04 Mar 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a bright future with God, a man after God's own heart, cast thy burden upon the Lord, casting all your care upon him, curse, devoted, divine protection, faithful, for he careth for you, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved, he shall sustain thee, humble, humble yourselves, in a funk, listen to worship music, LOVE, loving, negative word, prosper, put our lives irrevocably in His hand, repentant, respectful, Ron Edmonson, self-control, shall fulfill all my will, share them generously, stay in the everlasting arms of God, succeed, supernatural wisdom, the only place we are truly safe, throughout the whole race of life, Thursday Blessings, under the mighty hand of god
1 Peter 5:7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Ah mih people, the ole fella’s in a funk this morning, that’s why we’re a tad late. I had to listen to some worship music to get myself going. And am I going yet? (smile) I do hope so for all our sakes. And what have I learned in my troubled way this morning?
That despite the rough and rocky roads we walk and the difficult situations we encounter, where the mountains keep getting higher and harder to climb each day, despite how we feel, or what happens to us, the most important thing to do is to stay in the everlasting arms of our great and benevolent God. Put our lives irrevocably in His hands, stay with Him throughout the whole race of life and He will lead us safely through, cause with Him is the only place that we are truly safe.
And why is that? Because He cares for us. That’s the most obvious reason. He’s our Creator and heavenly Father, so just like we care for our children, He cares for us, His children. Peter says : ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet. 5:6-7)
And if you don’t believe Peter, then check out Bruh David’s words on the subject. In Psalm 55 he faithfully and strongly proclaims: ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’ (Ps. 55:22)
What a marvellous scripture! And Bruh David was the epitome of that verse, for though he screwed up and made mistakes like we do, he never gave up on the God of his forefathers because he experienced God’s goodness as well as chastening for his mistakes. God also never forsook him, even for his most severe and shaming mistakes like his liaison with Bathsheba and what came out of it. When you read Bruh David’s story and still hear God call him His friend and a man after His own heart, as recorded in I Samuel 13:14, and brought up by Bruh Paul in his preaching in Antioch, you must be amazed at God’s goodness.
‘And afterward they (Israel) desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of (for) forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, A man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. Of this man’s seed (descendants) hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.’ (Acts 13:21-23)
Oh friends, if Bruh David could make serious mistakes and still be looked upon with God’s great favour, even to the point of having His Son Jesus born of his line, why wouldn’t He do the same for us eh? And I just discovered some useful info on why Bruh David was so favoured by God. On the website biblestudytools.com Ron Edmonson gives us ten reasons why Bruh David is called a man after God’s heart. He uses the New International Version of the Bible.
Listen up. ‘The following words describe the heart of David as seen in his own writings:Humble – Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. (Ps, 62:9)Reverent – I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (Ps. 18:3) Respectful – Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. (Ps. 31:9) Trusting – The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps. 27:1)
LOVING – I LOVE you, O Lord, my strength. (Ps. 18:1) Devoted – You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. (Ps. 4:7) Recognition – I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. (Ps. 9:1) Faithful – Surely goodness and LOVE will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Ps. 23:6) Obedient – Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. (Ps. 119:34) Repentant – For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. (Ps. 25:11) David’s example is a great road map for how we are to live our life.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth my fellow saints in Christ! What a cornucopia, (smile) an abundance of ways that Bruh David stayed in touch with God. And as Ron Edmonson says, those are all areas in which we believers ought to try our best to stay with God. Let’s put them all together in line so we can have them right at our fingertips nuh. (smile) ‘Humble, Reverent, Respectful, Trusting, LOVING, Devoted, Recognition, Faithful, Obedient, Repentant.’
Oh my people we can never go wrong if we try to establish those areas as foundational structures in our walk with God. And having established that the Most High God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our safe place, our refuge, our provider and Father, let’s go home now declaring (chuh man!) our Thursday Blessings, those divine talents He’s generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work.
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!’
So having declared them, let’s go out and share them just as generously as God gave them to us. That’s our bounden duty! Much LOVE
…there’s a bright future with God…if we cast all our cares on Him…
P.S. Today’s Bit is a testimony to staying with God even when it’s rough. I wasn’t up to scratch, didn’t know what to write, but I persevered with Him…and Voila! The Lord came through! (smile) He will do the same for you. Much LOVE!
14 Jan 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour, alive and kicking, as the days of Noah, be ye also ready, but my Father only, but of that day and hour knoweth no man, children of God, courage, creativity, curse, death is staring us in the face, dislike computers, expletive deletes, for a rainy day, for in such an hour as ye think not, free choice, give Him all the priase, heaven with Christ, hell with Satan, in the name of Jesus, in what watch the thief would come, joint heirs with Christ, justified, layeth up treasure for himself, lead the easy life, like a thief in the night, LOVE, negative word, new-fangled machine, not rich toward God, not the angels of heaven, obedient to Christ's way of living, one day older and closer to death, our eternal destination, put money in the bank, put up treasure in heaven, reconciled, redeemed, sanctified, sealed by the Holy spirit, self-control, shame shall be the legacy of fools, share the blessings, storing up earthly treasure, supernatural wisdom, talent, tearing my hair out, technological society, the coming destruction, the grim reaper, the joy of the Lord is our strength, the Lord moves in mysterious ways, the parable of the rich fool, the return of Christ, the second coming of Christ, the severity and suddenness, the Son of man cometh, the wise shall inherit glory, this night thy soul shall be required of thee, thou hast provided, Thursday's Blessings, to judge the world, to separate the lost from the saved, watch therefore, we have Christ in us, whose shall those things be
Proverbs 3:35. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion (legacy) of fools.
Let’s get with it nuh friends, for we are now one day older and thus one day closer to death, when we can’t make any changes in our eternal destination!
Yes, death is staring each of us in the face every single moment of every day, and since we know not when our time will be up, doesn’t it make a whole lotta sense to ensure that our eternal destination will be heaven with Christ and not hell and damnation with Satan! It certainly does!
But oh, I forgot that we have free choice and can do whatever we wish, when we want to…but not this immortal and most important decision. That has to be made while we’re still alive and kicking!
Remember the supposedly wise man in Jesus’ parable of the rich fool? He had plenty, and thought he was going to live for a long time, so he planned to build bigger and better, saying: ‘And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.’ (Luke 12:19)
Oh my people, a lot of us are behaving like that rich fool, acquiring earthly treasure and storing it up so we can eventually lead the easy life, but what about our treasure in heaven where so many of us hope to spend eternity eh? Just like we put away money in the bank for a rainy day, likewise we need to put up treasure in heaven for that bright and sunny day when we get there.
