22 Dec 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a benevolent ruler, a God-like King, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, all sinned and disobeyed your word, all who believe in him, an anticlimactic end, an attribute of Jesus, blessed with eternal life, call his name Immanuel, Christ birth was foretold to give Israel hope, Counsellor, divine aid, encouragement from Isaiah's prophecy, encouragement from Jesus' words, endure to the end with Christ, Enormous Rewards, eternal peace on earth, faith, faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers, Father of Eternity, focus on Jesus Christ, For unto us a child is born, from henceforth even for ever, fulfill God's requirement, give us hope, God incarnate, God with us, he hat shall endure unto the end, Hero, holy spirit, humble ourselves, humble servants, Immanuel, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, keep your promise to prosper us, live up to your expectations, LOVE, mass confusion in our world, mercy, miraculous counsel, of the increase of his government and peace, persevere in faith, pray, salvation, show this evil world, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, spiritual insight, strong faith in Christ, thank you for life, the everlasting Father, the Gift-Child, the God who heals, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the Lord himself shall give you a sign, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the promise of Christ's Second Coming, the same shall be saved, the worst feeling ever, The zeal of the Lord will perform this, there shall be no end, to alleviate our problems, to establish it with judgement and with justice, to stand strong in faith, truth, turn from our evil ways, unto us a son is given, upon his kingdom to order it, upon the throne of David, wisdom, wise guidance, Wonderful
Isaiah 9:6a. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
Only two more days friends…and then it’s Christmas Day! Let’s hope that the excitement and anticipation don’t have an anticlimactic end, leaving you with a less than jolly, merry Christmas, (smile) for that can be the worst feeling ever, when a moment you put so much energy and time into doesn’t live up to your expectations. But I’m sure if you keep your focus on Jesus, that won’t happen.
So, what shall we talk about on this Monday of Christmas week eh? Well… let’s see what the Bible suggests… And after looking through the Word and seeking spiritual insight we’ve been led to this familiar passage from the prophet Isaiah, where he declares the prophecy of the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord will perform this.’ (Is. 9:6-7)
You see friends, centuries before Christ was born, His birth was foretold by the prophet Isaiah to give the people of Israel hope in their tough lives. And the zeal of the Lord indeed began the process through His birth at Christmas. Likewise, today, the promise of Christ’s Second Coming ought to give us hope to stand strong in faith with Him, so that all who believe in Him and endure to the end, can be blessed with eternal life, as He so clearly says in the gospel of Matthew while talking about the end times. ‘But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ (Matt. 24:13)
So just like the Israelites of old were given encouragement by Isaiah’s prophecy, so we today are meant to take encouragement from Jesus’ words. But getting back to Isaiah’s prophecy, the scholars offer some interesting explanations on that passage. They say: ‘The Gift-Child in this passage is the same divine Child as Immanuel (God with Us). (Is. 7:14) Again, using the prophetic perfect, the prophet sees Him as though He were already born.
Wonderful, Counsellor is actually one term in Hebrew. A wonder is indicative of a miracle. Counsellor is often used in parallel with King (cf. Mic. 4:9) Thus miraculous counsel is given by this God-like King. The mighty God (El Gibor) is the strongest of these titles. In Isaiah, El is always used of God and never refers to man. Gibor means: “Hero.” Together they describe One who is indeed God Himself. (A most definite attribute of Jesus!)
Everlasting Father literally means Father of Eternity. He alone is the source of eternal life. (Another attribute of Jesus.) Prince of Peace (Sar-Shalom) indicates that the mighty God will be a benevolent ruler bringing eternal peace on earth through the establishment of His kingdom. Thus, the obscure figure of Immanuel is now brought to clear light: He is Himself God Incarnate!’ And everybody shouted: ‘Jesus, God Incarnate!’ (smile)
And I do hope that those explanations improved our understanding of the terms and how they were used back in the Old Testament. But, as per the reference to ‘Immanuel,’ let’s check out Is. 7:14. The situation existed where two nations were plotting war against Judah, and the Lord sent Isaiah to warn King Ahaz that the attack would not be successful. And though Ahaz was told to ask for a sign, He piously refused to ‘tempt God.’ But Isaiah nonetheless informed him: ‘Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God be with Us).’
Another prophecy of Christ’s birth. So, it wasn’t like the Israelites didn’t know of Christ’s coming, they just didn’t know when. Similarly, we know of Christ’s Second Coming, but we don’t know when either. That means we must persevere in faith until whatever time the Father chooses to send Him back, because the rewards for those who persevere until the end will be enormous and most worthwhile. And to help us do that on this Christmas Monday, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face.
So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
Ah friends, our prayer is very touching, but there’s only one problem; we must first fulfil the requirement for God to prosper us, that’s turn from our evil ways. So, let’s concentrate on doing that nuh, if we indeed desire divine aid! Much LOVE!
