The Power of God in Believers to set the World Right!

03 Sep 2024 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 10:23.        Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; for he who promised is faithful;)

And then it was Tuesday, the day after Labour Day Monday, which means all the partying done for another season, and is only serious business on the mind now. What with all the strife and negative emotions that are currently plaguing our world, it’s about time we got serious and began doing something about it. Oh friends, the negativity and Satanic behaviour in our world are too far flung, widespread and deep for us to just leave them be! 

And if we ever hope to turn things around, we must make a sincere and positive effort, starting right now, to combat them with godly traits like peace, LOVE, justice and equality. We need to get rid of the many sick, power-hungry, exploitative rulers and wannabe rulers, who only want to expand their sphere of power and deepen their own pockets with a dictatorial agenda. That’s the only way our world will ever improve! 

You know, when I was young and reading the history of so many dictators and crazy rulers, I often wondered how they ever came to be. But now in my old age, I’m living the reality of it, seeing how it actually comes about. And how is that eh? Because too many of us go around like lost or doh care sheep, not paying sufficient attention to what’s happening in the world around us, especially in these times when we have the news from all around the world right at our fingertips. 

That’s one of the reasons why dictators are able to arise and thrive; the people don’t take them seriously enough, not realizing the imminent death and withdrawal of many of their God-given rights in the society. We’re too busy seeking after our own small-minded interests to consider the bigger picture, figuring that whatever happens won’t affect us. But that’s a total lie; for whatever happens in a country affects all who live in it! 

Consequently we don’t stand up and fight off the predators the way we ought to. Then, when they get in power and begin restricting our rights and privileges, we make a big outcry about it. But then it’s too late. We should have stopped them in their tracks before they got entrenched in power. And unfortunately that reminds me of a line in the scriptures that talks about Jesus and many of his followers being led like lambs to the slaughter. (Is. 53:7, Rom. 8:36) 

But the truth is that many more than just followers of Christ are being led like lambs to the slaughter under the rule of greedy, power-hungry, Satan- inspired rulers, who are willing to do just about anything to gain the power and other ungodly things they desire. And it’s only when the people know their rights, and are not afraid to stand up strong, to these human predators, that the society can ever progress in a true, just and godly manner. 

And the sad fact is that right now in our strife filled and angry world, there are many rulers who have been able to seize the reins of dictatorial power, and many more wannabe rulers who are doing their best to do the same. It seems like dictatorial times are cyclical; you’ll have several of them for a season, and then it’s followed by  a sort of recession as they gradually die off, because most of the power is embodied in only one man. 

We saw the rise of the dictator in the last part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th, then they all died off. However, we’re now seeing the rise of another season of autocratic, selfish, greedy and ungodly leaders, to whom human rights and lives don’t mean a thing in themselves, and are only important as they can be used to feed their lust for power and personal aggrandizement. 

Now stopping these human predators is not easy, never was, and never will be, but that doesn’t mean they are unstoppable, just that we have to work extra hard to stop them from rising up, or to topple them after they have attained power. And where do we begin? I believe first of all by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, then using all the rights and powers we access by His work and that belief to stand strong and fight the greedy powers that be. 

We need to use scriptures like: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; for he who promised is faithful;) (Heb. 10:23) Yes friends, the first step is to hold on strong to our faith in Jesus, for with Him we can defeat anybody and anything, as the scriptures say: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:13) But without Him, we cannot do much of anything. As he says: ‘for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) 

But to help us in our fight, we also need to put on the spiritual armour of God, as Bruh Paul says in Ephesians. ‘Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.’ (Eph. 6:11) Then there’s this scripture that further admonishes us to stand strong and look to Jesus. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us, 

Looking unto Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:1-4) 

Oh my people, that’s the basis for our unending fight; the strength and perseverance of Jesus, who cared not for the hostile opinions and behaviour of others, but concentrated on doing His Father’s work. Likewise, we should be concentrating on doing His work, not letting the opinions or behaviour of the ungodly frighten us into not making a positive, godly difference in the world. 

Remember, ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7) That means we don’t need to be afraid of the enemy, for we have the power, the Spirit and LOVE of God to resist and rebuke him. Thus we need to do like Bruh Paul told Timothy: ‘Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship), as a good soldier of Christ.’ (2 Tim. 2:3) 

And if we do that, then we’ll be able to say like Bruh Paul did: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith.’ (2 Tim. 4:7)  And that’s all the Lord really expects of us; to put up a good fight in His name. Now, for those of us who are trying our best to do just that, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know whom we belong to, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having said that, it now behooves us to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…we can only soldier on successfully…with the power, the armour and Spirit of Christ in us…

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

Acknowledging the Truth, that without Christ…We are Powerless!

27 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 4:13.       I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Ah friends, this Tuesday, the last one in August, is shaping up to be another glorious summer’s day! Praise the Lord! For, come September, who knows what’s going to happen. But the good thing about being a believer in Jesus Christ is that we know we can handle whatever comes against us, especially if we are wearing His spiritual armour and draped up in prayer! Then we’re ready for battle on all and any front! 

