Man’s Basic Duty is to Fear (Reverence) Almighty God, and to Obey His Commandments!

14 Oct 2025 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ecclesiastes 2:24a.        There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.

And then it was Tuesday…and all the thanksgiving celebrations finish…and we back to the same old daily grind and common task. (smile) But that’s what life is all about, doing the same routine and ofttimes boring and frustrating tasks every day. And that’s good for us, because it teaches us patience and not to expect life to be one jolly party all the time, and learn that work and play are essential, but work takes first place, for if you don’t work, you cannot afford to play. (smile) And some wise words from Cousin Sol, as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, might help us better understand what life is all about. 

He says: ‘One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever… All things are full of labour (wearisome); man cannot utter (express) it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.’ (Eccl. 1:4; 8-9) And that’s basically true; life is a roller coaster ride, and most of what happens now, has happened before, and will most likely happen again, although it might take a different form and shape or intensity.

Yes friends, Cousin Sol with his wealth and wisdom took to studying life, and in Chapter 2, according to the scholars ‘he pursued fulfillment through pleasure, wine, great artistic works, wealth, aesthetic and artistic pleasures and fame. However, all of these failed to bring lasting satisfaction to the wisest man of all time, yet people three thousand years later are still trying them in search of enduring fulfillment.’ And we see it all around the world where we’re trying every avenue possible to find some sense of lasting fulfillment. 

But after discovering that wisdom exceeds folly, as far as light excelleth darkness (Eccl. 2:13) and that man’s day are filled with sorrow, (Eccl. 2:18-23) Cousin Sol comes to the conclusion: ‘There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto (have enjoyment), more than I? For God giveth to a man that (who) is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail to gather and to heap up (the task of gathering and collecting), that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity (futility) and vexation of spirit (a grasping for the wind).’ (Eccl. 2:24-26) 

Ah mih people, although Cousin Sol found that a lot of life was futile because we try to find fulfillment in material accomplishment, but then have to leave the fruit of our labour behind for someone else to enjoy or waste, he still maintained that the best way to live this life is to enjoy it and work as though it is all a gift from God. As the scholars explain: ‘When a man toils in his own strength, he is bound to suffer pain and grief. The answer then is for him to enjoy his work by receiving it as a gift of God. Elsewhere work is said to be part of God’s curse on man (Gen. 3:17-19), but it can become the sphere of God’s blessing.’ 

And if we hope to get through these tough and perilous times, then that’s exactly how we ought to consider work; as a gift from God. Remember, there are lots of folks out there who don’t have a job, and although they do their best to get one, just cannot do so, which obviously causes them all sorts of struggles and suffering. Therefore, for those of us who are blessed to have a job, we ought to stop complaining about it, and instead enjoy it as the gift of God, by which we are able to eat, clothe and cover ourselves and our families. And yes, the job might not be the greatest, but it’s a job, and there are many out there who would be glad to have it. 

However, we need to take Cousin Sol’s wise advice very seriously, for if the wisest and richest man ever tried to find fulfillment in life and material things and personal pleasures, and found it all futile and wasteful, why are we still running down those things trying to find fulfillment in them eh? Remember, the ONLY place that one can find true fulfillment is in God. Bruh Paul wrote it thus to the Colossians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.’ (Col. 3:1-4) 

Yes friends, to find true fulfillment down here, we have to give up all the earthly vices and lusts and instead concentrate on the good things that are above. And as Bruh Paul later says, ‘put off the old man with all his deeds …and put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.’ (Col. 3:9-10) That means in the image of Jesus, the plan that God has for all of His human creation. Meanwhile, Jesus also advised us on the finding of fulfillment, when in the Sermon on the Mount, He instructed us to stop worrying about clothes, food and shelter: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

So, enjoying the good things of life is not wrong, but the real duty of man is like Cousin Sol says at the end of Ecclesiastes. ‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every evil work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl. 12:13-14) And that’s exactly what the Bible tells us from Genesis right back to Revelation: God is Supreme, and He will manifest the works of mankind in His own time. 

Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Wail, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having made that declaration, (awright!!!) we’re now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

the best advice…obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him… (Dr. Charles Stanley).

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Absolute Necessity for Believers to Concentrate on Heavenly not Earthly Things!

07 Nov 2024 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:1.        If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

And then it was Thursday; sunny and bright, but windy and somewhat chilly, with the warm weather of the last few days disappearing, the same way it surprisingly occurred. (smile)  And today we want to share an interesting and most appropriate prayer from the pamphlet of Prayers Through the Ages, recently put out by the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, that we sampled last week. This prayer is credited to one John Henry Newman, 1801-1890. 

So please pray with me: ‘Give me grace, O my Father, to be utterly ashamed of my own reluctance. Rouse me from sloth and coldness, and make me desire you with my whole heart. Teach me to LOVE meditation, sacred reading, and prayer. Teach me to LOVE that which must engage my mind for all eternity. Amen.’ 

