23 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a hell of a thing, abominable sinners, Almighty God created the world, another glorious day on God's great earth, bring all things to your remembrance, cast Him out of our society, consequences for disobedience, disobedience, draw closer to Jehovah God, even unto you old age I am he, facade, friends, glory hallelujah, God is our God, gospel truth, hardheaded, He shall teach you all things, he will be our guide even unto death, I am halfway home, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, indisputable truth, Jesus is ever-faithful, let not your heart be troubled, like a spring of water, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, not as the world giveth, obstinacy, pay a substantial price, Peace i leave with you, reluctant to embrace Jesus, stupidity, the breath of life, the Comforter, the end of our mortal lives, the Holy Spirit, the lake of fire, the Lord shall guide thee continually, the Lord shall make fat thy bones, the Lord shall satisfy thy soul in drought, the sons of Korah, this God is our God for ever and ever, this is the day the Lord has made, thou shalt be like a watered garden, to a glorious future with Jesus, trust, unwise decision, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, willing to revile Jesus, wisdom, words of comfort, you can lead a horse to water, you can lead a human to Jesus, you can't make him believe, you can't make it drink
Psalm 48:14. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death.
Oh Friends, welcome to another glorious day on God’s great earth! Wow! These days are so filled with sunshine and cool breezes that it’s not funny.
But apparently the ole fella’s head is filled with stupidity, because I did the same thing I did two nights ago; I went to bed even earlier than before with the same unhappy results. I awoke at an hour that didn’t thrill me, so I turned and tossed until I finally fell asleep again, then got up late with the usual back pains. Chuh!
How hardheaded can one body be eh? Anyway, I sincerely hope that I’ve learned my lesson now. And the strange part is that the first time I awaken, I usually feel fresh and alive, but I just find that it’s too early to get up, since I’ve only had a few hours sleep. Then when I do get up, I feel lousy.
So the solution seems to be either to go to bed late, or simply get up when the good Lord awakens me the first time. Obstinacy is a hell of a thing yes! (smile)
In any case it’s still a wonderful day, so let’s all declare: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it, come what may!’
And today is Wednesday, so that means it’s wailing time. So let’s wail nuh mih breddren, with sincerity and godly feeling. ‘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, if we stay focused on Jesus our future will indeed be glorious! Down here on earth, as well as in heaven above at the end of our mortal lives. That is what He’s promised and He is ever-faithful to fulfill His promises. He hasn’t reneged on not even one as yet, and He never will!
So I don’t know or understand why so many people today are so reluctant to embrace Jesus and His most worthwhile cause. Why they are so willing to revile Him and cast Him out of our society when He gave up His holy and sinless life to save a bunch of abominable sinners?
But my brethren please remember that Almighty God created the world and still controls it, regardless of what you might think or see, and there are consequences to disobedience and evil working against His heavenly realm.
That brings us to our sterling Bit from Psalm 48; a song from the sons of Korah, titled, ‘God is our God.’ And the psalmist ends it with these beautiful and indisputably true words.‘For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death.’
Yes my people, that’s the gospel truth! As we said above, the Lord made us and controls us. He has a plan for every life that He’s made, and if we choose not to follow it, that’s our decision. But be sure that we will pay a substantial price for that unwise decision come the judgement day.
And it’s not like the Lord hasn’t promised elsewhere to be our guide and defender. In our Bit from yesterday He plainly stated it thus: ‘And even unto your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs (gray hairs) will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.’ (Is.46:4)
That’s an awesome promise Friends! So why do we hesitate to accept it eh and consequently draw closer to Jehovah God? I truly don’t know. I guess the flash and dash of the things of the world hold us in such thrall that it’s difficult to let go and turn to God.
But please remember Friends, the things of the world are like beautiful vessels on the outside, merely an inviting façade, but inside they are either empty or filled with evil and darkness, and none of them will last longer than this lifetime.
Remember too that Beelzebub is the master of deceit, so please don’t fall for His wiles and lies. He can do nothing for us besides get us thrown into the lake of fire, come the end times. So if that is what you want, then go right ahead and bow down, kow-tow to Him and His evil rapscallions. Just be warned that it will all come back to hurt you in the end.
Meanwhile listen to this wonderful promise from Jehovah God. ‘And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought (dry places), and make fat (strengthen) thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.’ (Is.58:11)
Oh Friends, the Lord did exactly that for His people Israel when they were obedient to His commands, and He will do the same for us if we heed His will. And furthermore, after Jesus sacrificed His life to pay for our sins, making us worthy to come to God in His name, the Lord was still so gracious and merciful to send His Spirit to live in us to lead and guide us.
Listen to Jesus tell it like it is. ‘But the Comforter (Helper), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.’ (John 14:26) And we all know the big splash the Holy Spirit made when it finally fell on the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2)
And my people that same Spirit dwells within each and every believer today, to lead and guide and comfort us down here on this earthly pilgrimage. So how can we in all truth deny that God is our guide, our leader and protector eh? That’s utter nonsense!
And we’ll end with the immortal words of comfort that Jesus spoke to His disciples after promising that the Holy Ghost would come to them and ultimately to us. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 15:27)
Now that my brethren, is the ultimate in wisdom and trust! Please embrace it. Much LOVE!
…you can lead a horse to water…but you can’t make it drink…likewise you can lead a human to Jesus…but you can’t make him believe…
16 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, a breath of summer, a glorious future with Jesus, a shower of grace, abounding with thanksgiving, absent in the flesh, another glorious day on God's great earth, as for me and mine, awesome truth, Beauty for Ashes, beware lest any man spoil you, blessings, boggles my mind, Bruh Paul, cherishing Jesus, Colossians, deceived by the lies of Lucifer, died for sinners, enthusiasm, enticing words, eradicate Jesus from our society, false teachers, fat fannies, focusing on Jesus, forgiveness, glory hallelujah, glory to God, God took away my sorrow, grace of Jesus Christ, gullible, hope for tomorrow, I am halfway home, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, Im not looking back at the past, Jesus went to the cross, lest any man should beguile you, Lord and Saviour, Love for Jesus, loving Jesus, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are fixed securely on the plough, my neck of the woods, philosophy, present in the spirit, principles of the world, promises, put a smile upon my face, put our complete trust in Jesus, sit on our laurels, stand strong and steadfast in faith, surrender our all, thank God, the breath of life, the fullness of the Godhead, the Godhead, the tradition of men, till our dying day, until eternity, vain deceit, walk in him rooted and built up in Jesus, walk obedient to Jesus' word, we are complete in Jesus, we will follow Jesus, Wednesday Wail, work God's plan for our lives
Colossians 2:4. And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing (persuasive) words.
