06 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a man lay down his life for his friends, a righteous man, Christ died for the ungodly, come to God for succour, comfort, condemn the world, Creator, Daily Meditations, dilly-dally, do whatsoever I command you, doubt, emotional humans, faith, fellow believers, foolish pride, for God so loved the world, for His great love, fragile, friends, give thanks and praise, God who is rich in mercy, greater love hath no man, have everlasting life, Havelock Ellis, he gave his only begotten son, heavenly Father, human sexuality, LOVE, lukewarm, mercy, No faith is our own that we hare not arduously won, our Higher Power is constant, provider, regeneration of our spirit, renewal of faith, sacrifice, save the world, self-pity, shout joyfully, sinners, spirituality, struggle alone, substitutionary sacrifice, succour, surrender, the cross at Calvary, the Lord's Sabbath, the rock of ages, the same yesterday today and forever, trust, vicarious death, wherewith He loved us, while we were yet sinners christ died for us, whoever believeth in him should not perish, without strength
Ephesians 2:4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great LOVE wherewith he LOVED us.
Aye mih Christian breddren, it’s that most wonderful day we call Sunday, when most of us celebrate the Lord’s Sabbath! It’s supposed to be a day of peace and rest and preparation for the upcoming week. But it also means that we ought to be heading out to the Lord’s sanctuary to meet and greet fellow believers and sing and dance and shout joyfully, and give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father, our Creator and generous Provider!
It’s called regeneration of our spirit! So let’s not dilly dally and come up with all sorts of feeble excuses not to go eh. Let’s get ourselves off to church!
And to buoy that directive, we have a rather pertinent quote from (Henry) Havelock Ellis, (1859-1939), an English physician, writer, progressive intellectual, social reformer and student of human sexuality. Hn! Havelock was really into life sir! (smile) Anyhow, he is reputed to have said that ‘No faith is our own that we have not arduously won.’
And that my people has a whole lot of truth in it, because as my One More Day Daily Meditations for People with Chronic Illness points out: ‘Everything that touches our lives influences our level of trust and spirituality.’
We are all fragile and emotional humans, so there will obviously be times when our faith rises and falls due to the circumstances that surround us. We all have rough times when doubts tend to creep in, especially when we lose things or people that we always expected to be around.
But, as my One More Day Daily Meditations further reminds us: ‘We can begin to regain that faith by remembering that our Higher Power is constant, even when our faith is not. We humans fluctuate between doubt and trust, but that doesn’t diminish the care that is always available to us. We need only surrender to that truth, and we find comfort.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth Friends! Our God is totally constant; the same yesterday, today and forever! Like the rock of ages, He’s always there ready to help and comfort us! But we have to come to Him to get that peace and comfort and renewal of faith. And that’s where so many of us fall down, because of foolish pride, self-pity or whatever, we refuse to come to God for succour.
But here again, the Daily Meditations reminds us that: ‘My faith – in myself and in my Higher Power – is built upon my awareness that I don’t have to struggle alone. I am strengthened when I admit to my spiritual needs.’
More indisputable truth Friends! There is absolutely no need for us to struggle alone when we have our heavenly Father always there to comfort and care for us.
Oh Friends, by refusing to go to God in faith and trust, we are only making our lives much more difficult than is really necessary. When we have a Bit like ours, we’re supposed to be running to God, not away from Him. ‘But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great LOVE wherewith he LOVED us.’
Yuh hear that mih people, our God is rich in mercy and has such a great LOVE for us! We should be embracing that fact with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls; just wallowing in His mercy and LOVE, instead of ignoring it, or just being lukewarm towards it. Remember how Jesus promised to spew out the Laodicean church because they were only lukewarm? (Rev.3:14-16) Well it’s the same thing He’s liable to do with us, if we’re not enthused about Him and all that He stands for.
Now today I want to look at some scriptures that corroborate our Bit. And we’ll begin with these immortal words of Jesus that every believer ought to know. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17)
Tell me people, after hearing those words from Jesus, and then seeing Him fulfill the act of saving us by sacrificing Himself on the cross of Calvary, how could we not believe the Father’s great LOVE eh? I just can’t understand it.
Now listen to Bruh Paul to the church at Rome. ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due (at the right) time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth (demonstrates) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom.5:6-8)
Oh Friends, how can we even think about doubting God’s great LOVE for us after all of that eh? Chuh!
And the scholars’ words on that last verse might bring home the situation to us more forcefully. ‘5:8. Christ died for us: His death was vicarious. That is, He did not die merely for our benefit but in our place. His was a substitutionary sacrifice.’
Yeh mih people, we should have been the ones dying, but Christ died in our place. Doesn’t that make you feel grateful and appreciative? It should, because the Good Book says that the wages of sin is death. (Rom.6:23a) That means, we, the abominable sinners, are the ones who should be dying, not Jesus. But in God’s great LOVE for us, He placed all our sins on Jesus and had Him pay our sin debt in full. Oh glory to God!
So my brethren, if we doubt anything at all, which we shouldn’t, please DON’T EVER DOUBT Jehovah God’s amazing LOVE for us, His most wonderful, but also most ungrateful creation!
And we’ll end with these powerful and true words of Jesus. ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’ (John 15:13). Then He went out and laid down His holy and sinless life for His friends.
What more can I say eh? Not a whole lot. I can only ask, are you Jesus’ Friend? Much LOVE!
…and Jesus’ definition of friends…ye are my friends…if ye do whatsoever I command you… (John 15:14)
31 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a la Jesus, adrenalin, aura of love, baptizing them, believers in Christ, confidence, Controller, Creator, declare God's glory among the heathen, do some good, enthusiasm, faith, friends, further God's glorious kingdom, holy spirit, humble servants, I am with you always, in the beauty of holiness, invincible, Jesus Christ, kick some butt, let the earth be glad, let the heavens rejoice, let the sea roar, lord god almighty, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, motors revving, O sing unto the Lord a new song, omni-present, omnipotent, omniscient, proclaim the good news, provider, put our best foot forward, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, righteousness., salvation, saviour jesus, sing unto the Lord all the earth, spiritual armour, spread some love, stand your bounce, steadfast faith, teach all nations, teaches you a lesson, the Great Commission, the Holy Ghost, the Lord comes to judge the earth, the Lord reigns, tremble before God, truth, ungodly world, weary souls, wisdom, worship the Lord
Psalm 96:1. O Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
Awright Friends, the big day, Monday, has rolled around again. So how are we going to handle it eh? Are we going to whimper and complain, or are we going to make the best of a bad thing, put our best foot forward, like our Lord and Saviour Jesus expects of us?
