26 Oct 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a powerful presence, breaks us from the future and transforms today, depends on your perspective, endure to the end, faith is based on hope, for without me ye can do nothing, halfway home, hands on the plough, have it more abundantly, Hope is a revolution, I am come that they might have life, I am the way the truth and the life, I will come again and receive you unto myself, I will render double unto thee, if I go and prepare a place for you, in my Father's house are many mansions, Joshua Ryan Butler, let God define the way you see your circumstances, let not your heart be troubled, LOVE, Mark Batterson, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, no one cometh unto the Father but by me, not looking back, once there's life there's hope, prisoners of hope, prisoners of war, siting ducks for Satan, sowed the seeds of righteousness, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Holy Spirit, the thief cometh not but to steal, to a glorious future with Jesus, turn you to the stronghold, Wednesday Wail, where I am there ye may be also, ye believe in God believe also in me, you are not the label people place on you, you are who God says you are, you can't have faith without hope
Zechariah 9:12. Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render (restore) double unto thee.
So we rolling along on the hump day of Wednesday, which has opened somewhat cloudy, but my genius computer has told me that it will eventually turn out to be a sunny day. And how can I doubt such good news eh? No way! But as always, be it sunshine, snow or rain, I’m thankful for having seen another blessed morning, in my already long life. Hope you are too.
And though our problems might seem rather overwhelming and unsurmountable at times, and we feel like we don’t want to wake up another day to deal with them, that’s just the enemy playing his usual games with our feelings and emotions. But you know what Jesus said about Satan and his evil doings. ‘The thief cometh not, but for to (except to) steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10)
Yes friends, Jesus came to give us life, and so much life, that it overflows. So why then would we to listen to the enemy and not want to wake to see another day eh? The truth is, as long as there is life, there’s always hope. Hope that our problems will be solved; hope that our hurts would be comforted and our wounds healed through the great and good auspices of Jesus Christ, the Great Healer, the Great Comforter, and the giver of much Hope, as witnessed by His many other great attributes.
And you know what they say about hope. ‘Hope is a revolution, a powerful presence that breaks us from the future and transforms today. Jesus’ arrival has brought God’s destiny for humanity crashing into now, in an explosion of life. Into a world marked by death. It changes everything.’ Wow! What a powerful force hope is. And that definition of hope comes from an article by Joshua Ryan Butler, aptly titled, ‘Prisoners of hope.’
Now the Good Book also refers to us by that name in the Old Testament writings of the Zechariah. After his people were defeated by the Babylonians and taken into captivity, he comforted and reassured them by talking about the coming of Zion’s future King, Jesus Christ. He passionately declares (steups!!!) to them: ‘Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render (restore) double unto thee.’ (Zech. 9:12)
Oh my people, there’s nothing better than being a prisoner of hope in Christ Jesus! For He is the Be All and End All of everything and every life that’s on planet earth. And we saw that He came once to prepare the soil of human life for planting, then sowed the seeds of righteousness and godliness through His Holy Spirit in anticipation for when He comes a second time to reap the fruit of His Spirit that’s grown up beautifully and bountifully on God’s great earth.
So please, whatever else we might do, let’s not lose hope or give up, because Jesus has faithfully promised to return and take us back to heaven with Him, and ALL of His promises are faithful and true. Listen to this most marvellous one that deals with His coming again. He says to the disciples: ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwellings): if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ (John 14:1-3)
Wow! What a mighty promise my fellow believers. That’s why we simply cannot afford to lose hope in Christ, for whatever needs to be done in our lives, He can accomplish it. Why do we think that? Because He told the disciples a little later on: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6)
And that’s the gospel truth! Please believe it fervently my people, for if we don’t, we’re sitting ducks for Satan to just come and pick us off, one by one and immerse us in evildoings, that will only lead us eventually to eternal damnation and the lake of fire, where the devil is slated to go on judgement day. But first, we have to give Jesus the chance, the opportunity to work in our lives by turning to Him in sincere trust and faith, otherwise all our own efforts will be in vain, because, as Jesus puts it so short and telling: ‘for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5)
Now here is this interesting excerpt on the subject ‘Prisoners of Hope,’ from an article by Mark Batterson found on his website markbatterson.com. He writes: ‘The prophet Zechariah declared this double blessing to Jewish prisoners of war, but he called them prisoners of hope. Those are polar opposites, are they not? So which is it—prisoners of war or prisoners of hope? That depends on your perspective, doesn’t it? If you let your circumstances define the way you see God, you are a prisoner of perspective. Or worse, a prisoner of your past mistakes! But if you let God define the way you see your circumstances, you are a prisoner of hope.
Please don’t let anyone name you except God. You are not the labels people put on you. You are who God says you are! You are the apple of God’s eye. You are the object of His affection. You are more than a conqueror. Israel had experienced a bitter defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. They were at the mercy of their captors, who had defiled their temple and mocked their God. But God reminded them of who would have the last laugh. For their pain, He prescribed the promise of double blessing.’
Yes my faithful brethren, our great God, though He chastise us for our wrongdoings, He is still always offering us encouragement. That’s because He LOVES so deeply, and never wants to lose even one of His creations. But for that to happen successfully, we also need to play our part in the partnership; that’s show our sincere hope, faith, trust and obedience to His Word and will for our lives. And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do just that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) 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 believe me friends, if we endure with Jesus until the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Mama Mia! That gives us even more cause to endure! (smile) Much LOVE!
…you can’t have faith without first having hope…for faith is based on hope…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ
12 Oct 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a child of God, a state of slumber, cast off the works of darkness, Christian behaviour, endure to the end, fulfill the lusts of the flesh, halfway home, hands on the plough, in time past, it is high time to awake out of sleep, licentiousness, LOVE, make not provision for the flesh, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not in revelry and drunkenness', not looking back, now is our salvation nearer, put on the armour of light, put on the Lord jesus christ, talk a good talk, the breath of life, the darkest hour is the one before the dawn, the darkness of this world, the day is at hand, the Holy Spirit, the night is far spent, the prince of the power of the air, throw off the cloak of darkness, to a glorious future with Jesus, walk honestly, wantonness, we walked according to, Wednesday Wail, when we first believed
Romans 13:12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Wow! It’s Wednesday already…and I’m up early! Went to bed early too. (smile) Don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s what we have to work with, and it’s what we’ll do. The important thing is that we’re alive, and thus have important work to do for Christ as His followers down here on this crazy planet called earth. And the best time to do it is right now, for remember Bruh Paul’s warning to the church at Rome. ‘And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed.’ (Rom. 13:11)
Oh friends, is that ever the gospel truth! Darkness has covered us for far too long, and it’s been centuries since Bruh Paul wrote that missive to the Roman church, which means Christ’s coming is closer than ever, and gets closer with each passing day, and we cannot afford to let Him return and find us in a state of slumber or inactivity. It’s therefore time for us to get up and begin doing what we know we ought to be doing; that’s encouraging the many souls that are still living in the darkness of the prince of this world, to come out of that repressive and intolerable darkness into the splendid light and freedom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
And Bruh Paul continues his warning: ‘The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.’ (Rom. 13:12) Oh yes my brethren, the truth of the matter is that plenty of us so called believers are also living under the cover of darkness, despite our claim to be living in light. And it’s high time that we recognize our insufficiencies and throw off the cloak of darkness that we’ve been hiding under for oh too long. It’s time believers wake up and get moving, the world is getting darker and more evil every day, and it desperately needs our help to move it toward the light of Christ.
