The Importance of Accumulating Treasure in Heaven, rather than here on Earth!

08 May 2025 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 6:19a & 20a.       Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up  for yourselves treasures in heaven…

Oh friends, what a joy it is these days to finally look out my bedroom window and see life; see nature being reborn in the green, yellow or cherry coloured leaves of the trees, instead of the dark and dreary lifeless branches I’ve been seeing for the last six months. But surprisingly, there are some trees that still look like stick dancers, with nary a leaf, not even a bud on them. I don’t understand that, when so many others quite close to them are beautifully blooming. And don’t think that it’s only the trees that are vibrant with new life… not at all! 

The grass looks as green as ever with the rain over the last couple of days, the weeds are sprouting too, including the gloriously yellow dandelion. And every time I see those dandelions spread out so beautifully in the grass, I remember the first time I saw them some fifty something years ago, and thought they were such a beautiful flower, only to learn later that they were a very disgusting weed. And brother when they turn from yellow to white, the effect is certainly dramatic. 

Oh, let’s not forget those other early bloomers, the lilies of the field, dressed even more gloriously than Cousin Sol at his best, as Jesus so effectively characterized them in Matthew 6:28-29. And the Duchess has a couple at both the front and side of her garden that are indeed rich in colour. The only problem with the lilies though is that they don’t last as long as we would like then to. So, in other words, I guess I’m saying that spring is finally here, with a bit of summer weather thrown in for good measure, as I got to sit on my front porch yesterday in minimal dress. 

I can’t’ wait for the time when I can sit there every afternoon and watch the folks of the neighbourhood go by, walking and running. There’s a serious disappointment in that though, for these days, many more people are walking dogs than children. Chuh man! I just get disgusted seeing so many dogs, with only a handful of children out enjoying the good weather. For whatever reason, this generation seems to be more interested in dogs than children! I wonder who’s going to walk those dogs, or live in those fancy houses when the old folks die? But who am I to tell others whether to have children or dogs eh? (smile) 

And that brings us to an interesting scripture where Jesus warns us about our treasures and where we secure them. Unfortunately, many of us know it, but like so many other scriptures, simply ignore it. So, one more time, please listen closely to Jesus’ most valuable advice. ‘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 (ruin), and where thieves do not break through and steal.’ (Matt. 6:19-20)  

Now we cannot find any fault with that advice, because many of us have experienced or know of someone who has experienced the loss of their earthly treasure though rust and earthly decay, as well as through others stealing it, but none have ever complained about losing their heavenly treasure, since there are no moths or decay or thieves in heaven. (smile) Seriously though, Jesus is trying to say that the accumulation of earthly things can be lost quite easily, but whatever you have stored up in heaven will never be lost. 

And the scholars further enlighten us when they say: ‘The attention of the believer is directed toward treasures in heaven. The term treasures implies the addition or accumulation of things. The two kinds of treasures are conditioned by their place (either on earth or in heaven). The concept of laying up treasures in heaven is not pictured as one of meritorious benefits but rather of rewards for faithful service, as is illustrated elsewhere in the teaching of Jesus.’ 

And we have a very good example of that when later on a rich young man approaches Jesus and asks what he should do to have eternal life? Jesus basically told him to keep the Ten Commandments. To which he answered, ‘All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:20-21) Unfortunately the young man went away quite sorrowful because he had much wealth. 

But as the scholars explain, ‘The list of commands that Jesus gave him in verses 18 and 19, centres on outward duties, rather than inward nature, which was the young man’s real problem. He protests that he’s kept these outward demands. His luxurious wealth and self-righteousness blinded him to his real weakness. To expose this, Jesus tells him to go and sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, then come back and follow Him. But he refused to do it. 

Jesus thus shows him that he had not kept the commandments at all. He LOVED himself more than he LOVED his neighbour (the poor), and he LOVED his possessions more than he LOVED God (refusing to follow Jesus). This passage teaches the seriousness of true discipleship, but it in no way teaches that the average man must sell his possessions in order to be a Christian.’ 