Now my brethren, wouldn’t you say that many of us surely need the stuff that Mr. Newman was asking for way back when? We surely do! Talk about sloth and coldness…we supposed believers exhibit that behaviour oftentimes more than the unbelievers! And it’s obvious that we don’t desire God with our whole hearts. In fact too many of us don’t desire Him at all. Otherwise our world would not be in such a disastrous and disgraceful state.  

And talking of meditation, sacred reading and prayer…Wow! Too many of us don’t even know what they are, much less to practice them continuously and fervently! Again, that’s one of the reasons why our world is sin such shambles; not enough sincere time spent in God’s word, neither enough communication with Him through prayer. 

For as we spoke yesterday, a society that doesn’t have the moral and spiritual direction of Almighty God will surely end in chaos and destruction before too long, for it’s the moral and spiritual fibre of a society that keeps it working in harmony and longevity. And it’s obvious that too many of us don’t keep our minds on the things that ought to ‘engage our minds for all eternity,’ that’s keep our thoughts on things above instead of on the lustful and prideful things of the earth. 

Bruh Paul wrote it thus to the Colossians: ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col. 3:1-3) Yes friends, if we died to our sins with Christ, then we can’t continue to live for the things of the earth.  

And to the Philippians Bruh Paul gave some practical examples of what those things ought to be. ‘He writes: ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (noble), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise (anything praiseworthy), think on these things. Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.’ (Phil. 4:8-9) 

So there we have some of the better things to think on while we live with and for Christ here on this fallen earth. And isn’t the conversation between Peter and Jesus interesting, after He told the disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things at the hands of the scribes and Pharisees, be killed, then be raised on the third day. (Matt. 16:21) 

The Bible tells us: ‘Then Peter took him (aside), and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord (God be merciful to you): this shall not be unto thee. But he turned and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not (are not mindful of) the things that be of God, but those that be of men.’ (Matt. 16:22-23) 

And the scholars offer these explanations on those verses. As per His remark about ‘Satan: The Lord recognized in Peter’s words a repetition of the temptations to avoid the cross that He had undergone in the wilderness. The word translated offence means a “trap” or “snare.” Savourest means “You don’t look at things from God’s point of view, but from man’s.” It occurs in Romans 8:5 and Philippians 2:5, meaning to adopt and maintain an attitude of mind upon which one’s life and actions are based.’ 

And too many of us are certainly guilty of looking at the things of men rather than those of God. As Bruh Paul said to the church at Rome: ‘For they that are after the flesh do mind (set their minds on) the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.’ (Rom. 8:5-9) 

That says it loud and clear my fellow believers; we can’t be both of the flesh and the Spirit at the same time, riding the fence, like so many of us try to do. It’s either one or the other. And we do have so many things that enable us to think of the things of God, if we use them. For instance these undeserved blessings that we call our Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. So let’s declare them right now, so that they can be activated in us.

 Altogether: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those blessings, we’re now duty bound to go out and use for the benefit of others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…if we intend to spend eternity in heaven…then we ought to keep our minds on the things of heaven…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Overwhelming Importance of LOVE in Our World!

26 Oct 2024 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 22:37.        Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Oh, it’s another sunshiny day in my area, though somewhat blustery, with seasonal temperatures, and the leaves are now truly beginning to fall. But that’s what fall is all about; blowing wind and falling colourful leaves with some rain. And though it’s all good when the sun shines, we haven’t seen the other part of the equation, that’s rain, for almost a couple of weeks now, although it’s been promised several times by the weather people. 

And until such time as the rain decides to bless us, we’ll just have to grin and painfully bear the sunshine. (smile) And I did have a nice li’l lazy day Saturday reprieve, as I went to bed rather late this morning. But enough with the unimportant stuff, let’s get to our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer and offer it up with all sincerity and truth. 

As one voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

Ah friends, there’s’ nothing better than achieving more intimacy with God, of going deeper and deeper into His presence! And that’s only possible when we sincerely seek Him, as Jesus explains. ‘Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt. 22:37-40) 

Yes my fellow believers, the abiding principle in the law of God, is LOVE! That’s His greatest attribute, and what should be the prevailing sentiments and emotions on His earth. But it certainly is not. For hate, anger, resentment, strife, greed, jealousy and all the other negative sentiments and emotions are currently ruling the world. LOVE is a forgotten word, and even when remembered, it’s merely bandied about trivially, with no real respect for it’s true meaning. 

And with the negative emotions in prominence, there’s no wonder that our world is in a state of chaos, and fading fast away as the negatives become even more prevalent, and LOVE recedes even further into the background. And the scriptures warn us about the very bad effects of those negative attitudes. 

