The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Backing Up their Faith with Good Works!

16 Jan 2025 Leave a comment

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

James 2:17.       Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

So it’s Thursday, and another week is almost done! It sure knocks me for six, how quickly the days pass by and therefore the weeks, but I guess that’s a sign for us to get real serious about the God we claim to LOVE and worship and begin doing the things He truly desires of us, and not just paying Him and His Word lip service, like so many of us supposed Christians do. 

And I bring up the same ole reason; if we were living a truly Christian life, our world would not be so filled with strife, anger, resentment and hatred as it is, and our children would not be mired in the current ungodliness that threatens them like an angry storm cloud just waiting to burst forth on their young and innocent heads. It’s as simple as that. If Christians talked less and did more, we’d have a much better and calmer world. 

James, Jesus’ brother said it very clearly in his epistle. ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ (James 2:14-17) 

And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! We can talk all the faith we want, if we don’t translate some of it into works, out faith is useless. Remember, Jesus came down here to work, to give His sinless life as a ransom for our abominable ones, and He didn’t accomplish that by simply sitting on his laurels like so many of us want to do. 

No! He worked His tail off, and we’re supposed to do the same thing. Jesus explained it thus: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:17) And how do you think you save the world, by sitting on your fat, comfortable fannies? No! You get up and work, do the work you promised to do! 

Remember the vow we took when we became disciples of Jesus, what we agreed to do? Let’s revisit it, so that we can all be clear on it. Jesus said it quite clearly: ‘If any man will come after me (desires to follow me), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) Remember that friends? 

And can I ask a most appropriate question on that subject: when last have any of us truly denied ourselves eh? Let’s stop for a moment and ponder that. Very likely, not lately, because we’re all too concerned with what we can get for ourselves to be concerned about giving up anything for someone else. And what about the other part of the vow; that of taking up our crosses daily and following Jesus? There too we have been tried and sadly found wanting. 

The sad fact is that too many of us are behaving like the heathen, like the world desires and expects, instead of like Jesus desires and expects. What else can we expect then but strife, chaos and disaster, which is all the heathen knows, instead of the godly calm and peace of Christ, which passes all human understanding. Now that’s what He desires us to bring to the world, not fall into line with the world. 

We are expected to be agents of change, and change never comes easily. It almost always requires sacrifice and hard work, things that so many of us supposed believers despise and don’t want to engage in. But how else will we leave a world that is somewhat decent for our children’s children eh my people? Only by stepping up to the plate RIGHT NOW, before it’s too late and doing like Jesus asked us to do, and we promised to do; that’s initiate and keep promoting the Great Commission until He returns. 

How can we forget these illustrious words eh? ‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20) 

Oh my fellow saints, are we following those expectations of Jesus? Possibly to a small extent, but certainly not to the extent that it will make a positive and productive change and reawaken godly influence in our world. Only we believers can do it. And if we don’t, as you can see, our world keeps getting more ungodly, evil and strife filled every day! 

All I can do is plead with us, exhort us in the name of Jesus, to get up and begin behaving the way we ought to; adding works to our faith, being the true salt of the earth and light of the world, so that the heathen can see our good works and glorify our heavenly Father. And I know that in this evil world that might be somewhat difficult to do, but in and with Christ, anything is possible, and He’s given us all the tools to do His earthly work, amongst which, is what we call our Thursday Blessings. 

So let’s declare (steups!!!) and thus activate them right now nuh. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share those blessings with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…it’s pointless talking about faith…if we’re not using it for the good of others…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   10August 2023 Matthew 7:7.

10 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 7:7.       Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

And August has now moved into double digits on this cool, sunshiny Thursday morning. So you know what’s not too far ahead… (smile) But yuh know what, the enemy only uses the threat of winter and those cold months to frighten us into reneging on all the promises that we’ve made to Jesus to help Him with His worldwide campaign of salvation. Yes friends, that’s all it is… the devil’s empty threats! 

Remember he is now merely a de-fanged, toothless, loudmouth of a lion, with plenty bark but no bite, having been soundly defeated, in fact totally trounced by Jesus in the battle for the keys of hell, death and the grave. And though we should not let him frighten us with his idle threats, please, I beg you, let’s not discount him totally, because he is still the master of wiles and deceptive schemes, the veritable wolf in sheep’s clothing, who can fool you quite easily, if you’re not on your p’s and q’s. 