And we all know what happened to that rich fool: ‘But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?’ (Luke 12:20) Now that’s a very good question, one we should all ask ourselves.
Yeh friends, the Grim Reaper came calling for him that same night. Now what would happen if the Lord came calling for us sometime today eh, would we be prepared, or would we be caught napping like that rich fool? Would God make this statement towards us as He did towards that rich fool? ‘So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’ (Luke 12:21)
Friends, are we rich towards God? Are we storing up treasure in heaven, and not only concerned with what’s happening here on earth? I certainly hope not! For Cousin Sol tells us this:‘The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion (legacy) of fools.’(Prov. 3:35)
Oh precious people, I know none of us want to leave a legacy of being foolish, so let’s be wise and take time, RIGHT NOW,to make sure our eternal destination is heaven and not hell nuh!
That means ensuring we have Christ in us, and that we are in Him, we have accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour, and thus are obedient to His way of living, that we are children of God, joint heirs with Christ, have been redeemed, justified, sanctified, reconciled and sealed by the Holy Spirit as God’s own for ever and ever!
Oh what a wonderful and joyful situation to be in my faithful brethren! And that’s what happens when we invite Jesus into our hearts, our lives and allow Him to take control of our eternal destination. We’re flooded with a joy inconceivable to the unbeliever, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. That’s why the enemy works so hard to keep us miserable and unhappy. He knows that’s where our strength lies.
And oh, I forgot, there’s one more constraint on our eternal preparations; the Second Coming of Christ! Yes friends, if Christ comes back before the Grim Reaper comes a calling, then all bets are also off the table. The thing about Jesus’ Second Coming is that we don’t know when that will be either.
As He himself said: ‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.’ (Matt. 24:36-37) Yes mih bredrin, we’ll be eating and drinking and carrying on like they were in Noah’s time, unconcerned about sin and God, when like the flood suddenly came, Jesus will come back, like a thief in the night, unexpectedly.
‘Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman (master) of the house had known in what watch (hour) the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered (allowed) his house to be broken up (into). Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:40.44)
Those weren’t my words friends, they were Jesus’. So if He took the time to warn us, don’t you think it will be wise for us to heed it? I certainly do. And just in case you don’t understand the seriousness of that situation, listen to this explanation from the scholars.
‘24:39-42.The observation that the people of Noah’s day knew not the severity and suddenness of the coming destruction indicates that the last generation will be totally unprepared for the coming of the Son of man, the return of Christ to judge the world. (See 2 Thess. 1:7-8) The reference to two being in the field or at work at the time of Christ’s return implies the suddenness of His coming to separate the lost and the saved.’
What else can I say eh friends, it’s all there in black and white! All I know that if either the Grim Reaper or Christ comes and we’re not ready, there’ll be much weeping and gnashing of teeth. So let’s get it together right now nuh, and avoid that sad and undesirable scenario. And for those of us who are seriously working on it, let’s go home now declaring (ah Lord eh!) our Thursday Blessings, generously bestowed on us to do Christ’s earthly work.
Altogether now: ‘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 everyday! Amen!’
And the desired consequence of all that, is we go out and share those blessings just as generously with others in need.Much LOVE!
…be wise…be prepared…
Epilogue! And you all wonder why I dislike computers and this technological society that is strangling us. Well over an hour ago, I was almost finished writing the Bit when the one-year-old computer broke down on me in the middle of writing. Steups! Try as I could, I was unable to get it to work. So here I am on my trusty laptop, so much older than that new-fangled machine and still going strong!
And it’s a good thing that I had signed back into OneDrive, only a couple of days ago, else I would have to write over the Bit from start, and would be tearing my hair out and using even more expletive deletes than I am now. (smile) But the Good Lord does move in mysterious ways – give Him all the praise – and we finally finish. Much LOVE!
07 Jan 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a broken realtionship, a great high priest, a man of sorrows, according to his riches in glory, according to thy word, all these things will be added unto you, be for my comfort, blessed with a strong will, calamities, Christ is sufficient, come boldly to the throne of grace, curse, deep-cutting pain, divine protection, faith, favour, find grace, for whom the Lord loveth, generously share our blessings, he chasteneth, heartache and anguish, I can do all things, I can handle anything that comes against me, I know O Lord, Jesus can empathize with our suffering, Jesus the Son of God, Jesus' awesome mercy grace and strength, loving kindness, my God shall supply all my needs, negative word, obtain mercy, One Year Book of Bible promises, passed into the heavens, physical pain, promotion, Ruth Harms Calkin, seek first the kingdom of God, self-control, spiritual growth, success, suffered the wrath of God, supernatural wisdom, tempted as we are, the feeling of our infirmities, the Pain of Growth, thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me, through Christ who strengthens me, Thursday Blessings, thy judgements are right, thy merciful kindness, to have Jesus on our side, to help in time of need, uncomfortable circumstances, unfailing love, was in all points, what a blessing, with Christ's help, yet without sin
Psalm 119:75. I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right (righteous), and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
Brother! I thought that 2020 went fast, but like this new year planning on going even faster! Is already Thursday the 7th, and the year just started. (smile) Just wish our calamities were going away as quickly. But what to do eh? We brought most of them on ourselves, and we’re not behaving in a manner that will encourage them to leave as quickly as they came.
What a blessing to have Jesus on our side! The Good Book plainly and truthfully states it: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Phil. 4:13) That means, with His help, His awesome grace, mercy and strength, we can handle anything that comes against us, even if it is of our making. And furthermore, we’re also told: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19)
Yes mih bredrin, if Christ will strengthen me and cause the Lord to provide all my needs, who or what else do I need eh? NOTHING, or NOBODY! For Christ is sufficient in and of Himself! That’s why He instructed us to ‘seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:34)
Oh friends, when we put Jesus Christ first and foremost in our lives, He will provide all that we need to live an abundant life. And that doesn’t necessarily mean rich in personal possessions, but certainly rich in spiritual things, maturity in spirituality, a good example of Christian living. So I don’t understand how so many of us refuse to follow Jesus, or only give Him lip-service and are not truly faithful to and in sync with Him.
I’m guessing that’s partly because living for Jesus is not easy. As His ambassadors, His earthly representatives, He expects a lot of us. He expects us to grow tremendously and shine brightly on His behalf, and that is ofttimes a difficult row to hoe. But as the ole people would say, ‘no pain, no gain.’ And that’s certainly highlighted in this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s appropriately titled ‘The Pain of Growth.’