Remember that old saying, the darkest hour is the one before the dawn? Well right now is the darkest hour of the world! The dawn, that‘s Christ Jesus, will soon be appearing and how will it look if so many of us supposed believers are not ready for His august return eh? And even worse, that we‘ve not helped as many as we should, to be also ready for it. It certainly won’t look good on our report card. For when that day of judgement comes and the Lord asks us what we did with our time down here on earth, what are we going to say eh?
So as Bruh Paul further advises: ‘Let us walk honestly (properly), as in the day; not in rioting (revelry) and drunkenness, not in chambering (licentiousness) and wantonness (lewdness), not in strife and envying.’ (Rom. 13:13) And the sad fact is that many of us supposed believers are still living the way Bruh Paul sets it out. We are still running down the wealth, power and pleasures of this evil world. And how unseemly and unfortunate is that eh? It sets a rather bad example for those whom we should be reclaiming by our Christian behaviour, not joining with them in their worldly life of revelry and licentiousness.
And the antidote for that inappropriate behaviour is, as Bruh Paul says: ‘But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 13:14) Ah mih people, we all know that resisting the lusts of the flesh in this flesh based world is not easy, but as a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ, we all have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, which helps us to refute and refuse the things of the flesh; that is if we are prepared to listen to and heed His guidance.
And that’s the problem right there. We don’t pay sufficient attention to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit which has been purposely sent to help us live the difficult Christian life here on the evil earth. So how can we expect to function as true believers eh? We talk a good talk, but don’t put that talk into action. And we are all guilty of that. Can you imagine the glorious state our world would be in right now, if all the talk that we believers talk was actually put into action? Glory be! Satan would be pulling out what li’l hair he still has in total fright! But unfortunately, it’s we believers who are pulling out our hair in despair over the evil and violence, the horrific darkness that’s quickly overcoming our world.
Now, here are a few explanations from the scholars re those verses above. As per verses 11-12, they say: Sleep means insensitivity to the demands of Christ on the Christian’s life. Now is our salvation nearer: The coming of Christ to deliver us from this sinful world grows nearer every day. The night is the time while Christ is out of the world, and the world has been delivered into the control of the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2) The day is a reference to the time when Christ will return and establish His reign of righteousness.’
And just to jostle our memories and disturb our consciences, (smile), we’ll quote Eph. 2:2. It says: ‘Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.’ Ah friends, before we were saved by Jesus’ spilled blood on the cross of Calvary, we walked according to the tendencies and purposes of this world, all of which were and still are opposed and hostile to God’s system. But since Jesus saved us, we ought not to be walking that same ungodly wide and destructive pathway.
That’s why the scholars’ explanation of verse 14: is so important. ‘Make not provision for the flesh: One should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature, but should seek occasion to manifest works that are consistent with the new life in Christ.’ Now, please, please, let’s ponder those words today nuh, and see where we are still trying to satisfy the lusts of our flesh, and take them before the Lord and ask for His divine help to handle them. That’s the only way we will ever truly come into the light from the darkness in which so many of us are sadly still enveloped.
And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home now declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most intimate 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, just a li’l reminder that if we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow mih bredren! Just think that we can’t even imagine how great those times with Christ really will be nuh. Let’s hope that will cause us to be even more faithful and trusting…and to endure. Much LOVE!
…finite minds…can never truly comprehend…the events or state of infinity…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ
28 Sep 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new earth, catastrophe, endure to the end, exuding thanks and gratitude, God shall wipe away all tears, hands on the plough, hold on tightly to Jesus, keep on keeping on, looking forward to God's promise, Lord your promise is your guarantee, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, neither sorow, new heavens, no more death, no more pain, nor crying, not looking back, One Year Book of Bible promises, Only Goodness, primary purpose of redemption accomplished, Ruth Harms Calkin, showed up our differences, starving children, the blessed ones, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the former things are passed away, the tabernacle of God, these words are true and faithful, threw away the mould, to a glorious future with Jesus, today, tragedy, Wednesday Wail, work out for our good
Revelation 21:4a. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
It’s today friends! Yes, another one of the many todays we’ve lived, are living and hopefully will live! Wow! Aren’t you grateful for having seen yet another today on God’s great earth? I surely am, and I’m trying to get us all excited about each new day that we’re alive, that we truly appreciate it and value it for what it’s worth!
Yuh know how many people wanted to open their eyes this morning and didn’t get the chance…many! That means you are amongst the blessed and chosen ones, also signifying that there’s more godly stuff for you to do down here, the Lord isn’t quite finished with your earthly plans. And for that we ought to be oh so thankful, just exuding thanks and gratitude, regardless of how difficult our lives might be at this time, but knowing that our most wonderful God will eventually work everything out for our good like He’s faithfully promised! Glory be!
Please give Him lots of thanks and praise for being the wonderful Father, God and Good Shepherd He is to us, His unworthy and disobedient children! And it doesn’t matter whether we’re six, or sixty-six, whether we’re good or bad, He still LOVES us with that burning LOVE that caused Him to send His only Son Jesus to die on the cross of Calvary, so that He could justly and righteously forgive our sins!
Mama oh Mama! What a marvellous God we serve and worship my brethren! There’s none other like Him…and there could never be another One like Him either, for when they made Him, they threw away the mould they used to form His most majestic Spirit! (smile)
And now that my excitement has died down some, let’s see what good news the Lord has planned for us today. And the good news comes from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This poem is most appropriately titled ‘Only Goodness.’
So please read and inwardly digest with me. ‘What glorious words of wonder Come from the Apostle Peter. He wrote, “But we are looking forward To God’s promise of new heavens And a new earth afterwards Where there will be only goodness.” O dear God “Where there will be only goodness.”
