15 Jan 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a closer walk with Jesus, almighty god, anger, best year of our lives, blasphemy, blessings, brand new day, Bruh Paul, Christ is all, Christ is n all, Christ-like character, circumcision, cloud of witnesses, Colossians, despising the shame, endured the cross, evil ungodly world, excellence at all times, faith, falsehood, filthy communication, Greek, heroes of faith, high ideals of Jesus, I am the truth, I make all things new, impediment, January, Jesus Christ, Jesus is Number One, Jew, just a closer walk with thee, let us lay aside every weight, lie not, lighten our load, living our christian faith, lofty goals, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, malice, mercies, new life in christ, New Year's resolutions, One Year Book of Bible promises, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, patience, pay the bills, perseverance, positive examples, put off the old man, put on the new man, put sin to death, realign our priorities, rejoice and be glad in it, renewed in knowledge, run the race that's set before us, run with patience, saviour jesus christ, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, slave, so great a cloud of witnesses, steadfast, the author and finisher of our faith, the busyness of life, the gift of life, the grace of Almighty God, the joy that was set before Him, the redeemed, the sin which doth beset us, uncircumcision, vices, wrath
Hebrews 12:1. 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 (perseverance) the race that is set before us.
All hail my fine Friends in Jesus Christ! It’s a brand new spanking day! Yes my brethren, we’ve been granted the fabulous gift of life on a new day through the wonderful grace of Almighty God, so please, let’s rejoice and be glad in it!
Let’s joyfully enjoy (smile) the new mercies and blessings that have been specially prepared for us for this day. Let’s also do our best to live up to the high ideals of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose motto is excellence at all times.
And having said all of that, on this chilly Thursday morning, the 15th day of January 2015, I have this most appropriate passage for this time of year to share from the One Year Book of Promises, with writings from Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s simply titled ‘January.’
Read with me: ‘It’s January, Lord – The drab, dreary middle – And my thoughts are as drab As the miserable month. Does everybody hit a January slump Or am I the only one? The first week wasn’t too bad: There were Christmas thank-yous to write A few resolutions to store away The huddle of year-end sales.
But thank-you notes bring no returns And resolutions are quickly broken And marked-down trinkets fast lose appeal. When you said Behold, I make all things new Did you forget January, Lord? Or in January do I sometimes forget You?’
Oh my people, those sentiments are so true, for many of us feel that way at this time of year. I guess we can call them the ‘dog days’ of January, where we’re somewhat lost in the middle of it all. The celebrations are over and done with for the old year, and the new one hasn’t quite taken shape or hold as yet.
Plus we’re wondering and contemplating how we’re going to pay the bills that we’ve amassed over the Christmas season. (smile) But yuh know what my fellow believers in Christ? In this time of uncertainty, we can all hold on to the promise attached to that passage, which we’ll use as our Bit.
‘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 (perseverance) the race that is set before us.’
Yes Friends, there are so many heroes of faith that have gone before us that we don’t lack for good and positive examples in living our Christian faith. But we need to do certain things if we’re going to be successful.
First of all we need to throw off any weight, both literally and figuratively, any impediment at all that is holding us back from running our race. We also need to throw off any sin, large or small, that’s entangling us, that has us struggling or keeping us back from reaching the lofty goals that Christ has planned for us.
And above all, we need to do those things with patience and perseverance, keep a steadfast and true pace. Yes my people, we need to be always trying to improve as we run this race of life.
And as the author of Hebrews so wisely and rightly continues, we ought to be: ‘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 the throne of God.’ (Heb.12:2)
Oh Friends, what an encouraging and uplifting picture! Jesus is the best example of earthly living we can, and will ever have! He both began and finished the course of our faith. So we need to look to Him for proper guidance and strength to face this rat-race world that we’re currently living in.
We’ll never be perfect as Him, but the important thing is to try, to do our best to get as close to a Christ-like character as we can. That brings us to our New Year’s resolution of endeavouring to have a closer walk with Jesus.
I do hope that we haven’t already forgotten it as we get caught up again in the busyness of life. And I believe that if we’re feeling like the passage above from the Book of Promises, then we have indeed forgotten that resolution.
Please, let’s realign our priorities, with Jesus as NUMBER ONE, so that we can have a fruitful and successful 2015, for I firmly and faithfully believe that this will be the BEST YEAR in many of our lives!
Now let’s look at a scripture passage that adds weight to our Bit and empowers us in our faith. Hear Bruh Paul’s advice to the Colossians, where he’s talking about the new life in Christ. Here are some weights that we might need to throw off to lighten our load in running this race of life.
‘But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond (slave) nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.’ (Col.3:8-11)
Truly words of wisdom, my people! Now let’s close with some interesting and important notes from the scholars re those verses. ‘3:9. Seeing means “since.” The old man is all that a person was prior to salvation: his worldly thinking and sinful acts. Since all this was renounced at conversion, one should lie not. Falsehood ill becomes the person claiming to be a disciple of Him who said, “I am the…truth.”
3:10. The new man is the person one becomes after conversion: he possesses a new nature, values, aspirations, and a new life-style. This “new man” is constantly being renewed or developed until he attains a mature knowledge of the God who (re)created him. The more a believer knows and understands of God, the more he will be like God in character and conduct.’
‘3:11. Not only is the “new man” to put sin to death, he is also to put away man-made barriers that divide people and that nourish the vices of the old life. Among renewed humanity there are no national, ceremonial, cultural, or social distinctions. To the redeemed Christ is all; that is, He is everything, and He is what matters most to them. And Christ is…in all; that is, He dwells in all believers.’