So please pray with me. ‘O God Growth is a painful process. I frankly confess I am a coward about pain. I don’t like it, Lord I never pray for it Or get excited over it. In fact, I often resist it: The pain of emotional trauma So overwhelming So baffling and crushing. The deep-cutting pain Of a broken relationship. Physical pain that goes on and on Until my entire body screams. The pain of cruel cutting words. The pain of loneliness, rejection Or financial ruin. The pain of being misunderstood.
Lord, the very thought of pain Frightens and unnerves me. Yet it is true – Again and again it is true: My greatest spiritual growth Has come through pain. Through heartache and anguish. And very often in my suffering when I sadly thought You were doing absolutely nothing At that very moment You were doing more within me Than I ever dreamed or hoped.’
And that calls for a big ‘AMEN!’ my brethren. For it’s definitely through pain and somewhat uncomfortable circumstances that the Lord grows and matures us in His economy. And there’s nothing in that list of painful things above that Jesus never suffered on our behalf during His earthly sojourn. That’s why He can empathize with our suffering now.
That’s why the author of Hebrews could confidently proclaim: ‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (confession of faith). For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (empathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (our weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:14-16)
Yes my fellow saints in Christ, our Lord and Saviour, our venerable Leader felt every pain and suffering that we’ve ever felt…and more than any of us have ever felt to boot! And in Isaiah 53, Christ suffering is laid out, so much so that He’s known as ‘a man of sorrows.’ (Is. 53:3) And I like how the website www.gotquestions.org explains it. ‘Jesus is called “a man of sorrows” because of how much suffering He had to endure. He suffered first by leaving the glories of heaven and entering the human race as a man. Then He suffered all the things that humanity suffers, and then finally He suffered the wrath of God as the sin-bearer.’
So when He asks us to undergo a spot of suffering on His behalf, we ought to just shut our blooming mouths and do it without the hemming and hawing we’re so famous for. What would have happened if He hemmed and hawed about going to the cross for us eh? When Jesus asks us to jump, the correct answer is simply, ‘How high Lord?’
And before we run out of time and space, let’s look at the Bible Promise that was used for the poem above. It comes from the great psalm 119: ‘I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right (righteous), and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.’ (Ps. 119:75-76)
Yes people, the psalmist realized that God in His righteousness and justice would not afflict Him without a good reason. And furthermore, His LOVING-kindness, His unfailing LOVE, would comfort him during his trails, just like He promised.
So please, if we want to be known as true and serious followers of Jesus, let’s cut out the foolishness nuh, and grow up, stop being selfish, petty and afraid and stand up to anything that comes against, because He’s faithfully promised to bring us safely and stronger through our trials and tribulation. And if you can’t believe His promise, what’s the point in being His follower eh?
So for those of us who are willing to undergo the troubles of the world without too much complaining, let’s go home now sincerely declaring (oh yeahhh!) our Thursday Blessings, those magnificent blessings the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. Wow!
Altogether now: ‘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 everyday! Amen!’
And please remember, those blessings are not to be selfishly hoarded, but generously shared, just like the Lord generously shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…for whom the Lord LOVETH…He chasteneth… (Heb. 12:6)
03 Dec 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all that glistens is not gold, and forget not all his benefits, as a father pitys his children, as far as the east is from the west, bless the Lord oh my soul, bounty, clear direction for my life, compassionate, crowneth thee with loving-kindness, curse, do our bounden duty, executeth judgement for the oppressed, forgiving, free speech, generously share our blessings, giveth food to the hungry, God is a straight-shooter, gracious, he preserveth the strangers, he turneth upside down, he will not always chide, his acts unto the children of Israel, Jesus is filling our hearts, just, loving, magnanimous to a fault, merciful, negative word, neither will he keep his anger for ever, not even gold-plated, openeth the eyes of the blind, our world is totally rotten inside, plenteous in mercy, prosper, raiseth them that are bowed down, redeemeth thy life from destruction, relieveth the fatherless and widow, rewarded us according to our iniquities, righteous, satisfieth thy mouth with good things, self-control, slow to anger, so far hath he removed our transgressions, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, stubborn hard-hearted pride, succeed, supernatural wisdom, tender mercies, that white menace, the inmates of the asylum, the Lord is merciful and gracious, the Lord looseth the prisoners, the Lord loveth the righteous, the sun's shining brightly!, the way of the wicked, Thursday Blessings, thy youth is renewed like the eagle's, turned against their Keeper, we are dust, weighty cement shoes, welcomed them with opened arms, what a sad tale to tell, which made heaven and earth
Psalm 103:2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Gee…it’s Thursday, Thursday, Thursday! The day before Friday, Friday, Friday, when we’re let out to play! And thankfully, the roadways are bereft of that white menace, so nicely called snow! It sure seems like all’s right with our world; the sun’s shining brightly, Jesus is filling our hearts, and the java, she is indeed worthy of that venerable name; strong and sweet and potent!
But remember, all that glistens is certainly not gold, sometimes not even gold-plated. (smile) Yeh friends, despite the outward sheen, our world is totally rotten inside, and stinking to high hell! Hn, hn hn! I just realized I said, ‘high hell’ instead of ‘high heaven’. But that’s okay because heaven doesn’t encourage stench to come up there. (smile) Unfortunately though, the works of evil dominate our societies from one end of the globe to the other, from north to south and east to west! What a sad tale to tell! And why is our world in such a discombobulated and uncertain state eh?
One basic reason; the inmates of the asylum have turned against their Keeper, their Maker, the Lord God Almighty: ‘Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever: Which executeth judgement (justice) for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth (gives freedom to) the prisoners. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord LOVETH the righteous: The Lord preserveth (watches over) the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down (makes crooked their way).’ (Ps. 146: 6-9)
Oh my people, that’s whom we have turned against! And no wonder our world is turned upside down, in a topsy-turvy evil and ungodly mess! If you turn against the good, just, LOVING, compassionate, merciful, gracious, righteous and forgiving One who created it all – and still controls it all, what else can you really expect eh?
But yuh know what my people, the same way we have turned away from God, we can again turn back to Him. The Israelites in their foolish and stubborn hard-hearted pride, although they knew of His goodness as well as His wrath, did it several times, and each time they came back, He welcomed them with opened arms, for that’s the kind of forgiving and merciful God He is!
Hear how Bruh David puts it nuh in Psalm 103 – Thanksgiving for God’s mercy: ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with LOVING-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement for all that are oppressed. He made his ways known unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.’ (Ps. 103:2-7)
Yuh see friends, our God is a straight shooter! He made whatever He made, however He wanted to make it, and then told us how He wanted us to behave, and what rules He wanted us to follow. But He was then magnanimous to a fault; He gave us the bounty, or weighty cement shoes of free speech. It could work either way, depending on our disposition towards Him. And sadly, I have to say that right now that supposed garnishee of free speech is acting like cement shoes, for we have turned against God and our abominable sins are weighing us down into the mire of deceit and self-destruction.