After centuries of war, greed, and lust After indulgences shamelessly practiced After hatred, hostility Jealousy and abuse Murder and martyrdom Crime and cruelty Curses and rebellion. After whimpering cries from starving children After tragedy and catastrophe Loneliness and despair At last…at long last “There will only be goodness.” O dear Lord Your promise is Your guarantee But please hurry a little!’
And in the current disastrous and evil state of our world most of us do hope that He will hurry and bring that time of ‘Only Goodness’ to pass. Oh, we know that all those ugly things have happened in our world down through the ages, but I don’t believe they have ever been so rampant and widespread all at once, especially in this the most enlightened and supposedly informed age of mankind’s history. All those dreadful things are still happening when there’s absolutely no reason for them to happen on the scale of which they are happening.
Millions of children, as well as adults are starving when there is so much food around the globe and some societies throw away so much good food every day. And don’t talk of the hate and hostility that’s currently engulfing our world! Chuh! The strife and anger fomenting on God’s earth right now has never been seen before, not even in the World Wars of the last century. Why is that eh? What’s happening to our supposed sense of reason and responsibility? Have we all just gone mad and lost the hold we had on reality?
It would certainly seem so, because we all seem to be so angry, resentful, unhappy and greatly disturbed by so many things, and the recent pandemic only showed up our differences even more, when instead of sharing the possible solutions, we all hogged them for ourselves. No wonder so many of us are entreating the Good Lord to hurry up with His promise of that time of “only goodness.”
Now here’s why some of us are so anxious to see those days of “only goodness.” In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John describers his vision of the new heaven and earth that will be in the end times. And this is the promise our poem was based on. John writes: ‘And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. and he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.’ (Rev. 21:3-5)
Now isn’t that a marvellous time to look forward to? It certainly is! And we know that it will eventually happen because God’s promises are true, He never reneges on them, but we will have to wait on His timing, because His timing doesn’t often coincide with ours. (smile) Until then, we just have to put up with what’s happening, put our total trust in God, and do our best, in our small way to make what we can right and eschew evil for good, as the Bible teaches.
And here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘21:3-5. Tabernacle of God: The presence of God will be with His people, and He will forever dwell with them. A primary purpose of redemption will be accomplished: the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people. In the eternal state, there will be no tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Everything will become new. God’s promises are true, and He is always faithful to His Word (cf. 19:11)’
Ah friends, this earthly life certainly isn’t easy, but as we keep reminding, with Christ Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, Guide and Good Shepherd it is indeed possible to enjoy it, even in the tough times, because He enables us to have faith and provides little miracles in our lives every day that help us to keep on keeping on. So please, although times are rough, let’s not give up, because as you can see from His Word, we have a lot of good times to look forward to.
And for those of us who are attempting to do just that, let’s go home now declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry 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!’
And just a li’l more encouragement to seal the deal. (smile) If we endure with Jesus right to the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask for imagine! Wow! I LOVE that! So, see you then! Much LOVE!
…want to see the times of only goodness…then hold on tight to Jesus…till the very end…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
07 Sep 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: addicted to machines, artificial intelligence, endure to the end, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, he that hath clean hands and a pure heart, his eyes were a flame of fire, his name is called the word of God, if you don't use it you'll lose it, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, lift up your heads O ye gates, LOVE, not given to idol worship, not looking back, rule with a rod of iron, satan a toothless lion, sedentary nature, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the King of glory shall come in, the Lord of hosts is the King of glory, to a glorious future with Jesus, too busy to seek God, Wednesday Wail, who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord
Revelation 19:16. And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
It’s Wednesday friends, and we’re alive and kicking, though still somewhat tired if we made mas on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn a couple of days ago. (smile) And are we ever thankful to the Good Lord for allowing us to see another glorious day in His magnificent universe. Oh, there’s no doubt that we’ve made a mess of the wonderful planet He created for us to enjoy in His company, but there’s still nothing as marvellous and imaginative that’s ever been created, except possibly the human body.
That’s why Bruh David wrote these awesome words to open Psalm 24. Subtitled- The king of glory. ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods (rivers). Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity (to an idol), nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.’ (Ps. 24:1-5)
Yes my people, that’s how it’s been from the beginning of time, and how it will be until the end! The Lord desires those who belong to Him to have clean hands and a pure heart, not given to idol worship. But can we say that truthfully in these trying, troubled and evil times? Can we truthfully say like Bruh David did: ‘This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.’ (Ps. 24:6) I don’t think so. We certainly don’t seek the Lord the way we ought to.
On the contrary many of us are more concerned with ridding our society and world of Him, rather than seeking His holy face. But we’re such a foolish and egotistical bunch of frail, fragile and finite beings, so blinded by the lies and deceit of the devil, who has never won any war he’s ever fought. When He tried to rebel against God in heaven as the Archangel Lucifer, He lost, and was summarily kicked out of heaven. Then, as the master of hell, he also lost the battle of death, hell and the grave to Jesus, who died and rose again, making him a toothless lion.
So why can’t we realize that Satan has no power over us except what we give him, and furthermore, that God will NEVER allow us to remove Him from the universe He created, and that He still overseers and controls. He’s not as short-sighted as we are to let His creations rule over Him, like we are allowing our creations, what we so proudly call Artificial Intelligence to take over our lives. And if we continue on the same path, it’s only a matter of time before artificial intelligence will be running our world and us. We will have given over all our functions to it and then be unable to live without it.
We’re already halfway there. Yuh see how the slightest glitch in our computer systems can cause grief all around the world? And with us driving so fast to see how we can stop doing anything for ourselves, we’ll soon lose the little strength and wisdom we now retain. Remember the old saying; if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. And that’s where we’re headed if we desire to computerize and artificially engineer all the tasks in our lives.
Yes, just like we are still slaves to sin, although we have the means of freedom in Christ Jesus, we’ll eventually be a set of slaves, live in bondage to automation and computerization…in fact we already are. Many of us can’t function without our cellphones, our computers, video games and whatever electronic devices that capture our fancy and then enslave us. The immobile and sedentary nature of these devices are also causing us physical pain since we sit before them for hours on end and thus lose physical movement in our bodies and aches and pains in our joints.