Ah Friends, welcome to another glorious day on God’s great earth! Glory Hallelujah! That means God still has work for us to do down here, so let’s not merely sit on our laurels, rather our fat fannies, (smile) but instead sincerely work the plan God has for our earthly lives.
And it does promise to be a bright and sunshiny day in my neck of the woods. A breath of summer is still gloriously in the air… Oh glory to God! You people with summer like weather all year round won’t truly appreciate the reality of true summer temps in the middle of September.
But enough talk. It’s Wednesday, which means it’s wailing time. So let’s wail nuh. As one harmonious 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!’
And I do hope that’s the awesome truth in our lives my people! I do hope that we all are steadfastly concentrating on, consistently focusing on Jesus and all that He so wonderfully stands for. He is wonderful, isn’t He? Oh my, my!
When I think about all that He’s done for us, when there was absolutely no reason to do it, I simply cannot imagine not LOVING and cherishing Him as my Lord and Saviour.
And just to show how wonderful Jesus is, listen to the chorus of one of my favourite songs that I heard last night, and just had to share with you again.
The song’s called ‘Beauty for Ashes,’ by Jermaine Cowan, and the chorus says: ‘Beauty for ashes…In a shower of Grace. Hope for tomorrow…It’s a bright, brand new day. Took away my sorrow…Put a smile upon my face. Beauty for ashes…In a shower of grace.’
Oh my people isn’t that truly wonderful? Of course it is! And it’s exactly what Jesus does for us when we surrender our all, put our complete trust in Him and try to walk obedient to His Word. That’s why it boggles my small, finite mind when people refuse to acknowledge His Lordship and LOVE Him, especially when there’s no one else around to do the things He does.
Is mankind crazy, or just stupid, plus gullible, to be deceived by the lies of Lucifer and his evil cronies, and thus try to eradicate Jesus from our society? I don’t know nuh Friends, but all I can say is, that as for me and mine, we will follow Jesus until our dying day, in fact until eternity! Oh Glory to God!
Yes my people, it’s true enthusiasm. And every day that I live and grow a little more in His Word, and experience more of His wonderful blessings, my enthusiasm and LOVE for Him increases! And that’s exactly how it ought to be my brethren.
That brings us to our Bit, which is ever so relevant to what we’ve said above. They are words of warning against false teachers and teachings from Bruh Paul to the Colossians. ‘And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing (persuasive) words.’
Ah Friends, we do need to be very careful of whom and what we read and/or listen to, because there are a lot of glib and persuasive false teachers and teachings circulating in our distressed and turbulent world, and it’s very easy to fall under their spell, unless one has the teachings of and LOVE for Jesus sincerely wrapped around your hearts and minds.
Now listen to Bruh Paul as he continues after our Bit. ‘For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your (good) order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Beware lest any man spoil you (plunder, take you captive) through philosophy and vain (empty, futile) deceit, after (according to) the tradition of men, after (according to) the rudiments (basic principles) of the world, and not after (according to) Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power (rule and authority).’ (Col.2:5-10)
Ah Friends, that warning is still in effect today, so let’s pay serious attention to it nuh. Christ is the end all and be all! He controls the universe and all therein! His words are faithful promises and will not be diluted or diminished! And above all, we have been given ALL that we need to handle this world; we are complete in Him, therefore it’s not necessary to look to anyone or anywhere else for anything that we need.
Please remember that my people, and let’s stand strong and steadfast in the faith and in the LOVE, mercy, forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ! For that is indeed the wisdom of heaven! Much LOVE!
…only Jesus went to the cross and died for us sinners…so how can we put our trust in…or believe in anybody else eh…
09 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a faithful ambassador brings health, a wicked messenger falls into trouble, above reproach, ambassador in bonds, ambassadorial position, as though God did beseech you by us, be in the world, be not conformed to this world, be ye reconciled to God, be ye transformed, bounden duty, by the renewing of your mind, caught up in the world, children of God, Christians, confer with God, convert the heathen, earthly riches, edifying, encouraging, eternal life, faithful messengers of Christ, glory hallelujah, God's Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, he refresheth the soul of his masters, heavenly wisdom, hidden truth of the gospel, I am 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, imbued with Christ's Spirit, in Christ's stead, keep moving right along, keep them from the evil(one), material wealth, minister on Christ's behalf, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, not a part of the world, open my mouth boldly, our earthly purpose and duty, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, perseverance, prayer, prayer is indispensable, praying always, praying for each other, praying for the saints, putting on the armour of God, salvation, sincerity, steadfastly focused on Jesus, supplication, thank God, the breath of life, the church at Ephesus, the good news of the gospel, the mystery of the gospel, the perfect will of God, the representative of one country to another, the righteousness of God, the values and systems of the world, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, ungodly and unrighteous activities, uplifting, we are ambassadors for Christ, we pray you, Wednesday Wail, well versed in the things of God
2 Corinthians 5:20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you, in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God.
Well Friends, it looks like it’s going to be a warm, wet and windy Wednesday in my area. The wet has not begun as yet, but the skies are dark and the wind is getting itself together. (smile)
However, as children of God, we just have to keep moving right along as best we can. And to encourage us, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail nuh, with all sincerity and truth.
As one 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!’