Yuh see how he fooled Eve our first mother, with apparently one statement that appeared quite harmless but was very ingenious. The Lord had told Adam and her not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the middle of the Garden of Eden, for the day they did, they would surely die. (Gen. 2:17) However, the serpent, the evil Satan was smarter than Eve, and changed the story around telling Eve that she wouldn’t die if she ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, but God knew that if she did, ‘then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods (God), knowing good and evil.’ (Gen. 3:5) 

And fool that she was, Eve listened to his glib tongue and ate of the fruit,  then offered it to Adam. And the even bigger fool, who should certainly have known better, he also ate it. And the devil smirked as sin, disobedience to God’s word, then entered the world. And the deceitful enemy hasn’t changed any since then, perchance he’s gotten worse, so please be very careful with any arguments he brings up to you, make sure you take them to God first and verify them with Him, the ultimate decision maker. 

Now, yesterday we left off with a promise to continue our discourse on things that take us away from God and His Word. And having talked about LOVING the things of the world too much, and not those of God enough, not having the peace of Christ, and the loud noises that stop us from hearing the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, here is another problem we encounter in our faith journey. That is, we take the good-looking scriptures and either use them out of context, or use them in the wrong manner. 

And a very good example of that is when Jesus talked about asking and receiving. He said: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocekth it shall be opened.’ (Matt. 7:7-8) And yes, we ought to ask and keep on asking; seek and keep on seeking; knock and keep on knocking, we must never faint or give up in working for Jesus. However, many of us use those instructions in the wrong manner, then get annoyed with God when we don’t get what we asked, sought, or knocked for. 

And James, explains why most of our requests go unanswered. ‘From whence come wars (conflicts) and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts (desires for pleasure) that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill (murder), and desire to have (covet), and cannot obtain: ye fight and war (battle), yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (pleasures). Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will (wants to) be a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)?’ (James 4:1-5) 

Oh my fellow saints, it’s exactly what we were talking about earlier on, our foolish LOVE for the things of the world! And the scholars tell us that ‘James is here emphasizing the strife so common amongst us, stemming from our unsatisfied, selfish desires. Instead of wrestling with God in prayer, these believers are striving with one another.’ And is that ever the gospel truth! Instead of going to God in prayer, too many of us concentrate on fighting with each other. 

And I like how this commentary explains James’ words. ‘Here in this verse, James reveals that when they did ask God for what they wanted, they were simply trying to manipulate Him. Their prayers were not really requests, they were an effort to make God serve their selfish desires.’ And don’t we do that all the time? For sure! We try to get God to do our will instead of us doing His. But let’s remember there are consequences to all our actions, and the only way to avoid most of the negative ones is by being obedient to, and truthful with God, for He knows all and sees all, and we can’t ever fool Him. 

And until we wake up and realize that, we’ll always be at the mercy of the enemy, and thus find ourselves in more negative circumstances than are necessary. Now let’s go home declaring (chuh man!!!) our Thursday Blessings that the Lord so generously bestowed on us so we can do His earthly work. In strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! 

I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And now friends, having activated those amazing blessings, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share them with others, so that they too can come to know Christ and LOVE Him like we do! Remember that’s our Great Commission! Much LOVE!

…you cannot use scripture successfully…for your own selfish purposes… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ       

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 August 2023 Isaiah 30:21.

09 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 30:21.       And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.

Oh friends, I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday nuh! The days are flying by so quickly,  leaving me helplessly in their wake, unprepared and not doing any of the things I desire to do. But it’s a beautiful summer’s day in my area though, bright, sunshiny and cool, and if I’m smart, I’ll enjoy it to the last drop, because soon there won’t be any more of these kinds of days. 

In fact, as soon as September begins, with the passing of Labour Day, the cold weather creeps back in and drives the beautiful thoughts and actions of summer away. But that’s just how it is in these northern climes. You know it, but never get accustomed to it, always longing for the sunshine and warm weather. 