And that can never be true, otherwise why would the Lord bestow our undeserved Thursday Blessings on us eh? Blessings that can make us healthy, wealthy and wise. (smile) Because He LOVES us and knows that we need tools to do His earthly work. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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 made that declaration (yesss!!!), we are now indebted to go out and use those blessings on behalf of others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…you cannot straddle the fence between Satan and God…have one foot in both kingdoms…you must have both feet…in one or the other…preferably God’s…

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 August 2013 Luke 18:14

19 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:14.    I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Monday once again, time to get ready for a new week of work! And though by nature, mankind is lazy and likes to procrastinate, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have the responsibility to get up and get things done in His name.
 
That’s why on Mondays we shouldn’t be miserable and complain about having to go to work, but be happy that we have the opportunity to get out and fight a good fight for Jesus; a fight that will consequently have lost souls falling at His feet in repentance, seeking mercy and salvation.
 
Now let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, in full voice, with purposed hearts, to energize our selves and get us ready to face the wicked and godless world that awaits us.
 
All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
 
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
 
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
 
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
 
That certainly was a most hearty rendition my people! All heaven was pleased. Now let’s check out our Bit. ‘I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’
 
Yes my brethren, today we’re again going to look at two major problems in our society, foolish pride and false exaltation. Now the world places great emphasis on our physical attributes, achievements, power and social status, but Jesus teaches the greater benefits to be had from the virtue of humility. That’s because a humble spirit is one of the most important principles in God’s realm. We cannot come before Him without a humble and contrite spirit.
 
Note what Jesus said about the Pharisee and the publican in our Bit. The former, who exhibited a proud and arrogant spirit, would be abased, cast down from his haughty heights, while the latter with a genuinely humble heart, though a corrupt sinner, would be exalted, simply because of his contrition.
 
Ah mih people, it’s the very same lesson that Jesus taught in the parable of the wedding feast. (Luke 14:7-14) There He tells us that when we’re invited to a function with no specific seating arrangements, don’t run up to the front, or the place that is the most visible, where you can be seen by everyone and have them think that you’re so important.
 
But rather, stay in the background, find a seat that’s not so visible, so that when the host or hostess comes and sees you sitting in that lowly position, they will move you up, exalt you to a higher position and chase one of those self-important, social status seekers, who had proudly vaulted himself, down to your position. ‘For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased (humbled); and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’ (Luke 14:11) And Jesus says the same thing again when He denounces the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:12.
 
Oh my brethren, how many times does Jesus have to repeat that all important principle for us to accept it and actually put it into practice eh? Remember we can’t be straddling the fence, having one foot in the ungodly world and one in the divine realm. It has to be both feet in one or the other.
 
Yes, we do have to be IN the world to see and know what’s happening and help to make it right, but we cannot be OF the world, advancing its immorality, ungodliness and evil practices. And with our sinful human nature, that’s not always easy to do, but with a conscious decision, serious determination, the help of the Holy Spirit and our continued concentration on the things of God, we can do a fantastic job.
 
And we have time and space for one scripture that also reminds us of the immeasurable value of humility in God’s arena. It comes from Job, when his good buddy Eliphaz was lambasting him for his supposed sins. And though Eliphaz was on the wrong track in particular with Job, in general, he had the right idea, as he tells him. ‘When men are cast down, then shalt thou say, There is lifting up (exaltation); and he shall save the humble person.’ (Job 22:29)  
 
Now Friends, that’s eternal wisdom, for wherever and whenever men are abased for their proud, haughty behaviour, they can yet be exalted by our merciful God of second chances with the proper contrition. So please let’s embrace it and go out and fight a good fight in Jesus’ name today, well suited up in our spiritual armour plus all the other necessities of war. Much LOVE!
 
…if we truly LOVE Jesus…then we’ll do our very best to fulfill His desires…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 July 2013 Psalm 104:35

25 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 104:34.   Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.
 
Oh Friends, more tragedy again! This time a Spanish train derailment yesterday evening, that has taken seventy something lives so far. Ah Lord eh!
 
Now that disaster, plus the plane crash at La Guardia Airport in New York City, earlier on in the week, they’re certainly spreading more doubt in my mind about planes and trains. They’ve been touted as being safer than cars, with fewer accidents per capita, (smile) but when they do happen, the life toll is much heavier. And they’re happening a little too often for my liking.
 