Remember these fighting words of Bruh Paul to the Philippians: ‘Not that I speak in respect of want (in regard of need): for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased (live humbly), and I know how to abound (live in prosperity): every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:11-13) 

Yes friends, through Christ’s strength flowing in us we can learn how to live both in want and in prosperity. But please note it’s a learned behaviour, it doesn’t just happen automatically or overnight, you have to work at it, and with the strength of Jesus buoying you up. Ah mih bredrin, it’s so wonderful to know that with Christ’s strength behind us we can do any and everything! 

But we also need to notice the opposite end of the spectrum as Christ so wisely pointed out to the disciples: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5) And that’s telling it like it is my people! With Christ we can do anything, but by the same token, without Him, we cannot do anything! 

That means Christ is essential, a real necessity in our lives, we’re absolutely nothing without Him. As Bruh Paul adds in 2 Corinthians: ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;’ (2 Cor. 3:5) And that you cannot deny! 

That brings us to this interesting remark in that scripture from John where Christ talks about those who believe in Him bearing much fruit. There He’s talking about the fruit of the Spirit which flourishes, or is supposed to flourish in true believers in Christ. And Bruh Paul explains the Fruit of the Spirit thus to the Galatians: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE (the willing sacrificial giving of oneself to another without thought of return), joy (gladness of heart), peace (tranquility of mind), longsuffering (patience), gentleness (kindness), goodness (generosity), faith (faithfulness), Meekness (courtesy and consideration), temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.’ (Gal. 5:22-23)  

Yes friends, there are nine things that are considered the Fruit (not fruits) of the Spirit. And as we’re on the subject, we might as well get some explanations from scholars. (smile) They say: ‘The word fruit is significant for three reasons. (1) It means the result, product, outcome, or effect produced by the Spirit in the believer’s life. (2) Unlike the “gifts of the Spirit” (plural), only some of which are given to a Christian, each believer is to have all nine virtues composing “the fruit of the Spirit” (singular) (3) As fruit on a tree takes time to grow and mature, so the Spirit does not cultivate these virtues in the believer overnight.’ 

Oh yes my fellow believers, unlike the gifts of the Spirit, like prophecy, the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, the gifts of healing, the interpretations of tongues etc. (1 Cor. 12) of which we might get a few, if we’re truly blessed, (smile) with the fruit of the Spirit it’s expected that all of those nine virtues will eventually blossom in the mature Christian! 

And believe me, that’s no easy task, especially when you’re continually hounded by the devil and his evil cohorts to do wrong. But as we said before, with Christ on our side, and our willingness to learn and sacrifice on His behalf, then we can certainly attain that goal of having all nine fruit of the Spirit flourish in us. 

Then, Bruh Paul follows up the definition of the Fruit of the Spirit with these poignant and most pertinent words. ‘And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections (its passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory (conceited), provoking one another, envying one another.’ (Gal. 5: 24-26) 

Yes my fellow saints, once we’re born again believers in Christ, it is then expected that we’re to throw away all our old satanic vices and adopt the fruit of the Spirit. That means both living and walking in the Spirit, or as the scholars explain: ‘since the Spirit gave us new life at conversion, we then should stay in step with His leading and promptings throughout life.’ And paying sincere and close attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is the only way to have that fruit flourish in us, to stop us from being greedy, selfish, materialistic and all the other wrong things that the world considers right. 

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

And having made that declaration, it then becomes our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…only when we’re in Christ…and Christ is in us…are we truly powerful…

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

Discipline and Self-Control are the Major Forces behind a Godly Life!

13 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 25:28.       He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Here’s to Tuesday friends, which helps us get the bullyboy Monday off our minds! (smile) And so it should, as each new day is supposed to help us forget the last one with all its mistakes and disappointments, and to look forward to the current one with anticipation, hope and gladness. That’s why we say: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24)  

But to be able to do that successfully, we need to activate those two magical, but oh so difficult to obtain words that we spoke of yesterday; discipline and self-control. And they’re so important in our lives that I figured we could talk about them again today, seeking more scriptures that show us just how important they are. And what’s self-control you ask?  

Here are two quotes that briefly explain it. ‘Self-control is discipline in the face of pressure from an immediate urge, desire or compulsion. It relates to delaying immediate gratification of the senses.’ And the second one says: ‘It involves the ability to exercise restraint and moderation in various aspects of life, including our thoughts, words, actions, and desires. Self-control is considered a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is essential for living a godly and righteous life.’ 

And yuh better believe that my fellow saints! If we don’t have self-control, if we can’t discipline ourselves, then our godly lives will only end up in shambles, especially when faced with the constant bombardment of the evil and lustful things of the enemy. As this quote reminds us: ‘For our self-control shows up in the effort we put forth to resist the temptation to go back to the ways of the world around us once we’ve been shown God’s spiritual way of life. It is demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit instead of committing the works of the flesh.’ 

So self-control or discipline is immensely important in the lives of men, whatever they wish to do successfully. And there’s no better scripture to begin with today, than this one from Cousin Sol from his treasure trove of wisdom named Proverbs. ‘He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.’ (Prov. 25:28) Yes friends, a man without self-control is like a broken down city with no defenses. 

