29 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a child of God, a righteous man, access by faith, accptance, advice, Advocate, ashamed, assurance, at all times dare to be the best, attempt to, awesome word, be prepared to believe, bless your Holy Name, Bruh Paul, certainty, challenge, character, Christ died for the ungodly, comfort zone, commandment, courage, courageous, DARE, dare to be the best, daring, daring believers, defy, disappoint, echoing Jesus' words, enmity, even dare to die, evil, experience, fear, feel sure that, followers of Jesus christ, for a good man, friends, get up off of our fat fannies, glory in tribulation, God rested on the seventh day, God's business, God's deliverance, God's great love, grace, heavenly wisdom, Holy Ghost, hope, I can do attitude, impudence, in Jesus' name, ingeniously reasons, iniquities, justification, justified by faith, kindness, lay down his life, lord jesus christ, LOVE, LOVE one another, mea culpa, mercy, not being afraid, pain, patience, peace with God, perseverance, plaintive plea, poured out in our hearts, praise and adore, presence of god, reconciled, Redeemer, rejoice in hope, rest, rest is an integral part of our lives, rise up and meet challenges, run amuck, sacrificing, servants, stand up strong and steadfast, Steve Marshall, stress, take the risk, Thank you Jesus, the glory of God, the LOVE of God, ungodly state, venture to
Romans 5:7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die.
Ah Friends and neighbours, it was one of those days where at getting up time, the old body plaintively cried out; ‘More rest! In the name of God, more rest please!’
And being a child of God, a reflection of His mercy, LOVE and kindness, how could I refuse such a plaintive plea eh? (smile) To tell the truth, the ole bod could still use some more rest, but sometimes we just can’t let it have it’s own way and must say enough is enough, else it will simply take over and run amuck on us.
So Friends, when your bodies seriously cry out for rest, don’t constantly ignore it, because it often knows better than us, what it needs. And remember too that rest was a big part of God’s concern when He created the universe.
For as the Good Book says: ‘And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.’ (Gen.2:3)
So Friends, if God needed rest from His labours, or rather saw fit to rest, then why shouldn’t we also. Please be aware that rest is an integral part of our earthly lives, though the world, in its evil, ungodly state, strives to keep us continually busy, but that only causes us considerable and unnecessary stress and pain.
And now that I’ve formally made my excuses, my mea culpas, (smile) let’s see what good word our almanac has for us today. And though it’s a small in stature word, it is big, bold, beautiful and mighty in its impact. Believe me, it’s an awesome word that ALL God’s children ought to heed.
And that powerful word is ‘DARE!’
Now I’m not sure which Steve Marshall the following quote can be attributed to, because there are so many. But whichever one it is, he is supposed to have said these simple but powerful words of advice: ‘Dare to be the best you can – at all times, dare to be the best!’
What wonderful words of advice my brethren, especially for followers of the Lord Jesus Christ! Why is that you ask? Because daring allows us to move out of our comfort zone, to get up off of our fat fannies and do the things Jesus desires of us.
The dictionary generally defines ‘DARE’ as ‘venture to, have the courage or impudence to, feel sure that, attempt to, take the risk of, defy, challenge, be prepared to believe.’
So you can see Friends, that daring involves getting up and doing, meeting challenges full on, not being afraid of and running from stuff.
And that stand up strong and steadfast, courageous, believing I can attitude is necessary in ALL believers if we seriously intend to do God’s work here in this evil, ungodly world, because the enemy will not allow us to just go about God’s business without any challenges and evil input.
Yes my people, believers are called to be daring, so daring that we would follow our Bit. ‘For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die.’
Wow! It surely is a hefty dare, but one that we should not shy away from if necessary. Oh my brethren, I know that ALL of us are praying that it won’t be necessary in our own lives. (smile) But Bruh Paul was simply echoing Jesus’ words there in our Bit, when He told the disciples:
‘This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you. Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.’ (John 15:12-15)
Then He went out and died for His FRIENDS; laid down His life for us!
And all God’s children gave out a mighty and grateful shout of: ‘Oh thank you Jesus for sacrificing your holy and sinless life for us! We praise and adore You, and bless your holy name, now and forever more! Amen’
Yeh mih people, that’s what daring does! It causes us to rise up and meet challenges, even though we may be sorely afraid.
As Bruh Paul so ingeniously reasons before our Bit; ‘Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience (produces perseverance); And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed (does not disappoint); because the LOVE of God is shed abroad (has been poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due (at the right) time Christ died for the ungodly.’ (Rom.5:1-6)
Oh Friends, what marvelous scripture! Scripture that assures and ensures us of God’s great LOVE!
And it’s only fitting that we end with some scholarly explanations of those verses. ‘5:1-4. Justified by faith (lit. “because we have been justified by faith”): It was God’s doing, not man’s.
Peace with God: This is not a feeling but a standing. God and the believer are no longer at enmity but have been reconciled (cf. 5:10-11; 2 Cor.5:18). This is a primary result of our justification.
Access: We can come directly into the presence of God. Jesus Christ is not only our Redeemer, but He is also our Advocate. By Him we gain entrance and acceptance before the Father (cf. 1 John 2:1)
Wherein we stand: This is the answer to the psalmist’s question: “If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” (Ps.130:3) Rejoice (lit. “we boast”) in hope denotes the absolute certainty the believer has of God’s deliverance.
5:5. Holy Ghost…given: The believer has the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. This is not a “second blessing,” but is just as much a certitude as the believer’s justification (cf. 1 Cor.12:13).’
Oh my people, with all that assurance and certainty expressed in God’s Word, there’s no way we should fear to go out and ‘DARE!’
So starting today, right now, let’s put all that stuff deep in our souls nuh, bury God’s assurance deep in our hearts and thus allow it to make us not only believers, but even more importantly, daring believers. That’s heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
…to dare…to dare…and yet to dare…in Jesus name…is what we’re called to do…
24 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: accumulation of things, acknowledge God, as we forgive our debtors, awesome power, be content, Bruh David, Bruh Paul, Commit thy way to the Lord, contentment, Cousin Sol, deceitful thoughts and attitudes, deliver us from evil, desire to be rich, destruction, don't overwork, erred from the faith, esteem, eternal life, faith, favours, fight the good fight of faith, fly away as an eagle, focus, food and clothing, for thine is the kingdom, forbearance, forgive us our debts, forsake friends and families, forsake God, fortunes, give us our daily bread, goal of our lives, godliness, godly and righteous service, goodness, gospel truth, great gain, greediness, hallowed be thy name, headaches, heavenly rewards, holiness, Jesus, judgement, justice, lead us not into temptation, light, lost fortunes, LOVE, loving kindness, made fortunes, majesty, man of God, material wealth, meekness, meritorious benefits, moth and rust destroy, Our Father, pain, patience, perdition, physical riches, praise and thanks, priorities, Psalm 37, raison d'etre, respect, reverential awe, rewards, rewards for faithful service, riches have wings, righteousness., root of all evil, ruin, shun money, significant teaching of jesus, slaves to riches, snare, sorrows, stupidity, supernatural sight, teaching of Jesus, temptation, tender mercy, the LOVE of money, the power and the glory, thieves break in, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, Timothy, treasures in heaven, treasures on earth, true motives of our hearts, trust in the Lord, where your treasure is there is your heart, wings, wisdom
Matthew 6:19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin, destroy), and where thieves break through and steal.
