18 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a silver lining, all things I have commanded you, anger, back in bad shape, baptizing them, Beelzebub, believe on Jesus, betrayals, called by His name, Christian persecution, communication technology, decadent society, eternal life, false prophets, for a witness, glory hallelujah, going to bed early is for the birds, good news of Christ, hatred, I am halfway home, I am with you always, I'm looking straight ahead, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, in the name of the Father, Jesus is the best thing going, lack of love, LOVE, moaning and groaning, my gripe, my hands are on the plough, natural disasters, no laughing matter, norm of 8 hours sleep, persecution, preached to all the world, rest, rumours of wars, salvation, signs of the world's demise, sleep, spreading of the gospel of Christ, stand strong and steadfast, strife, teach all nations, teaching them to observe, thank God, the breath of life, the disciples came unto Him privately, the end of the world, the gospel of the kingdom, the Holy Ghost, the long and short of the story, the Mount of Olives, the SON, then shall the end come, to a glorious future with Jesus, turmoil, unto the end of the world, wars, Wednesday Wail, what shall be the sign of thy coming, when shall these things be, wisdom
Matthew 24:3. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?
Aye Friends and neighbours, if I never truly believed it before, I certainly do now! And I guess you’re wondering what the ole fogey is talking about eh? (smile) Well I’m talking about going to bed early is really for the birds.
I had a long and busy day yesterday, so last night I decided to go to bed early, early my time, that’s about 12.30, so I could get some of the much vaunted and valuable rest and sleep. Hn!
Unfortunately, though normally one would think fortunately, I got up at 8 o’clock this morning.And would you believe, I could hardly get out of the bed because my back was in such bad shape.
Ah Lord eh! Obviously I’m not meant to lie in bed for even a measly 7 hours. And its not like I never got up at all. I got up at least twice to go to the bathroom. So what does this supposed norm of 8 hours of sleep per night do for me eh? Absolutely nothing!
And it’s not like I don’t know that I cannot lie in bed for so long, but I never intended to get up so late either. But I guess the ole body needed the rest. And there I was gingerly putting one foot in front of the other, moaning and groaning with every step. Hn, hn, hn!
Ah friends, I can laugh now because I’m sitting down writing, but an hour ago, it was definitely no laughing matter. But let me stop joking about it yes, because when I get up from here, it might not be a laughing matter either. (smile)
The long and the short of the story though is that I just have to stick to my short times of rest, and do it more often. Now that’s my gripe for the day, and I’m sticking to it! (smile)
And since today is Wednesday, it means we have to declare our Wednesday Wail. So altogether now, let’s wail: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Oh my people, though my back is in a sad state I truly am glad to be alive, and am looking straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus, because NO ONE else has such a glorious future to offer!
And I do hope that you feel and believe like me, because Jesus is undoubtedly the BEST thing going, the BEST show available in this evil and disturbed world! Obviously He is not a thing or a show, but that is just the language that some of us best understand. (smile)
And finally we come to our Bit: ‘And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?’
Ah mih breddren, it does seem as though all the signs of the world’s demise point to a time in the not too distant future. As we recently saw, the numerous wars and rumours of war are on the increase. So too are the natural disasters; earthquakes, floods, disease, volcanoes, famines. They are happening all over the world, in some of the least expected places.
Persecution of Christians is also on the rise as Jesus foretold, just because we are called by His name. Then there’s serious hatred and anger, with strife and betrayals on the rise in our decadent and decaying society. False prophets abound like Jesus said, and the lack of LOVE is certainly noticeable.
But in spite of all of these negative happenings, Jesus reminds us to stand strong and steadfast in His name, because if we endure to the end we will be saved. Now isn’t that wonderful news my brethren? It surely is! With Jesus there’s always a silver lining to the dark clouds. Glory Hallelujah!
But while we’re waiting for the end to come, we ought to be doing ONE more thing. Listen to Jesus. ‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ (Matt.24:14)
Yes friends, the good news of Christ MUST be shared with ALL the nations of the world, before the end comes! And whose job is that eh? Ours of course! It’s all a part of the Great Commission that Jesus gave to the disciples, and consequently every following generation, which now includes us.
‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always(s), even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt,28:19-20)
So there it is my fellow believers, despite all the turmoil and uncertainty in our world, we are expected to stand strong and steadfast in Jesus’ name, as well as to spread His Word to all parts of the earth. And strangely enough, we are the first generation who actually have the wherewithal to do that, through our modern communication technology.
So please, let’s get up and do that nuh. Let’s seriously engage ourselves in the spreading of the gospel of Christ, so that many others might hear it and believe on Jesus, and thus not get lost with the infidel Beelzebub, but instead attain to salvation and eternal life, as our heavenly Father so greatly desires. Now that is indeed the wisdom of heaven! Much LOVE!
…the Lord doesn’t want to lose even one of His human creation…so what we doing to prevent that eh…
11 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great King above all Gods, a psalm of praise, a second chance, adoration, British weather, come before his presence with thanksgiving, debauchery, earthly pilgrimage, eternal life, faithfulness, filled with the Holy Spirit, freedoms, future generations, glory hallelujah, glory to God, glory to the Lamb of God, greater love hath no man, I am halfway home, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, Im not looking back at the past, in consort with Jesus, Lest we forget, let us make a joyful noise, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, never forget, O come let us sing unto the lord, on the cross at Calvary, paths of righteousness, praise, Remembrance Day, salvation, sealed as a child of God, selflessly sacrificed, sing psalms, spiritual light of Jesus, take a moment to reflect, teach our children, that a man lay down his life for his friends, the breath of life, the evil clutches of sin, the greatest gift a man can give, the Lamb's Book of Life, the light of the Son, the ministry of Christ, the righteous children of God, theLord is a great God, to a glorious future with Jesus, to the rock of our salvation, truth, Wednesday Wail, World War 1
Psalm 95:1. O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) to the rock of our salvation.
Welcome to a wet and woolly Wednesday Friends! (smile) I guess you can say we’ve been enjoying a touch of British weather. I’ve never experienced it personally, but I understand that it can be damp and drizzly for extended periods of time.