And this commentary from the Crossway.org website rightly explains: ‘Self-control relates to the passions (such as anger or love), the appetites (for food, sex, etc.), and the will (as illustrated by impulsive decisions). The lack of self-control is a mark of a fool. He is like a city . . . left without walls, that is, with no means of defense against enemies.’ And that’s the indisputable truth! Without self-control we’re hopelessly open to any and every bad wind that blows. 

Now, this next scripture from Bruh Paul to Timothy is one we know and so often quote, but don’t really pay enough attention to it. ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7) Oh my people, the Lord has indeed given us the spirit of a disciplined mind, but it doesn’t happen automatically, we have to invoke it, put it into serious action by practicing it in our everyday lives. 

Then there’s this scripture from Peter, where he writes: ‘But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover a multitude of sins.’ (1 Pet. 4:7-8) In other words, we’re to be sober or self-controlled, constantly in prayer and overflowing with LOVE to each other as LOVE covers many sins, tones down the pain and hurt we incur. 

And for a good insight into the scripture, listen to this commentary from the Crossway.org website. It says: ‘The end of all things is at hand does not mean Peter was expecting Christ to return in a few weeks or months. It means, rather, that all the major events in God’s great salvation plan—culminating in the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost—had already occurred. 

Therefore Christ’s return could happen at any time: it was “at hand” in Peter’s day, and it still is today. But the imminent arrival of the end is not a call simply to look into heaven and wait for Jesus’ return. Instead, believers are to be self-controlled and sober-minded, so that they may be devoted to prayer and maximize their usefulness in God’s kingdom.’ 

But unfortunately that’s not happening, for too many of us supposed believers are definitely not devoted to prayer and/or maximizing our usefulness in God’s kingdom! No wonder the chaotic state of our world. Please remember that we’re supposed to be Christ’s ambassadors on earth, being the salt of the earth and the light of the world, so that we can draw others to Him and His wonderful gifts of salvation and eternal life. And if we don’t do our duty and turn things around, then who will eh? Certainly not the evildoers who simply like the way things are; the world sinking further and further into the mire of Satan’s evil ways. 

And the last scripture we’ll look at today is one we all know, but thoroughly dislike. This from Hebrews: ‘My son, despise not thou the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the Lord LOVETH he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.’ (Heb. 12:5-6) Yes mih bredrin, none of us like to be disciplined, but we all need it at some time or other. 

And as the rest of the scripture tells us, we have earthly fathers who discipline us and we give them reverence, so we should be even more reverential, thankful and grateful when the Lord disciplines us, because He does it for our own good, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (Heb. 12:7-10) And yes, no discipline seems right or joyful when it’s meted out, but later on we usually see its benefits. So please, let’s not despise the Lord’s discipline, because if He doesn’t discipline us, then it means He doesn’t care about us. 

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

And having said that, it now becomes our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…in discipline and self-control…lies the root of the abundant life…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of the Bible in a Believer’s Life!

06 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

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

Joshua 1:8a.        This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth (shall continually be in thy mouth); but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,

Well, the Caribana weekend festivities are all over now, and it’s time to get back to the daily grind and common task, although there are still plenty of small summer activities left to be enjoyed. Not forgetting the granddaddy of all fairs, that in the Exhibition Stadium grounds which will soon open. But as always, the secret of longevity and godliness is moderation in all matters. 

Now, here are a couple more truths that we ought to be remembering on this wet and cloudy summer Tuesday morn. The first one says; ‘The Bible is God’s word to us still fresh through all the ages. And if we read it we will find God’s wisdom on it’s pages.’ Wow! What an awesome statement, but one that’s oh so true! And do we ever need God’s wisdom so desperately in these strife filled and chaotic times! 

That means we ought to be spending much more time reading and studying the Bible than we’re currently doing, because one of the main reasons for the disastrous state of our world is we have deliberately and rebelliously turned away from Almighty God, thus allowing Satan to manipulate our lives and keep us in sinful bondage, negating Christ’s death to free us from said bondage. 

Remember what Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy about the purpose of the Bible. ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ (2 Tim. 3:16-17) 

Yes friends, that’s the very noteworthy and important purpose of the Bible in our lives! It’s our Guidebook for godly living. So then how can we live godly lives if we don’t read and study it? How can we put its many wise truths into action in our lives, if we’re not constantly meditating on it, like the Lord strongly imparted to Joshua way back when he became the leader of the Israelites, after the death of Moses. 

‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth (shall continually be in thy mouth); but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8) 

Oh my people, what’s in there that we cannot understand eh? The Bible is the ONLY way to true prosperity and success! The Lord said it, and if you’re a supposed follower of Christ, then you ought to believe it! No wonder so many of us have mediocre or even broken lives, because we don’t read and study the Bible and live by its dictates. It’s oh so simple. But nowadays mankind detests anything that‘s simple. If it’s not complex and complicated, then it’s of no use. 