But the awesome God who made us is so wonderful, so magnanimous, that He’s known as the God of second chances, in fact the God of many chances! That’s why Bruh David could further expound in Psalm 103: ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness). He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING-kindness) toward them that fear (sincerely reverence) him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear (sincerely reverence) him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.’ (Ps. 103:8-14)
Oh mih people, what more can I say eh? I’ve tried to prove to us why our world is in such a sad and sorry state, and also how we can get it out of that distressing mess. It all depends on our relationship with the Lord God Almighty, Maker and Ruler of heaven and earth! If we sincerely worship and reverence Him, then our world will be turned around, be saved from the hellfire and damnation to which we’re currently headed in our dreadful and sinful pride and stubbornness!
It’s all up to us. Remember what Bruh David said at the start: ‘forget not all his benefits.’ (Ps. 103:2) Yes friends, all that Lord does and says is not for His benefit, but for ours, and He will not force us to do what we don’t want to do. So our future is all in our hands. End of sermon! (smile)
Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to live the way God desires, let’s go home declaring (yeahh!) our Thursday Blessings; awesome blessings which the Lord has magnanimously bestowed on us, so that we can do His work down here on earth. Altogether now: ‘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 everyday! Amen!’
So let’s go out now and do our bounden duty nuh; share those blessings with others, just as magnanimously and generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…to sincerely reverence our God…brings such joy and peace…to one’s spirit and soul…
29 Oct 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: apply our hearts unto wisdom, comapssionate heart, compared with eternity our lives are short, crapaud smoke yuh pipe, curse, deceitful and lying words, earthly wealth, eating of the forbidden fruit, every man walketh in a vain show, faith, favour, gain a heart of wisdom, good health, he heapeth up riches, heaven is the best choice, I may know how frail I am, Jesus is our Lord and Saviour, knoweth not who shall gather them, lay up treasures in heaven, living each day to its fullest, made my days as a handbreadth, make me to know mine end, making financial plans for eternity, man's best state is altogether vanity, negative word, one day at a time, only two options: heaven and hell, our bounden duty, our Guiding Light and Comforter, prosper, rejoice and be glad, Satan's hellhole, seize the day, share blessings generously, succeed, supernatural strength, supernatural wisdom, teach us to number our days, the brevity of life, the Grim Reaper came calling, the measure of my days, the number of thy days I will fulfill, the parable of the rich fool, Thursday Blessings, time is short, to whom we turn in all circumstances, use it wisely
Psalm 90:12. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (gain a heart of wisdom).
Oh mih bredrin, it’s Thursday, so let’s rejoice and be glad nuh, because our days on God’s great earth have been extended by one! Glory be! Remember way back in time when the Lord brought Israel out of bondage in Egypt, He made them this promise: ‘There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill.’ (Ex. 23:26)
Yeh, God promised that we will be satisfied with a good, long life, but we can only live that long life one day at a time, which means we have to take each and every day as it comes, and enjoy it as though it’s the last one, for we know not when our time will be up. That brings us to Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90. ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (gain a heart of wisdom).’ (Ps. 90:12)
And I like how the websitewww.theologyofwork.orgexplains it. ‘Numbering our days means, as the NLT (New Living Translation) indicates, realizing the brevity of life. It means knowing that we only have so many days on this earth, and therefore we want to “seize the day,” living each day to the fullest. When we recognize that we have only so much time on this earth, that truth will help us think rightly about how to spend our time.’
And that is exactly what we need to understand this Thursday morning at the end of October 2020 my people. Our lives are short, compared with eternity and time as seen by God, so we need to enjoy it to the best of our ability, and we can only do that when Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, our Guiding Light and Comforter. The One we turn to in ALL cases of difficulty or misunderstanding. The One who understands what we’re going through, because He also experienced the trials and tribulation of this earthly life.
Oh friends, Satan can’t do anything much to relieve our suffering in this his supposed world nuh, all he can do is increase that suffering, and eventually catapult us into his hellhole of fire and darkness. So please, let’s not place our misguided trust in him, despite his sweet, deceitful and lying words. And he is smooth and guileful; yuh see how easy he talked Eve into eating of the forbidden fruit. Please, let’s not allow him to do the same to us.
And when we remember Bruh David’s words in Psalm 39 – A prayer for self-understanding – the situation becomes even more critical. (smile) ‘Lord make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity (vapour). Selah. Surely every man walketh in a vain show (as a shadow); surely they are disquieted in vain (make an uproar for nothing): he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.’ (Ps. 39:4-6)
Oh friends, that’s all so true! We spend so much time building earthly wealth, and seeking power and importance, all to what purpose eh? To leave it all behind for others to enjoy, because we can’t take any of it with us. Too many of us behave like the rich fool in Jesus’ parable, (Luke 12:13-21) who was only interested in laying up treasure for himself here on earth. But what happened eh? That same night he made all his grandiose plans was his last day, the Grim Reaper came a-calling.
So precious people, we must not live only for the things of this earth, but also for the things of heaven, be rich towards God, lay up treasures in heaven, for you know not when your time will come. If it comes and you don’t have treasures stored in heaven, then crapaud smoke yuh pipe! (smile) And we’ve said all of that, just to say that our life on earth is fairly short, so we can’t afford to waste it, and our most important task down here is to decide where we will spend eternity, which lasts forever.
And unfortunately, there are only two options available to us: heaven, or hell. And I don’t need to tell us which is the best one – but I will nonetheless. (smile) Heaven is the best choice friends! No doubt about it! So let’s be wise nuh. Knowing that our time here is short, let’s begin laying up treasures in heaven nuh, for that’s where the wise money is headed; that’s where the best benefits and the highest interest rates are to be had, not down here on earth!
Oh my people, it’s time to examine our financial plans for eternity and bring them into line with true wisdom, otherwise we might just end up on the losing side of the equation, which will indeed be an irrevocable tragedy! And for those of us who are already engaged in making financial plans for eternity, let’s go home now declaring (chuh pool!) our Thursday Blessings which the Lord has generously bestowed on those who sincerely seek Him, to enable them to do His earthly work.
All together now: ‘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 everyday! Amen!’
And yes, because some of us might forget, (smile) I will remind us that our bounden duty is now to go out and share those blessings just as generously with others as the Lord has shared them with us. Our God is wonderful friends, I don’t see how we can ever turn away from Him nuh! Much LOVE!