Well that’s the kind of weather we’ve been having in my neighbourhood since yesterday afternoon. It also means that it might put a damper on some of the Remembrance Day Celebrations.
Yes Friends, it is Remembrance Day, when we remember those who gave their lives for us in the wars all over the world, particularly World War 1, where so many brave young men and women died needlessly. But that’s the nature of war.
We must never forget them because they are the ones who allowed us to have the freedoms that we now enjoy. It’s one of those things we ought also to teach our children, so that future generations will also remember the greatest gift possible of a man to his fellow beings.
As Jesus said to His disciples. ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ (John 15:13)
Yes my people, a whole lot of friends, and families laid down their lives for us in those wars, so please let’s take a moment to reflect on it and appreciate their gift of LOVE. And because of that, some of us also have the day off from work, so please use it wisely, not in unholy debauchery. (smile)
Now the sun is actually trying to push its way through the clouds, but without too much success. However, although we can’t see it, we know for a fact that it’s somewhere out there rolling along on its own sweet, merry way, just shining brightly as it was programmed to do by its Maker.
Contrary to that though my brethren, the brilliant LIGHT of the SON is always shining brightly on us. Because He lives within us, He is ALWAYS with us. No clouds can block His radiant light from us! Glory Hallelujah!
And it’s something NO ONE can ever take from us, for once we are filled with the Holy Spirit, sealed as a child of God, and our name’s written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, we are His FOREVER! Glory to God!
So though the physical outlook on life this morning might be somewhat grey and dreary, the spiritual light of Jesus is just blazing away, leading us down paths of righteousness. Paths we don’t need the sun for, because we already have the SON!
And since it’s Wednesday, we also need to declare our Wednesday Wail. All together now, let’s wail!
‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Oh Friends, what a wonderful feeling it is to be alive and active in the ministry of Christ! There is no better way to live this earthly pilgrimage than in consort with Jesus, the One who selflessly sacrificed His holy, sinless life on the cross at Calvary, so that we could be made into the righteous children of God.
He took all of our sins on Himself and gave us His holiness and righteousness. Oh glory to the Lamb of God, who is most worthy to receive all our praise and adoration! For without Him, hn…!
I don’t even want to contemplate that situation… for we would all be headed for death and damnation in the fold of Lucifer and his evil minions, but through Jesus’ sacrifice, we’ve been given a second chance.
Oh my people, please let’s use that new chance wisely and turn in repentance, with all sincerity and truth to our wonderful heavenly Father, who LOVED us so much that he gave His only SON that we might be saved from the evil clutches of sin.
That’s why we are continuing this series of message of praise and thanksgiving, because we don’t pay enough reverence to our heavenly Father. We should be doing much more of what our Bit tells us. ‘O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) to the rock of our salvation.’
Oh my people, what can be better than giving praise and thanks to our awesome God eh? Nothing at all! For it is in those acts of faithfulness that our souls are renewed and refreshed, our faith is strengthened, we are once more invigorated to go out and live a good and true life in Jesus’ name.
As the psalmist continues in Psalm 95 – A psalm of praise to the great God: ‘Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto him with psalms (songs).
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all Gods. In his hand (possession) are the deep places of the earth: the strength (the heights) of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.’ (Ps.95:2-5) Words of indisputable truth Friends!
So today, on this Remembrance Day of 2015, as we reflect on all the wars and lives lost in them, please, let us also consider the most important life that’s ever been lost, well not lost, but given on our behalf, that of Jesus Christ, and let it cause us to be ever so thankful for the gracious opportunity to have the options of salvation and eternal life that His death provided. For that my people is wisdom everlasting. Much LOVE!
…lest we forget…let us remember…all those who have given the greatest gift a man can give…their lives on our behalf…especially Jesus…
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit. It was just one of those days, or rather nights that the ole fella was up pretty late, thus necessitating a late awakening. (smile) Much LOVE!
04 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a good understanding, a man of understanding, a sinful world, a wealth of truth, autumn, before honour is humility, charles stanley, Christ-like nature, comfort, Cousin Sol, destitute of wisdom, discernment, do for others, do the right thing, Ecclesiastes, fear God, folly is joy, foraging, glory to God, God shall bring every work into judgement, God's LOVING-kindness, God's praise endureth for ever, God's Spirit, I am halfway home, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, leave all the consequences to Him, lost sheep, LOVE, Love your neighbour as yourself, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no desire of returned favours, obey God, P.S. I Love You, plant trees we'll never sit under, run its race, security, selfish attitude of the world, selfishness, steady and steadfast, thank God, the beginning of wisdom, the breath of life, the conclusion of the whole matter, the fear of the Lord, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, the Holy Spirit, the instruction of wisdom, the judgement day, the knowledge of the holy one is understanding, the Preacher, the pressure of the enemy, the second great commandment, the secret thing, the whole duty of man, to a glorious future with Jesus, to him it is sin, to him that knows to do good, truth, Uncle Charles, understanding, unrighteous paths, walk a path of righteousness, walketh uprightly, walking with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, wisdom and knowledge of God
Proverbs 9:10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy (One) is understanding.
Well Friends, the clock has run its race, gone around its course and brought us to another glorious autumn day called Wednesday! (smile) Just wish that we could all be as faithful in running our courses as clocks are; always steady and steadfast.
Nonetheless, we are working on it with the help of God’s Spirit which dwells within us. And since it’s Wednesday, it means that it’s wailing time. So let’s wail out our Wednesday Wail with much sincerity and truth nuh!
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Oh my people what a joy it is when one is walking sincerely with Jesus Christ…Glory Hallelujah! It brings us such warmth, such security and comfort just knowing that He is not only dwelling in us, but is also walking, beside, behind and in front of us…Oh glory to God for the undeserved LOVING-kindness He’s shown us!
Now here is an interesting quote from my ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU’ Poster, which brings out our Christ –like nature of caring for and thinking about others. And it simply says: ‘Do for others with no desire of returned favours. We should all plant some trees that we’ll never sit under.’