Aye mih Friends, it’s Thursday, what’s new, what’s on the agenda for today eh? I know that all of us have lofty plans for the day, but just remember, for them to succeed, we have to commit these plans to the Lord, link them with His plan and will for our lives.
As Bruh David so wisely advises in Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked. ‘Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday.’ (Ps.37:5-6)
But first things first my brethren; let’s give our wonderful God a mighty shout of praise and thanks for causing us to see another marvelous day here on earth, for without His goodness and tender mercy, His LOVING-kindness and forbearance, that wouldn’t be possible.
So please pray with me, this prayer that Jesus taught us. ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (the evil one): for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.’ (Matt.6:9-13)
Yes my people, it’s always best to acknowledge our heavenly Father before we begin asking Him for this and that. It just shows our respect, our reverential awe for His holiness, His spectacular majesty and awesome power, and that we’re not merely interested in whatever good things He might have to offer us.
For also remember that He can see, and does read the true motives of our hearts, so any hypocrisy we try to hide from Him WILL BE exposed to His supernatural sight. Consequently, I don’t understand how so many of us still come to God with deceitful thoughts and attitudes, thinking to fool Him. Absolute stupidity!
Anyway, that brings us to our Bit, a very significant teaching of Jesus. ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin, destroy), and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt.6:19-21)
Oh Friends, what a very instructive and hopefully convincing passage of scripture, that all of us will sincerely and confidently take note of!
And the scholars have this to say about those verses. ‘6:19-21. The attention of the believer is directed toward treasures in heaven. The term treasures implies the addition or accumulation of things. The two kinds of treasures are conditioned by their place (either on earth or in heaven).
The concept of laying up treasures in heaven is not pictured as one of meritorious benefits but rather of rewards for faithful service, as illustrated elsewhere in the teaching of Jesus.’
Yes my brethren, unlike the world’s theory that we should aggrandize ourselves with the worthless physical riches of the earth, Jesus is advising us to store up the favours and rewards for godly and righteous service in heaven.
And it’s a proven fact that wherever the choice things of our heart are located, that’s where our attention will be focused. So if the treasures of the world hold the place of highest esteem in our lives, then that’s where our focus, our priorities, will lie.
However, if the rewards and riches found in heaven speak more to us, then it’s on heaven and heavenly things that our focus and priorities will be trained.
And though the riches of the world are nice to have, running behind them, making ourselves slaves to collecting them is not a very wise idea. For that path only brings immense headaches and pain, in the long run causing us to forsake our friends and families, and most importantly our God.
Now let’s look at some scriptures that support our Bit. And the first comes from the pen of wise Cousin Sol, where he unequivocally declares: ‘Labour not (do not overwork) to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? (Will you cause your eyes to fly on it, and it is not?) For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.’ (Prov.23:4-5)
And who should know the effect of riches my people, better than the richest man ever eh? And it is the gospel truth, as we can see from the many who have laboured long and hard to attain material wealth, then lost it all, in no time at all.
And there are also many stories of people who have made and lost several earthly fortunes in a lifetime. So it’s essentially easy to amass earthly riches, but the problem is keeping them.
And we’ll end today with those wise, famous and memorable words of Bruh Paul to Timothy. ‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment (clothing) let us therewith be content.
But they that will (desire to) be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful (harmful) lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (ruin and destruction).
For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds of) evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith (for which some in their greediness have strayed from the faith), and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things (shun a LOVE of money); and follow after (pursue) righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses.’ (1 Tim.6:6-12)
Oh my people, that passage of scripture says it all! So please, I implore us, let’s all look seriously today at our attitude towards material wealth, and wisely place it at the nether end of our priorities, not make it the goal of our lives.
Instead, let’s make the accumulation of heavenly rewards our raison d’etre, our reason for living. Now that’s the wisdom of everlasting life! Much LOVE!
…earthly wealth can easily be lost…and in any case we leave it all behind…when we go to collect our heavenly rewards…so why doggedly pursue it eh…
17 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all praise and glory to God, Almighty God is always there for us, be not afraid, bear witness, belief, blessings, born again, born not of blood, bring forth fruit, children of God, destruction, dire need, earthly pilgrimage, Elementary my dear Watson, eternal life, faithful children, fellow believers, fertile soil, forgiveness, give a little love, giver of all good things, good heart, gospel truth, Guide, if you don't believe in something, Jesus Christ, Jesus is my Saviour, Jesus will catch me when I fall, John the Baptist, live righteously, Lord Jehovah, LOVE, love that Jesus Christ died for, Love your God, Love your neighbour as yourself, mercies, Moses, noble intentions, only believe, our Father in heaven, parable of the sower, patience, power to become the children of God, Praise the Lord, produce good fruit in Jesus' name, protect, raise the level of our belief in christ, reggae riddims, resourceful, salvation, saviour, show a little love, sinless blood, Son Jesus, son of god, Spirit of God, steadfast, strife, take root in our hearts, testify, the Lord is my keeper, the Lord will hear me when I call, the seed that fell on good ground, the true light, troubled state of our world, true belief, True LOVE, trust, what the world needs, will of God, will of man, will of the flesh, wise, Word of God, words of jesus, you'll fall for anything
Mark 5:36b. Be not afraid, only believe.
Morning mih breddren! All praise and glory be to our Father in heaven, giver of good things, of blessings and mercies and forgiveness to His faithful children! And all God’s people said a loud, joyful and grateful, ‘Praise the Lord!’
Now please listen to these simple words from two songs I heard last night for the first time, two pretty li’l reggae riddims that warmed the cockles of my heart, reminding me of the part of my life I spent in J.A; the part where I so belatedly realized, as the old people would say, where I turned man. (smile)
And the first one comes from Ras Shiloh, and says: ‘Give a little LOVE. Show a little LOVE. Live righteously. Give a little LOVE. Show a little LOVE. That’s what the world needs.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth my Friends! Our world is so sadly bereft of LOVE, of TRUE LOVE, not the silly little word that’s bandied about nowadays, that it’s simply creating oodles of strife and destruction all over our beautiful planet.
And Friends, that’s all we’ll ever have until we reinstate, replenish, revive the LOVE that Jesus Christ died for, that He shed His precious, holy, sinless blood for. For without TRUE LOVE we have nothing at all!
And the second song is from Ras Zachari, and it’s chorus faithfully declares that ‘Jah is my keeper. He will hear me when I call. Jah is my Saviour. He will catch me when I fall. Jah is my keeper.’
Oh my fellow believers, truer words were never spoken! For the good Lord Jehovah is indeed our keeper, and He will definitely hear us when we call, and also catch us when we fall! He’s been doing that for ages, so why would He stop now eh? The problem though is that not enough of us believe it and consequently live by it.