Yuh know that if this morning you are tired and miserable, possibly hung over, it’s all your fault, you didn’t listen to my good advice and spend yesterday getting ready for today. So now you just have to stand your bounce; feel the pain, and get out there and do whatever is necessary. And I surely hope it teaches you a lesson, so that next Monday you’ll be up early, bright and fresh like a daisy. (smile)
Now let’s see about getting us going on the right foot this morning, by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much gusto and gumption. All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Ah mih people, that was a tad scratchy, what with the sore throats and hoarse voices. But overall it wasn’t too bad. At least our choir conductor, Jesus, could see us making the effort. It’s just that our physical abilities weren’t up to par. (smile)
But at least the adrenalin is flowing now, and I can hear our motors revving, meaning that we’re ready to go out into the evil world and kick some butt, do some good and spread some LOVE, a la Jesus! Glory to our great God my people!
And if we’re ready to face the ungodly world, then that means we’re also ready to do what our Bit advises: ‘O Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.’
Yes Friends, we are called upon to praise our omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present Deity, for he is the Creator and Controller and Provider of ALL!
Now our Bit comes from psalm 96, which itself is a part of Bruh David’s famous song of thanksgiving, after they had brought the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem. (1 Chr.16:7-36) But we’ll just concern ourselves with Psalm 96 today, which continues thus after our Bit.
‘Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; show forth (proclaim the good news of) his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen (the gentiles), his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.’ (Ps.96:2-6)
Oh my fellow believers in Christ, there is not one word of untruth in all those statements! Our God is what it says, and has done all that is stated. That is why we should do as the psalmist continues: ‘Give (ascribe) unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give (ascribe) unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear (tremble) before him all the earth. Say among the heathen (gentiles) that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be (is firmly) established that it shall not be moved (shaken): he shall judge the people righteously.’ (Ps.96:7-10)
Oh Friends, more indisputable truth! We need to give our wonderful and mighty God His just due, and to let the world know about Him, by spreading His Word to all the ends of the earth as Jesus desired in the Great Commission. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway(s) even unto the end of the world. (Matt.28:19-20)
And you know what Friends? They did as Jesus desired. They spread his word far and wise, so that today we have it in all its rich and splendid glory. Now it’s our turn to continue that commission.
And as the psalmist wisely directs: ‘Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof (all that is in it). Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.’ (Ps.96:11-13)
Oh Friends, let us indeed rejoice with nature and be glad, for our Saviour cometh, and this time He is coming in all His majesty, power and glory to rule and to judge the earth with righteousness and truth!
That my people is no joke, so please let’s prepare ourselves for that awesome and glorious day, whenever it might be. For that is what is termed, heavenly wisdom. Much LOVE!
…if you’ve heard the word…then Jesus comes and finds you wanting…you’ve no one to blame but yourself…
17 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a forgiging heart, a generous hand, a servant spirit, anger, another week of work, bitterness, blowing off steam, Bruh David, Bruh Paul, charles stanley, christian heritage, confusion, depart from evil, desires life, do good, enabled to handle it, envy, every evil work, evil and ungodly world, fellowship, for where envying and strife is, Friday chant, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, goodness, hatred, I pray this in Jesus name, if he have done thee no harm, in soul body and mind, In Touch Ministries, Jesus Christ as our guide, joyfully shouting, keep thy tongue from evil, kind of attitude, live a life of lasting significance, live peaceably with all men, Lord and Saviour, meaningful interaction, negative emotions, partying it up, peace, provide things honest to all men, provider, relaxation, renewed and refreshed, repay to no man evil for evil, resnetment, rest, reverence for God's Word, right perspective, seek peace and pursue it, serious problems, service of love, sincere faith in Jesus' will and ways, sincere love, slave labour, standing the test of time, steadfast desire to follow Jesus, strife, strive not with a man without cause, sufficent fun, teaching others, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, thanking God, the body of Christ, the church at Rome, the essence of the Christian life, the fear of the Lord, the Lord hears the righteous, the weekend's here, thy lips from speaking guile, to listen, to obey God's word, trials and tribulations, truth, unappreciative boss, unchristian attitude, Uncle Charles, ungodly behaviour, unhappiness, unhealthy, wisdom
Proverbs 3:30. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Oh Friends, it looks like this Friday is going to be a cloudy, rainy kind of day….
‘We don’t care what kind of day it is nuh; whether it be rain, sleet or snow!’ is the response I quickly receive. ‘We just thanking God that it’s Friday and the weekend’s here at last!
You don’t know the amount of backbreaking slave labour we put in this past week for an unappreciative boss nuh. That’s why we joyfully shouting TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes!’
Ah mih people, I know the trials and tribulations we all go through trying to make a half-decent life in this evil and ungodly world. It’s not easy, but with Jesus Christ as our guide, our Lord and Saviour, our Provider, we are enabled to handle it better than most.
And to help us stay with it, to get the right perspective for handling the upcoming weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant with positive energy and enthusiasm. As one chanter now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Yeh Friends, that’s the kind of attitude we need to have for the weekend, not one of blowing off steam by simply partying it up and ignoring the wants and needs of body and soul.
Now here is an interesting list of things we can do to live a life of lasting significance. I got this on a card I recently received from In Touch Ministries, that’s the organization behind Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley).
It says: ‘Ensure that your interaction with others are truly meaningful and eternally impactful by: Modeling a steadfast desire to follow Jesus and a sincere faith in His will and ways. Demonstrating reverence for God’s Word. Teaching others how to listen to and obey the Lord. Expressing a sincere LOVE, a servant spirit, a forgiving heart, and a generous hand in every situation.’
Oh my people, isn’t that just so beautiful! It captures the essence of the true Christian life in a nutshell. And it segues in quite nicely to our Bit, which instead of being a do for the believer like the other statements above, is an important don’t. (smile)
‘Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.’
And that my people is also a significant statement for those of us who want to live an impactful life for Christ. We cannot afford to be constantly in strife with others, even when there is reason for it, much less when there is none.
Unfortunately though, there are too many of us in this modern world, Christians included, who just like to be involved in strife, be there reason for it or not. That my brethren is a rather unhealthy and unchristian attitude to life, which can only lead to serious problems and much unhappiness.