But the truth is that simplicity is more akin to kingdom living than complexity. Look at Jesus’ earthly life; He lived very simply, but in that simplicity there was a profoundness that can never be matched. Remember what Jesus said to the disciples when they tried to stop children from going to Him? ‘Suffer (allow the) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matt. 19:14) 

Yes my brethren, even children can follow Christ, but the effect of Christ’s words were that for one to come into the kingdom, one must be simple, uncomplicated and obedient like a child. And I like this commentary on that scripture: ‘When Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me,” He was reaching out to a segment of society that was thought to be insignificant. Children, in their weakness and vulnerability, have much to teach us as adults. As we grow, the hardness of the world often makes our hearts callous.’ And that’s for sure! 

Now, Jesus was even more explicit earlier on when He took a child and placed him in their midst, and said: ‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matt. 18:3-4) Not like the rich, complex ruler who later came to him seeking what he could do to earn salvation. And when told to sell all his earthly goods and then come and follow Jesus, he went away sad and sorrowful, because he had a lot of earthly possessions. (Matt. 19:16-22) 

And right there is one of our problems; we place so much importance on our earthly possessions, that we end up allowing them to turn us away from God. But friends, God is the creator and owner of everything and everyone on the earth! As Bruh David so rightly says in Psalm 24. ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the flood (rivers).’ (Ps. 24:1-2) 

And there’s’ no doubting that, as John also says in his gospel. ‘All things were made by him, (the Word – Jesus); and without him was not anything made that was made.’ (John 1:3) And if you still don’t believe, then listen as Moses adds his two cents worth. (smile) ‘Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.’ (Deut. 10:14) So there’s no doubt that all the heaven’s and earth and whoever and whatever is therein, belongs to the Lord in it’s entirety, and we’re only stewards of His belongings. 

And no, I have not forgotten that I promised two truths. (smile) So here is the second. ‘One truth from the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of man!’  And that’s an indisputable fact my fellow believers! Why? It’s simple: because God’s thoughts, ways and wisdom are ever so much higher than ours! Matter fixed! So please, let’s contemplate what that simple truth means and can do in our lives, as we go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

That means we’re now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…a true believer in Christ…ought always to have the scriptures in their hearts…at their beck and call…

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

The Absolute Necessity for True LOVE in this Evil World!

16 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 13:34.        A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.

Oh boy, it’s a rainy Tuesday morning in my neck of the woods! And like it means serious business too, because the thunder’s been rumbling in a very intimidating manner! But there’s no need to worry, because it all comes from our great God, who made the heavens and the earth and still owns and controls it! And if He chooses to grit His teeth and cause the earth to shake with rumbling thunder every once in a while to show His displeasure with our sinful, ungodly life style, then who’s to say Him nay eh? (smile) Nobody whatsoever, because He’s the Boss, and the Boss can do whatever He so desires! 

So it’s a two in one session; some heavenly blessings and some heavenly displeasure. Please, let’s be wise and pay some serious attention to the displeasure aspect, because we would not like to feel even one iota of His godly wrath, which can immediately destroy us, both body and soul. As Jesus warns the disciples and by extension, all other followers: ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt. 10:28) 

And what does that mean? Listen to this commentary. ‘Jesus’s command, Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul (v 28), informs His disciples of the extent of the danger that they will face for following Him. Earthly rulers and mobs will kill the bodily lives of Christ’s followers for the sake of extending or preserving their earthly power.’ So we don’t need to truly fear them, for they can only kill our bodies. But God Almighty can destroy us completely. 

Therefore we ought to have both a reverential fear or awe of Him, as well as a real fear of the power He possesses and can unleash at a moment’s notice if  His displeasure is stirred up. But we don’t need to fear God’s wrath if we live the godly and LOVING life that He expects of His followers. Remember that although His wrath is lethal, His LOVE is even more powerful, and once we’re living in LOVE with Him and each other, there’s nothing to fear. 

Jesus said it very simply but with the utmost confidence and sincerity when He answered the question posed by the facetious Pharisee lawyer: ‘Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt. 22:36- 40) 

Yes friends, in God’s kingdom, everything swings on the power of LOVE! Can you imagine a world that is just filled with LOVE? Unfortunately though, most of us cannot conjure such a divine situation because we have become hard, cynical and too accustomed to a world where the negative things like hate, anger, strife and the rest of them are rampant and overwhelming. 

And it’s ONLY LOVE, the LOVE of believers in Christ Jesus that will ever make a difference in this hateful and ungodly world. And Jesus harped on the necessity for LOVE amongst His believers. Listen to this directive. ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) 

Oh my fellow believers, Jesus could not have been any clearer or more explicit. The attribute that’s supposed to set us apart from the heathen and let others know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ is LOVE for each other. But can we truthfully say that LOVE exists today amongst the supposed disciples of Christ in any serious and sincere amount? I doubt it. Not when there are so many divisions, dissensions, denominations, cliques, petty jealousies, infighting and outright evil doings in the body of Christ, in His church. 

That thread of true LOVE in Christ’s church is sadly missing. No wonder the heathen don’t consider us disciples, but rather hypocrites, since we don’t even show the most basic aspect of Christ’s nature, LOVE, to each other and to the world in general. It hurts the heart when you think of the awesome power, the great difference Christ’s church could make in this world if it came together as one, instead of being broken up into many weak and powerless pieces, acknowledging the wisdom of Satan’s scheme, to divide and conquer. 