And so it should be my brethren! Our eyes ought to be steadfastly focused on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and not on the world and the evil involved thereof! For as Jesus prayed the Father when His time was nigh, re His disciples and eventually us: ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one).’ (John 17:16)
Yes Friends, Jesus wanted us to be in the world, but not be a part of the world, so that we could minister to the evil world around us. Unfortunately though, too many of us believers have been caught up in the world and all its ungodly and unrighteous activities, like steadfastly seeking its material wealth and riches, instead of the righteousness of the kingdom of God.
Oh my people, we need to remember that we’ve been placed here to convert the heathen, not to be converted by them. And our Bit so clearly reminds us of our earthly purpose and duty. ‘Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you, in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God.’
Yes my brethren, we have been charged with the most worthy job of being an ambassador for Christ here on earth, and that post, like any other earthly ambassadorial position, carries very significant and important duties.
Now an ambassador is the representative of one country to another, and as such there are certain rules he must follow very closely. The first thing an ambassador of an earthly state does, is confer with his boss about his role and responsibility, what he can and cannot do, both pertaining to the rules and regulations of his country as well as that of the one to which he is been posted.
And as ambassadors of Christ, we believers need to do the same thing, confer with our leader, God Almighty, through prayer, His Word and consultation with fellow Christians. Before we can begin our ambassadorial jobs we need to know what we can and cannot do.
That means we need to be well versed in the things of God, so that we can go out into the evil, ungodly world and minister on Christ’s behalf, take His wonderful message, the good news of the gospel, of salvation and eternal life to the unbelievers. And we can only do that properly if we stay focused on, and in close communication with our heavenly Father, be led and guided by His Holy Spirit.
The same way an earthly ambassador needs to be above reproach while living in another country, so we ambassadors of Christ also need to be above reproach in this tumultuous world. Note too, praying for each other is a very important part of our work.
As Bruh Paul told the Ephesians re putting on the armour of God: ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery (hidden truth) of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds (chains): that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.’ (Eph.6:18-20)
Yes Friends, prayer is always necessary. In fact it’s indispensable in a believer’s life. Even the wonderful and protective armour of God is useless if prayer doesn’t accompany it. We see Bruh Paul imploring the church at Ephesus to pray for him, even though he was greatly imbued with Christ’s Spirit, that he might boldly and confidently speak the truth of Christ to the heathen.
And if Bruh Paul needed prayer to help him perform his duties, how much more do we need it eh? Ah mih breddren, that is what fellowship is about; edifying, uplifting, encouraging and praying for the saints of Jesus, so that we can do our job with excellence and thus glorify God here on earth.
Now let’s look at a few scriptures that enlighten us re our ambassadorial role in Christ Jesus. First up are Cousin Sol’s wise words from Proverbs. ‘A wicked messenger falleth into mischief (trouble): but a faithful ambassador is (brings) health.’ (Prov.13:17) And we all know that that’s no lie, as we see and read everyday in this confused and evil world.
And Bruh Paul told the church at Rome in no uncertain manner. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom.12:2)
Yes Friends, we are to seriously and sincerely resist becoming like the world, adopting its values and systems, and continually seek and search for the will of God, so that we can be worthwhile ambassadors in His name.
And we’ll close with more words of godly wisdom from Cousin Sol. ‘As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.’ (Prov.25:13)
Oh my people, my people, doesn’t that speak volumes to us? It ought to. That’s why today I’m imploring us to do whatever it takes to be faithful messengers of Christ, so that we can refresh His soul, put a smile on His face, and warm the cockles of His sacrificial heart. That’s not only heavenly wisdom, but also our bounden duty! Much LOVE!
…to represent Jesus properly…we need to know Him intimately…
02 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, a day begun with Jesus, a godly life, a good name is better than precious ointment, a good name is to be chosen above riches, a good report makes the bones fat, a good reputation, a shout of thanks, a shout out to Jesus, Advocate, Alpha and Omega, bawling, born again, conflict, earthly riches, every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, excellence, faith, forgiveness, fruits of the Spirit, glory, glory hallelujah, glory to God, godly principles, good character, halfway home, head holding, high priest, holy spirit, hope, human nature, 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 heaven alongside Jesus, in our own strength, integrity, jehovah god, Jesus christ is Lord, joy, kindness, King of Kings, Lord and Saviour, Lord of Lords, LOVE, loving favour rather than silver or gold, material things, meekness, merciful God, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no beating about the bush, praise, prince of peace, seek God's favour, self-control, stay focused on God, stress, the breath of life, the day of death, the day of one's birth, the light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, the obits, the straight and narrow path, the vicissitudes of life, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, understanding, wealth, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, worries
Proverbs 22:1. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING favour rather than silver and gold.
Aye Friends, it’s wailing Wednesday! So let us wail nuh. (smile) ‘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 my people, it’s simple, straightforward and to the point! No beating about the bush! If it’s a day for wailing, then why not wail from the very beginning eh?
But you know something else my brethren? A li’l wail, a li’l shout out to Jesus when you wake up in the morning to face a brand new day, is the best way to begin it.
Why? Because it causes you to be more focused, filled with more joy, more LOVE, faith, hope, kindness, forgiveness and mercy…more of the fruits of the spirit, like meekness and self-control. And those of you who practice it, know that I am telling the truth.
Oh my fellow believers, as well as you unbelievers, believe me, a day begun with Jesus WILL outshine any that’s not begun with Him, where He is not the focus of our minds, body and souls! So please, let’s pledge that from here on in, every morning that we arise and don’t see our name in the obits, that we’ll give Jesus a wail, a shout out of thanks and praise and glory.
And if we do happen to see our name in the obits, (smile) well then there’s no need to worry, because we’ll be right there in heaven alongside Jesus, exactly where we want to be.
Oh Glory to God, for giving us such a wonderful Lord and Saviour, Prince of Peace, Advocate, High Priest, the Alpha and Omega, Lord of Lords and King of Kings, to whom each knee will eventually bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord indeed! Glory Hallelujah!
And like our good God is trying to tell us something significant this morning, because I was led to a rather interesting Bit from Cousin Sol, namely, that ‘A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING favour rather than silver and gold.’ Oh my people, is that ever so true!
And as the scholars explain it: ‘22:1. A good reputation is more important that wealth.’