Anyway, with the Holy Spirit of Jesus in us and by our sides, leading and guiding us in the good way, we have nothing to worry about, regardless of what comes against us. But that doesn’t happen automatically. No sir. And why not you ask? Because we’re in a covenant relationship with Christ, which means we also have a part to play; that’s to listen to the Holy Spirit and then follow His godly guidance. 

It’s like Isaiah said to the people of Israel, re God’s graciousness and mercy. ‘And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.’ (Is. 30:20-21) 

Yes friends, that’s the way the Holy Spirit operates, guiding us with a still, small voice, that we can only hear if we’re paying attention. However, not paying attention, not listening for that still, small voice is what so many of us supposed believers are doing, that’s why so many of us are going astray, and thus ‘eating the bread of adversity, and drinking the water of affliction.’ The scholars tell us that ‘the reference to the bread of adversity and the water of affliction shows that God teaches us lessons through circumstances when we will not listen to our teachers who call us to walk in the way (i.e., the way of God).’ 

Oh my people, that’s why it’s of the utmost importance to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit if we desire to know the true direction the Lord wants us to follow. That was Jesus’ direction to the disciples when He told them of the Holy Spirit’s coming. He said: 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. 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 14:26-27) 

And it’s that peace of Jesus that enables us to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. And if we don’t have that peace, then we cannot listen, and thus cannot be taught. And that’s the sad part of Christianity today. Too many of us don’t have the peace of Jesus, and therefore allow the loud noises of the world to drown out the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts have become hard, by being too much in LOVE with the things of the world, consequently we cannot hear the quiet guidance of God’s Spirit, and then, when we’re overwhelmed by our negative circumstances because of our unwise decisions, we’re quick to blame God. 

But the fault is usually ours, for being too much in LOVE with the deceptive and perishable wealth and things of the world, and not enamoured enough of the imperishable things of God. Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount about the best way to live. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

Yes my brethren, if we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, God will ensure that we do not lack anything. And remember, He owns the universe and all therein, and if He wants to make you filthy rich, He can, just like He made Cousin Sol the richest and most powerful man ever, although he did not ask for riches or glory, but wisdom and strength to guide his people. And there are many filthy rich and powerful believers out there in the world, so it’s not like we can’t acquire the good things that the world has to offer, but we have to do it through the auspices, the power of God and not of men or of Satan. 

And there’s some more stuff I’d like to talk about, but it will make the Bit too long, (smile) so we’ll leave that until tomorrow, the Lord willing. Now let’s go home declaring (steupsss!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting all and sundry 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 there’s this added incentive, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Wow! Hope to see you there! Much LOVE!

…without the peace of Christ in our souls…we won’t hear the voice of the Holy Spirit…  

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ      

Today’s Scrip-Bit   14 June 2022 Philippians 4:7.

14 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 4:7.      And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

And Tuesday has opened bright and sunshiny! Praise the Lord! What glorious summer weather we are having before the real summer time begins. (smile) Just hope that it will continue in a calm and balanced fashion, not in a topsy-turvy unbalanced one, what with the problems that climate change is supposedly having on the current weather patterns. 

That’s why it’s so important that we remember the faithfulness and steadfastness of our God. He never changes, but is the same yesterday, today and forever. Unlike the vicissitudes of life, the unexpected changes of circumstances that have us discombobulated, like flotsam in a storm, (smile) our God is a pillar of steadfastness, a refuge in that crazy storm, always there to help us whenever we cry out to Him.  And I do believe that this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin describes too many of us supposed believers in the crazy, strife-filled world of today. It’s aptly titled ‘What’s Myself Doing to Myself?’ 

Please read with me. ‘With childish intensity she asked “What’s myself doing to myself?” I couldn’t help but smile As she stood before the mirror Struggling so impatiently With a stubborn jacket zipper. But I’m not smiling now, Lord As I pass my own mirror and glance at the tension Etching my somber face. I’m frightened, Lord. Her innocent question clutches me: “What am I doing to myself?” Frustrated, frantic So often breathless Too many irons in the fire…

What am I doing to my body – To my mind, my emotions? What am I doing to my family? What am I doing to Your Plan For my personal fulfillment? Why do I live like this, Lord As though Your world Couldn’t exist without me? Why do I so often Tear myself from your control? Dear Lord, calm me. Pull me off the merry-go-round Of converging conflicts. Give balance to my boggled mind. This very hour, Lord Infuse me with your poise and power Until my total self Is submerged in You – Yourself. Only then will I be free To be myself.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth my people! Only when we give ourselves entirely over, surrender ourselves completely to our good and wonderful God can we ever be calm and free to be our true selves! Now how many of us do see ourselves in that poem eh? ‘Frustrated, frantic…too many irons in the fire…living like the world couldn’t exist without us…allowing the vicissitudes of life to tumble us over and over, riding the merry-go-round that’s so much a part of our world in these confused and contrary days? 