…Jesus’ coming to earth…was never a secret…it only called for persevering faith to believe it…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
25 Dec 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a curtailing of strife, a feed trough, a multitude of heavenly host, a part of the Prince of Peace's peaceful army, a Saviour, abide by the rules, an angel descended from heaven, appeared to shepherds in the fields, begin a slow march back to peace, Bible, break Satan's bondage, Christ the Lord, christianity, Counsellor, double minded people, draw near to God, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, fear not, glad to be alive, Glory to god in the highest, halfway home, hands on the plough, Happy New Year, his name shall be called, holy spirit, humble and peaceful, humble yourselves in the sight of God, I bring you good tidings of great joy, in the city of David, Jesus Christ, Jesus' birth, joyful Christmas season, judgement, justice, LOVE, lying in a manger, mercy, Merry Christmas, not looking back, on earth, peace and good will to men, personified by Christ, praising God, princely and proud, ramp up our situation with God, resist the devil, resist the devil and he will flee from you, rumours of wars, salvation, sitting on the fence, submit yourselves to God, the everlasting Father, the glory of the Lord shone around them, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the mighty God, the One True God, the Prince of Peace, the winds of change, the zeal of the Lord of hosts, this Christmas day Wednesday, this day is born, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, wars, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, Wonderful, wrapped in swaddling clothes
Isaiah 9:6a. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
Ho, Ho, Ho! A Merry Christmas to all; and to all a Happy New Year! Yes friends, we wish you and yours all the best for this joyful Christmas season. For as Isaiah prophesied so long ago: ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of his father David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is. 9:6-7)
And my fellow believers, the zeal of the Lord of hosts did perform that miracle some two thousand years ago, when in the fields of Israel, one starry, starry night, an angel descended from heaven on high and appeared to shepherds watching over their flocks. And the shepherds were terribly afraid, because as the angel appeared, so too all around them the glory of the Lord began shining.
‘And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David (Bethlehem) a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes (cloths), lying in a manger.’ (Luke 2:10-12)
Yes friends, our great God does whatever He promises. And on this day some two thousand years ago, the Prince of Peace was born of lowly parents in a lowly stable and laid in a manger (feed trough) for a cradle. And please note whom the Lord decided to first inform of His Son’s birth, lowly shepherds. That must say something about the Lord’s purpose for His Son; that His earthly life would not be princely and proud, like so many expected, but humble and peaceful as befitted the prince of peace.
And the Lord wasn’t satisfied with just letting the shepherds know that Jesus Christ was born, no, He instigated a ceremony worthy of His Son. As the Bible tells us: ‘And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:13-14) And that is exactly what we hope will manifest itself as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday; that there will be a curtailing of the strife and all the negative emotions that’s oppressing our world, and we will begin a slow march back to the peace that Jesus desires of us.
It’s the perfect day and time to end all the nonsense, all the wars, and rumours of wars that are burdening our world and sadly dragging it under. It’s time to repudiate Beelzebub and all his foolishness and turn back to the One True God, as personified by Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His sinless life on the cross of Calvary, so that our sins could be forgiven, and we receive salvation and eternal life!
What good has Satan ever done for us eh? Absolutely nothing! He’s simply trying his best to drag us down to the depths of hell with him, because he was once foolish enough to try to overthrow his Creator, and is now paying dearly for that foolishness. In other words friends, Satan is just looking for company, he doesn’t have our good at heart at all. So please, let’s try and break the bondage he holds so many of us in nuh. As believers in Christ Jesus, along with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have all the tools to resist him, but we must be prepared to make a serious effort, because he doesn’t ever give up trying to belittle us in the eyes of the Lord.
But to accomplish that we need to do as James, the brother of Jesus says in his epistle: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you… Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:7-8, 10)
Oh my fellow saints, if we want to get away from the devil, that is exactly what many of us need to do in these oh so trying and troubled times; draw closer to God, for you cannot resist Satan without God’s help. However, there are many of us who are trying the ole sitting on the fence trick, trying to play one side against the other, but that won’t work, because neither God not Satan accepts double minded people, or those who try to outsmart them. So, it’s absolutely necessary to ramp up our situation with God, if we want to be a part of the Prince of Peace’s peaceful army. (smile) And there’s no better time to do it than on this the celebration of His birthday.
And before I forget, let me apologize for the lateness of the Bit, but I went to church this morning, then came home and found a big breakfast waiting for me, which I heartily enjoyed. But that then meant I had to go and get a nap and allow the food to digest, because there’s another, even bigger meal in the offing this evening. Brother! I don’t see the need for so much food, with so few people! But I don’t make the rules, the ladies of my household do, and I’m just expected to abide by them. And in my own fashion, I’m trying to be obedient. (smile)
Oh, I also wanted to sing a hymn today yes, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing,’ but it seems like I got sidetracked, so let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, it’s very applicable and appropriate for today, showing our trust and faith in Christ. As one strong and sincere voice:
‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Christmas Day 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 we know that the Lord has sincerely promised that whoever endures with Jesus to the very end, will enjoy a future that will be more glorious than they can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s make a solemn date to meet there at the very end nuh, and enjoy that future together! Much LOVE!