Oh if we’d only believe that my brethren, and stop running down the worthless wealth of material things and earthly riches, our lives would be so much better; less stress, less conflict, less head holding and bawling.
That’s what our great and merciful God is trying to tell us today; be a person of good character, one of integrity and excellence, seek my favour, rather than the world’s, and your life will be amazing.
Oh Friends, I know that when the vicissitudes of life come upon us, it’s not always easy to stay focused on Jesus, but we just have to do our best, so that we can receive His best.
When the money and health and relationship worries tumble down on us, it’s difficult not to try and withstand and/or overcome them in our own strength, although we have the faithful promises of our Lord to look after and provide for all our needs. It’s just human nature.
But since we are born again in the Holy Spirit, we need to put away those worldly fantasies and seize the opportunity to stay focused on God and His things, which are way more lasting and edifying than the things of the world. We can’t buy a good name, integrity or character with earthly wealth, although a lot of us are trying to do it, especially in these heady times of upcoming elections.
Earlier on in Proverbs, Cousin Sol tells us that ‘The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat (healthy). (Prov.15:30)
That’s ever so true Friends! When our eyes are opened with wisdom, our hearts rejoice, and when we are commended for our stellar behaviour, integrity and character, it does raise the level of our health; physically, spiritually and emotionally. There’s nothing like people saying good and truthful things about us.
As Cousin Sol say in Ecclesiastes 7: ‘A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.’ (Eccl.7:1)
Yes Friends, wise living, and we’re talking about godly not worldly wisdom, is ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO GO!
And you cannot be led down that straight and narrow path by anyone else other than Jehovah God.
So please, let’s go to Him today nuh, right now, if necessary, and sincerely ask Him to grant us the wisdom and understanding we need to live a wise and godly life, one that’s ever so pleasing to Him. For that is indeed wisdom to the nth degree…everlasting wisdom! Much LOVE!
…godly principles cannot be bought with earthly wealth…
26 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a follower of Jesus Christ, almighty god, anxious, blessings, Christian, confidence, deal with whatever comes our way, divide the spoil, eternal life, faith, faithfulness, food and gladness, fretful, fruitful seasons, give thanks, glorify, glory hallelujah, glory to God, Glory to god in the highest, God is holy and all-powerful, God-given propensity, goodness, goodwill to all, grace, halfway home, holiness, I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, joy, joy of the harvest, Labour Day, leave all the consequences to Him, lord of hosts, LOVE, Messiah, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are fixed securely on the plough, no need to worry, obedience, obey God, our Father in heaven, peace, people that walked in darkness, prince of peace, prosper, rain from heaven, rejoice, salvation, spiritual strength, surrender, tension, the big chill, the breath of life, the Most High God, the shadow of death, them's the breaks, thou hast put gladness in my heart, thou Lord only makes me dwell in safety, to a glorious future with Jesus, trust, trust in Almighty God, Uncle Charles, upon them a light hath shined, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, witness, worry, worship, you shall reap what you sow
Psalm 4:7-8. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
And then it was Wednesday! Yes Friends, another cloudy looking day in my neck of the woods, with highs only going up to about 20 C. Can you imagine that it’s not quite the end of August and I had to shut my windows last night because it was a bit on the chilly side?
Chuh! The summer looks like it has come and gone, but it was never really here. (smile) And come September, right after Labour Day, we know that the big chill begins. I don’t know if we’ve had two weeks of truly hot days altogether this summer. But them’s the breaks, we just have to deal with them as they come.
That’s one of the many blessings of being a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ; we have the God-given propensity to deal with whatever comes our way, knowing that our Father in heaven is constantly watching over and looking out for us.
And all God’s people declared a loud and proud, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill to all!’ Yes my people, on Jesus’ behalf, that’s what we’re spreading; glory to God, and peace and goodwill to all and sundry.
Now since it’s Wednesday, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail nuh. As one wailer now. (smile) ‘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, I can’t tell you exactly how glorious that future with Jesus will be nuh, but if He’s promised it, then in His utmost and awesome faithfulness, He WILL keep His promise. No need to worry or be fretful and anxious about anything.
As Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) likes to say, the best way to live this earthly life is to obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. And that is gospel truth my people!
Now let us take a gander at our Bit, the same most worthy scripture of yesterday. ‘Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.’
Oh my people, there’s such joy and peace, such a release of worry and tension when we place our sincere and complete trust in Almighty God! When we truly surrender our lives to Him, a shade of grace comes over our lives. Glory to God!
For in our obedience He does put gladness in our hearts and allows us to dwell here on earth amongst the heathen and the infidel with confidence and true spiritual strength. No other supposed god really does that, but our Jehovah.
And when Isaiah promised that the Prince of Peace, our Messiah would come to save us, he confidently declared. ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation and not increased (increased) the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy of the harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil (plunder).’ (Is.9:2-3)
Yeh Friends, that awesome promise was fulfilled when Jesus came to earth in the form of a human being and took all our sins on His person, gave us a bright light shining in the oppressive darkness of the evil world, and filled our hearts with inconceivable joy and peace. Mama Mia!
Oh what a wonderful day that was! But we can’t enjoy that joy and premium harvest unless and until we put our sure trust and faith in Him. It’s God’s basic law; whatever you sow, that shall you reap. So if you don’t sow belief, obedience and trust, then you won’t reap the bountiful harvest of joy and gladness and bright shining light. It’s as simple as that my brethren.
And as Bruh Paul was saying to the people of Lystra, before they stoned him and carted him out of the city and left him for dead. ‘Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.’ (Acts 14:17)
And the scholars explain that verse thus. ’14:17. Even though all men have not received the special revelation of God’s written Word, all have received God’s general revelation which is witnessed through the creation and man’s own nature, making man without excuse if he rejects this (Rom. 1:18-20: 2:14-15). Romans 1 states that the context of general revelation is that God is holy and all-powerful. Acts 14:17 further states that He is good.’
Yes Friends, our God is certainly holy and all-powerful and good, and has made that known to all mankind. We reject His holiness and goodness at our own peril, jeopardizing our salvation and eternal life. And if you read the references above, you will better understand what it’s all about.