And when we sing that famous hymn ‘The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word,’ we’re making a mockery of it because so many people today are trying to lay their own foundation in the church of Christ, unlike what Bruh Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians: ‘For other foundation can no man lay that that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor, 3:11) Oh my people, the only foundation that’s supposed to be in Christ’s church is Christ Himself! We need to build on that, not on anything else. Otherwise it would not be truly of Christ. 

But, unfortunately, our world had become just like Bruh Paul warned Timothy long ago . ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.’ (2 Tim. 3:1-2) And he goes on to name a long list of other sinful and ungodly deeds that mankind would be guilty of. And there’s no doubt that all those things are very blatant and rampant in our world right now. 

And the only antidote for what’s ailing our world is true LOVE and LOVING actions amongst those who profess belief in Christ Jesus. It’s a simple but not an easy answer, but with God’s help we can turn things around if we seriously try. However, that’s where the problem lies, we don’t want to seriously try because it will take too much effort and sacrifice. But that’s another sermon for another day! 

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

And having made that claim, it now behooves us to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…life is all about LOVE…LOVE for God…for ourselves…and for our fellow human beings…

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

Living for our Unchangeable God from whom ALL Goodness comes!

09 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

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

James 1:17a.       Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,

O.K!  Tuesday is here in all its summer glory; sunshiny and warm, and we’ve forgotten Monday, forgotten all the frustrations and concerns it might have caused us, because Tuesday is a new day! And what do we say when a new day dawns? ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!’ (Ps. 118:24) Yes friends, that’s exactly why the Lord gave us a new day, so that we could enjoy it with all of His mercies and compassions that are brand new every day! (Lam. 3:22-23) 

Wow! What an awesome God we serve my brethren! Good and faithful is He from the beginning right down to the very end. As James so rightly says in his epistle: ‘Do not err (be deceived) my brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.’ (James 1:16-18) 

What reassuring scriptures my faithful believers. But what does it all mean? These two commentaries spread some light on the situation. The first one says: ‘So, if “there is no shadow of turning,” that means there is no darkness in Him. He is light and He doesn’t change. As we move in and out of the light and the earth moves, our shadow shifts. Not true for God. He is the source of light – there is no shadow because there is no movement (turning) in Him.’ 

And the second tells us: ‘James is encouraging believers in Christ to tell themselves the truth: God gave you every single good thing in your life. He is the source of all the good you have and all the good you crave. Who God is does not change when our circumstances change.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people! Our God never changes, from day one to the end of time, He has been, He is, and will be the same; merciful, forgiving, LOVING, compassionate, long-suffering, slow to anger, etc. etc. God. 

But don’t forget that though He is longsuffering and slow to anger, He will not put up with our foolish, ungodly ways for ever, and we certainly don’t want to feel His wrath. Remember how the Israelites felt it when they refused to live the way He desired and chose to worship man-made idols instead. And remember too how He destroyed the world by flood when the world was so sinful and ungodly. So, although He’s good and LOVING and all those other marvellous things, His wrath can be very destructive. 

Now that means we should be careful of how we live, but it’s exactly what we’re not doing, for the world is more sinful and ungodly than its ever been! And sadly, many of us supposed believers are helping it along by being OF it, rather than simply living IN it as Jesus desires. So who knows where our world is headed? We’re sure of only one thing, that it’s going through a rather tragic and disastrous time with all sorts of man made strife and natural disasters like we’ve never seen before. 

Some say it’s a sign of the end times, while others say no. But whatever it is, we can only work on the premise that Jesus is the answer…the way the truth and the life, and no man gets to see the Father’s face unless we go through Jesus. (John 14:6) That means sincerely living for Jesus is the wisest decision and best action we can ever take. Being good agents, ambassadors and disciples for His kingdom. And let’s remember what that means in Jesus own words. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) 

That says it all friends! To follow Jesus we have to be much more like Him than we currently are! We have to stop allowing the world to control us as much as it’s doing, and live sacrificially for Him, like He did for us, while LOVING each other, the way He LOVED us. Remember these poignant words of His. ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) 

Now, can we truly say that the members of Christ’s church, truly LOVE one another? Definitely not! With the amount of divisions, dissensions, the serious infighting and petty jealousies that cause much strife in the body of Christ, truly LOVING each other is far from being a reality! And that’s why the heathen don’t see us as true disciples of Christ, and don’t show us any respect. In fact many of them laugh at us and call us hypocrites, because we’re so good at talking the talk, but terrible at walking the walk. 

And until we change our hypocritical, two-faced ways like the Pharisees of old, we will never climb to the standard that Jesus desires of us, and one that will make others believe us and want what we claim to have. So, if we are truly desiring to live for Jesus, then we know what we all have to do; stop being as hypocritical as we currently are, reduce the divisions, dissensions and infighting in the church, and start sincerely LOVING each other! And that only means being good to each other, treating each other with courtesy and respect, helping each other in times of need. In other words, basic human kindness. And if we can’t show basic human kindness to those around us, then we have no claim to be called Christians. End of Sermon! 

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

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

…true believers ought to live like Jesus did…without much fanfare…but with much kindness and compassion…

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

The absolute necessity for Christians to pursue Good over Evil!