Oh my people, it’s not easy trying to live a truly Christian life in this evil and ungodly world, but if we stick like glue to Christ, He will empower us to run this earthly race successfully, and that’s no lie! Much LOVE!
…just a closer walk with thee…grant it Jesus…is my plea…daily walking close to thee…let it be…dear Lord…let it be…
02 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: be enthusiastice about the success of others, be too large for worry, Christian D Larson, common sense, Cousin Sol, disturb your peace of mind, duty, earthly sojourn, forget the mistakes of the past, Garden of Gethsemane, God makes his enemies to be at peace with him, happiness, It is finished, Jesus Christ, lay aside every weight, let this cup pass from me, live a life that's pleasing to god, look at the sunny side of everything, LOVE, make your optimism come true, my judgement is righteous, obedience, Optimist's Creed, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, pilgrim's journey, press on to future achievements, promise yourself, prosperity, recipe for a good life, responsibility, run with patience, Samaritans, sin, talk healht, the bread of life, the race set before us, the Son of man, the well of Jacob, the will of the Father, to be strong, to do the will of him that sent me, too happy to permit the presence of trouble, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, wear a cheerful countenance, when a man's ways please the Lord, wisdom
Proverbs 16:7. When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Oh Friends, it’s Tuesday morning and we’re on the move again. But here is something from Christian D. Larson, (1874-1954) the American New Thought leader, teacher and author, to buoy and boost us as we move along the fast track of life. It’s called ‘The Optimist’s Creed.’
Some of you might have heard of it, or even know it. And would you believe that I have it cut out and stuck up on a filing cabinet right next to my desk, but I can’t tell when last I looked at it. The paper is old and yellow now, so I must have had it up there for some time.
I believe I might have shared it with you a long time ago, but this morning the Lord led me to it. I guess He believes we need to reorient and readjust our lives in accordance with it. (smile)
It simply says: ‘Promise Yourself – To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.’
Oh my people, those might seem like trite, clichéd comments, but believe me, as a group, they are indeed the recipe for a good life on this evil earth! The fact is that most of us know some or even all of those wise advisements, but unfortunately we don’t implement them consistently.
And that’s what denotes a sensible life; consistency in positive outlook and behaviour. And with the Good Book to help us affirm those things, we should be able to live a life that’s not only pleasant, but even more importantly, pleasing to Almighty God! And living a life that pleases God is one of our duties, a major responsibility on this pilgrim’s journey on which we are embarked.
As Cousin Sol so wisely tells us in our Bit. ‘When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.’ Indisputable truth that my brethren!
And what we’re going to concentrate on today is how the Son of man, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ put our Bit into action during His earthly incarnation, how He always tried to please His heavenly Father. And if He, a significant part of the Godhead, put so much emphasis on it, why shouldn’t we, mere mortals and minions of Jehovah God do likewise eh?
And we’ll begin with this telling verse from John 8: ‘And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.’ (John 8:29)
Ah mih people, Jesus could not have been any simpler and straightforward than that! And if we claim to be His followers, then we too, ought always to try and do the things which please the Father.
Then in John 4, around the well of Jacob, when He teaches the Samaritans that God is a Spirit and the disciples wondered at his saying, ‘I have meat (food) to eat that ye know not of…. Jesus saith unto them, My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 4:32, 34)
Meanwhile in John 5, where Jesus talks about the Son’s relationship to the Father, He humbly declares: ‘I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is just (righteous); because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.’ (John 5:30)
Then, when expounding on being ‘the bread of life,’ Jesus again reiterates His submission to the Father. ‘For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.’ (John 6:38)
And the scholars note this comment. ‘6:38. I came down from heaven is another indication of Jesus’ deity (cf.3:13).’
Ah my fellow believers when coming to obedience, there was definitely none like Jesus! Listen to these most memorable and heartfelt words while undergoing His soulful torment in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before His crucifixion.
‘And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ (Matt.26:39)
And later on the Good Book says: ‘He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except (unless) I drink it, thy will be done.’ (Matt.26:42)
Yes Friends, Jesus had his hurting moments just like all of us do, but He remained steadfast to do the Father’s will, even though He knew how painful and awful it would be. He put His desires, subordinated them to those of the Father, and that’s what we ought also to do.
Obviously we don’t have the same constitution that Jesus had, but our God, our Creator, knows that and understands that we will make mistakes and be disobedient just from the very nature of our sinful being.
However, He does expect us to make a sincere effort, to diligently try to do His will, so that at the end of our earthly sojourn, we can say like Jesus did: ‘I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.’ (John 17:4)
And in the final installment of earth’s greatest drama: ‘When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar (sour wine), he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost (His spirit).’ (John 19:30)
Oh my people, there’s nothing left to say. Let’s just go out and do like Jesus did nuh; live a life that’s pleasing to God. It’s our duty as followers of Christ, as well as simple common sense and heavenly wisdom. Much LOVE!