However Friends, today I want to impress upon us the dire need for us to give and show much more LOVE than we’re currently showing, and also to remember that Almighty God is always there for us, ever ready to guide and protect us. If we would only keep those sentiments first and foremost in our consciousness and therefore live our lives by them, then our world would be a much a better place.
But we need to do, as Jesus says in our Bit: Be not afraid, only believe.’
And I think that one of our major problems is that with the troubled and uncertain state of our world, too many of us are too afraid to believe. But Friends, as the saying goes, if you don’t believe in something, then you’ll fall for any and everything. And that’s certainly not a wise and/or resourceful way to live our lives.
Then we come to the problem of what to believe in? Unfortunately the current world has no use or regard for the Word of God and the redemptive death of His Son Jesus, but unfortunately, or rather fortunately, that’s the only place where we can find real and true hope to endure and succeed in this earthly pilgrimage.
And a lot of us are wondering why the world is in such a messed up state, but the answer is very simple: we have removed from our society and consciousness the two great commandments that Jesus boiled everything down to: LOVE YOUR GOD, AND YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF!
‘Elementary, my dear Watson!’ would be Sherlock Holmes’ take on the subject.
Ah my people, both Jesus and His disciples and apostles stressed the need for BELIEF; STRONG AND CONTINUOUS BELIEF in their teachings. It’s the ONLY WAY that the church of Christ can come together, stay together and grow into the awesome, LOVING and faithful body that Christ envisions.
Let’s look at some of those instances now. And we’ll begin with some words of Jesus, when He was explaining the parable of the Sower. ‘But that (seed which fell) on the good ground are they, which in an honest (a noble) and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.’ (Luke 8:15)
Yes mih people, our hearts need to be good and fertile soil for the Word, so that we can grow it and thus produce good fruit in Jesus’ name with patient, honest, true and noble intentions. We have to truly BELIEVE!
Then listen to John as he talks about the true Light. ‘There was a man sent from God, whose name was John (John the Baptist). The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.’ (John 1:6-8)
Again my brethren, we see the emphasis on believing. And that’s simply because we’re always stronger and more steadfast in a situation of true belief. And if you don’t believe me, then try it and see. (smile)
Then later on in the same chapter, John declares: ‘But as many as received him, to them gave he the power (the right) to become the sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ (John 1:12-13)
Yes Friends, we do need to believe and be born again, not of flesh and blood, but of the Spirit of God! The Spirit that brings us to belief in Jesus Christ, and consequently salvation and eternal life.
Wow! What an awesome Saviour we serve and worship my fellow believers!
And we’ll close with some more words from Jesus, where He’s talking about the Son’s relationship with the Father, and telling His listeners that they think they can get eternal life by simply searching the scriptures, but that’s wrong, because those scriptures are talking about and testifying of Him; meaning that without Him they can’t get that eternal life.
‘Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?’ (John 5:45-47)
Now that’s a very good question my people, one which I’ll leave us to ponder on today, and hopefully, from that ‘ponderation’ (smile) we’ll all raise the level of our belief, our belief in Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God. Much LOVE!
…true belief must first take root in our hearts…before it can produce any fruit…much less good fruit…
09 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a present from God, a way to escape, almighty god, avenues of escape, blessed, cast not away your confidence, common to man, do thee good, doing good, done the will of god, drawing breath, earthly life, earthly sojourn, endurance, endure, enduring, focus, for my name's sake, friends, fulfilling goals, generous help, glory hallelujah, God is faithful, God's blessings, God's LOVE, got up early, grace, hated, he that shall endure to the end, healing, Hebrews, humble thee, in accordance with god's wishes, Jesus, Job, LOVE, mapped out his day, mature, meaningful communication, meditiate, modus operandi, more than you can bear, Mosaic Law, obey God's will, one day at a time, opportunity, patience, persecution, perspective, pressures of life, priority, privilege, prove thee, receive the crown of life, receive the promise, recompense, reward, righteousness., running race, seek ye first the kingdom of God, Sermon on the Mount, shall be saved, special, spur on growth, steadfast, strong, suffer you to be tempted, sufficient unto the day, take no thought for the morrow, temptation, testing, the curse of god, the desires of yesterday, the evil thereof, the gift of life, the present time, the race is not for the swift, the sure of foot, the work of Christ, thy latter end, to serve Almighty God, today, tomorrow, tomorrow never comes, tragedy, trait of endurance, trials, tried, trouble, troubled times, unbearable, victory, warns the disciples, wisdom, wonder of wonders, worked his plan, yesterday
Matthew 24:13. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Oh Friends, wonder of wonders, we’ve been granted another wonderful opportunity to serve Almighty God with the gift of life today! Glory Hallelujah!
And my people, please realize that today is today; not yesterday or tomorrow, but simply TODAY; the present time; a present from our heavenly Father! So let’s concentrate on it and no other nuh.
Let’s try to do our very best on this one special day, for every day that we’ve been granted the awesome privilege of drawing breath is indeed special, and ought to be treated as such. And if we just do that, treat each day as being very special and important, then it will surely satisfy the desires of yesterday, and spur on the growth for tomorrow.
Please note that that was what Jesus did during His earthly sojourn. He got up early, had meaningful communication with the Father, mapped out His day in accordance with the Father’s wishes and will, then He went out and worked that plan; healing and doing good.
He wasn’t overly concerned with what had happened yesterday, or was going to happen tomorrow, but kept His focus on, concentrated the vast majority of His energy and time on fulfilling His goals for that particular day, which is always, TODAY.
Therefore, in accordance with Jesus’ modus operandi, I’m asking us to please put the same perspective in our own lives; simply concentrate on what we can and have to do today.
As Jesus warned His listeners in the Sermon on the Mount: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow (therefore do not worry about tomorrow): for tomorrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt.6:33-34)
Yes Friends, once we’re seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness today, tomorrow will look after itself. And remember that tomorrow never really comes, it simply becomes today, so we just have to keep on doing the same thing, seeking God and His righteousness every today.
And that’s possibly the easiest way for us to adhere to our Bit: ‘But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’
Oh mih people, as we said yesterday, the trait of endurance is a must in the believer’s life! And it’s possibly the hardest thing to do with all the pressures of life, of living, and of the world, being heaped upon us in these very sad and troubled times.
That’s why concentrating on just one day at a time, the day ahead of us, is so important. It frees us from all the other concerns that yesterday and tomorrow would have us pay unnecessary attention to. And just like yesterday, we’re going to look at some more of the many scripture passages that have to do with enduring.
And we’re going to begin with the words of Jesus, when He warns the disciples of serious persecution in their future. ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Matt.19:22)
Yes my brethren, as the saying goes, ‘the race is not for the swift, but for the sure of foot;’ the one who takes his time to see where he is going and spells himself, so that he can endure; last the entire race.