Listen to this one from that famous Psalm 37 – Trust in the Lord. Bruh David spells it out loud and clear. ‘Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:8-9) 

And Jesus said it thus in the Sermon on the Mount, as He taught the Beatitudes: ‘Blessed are the meek, for thy shall inherit the earth.’ (Matt. 5:5) Yes, my brethren, the meek are those that have humbled themselves before God, have strength and power, but don’t abuse it, they can control their sinful urges, and instead wait on God’s direction to use His gifts for the good purposes He desires. 

Meanwhile, Bruh Paul had this to say to the Colossians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore (put to death) your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry: 

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:’ (Col. 3:1-10) 

And that’s how it ought to be when we receive Christ as Saviour! We put away the sinful things of our old life and take up the new and LOVING things of God! Looking more unto the incorruptible things of heaven, than the corruptible things of the earth. Unfortunately though, too many supposed Christians are still indulging too much in the things of the world and not enough in the things of heaven. We are allowing the things of the world to influence us too much. 

Remember what Jesus said in His prayer for the disciples? ‘They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them (set them apart) through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.’ (John 17:16-19) 

Yes my fellow believers, Jesus sent us into the world to continue His task of bringing sinners to repentance, and like Him, we are NOT supposed to allow the world to instill their worldly thoughts into us, because we know the truth, which is God’s Word. We do have to dwell IN the world to be able to do His work, but we don’t have to be OF the world. And that’s where many of us are falling down in our Christian walk. We’re allowing the ungodly and sinful things of the world to seep into our souls and spirits, thus negating the work we should be doing for Christ. 

Thus Satan is winning the battle over us, as John says in his first epistle. ‘For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh (physical desires), and the lust of the eyes (personal desires), and the pride of life (self-interests), is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.’ (1 John 2:16-17) 

Oh my fellow  saints, our world is going through a very rough time right now, and consequently we are suffering more than is necessary, but we only have ourselves to blame for the terrible state of God’s great earth. For, if all the supposed Christians would get up and live more of the true Christian life, we would not be in such a dire state of tremendous trials and tribulations. And, only as we seriously stand up and fight the good fight for Christ, will things ever improve. Let’s go home considering that today nuh, in light of what it will mean for our children’s children and their children. Much LOVE!

…only as true LOVE comes back into our world…will it ever improve…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 December 2022 Colossians 3:2.

28 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:2.       Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.

Can you believe it’s already Wednesday, the middle of the work week! And today is the first day some people are going out to work! It’s sure good to have Christmas fall on the weekend. But I wonder how much work is going to get done this week, with the Christmas celebrations still holding us in grip, and all the exciting and wonderful memories we have to share. Then, adding the upcoming New Year’s Eve excitement, with all the amazing plans in store, I’m sure not much work will be done in next the few days. (smile) 

You can’t do much about it, because that’s just the nature of the human animal. But as followers of Christ Jesus, we are expected to always put our best foot forward and do what we’re getting paid to do, for though our employer might not be watching us, the Lord is certainly watching and evaluating us. Remember the words of Bruh Paul to the church at Colossae. ‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance (salvation): for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ (Col. 3:23-24) 

And though Bruh Paul was referring there particularly to the slaves of men, it also applies to us, possibly even more, because we are servants of the Living God. So, generally speaking we should not abuse our privileges at work, but do our best all the time, not only when our employer is watching. And since the year is coming to an end, and we’re talking about always doing our best for Christ’s sake, I guess it’s apropos for us to consider a couple of things that we should endeavour to accomplish in 2023. 

Like seeking the things that are above, as Bruh Paul explains to the Colossians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col. 3:1-3) 

And the scholars explain that situation thus. ‘As all wisdom and knowledge reside in Christ (2:3) (In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.) So, the believer’s new life is stored up in Him. This means that the Christian life belongs to the spiritual or heavenly realm. Jesus is in intimate relation with God; so are his followers. And since the Colossians (and us) now belong to the heavenly realm and are intimate with God, they (we) should seek those matters and interests pertaining to heaven and not to earth.’ 

Yes my fellow believers, as followers of Christ, it’s essential that we concentrate on heavenly things and not all the ungodly things of the earth. Stuff like ‘current heretical philosophies, legalistic practices, and vices, nor should we dwell on things that are not wrong in themselves, (houses, jobs, careers, ambitions etc.) but can be wrong should they become priorities over Christ.’ And it’s ever so easy for us to make things of this world take priority over Christ, which makes whatever it is an idol! 

It’s therefore important in this coming year to have our priorities in proper order. Which, as Christ so plainly declared: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Now that’s been our proverbial problem. We say we believe it, but we don’t act like we do. We still go out and try to make all the things we want happen in our own way and time, and only when we are unsuccessful, do we remember to turn to God. 

That brings us back to Bruh Paul’s advice to the Colossians, where he says: ‘When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore (put to death) your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry.’ (Col. 2:5) That means ‘put to death all the various sins that exist, and seek to express themselves through different “members” of the human body. Inasmuch as they “are dead” to sin (vs. 3), they are to make this death to the old life a reality in daily living.’ Now that should be one of our major goals for this new year; being truly dead to sin in our daily lives. 