And for the umpteenth time, I ask, how come in this age of such high technology and computer designed and built stuff, so many accidents are happening eh? Is it mechanical problems or human error, or a combination of both? Is the overwhelming concern with the bottom line, and thus cutting costs and corners playing a greater part than we know?
 
I believe so. Just look at how the airlines are ramping up the price of a flight to anywhere. You have to pay for everything, even a blanket on a cold plane. Very little, if any food is provided, and that simple-minded snacks or other tasteless stuff.
 
Then one Canadian airline has gotten the foolish government to lower the help on planes from one (1) stewardess to every 40 passengers, to one (1) for every 50. Now tell me, how does that help with my safety or convenience on the plane eh? It simply doesn’t! For there are ten more people for the one stewardess to look after in flight, as well as in times of disaster. 
 
But it all boils down to costs and the bottom line. Just like the recent train derailment in Quebec, where you had one engineer for a train with over seventy cars. There too, the foolish business oriented government allowed the train company to operate with only one engineer for so many rail cars. Steups! 
 
Have you ever heard any of them talking about increased productivity or safety? Not on your life! But every day they find some new way to increase the cost of travel, while giving even less for the traveller’s money. It’s a good thing I’m not big on travelling, and all of those new fees, plus the nonsense you have to go through in the airports now, are turning me off even more.
 
Anyway Friends, please remember to offer prayers for those unfortunates involved in the recent disasters. Oftimes, that’s the best we can do for them.
 
That brings us to our Bit: ‘Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.’
 
Yes Friends, sometimes it would be so much better if the Lord would just remove the sinners – well the terrible ones – from the world, because they are just spoiling things down here in their wickedness. All like some of those selfish, greedy, couldn’t care less people running the companies that are gouging and deceiving the ordinary man.
 
And don’t forget too, plenty, if not most of our leaders and politicians who are in league with the powers of evil and are causing such catastrophe and unnecessary suffering in the world. 
 
No matter how you shake it my brethren, there ought not to be so much suffering in our world. The poverty, hunger, sickness, both physical and mental, the homelessness, the oppression and such should never be as bad as they are because there’s more than enough to go around.
 
But unfortunately, those who have the most, are the least inclined to share, while those who are inclined to share, don’t have that much to do it with. But isn’t that the way it always is, you ask? True, because sadly, that’s the nature of man.
 
Anyway, let’s hear some reassuring scripture on the subject. And from Psalm 37, ‘The true state of the wicked,’ come these words of wisdom from Bruh David. ‘For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
 
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of rams (splendour of the meadows): they shall consume (vanish); into smoke shall they consume (vanish) away.
 
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again (does not repay): but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (land); and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off (destroyed).’ (Ps.37:17-22) 
 
Yes Friends, that’s how the wicked operate, but the Lord will deal with them in His own way and time. So please don’t get discouraged when you see the wicked prospering and carrying on in their sinful and prideful ways. Their end will soon come. 
 
And instead, let’s do what Bruh David says later in Psalm 37: ‘Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord LOVETH judgement (justice), and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off (destroyed). The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.’ (Ps.37:27-29)
 
Yes my people, the Lord’s justice will eventually befall the wicked. But yuh know there’s an even better way to get rid of the wicked… And what’s that you ask, wrinkling your forehead in thought? ‘Elementary my dear Watson!’ as Sherlock would say.
 
The best way to deal with the wicked of this world is to bring them to Jesus. Have them get down on their knees and beg for forgiveness and then change their evil ways. Oh, I know that’s easier said than done, and it will also mean upgrading our Christian talk and walk, which so many of us are not prepared to do.
 
We still prefer to straddle the fence, with one foot in the world and one on the path to heaven. But Friends, that’s a fool’s wisdom! This is one instance where we can’t play both ends against the middle, because our God is omniscient, He sees all, and knows all, and He definitely won’t stand for it. Remember James’ talk about the double-minded, wavering man. (James 1:5-8)
 
To end though, I’m going to implore us to improve our Christian efforts, so that instead of imploring God to remove the wicked, we can instead bring them to Jesus through the testimony of our lives. And you know the Lord would much prefer that, since it would mean losing fewer souls to Lucifer.
 