Now my fellow believers, please let us get ourselves together on this faithful Wednesday morning, and wisely and faithfully appreciate and glorify and LOVE and worship and give sincere thanks to the Most High God, the Lord of Hosts, as we are supposed to do, for that is indeed wisdom of the highest order. Much LOVE!
…it’s proven fact…that when we praise, worship and magnify God…we prosper, have joy and gladness and peace…so why be foolish and do otherwise eh…
19 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious future with Jesus, acceptable in the Lord's sight, an uphill climb, band our bellies, Bruh Paul, cause confusion, charles stanley, come up above our problems, communing with nature, depravity, discerning, do God's bidding, expose, expose the sins of the lost, face the sinful world, faith, faithfully serve us, fellowship, food for thought, forget today, friends and neighbours, glory hallelujah, gospel truth, greetings, hideous nature, hold that vision, I am halfway home, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, indulge in the sins of the unsaved, iniquities, intrude, it is a shame, keep slogging away, leave all the consequences to Him, LOVE, made manifest by the light, mind-boggling, Mother Nature, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, never give up, not think about tomorrow, obey God, overcome evil, peace, peaceful and calm, personal experience, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord, proviso, refresh our minds, relaxation, release the pressures, reprove, salutations, sins, speak of things done in secret, stave off the heat, strength, terrible consequences, the believer's duty, the breath of life, the day's activities, the Ephesians, the peace of God, the unfruitful works of darkness, the vagaries of life, the vocabulary of jesus, understanding, Wednesday Wail, with God's help
Ephesians 5:10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Greetings Friends and neighbours… and a few salutations too thrown in for good measure! (smile) It looks like it’s going to be another cloudy day in my neck of the woods.
I just wish the rain would fall though, instead of the dark clouds just playing games, for the earth does need some heavenly blessing to successfully stave off the heat and keep Mother Nature green and lovely.
Oh my people, I do enjoy sitting out on my front porch in the early hours of the morning, just communing quietly with nature, letting the peace of God refresh my mind and throw out all the muck that has clogged it from the day’s activities.
Sometimes I have to drag myself inside to go to bed, so that I can get up at a reasonable hour to write the Bit. Last night was one of those nights. It was so peaceful and calm out there that I felt like sleeping right there. (smile)
At one stage I closed my eyes and put my head back against the wall for about thirty seconds, and I’m sure if I had left it there for much longer I would have fallen asleep right there. Hn, hn!
So, judging from personal experience, I do believe that it would help us all a lot, if before we go to bed, we just find a peaceful place to sit and commune with nature and/or with God, just to release the pressures that have built up in our bodies, souls and minds during the busy day. Just a simple bit of relaxation to forget today, and not think about tomorrow as yet.
Please try it and see how it works for you. But in the meantime and between time, let’s not forget that today is Wednesday, therefore wailing is the name of the game. So let’s wail on nuh, as one hearty wailer: ‘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 my fellow believers, that’s how our souls ought to be trending this Wednesday morning, and hopefully every morning. Oh I know the vagaries of life try to intrude and cause confusion, but if we hold that vision constantly before us, it will faithfully serve us, and we will come up above our problems.
That brings us to our Bit.‘Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.’
Yeh Friends, we’re continuing to look at the scriptures where Bruh Paul is talking to the Ephesians about the ways of the believer. And after telling them that they, we, must be constantly discerning what is and is not acceptable in the sight of the Lord, he continues. ‘And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved (exposed) are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.’ (Eph.5:11-13)
And the scholars provide some useful explanations for those verses. ‘5:11. Reprove is better translated “expose.” The believer’s duty is expressed here in two ways. Negatively, he is not to have any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, that is, not to indulge in the sins of the unsaved.
Positively he is to “expose” (reprove) these sins, that is, bring them to light and show them for what they really are, so that the unbeliever may see their hideous nature and their terrible consequences.’ Are we doing those things Friends? I certainly hope so.
‘5:12. For tells why the Christian must expose the sins of the lost. If it is shameful even to discuss their iniquities in decent company (c.f. v.3), how much worse is the committing of these sins. Hence the need to bring them to light.’ More food for thought my people!
‘5:13. This verse may be paraphrased: “All sins that are exposed are made visible by the gospel, for whatever sin is made visible becomes light.”
Ah mih breddren, sin was bad in Bruh Paul’s time, but nowadays it’s off the charts. If Bruh Paul was alive today, he would certainly hold his head and bawl, for the kind of depravity that exists in these modern times, is certainly mind-boggling.
But be that as it may, it is our job to try and change it, obviously with God’s help, since we can’t do very much in our own strength. So though it’s certainly an uphill climb, we just have to band our bellies and keep slogging away at it. The one proviso being, never, never to give up! For giving up is not in the vocabulary of Jesus and His believers.
So today, as we face the sinful world, to try and turn it around, may the great God of our fathers be constantly with us, and grant us His peace, LOVE and understanding, along with the strength and faith necessary to do His bidding, which is to overcome the evil that’s currently strangling our world. Much LOVE!
…as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) would say…the best way to live this life…is to obey God and leave all the consequences to Him…gospel truth that my people…
17 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a blessed day, a labour of love, almighty god, aura of love, blessings, confidence, conquerors, contentment, Cornelius the centurion, cycle of life, daily routine, enthusiasm, evil, faith, follower of Christ, friends, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, God anointed Jesus with the Holy spirit, God was with him, good news, he who doesn't work shouldn't eat, healing all that were oppressed by the devil, holiness, Holy Ghost, holy spirit, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jesus christ of Nazareth, Jesus went about doing good, joy, lies, LOVE, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, peace, persecutions, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, rewards, right attitude, right motives, spiritual armour, spread the good news, standing'O', steadfast faith, taunts, tears of joy, temptations, the breath of life, Thessalonians. Bruh Paul, trials, ungodly world, wiles, wisdom, work ethic
Acts 10:38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Monday, Monday, Monday! Oh what a blessed day this Monday the 17th day of August 2015! Glory Hallelujah!