Too many of us my brethren! That’s why psychologists, psychiatrists, supposed stress relief providers and medications are having a heyday in our current society. Why the number one disease and killer is stress. Because we all are trying to multitask, do too many things at the same time, and thus do nothing properly, or as well as we can. Why do you think the Lord only gave us two of everything eh…well of most things, like hands, feet, ears and eyes? Because He did not think it necessary to give us more for what He had in mind for us. (smile) 

If He wanted us to be doing a multitude of things at the same time, He would have made us like cherubim and seraphines with plenty hands, feet and eyes. But as always, we just like to invalidate God’s Master Plan, thinking that our puny and finite minds can do better than His infinite wisdom and omnipotence. Unfortunately though friends, that’s the furthest thing from the truth, and too many of us only realize that when life hands us plenty sour lemons at the same time and we can’t handle them, can’t make the proverbial lemonade, so, in frustration and panic, we finally come to our senses and cry out to God for divine help. 

I guess it’s only when we find ourselves completely maxed out, at our lowest point, that the thought of God enters our minds. But that’s so unwise my people. God should always be our first avenue for all our problems, desires and whatever… Why wait until we hit rock-bottom to turn to Him eh, when He has a marvellous plan in place for each of us, where we just have to go to Him and ask about it? That doesn’t make sense at all. But we have been, and possibly will always be stubborn, hard-headed beings, always wanting to do it our way…until we find that our way isn’t working. 

And a lot of the time and money we are spending on the shrinks and medication can be easily curtailed if we will only wake up and follow the Lord’s plan, His guidebook called the Bible. Just listen to the Bible verses associated with that poem nuh. They come from Bruh Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:6-7) 

Wow! What wonderful words of wisdom! Yes friends, our God is always near. That means we don’t have to worry or be anxious about anything. However, as the scholars point out. ‘This is no summons to irresponsibility or an invitation to dismiss legitimate concern. The solution to undue anxiety is prayer in every thing, “in any matter of life.” The way to be free of anxiety is to be prayerful about everything. While God is eager to hear our requests, they are to be accompanied with thanksgiving.’ 

Yes, my fellow saints, our first response to any and everything should always be prayer with thanksgiving. In that way the Lord will give us a tranquility of mind freeing us from fear and worry, while guarding our hearts and minds with a divine peace that’s greater than our finite minds can understand. And it’s not like we don’t know it friends, for it’s all written there large in black and white. Jesus said it quite clearly. ‘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 14:27). 

But stubbornness, hard headedness and foolish pride stop us from going to God, the ONLY ONE, who always has our best interest at heart, and can also solve ALL of our problems. But it’s our terrible loss if we don’t accept His invitation. However, for those of us who gladly accept it and try our best to do His will, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. 

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

Now let’s go out and do exactly that; share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like do! Much LOVE!

…the peace of the world…can never match…the peace of Christ… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​       

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 July 2021 John 10:10b.

20 Jul 2021 Leave a comment

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

John 10:10b.     I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

And as we move on through life with another new day, I do hope that we are appreciating and enjoying the abundant life that Christ died for us to have. What? You don’t know anything about the abundant life Christ died for us to inherit. Oh, poor souls! Please listen to Jesus, as He talks about His role as the Good Shepherd. ‘The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10) 

Yes friends, Jesus didn’t die only so that we could go to heaven, but that we could also enjoy life down here on earth. Our heavenly life doesn’t begin when we physically get to heaven, but when we receive Jesus. That’s when all the good things kick in, like the entrance of the Holy Spirit and all its wonderful fruit and God’s goodness and mercy that He lavishes on all believers in His Son Jesus Christ. 