…let us lay aside every weight…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…and let us run…with patience…the race that is set before us… (Heb.12:1)
22 Oct 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a bear hug, a brilliant dash to the finish line, a high priest, a warm kiss, accomplish, after the order of Melchizedek, Amen, antidote, author and finisher of our faith, author of eternal salvation, be wearied and faint, believer's vocabulary, blazed the trail, bold, buckle down, but one receives the prize, called of God, catch our second wind, confidence, confident, conviction, Corinth, courageous, deflate, depress, despising the shame, different paths, discourage, discouraged, don't give up, don't think about letting go, earthly guidebook, endured such hostility of sinners, endured the cross, energetic, faith, faithful, faithful over a few things, falter, finish line, finish with style, finished the course, glorified, glory hallelujah, god, God's plan for our lives, guidance, Guide, halfway home, in full swing, incarnate son of god, Isthmian Games, Jesus Christ, lay aside every weight, lifeline, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, made perfect, maganimous and magnificent God, magnified, marathon runner, marathon-like adventure, national institution, obedience, obstruction, orignator, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, perfector, perseverance, pitfalls, power, pratfalls, promises, purpose, quit in mid-stream, radiant smile, rest assured, ruler over many things, run our race of life with plenty vim and vigour, run the race of life with excellence, run with patience, see another sunrise, sense of purpose, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, sincere words, so great a cloud of witnesses, so run that you may obtain, strength, stumble, suffered, supreme champion, thankful, the BIBLE, the joy of thy lord, the race of life, the sin which so easily ensnares us, they which run in a race run all, thou good and faithful servant, time to take stock, to run...and yet to run, trusting, victory, vigour, vim, we've won the first two rounds of the workweek battle, Wednesday, well done, winning qualities, wisdom, wisdom of Almighty God
1 Corinthians 9:24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.
Wednesday…oh Wednesday…you’re my ‘renewer’…my lifeline…!
Yes Friends, it’s a big Wednesday morning! That means we’re halfway home; we have won the first two rounds of the workweek battle… Glory Hallelujah!
So please don’t give up now. Don’t even think about letting go! Instead, it’s time for us to take stock, like a marathon runner, to catch our second wind, and put on a brilliant dash to the finish line that’s Friday! And all God’s people said a loud and hearty ‘Amen!’
Ah mih breddren, we need to be very thankful that we’ve been allowed to see another sunrise, because it means God’s plan for our lives isn’t over as yet. He still has a purpose for us to complete, His plan is still in full swing since we haven’t yet accomplished what He’s set forward for us to accomplish.
Therefore, we need to be trusting, faithful, energetic, courageous, bold and confident in the promises of our magnificent and magnanimous God, for there’s NO other like Him in this great universe!
As our Bit so wisely reminds us: ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’
Yes Friends, we need to run our race of life with plenty vim and vigour, so that we may obtain that awesome victory which awaits us at the end.
And the scholars give us some background info into what Bruh Paul was referring to. ‘9:24. Paul draws on a scene familiar to his Corinthian readers in order to drive home his point. The Isthmian Games were an athletic event known to all his readers.
They were held on alternate summers in the vicinity of Corinth. It was an event not to be missed by anyone of importance in all parts of Greece. As a national institution, it was as familiar to his readers as modern football to most Americans.’
Oh mih people, the race of life is never an easy one. In the first place it’s often a marathon-like adventure, spread over a long period of time, and certainly strewn with all sorts of pitfalls, pratfalls, options of different paths and untold kinds of obstruction along the way, stuff that wants to discourage, depress and deflate us and get us to quit in mid-stream.
But please remember that that awful word ‘quit,’ doesn’t exist in a believer’s vocabulary. And besides, we have the antidote for that rotten, wearisome word right at hand, as our great God and Guide has caused it be so eloquently written in our earthly Guidebook, the Bible!
‘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 (perseverance) the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and 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 the throne 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)
Yes my people, we have to buckle down now and do what is necessary to run the race of life with excellence and finish with style, as Jesus desires of us. And at those times when we falter or stumble, as we all will do, we need to look to our supreme champion, Jesus Christ, for guidance and strength, for He is also our most worthy example of successfully running this earthly race.
And as we just read, He is indeed ‘the author and finisher of our faith.’ He began our faith by running His earthly race with outstanding conviction and sense of purpose, combined with loads of perseverance and endurance. As the scholars declare: ‘He has already blazed the trail and finished the course.’
The author of Hebrews also boosts our confidence earlier on as he tells us: ‘Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.’ (Heb.5:8-10)
And though we will never have all the parts that He possessed, per His being the incarnate Son of God, we can nonetheless rest assured that He WILL enable us to run our race with the same winning qualities and meet us at the finish line with a radiant smile, a big bear hug, a warm kiss, and sincere words of…
‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ (Matt.25:21)
Now NOTHING will ever surpass that glorious moment my fellow believers!
So, starting today, right now, let’s get out there and run our race of life with power and confidence nuh, so that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will be magnified and glorified, as He so richly and justly deserves! That’s the wisdom of Almighty God! Much LOVE!
…to run…to run…and yet to run…even when the spirit seems to be tiring and wants to stop…by looking unto Jesus…the author and finisher of our faith…our supreme champion…
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!
21 May 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a bed of roses, alive and kicking, author, backbone, belly, blazed the trail, blessed day, champions, Christian faith, christianity, cloud of witnesses, Colossians, compassed about, complain, deity, despising shame, discouraged, don't worry, emulate, encourage, endeavours for Jesus, endurance, endured the cross, ensnares us, ethical condition, every good work, exciting, exhort, faint, feels great to be alive, filled with the knowledge of God's will, finished the course, finisher, frutiful, give it a try, giving thanks to god, glory hallelujah, God doesn't give us more than we can bear, God will never leave nor forsake us, God works everything out for our good, God's glorious power, God's people, good hands, gospel truth, grow in the image of Jesus, happiness, hostility, human creations, in your patience, increasing in the knwoledge of god, interesting, Jesus Christ, joy, joyfulness, lay aside every weight, leap of faith, light, light at the end of the tunnel, live our lives in faith, longsuffering, Love God, love our neighbours, make this world a better place, mandate, mature, meditiate, misfortunes, morality, negatives, our Lord and Saviour, pains, partakers of the inheritance, patience, peace, perseverance, phenomenal, ponder, possess ye your souls, power of darkness, practical situations, praise Your Holy Name, prayer, prayer for spiritual wisdom, promise to walk worthily, right hand of God, run with patience, serve and worship, setbacks, show Love, sin, sincere effort, sinners, skilful application of God's wisdom, spiritual understanding, spread the word, steadfast and strong, strengthened, thank you heavenly Father, the middle of the week, the patient in spirit, the proud in spirit, the race set before us, the weekend is near, trials, tribulations, true nature of things, uplift, walk worthy of the Lord, walking in Jesus' footsteps, walking in LOVE, wasting our God-given lives, weary, Wednesday, wisdom, wonderful faith, working for Jesus
Luke 21:19. In your patience possess ye your souls.