And then we claim that we’re too busy to seek God, because those things keep us addicted to them, when we should be addicted to God. Oh friends, I think it’s high time we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and our need for righteousness before Him and then sing songs of glory in His majestic and righteous name, like Bruh David declared in the psalm. ‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle… The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.’ (Ps. 24:7-8, 10)
And just to give us a better understanding of whom that King of glory is, let’s read these fateful and true words from the Book of Revelation, as revealed to the apostle John on the island of Patmos. He writes: ‘And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vesture (robe) dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite (strike) the nations (destroy all unbelievers): and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God (God’s fierce judgement). And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’ (Rev; 19: 11-16)
Yes my fellow saints, that’s who the King of glory is; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when He comes back to fulfill His twofold role of judge and warrior. There’s none more powerful than Him, so please, I implore us to make it our first and foremost desire to bow down and worship Him, if we desire to see long life and abundant days, not only here on earth, but even more so, in the afterlife. Because it’s the ONLY wise option we have.
Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) 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 to further encourage us, let’s remember that if we endure until the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Wow! Much LOVE!
…why look to Beelzebub for solace eh…when He can’t even help himself…look to Jesus…the Master of the universe…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
10 Aug 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a spirit that's never contented or satisfied, cleanse your hands ye sinners, death and damnation, draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you, eccentricities of the weather, endure to the end, giving us enough rope to hang ourselves, God giveth more grace to the humble, God resisteth the proud, halfway home, hands on the plough, it's easier to serve Satan than God, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, no man can serve two masters, not looking back, our improper attitude of enslavement toward wealth, our wandering hearts and minds, purify your hearts ye doubleminded, resist the devil and he will flee from you, revel in the sinful things of Satan, selfish desires, submit yourselves to God, the benefits of God far outweigh those of Satan, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the friendship of the world is enmity with God, the way of Mother Nature, to a glorious future with Jesus, turning a blind eye to the promises of Jesus, Wednesday Wail, who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, Ye cannot serve God and mammon, ye lust and have not, yet ye have not because ye ask not
James 4:7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
I don’t understand it nuh friends…and you’re wondering just what I don’t understand eh. (smile) Well, it’s how come today can already be the tenth of August when the month just began sometime last week. And you know what happens when August is done? September rolls in with its colder temps and we on the down track to that wonderful season called winter. (smile) It’s interesting to note how the supposedly good seasons finish much quicker than those we consider less amenable. But that’s just the way of Mother Nature, and if you want to live in the Northern Climes then you will have to learn to put up with the eccentricities of the weather.
And though you may be born and raised in the changing seasons, it’s still difficult for many people to adjust to it. I guess that’s because mankind was not really made to live in the cold, but because of our wandering hearts and minds we’ve ended up in some of the most inhospitable climates in the universe. Now, that wandering spirit that’s never contented or satisfied, also leads us to suffer other unnecessary pain and sorrow as we seem to revel in the sinful and ungodly things of Satan which only bring us death and damnation.
Oh my wayward friends, although we know better, somehow or the other we just can’t refuse the lure, the clarion call of the enemy’s deceitful and empty promises. Meanwhile, we’re turning a blind eye to all the marvellous, magnificent and true promises that Jesus is offering, free, gratis, and for nothing! Promises of hope, faith, forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with our Creator, salvation and eternal life in heaven, where there are no tears, no pain, no sorrow and above all no death!
Our brains must be badly muddled and addled if we consciously choose the disastrous and painful life that comes to those who follow the evil Beelzebub; things like hell, death, damnation and eventual interment in lake of fire, instead of the wonderful halls of heaven. No wonder James, the brother of Jesus wrote this tough passage on worldliness and pride to his fellow believers.
He sagely begins by asking: ‘From whence come wars (conflicts) and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts (desires for pleasure) that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill (murder), and desire to have (covet), and cannot obtain: ye fight and war (battle), yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (pleasures).’ (James 4:1-3)
Wow! What wisdom, what insight into our ungodly behaviour! And re those verses, the scholars tell us: ‘Chapter 3 ended by stressing the peace that results from heavenly wisdom. Now James emphasizes the strife common among his readers, stemming from their unsatisfied, selfish desires. Instead of wrestling with God in prayer, these believers are striving with one another.’
And would you believe that nothing much has changed in our society since then, except that we’ve gotten even more lustful, sinful and more interested in pleasures than the righteousness of God, with the avowed intention to kick God out. But just for the record, that’s NEVER going to happen, because God is still in control of His universe and will always be. He’s just giving us enough rope so we can hang our own selves and not blame Him when our paper houses with such beautiful facades come tumbling down. Hn!
And I like how James doesn’t let up on the unfaithful believers. He continues taking them to task: ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses (those unfaithful to God), know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be (wants to make) a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God.’ (James 4:4) Yes my brethren, we cannot be a LOVER of the world and a LOVER of God at the same time.
Jesus said it loud and clear: ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (worldly riches).’ (Matt. 6:24) But friends, unfortunately, when it comes to whom we are serving, many of us have a spiritual double vision. (smile) However, try as we might, ‘total loyalty to God cannot be divided between Him and one’s material possessions.’ And the having of material possessions is not wrong in itself, but it’s ‘our improper attitude of enslavement toward wealth’ that causes the problem.
And James continues to lay into his readers. ‘Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.’ (James 5-6) Ah mih people, our natural spirits do yearn after jealousy and covetousness, but God gives us much more grace that we can overcome the attractions of the world. And there, when James talks about God giving more grace to the humble, he is quoting Cousin Sol in Proverbs 3:34.
Now don’t think that James is done with his fellow believers or us. Not by a long shot! He’s now getting into the parts that we so badly need, as he strongly advises: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Be afflicted (lament) and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness (gloom). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:7-10)
Oh my fellow saints, I don’t think we can get a better prescription than that for what currently ails us nuh! First off, we must submit ourselves to God, who’s response is always positive and welcoming towards us. Then He will give us the grace and strength to resist Satan. Not to fear or flee from him, but to stand strong against him. And per the cleansing of our hands and hearts, that means our lives need to be cleansed ‘both by outward deeds and inner thoughts.’
And on that subject, the scholars give us this marvellous reference to Psalm 24. ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity (an idol), nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.’ (Ps. 24:3-5)
Yes friends, when we come before the Lord with true confession and repentance, He will gladly lift us up. So, for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Him in these perilous and ungodly times, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most 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!’
Now, let’s not forget that if we endure to the very end, that future with Jesus is going to be even more glorious than we can even ask or imagine! Wow! So, let’s use that as encouragement to keep on keeping on to the very end nuh! Much LOVE!