Then we have the author of Hebrews warning us: ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.’ (Heb.10:35-36)
Again, my people, it is all about staying strong and steadfast in the work of Christ, which we know isn’t always easy, but we’re certain of His generous help when we obey His will.
Meanwhile, James says this on the very real and tangible subject of temptation. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12)
And I think Friends, that it will be an excellent idea to close with some wise, interesting and important observations from the scholars on that verse.
‘1:12. Mankind understandably may look on tragedy as the curse of God, as Job’s friends did. Trials are, however, the means through which God’s blessings can come. One’s endurance in and victory over trials brings God’s blessings. Christians, therefore, are not instructed to seek avenues of escape.
God desires that they mature in the situation rather than move from it (cf. Rom.5:3-5; 1 Pet.1:6-7). He does, however, promise to provide an escape if the testing becomes unbearable (1 Cor.10:13).’
And I’ll break the scholars words here to show us that scripture, since I know that many of us won’t look it up if I just say to do so, and it’s very important for us to know and understand that scripture verse.
‘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 will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear (endure) it.’ (1 Cor.10:13)
Yeh Friends, we all run to that verse as soon as trouble shows up, expecting God to quickly deliver us. But that’s not the purpose it serves.
For, as the scholars continue: ‘God’s people need to meditate more on James 1:12 than 1 Corinthians 10:13. The reason for this, and why God allows trials in the lives of His people, is revealed in the Mosaic Law: ‘That he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end.’ (Deut.8:16).’
Yeh mih breddren, running this race of earthly life is all about ENDURANCE; about standing strong and steadfast in God’s LOVE and plan for each and every one of us.
So today, let’s make it our number one priority nuh, for that is indeed the wisdom of Almighty God, and we certainly can’t get any better than that! Much LOVE!
…when we make up our minds to endure…rather than simply escape…our heavenly Father is pleased…and gives us even more grace to endure…
08 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: affliction, anything is possible, appreciation, bail out, bears all things, beautiful summer, behave like leggo-beasts, believes all things, Bruh Paul, Christian faith, Christian walk, christianity, Church of Christ, complain, conquer, cooped up, cross, discouraged, do good, dreadful winter months, dreary nights, endurance, endurance is a must, endure, endure to conquer, endure to the end, endures all things, ensnares us, enthusiasm, expectant faith, express need, faint not, faith, fear of winter, Galatians, gladness, go crazy, hallmark, Hebrews, hopes in all things, hostility, household of faith, hungry hope, in due season, indisputable truth, Jesus, joy, laughter, lay aside every weight, light, lightheartedness, long-suffering, looking unto Jesus, lose heart, LOVE, LOVE is of God, muggy, no root, offended, opportunity, optimism, parable of the sower, paramount, passion, patience, persecution, perseverance, persist, pilgrimage, power, practice what you preach, praise and honour God's glorious name, prevailing circumstances, reap, run with patience, shall be saved, shame, sin, souls, sprout forth, steadfast, steadfastness, stir crazy, stony ground, stumble, summer, summer weather, Thank You Lord, the race, the word's sake, thrilling rays of the sun, trials, tribulation, true believer, truth, venerable emotion, weary, welldoing, Winston Churchill, wisdom, witnesses, year round treat
Matthew 24:13. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Summer, oh beautiful summer! What would we do without you eh? Hn! Possibly go more than stir crazy from being cooped up inside for so long. And I hear a lot of laughter coming from down south.
Yes you southerners, you can laugh because summer is a year round treat for you all. But we northerners do appreciate our summer, after those long, cold, winter days and nights cosseted in close quarters.
That’s why we go crazy, behave like leggo-beasts, when the summer time comes around and we experience the thrilling rays of a sun that shines not only bright, but also hot and heavy, and we can get outside in the heat, half naked – sometimes totally naked – (smile) and let loose all the passion and enthusiasm we’ve stored up during the dreadful winter months.
And so far we’ve had beautiful summer weather; not too hot, but hot enough, with decent winds to keep us comfortable, so that the days and nights aren’t too muggy and sweaty.
And all God’s people declared a loud and hearty cheer of ‘Thank you Lord for this delightful summer weather! We hope that it continues like this all summer long! And in grateful appreciation, we praise and honour your glorious name! Amen!’
But Friends, please remember that the summer has just begun, so everything and anything is still possible. But we’ve just got to hold on to our optimism with hungry hope and expectant faith, without thinking about what lies ahead after summer – winter, with its cold, lonely days and dark, dreary nights.
And now that I’ve put the fear of winter into us, (smile) let’s turn to the word from our almanac today that shouts at us: ‘ENDURE!’
Yes Friends, we need to endure those long, dark, lonely days and nights of winter, be they physical or emotional, so that we can eventually come into the light and lightheartedness of summer. Whatever we’re going through my people, whenever we go though it, ENDURANCE is a MUST!
For as the ensuing quote from the war days British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill (1874-1965) declares: ‘Sure I am of this, that you have only to endure to conquer.’
And that’s indisputable truth my brethren! You may not always conquer when you endure, but you’ll NEVER CONQUER, UNLESS YOU ENDURE!
And that goes for our Christian faith more than anything else in this whole wide world! Jesus clearly states the need for endurance in our Bit: ‘But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.’
Oh Friends, there are so many Scripture passages that call for the express need of endurance on our earthly pilgrimage, that I’m just going to quote a few of them. Let’s begin with something from the gospel of Mark, where Jesus is relating the parable of the sower.
‘And these (seeds) are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in them selves; and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction (tribulation) or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended (caused to stumble).’ (Mark 4:16-17)
Yes my people, in God’s great universe, even seeds need to endure in the darkness of the earth for a time, until they are ready to sprout forth. And unfortunately, too many of us today are like those seeds that are sown on stony ground. As soon as any difficulties arise, we are quick to complain and bail out.
But my brethren, the hallmark of a true believer in Christ is in our strong power of endurance, our perseverance and steadfastness, regardless of our prevailing circumstances! That’s why Jesus also told the disciples: ‘In your patience (perseverance, long-suffering) possess ye your souls.’ (Luke 21:19)
Patience and perseverance are paramount in Christianity my people!
Meanwhile, in Bruh Paul’s famous chapter on LOVE, he boldly declares of that most venerable emotion: ‘(LOVE) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.’ (1 Cor.13:7)
Yeh Friends, true LOVE is of God, and it endures everything that’s thrown against it, and in doing so, also lasts forever!
We also know Bruh Paul’s memorable words to the Galatians on the subject: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:9-10)
And we’ll end with some more memorable words from Hebrews, re running our earthly race. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (endurance, perseverance) the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb.12:1-3)
Ah mih people, standing strong and steadfast in faith, with patience, perseverance and endurance is of the utmost importance in our Christian walk!
So let’s take all we’ve heard this morning to heart and let it re-energize us nuh, help us to stand strong, bear all things, in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and thus persist, endure, and see our race of life through to the very end. That’s wisdom of and for the ages! Much LOVE!