‘Wednesday, oh Wednesday, oh glorious Wednesday – the middle of the week! A bright light at the end of the tunnel! That means the weekend is near! Glory Hallelujah!’
Yeh Friends, it’s not only on Fridays we should celebrate, but if possible, everyday of the week, for it tells us that we’re alive and kicking through the generous bounty of our great and wonderful God!
And all God’s people declared a loud and grateful: ‘Thank You heavenly Father for allowing us to see another blessed day on planet earth! We bless you and praise Your Holy Name and promise to walk as worthily as we can in the name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen.’
Ah mih people, it does feel great to be alive, doesn’t it? It surely does! Despite all the pains, the setbacks, the misfortunes, the trials the tribulations, I don’t think many of us would prefer to be dead.
We complain a lot about the negatives in this life, but remember it’s the only one we have, and furthermore, the only one we’ll ever get. So let’s enjoy it nuh, especially when we have such a wonderful faith like Christianity to live it under.
Remember what Jesus said in our Bit: ‘In your patience possess ye your souls.’
And if we don’t listen to Him and follow His wonderful example, we’ll just be wasting our God-given lives. And that would be such a tragedy!
And for the last day, I’ll like to bombard us with more scripture that teaches patience, perseverance, endurance, backbone and belly. (smile) No my brethren, you don’t have to tell me, for I know from personal experience, that it’s not easy, a bed of roses, working for and walking in Jesus’ footsteps, but it sure is exciting and interesting!
And you’ll never know how interesting and exciting it is, until YOU give it a try!
It’s all about a significant leap of faith Friends! A leap I enjoin us all to sincerely take today, right now, so that we can all work together to make this world a better place.
For that is what we were commanded to do by our leader, Jesus Christ: SPREAD the Word all over the world; LIVE our lives in true Faith, and above all, SHOW LOVE to our magnanimous and magnificent God and also our neighbours!
Wow! What an awesome mandate! Now let’s hear some scripture that’s supposed to encourage, uplift, exhort and keep us steadfast and strong in our earthly endeavours for Jesus.
Let’s start with Bruh Paul’s message to the Colossians, where he’s talking about prayer for spiritual wisdom: ‘For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
(Scholars note: Wisdom is an accurate perception into the true nature of things. Understanding is the skilful application of his wisdom in practical situations).
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
(Scholars’ note: Patience is persevering through problems, trials, tribulations and so forth. Longsuffering is forbearing the faults and offences of others).
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (qualified us) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in (the) light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated (transferred) us into the kingdom of his dear Son (the Son of His LOVE).’ (Col.1:9-13)
And the Scholars’ note in verse 12: ‘Light is the ethical condition in which God’s children live, namely, that of spiritual understanding with its accompanying morality and happiness.’
Ah Friends, as I said above, it’s not easy, but working for Jesus is surely interesting! Now here these rich and encouraging verses from Hebrews 12, which we all know, but refuse to take seriously.
‘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 (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 the throne 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)
Yes mih people, we find the best examples of it all in Jesus!
And the scholars’ have this to say: ’12:2. Just as verse 1 establishes some qualities for the entrance into and the actual running of life’s race, so verse 2 directs one’s eyes to the finish line. Jesus is the author and finisher in that He has already blazed the trail and finished the course.
12:3-4. Though chapter 11 provides many champions for believers to emulate, the supreme example of endurance is Jesus Himself.’
And isn’t that the gospel, gospel truth my brethren! His is a very difficult, and possibly impossible example for most of us to emulate, but try we must. Don’t worry though, our God knows exactly what we are capable of, for He made us, and all He really expects of us is a sincere effort in our daily living.
And if we give that sincere effort, then He will help us to mature and grow in the image of His Son. For remember, our wonderful God doesn’t ever give us more than we can bear. And even then, He’s promised to work out everything for our good, when we’re called to do His bidding.
So there’s no need to worry and fret, for our heavenly Father has us in the palms of His hands, plenty better hands than All State, and will never leave nor forsake us. Ah mih breddren, what a marvellous and magnificent Deity we serve and worship! He’s just so phenomenal! I can’t understand how His human creations choose not to work for and follow His directives.
But we His true followers WILL change that won’t we? For sure, as we go about doing good, spreading His Word and living a life of Christian faith, celebrated with joy, peace and LOVE! Now that’s true wisdom!
And we’ll end here for today. You already have much scripture to ponder and meditate upon, so I won’t burden you with any more. I’m so kind and thoughtful, aren’t I. (smile) Please have a blessed day my brethren, walking in LOVE for Jesus! Much LOVE!