…Jesus birth…began the winds of change…in our evil and ungodly world…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
09 Dec 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a merciful forgiving and gracious God, a positive scenario, a son is given, a spiritual dynamic, a virgin shall be with child, activates the transformative impact, be it unto me according to thy word, behold the handmaid of the Lord, being a just man, bring forth a son, call his name Jesus, conceive in thy womb, consternation, Counsellor, declaring the end from the beginning, disobeyed your word, divine aid, Everlasting Father, faith, fear not, for with God nothing shall be impossible, forgiveness, found favour with God, God's creative power, holy spirit, how shall this be, humble ourselves, humble servants, I am God, I know not a man, I will do all my pleasure, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the reason for the season, LOVE, mass confusion, mercy, my counsel shall stand, not willing to make her a public example, of the increase of his government, omnipotent god, overshadow thee, praise Your Holy Name, pray, predicament, prophecy, put her away secretly, remember the former things of old, salvation, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, strong faith in Christ, the Birth of Christ, The Christmas season, the God who heals, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the highest appreciation, the Holy Ghost, the mighty God, the negative scenario, the power of speaking God's truth, the Prince of Peace, the protective umbrella of jesus, the Son of God, the word of the gospel, the zeal of the Lord of hosts, there shall be no end, thou that art highly favoured, to alleviate our problems, trusts in god's faithfulness, truth, turn from our evil ways, unto us a child is born, wisdom, wise guidance, Wonderful
Luke 1:37. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Now, it’s definitely not a good morning on which to begin our work week; a cold, wet, cloudy Monday, with a promise of snow later on in the day. But dem’s the breaks. That’s the kind of climate we live in at this time of year. But we can break that negative scenario with a positive one; that of Jesus’ birth, as we celebrate it in this Christmas season. What a joy and privilege it was, when His awesome birth brought a season of peace and goodwill to all men. And we all know how Jesus’s birth was foretold by the angel.
Yes, what a most remarkable story, where the angel Gabriel appears to Jesus’ mother, Mary, when she was just an engaged teenager, and greets her thus: ‘Hail (rejoice) thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ (Luke 1:28) Obviously Mary was puzzled by this unexpected enthusiastic greeting. But the angel says unto her, ‘Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.’ (Luke 1:30-31)
And then he tells her about all the great things Jesus would do. (Luke 1:32-33) But Mary doesn’t seem to pay much attention to that, for her next question is, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man (I am a virgin)? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest (the Most High) shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing (One) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.’ (Luke 1:34-35)
Can you imagine Mary’s consternation at the predicament the birth of a child while still unmarried would put her in. But then the angel explains that her cousin Elisabeth, hitherto barren, was now six months pregnant, ‘For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ (Luke 1:37) But the best part of this whole story is Mary’s final answer to Gabriel. ‘And Mary said, Behold the handmaid (maidservant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. and the angel departed from her.’ (Luke 1:38)
Wow! Can you imagine that teenaged girl simply accepting the angel’s message without any trepidation or apparent thought for what would certainly be an untenable situation in that rigid Jewish society. However, as Gabriel had said earlier on, nothing is impossible with God, and He fixed the situation. When her betrothed Joseph discovered she was with child and they weren’t yet married, the Bible says: ‘being a just (upright) man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily (secretly).
But while he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived (begotten) in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS (Saviour): for he shall save his people from their sins.’ (Matt. 1:19-21)
Oh friends, don’t you just LOVE how our God orchestrates things that seem impossible to us. Instead of having Jospeh put away Mary, He has him marry her just like nothing was wrong. The Bible then shares with us the important prophecy of this occasion foretold long ago. ‘Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet (Isaiah), saying, Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted (translated) is, God with us.’ (Matt. 1:22-23)
That reminds us of the prophetic power of our God, or as Bruh Paul says: ‘who quickeneth (gives life to) the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.’ (Rom. 4:17c) It’s like He said through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else ; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times, the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:’ (Is. 46:9-10)
Oh, my people, there is certainly none other like our omnipotent God, who went about fulfilling prophecy from the very beginning of time right up to now, with many other prophecies yet to be fulfilled as the world spins. Now, here’s an interesting commentary on the subject. It asks, ‘What does it mean to call things that are not as though they were?’ Then answers: ‘By embracing the power of speaking God’s truth over others, believers participate in a spiritual dynamic that acknowledges God’s creative power, trusts in His faithfulness, and activates the transformative impact of the word of the gospel over others.’
Yes friends, we can also be a part of God’s prophetic world if we acknowledge His truths and His power. And one of the most powerful and important prophesies to mankind is that spoken by Isaiah, concerning the birth of Jesus, who was to bring salvation and forgiveness to the people!
‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is. 9:6-7)
And this Christmas season we’re about to celebrate is only the fulfilling of the first part of the prophecy, so let’s wake up and make sure we’re living under the protective umbrella of Jesus, before the last part of that prophecy unfolds. And to help us do that, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid to improve our world and our particular circumstances.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
Now, let’s remember that no divine aid will be forthcoming unless and until we humble ourselves before the Lord, seek His face and turn from our evil ways! Much LOVE!