…only as believers steadfastly endure their trials and tribulations…will the church of Christ grow…and more importantly…endure…
P.S. Oh Friends, the ole fella’s shaking it somewhat rough this morning, due to a pretty late night and the untimely acting up of my allergies. But I’m practicing what I preach…I’m enduring. (smile) Much LOVE!
03 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abomination, be of good courage, blessed day, branch of God's planting, buckle down, burdens, confess our sins, Creator, crying, curse, days of mourning, death, defile, destruction, devastation, encourage, endure afflictions with patience, establish, everlasting light, expectant faith, eyes of faith, faithful, fire in your hearts, forgive and forget, former things are passed away, friends, gates, glorified, glorious day, glory, glory and honour, glory hallelujah, glory of God, good tidings, gospel truth, heavenly guidance, hungry hope, inherit the land, Isaiah, Jesus, Jesus Christ, John, joy, keep us focused on god, kings of the earth, Lamb's book of life, light, live our faith, Lord and Saviour, lord god almighty, LOVE, Love our God, magnanimous, manifestations, mettle, moon, motivate, New Jerusalem, nightmares, obedient to God's will, Oh Happy Day, pain, passages through fire, patience, perseverance, praise, Praise the Lord, promise, provider, pull up our britches, repentance, Revelation, rewarded by god, righteous, salvation, serve and worship, settle, Shekinah, sinned and fallen short of God's glory, sins, smile, sorrow, spread His Word, steadfast and strong, strengthen, sun, take hold of God's grace, tears, temple, tests, thank the Lord for small mercies, that God might be glorified, the garment of praise, the Lamb, the oil of joy for mourning, the planting of the Lord, the spirit of heaviness, the throne of God, to console them that mourn, to give them beauty for ashes, trees of righteousness, trials, tribulations, ups and downs, violence, walk and talk with Jesus, when Jesus washed my sins away, wisdom, without growing weary, work of god's hands, yokes, Zion
Isaiah 61:3. 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.
Oh Friends, it’s a nice cool Thursday morning in early summer! And what does the ole fella have to say for himself? Not a whole lot nuh. I went to bed late, reading a novel, then had a rough night, turning and tossing, dreaming all sorts of stuff. But luckily though, it was all pleasant stuff, no nightmares, nothing scary… Thank the Lord for small mercies!
And now I’m here to write the Bit, seeking heavenly guidance to write something sensible that will help us all; that will motivate, encourage and keep our focus steadily on Almighty God, our LOVING Creator and generous Provider.
And in keeping with that task, I’ll just remind us that our task on this great earth is to take hold of God’s grace, to endure our afflictions with patience, without growing weary, knowing that in His own good time, our heavenly Father will perform, establish, strengthen and settle us.
We must be of good courage and wait with patience and perseverance, hungry hope and expectant faith on our wonderful and most faithful God. And all God’s people said a delightful ‘Praise the Lord! Amen.’
Yes Friends, we ought to, because that is all simply gospel truth! And why is that so? Because every worthy name named in the Good Book, had their trials and tribulations, their ups and downs, their tests and passages through the fire to check their true mettle.
And those who stood steadfast and strong, who passed the tests – obviously with God’s help – were subsequently rewarded By the Most High God Jehovah.
Oh my people, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and expectations. However, when we do acknowledge our shortcomings, confess our sins and return to being obedient to His will, He is most magnanimous to forgive and forget.
Oh what a great God we serve and worship! He delights so much in our repentance, that He’s promised there would be future glory in Zion, with good tidings of salvation:
‘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.’
And was His great and holy name ever glorified when His Son Jesus fulfilled the first part of His everlasting promise!
We’re just waiting now, with patience and perseverance, hungry hope and expectant faith – yes, I do like those terms – for that fateful day when, as Isaiah promised in the Lord’s name: ‘Violence shall no more (longer) be heard in thy land, wasting (devastation) nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. The sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw it self: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Thy people shall also be righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his (its) time.’ (Is.60:18-22)
Oh Friends, what a glorious day that will be eh!
And if you don’t believe Isaiah, then listen to those same promises reiterated by our faithful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to John in His Revelations: ‘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.’ (Rev.21:4)
Oh Glory Hallelujah! I can’t wait for that day my brethren! No more aches and pains – Wow!
And furthermore, hear this on the New Jerusalem: ‘And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Rev.21:22-23)
Oh happy dayyyy! When Jesus washed… When Jesus washed… ALL my sins away…!
As the scholars explain: ’21:22-23. There is no temple in the city, since both the Father and the Son will be present in their fullest manifestations. Its light will be provided by the Shekinah glory of God and of Christ (cf. Ex.3:3-4; 24:15-17; 33:14-16; Luke 2:9; 9:29; Heb.1:3).’
Plenty of scripture references tocheck out Friends. (smile)Now that’s not all: ‘And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh (causes an) abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.’ (Rev.21:24-27)
Mama Mia! Oh my brethren, the imagined sight of that, through the eyes of faith is just working on me, stirring me up! (smile)
And there’s more: ‘And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in (on) their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle (lamp), neither light of the sun; for the Lord giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.’ (Rev.22:3-5)
Oh my people, that is what awaits us at the end of the day, if we bear our burdens and yokes, already much lightened by our Saviour Jesus Christ, with patience and perseverance, hungry hope and expectant faith! There’s absolutely nothing better than what He’s promised!
So please, let’s get serious nuh, let’s buckle down, pull up our britches, pull up our socks, and whatever other cliché there is concerning improving our behaviour, and just live for Jesus, as He desires us to do. That’s wisdom of untold benefit! Much LOVE!
…Let’s LOVE our God…LIVE our Faith…and SPREAD His Word…that’s all He asks of us…
P.S. Oh my Friends and fellow believers, I do hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. There was a smile on my face and joy in my heart from soon after I began writing it, and saw where it was headed. Hope it brings a smile to your faces too and produces a fire in your hearts for Jesus! Please have a most blessed day walking safely and talking intimately with Jesus! Much LOVE!
15 Jun 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a wrathful man, Abraham, admonition, anger, appropriate behaviour, bane of our society, bear the blame, bear the brunt of damage, Bruh David, chief teacher, child education, children, common sense, contention, do right, don't provoke your children, duties, epitome of a father, Father's Day, fatherly guidance, godly father, gospel truth, Happy Father's day, head of the family, honour thy father and mother, houeholds without fathers, injustice, intruction, irresponsibility, justice, keep God's Word, keep the Lord's way, loss of temper, LOVE the Lord with all our hearts, Moses, necessary tools, patience, respect for parents, responsibilities, responsible father, righteousness., self-control, society is going downhill, strife, teach your children God's Word, the Ten Commandments, training, understanding, undue severity, ungodly households, ungodly world, what goes around comes around, wisdom, wrath
Genesis 18:19. For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement (righteousness and justice): that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Oh my fellow Fathers out there in God’s great world, here’s wishing us a Happy Father’s Day!