…better is the end of a thing…than the beginning thereof…and the patient in spirit…is better than…the proud in spirit… (Eccl.7:8)
09 Apr 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: as we forgive our debtors, ask, asking for help, believer in Jesus Christ, blessings, bounden duty, communicating with God, communion, crying out to God in prayer, daily bread, deliver us from evil, despising shame, do unto others as you want them to do to you, don't give in to negative circumstances, endured the cross, factual data, faithful, forgive our debts, forgiveness, fundamental importance of prayer, God has heard my prayer, God has promised, God in the flesh, God's people, greetings, hallowed be thy name, heartfelt prayer, hold on to the Lord's faithful promises, in faith, in trust, it's good to be alive, Jesus, Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, joy, knock, lay aside every weight, lead us not into temptation, LOVE, loving kindness, magnanimous god, mercy, new mercies, Our Father which art in heaven, patience, perfecter of our faith, perseverance, prayer, prayer to god, promises, right hand of God, run with patience, salutations, seek, something joyful to look forward to, son of god, stand strong and steadfast, surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, teach us to pray, the author, the Father's help, the golden rule, the number one means of communicating with God, the power and the glory, the sin which ensnares us, thine is the kingdom, thy will be done, to work all things out for our good, trials and tribulation, trumped up situation, we shun it to our detriment
Psalm 66:1. But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Oh Friends, blessings and greetings and salutations this Wednesday morning! It’s certainly good to be alive, although all might not be right with us.
And remember that new mercies and LOVING-kindness from our magnanimous God will be filtering down to us all day, so that’s something joyful to look forward to.
Therefore, let us not give in to any negative circumstances that are coming against us. Instead, let us stand strong and steadfast in faith and trust, for we know not what the end of the day will bring, for the Lord has promised to work all things out for the benefit of His people.
So if you consider yourself to be one of God’s people, then it’s your bounden duty to hold on to the Lord’s faithful promises. And if that is proving difficult to do, then there is always the option of crying out to Him in prayer, asking for help to handle the situation until He is ready to deal with it.
Remember, prayer is the NUMBER ONE means of communicating with our heavenly Father, and we shun it to our own detriment. And that’s not a trumped up situation, but one established by thousands of years of factual data.
That’s why the author of Hebrews could say with much conviction: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we 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 (perseverance) the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfecter) 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 the throne of God.’ (Heb.12:1-2)
Oh my people, do you think the ‘cloud of witnesses’ went through all of their trials and tribulations for nothing? Or that the Father sent Jesus to die for us with no great plan envisioned?
Obviously not! The Lord made us in the first place so that he could have communion with us, which came about through prayer and answer. And even though we fell and became sinful, it was still the Lord’s intention to have meaningful communion with us.
Therefore He sent Jesus to pay the price needed for us to come before Him…again in prayer. Communicating with God has always been, and will always be first and foremost through prayer my people!
That’s why the psalmist could say in our Bit with such utter conviction, even before Jesus came to earth to save us: ‘But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.’
That Friends, is also why I’m trying to drive home to us the fundamental importance of prayer in believers lives! For it surely is surprising the number of supposed believers who don’t engage in serious prayer. But how can you call yourself a sincere believer in Jesus Christ and don’t indulge in serious and sincere communication with Him eh?
For how do you think Jesus managed to bear His trials and tribulations on earth? By prayer! Although he was God in the flesh, He still needed the Father’s help to bear the painful tasks set out for Him.
Hear the Good Book on the subject: ‘And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.’ (Luke 6:12)
Oh my brethren, if the Son of God needed prayer down here on earth to help Him, why do we mere mortals think that we don’t eh, and don’t seriously consider it?
And the importance of prayer is further highlighted my people by this episode: ‘And it came to pass, that as he (Jesus) was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.’ (Luke 11:1)
Yuh see Friends, knowing the importance of prayer in their lives, John must have thought his disciples to pray. And according to the scholars: ’11:1. Religious communities of the time customarily had their own distinctive prayers. Perhaps the disciples wanted theirs.’
But whatever the reason, Jesus granted their request, giving them this prayer as an example. ‘After this manner therefore pray ye: 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. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’ (Matt.6:9-15)
Ah mih breddren, yuh see how important Jesus considered forgiveness that after the basic prayer, He went on to talk about it?
That should tell us all something, basically we ought to obey the golden rule: do unto others as you would that they do unto you, for as you do to others God will do to you. And that’s all I have to say for today. (smile)
Now may the Lord bless us and keep us safely under the protection of His powerful presence, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Much LOVE!