…Jesus is the reason…for the Christmas season…let’s remind the world of that…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
01 Nov 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a son is given, all things were made by him, be prepared for anything, by him all things consist, Christ is the image of the invisible God, dwell in the land of the shadow of death, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, get ready for winter, God in these last days, halfway home, hands on the plough, has spoken unto us by his Son, have seen a great light, he hath appointed heir of all things, he is before all things, His name shall be called Wonderful, In the beginning was the Word, It's sunny so I'm happy, Jesus Christ, LOVE, not looking back, prince of peace, repent ye therefore and be converted, so glad to be alive, thank God, that your sins may be blotted out, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the full divinity of Christ, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the people that walked in darkness, the perfect fellowship between Father and Son, the Word was God, the Word was with God, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, unto us a child is born, upon them the light hath shined, Wednesday Wail
John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And on this first day of November 2023…imagine that nuh, it’s already November! Anyway, it seems like the chilly weather is finally here to stay. We knew it would come eventually, and we really can’t complain because we’ve had some whopping high unseasonal temps in the last few weeks. So it’s time gear up for those low temps and the type of weather they bring. In other words, it’s time to get ready for winter! (smile) But, as I keep saying, once it’s sunny, I’m happy, and it’s quite sunny this Wednesday morning, therefore I am happy!
Ah mih people, life moves in such strange and eccentric ways that we need to be prepared for anything whatsoever, and the only way to truly accomplish that is by having Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Having the One who created the world and all therein, then came to earth to experience our life in person and to save us from the evil devil, Satan. As Isaiah prophesied so long before Christ’s coming. ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them the light hath shined…
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is. 9:2, 6-7) And the zeal of the Lord of hosts did perform it my fellow believers, with the coming of Christ to earth in the form of a man.
As John so wisely and famously puts it: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ (John 1:1) Yes friends, Jesus Christ was and still is the Word! And He was with God the Father, and still is with Him! And He was also God, and He still is God! What a marvellous Being, what an incomparable Deity! And as the scholars add: ‘in the beginning…with God’ signifies the perfect fellowship between God the Father and God the Son in eternity.
And per The Word was God: Just as the previous expression (the Word was with God) emphasizes distinction in the Godhead, this phrase stresses the essential unity. In the Greek text of this verse, God is a predicate adjective, appearing without article and preceding the Word, thus emphasizing Jesus’ divinity. John could not have expressed the full divinity of Christ more completely.’ Now I don’t know anything about the Greek language, (smile) but I will certainly accept the full divinity of Christ!
And John continues with his stunning word portrait of Christ. ‘The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.’ (John 1:2-3) There we have it in black and white! Jesus, the Word, was with the Father from the beginning of time and was involved in the making of everything that was ever made! Wow! What a magnificent personage! And if you don’t believe John on that matter, then you can turn to Colossians 1:16, and Hebrews 1:2, and find the perfect comparisons. Ah Lord eh! I might as well spoon feed us, because not many will turn to those scriptures. (smile)
Listen as Bruh Paul writes to the Colossians of the preeminence of Christ. ‘Who (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature (the first in rank). For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers (different angelic beings): all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (are held together).’ (Col. 1:15-17) Yes my people, Christ created it all, and He now holds all of His creation together!
And the author of Hebrews, introduces Christ thus: ‘God, who at sundry times (in many portions) and in divers manners (many ways) spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (ages).’ (Heb, 1:1-2) There we have it again, the indisputable message that Christ was divinely involved in the creation. And furthermore, He was also used as the true and finite revelation!
The scholars tells us that ‘the author of Hebrews immediately shows that Jesus Christ, as the agent of God’s revelation, is far superior to the Old Testament prophets. Their message was fragmentary and incomplete. It came bit by bit through visions, dreams , events, and direct communication as men were ready and able to receive it. Christ’s revelation is climactic and complete because He is the Son and because His is the message for the last days. His incarnation initiated the end time, and it will be fulfilled when He returns to earth to reconcile and restore all things. (cf. Acts 2:16-17; 3:19-21; 1 Pet. 1:20).
Now mih bredrin, I know that you won’t look up those scriptures, (smile) but we don’t have time nor space for all. So let’s see what we can fit in, without having you complain that the Bit is too long. (smile) Listen to Peter, as he admonishes the onlookers, after he and John had healed the lame man at the temple doors. ‘But those things, which God before had showed (foretold) by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should (would) suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins my be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. and he shall send Jesus Christ which was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution (restoration) of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which shall not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.’ (Acts 2:18-23)
And there’s no better way to end, although I got sidetracked from my original intentions. (smile) And refreshing our spiritual selves with any scripture whatsoever, is always beneficial. Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
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!’
And believe me, if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, it’s guaranteed that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, please, let’s make plans to see it together nuh. Much LOVE!