And isn’t that indisputable truth? It surely is! It highlights the second great commandment that Jesus gave us: ‘LOVE your neighbours as yourself.’ In this case we are being very unselfish, planting something, either physically or metaphorically that we know we’ll never enjoy.
If I remember rightly, somewhere in his Hour of Power Devotional, Gramps Schuller mentions that his father or someone else planted a tree when they were eighty years of age, knowing that they would never sit below it and enjoy it’s refreshing shade.
Oh my people, that’s the unselfish, caring attitude that ought to run through all aspects of a believer’s life!
Unfortunately though, we will never attain to such lofty heights until we have sincerely embraced the ideas contained in our Bit. ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy (One) is understanding.’
Yes Friends, then and only then, will the innate selfishness that permeates our natural selves be brought under control, and allow us to think about others more than ourselves, which is a foundation stone of our Christian heritage, as espoused by Christ through the ‘LOVE your neighbour as yourself,’ commandment.
Oh what a truly wonderful world we’d have if we only practiced that commandment to the best of our ability! Sadly though, our natural selfishness, encouraged by the selfish attitude that is currently in ascendance in our world, is preventing us from doing so.
Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us along paths of unselfishness, we are allowing the pressure of the enemy to take us down unrighteous paths. However, as we said earlier, to change that ‘undesirous’ pattern, we need to come to the true wisdom and knowledge of our great God.
Now let’s hear some scripture that corroborate our Bit, beginning with the awesome words of Psalm 111 – Praise the Lord for His care. The psalmist ends his song thus: ‘The fear of the Lord (reverential awe), is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.’ (Ps.111:10)
Yes my brethren, words of glorious truth! If only we could take them to heart.
Meanwhile Cousin Sol offers us these two verses in Proverbs 15. ‘Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom (of discernment): but a man of understanding walketh uprightly…. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honour is humility.’ (Prov.15:21, 33)
Oh Friends, the Good Book contains such a wealth of truth, and it has all been placed there for our benefit, for our enlightenment, so that we can walk a path of righteousness in this ungodly world. But until we read and study those truths and put them into practice in our lives, we’ll remain like lost sheep, foraging unsuccessfully in a sinful world.
And we’ll end rather appropriately with words from Cousin Sol in his role as the Preacher. ‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl.12:13-14)
Yes my fellow believers, those last two verses of Ecclesiastes puts it all into the proper perspective. Our duty is to LOVE and reverence God, and faithfully do His bidding, because at the judgement day, all our works will be brought to light, and we’ll be judged on them.
So let’s be wise and do the right thing nuh, for as the Good Book says: ‘Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ (James 4:17)
Let’s all take that to heart today Friends and do right nuh. Much LOVE!
…as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) is wont to say…the best way to live this life…is simply to obey God…and leave all the consequences to him…gospel truth that…
28 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 131 persons received Jesus, American Gospel Music, an altar call, and having done all, cleansed of our abominable sins, Donnie McClurkin, Festival of Praise Concert, Fred Hammond, friends, glorification, glory hallelujah, glory to God, Hezekiah Walker, I'm halfway home, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, in the might of Jesus Christ, Kim Burrell, living for Jesus, lose our christian flavour, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, new relationship with Jesus, our light diminished, our salt is dead, praise, praise his holy name, put on the armour of god, reconciled to God, ringing in the ears, salt and light of the earth, stand strong and steadfast, substantial harvest, take unto you the whole armour of God, thanks, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, the bane of Christianity, the battle is not ours, the best gift to man, the breath of life, the evil attacks of the enemy, they left their egos at home, tinnitus, to a glorious future with Jesus, to stand, truly walked Christianity, walk our talk, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
Ephesians 6:13. Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Well my brethren, it’s Wednesday, and unfortunately my ole right knee is still acting up. Chuh! But it did not stop me from going down to the Hershey Centre last night and enjoying the proceedings…and actively partying too, I would have you know, ably supported by my African Rosewood cane, though not as energetically as I would have liked.
The Festival of Praise Concert was put on by a group of American Gospel Artistes. They included recognized gospel singers like Fred Hammond, who was the main man in putting the show together; Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, and Donnie McClurkin.
Oh Friends the joint was hopping from the time the M.C. a Christian comedian, who was pretty good himself, stopped and the first notes of the music rang out. Hn! You couldn’t sit if you wanted to because everybody was standing.
And what amazed and pleased me a whole lot is that there were no openers and no headline artists. I’ve never seen this done before, but they all came out onto the stage from the very beginning and stayed there till the end, taking turns singing and backing up each other. Oh glory to God, they left their egos at home!
I didn’t know most of the songs because I don’t follow American Gospel music that much, but believe you me, the crowd of between three and four thousand knew them, including a chubby white boy who was right up at the stage singing and dancing all night long, holding up a banner that read ‘Polaski.’
And then in the ending round of celebrations he and his group of white females found themselves on the stage singing and dancing and hugging the performers. It was indeed a good night my people.
Oh, there was also an altar call, and some one hundred and thirty one (131) persons came down to the front and received Jesus! Oh glory to God! Praise His Holy Name!
The lighting was good and so was the music, just a little too loud though for my liking, and that’s because I was down on the floor, about ten rows from the stage because my young daughter bought the tickets and she figured I’d like to be close to the stage.
But at those kinds of events I like to be up in the back seats, where the music isn’t as loud. But thank the Lord, this morning I don’t have tinnitus (ringing in the ears); my ears seem perfectly all right!
Anyway Friends, it was a good night. I just hope that those who were saved woke up this morning feeling different and that they will continue their new relationship with Jesus. Let’s pray that they will indeed do so.
Now there was so much praise and thanks and glorification given to God there last night, that it makes me wonder where all of that is during our normal everyday lives eh? If we would only expend a half of that godly energy in our normal lives, this world would be truly a wonderful place.
But sadly, outside of the church and these kinds of gatherings we seem to lose our Christian flavour; our salt is dead and our light diminished. In real life, we just don’t seem to walk our talk.
But though that’s been the bane of Christianity for a long time now, it’s time we change it, especially in these difficult and crucial times that we’re facing. Only truly walked Christianity will make a significant difference in this wicked and ungodly world.