25 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

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

Romans 12:9.        Let LOVE be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave (cling) to that which is good.

Oh friends, can you believe that we’re already in the last week of June, which seems to have only just begun? (smile) By next week we’ll be talking about July and not June. That means six months of this crazy year of 2024 would have been in the books, and we’re no way nearer to peace, or even less strife in our world. In fact, with each passing day, a new theatre of strife seems to open up without any others closing. 

The news media simply stops paying attention to the old areas of strife, so they can concentrate on the new ones. Does anybody remember that there’s sill civil unrest in places like Syria, and Libya, like in the Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and several other parts of the world, because the strife between Russia and the Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas, are now the main talking points, have taken centre stage in the worldwide conflicts. 

What a sad state of affairs my people! Affairs that most of us, as ordinary people, cannot do anything about except to pray for the lessening, or better yet, the ending of the strife that currently engulfs our world. And furthermore, in our daily lives, let’s remember these simple but life changing words of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome. 

‘Let LOVE be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave (cling) to that which is good. Be kindly affecctioned (affectionate) one to another with brotherly LOVE; in honour preferring (giving preference to) one another. Not slothful in business (lagging in diligence); fervent in spirit; serving the Lord: Rejoicing in hope; Patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing instant (steadfastly continuing) in prayer; Distributing to the necessity (needs) of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.’ (Rom. 12:9-14) 

Now those might be some tough rules to live by, especially with all the animosity, deceit and fraudulent behaviour that’s currently in ascendance. But it is the way that Jesus desires His followers to live. As He plainly says in the gospel of Luke. ‘But I say unto you which hear, LOVE your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you.’ (Luke 6:27-28) 

Yes my brethren, those are indeed rough rows to hoe, but if you are a sincere follower of Christ, He gives you the general wherewithal to do it, but you also have to bear your part of the bargain, willingly sacrificing whatever you need to keep His commandments. That’s what we signed up for. And Bruh Paul’s not done with us as yet. (smile) So let’s go back to his memorable words from Romans, as he continues his practical steps for Christian living. 

‘Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not (do not set your mind) on high things, but condescend to men of low estate (associate with the humble). Be not wise in your own conceits (estimation). Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (have regard for good things). If it be possible, as much as lieth in you (depends on you), live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom. 12:15-18) 

Now that last verse is especially difficult to do in these times of widespread hatred and animosity, where very few of us are willing to turn our backs on others getting up in our faces with abuse and even personal violence. But we do need to try, as Bruh Paul says: ‘as much as depends on us.’ Unfortunately though, too many of us are prone to doing what he says not to do in this next verse. ‘Dearly beloved avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ (Rom. 12:19) 

Bruh Paul is there quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, to show that only God has the power to avenge, and He will most certainly do so. However, the repayment of vengeance for either imagined or actual wrongs is exactly what’s causing all the strife in our world today. But as we can see that only leads to further violence and strife. And sadly, we’re seeing those old hatreds moving from the old countries to the new ones as refugees and migrants move away from the areas of strife. All the old angst resurfaces when they meet their old enemies in the new countries, so that the feuds never stop. 

That means to end that sort of continued hatred, we have to do like Bruh Paul says: ‘Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.’ (Rom. 12:20) And that’s not literal coals of fire, (smile) but rather a kind of shaming or remorse caused when we treat an evil doer kindly. And that leads to this momentous verse: ‘Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:21) 

Now that ought to be the basic motto of a true Christian! And it’s just a reiteration of Jesus’ own sentiments: ‘But LOVE ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again (in return); and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.’ (Luke 6:35-36) 

Yes friends, living for Jesus is no Sunday afternoon stroll in the park, but it is doable when with the grace He gives us, we put our minds to it. So for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now my fellow saints, it’s our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…returning evil for evil…only furthers the cause of evil…which is the essence of foolishness…   

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 June 2024 Proverbs 27:1.