…it’s possibly easier to serve Satan than God…but the benefits of God far outweigh those of Satan…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
06 Jul 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a Christian life begins with total commitment, be not conformed to this world, be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, by the mercies of God, disobedient to parents, dissension within Christ's church, endure to the end, hands on the plough, holy acceptable unto god, I am halfway home, I beseech you therefore brethren, I can settle for that, I don't let God be God, I will die victoriously, I'm looking straight ahead, in the last days perilous times shall come, inherent sinful nature, it is better to walk over the billows than to go under them, leap up like wild animals, LOVE, men shall be lovers of their own selves, not looking back, nothing worthwhile is ever easy, One Year Book of Bible promises, present your bodies a living sacrifice, Ruth Harms Calkin, shall he find faith on the earth, show love to a desperately needy world, step out of my rocking boat, stop using our bodies for sinful purposes, tempestuous waves of change, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the perfect will of God, the word rebellion frightens me, time is flying by, to a glorious future with Jesus, walk the waves with you, Wednesday Wail, when the Son of man cometh, which is your reasonable service, wisdom in spades
Luke 18:8. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Wow mih bredrin! Another week is quickly passing by; it’s already Wednesday…what’s happening with the days eh, why is time flying by so quickly? One would think that with the numerous problems we have in our world that time would at least seem to stand still, but like everything else, it is behaving in a most contrary manner. (smile) It’s a good thing we have Jesus to keep us steadfast and focused yes, otherwise we’d be jumping all over the place like jackrabbits.
And to help handle the uncertain situation which our world currently faces, we are going to look at a poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin aptly titled ‘I Can Settle for That.’ So, please read with me. ‘The word rebellion frightens me. I always associate it with Revolt…terrorism…riots…death… with economic and social issues… With the drug scene That promotes life without purpose. I associate it with tempestuous waves of change That leap up like wild animals.
Like the disciples in the storm I want to awaken You, Lord. I wonder why You seem to be sleeping. But, Lord, maybe I don’t Really know You very well. Maybe I don’t let God be God. After all, You are not frightened. You do not hold your hands up in despair. You never say, “You should have come yesterday.” Nor do You say, “You’re the wrong age and colour.” You never say “You’re too timid, too slow.”
You simply tell me to step out Of my rocking boat. You tell me to walk the waves with You. You assure me you are not asleep. You tell me to show genuine LOVE To a desperately needy world. You insist it is far better To walk over the billows than to go under them. You tell me if I die in the attempt At least I will die victoriously. Then, facing me directly, You ask “Can you settle for that?” Lord, if You are with me I can settle for that.’
Mama Mia! Isn’t that the living truth my people? If God is with us, we can indeed settle for anything, because He controls it all! And the reason why we are so uncertain, afraid and worried is simply because we do not have sufficient trust and faith in our great God, in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit that dwells within us and is supposed to lead and guide us to all truth. In fact, we have not given ourselves completely to Almighty God, therefore we don’t let God be God. How can He be, if we don’t surrender our all to Him eh?
That’s why the Bible verse for that poem is Bruh Paul’s plea to the church at Rome. ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service.’ (Rom. 12:1) Yes friends, we are supposed to surrender our entire bodies and souls to Christ, if we want to truly benefit from all that He has to offer.
Now listen to how the scholars explain that verse. ‘12:1. By the mercies of God summarizes all that God has accomplished for the believer in Romans chapters 1-11: in justifying the believer (chps. 1-5), enabling the believer to live a righteous life (chps. 6-8), and being faithful to Israel (chps. 9-11). That ye present refers to a definite act of presentation. The verb is used of offering a sacrifice that became “holy” under the Levitical system (cf. Ex. 29:37). This shows that the Christian life begins with total commitment and irrevocable presentation. Your bodies: The body has been an instrument of sin (chp. 6). Now it is to be presented to God as a channel through which the righteousness of God is manifested.’
Yes, that all sounds like a big mouthful, but it simply means that we stop using our bodies for sinful purposes and instead use them for righteous ones. And we’d all be foolishly fooling ourselves to pretend that we don’t know the sinful things we use our bodies for. (smile) That’s why this next verse is so important in our transformation. Bruh Paul then declares in his usual practical way. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Rom. 12:2)
Ah mih bredrin, to truly live for Christ we have to shun, to shuck off the things of this evil world that find no place, are not welcome in God’s kingdom. And no, it’s not always easy to do, because of our inherent sinful nature and the rampaging evil and evil doers that are currently controlling our world. But with Christ’s help and our perseverance, we can do a good job of it.
We must just want it badly enough. But like we said yesterday, too many of us don’t want it badly enough to put out the necessary effort to live sincerely for Christ, that’s why Christianity is in such a shambles, why Christ’s church is filled with so much evil and ungodly doings, why there’s so much dissension within Christ’s church, and instead of getting better, it seems to be getting worse.
Oh my fellow believers, we need to remember that Christ is depending on us to keep His church going strong and sincere. We are all He has down here to do His bidding, and if we are not doing it properly then His church will obviously suffer serious setbacks. This leads me to consider the question Jesus asked at the end of the parable of the persistent widow. He says: ‘Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8)
Now that’s a very interesting question with the great number of former believers turning away from God, the apostasy that Bruh Paul warned Timothy of. ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy…’ (2 Tim. 3:1-2) And he goes on to list a host of other ungodly activities which we are currently seeing at a high level in our society.
However, my brethren, because we are sincere, faithful, and strong, we will do our best to stand up for Christ and continue to tell others about Him and the marvellous benefits living for Him bring. So, for those of us in that camp, let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. Wow!
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 friends, if we endure to the end, that future will indeed be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, let’s be with Christ for the long haul nuh; that’s wisdom in spades! Much LOVE!
…nothing worthwhile is ever easy…and that definitely goes for living for Christ…but the rewards will certainly outweigh the difficulties…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
08 Jun 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a refuge in times of trouble, a wise man which built his house house on a rock, all of them shall wax old like a garment, an Everlasting God, climate change, contrary weather, endure to the end, every good and every perfect gift is from above, God is an unchanging God, God is not a man that he should lie, God's laws are written in stone, halfway home, hands on the plough, I am the Lord I change not, Jesus Christ, looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus, LOVE, no shadow due to change, no variation, not looking back, only one road to glory- through Jesus, renounce the sovereign authority of God, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Father of lights, the heavens are the work of thy hands, the Immutability of God, the Lord shall endure for ever, the same yesterday today and forever, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed, tithes, Wednesday Wail
Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.
And so Wednesday has opened bright and sunny, though somewhat cool, because it’s still officially spring. The problem though is will it stay bright and sunshiny all day long? Unfortunately, these days of climate change have the days being very contrary, beginning one way, then changing to something else, sometimes even changing back and forth within the same day. So, you can never trust what you see when you open your eyes on a morning to be the same throughout the day. But praise the Lord that our great God is an unchanging God!