Anyway, to day is Wednesday, that means it’s wailing time! So please let’s wail together: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And am I ever glad to be alive Friends, despite my numerous aches and pains. (smile) And yuh better believe I am looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus! And if you are not, I will strongly advise you to get your act together and get to know Him, for He is the BEST thing, the BEST gift ever given to man!
Praise our heavenly Father for sacrificing His only Son so that we could be cleansed of our abominable sins and be reconciled to Him! What an awesome show of LOVE!
And with all my enthusiasm and writing about the gospel concert last night, (smile) I guess we only have time and space now for our Bit. ‘Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’
Yes my fellow believers, that’s what every believer needs to do: put on God’s armour so that we can withstand the evil attacks of the enemy, because that’s the only way we can withstand them.
And what I truly like about that verse is the last part; ‘…and having done all, to stand.’ That means my people, once we’ve done all that we can about the situation, we just need to stand; stand up strong and steadfast, unmovable in our beliefs and actions, and let God do His part, because the battle is not ours but His. We can’t defeat the enemy without His awesome help.
So today, please, I implore us to put on the armour of God, we all know what that is (Eph.6:14-18), then let us just stand strong in the might of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! That is indeed heavenly wisdom, and if we do it, we will eventually reap a substantial harvest, be the salt and light of the earth. Glory Hallelujah! Much, much LOVE, my people!
…oh living for Jesus…is such a wonderful and interesting way to live this earthly life…
21 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, a crown of glory, a life with Jesus at the helm, a relationship with God, a sign of age, Amazing grace, be thou faithful unto death, blessed is the man that endures temptation, blessings, commercial hair colouring, Creator, experience, filled with the righteousness of God, glory hallelujah, God's favour, I am halfway home, I will give thee a crown of life, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, in the way of righteousness, it takes two to tango, Jesus, Jesus is the best dancing partner, Justin Trudeau, LOVE, love the sound of His name, maturity, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, new mercies, on our way to glory, praise and thanks, provider, righteousness., rolls off the tongue, thank God, that fadeth not away, the beauty of old men is the gray head, the breath of life, the crown of life, the glory of young men is their strength, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the hoary head is a crown of glory, the Lord hath promised to them that love Him, the righteousness of Christ, the state of the heart, the wicked have no part in God's kingdom, this is the day the Lord has made, to a glorious future with Jesus, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, when he is tried, when the chief Shepherd shall appear, wig, wisdom
Proverbs 16:31. The hoary (silvery) head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Awright mih people! It’s a brand new day, with plenty new mercies and blessings forecasted. Oh glory to God!
And I do hope that you have given your praise and thanks this October morn to Almighty God, your Creator and sure Provider, and are in complete agreement with His excellent plan for your earthly life, so that you can be listed among those chosen recipients for God’s amazing grace and favour to day.
And all God’s people loudly and confidently declared: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it!
Yes Friends, indeed we will, because it’s a wonderful day and we are in an amazing relationship with a wonderful Deity! Glory Hallelujah!
And since today is Wednesday, we also need to proclaim our Wednesday Wail. So please let’s do so with much vim and vigour and sincerity and truth nuh.
Wailing… ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Ah mih breddren, if we are sincere in that prayer, then we truly are on our way to glory, for their could be no better life lived on this earth than one with Jesus at the helm!
So I am encouraging us this morning to seriously get together with our Lord and Saviour, to up our knowledge and pleasure in Him through reading and studying His word and talking personally with Him. Remember it takes two to tango, and Jesus is the best dancing partner we can ever have!
Oh Friends, don’t you just LOVE the sound of His name – Jesus…Jesus… Oh it rolls off the tongue so easily and effortlessly, and it has such a LOVING, calm calling, friendly and homely quality to it, that we just gravitate naturally to it! Ah mih people, like the ole fella is in his essence this morning! (smile)
Oh, but before I forget, let me apologize for understating our new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s age yesterday. I said he was thirty something, but he’s actually in his early forties. Please forgive the ole fella, his brain is not as young and agile as it was. (smile)
And that brings us to our Bit, wise words from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. ‘The hoary (silvery) head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.’ What a beautiful statement my people!
And I like to tell people with silvery or white hair that that denotes a sign of age, wisdom, experience and maturity; something that they should be proud of, not something to hide under a wig or commercial hair colouring. Hn, hn!
But here’s an important note from the scholars on the verse. ’16:31. The hoary head or white head of old age is only a crown if it is accompanied by righteousness.’
And that’s no lie Friends! So it’s not everybody that we see with white hair means that they are crowned with glory. Only if they are sated in the righteousness of Almighty God, can that very noticeable white hair be considered a crown of glory.
So what does that say about me eh, because I don’t have much white in my hair? It’s still mostly black…at least the last time I saw it. (smile)
But don’t fear my fellow believers, having black hair doesn’t mean you aren’t or can’t be righteous. It’s not the colour of the hair, but the state of the heart that’s important to our God. Otherwise a whole heap of wicked people with white hair would be considered righteous and have a crown of glory. But we know that cannot be, for the wicked have no part in God’s kingdom.
Now here’s an interesting Proverb from Cousin Sol that lends authenticity to our Bit. ‘The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.’ (Prov.20:29)
And in our modern-day society we do tend to make those distinctions. We consider young men to be gloriously strong in their physical appearance, while older men are adjudged wise and wonderful with a head of gray. Now that’s not always the case, but that’s the generalization we make in this society.
Youth is always looked upon as being strong and vital, while the old are considered frail and doddering. (smile) Anyway Friends, the important thing is not our age or how we look, whether we’re physically strong or not, whether our hair is grey or not, but if our hearts, minds, bodies and souls are filled with the righteousness of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
And if the answer is a resounding yes! Then hear these words of James. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proved), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12)
Then Peter concludes: ‘And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.’ (1 Pet.5:4)
So Friends, if our lives are wrapped up in the righteousness of Christ, then there are at least two crowns for us to receive; one of life, and one of glory. Now isn’t that something significant enough to eagerly look forward to? It surely is! Much LOVE!