04 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 27:1.       Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
And the days continue to move right along with no thought for our problems or negative circumstances. (smile) Yes, Monday has come and gone, and Tuesday is going about its business like there was no tomorrow. And for Tuesday, there is no tomorrow, just Wednesday anxiously waiting in the wings to take its place. Therefore it has to do whatever it needs to do today. Likewise, we believers in Jesus Christ don’t know if we’ll live to see tomorrow, consequently we should be  up and about our Father’s business today, not leaving anything we can do today for the proverbial tomorrow. 
Remember Cousin Sol’s wise words from Proverbs? ‘Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.’ (Prov. 27:1) And that’s the gospel truth, for look at how many plans we make for the morrow, plans that seem so foolproof, but yet when tomorrow finally shows up, we have to jettison those plans because of other more important matters. Yes friends, that scripture tells us that we are not promised tomorrow. Each day could be our last day and as believers, knowing this should change how we spend our daily lives. That’s doing what we ought to in light of God’s will and plan for our lives. 
And Jesus adds to that by saying in his Sermon on the Mount: ‘Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34) In other words He’s warning us: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” And so it does. Yesterday, Monday, had its individual problems, so will today Tuesday, and so will tomorrow Wednesday. Some troubles might carry over from one day to the next, but be sure that each new day will bring its own problems to the front. 
And with all of that in mind, we can turn to the epistle of James, who goes even further when he writes that rejoicing in boastings is evil. He says: ‘Go to now (come now), ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain (make a profit): Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice (boast) in your boastings (arrogance): all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ (James 4:13-17) 
Jesus’ brother is really socking it to us. And He’s quite right, in these selfish and greedy times we make boastful and arrogant plans to do things without any thought to what Almighty God desires, and when He squashes those plans we wonder why such well-laid plans did not materialize. And again Cousin Sol has wise advice for us in Proverbs, that treasure trove of wisdom. ‘The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth his spirit. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.’ (Prov. 16:1-3) 
In other words: ‘We may make our plans, but God has the last word. You may think everything you do is right, but the LORD judges your motives. Ask the LORD to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.’ That’s it in plain and simple language my brethren! Or as the old people would say, ‘Man plans, but God laughs.’ Also, ‘The best laid plans of man and mice go astray.’ It all shows the overwhelming importance of bringing God into our everyday lives and plans. We shouldn’t make a move without consulting Him. He might not answer right away, but most of the time we know what is right, and as James says, if we know that and don’t do it, then it’s considered sin on our part.  
Let’s remember that the Lord is sovereign, even over a man’s thoughts and words, and He is also the great discerner of motives. As the author of Hebrews reminds us: ‘For the word of God is quick (alive, living) and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest (not hidden) in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (must give account),’ (Heb. 4:12-13) 
My fellow saints, we cannot run from or hide anything from our Creator and Controller. So I don’t know why we foolishly insist on doing it. Please, let’s wake up and see ourselves for what we truly are nuh. That’s creations of God, to whom He gave free will, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t keep tabs on us and just allows us to do what and go where we want. Absolutely not! In His own time, according to His will, He is going to foul up our well laid plans, if we don’t include Him in them. And that’s the long and short of the story! (smile). 
Now for those of us who are trying our best to live according to God’s will, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 
And having made that declaration (awright!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE  and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…if God is not in it…then there’s a strong possibility it won’t be successful…
 
Hear our podcast at  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 May 2024 Deuteronomy 30:19b.

28 May 2024 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 30:19b.       I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed shall live.

Well friends, yesterday was a crazy day in my neighbourhood. First there was rain early in the morning, then the winds just howled through the area all day, into the night, and is still carrying on out there, although thankfully, not as badly as it did yesterday. Brother! At one point in the evening, I went out to sit on my porch, but could only stay a short while because of the wind’s ferocity. The poor trees were dancing like crazy all day, with little respite from the wind storm. At one stage this morning I had to close my bedroom window as the wind was causing the aluminum blinds to bang loudly against the woodwork, disturbing my rest. 

But it could be worse, much worse, as many people down in the U.S are finding out with all the storms and tornadoes that are currently tearing their areas apart. And it’s heartbreaking to see the awful wreckage these natural disasters are causing. Call it climate change, or whatever you choose, but it’s certain that our weather patterns have recently changed, and are still changing, much to the dismay of many. Where there was once rain, there’s now drought, and where there was once drought, there’s now flooding. 

It’s all turning around, and I don’t know how much is our fault, but we do share a part of the blame for the ungodly and disgraceful manner in which we’ve treated our wonderful planet.  And as the man so rightfully said, ‘You can either pay me now or pay me later, but the price later will be much higher than the one today.’ And that’s exactly what we’re seeing now, the high price of our earlier selfish and greedy decisions concerning our planet; not making sufficient plans to keep it clean or to clean it up after we’ve despoiled it. 

And it’s the same way in our relationship with God. We will pay a hefty price for our rebellious ways, either right then or later, especially after He was generous and LOVING enough to send His Son Jesus Christ to earth to die a substitutionary death on our behalf, so that He could forgive our sins and reconcile us to Himself. For remember ‘the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.’ (Rom. 6:23) That means that whoever sins will be rewarded with death, but since Jesus paid our sin debt in full through His dying on the cross, we have been given a chance to come back to God’s secure fold if we believe in and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. 

As Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Rome. ‘For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.’ (Rom. 6:20-22) Yes my fellow believers, when we were servants to sin, all we had to look forward to was death, or eternal separation from Almighty God, but with the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we now are servants of God and have holiness, righteousness and eternal life to look forward to. 

But just like we were foolish not to take care of our planet and are now paying a price for it, likewise we can be foolish not to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour and eventually pay a hefty price for that unwise decision. Please note these very instructive words of Jesus. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17) 

That, my friends, says it all, and says it very clearly! Why? Because as Jesus continues: ‘He that believeth on him (the Son) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’ (John 3:18) It’s as simple as that. Jesus came to earth and died so that we could have a second option besides eternal separation based on our abominable sins. However, to receive this second option, eternal life with God, one must believe in the Son, and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. 

That means the decision is still ours, the Lord is not usurping the free will that He gave us. He’s only saying that if you don’t believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, then you will still be in violation of His rules and regulations, still be a sinner, and thus will still be liable to death or eternal separation from Him. That’s the wonderful goodness, grace and mercy of God my brethren! He LOVED us so much, and did not want to see us perish under the burden of our sins, that He devised a plan whereby we could be forgiven; that’s getting His only Son, His sinless Son, Jesus Christ to die and bear our burdens, pay the price for our sins, once and for all time. 