…listen to the Word…from the Word…and thus…be enveloped in the Word…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
20 Dec 2019
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adventurous, Boxing Day, broken down, cause confusion, celebrate the birth of Christ, Counselor, enmity, exciting, Father of Eternity, fellowship, Friday chant, fun, furthering your glorious kingdom, Gentiles, his name shall be called, Isaiah, Jews, made us one, never done, on our p's and q's, our Lord and Saviour, put Christ first, renewed and refreshed, salvation, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the carnal side, the christian Church, the everlasting Father, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the greatest gift, the Lord of hosts, the Lord's sanctuary, the middlw partition, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the reason for the season, the workingman's song, the zeal, unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, Wonderful, working for Jesus
Isaiah 9:6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
And yes, it’s Friday, the day we all been longing for, the one that heralds the end of the work week! And it’s also the Friday before Christmas! And that’s an even bigger Friday than usual, because we’re all wrapped up in the Christmas thing, where we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; eat, drink and give gifts to celebrate the occasion! But please, please, let’s not put the eating and drinking and gift giving first as we tend to so often do nuh! Let’s put the thought of Christ being born first and foremost, as it ought to be. Remember it’s the greatest gift this sinful and evil world has ever received. So let’s be adamant about putting Christ in His right and proper place in the season: FIRST! For HE is the reason for the season.
Now let’s hear what the ordinary workingman has to say on this Friday before Christmas nuh. And he joyfully shouts: ‘Oh mama, mama, TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes! Christmas Friday to boot! And ah taking the whole of next week of! No work for another seven days; just eat and drink and party! Brother! And is the slave master ever so vex, because several people taking holidays this week, and he have to pay we for Christmas and Boxing Day as well, even though we not working. So yuh know he’s not a happy camper, because he don’t like to pay at the best of times, but it just kills him when he have to pay us for days we don’t actually work.
But that’s the system Mr. slave master, and yuh got to live by it, like it or not. But enough about he oui! Is Christmas; Christmas time in the city! And all the lights bright and shiny on the Christmas tree inside and the leafless trees outside! The weather is not the greatest, snowy and dreary, but the children happy because they see gifts packing up under the tree, and I happy too because plenty drinks and food in the cold room downstairs, and plenty treats up here. So how can I not thank God for Fridays, the weekends and Christmas eh?’
And that’s ever so right my brethren! We’ve got to thank the Almighty for ALL that we have, especially His Son at Christmas time! And though the ordinary workingman does have some good points in his song, we, as believers have to be ever so careful that we don’t overdo the carnal side of the equation and allow the enemy to get inside our spirits and souls and cause confusion as he just likes to do. That’s why our Friday Chant, though enthusiastic, is not as ebullient as the workingman’s. (smile) We have to pay a li’l more attention to the evil around us.
So let’s chant it now nuh, with sincere hearts and strong voices. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen!’
Ah friends, working for Jesus is wonderful, adventurous and exciting, but as they say, it’s never done. We always have to be on our p’s and q’s, even when, or especially when we’re enjoying ourselves. So I guess Granny’s warning is apropos right here and now: ‘Sonny boy, ah begging yuh, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business!’ And that my people should be our motto for this Christmas season. We don’t need any more problems than we already have…
Oh, and by the way…let’s not forget church nuh! Ah notice nobody ain’t say nothing about church yet nuh! (smile) But it is imperative that we visit the Lord’s sanctuary over this Christmas season and give him much thanks and praise for sending His One and Only Son to earth at this time so that our salvation could be forthcoming. And there is no better scripture that proclaims this than the mighty and momentous words of Isaiah. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’
Mama Mia! What a promise! And that’s not all: ‘Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:7) And perform it He did, starting with the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus! We just waiting for His Second Coming now to continue the fulfillment of that prophecy! What a mighty and faithful God we serve my people!
Now let’s look at some New Testament scriptures that attest to the fulfillment of our Bit, starting with ‘For unto us a child is born.’ Hear the angels talk to the shepherds on Christmas night. ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:11) And per ‘unto us a son is given.’ Listen to Jesus Himself: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16)
Then, per ‘the government shall be upon his shoulder,’ listen to Jesus again, this time as He sends the disciples out into the world to proselytize it: ‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth.’ (Matt. 28:18) We’ll leave out ‘his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,’ because it’s found in the Old Testament (Judges 13;18) (smile) And by the way, in Hebrew that’s one word, talking about ‘miraculous counsel given by this God-like King.’
And as per ‘the mighty God, The everlasting Father,’ hear Bruh Paul from Titus, as he talks about the Christian life. ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ (Titus 2:13) ‘The everlasting Father, literally means Father of Eternity. He alone is the source of eternal life.’ And finally, per, ‘The Prince of Peace,’ hear Bruh Paul to the Ephesians. ‘For he (himself) is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition (division) between us.’ (Eph. 2:!4)
Yes friends, Jesus is the ONE, the One of Peace who broke down the enmity between Jews and Gentiles and made us ONE in the Christian Church, His Church. So please, let’s ponder all of that this upcoming week as we celebrate Christ’s birth nuh, and keep Him first place in our hearts, souls and minds. Much LOVE!
…without Christ’s birth…there’d be no Christmas… never forget that…
P.S. Yeh, I know it’s long and late, but it’s ever so good! (smile) Much LOVE!