…be thou faithful unto death…and I will give thee a crown of life… (Rev.2:10b)
14 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a descritpion of faith, a glorious future with Jesus, assurance, been betrayed, been rejected, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, Christ's intecession in heaven, Christ's promises, Christ's sacrifice, conviction, faith, faith is the substance of things hoped for, faith provides evidence, faith provides substance, forgiveness of sin, get with the programme, glad to be alive, glory hallelujah, glory to God, God is working behind the scenes, Gramps Schuller, gratitude, hope, Hour of Power Devotional, I am halfway home, I believe in the sun, I have been hurt, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not turning back, in love, in the seed, Jesus Christ, lies unsprouted under the ground, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, patience, ramp up our faith and trust in Jesus, salvation, satisfaction, spiritual reality, stupidity, the breath of life, the evidence of things not seen, the glorification of the saints, the Good News of Christ, the hope of the resurrection, the resurrection, the return of Christ, trust, unseen realities, Wailing Time, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.
Aye Friends, can you believe it’s Wednesday already? Wow! Our workweek is almost done… Glory to God!
And I do hope that you were all bright eyed and bushy tailed when you arose this morning. Sorry to say that ole fella was not. I had a rather rude awakening with cramps in both calves that forced me to get up. But thankfully they never lasted long.
I guess it was just the Lord’s way of getting my attention, since it was the agreed time for me to get up, and I really didn’t want to. He can certainly move in mysterious and devious ways when He is ready. (smile)
And then when I heard the garbage truck in the area, knowing that I had not even collected the stuff in the house, much less put it out on the curb, I dragged myself to get it done, all the time obstructed by the bag and tubing of my I.V.
Praise the Lord though that it is supposed to come out today! I couldn’t handle the inconvenience and scratching around the needle in my hand for even one more day. And that’s my story of woe for today! (smile)
Oh…and since it is Wednesday, that means it’s wailing time. So let’s wail nuh, with sincerity and passion. ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Oh yes my people, the road lies straight ahead to a glorious future with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Glory to God! What a wonderful opportunity it is to be linked up with Jesus! I don’t understand how so many people refuse it, and some even give it up nuh.
To me that’s the height of stupidity, because there’s nothing in this ungodly, and evil world that even comes close to the salvation and satisfaction promised by Christ. I guess they don’t have the parts, the patience, the wisdom or the faith to trust their lives to their Creator.
And on that point, here is a li’l poem from Gramps Schuller (Robert H. Schuller) from the Hour of Power Devotional on that powerful and ever so important topic of ‘FAITH.’
Please pray with me: ‘Lord, I believe in the sun, even when it is behind the clouds; in the seed, even when it lies unsprouted under the ground; in faith, even when I have been betrayed; in LOVE, even when I have been rejected; in hope, even when I have been hurt; in God, even when you do not answer my prayers. Amen.’
Ah mih breddren , that’s what it means to have faith! That even when we can’t see any movement in the natural, we still know and believe spiritually, that our amazing, gracious and most merciful God is still working behind the scenes on our behalf! That definitely deserves another ‘Glory to God!’ (smile)
And since we’re talking about faith, I guess the most appropriate Bit for today would be this explanation from Hebrews. ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’
And the scholars offer this extensive explanation on the subject. ’11:1. Verse 1 is not so much a definition of what faith is, as it is a description of what faith does (cf.11:6). Two truths concerning its activity are stated here.
First, faith provides substance (Gr. hypostasis). Though broad in its usage, this Greek word normally has the meaning of “assurance” in the New Testament (cf. 3:14; 2 Cor.9:4; 11:17) and this seems to be the best sense here.
Second, faith provides evidence (Gr. elegchos). It is evidence in the sense of proof that results in conviction. The difference between assurance and evidence would be minimal were it not for the phrase qualifying each: of things hoped for and of things not seen.
The first involves future hope; the second involves present realities that are unseen. The first includes the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints. The second involves unseen realities, such as forgiveness of sin through Christ’s sacrifice and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope is faith relating to the future; conviction is faith relating to the present.’
Ah Friends, it’s a long and somewhat involved explanation, but if you take your time and read it, I’m sure you’ll understand what the scholars are trying to say.
In a nutshell, faith is a spiritual reality that causes us to have hope in Jesus Christ, both in the here and now and in the future! It’s what keeps us going when in the natural things don’t seem to be going or turning out the way we desire.
However, because of that faith and trust in the promises of Jesus, we KNOW that He is on the case, working things out for our good, to fall into line with the good plan He has for each and every one of our lives. And we certainly can’t ask for more than that!
So today, please, I implore us to get with the programme; to ramp up our faith and trust in our Saviour. Would He have sacrificed His holy and sinless life, if He didn’t truly LOVE and care for us? I very much doubt it. So now it’s our turn to show our gratitude and faith in the good news of His message. That is heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
…faith is simply…trust and LOVE…in action…
13 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a grateful heart, A Prayer for Deliverance, a psalm of victory, adversity, an attitude of appreciation, and share His love with the world, Awake up my glory, awaken the dawn, backslide, blessings, Bruh David, Christ's atoning death, Christ's love Revolution, compassion, confidence, faithfulness, feel the joy, for vain is the help of man, give thanks and praise, give us help from trouble, give us rest and peace, God's LOVING-kindness, grace, grow in christ-likeness, he shall tread down our enemies, hear the birds singing, I am the beloved of god, I can trust my friend Jesus, I don't have to hurry, I don't have to worry, I will awake early, I will sing and give praise, I'm not what I do, I'm not what I have, I'm not what people say about me, it is a gift of God, lament, level of faith, LOVE, maturity in Christ Jesus, mercies, my heart is fixed, our heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our thanks meter, peace, persecutor, petition, productive labour, repent, rest, Saul, sincerity, steadfast, steadfastness, succour, take everything to God in prayer, thanksgiving, the breath of life, the LOVE of God, through God we shall do valiantly, thy mercy is great unto the heavens, thy truth unto the clouds, trials and tribulations, truth, Tuesday Mantra, victory, wisdom
Psalm 57:7. My heart is fixed (steadfast), O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast): I will sing and give praise.