However, to avail oneself of that option, one has to believe in and accept the Son as your Lord and Saviour, and live the way He desires. Rejection of that option means that you are right back where you started… an awful sinner, only worthy of death and eternal separation from the omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present God of the universe. Remember what Moses said to the Israelites: ‘I call heaven and earth to record (witness) this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed shall live.’ (Deut. 30:19) 

Likewise friends, the Lord is giving us the same choice today, that between eternal life with Jesus, or eternal death with Satan. The choice is all ours. So please, let’s be wise nuh, and choose Christ, so that we and our seed can live forever. And for those of us who have already made that wise, monumental decision, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having made that declaration, it means we now have to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…God will never abuse His gift of free choice…but He does expect us to make wise choices…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   21 May 2024 Psalm 47:6.

21 May 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 47:6.       Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

And this Tuesday, the 21st day in the month of May, in the year of our Lord 2024, has opened bright and sunshiny with a summer’s warmth that touches the hearts, souls, bodies and minds of those who have been cooped up in a long winter season. And it’s just the natural instincts of the human animal to celebrate such a day with joy and laughter, even though today we have to go to work after the long Victoria Day weekend. (smile) 

Yes friends, summer’s in the air! And I know it by the constant noise of lawn mowers that is now disturbing the peace of my neighborhood. Chuh! No time is sacred to these mowers of lawns – from early morning to late evening somebody is out there mowing the li’l piece of grass around their houses that they seem to cherish so much. Even my own lawn care person comes at a time that disturbs my rest. But I guess that’s the price I have to pay for living in such a wonderful neighbourhood. (smile) 

Enough of my complaining though. It’s too beautiful a day, and life is too short to complain, so let’s do the right thing and turn to the Lord’s word and find something to exhort and educate us. And all God’s people said a loud and proud, “Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy to us underserving children of men!” 

And what gem of scripture will we look at today eh? Psalm 47 from the pen of the Sons of Korah seems like a good place to be today, for it talks about exactly what is definitely needed a lot more in this crazy and strife-filled world. It’s aptly titled, ‘Exalt the Lord Most High.’ And that’s one of the many things we were made for, but which we don’t do in sufficient quantity or quality. 

So please read with me: ‘O Clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible (awesome); he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he LOVED. Selah. God is gone up (ascended) with a shout, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. 

Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen (nations, Gentiles): God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.’  (Ps. 47:1-9) That’s wonderful and oh so true news my people! For our God reigns over the whole earth: He is indeed the King, the sovereign ruler of all creation, both in heaven, and on earth, and whatever is under the earth! 

And the scholars offer these explanations on the psalm. ‘Psalm 47 is one of the six psalms of the divine kingdom, the psalm celebrates the Lord’s kingship over all the earth (vs. 9). It begins with a universal call to praise Israel’s God (vs. 1). This is reinforced with reasons: He is an awe-inspiring God (vs. 2), He redeemed Israel and settled them in their land (vs 3-4), and He presently is ruling in Israel. A second call renews the need for praise (vs. 6). It is likewise reinforced with a reason: the revelation that His kingship is destined to be universal (vs. 7-9). These last verses speak prophetically of the time when the Lord Jesus will reign on the earth.’ 

Wow! What a short psalm, but one fully packed with all kinds of good information. Especially that which concerns our praise to the Almighty who created us, bore our sins, and still LOVES us though our waywardness is exceedingly great. Oh friends, anyone who LOVES us that much under the most trying situations, all down through the ages, most surely deserves our heartfelt thanks and praise. For it very truly shows the Lord’s longsuffering nature, since any other lesser God would have long ago, surely destroyed us a second time, like He did with those who lived before the Great Flood, only saving Noah and his family. 

And believe me, the earth is even more disobedient and sinful now than then, for with out expanded knowledge has also come expanded sinful behaviour, which the Lord tried to mitigate with the sending of Jesus to earth to die for our sins and offer us forgiveness and salvation with eternal life. But unfortunately, so far, only a comparative handful of people have accepted that amazing offer. 

Why? I truly don’t know. I can only suppose that the pleasures of sin are more enjoyable than the pleasures of a life with Christ. Also, that leading a Christ-like life is more difficult with all kinds of sacrifices and hard times necessary to fulfil that discipleship. And between the fear of the world, our laziness and LOVE of comfort and material possessions, we simply don’t put forth the effort necessary to do God’s will, so that He can be properly exalted. Thus the evil-doers are currently ruling the roost. But my people, if we continue in our lackadaisical efforts, one day we will pay a great price for slumbering and sleeping, when we ought to have been diligently working on Christ’s behalf. 

Nuff said, since you can only take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Likewise, we can tell others about Jesus and live a godly lifestyle, but we cannot force them to accept Jesus. So, for those of us who are trying to be faithful, let’s go home now declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And now, it’s our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE  and friendship of Jesus with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…when we sing sincere praises to our God…our hearts soar with joy and peace…

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