…time is short…so let’s use it wisely…
22 Oct 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a pattern developing, a prophetic moment, always welcoming me, blame others for my failure, bounden duty, can no longer endure my shame, carry them in his bosom, compassionate heart, critical and obstinate, current tough times, curse, disunited, divisive, drive God out of our society, even my servant David, feed his flock like a shepherd, for loving me, for trusting and faithful help, forgives me so totally, frightens me, full of foolish pride, gather the lambs with his arm, gently lead those that are with young, God is the only one, God will never allow it, hardheaded, headed in the wrong direction, I am the good shepher, I even turn my backon you, I get fed up with myself, I keep running back to you, I lay down my life for the sheep, I mess up my days, I shall not want, I sulk n my own little corner, I the Lord will be their God, I waste time and energy, in the name of Jesus, judge harshly, negative word, no more a prey, once is an accident, onerous burdens, people I try to avoid, pride goeth before a fall, prosper, return to God's fold, screw up our lives, set up one shepherd over them, share them generously, straighten out its act, stubborn, succeed, supernatural wisdom, tasks I try to evade, thank you for accepting me, the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep, the gospel truth, the immortal words of Jesus, the intolerable loneliness, The Lord is my shepherd, the wise and sensible thing to do, therefore will I save my flock, three times is a habit, Thursday's Blessings, to escape your penetrating gaze, topsy-turvy weather, turn to Almighty God for help, twice is a mistake, we can turn to, when I can't have my own way, where else can I go, who else understands me
Isaiah 40:11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
What’s happening here eh friends? Is this a pattern developing? Yeh, I’m talking about the rain falling in the early morning in my area, waking up to a wet, gloomy dark morning, but then by midday, it’s become bright and sunshiny! It’s happened the past two days, today is also wet and gloomy, so who knows what will happen later eh. How did the ole people characterize stuff like that? If I remember it right; once is an accident, twice is a mistake, but three times is a blooming habit!
Chuh! I like the rain, but I can’t take this topsy turvy weather, where we not sure whether we coming or going. I wish the weather could straighten out its act, make up its mind as what it really wants to do. That is what I wish! And that’s all I have to say. (smile)
Now let’s see what Ruth Harms Calking has to say from our One Year Book of Bible Promises. And today she’s saying something I believe many of us ought to do; in fact our whole world ought to do it. The title of today’s poem is ‘I keep Running Back to You.’ Wow! How appropriate is that for our current tough times eh!
Please pray with me. ‘You know how it is with me, Lord. So often I mess up my days. I judge harshly I am critical and obstinate I waste time and energy I blame others for my failure. There are people I try to avoid And tasks I try to evade And when I can’t have my own way I sulk in my own little corner. Lord, I even turn my back on You To escape Your penetrating gaze?
Then finally I get fed up with myself. The intolerable loneliness frightens me And I can no longer endure my shame. It always happens, Lord – I keep running back to You! Where else can I go? Who else understands me so well Or forgives me so totally? Who else can save me from foolish pride? No one, Lord, but You. so thank You for accepting me For LOVING me For always welcoming me. I just can’t help it, Lord I keep running back to You!’
But that my brethren, is indeed the wise and sensible thing to do. When we get in our own way, and screw up our lives, so foolishly thinking that we know best and can do life on our own, there usually comes, or should come a prophetic moment when we realize that God, the Creator of the universe, is the ONLY ONE to whom we can turn to for trusting and faithful help.
And oh my people, how I do wish, hope and pray, that our world would see, that right now we’re in one of those prophetic times when the serious trouble we’re facing, the onerous burdens we’re bearing, can only be lightened, be solved, by running back to Almighty God from whom we have recently turned away in droves, even to the rash and foolish effort to drive him out of our society. But friends, that’s the most foolish thing we could ever think of or try to do. God WILL NEVER allow Himself to be driven out of our society!
And until we learn that immortal wisdom, we’ll just keep on spinning our wheels and going nowhere, living in abominable sin, burdened by calamity and disaster, just like we are right now. But yuh know what happens when we run back to Him, return to His fold? Hear Isaiah tell it like it truly is, in the promise from our poem: ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:11)
Yes friends, that’s what happens when we turn to Almighty God for help and succour! So why don’t we eh? And it’s not like we don’t have true examples of it. The Israelites turned back to the God of their forefathers how many times after being disobedient and rebellious, then consequently finding themselves between a rock and a hard place. And He graciously took them back. So why can’t we be wise enough to do it eh, especially when nothing else seems to be working for us?
Because we’re blooming stubborn and hard-headed, full of foolish pride, not willing to admit that we could be wrong. But remember what goeth before a fall, before destruction: pride! And right now our foolish pride is causing us to fall. Just look at how divisive and disunited our society has become nuh. We don’t agree on much of anything, so how can we expect to function successfully eh?
Friends, it’s only when a society is more united than divided can it ever hope to prosper and succeed. And believe me, we seem to be disagreeing, fighting, hating, and living ungodly more and more everyday. It’s obvious we’re headed in the wrong direction. Anyway, since we’re already late (smile) and running out of space too, let’s check out a few important scriptures on the subject.
First up are these immortal words from the prophet Ezekiel, talking about the Lord caring for His flock. ‘Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle (sheep and sheep). And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it.’ (Ezek. 34:22-24)
And if you’re one of those who foolishly believe that the Old Testament writings are dead and buried, then listen to that prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament. The immortal words of Jesus. ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so I know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11, 14-15) Yes friends, Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd; He laid down His life for us, and promised to protect us if we stay in His fold. But that’s a decision each individual has to make…and the sooner the better. Nuff said!
But for those of us who have already made the wise decision – being in Jesus’ fold, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!) our Thursday Blessings, which our Saviour has so generously blessed us with, so that we can do His earthly work. All together now: ‘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 everyday! Amen!’
And having declared all those good blessings, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share them just as generously with others who need what Christ has to offer. Much LOVE!
…the Lord is my shepherd…I shall not want…that’s the gospel truth…
06 Aug 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a gentle reminder, a positive outlook, a roaring lion, a sound mind, a strong will, a worthwhile example, ask and ye shall receive, bleating, Bless His Holy Name, curse, Day of Pentecost, do good, do the works I do, Elohim, even greater works, God anointed Jesus, God was with him, God's never late, He is indeed worthy to be praised, he that believeth on me, healing, Holy ghost power, in my name, jehovah god, joy, like a spring lamb, listen in love, LOVE, my own law, my own works of the flesh, negative word, oppressed with the devil, Praise the Lord, precious people of God, prosper, succeed, supernatural wisdom, teach an old dog new tricks, that will I do, the agent of Jesus, the father can be glorified in the Son, the first duty of love, the promise of answered prayer, the spirit of fear, Thursday Blessings, to do God's work, to listen, unlimited resources, walk in LOVE, went about doing good, whatsoever ye shall ask, with power, with the Holy ghost, Yahweh, your joy may be full
Acts 10:38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed with the devil; for God was with Him.