25 Dec 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a manger, a son is given, Bethlehem, born lowly, Christ's birth, Counselor, every heart, far as the curse is found, fear not, feed trough, For unto us a child is born, glorifying, glory to God, good tidings of great joy, grace, grateful, he rules the world, heartfelt, heaven and nature sing, His name shall be called Wonderful, Immanuel, in the city of David, isaac watts, Jesus Christ, Joseph, Joy to the world, judgement, justice, keeping watch, let earth receive her king, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, LOVE Revolution, loving kindness, Lucifer, make his blessings flow, Mary, Merry Christmas, of the lineage of David, passionate, peace, peace good will to men, praise and worship, praising God, prepare him room, raise the roof, repeat the sounding joy, sacrifice, selfless love, shepherds, swaddling clothes, the angel of the Lord, the everlasting Father, the glories of his righteousness, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the heavenly host, the increase of his government, the Lord is come, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the ravages of hell, the saviour reigns, the zeal of the Lord of hosts, there shall be no end, to establish it, to order it, truth, upon the throne of David, wonders of his love
Isaiah 9:6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!
Ah friends, at last it’s the big one – Christmas Day – when our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born! Glory to God for that act of LOVING-kindness!
Now it’s also Sunday, and we are in God’s spectacular sanctuary, or below a coconut tree, (smile) come to praise and worship Him, so let’s open with an appropriate song for the joyous occasion nuh, the old Christmas Carol, ‘Joy to the World,’ written by Isaac Watts a couple centuries ago. Let’s raise the roof of our sanctuary and that of heaven with a most passionate and heartfelt rendition, truly believing what we sing.
In unison now: ‘Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing. Joy to the World, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love’
Ah mih people, that was beautiful – as it should be! There could be no doubt in the Lord’s mind now that we truly appreciate and are very grateful for the birth of His Son Jesus. And all around the world the same sentiments are being sent up, or have already been sent up to heaven!
Wow! This is one of the Red Letter days of our earthly sojourn – the start of the greatest movement that ever hit the planet – Jesus’ LOVE Revolution!
Now it’s scripture time, beginning with our Bit, God’s wonderful promise many centuries before to send us a Son, a redeemer. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’
And our great God, also being ever-faithful, fulfilled this awesome promise some two thousand years ago. Praise His Holy Name my people! And listen to the rest of the promise: ‘Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:7)
Oh my fellow believers what a magnificent Being, our Immanuel was promised to be! And was… and still is… and always will be! Now let’s turn to the actual birth of our Divine, Gift-child. We know that Joseph, Mary’s husband was of the lineage of Bruh David, so when the first emperor, Caesar Augustus declared that all his subjects were to be registered in their original birth places, Joseph and Mary had to journey to Bethlehem to do so, because that was his city.
Now while they were there, Mary’s time drew nigh: ‘And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes (strips of cloth), and laid him in a manger (feed trough); because there was no room for them in the inn.’ (Luke 2:7) What a shame to think that this great king was born in a smelly, noisy animal barn eh, and slept in a feed trough! But the Lord, as always, had His reasons. His Son was to be born lowly, for the lowly ones were whom He was coming to save.
Now hear the most wonderful part of the night of Christ’s birth. ‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in their field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon (stood before) them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore (greatly) afraid. And the angel said unto them; Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:8-11)
Can you imagine the topsy-turvy emotions the angel’s appearance and words must have caused the poor shepherds? Then the angel continued: ‘And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes (cloths), lying in a manger (feed trough). And suddenly was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:12-14)
Ah mih people, the sudden appearance of the heavenly host singing and praising God, laid even more drama on the shepherds. But shepherds are a hardy stock and the Good Book tells us: ‘And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered (marvelled) at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Not the first or the last time). And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.’ (Luke 2:15-20)
Ah friends, can you imagine the magical mystery, the glorious effervescence in the air around lowly Bethlehem that momentous and most memorable night that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born?
Well we should be experiencing the same sort of overwhelming emotions today, as we celebrate Christ’s birth, for His selfless LOVE and sacrifice is the only thing that keeps, or is keeping us from the ravages of hell and Lucifer. So let’s give much thanks and praise today nuh my believing brethren, because He did it all for us. Much LOVE!
…births are joyful occasions…but none’s been as joyful as the night Christ was born…
25 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a better perspective, a son is given, an everlasting kingdom, at the end of the day, Counsellor, Daniel in the lion's den, Darius, down at the pub with lads, examples work more forcibly than precepts, fellowship, For unto us a child is born, Friday chant, friends, fun, generous help, glorious kingdom, He must increase, Henry Fielding, I must decrease, in Jesus' name, Isaiah, Jesus, John the Baptist, little Johnny, LOVE, Nebuchadnezzar, no more work, pagan kings, relaxation, rest, School's over, see you when I see you, Son of the Most High, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, thanks for getting me through another week of work, the everlasting Father, the example we set, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the King of heaven, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the zeal of the Lord of hosts, those that walk with pride he abases, time for some cold ones, tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, washing away the soot and grime, wisdom, with a few pints, Wonderful
John 3:30. He must increase, but I must decrease.