Yes friends, that’s one thing we’re very sure of! How do we know that? Because it says so in His Word, very often too. And His Word does not lie! Of course not! As explained in this scripture from the Book of Numbers. ‘God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.’ (Num. 23:19-20) And that from the false prophet Balaam, whom Balak, the king of Moab, had hired to curse the Israelites.
So, let’s look at a few of the scriptures that talk about the unchanging nature of our God nuh. As one commentator says: ‘God does not change. Why would He? God is perfect in all His ways. You can’t get better than perfect! God’s laws don’t change, they are written in stone for a distinct purpose.’ And that’s so His people can have a strong and steadfast way of life, not one like the weather we’re currently having; wishy-washy, and constantly changing.
As James, Jesus’ brother writes: ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning.’ (James 1:17) And that’s the gospel truth! One translation puts it thus. ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.’
And per the Immutability of God, the scholars say: ‘Since all changes are either for the better or for the worse, God is unchanging because He is perfect and cannot get better nor become worse. The Scriptures describe God’s nature, will, and character as immutable or unchanging. Illustration: To be immutable, however, does not mean to be immobile. God also has the qualities of personality and can act, think, create, and make decision. Application: God is unchanging; therefore Christians can depend on His LOVE and power because God has not changed since biblical times. (First Ref. Ps. 9:7; Primary ref. James 1:17; cf. Lev. 19:2.)’
Yes my brethren, the Lord’s our Creator, thus He is much more stable than we could ever be. And as Bruh David declares in Psalm 9: ‘But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgement. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgement to the people in uprightness. The Lord also will be a refuge (stronghold) for the oppressed, and a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.’ (Ps. 9:7-10) Now, if our God can be all those things for those who seek Him, then He must be strong, stable, steadfast and just!
And I like this verse about God’s unchanging nature from the book of Malachi, when he talks about the nonpayment of tithes. He solemnly declares: ‘For I am the Lord, I change not: therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.’ (Mal. 3:6) And nothing has really changed since then, for many of today’s churchgoers are doing the same thing; not giving their tithes to God. We give money to all sorts of other worthless and fraudulent causes without a murmur, but to give a penny to God’s church it’s like pulling teeth without anesthetic.
As the scholars explain. ‘These Israelites have done what no man should presume to attempt, namely, to defraud God in tithes and offerings. The payment of tithes and heave offerings was a recognition of their subjection to God and that He owned them and all that they had. To withhold the tithe is to renounce the sovereign authority of God and to be guilty of the same sin as Lucifer in the beginning.’ And there’s no doubt that our current society has renounced the sovereignty of God over it, and thus are guilty of the same sin that Lucifer (Satan) was kicked out of heaven for; abominable pride which led to foolish rebellion!
But I’m getting off course here, (smile) so let’s move on to the next scripture on God’s unchanging nature, which comes from the book of Hebrews. And it simply but quite clearly and confidently states: ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.’ (Heb. 13:8) And if all it says about Jesus in the Good Book is true, then He must be a stalwart, unbreakable, unchanging foundation for us to build on.
That’s why Jesus characterized Himself as the rock to build on when he told the people. ‘Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a (the) rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock.’ (Matt. 7:24-25) Oh my fellow saints, when we build our houses on the rock, the foundation that’s Jesus, nothing in this whole wide world can ever beat or break it down, for Jesus is the solid, rock-like foundation of the world! Give Him some much deserved thanks and praise!
And then there’s this marvellous scripture, the last one, we have time and space for. It comes from Psalm 102 – A cry in distress – and it declares: ‘Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure (continue): yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and the years shall have no end.’ (Ps: 102:25-27) Now that’s the indisputable truth: the world will grow old and change, even be destroyed, but our God will last forever, because that’s his name and nature… an Everlasting God!
And for those of us who sincerely believe and are doing our best to live for Him, let’s go home declaring (yeah!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most 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 a last word of encouragement and reassurance, (smile) please remember that if we endure to the very end, then that future will indeed be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…there is only one road to glory…that’s through Jesus…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
11 May 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all my hope is in Jesus, all my sins are forgiven, as the mountains are round about Jerusalem, but such as is common to man, commune with my Maker, constantly bombarded by, dandelions, don't miss a trick, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, form henceforth even for ever, God is faithful, God will not suffer you to bear more than you can, greater love hath no man than this, halfway home, hands on the plough, I've been washed by the blood, it's not easy to live a righteous life in this sinful world, lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity, let the silence wash over us, LOVE, lovely days are here again, my yoke is easy and my burden light, no temptation has overtaken you, not looking back, thank God, that a man lay down his life for his friends, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the enemy's devious and evil machinations, the fiery halls of hell, the great invitation, the Lord is round about His people, the promise of salvation and eternal life, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail
Psalm 125:2. As the mountains are round about (surround) Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Well, lovely days seem to be here again friends! Glory Hallelujah! But unfortunately, the dandelions, who don’t miss a trick, (smile) are also pushing their weedy yellow heads up through the new green spring grass, causing much dissatisfaction to lawn owners. But although they are considered weeds, I like them, like the bright yellow colour they provide to the fresh spring atmosphere.
But best of all, with these warmer days arriving, I will now be able to sit on my porch in the afternoons and watch the world go by, as well as sit there in the quiet of the early morning hours and commune with my wonderful Maker. And it’s an interesting communication, because we don’t talk much, we just let the silence wash over us, and the beauty of nature fill our souls with a peaceful joy.
That’s one thing I miss a lot during the many cold and dreary winter months. And why shouldn’t we just sit in quiet and peaceful companionship eh, when as the song says, ‘All my hope is in Jesus. Thank God my yesterday’s gone, All my sins are forgiven, And I’ve been washed by the blood.’
Mama Mia! Life couldn’t get any better than that my people! And that’s what we all get when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour; forgiven sins and a soul washed and cleansed in His Holy blood. We also receive His awesome peace and joy, and the promise of salvation and eternal life with Him in heaven or wherever He chooses to reside (smile).
So why do so many of us refuse to accept His invitation to come to Him and lay all our burdens and heavy loads at His feet and receive the rest for both our bodies and souls that He alone can provide? The overwhelming refusal of His Great Invitation just boggles my imagination, for the enemy has nothing to compare with what Jesus’ offers. ‘For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ Satan’s yoke and burden are exactly the opposite of Jesus’ – hard and heavy. So why are so many of us still fighting ourselves and each other to live under Satan’s hard yoke and heavy burden eh? I wish I knew, then I might be able to convince us of the folly of that decision.