And no doubt you’ll be surprised to hear that on such an auspicious day, I don’t know what to say. (smile) Or rather, I have so much to say, that I don’t know where to begin. Hn, Hn! So then, let’s begin at the most appropriate place nuh; the beginning.
The Lord thought that respect for one’s parents was so important that He enshrined it in His basic rules for living; the Ten Commandments. ‘Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.’ (Ex.20:12) And Moses repeats it in Deut.5:16. So one of the rules we must adhere to is honouring our parents, and on this particular day, our blessed fathers.
Now I don’t know how coherent this message will be, (smile) because I’m leaning towards just pulling out bits of scripture dealing with earthly fathers and what’s expected of them. Anyway, let’s see where the Lord leads us.
In the meanwhile, listen to what the Lord had to say in our Bit about Abraham as a father: ‘For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement (righteousness and justice): that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.’
And that my people, is what our God would like to say, and have said of all earthly fathers! The epitome of a father is one who directs his household to keep God’s Word!
For as Moses reminded the Israelites in the wilderness: ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thine house, and on thy gates.’ (Deut.6:4-9)
That my people is how important the word of the Lord is! Unfortunately though, in this modern day and age, very few families are doing that. And since the father is the acknowledged head of the family, (Eph.5:23) it rebounds badly on him. Consequently, there are way too many ungodly households in our society, and that’s partly why it is going downhill.
A responsible father ought to be saying, in the words of Bruh David: ‘Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear (reverence) of the Lord. (Ps.34:11) That’s because, as the caretaker of the family, a father is expected to have wisdom. No wonder Cousin Sol declares: ‘Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.’ (Prov.4:1)
But then again, in this modern day and age too many fathers are definitely not showing the wisdom that they ought to, and a lot of that stems from their not having fathers who had the necessary tools to teach them properly. This brings up the major problem of too many households without fathers.
Without a strong and godly father at the head of a household, that household will undoubtedly suffer some disadvantages, for a mother can only do so much, although there are many mothers who raise godly children. And even in households with fathers, the behaviour of the father is not always appropriate.
Cousin Sol says: ‘A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife (lessens contention).’ (Prov.15:18) And unfortunately, today a lot of fathers don’t have the patience and self-control and thus stir up a lot of strife in their households.
That brings us to Bruh Paul’s famous warning to the church at Ephesus. ‘And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture (training) and admonition of the Lord.’ (Eph.6:4)
And the scholars tell us: ‘6:4. Fathers can provoke their children to wrath by injustice, loss of temper, undue severity, cruelty, favouritism, suppression, sarcasm, ridicule, and misuse or abuse of authority. Nurture basically means “training,” here denoting spiritual education. Admonition is instruction that points out one’s responsibilities and duties. Of the Lord is in Greek a subjective genitive. This indicates that behind the parents’ rearing and instruction of their children stands the Lord as the chief teacher in child education. Parents do not rear children alone.’
And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! So you can see from that how important it is for a father to be a man of understanding and common sense, of justice and righteousness. But sadly, in this ungodly world we’re raising far too many ignorant, unfaithful fathers.
And I won’t even bother to get into the aspect of fathers siring so many children with different women and not even supporting them. Right now that’s the bane of our society. And you mothers have to bear some of the blame for that.
I’ll just end by saying, by pleading to the fathers out there, please, let’s start taking our responsibilities seriously nuh. It’s the children, our children who are going to suffer, who are in fact suffering from either poor fatherly guidance, or no fatherly guidance at all. And that does not bode well for the future of our society at all, for that trait will just keep being handed down from generation to generation, until it just turns into complete irresponsibility, and thus further damage to the children.
Oh fathers, please wake up and realize that when we don’t do right, it’s always the children who bear the brunt of the damage! It’s high time for us to try and replicate the behaviour of our Father in heaven towards us. I’m sure we wouldn’t like it if He ignored and abandoned us. Remember do so ent like so…and what goes around comes around! Much LOVE!
…fathers…provoke not your children to anger…lest they be discouraged… (Col.3:21)
12 Jun 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: always forgiving God, apostles, awesome power, be saved, benevolent, burn the candle at both ends, Caiaphas, christianity, church history, confidence, courage, crucifixion, diligently heed, don't let me quit, drama, ever-merciful, face a mountain, faithful, fear, fellow believers, find a pass through, focus, glory hallelujah, gold mine, good deed, good success, Gramps Schuller, Hallelujah, heard the word, heavenly Father, helpless man, high priest, Holy Ghost, holy spirit, illegal sect, impotent, Israel, Jewish leaders, John, keep pushing forward, LOVE, lover of drama, machinations, mind-boggling, Mountian moving prayer, mysterious movements, no other name under heaven, omnipotent, one of those days, patience, Pentecost, perception, perilous circumstances, perseverance, Peter, Peter denies Jesus, phenomenal results, positive, Positive Thinker's, possibilities, power of the Holy Ghost, praise and glory to God, Praise the Lord, praise the name of god, Provincial Election, rabbis, redemption, refilled brain, resurrection, righteousness., robert h schuller, Sadducees, salvation, self-control, Solomon's porch, stop looking back, strength to keep on striving, surrender, teaching of the resurrection, the chief cornerstone, the Good Book, the Lamb that was slain, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the right path to truth, the stone rejected by the bulders, the workings of God's Spirit, transformation, tribulation, trust, truth, tunnel underneath, understanding, undivided attention, unmatchable, unstoppable, wake up call, wisdom, with God's help
Acts 4:8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel…
Oh Friends, this Provincial Election day of 2014 is turning out to be just one of those days…
One of those days when I went to bed in the wee hours of the morning – around 2 a.m – and thus was unable to answer the Lord’s early morning wake up call. Hn! And believe me, I had to come up with plenty self-control not to just roll over and go back to sleep. (smile)
The ole fella’s apparently forgetting that he’s not such a young un anymore, and can’t afford to burn the proverbial candle at both ends simultaneously, as he did in bygone days. Hn, hn! I never opened my bleary eyes until six a.m.
And as you can well imagine, half an hour later, I’m still trying to catch myself. But there’s no doubt that our most understanding and benevolent heavenly Father will soon bring me together unto myself, and unto Him, so that I can write a fairly sensible Bit. (smile)
And what better way to begin our Bit, this behind the eight-ball day, than with a rededication of the Positive Thinker’s Mountain Moving prayer from the pen of Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller). So my Friends, let’s pray big and strong, faithful and positive.
‘Lord, when I face a mountain, do not let me quit! Give me the strength to keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, or tunnel underneath. And if my best efforts fail, give me the patience to stay and the perception to see the possibilities of turning my mountain into a gold mine with your help. Amen.’
Yeh mih people, that’s what we need to do each and every day of our earthly lives; stop looking back and instead keep on pushing forward, striving, with God’s help of course, to move the mountains in our lives, one way or the other. Why? Because it’s only through patience, perseverance and faithfulness that we’ll ever have good success.
And right now I can surely use a big dose of the Holy Spirit that was so widely noised about during Pentecost, the memorable time in our church history, which we’re currently studying.