Well Friends, the Thanksgiving partying is over and done with now! Time to get back to some productive labour. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop giving thanks and praise to Almighty God as individuals.Yesterday was just a day set aside to give thanks as a nation.
But really, every time we open our eyes to greet a new day, we ought to give thanks to our Creator, for the breath of life that He has imbued in us, because it is a gift of such immense proportions, which ONLY He can give.
And when we hear the birds singing, and feel the joy their trilling brings, our thanks meter ought to rise up even higher. Then when we enjoy the wonderful mercies and blessings of our heavenly Father throughout the day, and contemplate upon the salvation and eternal life He has provided through His awesome grace and the atoning death of His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…
Oh brother, then our thanks ought to ramp up so high that it breaks the measuring equipment! That just shows we are so grateful for His LOVING-kindness and compassion to us, undeserving though we are.
So let’s never forget my people, that thanks and praise is an every day, all day attitude of appreciation to the Most High God Jehovah, our wonderful Creator and ever-generous Provider!
And since today is Tuesday, it’s only appropriate that we give some thanks and praise through our Tuesday Mantra.
Now as one harmonious body, let’s pray. ‘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 hurry. I don’t have to worry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen.’
And all of that is ever so true Friends! Once we have the LOVE of God flowing through us, then there is no need to worry or be anxious about ANYTHING! For in wisely taking EVERYTHING to Him in prayer, and casting ALL our cares upon Him, He will unburden us and give us rest and peace like no one else can. And that is even more reason to be generous in our thanks and praise.
And to show how real our thanks and praise ought to be, just listen to our Bit, taken from Psalm 57 – A Prayer for Deliverance – written when Bruh David fled from his persecutor Saul to a cave in the wilderness. ‘My heart is fixed (steadfast), O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast): I will sing and give praise.’
So you see my brethren, even during some of Bruh David’s roughest times he still was wise, steadfast and faithful enough to keep on giving thanks and praise to the God of his fathers. Likewise Friends, our wisdom, steadfastness and faithfulness ought to have us giving thanks to God in ALL situations, be they good or bad, for that’s what Jesus advised.
The first part of Psalm 57 is filled with Bruh David’s lament and petition to God for succour, while the second half, starting at our Bit, portrays his trust and thanksgiving.
Listen to Bruh David pour out his heart in praise after our Bit. ‘Awake up, my glory; awake psaltery (lute) and harp: I myself will awake early (will awaken the dawn). I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people:
I will sing unto thee among the nations (gentiles). For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.’ (Ps.57:8-11)
Oh my fellow believers in Christ, can we give such acknowledgement to Almighty God during our times of adversity? Most of us cannot, but we ought to be able to, according to the level of our faith and maturity in Christ Jesus.
Sadly, some of us don’t even sing His praises and give Him thanks during our good times, much less in the rough ones. But we must keep seeking to grow in Christ-likeness, until we can give thanks and praise even in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Then and only then will we have attained a strong enough foundation to take us through our earthly problems and tests.
But please be careful though, that if and when we achieve such a state, we don’t stop and rest on our laurels, but keep on striving, striving with Jesus to win this race of life.
Oh my people, we can never afford to stop learning, to stop growing in Christ Jesus – not until the day He takes us home – or else we are liable to backslide, and backsliding is one of the worst things a believer can ever do.
And please note that the verses of Psalm 57, which we have just read, are also the beginning stanzas of Psalm 108 – Israel looks to God for help.
And the scholars inform us, re ‘Psalm 108. This Psalm is composed of fragments from two other psalms. The first section verses 1-5, is taken from 57:7-11; the second section, verses 6-13, is taken from 60:5-12, with little change in the wording of either fragment.
Though taken from psalms of individual lament (ch.57) and national lament (ch.60), the present psalm is composed of the most positive sections of confidence in both. The resulting work is a psalm of victory that only briefly alludes to the nation’s lament, namely, their ever-present enemies (vv.12-13).’
And we’ll end with last two verses of Psalm 60 – A prayer for help against the foe – and Psalm 108, verses which are ever so appropriate to our current world situation.
Please pray with me Friends. ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps.108:12-13)
Yes my people, it is indeed the great God of Hosts who will trample down our enemies! But first we have to repent and come back to Him in all sincerity and truth. Let’s wisely begin doing that today nuh, because that’s our ONLY hope. Much LOVE!
…only through Christ’s LOVE Revolution…can the world be saved…
07 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a fool's wisdom, a no-brainer, a place of authority, aches and pains, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, as for me and mine, belief, caring, christianity, come boldly to the throne of grace, come unto me, compassionate, cramps, disappointments, discernment, earthly pilgrimage, earthly sojourn, faith, friend, genius, glory hallelujah, grace, guidance, hanging out with Jesus, hard experience, high priest, I am halfway home, I am meek, I will give you rest, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, in the presence of Jesus, infirmities, intercession, Jesus Christ, LOVE, loving, lowly in heart, mercy, my burden is light, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my testimony, my yoke is easy, natural inteligence, obtain mercy, our High Priest, our Lord and Saviour, out on a limb, praise and thanksgiving, promise, rest, sin, sympathize, take my yoke upon you, tempted, the breath of life, the Good Book, the great invitation, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, the Son of God, the throne of grace, them's the breaks, to a glorious future with Jesus, to help in time of need, we will follow the Lord, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, with God's help, without sin, worship
Hebrews 4:16. 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.
Ah Friends, it looks like it’s going to be another nice day, but right now the ole fella’s shaking it a bit on the rough side. (smile) I guess it all has to do with rest; with not getting enough of that most precious commodity. And to make matters worse, I was rudely awakened by a couple of cramps in my legs. It doesn’t get any better than that. (smile)
But what can I say eh? Them’s the breaks! Cause it’s nobody’s fault but my own. Anyhow we going to putter and stutter along in faith, and with God’s help, we WILL produce a Bit that’s worthy of our heavenly Father.