And if you don’t believe me, please remember what James tells us: ‘For where envying and strife is (self-seeking exists), there is confusion and every evil work.’ (James 3:16)
And that’s the gospel truth my people! Envy and strife and their negative family of emotions and behaviour only cause negative responses like resentment, anger, bitterness and hatred. And those are things we definitely don’t need in our already tough and confused lives at all, at all, at all. (smile)
Now let’s look at some scripture that bears out the contention in our Bit. Hear Bruh Paul to the church at Rome, talking about the service of LOVE to all. ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom.12:17-18)
Ah mih breddren, that is indisputable heavenly wisdom! Evil, dishonesty and strife are not supposed to be a part of the Christian heritage.
Now listen to Bruh David from Psalm 34 – The Lord hears the righteous. ‘Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and LOVETH many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (deceit). Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.’ (Ps.34:11-14)
And how many thousands of years later my friends, those words are still standing the test of time! The first thing we need to learn about God is that the negative stuff like strife, anger and evil have no place whatsoever in His dominion! He deals in the positives like peace and LOVE and goodness.
Ah Friends, if only a li’l bit more of those things existed in the body of Christ eh, the church, how wonderful life would be!
And on that solemn note we will end today. Please, let’s sincerely ponder how what we’ve said today, impacts our current lives. And then, with the help of Almighty God, set out to make the necessary changes nuh. Because it’s so sad to see God’s people involved in so much negative stuff, when the good stuff is so easy to come by.
It just takes the effort of a few serious and mature Christians to get together and decide to do away with all the petty, unnecessary nonsense that’s happening in the body of Christ. Much LOVE!
…Christ’s heart must certainly bleed…when He looks down and sees…the large amount of ungodly behaviour…being exhibited by His people…
12 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: and new wine the maids, attributes of God, Bruh David, celebrate the life of Christ, Christ's body, Christians, communication, communion, compassion, corn shall make the young men cheerful, Creator, divide and conquer, encouragement, endearing characteristics of God, endearing characteristics of God, faith, faithfulness, fellowship, For how great is his goodness, forgiveness, get right with God, God's goodness, good news, goodness, grace, guidance, harmony, holiness, how great is his beauty, I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever, I'm in the midst of them, in my name, internal feuding, Israelites, jehovah god, justice, kindness, living and breathing God, living and breathing God, LOVE, loving kindness, mercy, on the outside looking in, petty disagreements, praising, prophet Zechariah, provider, selfish, singing, strength, Sunday, take in front before in front takes you, the ark of the covenant, the infidel, the Lamb's Book of Life, truth, unconditional LOVE, understanding, unity, wake up and smell the roses, where two or three are gathered together, wisdom, Zechariah
Zechariah 9:17. For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn (grain) shall make the young men cheerful (thrive), and new wine the maids.
Aye Friends, it’s the big day, Sunday! Yeh, the day when we come together to sing and dance before the Lord, like Bruh David did when he brought the Ark of the Covenant home to Jerusalem. (2 Sam.6:14-15)
Yes Friends, it’s the day that Christians all over the world gather to fellowship, to celebrate the life and good news of Christ, whether it be in a palatial cathedral, a medium sized sanctuary, mud huts or tin shanties.
The physical structure is not all that important, though it’s certainly nice to worship Jehovah God in beautiful surroundings, for Jesus said that ‘where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ (Matt.18:20)
So please, let’s all make a serious and sincere effort to get out today and worship with other believers, because there are things we definitely receive when we fellowship as Christ’s body, that we don’t really get when we worship alone. I’m talking about things like joyful communion and communication, overall encouragement, strength and guidance between believers. The singing and praising of many voices also inspires us to greater faith.
So as I said earlier, it is imperative that we get out each Sunday to sing and dance, praise and worship our Creator and constant Provider. Please, no flimsy excuses will be accepted.
Anyway my people, lately I’ve been pondering, ruminating on the wonderful attributes of our most venerable God. And you know there are no words to truly describe Him, or describe Him fully, but these give us some idea of His majesty and magnificence.
We talk about His great and unconditional LOVE, His kindness, goodness, grace and compassion. Then there is His merciful and understanding ways, plus His everlasting wisdom and tender heart full of forgiveness. And we can’t forget His holiness, justice and truth, as well as His utter faithfulness.
Wow! Is that a God or a God my people! That’s why I can’t understand why so many people are turning away from Him, abusing His holy name and casting serious doubts and aspersions on His character. No other supposed deity has the endearing characteristics that our God possesses. Plus we’ve seen His magnificent works from way back when to the present time, and furthermore He is a living and breathing God, which cannot be said of any other deity.
So why the big fuss and rush to get Him out of our society and our lives eh? I guess because Lucifer’s minions are afraid that if His followers are left to worship Him in peace, their evil deeds, thoughts and plans will all come to naught. And that’s more than just a plausible assumption, it’s a guaranteed promise. So they figure to take in front before in front takes them. (smile)
But my people we are not going to allow the evil folks and spirits of this world to take over God’s great earth are we? Definitely not! That’s why as Christ’s body we have to dwell in harmony and unity, all for the greater good. The selfish and petty disagreements that mostly separate us have to be acknowledged and cast aside once and for all time, if we want to wage a successful war against the infidel.
They are using the long time tactic of divide and conquer to successfully keep us fighting each other instead of them, and we have to wake up and smell the roses, the coffee or whatever is necessary to stop the internal feuding of Christ’s people. And I’m chuckling, because I don’t know how I got to where I am. Hn, Hn!
My intentions were merely to encourage us to go to church today, mention the wonderful attributes of God, then consider His goodness in particular. But better late than never. So let’s consider the goodness of God, beginning with our Bit and the verse before it. The prophet Zechariah is talking about Zion’s future king.
‘And the Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones (jewels) of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon (a banner over) his land. For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn (grain) shall make the young men cheerful (thrive), and new wine the maids.’
Yes my brethren, if it wasn’t for the Lord’s goodness and LOVING-kindness we would already have perished on account of our abominable sinfulness. But He’s so wonderful, He gives us chance after chance after chance. One day though, sometime in the foreseeable future, those chances will disappear, as Christ returns in glory to rule the earth.
So it is ever so important that we make use of the opportunities we now have to get right with God ASAP, because as soon as we depart this life, or Jesus returns, and our names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, then we’ll unfortunately spend eternity on the outside looking in. And I can guarantee you that that will not be a very pleasant experience. Nuff said.
Now listen to Isaiah as he talks about the Lord’s favour shown to Israel. ‘I will mention the LOVING-kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his LOVING-kindness.’ (Is.63:7)
Oh Friends, we’ve seen God’s goodness to the Israelites all down through the ages, so why is it so difficult for us to believe and be obedient to His holy will eh?