Ah mih people, it’s Friday again! That reminds me of a story I recently heard. This primary school teacher asked her first grade class what day it was? And they all shouted Friday!’ ‘And what happens on a Friday’ the teacher continued? ‘School’s over for the week!’ many of them declared.
But little Johnny had his hand up, looking eager to say something. ‘Yes Johnny,’ the teacher says. ‘Tell us your story.’
And this is what Johnny said. ‘Well Miss, at my house on a Friday morning, as my dad is leaving for work, he tells my mom: “Well Mavis, TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! No more nasty work for a couple days!
And as usual, you know where to find me at the end of the day…down at the pub with the lads, washing away the soot and the grime from me insides with a few pints.
Be good now, and take care me darling. See you when I see you.” Then he sighs and declares as he is going through the door: “TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday yes, and it’ll soon be time for some cold ones!”
Ah mih people, it’s a good story, but it’s definitely not the way to finish the workweek or begin the weekend. And what of poor little Johnny eh? What’s he going to do when he grows up?
Most likely the same thing as his father. That’s why we have to be ever so careful about the example we set for our children, because remember they usually do more of what we do than what we say.
‘Examples work more forcibly on the mind than precepts,’ I believe is the way the author of ‘Joseph Andrews,’ Henry Fielding (1707-1754) the English novelist, also the author of ‘Tom Jones’ puts it.
Anyway, let’s delve into a better way to end the workweek and begin the weekend by chanting our Friday Chant. As one now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Now my brethren, that presents a much better perspective on the situation than the story above! So let’s pay some serious attention to it, rather than to the drinking parties nuh. (smile)
That brings us to our Bit; the same as yesterday: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ The faithful and fateful words of John the Baptist, when his disciples told him that everybody was going to Jesus to be baptized, accepting that his role was gradually being diminished to make way for Jesus’ to increase, as declared by the Scriptures.
And what I want to do today is quote a couple of meaningful scripture passages, re the rise of Jesus’ role. And we’ll begin with one of the most monumental of scripture passages; this from Isaiah on the birth of the Prince of Peace. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:6-7)
Yes my people, that’s how great the kingdom of Jesus will be! And if you don’t believe Isaiah, then listen to these pagan kings. After Daniel interpreted the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and it came true, where he went mad for seven years because he figured that he was such a hot shot, (Dan.4) then was healed and resumed his rule.
Here’s what he says when he decides to tell the story to the people. ‘I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! And how mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.’ (Dan.4:2-3)
And at the end of the story, he solemnly declares: ‘Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgement (justice): and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.’ (Dan.4:37)
Yes Friends, our God does move in mysterious ways when He’s ready to showcase His awesome powers!
Then after Daniel was placed in the lion’s den and came out unscathed, Darius, another pagan king was filled with wonder and acknowledged. ‘Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men (must) tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in the earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power (hand) of the lions.’ (Dan.6:25-27)
Ah mih people, even the kings of olden times recognized God’s awesome power, but we in these foolish times refuse to even consider, much less accept it. Chuh! How foolish eh! But please remember there are serious consequences for not accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.
And we’ll end with the story of Mary being confronted and comforted by the angel who revealed her upcoming pregnancy with Jesus. ‘And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest (Most High): and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ (Luke 1:30-33)
Yes Friends, the kingdom of Jesus shall have NO END! So please let us get our houses in order NOW, and bow down and sincerely worship Him before it’s too late, for that is everlasting wisdom. Much LOVE!
…in the beginning there was Jesus…and till eternity…there will be Jesus…He will reign for always and always…
P.S. Friends, the Bit is late today because I got wise and went to bed late (early) this morning. (smile) Much LOVE!
26 Dec 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beautiful soul, a Saviour which is christ the Lord, a son is given, almighty god, angry world, believers in Jesus Christ, benevolent ruler, Boxing Day, British christmas, caring, ceremony, Christmas, Christmas tree, Counselor, crazy, eternal life, evergreen for ever, faithful, For unto us a child is born, foundational, Friday chant, glorious kingdom, Glory be, God incarnate, God's divine guidance, goodwill, greetings, hands that reach to touch hearts that hurt, hanging on a tree, His name shall be called Wonderful, holy spirit, hope, Immanuel, incarnate birth of Jesus christ, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, joy, judgement, justice, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, LOVE, loving kindness, magnificent and magnanimous God, manger, Messiah, mighty god, misguided, peace, pomp, prince of peace, prophet isaiah, rejuvenation of spirit, rest, road-weary wayfarers, salutations, sincere hearts, steadfast faith, thanksgiving, the everlasting Father, the government shall be upon his shoulder, the reason for the season, the throne of David, the undeserving children of men, the zeal of the Lord of hosts, thoughts of God, to know Jesus is to love Him, trustworthy, twinkling Christmas tree, vagaries of the weather, white christmas, wonderful sentiments
Isaiah 9:6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Greetings and salutations this Boxing Day morn, my fellow believers in Jesus Christ! The big day of Christmas is over, but definitely not the season; not by a long shot!