Well, well, well, if it isn’t another beautiful day on God’s great earth, another chance to do God’s great work! And all God’s children said a loud and proud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord! Bless His Holy Name! For He is indeed worthy of much thanks and praise!’ And so He is my people!
And we need to thank Him especially for getting me up at a still decent hour even though I went to bed real real late; like around 6. Hn! Hn! My eyes opened at 8, but I wasn’t able to crawl out of bed until 9. Yes, I agree that it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, so as they say, better late than never. (smile) And I’m chuckling here because the Lord never gave me a particular time to send out the Bit, it’s just my own assertion and conviction that it should go out at a fairly early hour. So I am basically suffering through my own law, by my own works of the flesh. (smile)
And though they say the month of August has come in bleating, more like a spring lamb than a roaring lion, with cool temps and breezes, after the hottest July in many a day, do not fear, it will get hotter as it goes along. Don’t know if that’s bad or good news, (smile) but anyway, be that all as it may, here’s a most important thought for us to remember today: ‘The first duty of LOVE is to listen!’ So let’s raise up our LOVE listening today nuh, for it will do us and all those we come into contact with, a world of good.
And that’s what we basically ought to be about my brethren; doing good. That brings to mind this wonderful and very expressive scripture: ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed with the devil; for God was with Him.’ (Acts. 10:38) What a marvellous bit of scripture my people; a most worthwhile example of how we should be, a gentle reminder that we ought to follow the beautiful example of our Leader, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Now please don’t say that we can’t, because we’re not like Jesus. Oh yes we are! God has also anointed us with the Holy Ghost! Remember after that memorable Pentecost Day when all believers immediately began receiving the Holy Ghost and its miraculous power? (Acts 2:1-4) So we have basically the same power that Jesus had. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Bruh Paul to Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power (Holy Ghost power), and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7)
We all spout that scripture, like so many others, but never really put them into action when they are truly needed, that’s why so many of us live fearful, anxious lives when there’s absolutely no need to. And if you don’t fancy Bruh Paul’s words, then hear Jesus’ nuh. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that my Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.’ (John 14:12-14)
Oh my people, how much clearer can it get eh? And if you still don’t believe Jesus, then I don’t know what else to say nuh. (smile) Oh, let’s see if these explanations of the scholars help any. ‘14:12. Greater works: Greater in quantity, certainly not quality. Christ’s ministry was primarily to Israel. His followers were going to reach the limits of the world.’ ‘14:13-14. In my name means “as My agent.” The promise of answered prayer is based on the disciple acting as the agent of Jesus’ will (cf. 16:23-26). It is also linked here especially in the accomplishment of the “greater works.” The promise is for unlimited resources to do the works of God.’
Ah friends, that’s the kind of God we serve; most magnificent, majestic and magnanimous! He will NEVER ask you to do His work without giving you the necessary tools and power and grace to successfully complete it! And I won’t tell you to read the scriptures quoted above in the scholars’ explanations, because I know that it will fall on too many deaf ears, (smile) but I will spoon feed you with the most important verse of that scripture, another one we know but don’t sufficiently put into action.
Here it is: ‘Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.’ (John 16:24) Mama Yo! What more we expect Jesus to do eh people – spoon feed us everything? He says to ask in His name and we’ll receive… with joy untold too! What more must He say eh? Obviously He doesn’t mean for us to be greedy and foolish and sinful and ask for all sorts of nonsense, but for worthwhile and necessary stuff so that we can do His will.
And yes, I know we often feel intimidated, or bashful or prideful about asking for things, but that’s what Jesus, our Leader, our Lord and Saviour says to do. And asking for stuff you believe you need is merely being obedient to His will. And you won’t get everything you ask for when you ask for it, especially if it’s a frivolous request. But I can promise you, that if you truly need it, you will receive it in His time, and believe me, He might be a bit tardy in our estimation, (smile) but He’s NEVER LATE! I can guarantee that from my personal experiences.
And as we go home today, let’s declare (brother – the devil must be at work here yes! just can’t spell that word) our Thursday Blessings, showcasing the magnanimity of our magnificent and majestic God, as He showers us with untold blessings to use in our daily walk, as we faithfully serve Him. All together now: ‘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 everyday! Amen!’
Yes my beautiful and precious people of Jehovah God, of Yahweh, of Elohim, let’s now go out and share those blessings just as generously as they were shared with us nuh! Much LOVE!
…listen in LOVE…so you can walk in LOVE…and do good…
16 Jul 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a God-given right, a happy wife, a result of external circumstances, a state of being from within, abundant life, attitude of joy, be lighthearted, bless His people, come to Christ, compassionate heart, curse, divine protection, do it with thy might, drink thy wine with a merry heart, eat thy bread with joy, empty life, enjoy life, eternal life, evil schmes, fullness of joy, go thy way, God approves of the enjoyment of life, God now accepteth thy works, have a good life, he joy of the lord is your strength, in the grave, in the name of Jesus, Jesus, laugh, leads to a happy life, listened attentively, listening love, live joyfully, lustful desires, magnanimous god, negative word, never guide or lead you astray, new motivation, obey His will and word, promotion, receive Christ as Saviour, steal our joy, supernatural wisdom, the best pilot, the honest work of thy hands, the life of thy vanity, the Preacher, the wife whom thou lovest, there is no work, Thursday Blessings, thy garments be always white, thy head lack no ointment, troubled times, under the sun, whoever has the Son has life
Ecclesiastes 9:7. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Oh friends, oh friends, thank you ever so much for your prayers on Listening LOVE yesterday! Wow! The duchess and I shared some of it on the A/C problem. She talked… I listened – attentively! (smile) Then I did what she wanted – not turn the A/C as low as I had originally intended. Yuh see it works! That’s why they say: ‘A happy wife, usually leads to a happy life!’ Usually yes, but not all the time. (smile)
Ah mih people, it’s such a joy to be able to laugh and be lighthearted amidst all the sickness, death and confusion that’s currently besieging our world. But you can only do that sincerely when you have Jesus truly running your life, because you are assured that He’s the best pilot there is and He would NEVER guide or lead you astray. Thus, I am asking all of us who sincerely believe in Christ to take life seriously, but please overlay it with that attitude of joy which can only be found in Christ Jesus, especially in troubled times like these.