And we’ll end with these marvellous words of Bruh David from Psalm 31- In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust. ‘Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men.’ (Ps.31:19)
Yes my brethren, the Lord has laid up much goodness for those of us who serve and worship Him in sincerity and truth. I implore us all to be that kind of person so that goodness, rather than evil and destruction will be our just reward. That is indeed the zenith of wisdom! Much LOVE!
…surely goodness and mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall follow me…all the days of my life…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever… (Ps.23:6)
05 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a willing heart, advice, almighty god, ambitions, believers, beyond our comfort zones, Bruh Paul, challenging situations, change, christ jesus, Christ's body, Christian, Colossians, confidence, Controller, Creator, do god's work, encouragement, enthusiastic spirit, faith in Jesus Christ, faithful service, families, fellowship, for we have all sinned, foreboding, give thanks and praise, God's timely help, have come short of the glory of God, heavenly realm, heretical phiosophies, hypocrites, intimate relation with God, jobs. careers, lame excuses, lay not up earthly riches, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, legalistic practices, material things, meaningful time, not on the things on the earth, praising, praying to Almighty God, provider, rejuvenation, set your affection on things above, singing, spiritual things, spread the good news, Sunday, take priority over Christ, the uncomfortable, the unknown, upheaval, upliftment, vices, where your treasure is there is your heart, words of wisdom, worship, worshipping, your life is hid with Christ in god
Colossians 3:2. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.
And then it was Sunday! Yes Friends, it’s that wonderful day when we concentrate on family; both our individual blood families and our church families, those we acquire through faith in Christ Jesus. Yes, it’s time to spend quiet and meaningful time with our biological relatives, but also to gather together in God’s sanctuary, be it in a palace or under a coconut tree, and worship and fellowship with other believers.
We need both kinds of rejuvenation each and every week, so that we can do God’s work with an enthusiastic spirit and a willing heart, to a standard of excellence. And the best way to accomplish those desires is by getting together with others of like faith and singing, praising, worshipping and praying to Almighty God, our Creator, Controller and great Provider.
By so doing, we receive encouragement, upliftment and a sure confidence that we can do all we need to with and through God’s timely help. So please don’t ignore or find lame excuses not to go to church today. And I know there are lots of hypocrites in church, so what? You will only make one more. (smile)
Oh I know people use that foolish excuse, but we are all hypocrites to some extent or another, so if no hypocrites went to church, the churches would be empty. We go to church because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and thus need to cleanse our souls and spirits and give thanks and praise for a wonderful Deity and all that He does for us.
You can’t call yourself a Christian and not go to church, because the church is Christ’s body here on earth and we all need to mingle at some time so that we can keep up the church’s work and raise its profile, and thus spread the good news of the gospel around the world as Christ desires of us. So no more shirking going to church, right.
Now here is an interesting comment from our Friend Anselm, who only seeks to inspire us for a better tomorrow. And here he’s talking about change, which we all need to do at some time or other. ‘But even though change is often difficult, many times it’s also for the best. Accomplishing anything great in life requires significant change that pushes us beyond our comfort zones.’
And that’s gospel truth my people! We don’t usually make meaningful changes without some upheaval in our normal routines and lives. That’s the only way significant change occurs. And that’s exactly what a lot of us are afraid of; the unknown, the uncomfortable and oftimes risky and challenging situations. But if we sincerely want to improve in any area whatsoever, it will be necessary to make some changes, though they may seem rough, unpleasant and foreboding.
Now here is our Bit, which, if taken seriously, will cause a whole lot of us to make a whole lot of significant changes. Bruh Paul told the Colossians in no uncertain terms: ‘Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.’ Wonderful words of wisdom and some of the best advice we can ever get my brethren.
And the scholars venture this explanation. ‘3:2. Set you affection on things above: The Greek word literally says, “Set your mind on things above.” The readers are not to be preoccupied with things on the earth, such as current heretical philosophies (2:8), legalistic practices (2:16, 21-23), and vices (v.5); nor are they to dwell on things that are not wrong in themselves (houses, jobs, careers, ambitions, etc.), but can be wrong should they become priorities above Christ.’
Unfortunately though Friends, the sad reality of today’s situation is that Christians are more preoccupied with the things of the earth rather than the things of heaven. Those very things that the scholars enunciated above there, are taking priority in the lives of too many Christians over Jesus. And that’s very wrong my people. Why? As Bruh Paul continues: ‘For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col.3:3)
And what does that mean? Listen to the scholars. ‘3:3. Your life is hid with Christ in God (or, “Your life is deposited with Christ, who is in intimate relation with God”). As all wisdom and knowledge reside in Christ (2:3), so the believer’s new life is stored up in Him. This means that the Christian life belongs to the spiritual or heavenly realm. Jesus is in intimate relation with God; so are His followers.
Since the Colossians now belong to the heavenly realm and are intimate with God, they should seek those matters and interests pertaining to heaven and not to the earth.’
Yes Friends, our lives are now tied up with Christ and thus ‘When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.’ (Col.3:4)
Oh my people, how can we appear in glory with Christ when He returns in magnificent splendour, if our lives are still tied up the things of the world eh? Not very likely.
And here is the definitive word from the true source, Jesus. ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), 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)
Ah mih people, that should be self-explanatory. But just in case it isn’t, listen to the scholars’ explanation. ‘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 is illustrated elsewhere in the teaching of Jesus.’
So, it’s not simply for good works that we are rewarded, for anyone can do good for the wrong reason, but more the motives, the state of our hearts and the faithfulness of our service to God and man. That’s why we keep pointing out that God looks at our hearts rather than just our outward actions.
So please, let’s clean up our hearts and spirits nuh, and do faithful service, so that our rewards in heaven may be great. That’s wisdom to the nth degree! Much LOVE!
…the material things of the world are worthless…when compared to the spiritual things of heaven…
19 Jun 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: advice, advising, all is vanity, before the evil days come, circumspection, Comforter, Cousin Sol. the Preacher, Ecclesiastes, encouraging, fellowship, Friday chant, generous help, glorious kingdom, I have no pleasure in them, increased age, joy, live obedient to God's will, LOVE, man goeth to his eternal home, nor the years draw nigh, old age, personal affairs, provider, refreshed in body and soul, relaxation, Remember thy Creator in thy youth, renewed vitality, seek their Maker, spiritual upliftment, strong men shall stoop, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the almond tree shall flourish, the clouds return after the rain, the daughters of music, the dust return to the earth, the golden bowl, the halting gait, the keepers of the house, the mourners, the pitcher, the right perspective, the silver cord, the spirit return to God, the voice of the bird, tiresome, tremble, understand God's Word, vanity of vanities, vitality, week of work, weekend activites, when thou shalt say, white hair, wisdom
Ecclesiastes 12:1. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not (before the evil days come), nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them.