The Joy. Peace, LOVE, Thanksgiving and Goodwill to all men that were engendered yesterday, that characterized that momentous day, cannot be all used up in one 24 hours span of time, Absolutely not! So let’s keep that LOVING and joyous spirit of baby Jesus going for as long as possible Friends.
And I know that a lot of people in the North Country were disappointed because they did not receive their traditional white Christmas. Yes mih people, there wasn’t any snow, but it surely was a wet, windy and cloudy time. In fact, on Christmas Eve night we had a wicked windstorm that played havoc with everything.
So, I guess it was more like a British Christmas, than a truly Canadian one. (smile) But these days with the vagaries of the weather, we don’t know what to expect. A month before winter truly set in we had snow and pretty cold temps. But now, in the heart of winter, we’re having rain and temps above freezing.
Who knows what’s happening in our crazy, misguided, angry and resentful world these days eh? Only Almighty God!
Anyway, I sincerely hope that you and yours had a wonderful time yesterday, I didn’t do much; just wrote the Bit, went to church, then came home and had a quiet time with my family.
And I do hope that Jesus and His incarnate birth was a trending topic in all our conversations. For He IS the reason for the season, whether you say ‘Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, or Merry Christmas!’
And since it is still Christmas time, please pray this wonderful ‘Christmas Prayer’ with me. It comes from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional, and as you’ll see, was definitely too beautiful for me not to share it with you.
Let’s pray: ‘You lead me, Jesus Christ, to thoughts of God. I see you in a manger carved from a tree. I see you as a young man with hands that reach to touch hearts that hurt. Your caring reaches out like the strong and kind branches of a gentle tree reach out to invite road-weary and travel-worn wayfarers to quiet rest.
I see you again hanging on a tree with outstretched arms taking in the whole world. From your cross, you show me that God will stop at nothing to save my soul. So, I celebrate God’s LOVE today as I celebrate your birth around a twinkling Christmas tree.
I pray my life, like yours, O Lord, may be tall and upright as a pine tree pointing, reaching, sharing, sparkling, life-giving; solid, sturdy, strong-rooted in God’s LOVE, a beautiful soul, evergreen for ever. Amen.’
Ah my brethren, what wonderful sentiments! They are sentiments that we can also acknowledge with sincere hearts, and thus make Jesus and the Father proud of us.
Oh Friends, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was such a simple but very important, momentous and auspicious occasion, that two thousand years later we’re still gloriously celebrating it with much ceremony, pomp and joy! Glory be!
And it’s so foundational to our beliefs that the prophet Isaiah prophesied it in our Bit, hundreds of years before it actually happened. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:6-7)
And as we all know, ‘the zeal of the Lord of hosts,’ did put this miracle into motion with the birth of Jesus Christ! As the angels told the shepherds on that first Christmas night: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:11)
Oh my people, what a magnificent, magnanimous, faithful and trustworthy God we serve and worship! Please give Him much well deserved thanks and praise for His LOVING-kindness to us, the undeserving children of men!
And the wonderful thing about Isaiah’s prophecy, according to the scholars, is that ‘he predicts the future with certainty, as though it had already come to pass.’ Now that could only have come from God’s divine guidance, imbuing Isaiah’s spirit with a potent and positive power of discernment.
Now here are some important and interesting explanations from the scholars. ‘9:6-7. The Gift-Child in this passage is the same divine Child as Immanuel. Again, using the prophetic perfect, the prophet sees Him as though He were already born. Wonderful, Counselor (pele’ yo’ets) is actually one term in Hebrew.
A wonder is indicative of a miracle. Counselor is often used in parallel with king (cf. Mic.4:9). Thus miraculous counsel is given by this God-like King. The mighty God (El Gibor) is the strongest of these titles.
In Isaiah, El is always used of God and never refers to man. Gibor means “Hero.” Together they describe One who is indeed God Himself. Everlasting Father (abi’ad) literally means Father of Eternity. He alone is the source of eternal life.
Prince of Peace (Sar-Shalom) indicates that the mighty God will be a benevolent ruler bringing eternal peace on earth through the establishment of His kingdom. Thus the obscure figure of Immanuel is now brought to clear light: He is Himself God incarnate!’
Ah Friends, with all that fulfilled prophecy, how could we ever doubt that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords eh? No way!
Now let’s keep the faith, stand strong and steadfast this Boxing Day, which happens to fall on a Friday, as we go home chanting our Friday Chant. I didn’t forget it.
Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Oh Friends, we’ve had more than two days off with riotous celebrations, which means we need even more time for rest than usual. So please get it so that we can go out well rested and rejuvenated on Monday to continue God’s great work here on earth. Much LOVE!
…to know, know, know Jesus…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…what more can I say…
P.S. The Bit’s long and late Friends, but it’s great! So that makes up for the length and lateness. (smile) Cut the ole fella some slack nuh. He needs to celebrate the birth of Jesus too yuh know, that means late to bed and late to rise. (smile) Much Much LOVE mih people!
SCRIP-BITS 