Don’t worry though Friends, we’re getting there, slowly but surely. The tired and sleepy eyes are starting to focus, and the renewed and refilled brain is beginning to get its thoughts together. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!
And we’ll continue from where we left off yesterday. That’s where Peter was preaching his second Pentecost sermon, this one from Solomon’s porch in the temple, after John and himself had healed a lame beggar through the power of the Holy Ghost.
And here’s how the Good Book recounts it: ‘And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved (greatly disappointed) that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold (custody) unto the next day: for now it was eventide (evening). Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.’ (Acts 4:1-4)
Oh mih breddren, what a mighty moving sermon that must have been for so many people to come to salvation at one time! All praise and glory to God working in us through the unmatchable and unstoppable power of His Holy Spirit! Mama mia!
And the scholars share some useful info on those verses: ‘4:1. Luke gives an extended account here of the arrest and trial of Peter and John, as he does later with Paul, to demonstrate that Christianity is not an illegal sect even though continually attacked.
4:2. The annoyance to the Jewish leaders was twofold: (1) the presumption of the apostles to teach people as if they were recognized rabbis (cf. v.13); and (2) the teaching of the resurrection which was denied by these Sadducees (cf. 23:6).
4:4. Their phenomenal results may also have had something to do with their arrest. Five thousand men, plus women and children, have now turned to Christ in Jerusalem.’
But the drama of the story builds to even higher heights on the following day. For as you ought to know by now, that there is no greater dramatist and LOVER of drama, than our God Himself! (smile)
Listen to the Good Book tell it. ‘And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred (family) of the high priest were gathered together at Jerusalem. (Scholar’s note: Annas was the patriarchal, ex-high priest. His son-in-law Caiaphas held the political office (cf. Luke 3:2).
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of (are judged for) the good deed done to the impotent (helpless) man, by what means he is made whole;
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of (rejected by) you builders which is become the head of the corner (chief cornerstone). Neither is their salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:5-12)
And all God’s people declared a loud and thundering: ‘Glory Hallelujah! All praise to the Lamb that was slain for our redemption!’
Yes my fellow believers, what awesome power, courage and confidence the Holy Ghost put in Peter and the other apostles for them to stand up and speak so boldly to the powerful Jewish rulers and tell them where to get off! Praise the name of our great God!
Remember that just a few weeks earlier, Peter had been denying his association with Jesus. And at His crucifixion, only John, of all the apostles had had enough manly parts, been brave enough to show his face there. All the others apparently went into hiding, for fear of tribulation befalling them through association.
And truly, we can’t really cast a whole lot of blame and aspersion on the poor, uneducated, left in the lurch men for their less than stellar behaviour, because most of us would have done exactly the same thing – we do it now for even much less perilous circumstances.
But Friends, that’s the awesome, amazing, mind-boggling transformation that the Holy Spirit can bring about in us, if we’d only let it, if we’d only surrender our entire being to the LOVING machinations and wonderful, mysterious movements of our omnipotent, ever-merciful and always forgiving God!
So today, please let’s try and pay serious attention, diligently heed the workings of God’s Spirit within us nuh. For it’s right there within us, whispering quietly, trying to get our undivided attention, so that it can lead us on the right path to truth and righteousness, which Jesus requires of, and wishes for all those who sincerely surrender their entire being, and put their whole trust in Him.
That’s the wisdom of, and for the ages! Much LOVE!
…remember…if you don’t vote…don’t pray…don’t move as the Spirit guides you…you have no right to complain when things go awry…
30 May 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a li'l jig, a walk of faith, Aloha, Aloha Friends and neighbours, awe inspiring god, awesome wisdom, backbone, balanced, belly, brought men to the end of themselves, Bruh Paul, condemn the sinner, contented, Corinthians, covenant, curb that negative attitude, danced off into the sunset, daunting tasks, everyday lives, externalism, faith, fellowship, Friday chant, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, get a grip, God's Word, godly knowledge, good, holy, holy spirit, insight, internalism, just, living for Jesus, LOVE, magnanimous, ministers, missing out on god's goodness, Mosaic Law, Moses' law, omnipotent, our sufficiency is of God, patience, persecuted the church, perseverance, ponder, positive, power, power and authority of Jesus, put it into practice, put on blinders, relaxation, renewed and refreshed, rest, satisfied, setting a good example, skills, soul body and mind, spiritual blessings, sufficent of ourselves, Thank God it's Friday, the enabling of Christ, the grace of God, the law kills, the least of the apostles, the New testament, the Old Testament, the resurrection of Christ, the right way to live, the spirit, the spirit gives life, time to be about Christ's business, trust, was not in vain, week of work, weekend, what a shame, winning souls for Jesus, wisdom of heaven, with the Lord's help, worthy, your faith is worthless
Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Aloha Friends and neighbours! It is Friday…
And all the people just began dancing a li’l jig and chanting: ‘Friday, oh Friday! Thank God it is Friday! The stupid work soon finish, then the fun shall begin! Friday, oh Friday! Thank God it is Friday!’
And then they danced off into the sunset, just chanting the chorus: ‘Friday, oh Friday! Thank God it is Friday! Friday oh Friday…’
Ah mih people, what a hold Fridays and the weekends have on us eh! Some of us just live for that time. Monday to Thursday isn’t important, simply doesn’t exist for some people. They put on their blinders on Monday morning then drift through the week, only taking them off on Friday.
But my Friends, that’s not the right way to live. We need to have some balance in our lives, not necessarily esteeming some days more important than the others, for good things as well as bad things can happen on any day whatsoever.
And remember too that during the work week we’re supposed to be out in the world living our lives for Christ, setting a good example, letting people see in us the wonderful benefits that can be derived from a walk of faith with Him.
We shouldn’t be just drifting through it, as though we don’t have a care in the world. It’s a serious time my brethren; a time to be about Christ’s business, winning souls for Him.
And so, to try and curb that negative attitude, (smile) let’s chant our real Friday Chant nuh. As one now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Now doesn’t that sound a little more positive and balanced, as it should be? It surely does!
And don’t tell me you can’t adopt that more rational and balanced attitude, because then you’ll be negating the very power of our Bit; the affirmation of the awesome power, the omnipotence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!’
That’s a blanket power and authority in Jesus my people! And if you don’t practice it, your faith is worthless!
Remember, as the scholars told us yesterday, it is God who ordered Bruh Paul’s various situations and gave him the strength to be satisfied and contented in all of them, regardless of how trying and perplexing they were. And our wonderful, omnipotent and magnanimous God also does the same for each and every believer today.
It is through Him that we get the power to do most things here on earth. So if you don’t believe and practice that tenet, then you’re missing out on a whole lot of God’s goodness. What a shame Friends!
Now let’s look at some scriptures that corroborate our Bit. In 1Corinthians where Bruh Paul is talking to them about the resurrection of Christ, he declares to them: ‘For I am the least of the apostles, that I am not meet (worthy) to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.’ (1 Cor.15:9-10)
So you see my brethren, although Bruh Paul wasn’t what mankind would consider worthy of being an apostle, because of his earlier brutality towards the church, God in His awesome wisdom, transformed him and used him to do His work.