Remember, whatever Satan enables us to have down here, like earthly wealth and power, we cannot take when we depart this life, and we’ll just end up in the fiery halls of hell with him. But the things that we get from Jesus, like peace, joy, LOVE and salvation, we carry them into eternal life with us, to dwell with Him right down through eternity. There’s nothing to compare with that friends! But I guess that our sinful nature is so strong within us that we like to dabble in it, enjoy its fleshly lusts, it’s pride and greed, it’s strife and resentment, as the evil one feeds our minds with his iniquitous thoughts and schemes.
And yes, we all know that it’s not easy to live a righteous life in this sinful world, constantly bombarded by the enemy’s devious and evil machinations, but if we sincerely turn to Jesus, He will surely help us with those problems. That’s His faithful promise. Bruh Paul wrote it thus to the church at Corinth. ‘There hath no temptation taken (overtaken) you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear (endure) it.’ (1 Cor. 10:13)
Yes my fellow believers, in simple terms, we all fall under the burden of temptation, but our caring and compassionate God will not allow us to bear more temptation than we can handle. He will either find a way for us to escape it, or give us the necessary tools to endure it. In any case, no temptation will overwhelm us if we put our faith and trust in Jesus. He will give us the wherewithal to handle them all. And these words of encouragement from Psalm 125 – God surrounds his people – just add to our faith and strength in Christ Jesus.
Please read with me. ‘’They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed (moved), but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about (surround) Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked (the sceptre of wickedness) shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous (the land allotted to the righteous); lest the righteous put forth (reach out) their hands unto iniquity.’ (Ps. 125:1-3)
That’s gospel truth my people! And please remember what Cousin Sol says about iniquity workers. ‘He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity (trouble): and the rod (sceptre) of his wrath (anger) shall fail.’ (Prov. 22:8) It’s for certain sure that the iniquity workers will eventually be destroyed when the Lord thinks it’s time. So mih bredin, how much more do we need before we believe eh, before we surrender completely to Jesus, our Maker, our God, Creator, Provider, Saviour and Friend? He even went so far as to come to earth as a man and selflessly sacrificed His sinless life so that we could be forgiven, made righteous, be reconciled to the Father and have the option of salvation.
And we’ll let this awesome truth He spoke linger in our hearts as we wind down today. ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ (John 15:13) And He called us friends before He went to His death on the cross on our behalf. I don’t know what else to say to convince us that Jesus is real and His promises are ever-faithful. As Jesus also said: ‘He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.’ (Matt. 11:15) Words of eternal wisdom from our Saviour.
Now for those of us who believe and are sincerely trying to live for Jesus, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and confident 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 don’t forget that if we endure with Jesus to the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, please, let’s endure nuh mih people! Much LOVE!
…God has faithfully promised…never to leave nor forsake us…and He keeps all of His promises…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
20 Apr 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: At last, become Christ-like, being confident of this very thing, endure to the end, entrusted myself, far better than I understand myself, from Him cometh my salvation, go out in a blaze of glory, greater love hath no man, halfway home, he is my defense (strong tower), he is our help and our shield, He only is my rock and my salvation, he which hath begun a good work, I shall not be greatly moved (shaken), LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back, not turning back, One who understands me, One with whom I'm perfectly safe, One Year Book of Bible promises, Ruth Harms Calkin, Someone whose love is immeasurable, step out in faith, that a man lay down his life for his friends, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the eye of the Lord, the future will be more glorious, the greatest gifts of all -salvation and eternal life, the joy of the Lord is our strength, the same shall be saved, the ultimate purpose of God, to a glorious future with Jesus, to One who guarantees my wholeness, truly my soul waiteth upon God, upon them that fear (reverence) him, upon them that hope in his mercy, Wednesday Wail, will perform it until the day of Jesus
Psalm 62:1. Truly my soul waiteth (waits silently) upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
Come then friends, let’s celebrate this new day of life, the first Wednesday after Easter, as we ought to. Who knows, this might just be the last one, so let’s go out in a blaze of glory! And if by the Lord’s grace it isn’t, then we can keep on going on out every day in a blaze of joy, because every day is a day that God has made for us to enjoy, despite the problems and difficulties we might face. And as the Good Book so astutely reminds us: ‘The joy of the Lord is our strength.’ (Neh. 8:10)
So there we have it: joy and strength from our Lord God Jehovah! We can’t ask for much more than that. But it doesn’t come automatically, we have to do our part to receive and live it. And that’s where so many of us are falling down. We expect that joy to come automatically, so we just sit around and wait for it, instead of working to make it a reality. But not even the free gifts of salvation and God’s amazing LOVE come automatically, we have to step out in faith and receive them.
Remember we’re in a partnership with God, and partnerships mean that each partner has a specific job to do. Well, the Lord’s done His, providing us with salvation and forgiveness of sins, but it’s then left for us to receive it. The Lord can’t receive it for us. And I believe this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin provides a good insight into how our souls and spirit ought to respond to God’s goodness. It’s simply titled ‘At Last.’
Please pray with me. ‘At last there is One With whom I am perfectly safe. One who knows thoroughly All the rubbled ruins of my heart. At last I see that all that is Riddled and distorted in me Can still find God-planned fulfillment. At last I need no longer explore The deep, dark forest of my thoughts For there is One who understands me Far better than I understand myself.
One who stands with me In the thick of battle One who supports me On the slippery ice-created paths. At last I have entrusted myself To One who guarantees my wholeness Someone whose LOVE is immeasurable. In all the world He alone can LOVE me As I need to be LOVED. At last there is One – My Lord and My God!’
Oh my people, all of that is the God-awesome truth! But until we come to that reality, the reality of realizing and accepting that the Lord LOVES us so truly and powerfully, we won’t be able to give ourselves to Him, the way we should. Just imagine the powerful LOVE He must have borne us to send His Only Son to die on the cross of Calvary, so that our sins could be forgiven. I don’t think there could be any greater show of LOVE than that! Jesus said it to the disciples: ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ (John 15:13)
And that’s the gospel truth! Laying down one’s life for another is the greatest outpouring of LOVE any being can show; be they human, animal, or God! And that’s exactly what Jesus did; lay down His life for us, on the strong recommendation of the Father. So how, in all wisdom, truth and gratitude, can we not turn to Christ and sincerely devote our lives to Him, who died to give us the greatest gifts of all, true salvation and life eternal? And the Bible Promise for today’s poem is also our Bit for today. Now, first I’ll share the NIV (New International Version) used in the Book of Bible Promises, then the real Mccoy (smile) the King James Version (KJV).