No Friends, the ole fella is not crazy, this Monday is certainly a blessed day. In fact, every day that the wonderful breath of life courses through our frail and fragile human bodies is indeed a blessed day! And until we truly believe and learn to appreciate that, we won’t ever be able to enjoy the LOVE, peace and contentment that are to be found down here on Mother Earth.
Oh, I know that many of us get annoyed, frustrated and disturbed because we have to go back out to work on a Monday morning. But Friends, that’s just the natural cycle of life in our society. So we might as well get accustomed to it and do it gladly, since we have no choice, except not to work.
But please remember Bruh Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians in his second missive. ‘For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.’(2 Thess.3:10)
Bruh Paul lays it down simple and to the point my brethren; you don’t work, then you don’t eat. I wish that could be implemented in these days of a very poor work ethic. But we just have to keep on working on our work ethic. (smile) And to help us do that, let’s sing our Monday Morning battle Hymn with much gusto and sincerity.
All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Now that wasn’t too bad my people, but nowhere as good as last week’s; no tears of joy flowing down Jesus’ cheeks and the Father and the angels giving us a standing ‘O’ and calling for an encore. (smile) But Jesus understands. He knows that we’re not perfect, so we can’t be wonderful every time. Once our hearts and motives are right, and we make a sincere effort, He’s happy.
That brings us to our Bit; Peter’s words when he preached to the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius the centurion. ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.’
Now some might wonder, or question what that has to do with us? And the answer is EVERYTHING! For when we were born again, became full blooded Christians, heirs with Christ, we were also anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. Now healing and casting out devils like Jesus did, is not in our everyday workbook or workload, but doing good, certainly is. Some might be able to heal and/or cast out devils, but ALL of us are certainly empowered to do GOOD, for Jehovah God is with us all the time!
Yuh know Friends, I believe that we make life much harder than it ought to be by our attitudes toward it. Let’s take a quick glimpse into Jesus’ lifestyle, His day. He would get up early, go out to a quiet place and pray; (Mark 1:35) then He would set out on His daily routine, going from place to place, preaching, healing and generally doing good.
Now we have it much easier than Him. We don’t have to go outside to pray, we can all find a quiet time and space in our homes, and we don’t have to walk everywhere we go, like He did, we have the comfort of cars and bikes. So we’re two up on Jesus right there. (smile)
My contention is that all we need to do is adopt the right attitude, a pleasant, positive one, which should come easily if you are a follower of Christ, then go out and simply concentrate on doing good, whatever it might be. Have no fear, the Lord will guide us to wherever we are needed if we ask Him to.
Now granted, we don’t have all the power and holiness that Jesus had, but we do have more than enough to do what is required of us. We just have to make up our minds to do it, then ask God to help us. And we all know that He won’t ever leave us in the lurch if we’re trying to do His will.
And as I keep saying, doing God’s will is not always easy; Jesus Himself said that there will be trials, temptations and persecutions, but the rewards, both here on earth and in heaven, will be well worth it. So it all comes right down to us Friends; having the right attitude, a warm and tender heart, with a willing and obedient spirit, and above all a great LOVE for Jesus.
If we have those prerequisites, getting up to go to work on a Monday morning will not be a problem, we will be rather eager to get out into the ungodly world and spread the good news of His sacrificial doings on our behalf. So let’s get out there this morning and put it all into practice nuh, for that’s wisdom of unbelievable proportions. Much LOVE!
…from a believer’s standpoint…doing good in Jesus’ name…is truly a labour of LOVE…
12 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious future with Jesus, a leader like Jesus Christ, all things work together for good, appreciate, beautify the meek with salvation, called according to God's purpose, Christian, diligence, discipline, enjoy the wondrous works of God, eternal life, excellence, expectant faith, faithful, first born among many brethren, forge a replica, forgiveness, glory hallelujah, glory to God, God's promises, God's worthy to be praised, good times outweigh the bad, goodness, grace, halfway home, He is love, hungry hope, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, in the congregation of the saints, joy, justice, Let Israel rejoice, long term benefits, Lord God Jehovah, LOVE, loving kindness, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no weapon formed against you shall prosper, obedience, peace, Praise ye the Lord, prosperity, put us through the fire, rejoice, rise against every tongue that rises against you, roses, salvation, short term benefits, shout Hallelujah, sing unto the Lord a new song, song, test, thanks and gratitude, the breath of life, the children of Zion, the Lord takes pleasure in His people, this is the day the Lord has made, to those who love God, total surrender, true, Wailing Time, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, wine, ye shall condemn
Psalm 149:1. Praise ye (shout Hallelujah to) the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
Oh Friends, another beautiful and glorious day of God’s making has been gifted to us! Wow! So let’s show some thanks and gratitude by saying it loud and proud nuh. ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL, we SHALL rejoice and be glad in it.’
Oh Glory to God my people! For He is so faithful and true to us, filling our lives with all sorts of good things like peace and joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness and prosperity! Oh aren’t you just ecstatic to be a Christian with a leader like Jesus Christ? You should be. I surely am!
The problem though is that until you give your life in complete and total surrender to Christ, you won’t be truly able to appreciate and enjoy the wondrous work He does in a believer’s life.
Oh my people, our Jesus is so awesome that although I know it and experience it on a regular basis, He still surprises me most days with some of the unexpected things He does to enlighten and enliven my days on this earth.
Please understand one very important thing though; working for Jesus is not all wine, roses and song, because He expects diligence, discipline, obedience and excellence from His followers, and also puts us through the fire to test us, and eventually forge us into a beautiful replica of Himself.
But believe me Friends, going through the fire is worth it; the good times certainly outweigh the bad. And the benefits of salvation and eternal life with Him in heaven until forever… oh what could be better than that eh? NOTHING my brethren, absolutely NOTHING!
And those are only the long-term benefits. There are lots more short term wonders to experience down here on earth, like mercy, grace and forgiveness, when we walk obedient to God’s calling. Glory Hallelujah!
And since today is Wednesday, it means that Wailing Time is here. (smile) So let’s wail nuh mih breddren, let’s wail with hungry hope and expectant faith. 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!’