It’s that inherent joy that sets us apart from the rest of the world. As the Good Book says: ‘For the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Neh. 8:10) And that’s why the enemy always tries to steal our joy first and foremost, because he knows that once he gets us down and depressed, we’re weak and very vulnerable, and thus easily influenced by his evil schemes and lustful desires. But please, let’s remember that our God is a God of joy, of laughter and mirth.
Hear these memorable words of Moses to the Israelites when he told them about bringing their first fruits to God. ‘And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.’ (Deut. 26:11) Yes friends, our God wants us to enjoy ALL that’s He’s given to us or allowed us to have. He is not a mean, incentive, scrooge-like deity, but a most generous and magnanimous God, desiring to bless his people, when they obey His Will and Word.
That’s why Cousin Sol, the Preacher said in these Principles for Living. ‘Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment (oil). Live joyfully (enjoy life) with the wife whom thou LOVEST all the days of the life of thy vanity (empty life), which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest (performest) under the sun. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.’ (Eccl. 9:7-10)
What wisdom my people! No wonder Cousin Sol was known as the wisest man ever. And the scholars explain those scriptures thus: ‘9:7-10. For the first time in the passages on enjoyment, the key words of the exhortation are put into the imperative mood; eat, drink, live, and so on. Also, a new motivation is expressed: God now accepteth thy works (vs.7), meaning clearly that God approves of the enjoyment of life. His will is that men enjoy life.
The idea of enjoyment is further reiterated in verse 8 with two directives. White garments on the body and ointment on the head made life more comfortable in the torrid near Eastern climates; they serve here to symbolize purity (cf. Rev. 3:4) and the enjoyment of life. Another command concerns the enjoyment of life with one’s wife (vs.9). The reasons for these commands are: It is man’s portion in this life (vs.9), and there is no working in the grave (vs.10).’
So there is no reason for us not to enjoy our earthly life. Remember Jesus’ memorable words: ‘The thief cometh not, but (except) for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10) And what does ‘abundant life’ mean eh? Wikipedia says it ‘refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for mind, body and soul.’ Another website explains: ‘Abundant life is eternal life, a life that begins the moment we come to Christ and receive Him as Saviour, and goes on throughout all eternity.’
Another website breaks it down as ‘knowing God,’ ‘First John 5:12 says “Whoever has the Son has life,” so Christians have this eternal life from the moment of salvation.’ And it’s also ‘a continuous process. Like salvation, we are given abundant life at the moment of salvation, but we will grow into it.’
And finally another website describes the abundant life as ‘a state of being from within, not a result of external circumstances. It is the result of the pruning God does to make us more like Him, and it is what we will take to heaven with us. (1 Cor. 3:11-15). An abundant life is one that keeps on giving. Which is Better – Abundance or an Abundant Life?’ Now that’s a very good question! And I do hope that all of us will answer that the latter is oh so much better. (smile)
So however we define it friends, Christ came to earth and died not only to pay for our sins, but also that we might have a good life beginning right here on MOTHER EARTH! We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to start enjoying life. Please, let’s remember that nuh and perk up and wear a smile and have a pleasant attitude despite all our problems, for we claim to have a Saviour who can do anything and also enable us to do anything, so let’s live like it’s true and we believe it nuh!
Ah mih people, I had some other things to say yes, but I got sidetracked with the abundant life story, or the Lord led me to hone in on it. Take your pick. (smile) So let’s go home now declaring (ah Lord eh!) our Thursday Blessings which the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to enable us to do His work. In strong voice, with sincere hearts:
‘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 everyday! Amen!’
And those blessings have been given to us for a troubled time such as this, so please, let’s go out and share them just as generously as we received them! Much LOVE!
…enjoy the honest work of thy hands…it is thy God-given right…
02 Apr 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beautiful blessing, a compassionate heart, A Prayer for Hope, addiction to hope, an emotional reaction, bless the Lord, blessing and cursing, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, choose hope, choose life, curse, death, despair, divine advice, divine protection, dr robert h schuller, exalt his name together, failure, faith, faithful God, generously share, God is still alive, guiding my life, hope, Hour of Power Devotional, I call heaven and earth, I have set before you, in the name of Jesus, life and death, magnify his name, negative word, never be ashamed, promises life, prosper, reverence, saints, selfishly hoard, stay true to, succeed, supernatural wisdom, surrender, tender mercy, the God of our forefathers, thou and thy seed may, Thursday Blessings, to recodr this day, trust, turn my hurts into halos, unacceptable mental attitude, wisdom from heaven
Deuteronomy 30:19. I call heaven and earth to record this day (stand as witnesses) against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
Oh friends, oh friends, before beginning to write the Bit this Thursday morning in these very concerned Covod-19 times, I needed a touch of divine inspiration and so I turned to some praise and worship, music that truly moves me, Psalm 34 sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. And as always, it certainly did the job! There’s something about that version of that song that just gets me going! Thus, I invite you now to bless the Lord with me! Let’s magnify His name together! Let’s exalt it together!
There’s no better form of praise than to glorify His most holy name for ever and ever! For He surrounds His saints with divine protection and no one who calls on Him in sincerity and truth will ever be ashamed. He will hear their pleas and protect them from their enemies! Wow! What other faith can say that about their God eh? NONE! That’s why it’s ever so important to stay true to the God of our forefathers if we want to be delivered from the enemy and receive redemption and forgiveness and eventual salvation.
But I know that’s not easy to do, even in normal times, much less in these very trying and uncertain ones. And the only way to do it is by keeping hope and faith alive through prayer and meditation and strong action. That’s why today I was guided to share a couple of passages from the Hour Of Power Devotional with writings by our dear, departed Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller). Long time we haven’t turned to him for some wise advice, (smile) but he does give some that’s very pertinent to our faith in these Covid-19 times.
So please read with me, this first devotional he so wisely titles ‘Choose Hope.’ ‘Yes, I believe God is still alive. He knows where I am and how I got here. He’s way ahead of me, manoeuvring in the silence and the shadows. He really cares. I trust Him. The alternative is an unthinkable, unacceptable mental attitude that’s certain to lead me down a path of hopeless despair. Yes I am addicted to hope. That’s my decision. My hopes may not be completely fulfilled, but at least they’re keeping me alive and alert and pragmatic.
Hope promises to generate and sustain life (and then does). Despair promises to generate and deliver depression and death (and then does). I’d rather choose HOPE (an emotional reaction that promises life but can’t guarantee that all of its promises will be fulfilled) than choose despair (an emotional reaction that guarantees that its promises of failure and death will surely be kept).’