Here’s what the NIV says: ‘My soul finds rest in God alone: my salvation come from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be alone.’ Chuh! It’s true and all that, but it sounds so listless and lifeless! Now compare it to the KJV. ‘Truly my soul waiteth (waits silently) upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense (strong tower); I shall not be greatly moved (shaken).’ (Ps. 62:1-2)
Now that seems livelier, to evoke more confidence, more passion. How can you down grade the majestic words and sentiments of Bruh David eh? (smile) I find that some of these new versions water down the Word, make it too simplistic, while others with all their explanations make it more difficult to understand. In the end though, I guess the important thing is that we hear, understand and live the true word in whatever form it’s offered. That take us to these reassuring and reaffirming verses of Psalm 33 titled, ‘Praise to the Lord for his creation.’
The psalmist writes: ‘Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear (reverence) him, upon them that hope in his mercy, To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: for he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.’ (Ps. 33:18-22)
Yes friends, our God, our Lord, Our Creator is right there always watching out for us…but we need to accept it and believe it, and then live accordingly. Nothing is going to fall in our laps. As Bruh Paul said to the Philippians, we need to ‘work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.’ (Phil. 2:12) That means, everything we need to become mature Christians has already been provided, we now need to do the work necessary to actually grow up and become Christ-like, because that is the ultimate purpose God has for all of us.
And earlier on in that same letter Bruh Paul assured them of ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) So there we have it; the Lord has provided all we need to grow to maturity, and He will also keep on helping us to do so until Christ returns. But we need to wake up, get passionate and do our part, if we want to become even a li’l Christ-like! And for those of us who have made that decision, let’s go home now declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our blessed and wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
As one, loud, proud and grateful 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 as always, let’s remember, that if we endure to the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. As Jesus said: ‘But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ (Matt. 24:13) Much LOVE!
perseverance…persistence…endurance…those are the keys to victorious living…to living for Christ…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
13 Apr 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: according to His abundant mercy, blessed are they that have not seen yet believed, count it all joy, eyes fixed straight ahead, God uses problems to mature His people, hands on the plough, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, He'll never leave nor forsake you, hold on to Jesus, I am halfway home, let patience have her perfect work, LOVE, not looking back, only for a season, our salvation is assured, refining faith through trials, Ride out your storm, spiritual growth and maturity, testing can make Christians bitter and not better, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the present trials are of li'l account, the promise of salvation is so wonderful, the trials of life, the trying of your faith worketh patience, time on the potter's wheel, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, when ye fall into divers temptations
James 1:2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials),
Well, this Holy Week Wednesday looks like it’s going to be a cloudy, stormy day, but that’s nothing to be worried about, because, as the song so rightly says, ‘Just hold on to Jesus and ride out your storm.’ Just remember His promise, that He’ll never leave nor forsake you. So don’t give up the fight, just hold on to Jesus, and ride out that storm that seems to be a brewing in your life. You’re not alone, Almighty God, the Creator of the universe and all therein is right there with you and will faithfully lead and guide you to safe shelter.
Now that’s not as easy to do as it sounds, and it recalls two tough passages from the Good Book: one from James and one from Peter. James said it thus: ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers’ temptations (various trials), Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh (produces) patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting nothing (lacking anything).’ (James 1:2-4)
Ah friends, those are indeed tough words to fathom, much less accept! How can we count our trials and tribulations joy when our usual response to adversity is escape eh? The truth of the matter though, is that God uses problems to mature His people. And the scholars explain. ‘1:2-3. In this epistle on Christian living, James opens with a most crucial topic: the trials of life. These verses describe the various testings – whether from the world and Satan, or from God – into which godly Christians fall. These “negative” experiences are to be accepted with great joy, not for the sake of the trial itself but because of the positive work God can accomplish through the testing.
The words in verses 2 and 3 (temptations and trying) are often regarded as virtually synonymous. If this were true, then trials themselves would produce spiritual maturity. But they do not. Often, testing makes Christians bitter instead of better, with no spiritual growth occurring. The Greek word for “trying” (dokimion) might be better translated as “approving.” It is not merely one’s presence in such trials but one’s victory over them that brings spiritual growth and maturity. Those Christians whom God can use the most are those whom God has bruised the most.’
What a contention my people, but nonetheless a true one! You’ll notice that throughout the Bible, most of the people God used greatly suffered greatly, especially Jesus! It’s just that we become better witnesses when we’ve gone through tough times, when we’ve experienced some time on the potter’s wheel and have come out victorious, something better than we were before. Remember, the trial itself doesn’t make us mature, but how we behave under it, and how we turn out afterwards. Hopefully better and not bitter!
Meanwhile, Peter is a li’l more understanding, he butters us up first before bringing in the heavy artillery. He opens by declaring: (steups!) ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled , and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in in the last time.’ (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
Yes friends, Peter gives us the promise before he tells us the problem. (smile) We have the ‘lively or living hope,’ that’s sure salvation to look forward to, through the finished work of Jesus. It’s been saved incorruptible and undefiled for us in heaven. So, we don’t need to worry about the future; that’s assured. However, before we get to heaven and our future, there’s this li’l problem we need to work through:
‘Wherefore ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness (distressed) through manifold temptations: That the trial (the genuineness) of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried (tested) with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing (revelation) of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye LOVE, in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.’ (1 Pet. 1:6-9)
Ah mih people, it’s a great ending, but as always, the middle is problematic. That’s where our faith; its genuineness and strength come into play. That’s when we separate the sheep from the goats; see who is truly serious about Jesus or are just riding the bandwagon. The scholars tell us: ‘1:6-9. The problem of salvation looks to the present . Earthly trials constitute a problem of our salvation, but they are only for a season, or temporary. Manifold temptations mean diversified trials. True faith cannot be destroyed though God is in the process of refining faith through our trials.’
Yes, though we have not seen Jesus personally, we still believe and rejoice and are unspeakably joyful because of His marvellous promises. Remember what Jesus said to Thomas, when he refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he personally saw Him? ‘Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ (John 20:29) Jesus is talking about us my fellow saints. People who haven’t seen Him in person but still totally believe and won’t give up!
Oh, life can be, and certainly will be difficult at times, but the power of Jesus, the works He’s already wrought for us, done on our behalf, gives us the faith, the strength, the staying power to live up to His desires and not be turned off by the trials and temptations of earthly living. Consequently, we are proud and overjoyed at our position in Christ, despite whatever comes against us. So, let’s go home now declaring (steups!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our glorious position in Christ Jesus!
As one, loud, proud 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 that if we endure to the end, that future will be even more glorious than we can either ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…the future promise of salvation is so wonderful…that the present trials can be considered of li’l account…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
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