So, although life on earth can be rough, with Jesus in our hearts and souls, we can still enjoy what we have down here, boosted by the promises of what awaits us in heaven. Why do you think the psalmist wrote these marvellous words way back when eh? ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) Because God gives us a new day every 24 hours so that we can awaken fresh and bright and enjoy it. He wants us to leave the old day behind and enjoy the new one. 

Why yuh think Jesus told His listeners: ‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow (do not worry about tomorrow); for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof. (Matt. 6:34) That’s because we ought to concentrate on the day in front of us, today, for everyday has its own problems, most of which you can’t control, or even know about until you come to it. So, we should not place as much emphasis on tomorrow as we do on today. 

And just a gentle reminder; (smile) you know tomorrow never comes, because we call every new day ‘today.’ That means we are always living in today, the present, not yesterday, or tomorrow. That’s why the Lord only allows us to live one day at a time. We can barely handle today, much less to worry about tomorrow, or be overly concerned about yesterday, which we can do absolutely nothing about, since it’s already long gone. 

But that doesn’t stop so many of us living in the past, allowing the things that have already gone and been forgiven and forgotten by the Lord to haunt us, make us miserable so that we cannot enjoy today. Remember the words of Isaiah on the Lord’s behalf: ‘I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.’ (Is. 43:25) And Psalm 103 graciously informs us: ‘As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he (God) removed our transgressions from us.’ (Ps. 103:12) 

So why can’t we remove our own sins too eh, instead of allowing them to cloud and clog our hearts and souls and stop us from enjoying the abundant life Christ died for us to have? And remember too, God’s promise through Jeremiah of a new covenant, to put His law in the hearts of the people, so everyone will know Him and turn to Him: ‘For I will forgive their iniquity, and will remember their sin no more.’ (Jer. 31:33-34) 

And that’s what God did when He gave His Son’s life for us, made Him pay for our sins, then placed the Holy Spirit in the lives of all those who choose to believe in Him, that they could have close and intimate communion with Him. What’s the purpose then of Christ dying on our behalf, if we refuse to enjoy the things He died for us to have eh? None whatsoever! 

Now here is an interesting question, one commentator asked. ‘Does God really forget our sins?’ The answer is not so much He forgets, but more like He chooses not to remember. God is omniscient, so He knows everything, and truly forgets nothing. He just chooses to forget our sins because Christ has already paid for them. Just like when we forgive, we choose not to remember the wrongs committed against us. But until we learn to let the past that currently burdens us, dwell in the past and live in the present with great hope for the future, we will never be able to enjoy what Christ has died to provide us. 

Oh my people, our great and wonderful God desires great and wonderful things for us in this earthly life, but we have to let go of the old things before we can get those new ones. We need to take these words of Bruh Paul to the church at Corinth very seriously. ‘Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:17) 

Yes friends, when we come to Christ, we need to become a totally new person, throwing away old bad habits and taking up new godly ones. And that’s the job of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, but He cannot do anything on His own, He needs our participation to bring about those new godly changes. And they don’t happen overnight either, that means patience is necessary. But it’s most definitely time to be wise and begin throwing away all the baggage that’s weighing us down. And we can do that if accept Christ’s invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that are labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matt. 11:28) 

That’s right precious people, Christ is the answer to whatever ails us this Tuesday morning, and if we sincerely turn to Him, He will indeed give us rest from our problems. And the great thing about Christ is, that although our problems might not disappear, we can still have His peace in the midst of the mightiest storm! Hear His awesome promise: ‘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 14:27) 

Oh mercy, mercy me! And that’s the gospel truth! With the peace of Christ circulating in your body and soul, you can be peaceful even amid serious calamity. But to get it, you have to go to Him and ask for it. It won’t come to you by osmosis or simply wishing for it. (smile) Now, for those of us who have accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour and are revelling in His constant communion, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know who and whose we are. 

Altogether now: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’ Glory be mih bredrin! 

And it now behooves us to go out and share that awesome friendship and amazing LOVE of Christ, so that others will want to know Him by the good example we set. Much LOVE!

…when you become a new creation in Christ…life becomes…oh so exciting and adventuresome…                                                                                             

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