So it’s Friday once again Friends….
And the workers shout back: ‘We know that! And thank God for it too, because this week’s just been one long, tiresome, drawn out week. Thus we can’t help but cry out in pleasure: TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s finally here, so we can get some rest and relaxation from massa’s hard labour! Thank You Lord, thank you!’
Yeh Friends, for some reason or other, this week has certainly seemed long and tiresome. But at last our wonderful heavenly Father has brought us to the end of it, like He’s faithfully promised to do, and now we have two big whole days to look forward to. (smile)
Unfortunately though, for some of us those two days might be even more stressful than the work week because we have a lot of household and personal affairs to attend to. But let’s chant our Friday Chant so that we can get some encouragement and assume the right perspective for weekend activities.
All together 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.’
Awright brethren, now that we’ve prayed that simple prayer, let’s hope that we can get the right attitude, one of circumspection, along with some upliftment to go bravely into the weekend. (smile)
And today my people, we have a very interesting Bit from Ecclesiastes which talks about vanity and the fear of God. Listen to the Preacher. ‘Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not (before the evil days come), nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them.’
Wonderful words of wisdom and advice my people!
And we’ll continue with the scripture that follows it. ‘While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves (stoop), and the grinders cease (stand idle) because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened (grow dim).
And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low; Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears (terrors) shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish (blossom), and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long (eternal) home, and the mourners go about in the streets:
Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken (shattered) at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.’ (Eccl.12:2-7)
Ah Friends, some real imaginative scripture from Cousin Sol in his role as Preacher or Teacher. And I’m sure some of us have never heard those obscure and hardly ever taught, but highly interesting passages of scripture before.
But as they say, the longer you live, the more you learn. (smile) And that’s the purpose of our messages; to teach us, to help us learn and understand God’s Word so that we can live obedient to His will.
Now let’s hear some explanations from the scholars on the numerous things we don’t understand. ‘12”1-7. Though these verses describe old age, they are actually addressed to the youth (v.1). The gradual darkening of the heavenly bodies represents declining vitality and joy, and the approaching clouds represent the storms of old age (v.2).
The keepers of the house are the arms; the strong men are the legs; the grinders are the teeth; and those that look out of the windows are the eyes (v.3). Growing old is further compared to the decline of a great estate (v.4).
The almond tree is a reference to the white hair of old age; the crippled grasshopper pictures the halting gait of the elderly; and desire that fails may be the loss of sexual desire (v.5).
Finally, life itself in all its preciousness is cut off. Death is pictured as the irreversible shattering of a golden bowl when cut from the end of a silver cord and the similar smashing of a pitcher or wheel (v.6). After death the spirit returns to God for judgement and the body returns to dust (cf. Gen.3:19).’
Ah Friends, leave it to Cousin Sol to paint such a weird but interesting picture of life and death eh. And I do hope that those explanations of the scholars help us to understand the preceding scriptures.
And I’m chuckling here too, because many of us who have moved on in age are already feeling, or have been feeling the effects of increased age that Sol’s talking about for a long time now. (smile) I can tell you that I have.
The whole point of the scripture though Friends is to teach the youth to remember their God, their Creator while they’re young and strong and seemingly invulnerable.
Why? Because there will come a day when they lose all the strength and vitality of youth, and then what or whom will they have to turn to for comfort and succour eh? Nobody but their frail and feeble selves.
However, if during the glorious days of their youth they engage a strong and lively faith with Jesus Christ, then at the end, they will have the Great Comforter and Provider to look after them. Their Spirit will return with pleasure to God from whence it came, and the dust of their bodies to its mother, the earth, just as it was planned by the Father.
So Friends, let’s never stop encouraging and advising the youth to seek their Maker while they are young, so that they can have an enjoyable youth, as well as a pleasant and pleasurable old age, for that is undoubtedly wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!
…vanity of vanities…saith the preacher…all is vanity… (Eccl.12:8)
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but the ole fella never got to be till after 3 this morning, and since he’s reached the stage that Cousin Sol talks about, he wasn’t able to get up too early. (smile) Yes Friends, these things do happen in old age. Much LOVE!
21 Mar 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a perfect heart, abhor justice, almighty god, behave wisely, best of intentions, blameless, bless thou the Lord, blessings, breath of life, Bruh David, Comforter, commitment, Cousin Sol, Creator, deity, Derrick Harriot, did evil in the sight of the Lord, for our own good, from the very depths of our soul, full of love, glorify Your name, god, gospel truth, grief, Healer, heartaches, heaven and earth, heavenly Father, his wives turned away his heart, holy living, holy spirit, humbly ask, I will be glad in the Lord, I will sing of mercy and judgement, in a perfect way, Israelites, Jesus Christ, Jesus our Blessed Redeemer., largesse, leads us astray, LOVE, loving kindness, meditation, mercies, mete and right to do, North country, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, pagan tribes, praise and thanks, praise him, provider, righteous pedestals, sacrfice, sincerity, sinful nature, sing O earth, sing of God's goodness, Solomon, spring has sprung, thank you, the Good Book, the Most High God, the shed blood of Jesus, the tried and true path to Jesus, truth, while I have my being
Psalm 101:1 I will sing of mercy (LOVING-kindness) and judgement (justice): unto thee, O Lord, will I sing (praises).
Who LOVES you my people? Who really and truly LOVES you? Your heavenly Father of course! The One who created you, who nurtured you in your mother’s womb, who knew you even before you existed, who called and caused you to be reconciled to Him through the LOVING sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ!
Wow! What a Father! There’s none other like Him; not on earth or in heaven! And that’s the gospel truth!
So Friends, on this Saturday morning, where spring has just sprung in the North Country, and hopefully will replace the cold, dead, deadly winter asap, let’s offer a few words of praise and thanks to our Creator, Comforter, Healer and Provider; Almighty God.
Please pray with me: ‘Oh Father in heaven, on this new day that You have created, and has so generously given us Your wonderful breath of life to be able to enjoy it, we give You plenty, plenty thanks and praise for being continually wonderful to us, even though we often don’t deserve Your LOVING-kindness. Just look at all the new blessings and mercies that you have specially prepared to shower down on us today.
