The Importance of Living in the Light and Presence of Jesus Christ!

30 Nov 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 3:20.       For every one that doeth (practices) evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds shall be reproved (exposed).

Yes friends, on this last day of November, our lazy-day Saturday has arrived, windy and cold, but with more sunshine than cloud, and we’ll take it however it comes, for we can laze around in any kind of weather. (smile) And I did manage to get in some early morning laziness, so I’m not feeling too envious of those of you who can afford to spend the whole day doing nothing. But enough laziness, let’s get to the Lord’s business, and offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer with all sincerity and truth.

 As one voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

And it’s always a wonderful experience to come into the amazing presence of our great God; to get into deeper intimacy with Him, for that’s His greatest desire. So let’s never forget that He made us to have deep intimacy with Him, to LOVE Him as He LOVES us! The Lord needed a creation to LOVE, to show His great kindness and compassion to, in return for obedience and loyalty. And there’s nothing that warms the cockles of His heart like His creation seeking deeper intimacy with Him. 

It’s unfortunate though, that with the free will He also gave us, not many of His creation are using it to choose Him, but rather to choose the sinful pleasures and evil deeds of the world controlled by the fallen angel Lucifer. It obviously breaks His heart to see so many of us falling under the evil spell of the great deceiver, but thankfully our God is the God of hope, hoping that many more, if not all of us, will one day receive His Son, Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. 

Listen, as Peter spells it out in his second epistle. ‘But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.’ (2 Pet. 3:8-10) 

Oh my people, the Lord in His everlasting kindness is giving us a long time to come to repentance and thus obtain salvation, for He will prefer that none of His most marvellous creation suffers hellfire and damnation. However, He will not wait forever, and after the many warnings He’s given us, one day, Jesus will simply appear unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, bringing with the Him the final judgement of man. And if you’re still an acolyte of Satan, then you will suffer the same punishment as him, being cast into the lake of fire, with eternal separation from Almighty God. 

Now that is the worst thing that can ever happen to a human soul, which means you need to repent and receive salvation as soon as possible, in fact RIGHT NOW, for who knows if Jesus will return to Rapture us sometime today, and if you’re not ready, then crapaud smoke yuh pipe! You’ll have to go through the Great Tribulation which will be nothing like the earth has ever seen before, and after that, the judgement! 

So, wouldn’t it be much better to be amongst this lot as Bruh Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. ‘For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump (trumpet) of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever (always) be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.’ (1 Thess. 4:16-18) 

Oh my fellow believers, those are indeed comforting words! How can they not be? Knowing that when Christ returns to rapture His church that those of us who held on to Him till the very end, both dead and alive will rise to meet Him in the skies certainly gives one comfort and encouragement to stay strong and live for Christ despite the many trials and tribulations we will face in this evil and ungodly world. 

And I like this brief commentary on the Rapture: ‘When Christ enters the cloud, he brings us with him, not just the first disciples. As he took on our humanity and took it to the cross, so he brings us into the presence and glory of God. As he pours grace upon us, he makes us sharers in the Divine Presence.’ Now what could be better than that eh? Absolutely nothing!  

And yuh know the whole thing is not rocket science nuh, but simple common sense, for if the sinful pleasures of this world are short-lived, and Satan has nothing to eventually offer but hellfire and damnation, why take up with him eh? Why subjugate yourselves to his awful lies, deceits and half-truths of which he is a master. On the other hand, if you adhere to Jesus then you will probably enjoy a tough but decent life down here on earth, then a marvellous one with Him in heaven for all eternity. There’s absolutely no comparison! Jesus wins hands down every time! 

But, for whatever reason, many of us seem enamoured with the keeper of the darkness and live for him. I guess it’s like Jesus said: ‘And this is the condemnation, that (the) light is come into the world, and men LOVED darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. For every one that doeth (practices) evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds shall be reproved (exposed). But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.’ (John 3:19-21) 

Oh, my fellow saints, that’s a marvellous note for us to end on today! So please, let’s spend some of our lazy-day Saturday time pondering the truth of those words as they apply to us nuh. Are our deeds evil, thus we hide from the light…or are our deeds filled with truth, and thus we are guided like a moth to the flame of Christ? It’s time to take serious account of our spiritual condition! Much LOVE!