And Bruh Paul continues: ‘For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.’ (Col. 3:6-9) 

And what a wonderful world we would have if just we believers would do as directed and give up the things of our old lives, before salvation, before receiving Christ as Saviour! That’s because we still do too much of that stuff; too much worldly thinking and sinful acts. We still engage in too much anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and evil communication. If we just stopped or even lessened those five things, there would be such a great improvement in our individual lives, the church and the world at large. 

Now it’s not that difficult to do, if we concentrate on Christ’s direction: ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye have LOVE one to another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) And why can’t we have LOVE to each other eh my fellow saints? If we would just do what we are supposed to, then there’d be no cause for all the negative stuff that’s currently taking place among believers. 

And Peter puts it this way: ‘And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover the multitude of sins.’ (1 Pet. 4:8) Oh my people, LOVING each other is not always easy, but with God’s help we can certainly do much better than we’re now doing. And that’s what is expected of us in this new year of 2023. Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ. 

Altogether: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And we like to add this l’il bit of encouragement. If we endure right down to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, let’s hang in there right to the very end nuh! Much LOVE!

…our world can be made better…if we believers make ourselves better…  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ      

Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 June 2022 Colossians 3:2.

10 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:2.      Set you affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. 

And then, finally, it was Friday… and numerous shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ rise to heaven. Sadly, many of us don’t acknowledge God or His presence except on Fridays when our work week is winding down. But that’s just why our lives are in such a sad state, for without our Creator guiding our lives, in total control of them, we can never have real prosperous, peaceful and LOVING earthly sojourns. That’s why Bruh Paul wrote thus to the Colossians about the new life in Christ. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ (Col. 3:1) 

Yes friends, if we have found Jesus, have suffered, died and risen with him, then our lives ought to be headed in a different direction than that of the world. If we’ve been freed from sin, through His sacrificial payment of our sin debt, then a new life must be in our future, with all the old ways, habits, values, vices, interests and sins left behind. And it’s also the reason Bruh Paul said to the church at Corinth: ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:17) 

And the scholars explain ‘that when a man comes into vital union with the risen and glorified Lord, he is a “new creation” (cf. John 3:3; 15:5; Rom. 8:1,9; Gal. 6:14-15) and perceives Christ in a new way.’ And that new way ought to be a continual way until one sees Jesus in person, because if we continually abide in Him, He will continually abide in us. As Jesus so plainly said to the disciples. ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:4-5) 

And that’s the indisputable truth my people! Without Christ playing a significant part in our lives, we are unable to do very much. But with Him in our lives, ALL things are possible through His omnipotent power and strength! Yes my brethren, we can conquer sin when, and because Christ lives in us. But first, there are a few things we need to do. Like Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Colossae. ‘Set you affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col. 3:2-3) 

That means, as the scholars tell us, ‘not to be preoccupied with things on the earth, such as current heretical philosophies (2:8), legalistic practices (2:16, 21-23), and vices (3:5); 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.’ 

Ah mih people, anything or anyone that takes priority over Christ in our lives causes problems. And believe me, we are being bombarded with so much stuff right now, that it’s not very difficult for something or things to rise up and replace Christ as NUMBER ONE in our lives. The sad part is that it can happen unconsciously too, that’s why we have to be very careful of what we think on and what we do. And since our life now belongs to Christ, having bought us with His precious blood shed on the cross of Calvary, and who now sits in heavenly places, our concerns should be more about heavenly than earthly things. 

That doesn’t mean earthly things are not important, but we are not to put greater emphasis on them than the things that relate to Christ and heaven. As Jesus said: ‘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. 6:16-21) 

And that’s the gospel truth friends! As an article on the subject on the website gotquestions.org rightly explains. ‘Whatever we focus on dictates our actions. When we focus on earthly success and wealth, we will expend our energies on earthly matters. However, when we focus on God’s priorities, our actions will reflect different priorities—and our reward in heaven will last forever.’ 

That’s more gospel truth! And no wonder our world is in such a confused and strife-filled state; our priorities have been out of focus, with a greater concentration on the things of earth rather than those of heaven. So let’s see if we can correct some of that poor focus nuh, by going to God in prayer through our Friday Chant, asking for divine help to get twenty-twenty vision. 

As one confident but humble voice. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and our many other problems are causing. We can’t seem to fix it on our own Lord, that means we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 

So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, and avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. 

And please introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

Now it’s up to us to keep our promises so that God will help us to change our focus. Much LOVE!

…focus on earthly treasure means total eventual loss…focus on heavenly things…means treasure safely stored up for eternal life.. 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​           

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 September 2021 Colossians 3:2.

04 Sep 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:2.     Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.