Hn! No other supposed deity would ever dream of doing that. But Your heart is so full of LOVE and largesse … You’re such a magnanimous Deity, that even though we’re far from perfect, You still desire to bless us each and every day. Heavenly Father, You know that our minds are finite, and thus our vocabulary is small, and the best we do is say “Thank You! Thank You! Thank You from the very depths of our souls!”
We know too that we’re lost without You, can do very little without Your help, and we humbly ask that You continue to send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts and souls, so that He can work on us, and cause us to LOVE and worship You with all sincerity and truth, to glorify Your Name, the way You truly deserve. All this we pray on the basis of the shed blood of Your Son, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.’
Oh Friends, that’s just how I was guided to begin today’s Bit and I do hope that it stirred even a small something in all our hearts, so that it will help us to stay on the tried and true path that leads to Jesus. And though we have a different Bit today, it is still one that encourages us to sing of God’s goodness and LOVING-kindness.
Listen to how Bruh David begins Psalm 101 – A commitment to holy living. ‘I will sing of mercy (LOVING-kindness) and judgement (justice): unto thee, O Lord, will I sing (praises). Ah mih people, that is how we should react to the Lord our great and wonderful God!
And Bruh David continues: ‘I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way, O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect (blameless) heart.’ (Ps.101:2)
Oh Friends and fellow believers in Christ, many of us claim, pray and desire to do just that, but it’s not an easy task to perform, especially in these days of rampant and blatant wickedness constantly hammering and jabbering at us. And please, when we do mess up, when we fall from our righteous pedestals, let us not beat up ourselves, for the Lord knows we are only human, and though we might have the best of intentions, our sinful nature often leads us astray.
And the best example of that is Cousin Sol, once renowned as the wealthiest and wisest man in the world because he sincerely humbled himself before, and trusted in Almighty God. Listen to the Good Book tell it: ‘For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect (blameless, at peace) with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father…. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after (did not fully follow) the Lord, as did David his father.’ (1 Kin.11:4, 6)
Yes Friends, in Cousin Sol’s old age, he forsook the God of his fathers, and followed the God of his many wives (700) and concubines (300). As Derrick Harriot says in the old reggae tune: ‘Solomon was the wisest man, but he didn’t know the ways of a woman…’ or something to that effect. (smile) It’s hard enough to deal with one woman, what else can you expect from so many eh, but grief and heartache?
And it’s not like the Lord didn’t warn the Israelites not to marry into the pagan tribes, ‘for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave (clung) unto these in LOVE.’ (1 Kin.11:2b) Yes Friends, the Lord’s wisdom is much greater than ours, so please, let’s listen when He speaks to us, because it is always for our own good.
And we’ll conclude today with some appropriate verses from Psalm 104 – God’s preservation of nature. ‘I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord. Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. (Hallelujah) Praise ye the Lord.’ (Ps.104:33-35)
So my fellow believers, let’s concentrate on praising and singing the glory of the Most High God nuh, each and every day, for it is indeed mete and right for us to do so. Much LOVE!
…Praise Him, Praise Him…Jesus our Blessed Redeemer…Sing O Earth…His wonderful LOVE proclaim…
28 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, Advocate, almighty god, anathema, anxiety, appreciation, blessings, breath of life, Bruh David, Chief Preist, confidence, diligence, excellence, faith, fear, friends, from whence cometh my help, glory hallelujah, God's sustaining power, grateful heart, He that keepeth Israel, heavenly Father, heifer dust, help me, I am the the Lord, I change not, I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, In God is my salvation and my glory, Jesus Christ, keeper, mercies, my help cometh from the Lord, my refuge is in God, nor the moon by night, Oh god, pilgrim's journey, pride, provider, self-gratification, thanks and praise, the best job, the bucket bottom drops out, the Lord is thy keeper, the rock of my strength, The sun shall not smite thee by day, William Faulkner, wisdom, work, working for Jesus, worldly lusts, worry
Psalm 62:7. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Well my people, it’s a brand new day, filled with brand new blessings, brand new mercies and a lot of other good stuff from our heavenly Father, including the breath of life, which allows us to enjoy the things He bestows on us each and every day. For that we ought to say ‘Thank You Father!’ with a grateful heart, and show our appreciation by living the way He desires us to.
Unfortunately though, too many of us take the things given to us by Almighty God for granted, and just go about our worldly business without even a thought for Him. But when the heifer dust hits the fan, and the bucket bottom drops out, we’re quick to cry out: ‘Oh God, help me!’ However Friends, life doesn’t work that way. We need to acknowledge the One who created us and keeps us going in this evil and dangerous world.
So please, when we awaken every morning, let’s give Him some thanks and praise for allowing us to see another beautiful day on earth, and also ask Him to lead and guide us safely through any trials and tribulations that may come against us as we continue our pilgrim’s journey. Starting out the day with God gives us a splendid boost, renews our commitment to Him and allows us to face the world in confidence, without the fear, worry and anxiety that currently permeates it. It is the best remedy for whatever ails us.
And I got this interesting quote from my Friend Anselm a couple of days ago, which I decided to share with you, because it will give us some food for thought. (smile) The quote is attributed to William Faulkner (1897-1962) the famous American writer and Nobel Prize winner. The quote says: ‘It’s a shame that the only thing a man can do for eight hours a day is work. He can’t eat for eight hours; he can’t drink for eight hours; he can’t make love for eight hours. The only thing a man can do for eight hours is work.’
And if you really consider the statement, there is a lot of truth to it. Most of us have just never considered it in such terms before. Many of us even work for longer periods of time than eight hours. Now why did our Creator make us like that eh; only able to do those good things for short periods of time, but be able to perform the anathema of our society, work, for such long periods? Yes Friends, most of dislike work, abhor it even, but we can do it for longer than any other enjoyable task.
I can’t tell you why the Lord designed us like that, possible because He wants us to work more than we indulge ourselves in self-gratification and worldly lusts. But I do know that if we don’t consciously seek Him, we’ll be missing the best protection and guidance available in this crazy and cruel world. And that’s simply not wisdom at all my brethren! Why do you think Bruh David proclaimed so assuredly in our Bit? ‘In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.’
Bruh David could afford to make such a staunch and confident pronouncement because the Lord had been his keeper and provider from the days of his youth. The Lord had never let him down in his times of need, but had even given him much more than he deserved. He paid the price for his wrongdoings, a steep one too, but the Lord knew that his heart was right towards Him, and thus had mercy on Him.