And if you are a true believer, that is exactly where your focus should be; on our glorious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
And since this seems to be a morning of praise, let’s do it right nuh and declare our Bit in loud and faithful voice. ‘Praise ye (shout Hallelujah to) the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.’
Yes Friends, singing praises to our wonderful God is indeed something we ought to do on a regular basis! Many of us don’t, but we should take the psalmist’s wise advice, as he continues. ‘Let Israel rejoice in him that made him (their maker); let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek (humble) with salvation.’ (Ps.149:2-4)
Oh my fellow believers, what true and faithful and precious words! The Lord certainly takes pleasure in His people; there’s absolutely no doubt about that, as so many of us can testify to. And believe me, when the Lord is on our side… nothing can harm or trouble us, for we have these two great scriptures filled with God’s promises to hold on to.
The first one comes from Isaiah, as he talks about the Lord’s everlasting LOVE for Israel. ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me, saith the Lord.’ (Is.54:17)
And Friends, if those promises didn’t touch your souls, then listen to this one from Bruh Paul to the Romans, one we all know and LOVE! ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren.’ (Rom. 8:28-29) Mama mia mih people!
Oh Friends, if we are called to God’s divine purpose, and we LOVE Him as we ought to, you can be guaranteed that He is working EVERYTHING out for your good! It might not seem so when the fiery trials and temptations hit us, but just remember that God is faithful and has not ever, nor will He ever renege on a promise! Glory to God!
What can be better than bringing us into His family fold and making us true brethren with His first-born Son Jesus eh? Again we have to say, NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, my brethren!
Now let’s go home with these wonderful words of praise from Psalm 33. ‘Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely (beautiful) for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise (a shout of joy). For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He LOVETH righteousness and judgement (justice): the earth is full of the goodness (LOVING-kindness) of the Lord.’ (Ps.33:1-5)
And all God’s people declared a loud and proud ‘Praise the Lord! Glory Hallelujah! Bless His Holy Name. Amen!’
Yes Friends, let’s go out today rejoicing in the LOVE, the goodness, the grace, mercy and forgiveness of our Lord God Jehovah, for He is indeed worthy of our praise and thanks! Much LOVE!
…praise him, praise Him…glory Hallelujah…He is LOVE…yes He is LOVE…
06 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a doubleminded man is unstable, appreciation, appreciation for life, blessings, Christian, enamoured of Jesus, esteem, eternal life, eternity, glory to God, God's grace, good news of Jesus, Grenville Kleiser, he that hath seen me hath seen the Father, I am inthe Father, I am the way the truth and the life, I will come again and receive you unto myself, if I go and prepare a place for you, Jesus Christ, Jesus' debt payment, John, Johnny Reid, lack of faith, LOVE, mercies, no halfway point, no man comes to the Father but by me, no sitting on the fence, noblest qualities, one day at a time, only believe, prayers of thanksgiving, pro-action, procrastination, procrastinators, salvation, spending eternity with Jesus, stepping up to the plate, take hold of Jesus, thanks and praise, the breath of life, the cross at Calvary, the Father is in me, the Light, today I'm going to change the world, volunteering, wavering, wisdom
John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Aye Friends, welcome to another somewhat cool, but otherwise beautiful summer’s day in God’s wonderful universe!
New mercies and blessings specially prepared for today, this terrific Thursday in August 2015, have already been flooding our space. The most important being the breath of life that’s still flowing through our bodies, which allows us to enjoy the salvation and eternal life offered by Jesus’ debt payment on the cross of Calvary.
Wow! Glory to God! Have you given Him thanks and praise for those two things as yet? As soon as we rise and greet each new day, we ought to float prayers of thanksgiving up to heaven on them. For without them, we either won’t be rising to greet a new day, (smile) or spending eternity with Jesus. And that last option is the most important for a Christian soul.
Now here’s an interesting and rather appropriate quote from Toronto born, North American writer Grenville Kleiser (1868-1935). He says that ‘Today is the day in which to express your noblest qualities of mind and heart, to do at least one worthy thing which you have long postponed…’
And my people that is indeed a worthwhile decision, for over the last decade or so, we have become such great procrastinators, even about things that we consider important.
But what better way to show our appreciation for life and God’s grace and mercies than by stepping up to the plate today and doing something that we’ve been putting off, whether it’s volunteering or simply cleaning up stuff that needs to be cleaned up.
That reminds me of the Johnny Reid song that we shared with you sometime aback which declared: ‘Today I’m going to change the world…One day at a time…’
Yeh Friends, we desperately need to change our world, but the reality is that we can only do it one day at a time. And there’s no better time to start than the present. So let’s make today that day nuh. Let’s override procrastination with pro-action, and with Jesus’ help we can certainly do it.
For as our Bit wisely informs us: ‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ And I like to add to that, He’s also the Light of this darkened world.
So if Jesus Christ is indeed all those things, why aren’t we more enamoured of and interested in Him and His doings eh Friends? Our general behaviour and actions certainly don’t seem to indicate the esteem and appreciation that He truly deserves from us.
It’s also definitely instructional to see how that statement of Jesus came to be made. He was telling His disciples about His going away and preparing mansions for them. ‘And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?’ (John 14:3-5)
Ah mih people, even those who were closest to Jesus in His earthly sojourn didn’t appear to pay serious attention to His words. Jesus then declared our Bit to Thomas, before continuing with this admonishment. ‘If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord show us the Father, and it sufficeth (will satisfy) us. Jesus saith unto him, have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, show us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of my self (of my own authority): but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.’ (John 14:7-10)
Oh my brethren, so sadly, a couple thousand years later, the Lord Jesus Christ is still asking those questions of too many supposed believers! Granted that if Thomas and Philip who actually walked with Jesus had doubts and didn’t fully understand, who are we to be so well informed and enlightened?
But that argument doesn’t hold any water, for we have had two thousand years of much better information and time to understand and ingest the Good News of Jesus. So just like Jesus reproached the disciples back then, He is today also reproaching us for our unbelief, our lack of faith and understanding when it’s all clearly spelled out in His Word and the times of His earthly life.