…the best way to ask, seek and knock…is through heartfelt prayer…
12 Mar 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: aggrandizing ourselves, bad habits, bickering, Brother Leo, cloud of witnesses, conceits, covetousness, crown of righteousness, doing, endurance, finished the race, giving, glory hallelujah, good example, good fight, good habits, hebrews 12, humility, idolatry, Jesus Christ, leadership positions, leadership secrets, lies, new creation, old man, perseverance, public office, rejoice, religion, run with patience, serving, sin, spirituality, steadfast faith, theology, weep, worthwhile behaviour
Hebrews 12:1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Oh Friends, it’s another day in our earthly sojourn! ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ And it looks like it will be another rainy one in my area, as it was yesterday. But that’s wonderful! I’ll take the colourless fluid any day over the more solid white stuff, even though the former reminds me that I still have a leak in the laundry room of my basement. But that’s a relatively small matter, which we’ll eventually solve, with the help of the Most High obviously. Now here’s an interesting and very appropriate story I recently read in the newsletter of a Real Estate Agent. It’s a legend about a French monastery, re the ‘extraordinary harmony due to the leadership of a man called Brother Leo.’ One day, several monks from a bickering monastery set out on a five-day journey to visit Brother Leo and find out his leadership secrets. True to the pattern of their monastery, they began arguing about the doing of chores as soon as they set out. However, on the third day of their journey, they met another monk on his way to the same monastery. But unlike them, when it came to doing chores, the new arrival never complained, and when the others were fighting over a chore, he’d pleasantly volunteer and do it himself. And as often is the case, when someone sets us an example, by the last day of the journey, the five other monks were working very well together. Oh how I wish we had more people like that sixth monk in our world, especially our church! Anyway, when they reached their destination, they asked the gatekeeper to see Brother Leo. Much to their amazement and consternation, the gatekeeper laughed at them. Then he pointed to the sixth monk and told them that was Brother Leo. The moral of the story Friends is that in these troubled times, those seeking public office and leadership positions are more interested in aggrandizing themselves, seeking what they can get personally from those positions, rather than what they can do to improve the positions. As the story concludes: ‘The parable about Brother Leo teaches a service model of leadership, where leaders are preoccupied with serving rather than being followed, with giving rather than getting, with doing rather than demanding.’ Yes Friends, that’s what leadership is really all about. But sadly, there are way too few of those types in power today. Please ponder that story and see if and how it affects us, or those we know. Then let’s consciously try our best to improve the model of leadership we, and those around us are currently following. For that’s the example that Jesus set for us. He came to save and serve, stooping so low as to even wash His disciples feet. (John 13:5-12) And in God’s mysterious way of moving, all of that ties in beautifully with our Bit, because it’s also talking about providing Christian leadership through serious, worthwhile behaviour, non-complaining service and humility as Christ did. ‘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 (perseverance, endurance) the race that is set before us.’ Now let’s look at some scripture that details stuff we should and shouldn’t do as Christians, desiring to grow and mature in Christ. And we’ll begin with some of the bad things from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Colossians. ‘Mortify (kill) therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry. For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. In the which ye also walked sometime, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond (slave) nor free: But Christ is all, and in all.’ (Col.3:5-11) Yes my people, we have to discard all that old stuff we did before we were born again in Christ, and instead do stuff like this: ‘Let LOVE be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cling to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned (affectionate) one to another with brotherly LOVE; in honour preferring (giving preference to) one another. Not slothful (lacking in diligence) in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing instant (steadfastly) in prayer; Distributing to the necessities (needs) of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one to another. Mind not (do not set your mind on) high things, but condescend to men of low estate (associate with the humble). Be not wise in your own conceits (estimation). 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.12:9-18) Oh mih breddren, yuh see the great difference between the two types of characters available to us? And the last one (see also Col.3:12-17) is that which we’re supposed to pursue and present as Christians, as true followers of Christ. But obviously we’re not following it as closely and perfectly as we should, otherwise Christ’s church and society as a whole, would not be in the state of confusion, turmoil and strife they’re currently in. Therefore Friends, I’m pleading with us today to seriously and consciously try to improve our lives and the image we portray to others as Christians by adopting more of the good habits and discarding the bad ones. And if we consistently do what’s right, then at the end, we’ll be able to give a last testament like Bruh Paul. ‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim.4:6-8) Oh my brethren, that’s what we should all be striving for in this earthly pilgrimage! May the Lord help us all to achieve it. Much LOVE!…to win the race of life…we must first discard the character of the old man…then put on that of the new creation in Christ Jesus…
11 Mar 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: blessings, cloud of witnesses, confidence, disobedience, endurance, enthusiasm, families, God of action, God's glorious kingdom, holy spirit, intensity, jobs, justice, labour time, lies, life's race, living God, Monday Morning, mysterious manner, obedience, perseverance, practice, punishment, put aside sin, race set before us, rejuvenation of spirit, religion, responsibilities, righteousness., run with patience, spiritual armour, spirituality, steadfast faith, sure conquerors, theology, things of earth, things of heaven, vitality, wiles