Saturday, oh blessed lazy Saturday! Are we ever so glad to see you on this Labour Day long weekend. Hope you don’t have too many serious plans for me; except those that include lazing around and frolicking. Yes, I do know that the Covid 19 virus and its dangerous family are still lurking somewhere in the weeds, just waiting to catch and kill gullible, unsuspecting, unprepared folks, but I pray I won’t be one of those, because of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ that’s leading and guiding me. 

And all God’s children gave a grateful shout of ‘Thank You Jesus!’ Yes, friends, there’s an awful lot we have to be thankful to Him for. However, He doesn’t just want word of mouth thanks, but a beautiful showing of it in our behaviour, in our everyday living, as we be the salt of the earth and the light of the world in His glorious name! 

So let’s try and concentrate on living the way He wants us to nuh. Let’s make it our top priority this Labour Day Saturday morning, even when we just lazing around or frolicking, because there is a time for each of those activities. As Cousin Sol so wisely says, as the Preacher. ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.’ (Eccl. 3:1) 

And seeing that it’s Saturday, our purpose today is to check out the quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week. (smile) Listen to this first one: ‘I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.’ And that’s true. We can go almost wherever we want to go, if we want it badly enough. But the problem here, is where do we want to go so badly that we will do anything to get there? 

The truth of the matter is that too many of us want things that don’t really do any good for us, like worldly pleasures and accoutrements, and we just die, ofttimes sell our souls to get them. And that’s not wise my brethren, for as Jesus says: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) And as Bruh Paul further reminds us: ‘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) 

In other words friends, we are not to focus on anything, be it good or bad, that will lead us away, and not towards our heavenly Father. And sometimes when we do go astray, this next quote can be helpful. ‘When people care for you and cry for you, they can straighten out your soul.’ Ah mih bredrin, that’s the beauty of having people in your life that care enough to cry and pray for you in those times when you seem to have lost your way. 

Oh, we don’t need a truckload of people praying and crying for us, just a serious and righteous few who will get through to God with their prayers, and to us with their tears! A praying and caring group of people around us is one of the most important assets we can ever have in this sinful and evil world. 

That leads us to these next two quotes which are basically the same. ‘Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.’ ‘That is the definition of faith – acceptance of that which we imagine to be true, that which we cannot prove.’ And indeed, so it is my fellow saints in Christ! As the Good Book tells us: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1) Faith is having hope in our hearts, believing for things that we do not yet see in reality. And as the quote says above ‘the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.’ 

Wow! How wonderful is that eh? And that’s the way God’s economy works my people! You believe, then you see! Not like the world acclaims: that seeing is believing, and touching is the naked truth! And that’s the unwavering kind of faith we need to believe in Christ Jesus and all the many promises He’s made us. Listen to how God’s Word puts it nuh. ‘Through faith we understand that the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible).’ (Heb. 11:3) 

That’s the first basis, the very foundation of our faith friends; to believe that God spoke the world into existence, made something from nothing! And if you can’t believe that, then faith in Jehovah God is not possible. For His Word also tells us: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) And all God’s children said a loud ‘Amen!’ Yes, my faithful brethren, we do need to say, ‘So let it be!’ Why? Because that’s how it is, how God desires it, and we can’t change it. 

That brings us to this last quote, another interesting one. ‘I believe every one of us is born with a purpose. No matter who you are, what you do, or how far you think you have to go, you have been tapped by a force greater than yourself to step into your God-given calling.’ And if that isn’t the indisputable truth, I don’t know what is nuh! That’s because from the day God created man, He appointed him to a purpose. Adam and Eve were to look after the Garden of Eden, be fruitful and multiply, live in LOVE with each other and have a close relationship with God. 

And though they spoiled the good thing they had, God’s desires and purposes for His most wonderful creation did not change. Hear what He said through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’ (Jer. 29:11) And God kept that promise in spades, gave us the option for a future and a hope, when He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die in our place, so that we could be reconciled to Him and have eternal life! 

How much more can He do eh? He’s also a God of justice, which means He has to fulfil the law, and the law said, the wages of sin is death, so He couldn’t just pardon us willy nilly, otherwise He wouldn’t be fulfilling His righteous purpose as a judge. If we were to be forgiven and live in everlasting righteousness with Him, some sinless somebody had to pay for all the sins in the world, and Jesus was the only sinless somebody available. That way God satisfied His promises to give us a future and a hope, and also satisfied His eminent position of a righteous judge; that is justice must not only be done, but also seem to be done. 

So, God has done everything He can to bring us back into sincere fellowship with Him, because that was one of His original purposes for creating us. The rest is now up to us; whether we receive Christ as Lord and Saviour, or follow the foolish ex-archangel Lucifer to the eternal damnation. The choice is yours my friends! But as for me and my house…we will serve the Lord.’ (Josh. 24:15) Much LOVE!

…oh faith…please help me to believe what I don’t see…                                                                                                    

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8         

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 September 2020 Romans 8:18.