Oh my people, all of that is oh so true and wise! Hope might not be able to guarantee everything it says, but at least it gives you a fighting chance. Despair and hopelessness on the other hand, does guarantee and provide death and failure. So as the Good Book says, ‘I call heaven and earth to record this day (stand as witnesses) against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may life.’
Precious people of God, that’s wisdom from heaven itself, straight from the mouth of our great God and Creator! And He offers that wise advice because He knows what’s best for us. So please, I implore us to take that divine advice and choose life and not death in these scary times; a life that is only provided through hope, faith, trust and true surrender to Almighty God! And to help us do that, here’s the second passage from Gramps Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional: ‘A Prayer for Hope.’
So please pray with me: ‘I have a strong, serene feeling that God is planning something good for me today. I cannot explain it, but I have a deep feeling that wonderful things are in store for me. I am expecting God to surprise me with His tender mercy. He will turn my hurts into halos. He is guiding my life in such a way that whatever happens to me will prove to be a beautiful blessing. Thank You Lord. Amen!’
And I do hope that as we prayed that prayer a new and higher layer and level of hope, faith and trust rose up in us. Yes friends, we do need abundant and divine hope in these rough times. And the only way to get it is to believe that God is truly for us and will do all that He’s promised, and will work everything out for our good eventually.
That’s why Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) likes to say: ‘Something good is going to happen to me today. And something good is going to happen through me today!’ And isn’t that the gospel truth! Remember, there is awesome power in the Word of God my people, for with it He created the world and all therein. So let’s use it to our advantage nuh. That’s why He gave it to us…to use – day and night!
And who says good things aren’t happening to us today, right now eh? Lots of wonderful things are happening; we’re being showered with our Thursday Blessings! So let’s declare (yeahh!) them in strong voice and sincere hearts nuh, as we lift up our great and wonderful God, who’s provided us with such awesome blessings.
‘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 everyday! Amen!’
Wowee, Wowee! How can we not LOVE and worship and reverence such an amazing and faithful God eh! But one word of reminder; those blessings are not to be selfishly hoarded, but to be generously shared with the less fortunate, just as the Lord generously shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…addiction to HOPE…is what we need right now…
12 Mar 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a good example to follow, a strong will, all thy children, at the end of the road, August Town, child of the Most High God, chose to remember my face, Christ's death, curse, declare thy mighty acts, Duane Stephenson, faith, far from oppression, favour, great shall be the peace, I never lived like he wanted, in righteousness, justified, mindful of what he taught, negative word, one generation, one more day, prosper, reconciled, redeemed, salvation, sanctified, sealed by the Holy spirit, self-control, shall be taught of the Lord, shall praise thy works to another, shalt not fear, shalt thou be established, sinful earth, succeed, supernatural wisdom, teach the children, terror, the cross at Calvary, the Light, the spark, the Word of god, Thursday's Blessings, to experience heaven on earth, true christians
Isaiah 54:13. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
One more day friends… One more day to experience heaven right here on earth! Wow! That’s why Jesus came and died for us yes – so that we could have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) That means we don’t have to wait until we actually reach heaven to enjoy heaven; we can also get a slice of it right down here on this sinful earth, because of the salvation He died for us to have. We are now children of God; redeemed, reconciled, sanctified and justified by Christ’s death on the cross at Calvary; sealed by the Holy Spirit until forever!
Wow! Thus, if you’re a born again child of the Most High God, then your life ought to be moving on a higher plane now. Not that you won’t have problems and trials, but because you will be able to overcome them with the awesome help of our wonderful God who has faithfully promised never to leave nor forsake us. (Heb. 13:5)
And I just espied this wonderful scripture as I opened the Good Book in the writings of Isaiah, where he talks about the Lord’s everlasting LOVE for Israel. ‘And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.’ (Is.54:13-14) Oh my fellow believers, yuh see that? Once again the Lord instills and impresses on us that we MUST TEACH the children about Him and His Word, since that’s the only way they will have peace on this earth.
And you’ll surely notice that quite a lot of young people nowadays are tied up in uncertainty and don’t know where they’re going and are falling for all sorts of foolish and ungodly stuff, because we the parents have not taught them the Word of God as the Lord requires. Ah friends, the only way the Word of God can survive is if the next generation knows it and keeps passing it on. How do you think we got it eh? Because our parents instilled it in us. As Bruh David says in Psalm 145 – The Lord is gracious – ‘One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.’ (Ps. 145:4)
Oh my people, did our generation praise the works of the Lord to this current one and declare His mighty acts? Not as much as we ought to, else our children would not be as lost and vulnerable to every whim and fancy of this evil world, as they are today. And I know we don’t like to hear of or take the blame for the current situation, but the truth is a lot of it sits on our shoulders because of our reluctance, for whatever reason, to teach our children the Word of the Lord and tell them about his awesome doings. Just like we were told about them by our parents, we are responsible for telling our children. And unfortunately we have not come up to scratch in that department.
Remember when you train up the children right, that even when they’re old, they’ll still remember what you taught them. That reminds me of the reggae song ‘August Town’ by Duane Stephenson, where he was a bad boy dealing with evil forces, more into guns and ammunitions and striving with God-fearing people, than following the Lord. That disheartens me some, because in my days in Jamaica, August Town, situated right below the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies was a decent enough place, not filled with the crime and violence Duane sings about.
But as he says “For all the lives that I’ve taken, They can never be replaced, But still Jah Jah chose to remember my face. Though I never lived like He wanted, I’m still mindful of what he taught me. So now I beg and plead, I’m on my bended knees, Cause Father you rescued me.’ That’s what I’m talking about friends, as a child, he was obviously taught the Word, though He never chose to live it as an adult. But yuh see when life got really tough, when it got dark, because of His early training in the Word, he knew where to turn to for help, ‘the only spark, the light at the end of the road.’
And obviously, ever-faithful to His promise the Father rescued him. So though it might be a tad late for teaching our children about God, but certainly don’t stop trying with them, we should possibly concentrate more on our grandchildren; getting the Word into their hearts and souls as early as possible. Now Moses told the children of Israel that from the very beginning. ‘And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.’ (Deut. 6:6-7)
Yuh see friends, not only should we teach the children, and teach them diligently, but the Word should always be in our mouths and hearts and minds. That way we have them to quickly draw upon whenever we need them, which is almost constantly in these evil times. End of sermon! (smile) Now let’s go home declaring (steups!) our Thursday Blessings, generously given to us so that we can also generously share them with others while doing God’s work. All together now in strong voice with sincere hearts.
‘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 everyday! Amen!’
Yes friends, let’s get it together nuh, and show the heathen world what true Christians are really like! They are just dying to see us like we ought to be, so they have a good example to follow! Much LOVE!
…we can only teach what we know…
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