…we were granted wisdom and free will…that we could choose…eternal life with Christ…not eternal death with Satan…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 April 2024   1 Corinthians 15:22.

03 Apr 2024 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 15:22.       For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

It’s a wet, windy and cloudy Wednesday! And it’s not just some spring showers, but the effects of a North American wide storm moving all the way from California, across the continent dropping snow and rain in its path in unusual proportions. This rain has been falling in my area since yesterday, and has attached to it the potential for some wet snow. So there’s reason to be careful, either through flooding or slipping and sliding if the snow materializes. What a good thing it is that we have our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our Anchor, our Rock, our Redeemer, to help us in all and any situations! All praise to His holy name! 

And since the Lord has spared life today, let’s keep the promise we made yesterday and turn to the second part of our discourse on the ramifications of Easter. Now, yesterday we saw the great benefit Jesus’ death on Good Friday wrought for us; that’s the forgiveness of our sin debt. However, we need to first believe, be born again, and forgive others of their trespasses against us, if we want the Father to forgive us our trespasses. And if there was any doubt, Jesus’ triumphant resurrection on Easter Sunday, sealed the deal! Yes, He defeated Satan and his negative domain, that’s hell, the death and the grave! 

Wow! And because Christ rose from the dead, all those who believe in Him are promised eternal life, that’s the continued living of their soul with Christ, wherever He is. As Jesus said so clearly: ‘And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ (John 3:13-15) There you have it friends, because Christ was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, so too shall those who believe in Him be raised from death into eternal life with Him! 

As Bruh Paul writes to the church at Corinth: ‘But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits (the anticipated harvest) of them that slept (have died). For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.’ (1 Cor. 15:20-23) Ah my fellow believers, that’s just so wonderful! Because Christ rose from death, so shall we. And that last verse promises that when Christ comes for the church at the Rapture, believers, all those who died believing in Christ will also experience resurrection. And the scholars offer these references for that that situation: (cf. 1 Thess. 3:13: 4:14-18). 

And that second reference reads thus: ‘For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep (have died). For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump (trumpet) of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever (always) be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.’ (1 Thess. 4:14-18) 

Now, let’s hope we all sincerely believe that promise, find sure comfort in it, take it to heart very seriously, and consequently live the earthly life that will make it come through for us, because it’s not going happen automatically; not unless we believe and live according to Christ’s desires. And what are Jesus’ desires you ask? I believe this passage from Hebrews explains it perfectly. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us. 

Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (discouraged) in your minds (souls). Ye have not yet resisted unto blood (bloodshed), striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children (sons), My son, despise not the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord LOVETH he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.’ (Heb. 12:1-6) 

Yes, my fellow saint. We have a whole lot of others to look to, who testified or witnessed to the benefits of our faith, but the chief one for us to emulate is our founder and finisher, Jesus Christ! And like Him, to run the race required of us, we have to drop all the stuff that weighs us down; sins, clothes, personal baggage, whatever, and endure all that comes against us, like Jesus, for the joy of spending eternity with Him! That means even enduring the Lord’s discipline without too much complaining, because if the Lord LOVES you, he will discipline you, just like we discipline our children, because we LOVE them and don’t want to see them go astray. 

And with those ramifications of the Easter occurrences in mind, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! As one voice:  ‘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!’ 

Then there’s this promise; that if we endure to the end with Jesus, then we’ll experience a future so glorious that we cannot ask or imagine it. Now that’ certainly something to look forward to eh. Hope to see you then! Much LOVE!

…without the awesome happenings of Good Friday and Easter Sunday…we’d be headed straight for hellfire and damnation…eternal separation from God…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 March 2021 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

18 Mar 2021 Leave a comment

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

1 Thessalonians 4:18.     ​Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Please wake up my people…and I’m not talking about from physical sleep, but from spiritual apathy, from spiritual laziness, for the day of Christ coming for His church is closer than we think, and every day it draws nearer still. So are you prepared? If the trump of God was to sound right now in the sky and Jesus were to appear in glory, would you be ready to go with Him, or would He be forced to leave you behind? 