11 Sep 2020 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Romans 8:18.     ​For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

And it’s another damp and cloudy morning…but this one is Friday! Whoopee de! And if it turns out as decent as yesterday, then things should be all right. Oh friends, things will be all right regardless of the weather! Remember we have Jesus, His Holy Spirit dwelling within us, to lead and guide us, and we are also with Him, and that’s a combination nothing in this evil world can ever beat. Let’s remember that God and anyone of us, are always a majority! Glory be! So with that in mind, like I promised yesterday, if the Lord willed, and it looks like He wills, (smile) we’d consider some of the awesome scripture that we couldn’t get to back then. 

But before we get to them, let’s hear what the ordinary workingman has to say nuh. And he always opens his monologue with the same basic words, though the emphasis varies according to his state of mind. And today’s mood seems somewhat less than effusive. (smile) ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday oui! And ah really glad for this weekend yes, although I only working four days this week, what with the Labour Day holiday on Monday. For some reason though, ah more tired than usual, and I just can’t put mih finger on why. 

Steups! Now isn’t that the most irritating thing? Yuh not feeling right, but yuh can’t figure out why! Chuh man! Ah just feeling low down for no reason at all. Ah feeling drained of energy…and is not like ah work so hard this week. To be honest, I didn’t do a whole lot, so why this lousy feeling eh?. Ah don’t think ah catching a cold… so what else eh…? Heaven forbid ah pick up this Covid-19 thing yes! Ah hear is so it start…you losing energy and feeling tired, then developing a fever and cold symptoms. 

But ah not feeling feverish, or like the cold coming on… so where the hell could I have caught that nonsense eh? I didn’t go nowhere else beside work this week…unless is the li’l gathering we went to by mih in-laws on Labour Day. But everybody there was family…and we been seeing each other without mask for some time now… Oh forget the worrying yes, whatever happens going to happen, worrying not going to make it better. Later on ah going to get a few stiff ones, and that going to drive all the blues and worries away. Thank God for Fridays and weekends yes!’ 

Ah mih people, that’s how the enemy works; throw out a li’l doubt and worry, then slowly rope you in like a fish on a line. Good for the ordinary workingman, he decided not to fall for the enemy’s wiles. However, sadly, many of us believers fall for it. That brings us to our Bit, the same as yesterday. ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’ Most definitely my fellow saints in Christ! Our ‘sufferations’ down here will seem like child’s play when we see what’s stored up in heaven for us. But enough of my talking let’s get to the truth; the Word of the Lord. 

Hear Bruh Paul to the Corinthians. ‘For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.’ (2 Cor. 4:17-18) Yeh friends, our problems here on earth, the things we see and experience are only for a short time, but the good things of heaven that we look forward to, are of eternal duration. Now which one would you prefer to have eh? 

Then listen to Bruh Paul proclaim the answer to the church at Colossae. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col. 3:1-3) 

Yes my brethren, if we have turned over our lives to Christ, then we need to leave our old earthly  ways, vices, and habits behind, and instead seek things above; ‘like a deeper knowledge of Christ, a closer relationship with him, experience of His resurrection power, victory over sin (vs.5-11); the development of godly virtues (vs.12-17); the fulfillment of domestic and social responsibilities (3:18-4:1); an effective prayer life (4:2); fruitfulness in witnessing (4:3-6) – in a word, the attainment of Christian maturity, and all the spiritual benefits God has for His people during their days on earth. To have been raised with Christ and not seek these blessings would be a contradiction.’ 

And there you are, the scholars have told us in no uncertain terms that our lives no longer belong to us, but to Christ, and therefore we have to behave like Him, in true and characteristic Christian fashion, having our treasures centred in heaven rather than here on a decaying and deteriorating earth! Matter fixed! And no, I haven’t forgotten our Friday Chant. Let’s chant up a heavenly storm now. (smile) 

‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 

So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the sure and wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. 

It’s also a good opportunity to introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion because of the way we, your faithful believers, handle the situation. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

So let’s go out now and do what faithful believers do nuh; handle the situation in a Christian manner! Much LOVE!

…worrying NEVER solves a problem…but involving Christ will… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 November 2015 Colossians 3:2

30 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:2.  Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.

Ahoy there mates, it’s our favourite day, Monday! Oh thank the Lord for it! (smile) And I know that some of you are thinking, has he lost his mind? How could Monday ever be our favourite day eh? 

Ah mih people, it might not be, but it possibly should be, because Mondays bring the most opportunities for truly serving God, out in the busy, open world, where we have many more unbelievers to witness to. 

And remember that serving God is our first priority down here on this earth. So, though you don’t like having to get up and go back to work, there are silver linings to the black clouds you see every Monday morning. 

And as always, to help us get through that difficult time, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much gusto. Look for our choirmaster, Jesus’ direction now. 

And as one: ‘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!’ 

Oh, not too bad a rendition Friends, especially after Thanksgiving weekend, and on Cyber Monday, when the online sales are supposed to go crazy. Ah Lord eh! What next commercial day are they going to come up with? 