So please think on that today, talk it over with the Lord, then let’s make the necessary improvements to put it into action. That’s truly wisdom in the making! Much LOVE!
 
…the best way to handle the wicked…is to bring them into the fold of Jesus…Long live His LOVE Revolution!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 December 2012 Luke 1:28

19 Dec 2012 Leave a comment

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

Luke 1:28.    And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Ah Friends, it’s another new day in our lives, filled with numerous blessings from our wonderful God! And all God’s children offered up a silent, but heartfelt, ‘Thank You Lord!’ And unbelievable as it might seem, I’m also into my forty-second year of marriage. Oh Brother! Does it ever sound plentiful; like a lifetime. But I guess that’s what marriage is supposed to be about; a lifetime of togetherness. And yuh know Friends, it’s that same lifetime of togetherness with God that all believers are supposed to have. From birth to death, we’re supposed to have the Word of God firmly planted in our souls, so that we can live this earthly life by it, because that’s it’s purpose; to lead and guides us on the right path to salvation and eternal life. And just like our human relationships, because of our inherently sinful nature, there will be ups and downs in our lives re God’s Word and His leading. But I have an interesting prayer from Dr. Robert H Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional to share today. I just LOVE how Dr. Schuller’s prayers are filled with passion and directness to God. Please say this prayer of New Awareness with me. ‘Deep within myself I have a powerful awareness that I have made the right decision and am moving in the right direction. I will let nothing and no one deter, detour, distract, depress, or defeat me. “No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.” God’s spirit is rising within me now, making me very determined to faithfully keep the beautiful promises I’ve made. I will be faithful. I am reliable. Thank you, God. Amen.’ Yes Friends, that’s how we ought to be at all times; faithful and reliable! And there’s no better example of that in the Good Book than Mother Mary, whose sudden uplifting to glory didn’t seem to discomfit or faze her as much as we’d normally expect from such significant happenings. Our Bit begins the whole shebang: ‘And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail (Rejoice), thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ Now yesterday we noted Mary’s cool and calm response to the angel’s sudden greeting and the monumental news he bore. We ended with her asking how all he said could be possible with her still being a virgin. ‘And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest (Most High) shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing (one) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin (relative) Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ (Luke 1:35-37) Oh my brethren, that last verse is of the utmost importance in the lives of all believers, for if we don’t truly believe that EVERYTHING is possible with God, then nothing’s going to work for us in the Christian faith. Now Friends, listen to one of the most faith filled and trusting comments in all of the Good Book. ‘And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid (maidservant) of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.’ (Luke 1:38) Yes fellow believers, though it’s difficult to believe, those simple, unadulterated words of supreme faith and trust came from the heart of a young, teenaged girl, who knew the horrible fate that would befall her when it was discovered that she was pregnant out of wedlock. Even today, with all our freedom, that situation still causes untold problems, so can you imagine what it would have been like in a backward Jewish village two thousand years ago? I don’t know if Mary had thought through all the ramifications of the situation, but whether she did or not, she was still willing to take that chance, that great leap of faith with the God of her fathers. Ah mih people, I wish I could say that most believers today were like Mary. But unfortunately I cannot, because in spite of us being more aware, having more knowledge and information on God and His workings, in spite of having Jesus sacrifice His sinless life so that we could be cleansed and be set free from sin, too many of us are still walking a wish-washy path of faith. Too many supposed believers are still trying to straddle the fence between true Christian faith and action and the temptations and glossy, material things of the world. Like James says in chap.1:6-8, we’re ‘waverers’, constantly moving back and forth from fickle faith to the world. We’re double-minded, and thus unstable and untrustworthy. Now Friends, that’s no way for true believers to act. With the way things are going very negatively in our floundering world, it’s time for all true believers to stand up strong and be counted on the side of true faith and trust in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I therefore implore us my brethren, that whatever the Lord asks of us today, and henceforth, please, let’s respond in simple but fervent faith and trust, without any wavering, just like Mary did. Only then, will we be able to really call ourselves, true believers. Our world is badly in need of that kind of people to turn it around, to turn it back to truly serving and worshipping the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Much LOVE!…when the Lord says jump…believers should immediately respond in true faith…how high Lord…