And Bruh Paul also in his wisdom recognized that although he worked harder than the other apostles, it wasn’t his doing really, but the grace, the power, the enabling of Christ that gave him the necessary skills, patience, perseverance, backbone and belly to perform the daunting tasks he performed.
Oh Friends, I can’t help but say it: What a most awe inspiring and magnificent God we serve and worship!
Now hear Bruh Paul again, this time in his second missive to the Corinthians. Here he’s talking about ministers in the New Testament. ‘And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Who also made us able (sufficient as) ministers of the new testament (covenant); not of the letter, but of the spirit, for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.’ (2 Cor.3:4-6)
And the scholars explain that last verse: ‘3:6. The new testament (lit. “New Covenant”) is both new in time (not being inaugurated until Christ – Matt.26:28; Luke 22:7-23: 1 Cor.11:25; Heb.8:8) and new in quality (providing better spiritual blessings than did the old Mosaic covenant).
Letter, but of the spirit: This expression corresponds to the thought of verse 3 contrasting “ink” with the “Spirit.” The contrast is between the externalism inherent in the Old Covenant and the internalism inherent in the New Covenant.
The letter killeth: Since certain Jews in the assembly at Corinth were concerned with Paul’s defection from Moses’ law, Paul here explains his position. The best the law could do was to condemn the sinner. It is not here implied that the law of Moses was evil. On the contrary, it is holy, just, and good (Rom.7:12). This can be asserted because it brought men to the end of themselves, to Christ (Gal.3:24).’
Oh Friends, I hope that helps you to understand what Bruh Paul is talking about, and please check out those scripture references, for they will definitely give you greater insight into the subject. I know that many of us dislike, or rather are too lazy to check out the references, (smile) but believe me, they do help, and I try to check them before I write them down.
Anyway, I guess that’s enough for today. Don’t want to encroach too much on your weekend thoughts and plans. (smile) But please do ponder the stuff we’ve spoken about, and as much as possible, obviously with the Lord’s help, do get a grip on the aspects on which you are not up to scratch, for that is indeed the wisdom of heaven. Much LOVE!
…our godly knowledge and wisdom will not improve…until we spend more serious time in God’s Word…then put it into practice in our everyday lives…
23 May 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: advice, blessings, bolstering our spirits, caveat, chastised, Christians, common sense, Cousin Sol, cracked the whip, crux of the problem, destruction, fellowship, forgiveness, forsook the counsel, Friday chant, friends, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, Glory Hallelujah! the weekend, good judgement, gospel truth, Guide, heavy yoke, in the multitude of counsellors there is safety, indisputable truth, Jesus Christ, long and short of the story, LOVE, man's inhumanity to man, mercies, mercy, moaning, mourning, multitude, new-found power, oppressed, patience, peers, plans go awry, poor judgement, Praise the Lord, pray in Jesus' Name, Proverbs, rebelled, Rehoboam, relaxation, rest, scorpions, servant, slaving for massa, speak good words, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the Good Book, the way of a fool, undeniable wisdom, valuable lesson, wealth, where no cousnsel is the people fall, wisdom, wonderful god, work shall cease
Proverbs 11:14. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
And finally it was Friday… Glory Hallelujah! At long last the big day – the harbinger of the weekend is here! And all work shall cease, and the people shall rest their weary souls and bodies from slaving for massa!
And a loud cheer went up from the workers: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’
Yes Friends, let’s thank our great and wonderful God that it’s not only Friday, but a new day! A new day of life has been granted to us here on planet earth, where His blessings, mercies and forgiveness will pour down on us, as He so generously does, each and every day!
And all God’s people declared a loud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’
Now to continue bolstering our spirits this Friday morning, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much sincerity. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Yes my people, please let that be our guide for handling the weekend, for those two simple days off are very important in the general scope of our lives. How we handle them will dictate and determine what our new workweek will generally be like. So if you want to have a good workweek, you have to begin with a good weekend. End of sermon! (smile)
Now let’s see what our Bit has to say. ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.’
What undeniable wisdom Friends! For as the scholars tell us: ’11:14. The wise man gets advice from many people of good judgement before making a decision.’
However my brethren, there is one caveat, or rather two caveats to that statement, as well as our Bit. The first thing to beware of is advice from ‘many people.’
The problem there is that advice from too many people tends to be overwhelming, sluggish and all over the place. Sometimes it’s also incomprehensible, simply because of the number of voices giving advice.
So we need to winnow, to scale down the number of our advisers to a select few; a handful, or not much more, so we won’t have too many voices and opinions ringing in our ears.
And the second, but even more important thing to be very careful of, is that we recruit people of ‘good judgement’ to give us advice. That’s the crux of the problem right there Friends! Too often we end up with people of poor judgement, even though they may be Christians.
Remember, not because someone claims to be a Christian that they possess sound judgement. Now it’s always desirous, or preferable to get advice from Christians with good sense, but the good judgement aspect is more important than the Christian part.
And we see the perfect example of this in the Good Book, in 1 Kings 12. At that time Cousin Sol’s son, Rehoboam was made king of Israel and the people came to plead with him for mercy, because Cousin Sol had laid a heavy yoke on them, in order to support his vast enterprises.
Unfortunately though, Rehoboam listened to the group of his peers, the young men, rather than the group of older and wiser men.
The latter advised patience and mercy: ‘And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.
But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him. And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?
And the young men that were grown up with him, spake unto him saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins.
And whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.’ (1 Kin.12:7-11)
And the scholars give us this info: ’12:11. Scorpions means the multi-tailed whips to which barbed points or hooks were attached. Their sting was as severe as that of a scorpion.’
Ah Lord eh! Man’s inhumanity to man is surely a great instrument of moaning and mourning!
The long and short of the story though Friends, is that Rehoboam cracked the whip even harder than his father did, because of advice from people with poor judgement. And their advice was bad, not necessarily because they were young, because the young can be wise and the aged unwise.
But obviously they were revelling in their youth, their wealth and new-found power. And believe me Friends, those latter two things, wealth and power can work very negatively in the hands of the young, can cause them to bring destruction on themselves and those they rule or advise.
And what happens eventually? Like it always does when people are oppressed beyond measure. Israel rebelled, overthrew Rehoboam and replaced him with Jeroboam. Rehoboam lost it all because of a lack of common sense and mercy on his and his young advisers part.
So my brethren, I surely hope that this teaches us a valuable lesson. For as Cousin Sol declares later on in Proverbs: ‘Without counsel purposes are disappointed (plans go awry): but in the multitude of counselors they are established.’ (Prov.15:22)
It’s indisputable truth! But again my people, please beware of that word ‘multitude,’ and make sure that your advisers are people, preferably Christians, of sound judgement. That’s wisdom of the highest order! Much LOVE!
…the way of a fool is right in his own eyes…but he that hearkeneth to counsel…is wise… (Prov.12:15)
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