Although I recently read that Cyber Monday is slowly morphing into Cyber Friday, because so many people have smart phones now and can order stuff whenever they like. Good for them yes! Chuh! It’s just all about material stuff! How much material stuff can we use eh? Not much! 

I’m sure all of us can look around our houses and see stuff that we thought we must have, then soon after we bought it, something else caught our eye, and the first thing was relegated to some corner, just left sitting there in limbo, unused. Ah mih breddren, when are we going to learn eh? 

Listen to how Bruh Paul spells it out to the Colossians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col.3:1-3) 

Yes Friends, if we have been born again, become new creations in Christ, then our priorities should not be earthly things, but heavenly ones, where Christ is now seated beside the Father. That’s why our Bit clearly states that our minds ought to be on things above, not those down here on earth. 

But I guess with our fallen nature and the coercion of the world, that’s much easier said than done. However, as faithful believers, that’s what is expected of us. Our old ways and habits, values and vices, interests and sins are to be left behind. And we should seek those things which are above. 

The scholars explain that thus: ‘These “things” include deeper knowledge of Christ, closer fellowship with Him, experience of His resurrection power, victory over sin (vv.5-11); the development of godly virtues (vv.12-17); the fulfillment of domestic and social responsibilities (3:18-4:1); an effective prayer life (4:2); fruitfulness in witnessing (4:3-6) – in a word, the attainment of Christian maturity, and all the spiritual benefits God has for His people during their days on earth. To have been raised with Christ and not to seek these blessings would be a contradiction.’ 

Oh my people, the important things in this life are all right there, all laid out for us in Bruh Paul’s letter to the Colossians. It might be to our advantage if today, we spent some time pondering that letter and all the wonderful advice it has to offer to true believers in Jesus Christ. 

There’s no way we’ll lose if we did that. It’s one of those win- win situations. So that’s our homework for today. And don’t think you can get away with not doing it, because tomorrow I’m going to question us on it. (smile) 

Therefore my brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s go out boldly and confidently today nuh, and make our Lord and Saviour proud of us, by thinking of heavenly things and then putting them into action in our earthly lives, for that is indeed wisdom of everlasting proportions! Much LOVE!

…spiritual beings ought to concentrate on spiritual things…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 September 2015 Colossians 3:1‏‏

18 Sep 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:1.  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Oh Friends, oh Friends, as I opened my door this morning, I heard a group of workers singing: ‘Friday, oh Friday! Thank God it’s Friday! I’m starting my weekend early. Taking the afternoon off work, going down to the outdoor café and watch the chicks and chicklets come and go, while sipping a bottle of ale or two…or even three. Thank God it’s Friday yes, and the weekend’s here! Glory Hallelujah!’ 

Oh my people, that’s often the preferable way for mankind to spend their weekend, but it’s obviously influenced by Lucifer and the ungodly things of this world. And it’s definitely not the right one for a believer in Christ. So let’s chant our Friday Chant that gives us a better and brighter perspective on how to use our weekends. 

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.’ 

Now that’s a much better way to spend our weekends my brethren, and it makes a whole lot more sense than spending it idly in a pub watching chicks go by, feasting on eye candy. (smile) 

And that all segues quite nicely into our Bit. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ Yes Friends, believers in Jesus Christ ought to be seeking the higher things of God, rather than the lower things of Lucifer and this ungodly world. 

And Bruh Paul continues his admonition to the Colossians. ‘Set your affections (mind) on things above, not on the things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. 

Mortify (put to death) therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (evil desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.’ (Col.3:2-6) 

Now let’s get some explanations on those verses from the scholars. ‘3:2. Set your affections 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.5ff); 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 my people, a lot of us mistakenly spend way too much time concentrating on just such things, making them of more importance than Christ, and thus having them become idols we worship. That is obviously not right, for Christ should always be NUMBER ONE, EL NUMERO UNO, in our thoughts and actions! 

That means we have to clean up our acts and get with the programme, for you see what the last verse we quoted above declares: ‘the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.’ And that’s no lie my people! 

‘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 earth.’ 

Oh my brethren the same warning and message applies to us today! Our eyes are expected to be gazing heavenward, rather than towards the evil earth. 

‘3:5. Mortify means to “put to death.” By a figure of speech members is put in place of the various sins that exist in, and seek to express themselves through different “members” of the human body. Paul urges his readers to “put to death all sins residing in your bodily members.” 

Therefore looks back to verse 3: inasmuch as they “are dead” to sin, they are to make this death to the old life a reality in daily living.’ 

Oh Friends, those words are ever so applicable to our situation today! Believers need to die to self possibly more than at any other time in history, for the amount of evil and sinful things that abound today are way more than at any other time. 

And to make matters worse, mankind has been, and is still being skillfully weaned off of God, so we are therefore more susceptible to the wickedness that the world puts forth as being okay. 