And Bruh David is not the only psalmist to sing out God’s praises like that. Listen to these praiseworthy words of Psalm 121 – God’s sustaining power. ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (mountains) from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved (slip): he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper (protector)the Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.’ (Ps.121:1-8)
Ah my people, what encouraging words! I didn’t intend to quote the whole psalm, but once I read it, I had no choice because it was so all-encompassing, so true and encouraging, beautifully and loudly singing the praises of our mighty Creator, Protector and Provider.
And just think for a moment Friends, that that same wonderful God whom the Israelites served way back then, is the same God that we serve today. So why would He stop doing those things He did for them long ago, and not do the same for us, if we sincerely serve and worship Him? No reason whatsoever my people!
He stated quite clearly to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, I change not: therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.’ (Mal.3:6) And yuh know what my brethren? I think that’s the same reason why we have not been consumed – as yet. But we will be eventually if we keep on being so blatantly ungodly and evil. So we had better say thanks or two to the Lord’s ‘unchangeability!’(smile)
And we’ll end with this wonderful verse of encouragement from Isaiah. ‘Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.’ (Is.49:13)
Oh Friends, it doesn’t get any better than that, especially since we have seen the fulfillment of that promise by Jesus’ coming to earth, dying to atone for our sins, being resurrected and ascending back to heaven, where He’s now our Chief Priest and Advocate before the Father! Wow!
And all God’s children gave a loud and joyful shout of ‘Glory Hallelujah! All praise be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! Long may they reign! Amen!’
Now my fellow believers, let’s go out into the world and do our do for Jesus nuh, with the pride, diligence, excellence and faith that He expects of us, for that’s nothing but heavenly wisdom. Much Love!…without a doubt…working for Jesus…is the best job we can ever get…
25 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abound, be not conformed to this world, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, beseech, bible reading, commandments, Controller, Creator, defraud, don't worry, exhort, expectant faith, faith, fornication, grateful, Guide, holiness, hungry hope, living for Christ, look in the mirror, Lord jesus, LOVE, lust, maturity, painful, Paradise, passion, practical words of advice, prayer, provider, react negatively, react positively, remakes us into the image of Jesus, rewards, sanctification, see Jesus smiling back at us, sexual immorality, strong fortress, sweet Tobago, take advantage, test, thankful, the will of God, to walk and to please God, trust in God, uncleanness, unfair, ups and downs, Wednesday, words to live by, zig zag
Romans 12:2. 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.
And then it was Wednesday – the middle of the work week, and sadly too my pen-ultimate day in Paradise! And I was just about to go for possibly my last morning work along the shoreline, when strong winds and a sudden shower of rain put paid to that little jaunt. So I began writing the Bit before I intended to.
Ah Friends, it’s been a wonderful time in sweet Tobago! I met so many people and went to so many places, places and people I haven’t seen in donkey years. (smile) Several of them that I never even remembered. And now that it’s drawing to a close, there’s an underlying sadness in my spirit.
But I won’t complain, get greedy, resentful or any of those negative things. Instead I’ll thank the Lord for granting me this wonderful reprieve from the cold! In His great wisdom and mercy, He obviously realized that I needed a break from the harsh, unforgiving weather, and from the exceeding busyness of my usual surroundings. And for that I will be most thankful and grateful!
In, and through the vacation, the Lord has certainly raised the level of my hope, faith and trust in Him! The way certain things came together to make it all possible meant only one thing; that His faithful hand and LOVING –kindness were working on my behalf. And all I can say is: ‘Thank You Lord, thank You!’
Ah mih people, as I keep telling us, the more we put our trust and faith in God, and wait on Him in hungry hope and expectant faith, the more we see of His blessings and great favour. But we have to believe, truly believe, and surrender our entire lives to Him. It’s not always easy to do, especially in the negative and ungodly kind of world in which we’re now living.
But it is essential, if we want to enjoy the peace, LOVE and understanding that He brings to those who put their faithful and undying trust in Him. And the beautiful thing about our magnificent, majestic and magnanimous God is that He WILL help us to understand His ways and means when we sincerely ask for His help to do so.
Which other supposed deity does that eh; put’s you through tests, then helps you work through them? NONE! And that’s because there is no other true, real and living deity besides the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! All the other stuff that man worships, are either inanimate, dead, or will die someday. Only the Holy One of Israel is alive and kicking; has been from day one, and will still be there till eternity!
Oh Friends, I’m chuckling here because I don’t know where all of this is leading to. But with the Lord leading and guiding me, I know that whatever it turns out to be, it will be helpful and useful to somebody who reads it. And unusually, in this dry season, another shower of rain has just come down. I like how the rain’s been falling during my stay here; fall strong for about ten or fifteen seconds, then let up, no continuous downpour.
But enough of my rambling, let’s turn to our wonderful Bit, chocked full of so much wise and wonderful advice from Bruh Paul. ‘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.’
Ah mih breddren, those are indeed golden words for us to live by! When we have found God, when Jesus comes to live in our hearts as our personal Lord and Saviour, then we definitely need a do over in our lives, to turn over a new page. New things have to happen in our lives, and some of the old things have to be consciously put aside, because they just don’t fit into the lifestyle of the followers of Jesus.
And don’t worry, the changes won’t happen overnight, for you didn’t become what you are overnight. But the Lord will gradually show you what He wants you to give up, and what He wants you to take up. But to successfully do that, you have to seriously communicate with Him, through prayer, Bible reading and study, and fellowship with other believers.
And what I LOVE about Jesus is that if you don’t understand what’s happening, you can always go to Him and ask about it, and He WILL give you an answer. Not necessarily right away, or in a manner that you like. But an answer will be forthcoming, involving a test of your faith and maturity, dependent on how you react to the answer.
If you react negatively, then it’s your loss. If you react positively, even if you don’t like the answer, then it’s your great gain, it might even be accorded to you as righteousness, as happened with Abraham. But know one thing Friends, our lives in Jesus are one unbroken line of tests.
From the moment we claim to believe, we are entered into a lifelong test; a cycle of ups and downs, zigs and zags, that sometimes seem unnecessary and even painful and unfair.
But fellow believer, if we have put our complete trust in Jesus, we have the faithful promise that in the end, it will all work out for our good. The Lord God is our Creator and Controller, and as such, His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours, and we won’t always understand what He’s all about. In fact we don’t need to understand everything, just trust Him to be our strong fortress, guide and Provider.