And since today is Wednesday, it is only appropriate that we get wailing with our Wednesday Wail. So mih breddren, let’s wail nuh, in all sincerity and truth.
As one wailer now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Ah Friends, what a glorious future that promises to be! Not looking back at all my past mistakes, but just ploughing straight ahead with Jesus by my side; continually being in the presence of, hanging out with the Son of God, Jesus Christ…Chuh!
How could it get any better than that eh mih breddren? No way! But for some inexplicable reason(s), too many of us opt not to accept that promise of being continually in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That’s a fool’s wisdom my people!
And yuh know what? To show you why that attitude is unwise, right now, in my rough and ragged state, I am going to take hold of that promise and do like our Bit says: ‘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.’
And oh how I do need grace aplenty right now to help me find the right things and words to say in this work of praise and thanksgiving to our great God! What other faith offers such a wonderful opportunity eh Friends? No other! So why would I not partner with Jesus under those conditions eh? To me it’s a no-brainer.
And listen to what the scholars say re our Bit. ‘4:16. Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest (Jesus Christ). That figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed.’
And believe you me, I desperately needed it, and went straight to the Father’s throne and pleaded for grace to do His will. And without any problems, through His Holy Spirit which dwells within me, He granted me the discernment, the guidance and wisdom to write what I’m writing now.
How can I not LOVE and worship Him then eh? Otherwise I’d be left hanging out on a limb to dry, alone and unable to help myself.
Ah mih people when I talk about being Friends with Jesus, some of you no doubt chuckle and possibly think I’m crazy. But I am only talking from hard experience here. And you will never know how wonderful it is to serve Jesus, until you actually begin to do so.
As the Good Book says, it’s all done through belief and faith. If you don’t have them, how can you know what they’re all about eh? And how do you think I’ve been writing this Bit for…for some eight years now eh? Do you think it’s through my natural intelligence and brilliance, my innate genius? Definitely not!
It’s only been possible through the powerful, ever-faithful and ever-present help of the Holy Trinity! Many days I’ve come to write with no clue whatsoever about what I was going to write about. But in His own way and timing, He has ALWAYS led me to write something worthy of His name.
And the great thing about turning to Jesus for help and intercession is that He, in His earthly sojourn experienced all the aches and pains and disappointments that we’re now going through, so he understands what’s happening with us.
As the Good Book says before our Bit: ‘For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ (Heb.5:15)
Yes Friends, Jesus was tempted in all areas of life, just like we are. The only difference is that unlike us, He did not yield to the temptations and remained sinless during His earthly pilgrimage. But He understands better than anybody else, exactly what we are going through.
So this Wednesday morning in early October of 2015, I am beseeching, I am imploring us to turn to Him for succour and comfort. Nobody else does it the LOVING, caring, compassionate and friendly way that He does. Just listen to this awesome promise as we close. It is called the Great Invitation!
‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle and humble) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh Friends, oh Friends, that is truly the GREATEST invitation that’s ever been uttered! And Jesus has no reason to lie, because He is God and thus able to do whatever He promises! So please wake up, be wise and turn to Him today nuh. I guarantee that that will be the wisest decision you’ll ever make in this life. Much LOVE!
…as for me and mine…oh…without a doubt…we will definitely follow the Lord…
P.S. Friends, today’s Bit is a fine example of our God’s grace and mercy. At the beginning I was feeling rough and had no idea what to write, except our Wednesday Wail.
And now, having gone confidently to the throne, look at how much I’ve written – more than I actually bargained for. And I know it’s not all nonsense. So that’s my story, my testimony. And I’m sticking to it. (smile) Much LOVE!
30 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all flesh is as grass, all the glory of man as the flower of grass, believe in Christ, but my words shall not pass away, calls the faithful to courage, damnation, death, dental work, eternal life, excruciating pain, follow Christ's commandments, glory hallelujah, guide and protect us, heaven and earth shall pass away, I am halfway home, I had a hard night, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, it was a rough night, Jesus Christ, LOVE, my children walk in truth, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no greater joy, no ifs ands and buts, our Lord and Saviour, painkillers, peace, pilgrim's journey, Prince Buster, righteousness., salvation, severe discomfort, testify to the truth, Thank the Lord, the Alpha and Omega, the breath of life, the earth shall wax old like a garment, the flower falls away, the grass withers, the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, the privileged few, the same yesterday today and for ever, the solution cause more problems, the stomach growling for food, the word of the Lord endures for ever, to a glorious future with Jesus, unrelenting pain, walk steadfastly with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
Matthew 24:35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Ah mih people, in the immortal words of the old Jamaican singer, Prince Buster, I have to say: ‘I had a hard night…last night. It was a rough night…last night. I feel so mash up today…’ (smile)
Unfortunately though, my hard and rough night was not a result of sexual activity, like the Prince was referring to in his song, but of a trying and unrelenting pain in my right cheek, the results of dental work. Hn!
Ah Lord eh! That’s what happens when the solution causes more problems than the original problem. The tooth in the upper right corner only caused me problems when eating. Otherwise it didn’t hurt at all. But in my wisdom I decided to go and get it and another problem fixed before they escalated.
Now I was finished at the dentist around 12.30 p.m, left there obviously with my whole face fat and unfeeling because the other problem was in the bottom left half of my mouth. However, I ran around and did a few errands before the rain started falling and I decided to just come home and rest and wait for the freezing to go away.
Now the bottom left freezing went away before the top right and brother, when that did eventually go away, around four o’clock, the pain began seriously. And though it was not a terrible, terrible pain, it was sufficient to cause severe discomfort, as any pain in one’s face is liable to do.
I couldn’t even eat anything solid, because any pressure on the tooth just caused more excruciating pain. And to make matters worse, I did not have any breakfast before I went to the dentist, so the ole stomach was growling for food. Finally about 5 o’clock I made some porridge and drank that to ease the pains in the stomach..
And though I tried valiantly to wait out the pain in my jaw, I had to take some painkillers around 9.pm. But by 3 a.m that had worn off and I got up with my cheek throbbing again. More painkillers followed, and I finally got back to sleep.