So please realize that now is a very important time in our lives, the last days are in the offing, and we need to make serious choices, whether we are going to follow Lucifer and the things of the world, or Christ and the things of heaven. 

To me it’s a no-brainer; Christ obviously comes FIRST! But everybody has to make his or her own decision. And please remember that where we spend eternity, depends upon that decision. Therefore, please let the wisdom of God guide us. Much LOVE!

…obedience to God’s Word brings salvation and eternal life with Him in heaven…disobedience brings death and eternal damnation with Lucifer in the lake of fire…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 September 2015 Colossians 3:1‏

17 Sep 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:1.   If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

And then it was Thursday… shaping up to be another glorious summer’s day too! Oh glory to God! Yes Friends, we folks in the northern climes are ever so grateful for every warm day this late in the year. 
 
I even thought that my sitting out on my porch in the early morning hours had ended at the end of last week when the weather had gotten a bit chilly. But the Lord in His goodness gave us this week of warm and wonderful weather, so I can still go out and commune with Him and nature in those quiet and peaceful times. 
 
And am I ever so grateful, because it just relaxes me, gets rid of all the confusion and stress that the busy day has put into my spirit, and allows me to go to bed feeling free and easy. No, not that kind of free and easy. (smile) 
 
And you know what Friends, this morning as I was sitting on the porch enjoying the peace and silence, I found myself humming a familiar sounding tune, but I just couldn’t figure out what it was. Then a minute or so later, it hit me. It was Elvis Presley’s wonderful ballad, ‘Crying in the Chapel.’ 
 
You know I always thought that Elvis was a better balladeer than a rock and roller. (smile) And strangely enough, I found myself singing most of the words to the tune, although I hadn’t heard it for ages, and I thought about sharing it in the Bit today. 
 
Then, as the Lord would have it, when I got up this morning, that’s the tune I began singing, so I guess, I am supposed to share it with you. Please pay careful attention to these words my people, because they can be very important in a believer’s life. 
 
‘You saw me crying in the chapel. The tears I shed were tears of joy. I know the meaning of contentment, I am happy with the Lord. Just a plain and simple chapel, Where all good people go to pray. I prayed the Lord that I’ll grow stronger, As I live from day to day. 
 
I searched and I searched but I couldn’t find, No way on earth to find peace of mind. Now I’m happy in the chapel, Where people are of one accord. Yes, we gather in the chapel, Just to sing and praise the Lord. 
 
You’ll search and you’ll search but you’ll never find, No way on earth to find peace of mind. Take your troubles to the chapel, Get down on your knees and pray. Then your burdens will be lighter, and you’ll surely find a way.’ 
 
And that’s all gospel truth my brethren! For the only way to find true peace of mind on this turbulent planet Earth, is through Almighty God. Yes Friends, whenever we sincerely turn to our Creator with our problems, He always shows us a way. 
 
That brings us to our Bit, which talks about our new life in Christ. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ 
 
That’s just sound logic my brethren. If we are risen with Christ, and are in sincere fellowship with Him, then we ought to think about the things that are above, where He is seated at God’s right hand. 
 
And the scholars explain our Bit thus: ‘3:1. If ye then be risen (or, therefore, since you were raised”): The word ‘therefore’ infers a corollary truth from 2:20 (“you died with Christ”) – not only have the Colossian believers been freed from sin, they have also turned to a new life, leaving behind old ways, habits, values, vices, interests, and sins. 
 
Seek those things which are above: These “things” include deeper knowledge of Christ, closer fellowship with Him, experience of His resurrection power, victory over sin (vs.5-11); the development of godly virtues (vs.12-17); the fulfillment of domestic and social responsibilities (3:18-4:1); an effective prayer life (4:2); fruitfulness in witnessing (4:3-6) – in a word, the attainment of Christian maturity, and all the spiritual benefits God has for His people during their days on earth. To have been raised with Christ and not to seek these blessings would be a contradiction’ 
 
I couldn’t have put it any better Friends. The epistle to the Colossians is just filled with the ways and means that believers ought to live their lives so that they can be in true harmony with Christ. We need to be growing daily in His Word, and we can only do that by seriously concentrating on the things that draw us closer to Him. 
 
And we’ll end with some other things that believers should concentrate on, as Bruh Paul told the Philippians. ‘Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (noble), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise (anything praise worthy), think (meditate) on these things.’ (Phil.4:8) 
 
Yes my people, those are the kinds of things followers of Christ should be contemplating and meditating upon, not the nonsense; the evil and debauchery of this ungodly world. 
 
So as true believers, let’s buckle down and begin thinking these kinds of thoughts nuh, that we might mature and grow in Christ, as He desires of us. That’s simply Christian wisdom. Much LOVE!
 
…one cannot walk sincerely…or grow in Christ…unless one knows what He’s all about…and that only comes from meditating on His word…and being in constant communion with Him…