That’s where our level of faith comes into play. God deals with us according to the level of our faith, and we must realize that until the day He decides to take us home, our earthly lives will always be bound up in tests, trials and tribulations that we don’t enjoy, or even deserve. But it’s the Lord’s way of remaking us into the image of His Son Jesus!
And that’s what the whole programme is about my brethren – when we look in the mirror, to see Jesus smiling back at us.
And we’ll go home with some words of practical advice on Christian living, on truly living for Jesus from Bruh Paul’s second missive to the Thessalonians. ‘Furthermore then we beseech (urge) you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication (sexual immorality): That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence (passion of lust), even as the Gentiles, which know not God:
That no man go beyond and defraud (take advantage of ) his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us into uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth (rejects), despiseth (rejects) not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.’ (1 Thess.4:1-8)
Yes Friends, those are some practical words of advice in living for Jesus! So please let’s consider them today and try to inculcate them in to our daily lives as required nuh. That’s wisdom at its highest level! Much LOVE!
…living for Christ is no easy matter…but the rewards…both earthly and heavenly…are certainly worth it…
21 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a better tomorrow, a good life, a rich man to enter heaven, Abraham, almighty god, Anselm, belief, believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, blessed, burst of sunshine, Controller, Creator, dark, depressing, dismal, dr robert h schuller, encouragement, Friend Anselm, friends, God's work, goodness, Gramps Schuller, hang on to Jesus' coattails, he wavered not at the promise of God, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, LOVE, no man can work miracles on his own, Paradise, praises, provider, righteousness., Saturday, slept under the bed, spiritual father, state of affairs, the Godhead, the Holy Trinity, the power of Almighty God, unbelief, what a wonderful God we serve and worship, with God all things are possible, with god nothing shall be impossible, with men this impossible, worldly possessions
Luke 1:37. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Well Friends it’s a bright and sunny Saturday in Paradise! However, the ole fella’s not so bright and sunny. I got up this morning feeling like I slept under the bed, (smile) just aching and under the weather. And I’ve been at a loss to understand why, because I was at home resting all day yesterday. I only went out in the evening to get something from the mall and buy some Chinese food. I was gone possibly about an hour at most.
So I can’t explain the unwelcome state of affairs. I even had to cut short my walk along the shoreline of the property this morning because the knees were acting up. So I just came back inside, took some pain medication, had breakfast, then went back to bed, and am only just getting up. And that’s why the Bit is this late.
I’m still not up feeling up to scratch, but God’s work has to be done, and I know that through His wonderful grace He will guide and enable me to write something sensible in His name. What a wonderful God we serve and worship my people! I can’t even begin to sing His praises and His goodness to the undeserving children of men.
Oh Friends, the best thing a human being can ever do is to surrender to Almighty God’s will, put their total trust and faith in Him, because He is the only Being who can truly help us with anything at all, in any kind of situation.
And we’ll go forward with a quote of a couple days ago from my Friend Anselm, Inspiring You For A Better Tomorrow ‘A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are.’
That’s ever so true my brethren! In other words we don’t let the cares of the world drive us under, but actually put Bruh Paul’s dictum of being content in whatever state we’re in, and putting God First in our lives. That’s the only way we can successfully do what Anselm advises!
And today Friends, we offer you two for the price of one! (smile) Here’s another bit of encouragement from Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) from His Hour of Power Devotional. Gramps says with wholehearted gratitude and appreciation.
‘Thank you, Father, for the beautiful surprises you are planning for me today. So often in my life, when it looked like the day would be dismal, depressing and dark, an unexpected burst of golden sunshine exploded through a black cloud sending inspiring shafts of warm, beautiful sunshine into my life. Father, it is happening now! I can already feel the power of your LOVE, through Christ my Lord. Amen.’
Oh Friends, are you feeling the power of God’s LOVE coming – no, not simply coming, but bursting through whatever dark cloud is in your life, in the form of bright and beautiful sunshine that is Jesus? I can surely feel it in mine, as I write here, for my mind is now focused on Almighty God, His Word and His Will, not the aches and pains of my body or the worldly cares that surround my life.
That’s the only sensible and successfully way to live my brethren; enveloped in the LOVE of our Creator and heavenly Father, our Controller and Provider. And that is so wonderfully underlined by our Bit: ‘For with God nothing shall be impossible.’
Gospel truth that my people! And in light of what we’ve just said, that is an entirely logical conclusion, for the creator is usually the controller. When we create things, we’re usually able to control them. So why should we expect anything less from our omnipotent God eh? No reason whatsoever my fellow believers!
And you remember when that rich young man came to Jesus seeking the way to eternal life and Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give the resulting profits to the poor, them come and follow Him? Well the young man went away sad and downcast because he owned a lot of worldly possessions and he couldn’t conceive of selling it all and giving the rewards to the poor.
That led Jesus to make comments like: ‘Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’ (Matt.19:23-24)
Those statements obviously shocked the disciples, because back then, and even now too, it was thought that the rich were blessed of God and thus saved. But Jesus put that notion to rest with His words. And when the disciples wondered out loud about who could then be saved, Jesus declared: ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ (Matt.19:26)
Now note that there was no hesitation or doubt in Jesus’ statement, since He knew for a fact that the Godhead, the Holy Trinity, of which He was a substantial part, could do anything and everything; even squeeze a camel through the eye of a needle. So though it was difficult for a rich person to enter heaven, the Most High God could accomplish it, if He so desired.
Now that doesn’t mean that if you’re rich you won’t go to heaven. It all depends on how you acquired your riches and what you do with them, as well as the state of your heart towards Jesus. But all the riches in the world won’t get you into heaven unless you sincerely believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour!
And we’ll end with a most appropriate scripture that shows exactly how our belief system enables and empowers us in this evil and ungodly world. It focuses on our spiritual father Abraham, after the Lord promised him a child of his loins in his old age.
The Good Book relates it thus: ‘He staggered (wavered) not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded (convinced) that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.’ (Rom.4:20-22)
Yes Friends, it’s all about belief! And now that we have much more information about, and have seen the many mighty works of Almighty God, much more than Abraham ever did, we ought to believe much easier than we actually do. But that’s the choice each individual must make. Remember, our eternal life depends on it.
So let’s be wise and get on God’s right side before it’s too late nuh, because the son of Man can come in His glory at any time, and once He comes, then it will be too late to hang on to His coattails. Much LOVE!
…despite the many major developments of human beings…still, no man can work miracles in his own strength…only the power of Almighty God flowing through him…makes it possible…
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