Right now it’s not feeling too bad, though in the background I can still feel a slight throb. Hope that’s the end of the strong pain yes, and I don’t have to take any more painkillers. And that’s my story for this morning. (smile)
But Friends, if that’s my biggest problem, then I can truly say, thank the Lord, because compared to the problems of a majority of the world that is indeed a minor one. Many of them don’t even have a dentist around that they could go to, even if they have the necessary funds.
So many of them don’t have any clothes, food or shelter, and here I am complaining about a little pain. Chuh! But that’s how it goes when you live amongst the privileged few in this dangerous and turbulent world. Anyway, enough about me, it’s Wednesday, so let’s wail our Wednesday Wail with much sincerity and truth.
As one enthusiastic wailer now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Yes Friends, that is exactly where our focus ought to be; on the wonderful future of salvation and eternal life that we have assured with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour! But that’s only if we sincerely believe in Him and follow His commandments.
Otherwise, we’ll just end up in death and eternal damnation. And believe me, that is not a very nice place to spend eternity. And we have the assurance of that from Jesus Himself as He says in our Bit: ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.’
Now that is indeed a truth that we cannot query! Why? Because it comes from God Himself! And simple logic dictates that if we can query God’s Word, then He can’t be a true God. End of story!
Now let’s check out a couple of scripture passages that testify to the truth of Jesus’ words. Listen to Isaiah as he calls the faithful to courage. ‘Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and earth shall wax (grow) old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.’ (Is.51:6)
Yes Friends, our God and His righteousness will last forever; no ifs, ands and buts about that!
Now hear Peter as he stresses the words of Isaiah, hundreds of years later. ‘For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word (spoken word) of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’ (1 Pet.1:24-25)
Oh my brethren, when something is true, you simply cannot deny it. And that’s the way it is with the words of Jesus; undeniably true!
And we’ll end with these simple but ever so true words from Hebrews. ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.’ (Heb.13:8)
Yes my people, our Jesus: the ‘Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.’ (Rev.1:8)
Now my fellow believers, may we walk steadfastly and sincerely with Jesus, and may He guide and protect us, give us His wisdom and His peace, as we tread this woeful earth in our pilgrim’s journey. Much LOVE!
…I have no greater joy…than to hear that my children walk in truth… (3 John 4)
28 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a heart attack, alive and kicking, all flesh is grass, aura of love, but my words shall not pass away, come as a thief in the night, complaining, confidence, crapaud smoke yuh pipe, Creator of the universe, do the best we can, enthusiasm, evil, friends, friends and neighbours, glorious kingdom, glory to God, gospel truth, greetings friends and neighbours, Hades, heaven, heaven and earth, heaven and earth shall pass away, holy spirit, humble servants, in Jesus' name, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jesus' Second Coming, joy, keeping lives and families together, laze around, lies, lord god almighty, LOVE, meet the enemy in battle, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, our God is long-suffering, pussyfoot, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, repentance, rest, salvation, serve a useful purpose, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, that all should come to repentance, that any should perish, the breath of life, the day of the Lord, the flower fades, the grass withers, the spirit of the Lord, the voice of wisdom, the word of the Lord will stand for ever, thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, trust, truth, ungodly world, wicked taunts, wiles, wisdom
Matthew 24:35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Greetings my wonderful Friends and neighbours on this most auspicious Monday morning! (smile) And I guess you’re wondering why it’s so auspicious eh? Well first of all we’re alive and kicking…sorry, not all of us are kicking, (smile) but God’s breath of life is certainly flowing through our mortal bodies.
And you better believe that’s a rather important and auspicious occasion. And I say that because just last Sunday at the early morning service in church, one fellow who usually comes with his wife, was there alone, and when I inquired of her, he said that she recently had knee surgery and was still recuperating.
Imagine my consternation when at the early morning service yesterday, the pastor announced that the fellow, Don, had unexpectedly and suddenly died of a massive heart attack this week. Ah Lord eh! Now the poor wife not only has to put up with her medical problems, but the sudden and unexpected departure of her spouse too. And we complain because we have to get up and go to work. Steups!
Look Friends, instead of being miserable and complaining, let’s just get up thankfully and get ourselves off to our jobs and do the best we can in Jesus’ name eh! For that’s what He has called us to do, not to laze around, pussyfoot and complain. And to help us get ourselves together this last Monday in September, which looks like it’s going to be another nice day in my area – oh glory to God – let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much joy, enthusiasm and appreciation.
As one trilling and harmonious choir now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Now that wasn’t bad at all my people. I guess the news of my fellow parishioners’ sudden passing woke some of you up to the reality that one moment we could be here on earth, and the next floating away to heaven or Hades. I don’t know if Don had any prevailing heart problems but it just highlights the predicament we’re all in, of being ready to meet the Lord anytime He chooses to call.
That brings us to our Bit, where Jesus, having explained some of the signs that would indicate His Second Coming in glory to the disciples, He declares: ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away.’ And isn’t that the gospel truth my fellow believers! It certainly is!
And there’s a whole lot of scripture to prove it. Let’s look at some, beginning with the words of the psalmist from Psalm 102 –A cry in distress. ‘I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure (continue): yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.’ (Ps.102:24-27) More truth of an indisputable nature my brethren!
Now listen to Isaiah as he solemnly declares: ‘The voice said, Cry (out), And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness (loveliness) thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit (breath) of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.’ (Is.40:6-8)
Now listen as Peter adds his two cents worth. ‘’The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief (robber) in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.’ (2 Pet.3:9-10)
Yes Friends, our God is long-suffering and desires that all who trust Him will receive salvation. But He’s not going to wait forever, and the day of judgement is already set. So if you’re not amongst those who sincerely believe and trust in Jesus at the time of the Rapture, then crapaud smoke yuh pipe when the day of judgement comes.
That’s it in a nutshell my people. So please listen to the voice of wisdom that’s crying out to us get ourselves together, NOW, while we still have a chance, for that day could come like a thief in the night and take us unawares. Much LOVE!
…wisdom dictates that we should be ever ready…either for when the Lord returns…or if He calls us home first…
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