Hebrews 12:1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! Time to rise and shine and get ourselves ready to go out and labour! Time to joyfully shout,’TGIM! Thank God it’s Monday!’ the same way we shout ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ I know that’s not happening right now, but somehow in the near future I’m convinced it’s going to happen, because then we’ll all really become true believers and enthusiastically do what needs to be done to fight for Jesus and His most worthwhile cause. And yuh know, in that mysterious manner of our great God, yesterday morning I heard a song on the radio that I think speaks to our problem. The singer first tells us how Jesus left His heavenly home, where the living was easy, came to earth, was abused and mistreated by us humans, then sacrificed His sinless life on the cross at Calvary, was risen, and ascended into heaven to prepare a place so that you and I can go to spend eternity with Him. Then the vocalist poses this most interesting question: ‘What else do you want Jesus to do?’ And the question caused me to ponder it for a moment, cause surprisingly I’ve never really heard it put that way before. But my Friends, if we seriously consider the question, then we’ll be forced to truthfully conclude that the answer is nothing else. That’s because there’s nothing else for Him to truly do! He’s done His part in our covenant, over and above too, but now it’s up to us to do ours. And that’s basically our problem today; we lead a fairly easy and comfortable life and we don’t want to get up off of our fat rear ends and do what we ought to do. But yet we still expect to receive all the goodies that God’s promised. I’m sorry my people, but it doesn’t work so with our God of supreme justice and righteousness. He LOVES us a million fold, but He will not put up with our laziness and/or procrastination. Remember, obedience brings blessings, but disobedience entails punishment! So please, let’s band our bellies nuh, and stand up strong and steadfast and do our parts, and stop disappointing Jesus with our half-hearted, lacklustre, often hypocritical efforts. And the first move in that direction is to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with amazing enthusiasm and sincerity. As one great choir now, let’s rock heaven and earth: ‘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!’ Now that wasn’t bad, but still not as good as it ought to be. Interestingly enough though, a semblance of a smile crossed Jesus’ face, as He looked at the Father with a positive nod, indicating some improvement over last week’s rendition. (smile) That brings us to our Bit, wise advice from the author of Hebrews to all believers. ‘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 (ensnares) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance, endurance) the race that is set before us.’ And how do we do that? By ‘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 the throne of God.’ (Heb.12:2) And the scholars tell us that ‘Just as verse 1 establishes some qualities for the entrance into and the actual running of life’s race, so verse 2 directs one’s eyes to the finish line. Jesus is the author and finisher in that He has already blazed the trail and finished the course.’ So my brethren, it’s not like we have to blaze a completely new trail with our Christian living, because Jesus has already done that. All we have to do now is follow His lead, which unfortunately is proving extremely difficult for too many of us. And you know that Jesus didn’t have it easy, and warned that His followers wouldn’t have it easy either; ‘but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) And since we now have the belly and backbone of Jesus through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, we therefore have the ability to run that race set before us with good strength, endurance and perseverance. But like anything else, to improve, we need to practice and train seriously. And Friends, that’s where we’re falling down; we’re not practising and training with enough intensity and seriousness, as though we really want to run this race and win it. But here’s the first step we all need to take, as Bruh Paul so wisely tells the newly minted Colossian Christians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.’ (Col.3:1-2) Yes my brethren, we have to put our minds to things like developing a deeper knowledge and understanding of Jesus, and thus a closer relationship with Him, developing godly virtues and putting them into action, and fulfilling our responsibilities both at home and abroad, because as I keep reminding us, our God is a living God, a God of action, and to be like Him, we must also be action oriented. So let’s get some serious action going nuh. Much LOVE!…stand up, stand up for Jesus…the trumpet call obey…till every foe is vanquished…and Christ is Lord indeed…
10 Mar 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Advocate, citizens of heaven, cloud of witnesses, Daylight Savings Time, discipline, don't give up, endurance, faithful Christian, grow in Christ, heavenly wisdom, hebrews 12, heroes of faith, human-rights, intercession, Jesus Christ, make memories for tomorrow, mature Christian, nefarious activities, perseverance, preparedness, regret yesterday, religion, run the race, run with patience, sin, step up to the plate, theology, understanding the Word, waste today
Hebrews 12:1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Well Friends, the deed has been done! It’s now Daylight Savings time! By just moving the hands of the clock around, we have supposedly gained an hour of daylight. As I said yesterday, I don’t think this time change benefits the ordinary citizen. In fact I saw a blurb where it reportedly causes heart and sleep problems. Anyway, no use crying over spilt milk now. We just have to grin and make the most of it. However, being citizens of heaven, followers of Jesus Christ, the One who defeated death and the grave, the One who rose victorious the third day, then ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of our heavenly Father, as our Advocate, making positive intercession for us, that means a little thing like an hour here on earth won’t bother us, when we have the whole of eternity to look forward to with the Holy Trinity. (smile) But in spite of all that, I’m still going to share and strongly advise us to accept this wise bit of advice from Laura Palmer. Now there are several Laura Palmers’ listed on the Web. Some of you might know Laura Palmer as a character on the T.V. show, Twin Peaks, but I can assure you that this is not her advice, neither is it from the porn star by that name, because the Devotional I got that from was written long before Twin Peaks ever aired, or that lady engaged in her nefarious activities. (smile) I believe it comes from a New York author and journalist by that name. Anyway, she rightly says: ‘Don’t waste today regretting yesterday instead of making a memory for tomorrow.’ And that’s heavenly wisdom Friends! Too many of us waste the day in front of us, pining after and beating up ourselves over our mistakes of the day before, when we should be using today to do better than we did yesterday. Remember my people, when we get to the winter of our years, all we’ll probably have are our memories to look back on, and who really wants to have miserable memories to rehash eh? Nobody really. For as the Johnny Bristol song warns: ‘Memories don’t leave, like people do. They always stay with you. Whether they’ve been good or bad. They’re all that you have.’ So please let’s use today fruitfully, and run the race that the Lord has planned for us. As the author of Hebrews advises in our Bit: ‘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 (perseverance, endurance) the race that is set before us.’ Now let’s get to what the scholars have to say about our Bit. And it sure is plenty. ‘The present exhortation to run finds its basis in the examples of the champions mentioned in chapter 11. These heroes of faith are like a cloud of witnesses. As “witnesses” (Gr. marturon) they are sometimes regarded as spectators (Gr. theatai) or as martyrs; yet this Greek word should be understood as referring simply to those who testify or witness. The emphasis is on the witness provided by their living by faith. This race of faith is provided by three modifying statements. First, it is to be run by laying aside every weight. This refers to the impediments that weigh one down, whether clothing or excessive body weight. These things are not inherently wrong, but for the diligent runner or the faithful Christian they must be removed. Second, it is to be run by putting off the entangling sin. This seems to refer to the one sin above all others that defeats a Christian. This may be a different sin for each individual. Third, it is to be run with patience (Gr. hypomones). Since patience is not an attribute commonly associated with running, this word would be better translated as endurance. Endurance and persistence have been on the author’s mind since the end of chapter 10. (cf. 10:32, 36-38, 11:13)’ Whew! I know some of you are going to complain about all that info, but that’s exactly what we’re talking about; stepping up to the plate and throwing off everything that prevents us from living the life the Lord wants us to live. And the Word plays a huge part in enabling us to do it. So if you don’t understand what the Word’s saying, then you obviously won’t be able to respond to it properly. Oh my brethren, to grow and mature in Christ, we have to grow and mature in understanding the Word, which isn’t always easy, and that’s what I’m trying to help us do here with the Bit. So please don’t get frustrated and give up if sometimes it seems to be a bit much and also somewhat difficult. That’s why we were told to look to those other witnesses who had it hard, but continued living by faith, not giving up. That’s also why Bruh Paul told the Corinthians: ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’ (1 Cor.9:24) And here too, the scholars’ have some good historical info. ‘Paul draws on a scene familiar to his Corinthian readers in order to drive home his point. The Isthmian Games were an athletic event known to all of his readers. They were held on alternate summers in the vicinity of Corinth. It was an event not to be missed by anyone of importance in all parts of Greece. As a national institution, it was as familiar to his readers as modern football to most Americans.’ So now my brethren, we know what race Bruh Paul was talking about in his famous monologue. But I think that’s enough for today. We’ve taken on a lot of info, so please let’s ponder it, let’s seriously consider today’s lesson. Read, mark and inwardly digest it, because we’ll be having a test on it tomorrow. And anyone who fails will have to write it over again. (smile) Don’t feel badly, because I have to write it too, and thus I have to do like Bruh Paul. ‘But I keep under (discipline) my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (disqualified).’ (1Cor.9:27) Yeh Friends, I’ve got to and study too, lest after teaching you, I fail the test. (smile) That would certainly be disastrous. Much LOVE!…to run any race successfully…the runner must be well trained and well prepared…physically, mentally and emotionally…
26 Dec 2012
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Boxing Day, Christmas Prayer, come boldly before the throne of grace, commercialism, eternal separation from God, God's LOVE, hearts that hurt, hebrews 12, holy spirit, Jesus, look to Jesus, please the flesh, run with patience, the author and finisher of our faith, the race of glory, thoughts of God, vicissitudes of life
Hebrews 12:2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher 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 the throne of God.
Oh Friends, it’s Boxing Day! We’re one day older and closer to the beautiful shores of heaven! Hallelujah! But right now I have to chuckle, though without any real mirth, at the vicissitudes of life. Yesterday morning I woke up tired because I didn’t get enough sleep, meanwhile today, I’m still getting up tired, with my back aching too, possibly because I rested too much. Hn! How to please the flesh eh? Impossible, is the answer! I guess that’s why Jesus so strongly advised us to first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then everything else would fall into place naturally. (Matt.16:33) That surely is good advice this Boxing Day of 2012 my people, where too many of us will be afflicted by the commercialism of the age, the urgent desire to go out and shop in the myriad of sales that have come to denote the day. Anyway, here’s ‘A Christmas Prayer’ from Dr. Robert H. Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional, I was led to share with you. And I like Dr. Schuller’s prayers because they seem so alive, so vibrant, brimming with life, boldness and confidence, as per the author of Hebrews advice. ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb.4:16) The scholars’ note on that verse is also very interesting. ‘Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest. The figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed.’ Now here’s Dr Schuller’s Christmas prayer, as promised. ‘You lead me Jesus Christ, to thoughts of God. I see you in a manger carved from a tree. I see you as a young man with hands that reach to touch hearts that hurt. Your caring reaches out like the strong and kind branches of a gentle tree reach out to invite the road-weary and travel-worn wayfarers to quiet rest. I see you again hanging on a tree with outstretched arms taking in the whole world. From your cross, you show me that God will stop at nothing to save my soul. So, I celebrate God’s LOVE today as I celebrate your birth around a twinkling Christmas tree. I pray my life, like yours, O Lord, may be tall and upright as a pine tree pointing, reaching, sharing, sparkling, life-giving, solid, sturdy, strong-rooted in God’s LOVE, a beautiful soul, evergreen forever. Amen.’ Oh Friends, it would be ever so wonderful if our lives could take on even a small amount of the uprightness and sturdiness of Christ’s life before His heavenly Father! And that’s what we’re supposed to be all working towards, with the generous help and guidance of His Holy Spirit that indwells us. But unfortunately too many of us are eschewing the good, but difficult spiritual life of God’s kingdom, for the easy, but destructive and death-inducing fleshly lusts of the world. This ought not to be so my brethren, especially since we all know that the things of this world lead to eternal separation from God. Therefore, today, in the midst of this Christmas season, where we joyfully celebrate the incarnate birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, I urge us to change the direction of our lives. Instead of looking to Lucifer and man for security and sustenance, please look to Jesus instead, because only the things we get from Him will last, will survive the sure destruction of this earth. And as the writer of Hebrews – who can only be Bruh Paul, judging from the style and overall wealth of knowledge shown – advises us about running this earthly race in the verse before our Bit: ‘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 (perseverance) the race that is set before us.’ (Heb.12:1) Excellent advice Friends! But how do we do that with any measure of success? By taking the words of our Bit to heart. ‘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 the throne of God.’Yes my fellow believers, that’s indeed the perfect advice, the advice we so badly need in this evil and ungodly age! So beginning today, RIGHT NOW, let us throw off all the earthly baggage, both literal and figurative, that weighs us down, and just keep looking towards Jesus, who’s already run the race of glory – and won it- already blazed the trail for us to follow. That’s wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE my brethren!…only by looking up to Jesus…can we see the wonders of heaven…from down here on earth…
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