Friends, it’s either we believe or we don’t believe! There is no halfway point, no way to waffle, no sitting on the fence, being double minded and/or constantly wavering from one position to the other. For as James tells us: ‘A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:8)
So please my people, today, let’s get off the fence nuh, let’s stop procrastinating and wavering. Instead, let’s truly take hold of Jesus and all that He so wonderfully stands for and represents and believe with all our hearts, souls and minds that He is indeed the Way, the Truth, the Life and the Light! Now that is true wisdom! Much LOVE!
…only believe…that He is who He says He is…that’s all Jesus asks of us…
05 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a high priest, a mystery, a successful journey with Christ, all praise and thanks, an evil conscience, arthritis, as ye see the day approaching, aseembling together, atonement for sins, awesome truth, blazed the trail, boldness, by the blood of Jesus, Calvary's cross, confdence, conspiracy, encouraging, enter into the holiest, eternal life, evil hooks, exhorting one another, faith, fellowship, finished the course, friends, full assurance of faith, glory hallelujah, godless deeds, good works, gospel truth, hatred, hobbling around, hold fast the profession of our faith, holy spirit, hopes and dreams, I am halfway home, I am the way the truth and the life, I'm not turning back, Im not looking back at the past, Jesus Christ, Jesus is advocating for us, Jesus is the greatest, keep our focus on Jesus, LOVE, Lucifer, minion, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no man comes to the Father but by me, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, pain, positive connotaion, precious blood, reciprocal encouragement, salvation, saviour jesus, spiritual food, stir up LOVE, stir up strife, strengthening, tentacles, the author and finisher of our faith, the breath of life, the evil one, the Holy Place of God, the Holy Spirit, the house of God, the Lamb that was slain, the light of the world, the one and only superstar, the straight and narrow path, the veil, to a glorious future with Jesus, to humble me, true heart, uplifting words, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, without wavering, worship, write indelibly in our hearts
John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Oh Friends, I don’t understand it nuh; it’s a mystery that I can go to bed feeling fairly okay and wake up a few hours later experiencing serious pain in places that weren’t paining before I went to bed. Hn! I thought rest and sleep were supposed to calm those things, not heighten them.
Chuh! I woke up a little while ago with my right knee giving me beans, and that hasn’t been hurting me, it’s the left one that’s recently been problematic. So there I was subsequently, hobbling around like the old man I refuse to be, trying to put out the garbage and chuckling somewhat unhappily to my self.
But yuh know what, it’s a conspiracy! Yes Arthur (arthritis), the minion of the evil one, is desperately trying to humble me before his wicked master. But please tell Arthur for me that that will NEVER happen!
Not as long as our great God sits on His throne in heaven on high, which He will do forever, neither as long as our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus stands by His side advocating on my behalf, or as long as the Holy Spirit dwells within me!
No Friends Lucifer will never get his evil hooks into me, or wrap his mushy tentacles around me, once the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are in control of things. And to bring that even more forcibly home to Mr. Arthur and his evil boss, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail, which is most appropriate in this situation.
Please wail with me people: ‘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, if we want to make it successfully through this wicked and ungodly world we have to constantly keep our focus on Jesus! There is no other way! Remember His promise of salvation in our Bit ‘I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh to the Father but by me.’ And He is also the LIGHT of this evil and darkened world.
And I like how the scholars put it, re our Bit. ‘14:6. Jesus does not tell them about the way, nor does He show them the way. He does not even guide them along the way. He says He is the way!’
And that’s an awesome truth that ALL believers need to acknowledge, to write indelibly in their hearts, souls and minds if they want to have a successful journey with Him. Glory Hallelujah! All praise and thanks be to the Lamb that was slain for us, whose precious blood was spilled at Calvary’s cross so that we could gain atonement from our abominable sins!
Yes my brethren, Jesus is indeed THE GREATEST! The ONE and ONLY Superstar! All our hopes and dreams begin and end with Him. As the author of Hebrews so wisely reminds us; He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb.12:2)
Or as the scholars put it. ‘He has already blazed the trail and finished the course.’ So we don’t have to do any more trail-blazing, just follow the straight and narrow path that He has laid out for us, all the way to salvation and eternal life with Him and the Father. There’s absolutely nothing better than that in this confused and troubled world!
Now listen to these encouraging and uplifting words from the author of Hebrews, where he issues a plea to the early believers to hold on to their new faith. ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness (confidence) to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say the flesh; and having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering: (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching’ (Heb.10:19-25)
Oh Friends, that same plea is crying out to us today, in these dark and dismal times! Jesus is the ONLY WAY to overcome them!
Now let’s get some explanations from the scholars re those verses: ’10:20. Jesus Christ is the new and living way by which believers have direct access into the very Holy Place of God (cf. 4:14; 6:20; 7:25; John 14:6).’ Please check out those references my people, as they will certainly help to enlighten us in the scriptures.
’10:24. The word translated provoke (Gr. paroxysmos) usually has a negative sense, as is witnessed by its only other New Testament usage (Acts 15:39). The positive connotation which the word has in the present text means to stir up. It is easy to stir up hatred and godless deeds; it take much more to stir up another to LOVE and to good works.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth Friends, it’s much easier to stir up strife than LOVE, especially in these godless times!
‘10:25. Not forsaking the assembling: This admonition involves far more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is the outward indication of an inner condition. The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained from one another (cf. Col.3:12-16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor.12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.’
And I say a loud and proud ‘Amen’ to that! There we have it Friends, the reason for going to church, for Christians assembling together in the name of Jesus Christ!
Now let’s go out today, and every day, and work diligently, sincerely and faithfully on behalf of our Lord and Saviour nuh, for that is the ultimate wisdom of this life. Much LOVE!
…following the path that Jesus blazed…and doing His will…brings the greatest joy and eventual richest reward…spending eternity with Him…
P.S. Oh Friends, I know it’s long and late, but that’s all made up for in its wonderful information and its intrinsic beauty! (smile) Much LOVE!
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