. The answer to any and all of our problems should always begin with turning to our omnipotent heavenly Father for help. That’s what He’s there for, and it’s what He expects of us.
And I hope this poem titled ‘The Hardest Thing’ from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin reminds us of that, and causes us today to go to our gracious and merciful God for help in whatever area we may need it. So, please open your hearts and minds and read with me. ‘O God In these crisis days Of piercing pain And emotional fatigue Do a brand new thing in me Give me water in the wilderness And streams in my desert. You have promised to be my God Through all my lifetime Surely You will keep Your word! As you promised Give me rest from my sorrow and from my fear and from my bondage That binds me. One thing more, dear Lord. Enable me to praise You When to praise Is the hardest thing of all.’
Ah mih people, I do hope that got us back on track, reminding us that in God’s sure promises lie solutions for all of our problems. I know that plenty of us think prayer is a joke, but believe me it isn’t. And I’ll give you a li’l personal testimony here. About a week ago, I woke up after my afternoon nap with cramps in both my thighs. I could hardly move, could barely stretch out my legs, and could not stand up without the excruciating pain driving me crazy. Now, I was alone at home, so there was no one to call to for help.
But after about five or six minutes of struggling to ease the pain on my own, I suddenly cried out, ‘Help Lord, Help!’ I don’t know if it was a conscious or subconscious reaction. Possibly it was just the Holy Spirit reminding me that I had other help beside myself. But whatever caused that reaction, within about thirty seconds of my cry, I felt the pain in my legs suddenly subsiding, until I was finally able to stand up and walk around. Now, I don’t know what you call that, but I call it a sure shot MIRACLE! (smile)
And yes, when we pray, not all of our problems will suddenly lessen or go away, but there’s a better chance of obtaining help than if we don’t pray. And I have to laugh, because I’ve always heard Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) say that the shortest and possibly best prayer is a simple cry of ‘HELP!’ Now I believe it. (smile) And it’s a sad fact that if we prayer more often, and more sincerely too, our problems will not be as plentiful, and we will be able to endure or handle them much better than we currently can.
Remember Bruh Paul’s marvellous advice to the Philippians? ‘Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phi. 4:6-7) Now that’s not rocket science, but simple, straightforward wise advice. Unfortunately though, the spirit of prayer is disappearing from our society, at a time when we most need it.
And why is that eh? Because many of us no longer believe in the good Lord Jehovah, and some of us who claim to believe, sadly don’t believe His promises. However, as Bruh Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his second letter. ‘But as God is true (faithful), our word toward you was not yea and nay (yes and no). For the Son of God Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timothy was not yea and nay (yes and no), but in him was yea (yes). For all the promises of God in him are yea (yes), and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us.’ (2 Cor, 1:18-20)
And the scholars tell us of those scriptures: ‘It conveys that Jesus Christ is the “yes” and “amen” of all God’s promises, meaning in Jesus is the guarantee and confirmation of God’s promises. Christians respond with an amen to the assurance of God’s promises which signifies our affirmation of and trust in God’s faithfulness.’ That means if you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus, then you ought to believe and use the promises of God found in His word for they are all faithful and true and meant for OUR benefit, not His.
And the particular promise on which our poem was based is that one found in Jeremiah where the Lord promised the restoration of Israel. The prophet declared (yesss!!!) ‘Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. And I will satiate (fill) the soul of the priests with fatness (abundance), and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord.’ (Jer. 31:13-14) And that promise was indeed fulfilled when Israel returned from their captivity in Babylon.
Oh friends, until we start truly believing that the promises of God were faithfully made on our behalf, we will not seek them out and use them to our benefit. Remember Jesus came to give us life, and life so abundant that it will overflow. Now do we believe that? If so, all God’s other promises are believable and ever-faithful. So please, let’s start using those marvellous promises that were made through Christ, for our benefit nuh. And for those of us who believe them and invoke them, let’s go home declaring (ah Lord eh!!!) our Wednesday wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus based on His awesome promises.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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!’
Now here’s one other promise that ought to set us glowing with joy. If we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future with Him will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Oh my fellow saints, that promise just emboldens us, fills us with the courage and perseverance to endure right down to the very end with Jesus! And so it should! Much LOVE!
… promises are made to be kept…and our ever-faithful God has never…or will He ever…break any of His promises…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ
Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries
SCRIP-BITS 