We all hope that the first situation will be the one, yet every day we keep putting off our preparedness, believing that we still have a lot of time. That’s a fallacy though friends, a betraying thought of Satan, for remember he wants us to go down into the fiery depths of hell with him and not to the majestic halls of heaven with Christ. 

So today I’m warning us about the fact that on any day, and at any time, we could hear that trump blowing in the wind of high heaven and Christ appearing. Remember too, that even He didn’t know when that marvellous occasion would occur. ‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.’ (Matt. 24:36) And thus He warned: ‘Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come…Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:42, 44) 

Oh friends, we’re sure that Jesus is coming back for us, we just don’t know when. However, it is imperative that we’re ready for whenever He comes, like the five wise virgins who took extra oil for their lamps were ready when the bridegroom eventually showed up. I don’t want us to be like the five foolish ones who didn’t take any extra oil and were shut out when he came. (Matt. 25:1-13) So please, let’s get serious and take this whole Rapture business to heart nuh! 

Remember Bruh Paul’s words to the church at Corinth: ‘Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump (trumpet): for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.’ (1 Cor, 15:51-53) 

Yes my fellow saints, we must become immortal and incorruptible to enter the hallowed halls so heaven. But, unfortunately, that will not happen to everybody; just those who are prepared for that big day. Again, remember Jesus’ words on the subject: ‘Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.’ (Matt. 24:40-41) And there will not be any more chances after that my brethren. That’s why it’s ever so important to get ready, RIGHT NOW! 

But let’s go back to Bruh Paul’s words to the Corinthians, on which the scholars have an interesting explanation. ‘15:52. At the last trump: This is not the last trumpet of Revelation 11:15, but the last trumpet of 1 Thessalonians 4:16. It is so designated because it signals the end of the present age. Two groups are distinguished. The dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. The term dead refers to those who have died in Christ. The term we refers to those who are still living at the time of the Rapture.’ 

So you see friends, this is indeed serious business, and will determine where you spend eternity, which is a long, long time. Now, there are only two options, heaven with Jesus, or eternal damnation with Satan. It’s your choice. But I’m warning us that if Jesus comes back and you’re not ready, then the automatic choice will be eternal damnation. That’s all I’m saying. 

So let’s turn now to Bruh Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, re the coming of the Lord. ‘But I would not have you be ignorant brethren (I have something to tell you), concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not (you will not continue to grieve), even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep (dead). 

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever (always) be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.’ (1 Thess. 4:13 -18) Oh my people, we surely can take comfort from those words, but we still must be ready for whenever that day comes, otherwise crapaud smoke we pipe! 

Now let’s check out some scholarly explanations.‘4:13. That ye sorrow not is in the present tense: “So you will not continue to grieve.” Apparently these believers were concerned about their LOVED ones who had died in the Lord, especially in view of Christ’s promised second coming. (cf. vs. 14-15).Hope (Gr. elpis) means “certain expectation.” Glory be! That’s what we believers have…and lots of it! 

‘4:14. Jesus died and rose again: The certainty of the believer’s hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 15:20-23). Bring: This supposes that those who sleep in Jesus are with Him, and when He comes they will come with him.’ 4:15. Prevent(Gr. phthano “precede”): The Greek emphasizes that the living will have no advantage over the dead when Christ returns.’ 

‘4:16-17.The order of events of Christ’s coming is clearly given: (1) The Lord will descend with a shout, accompanied by the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God (cf. 1 Cor. 15:52); (2) the dead in Christ will be resurrected; and (3) then those remaining will be caught up with them in the clouds. Dead in Christ is a technical expression for believers of the church age. Caught up (Gr. harpazo, “to seize or snatch”): The Latin word for carry off is raptus. From which we get rapture. The doctrine of the Rapture of the church is given its clearest expression in this verse.’ 

‘4:18. Comfort :The Christian’s hope of the resurrection brings solace in the face of death – in contrast to the hopelessness of the heathen.’ And that’s exceedingly good news friends! Just imagine that because we believe in Christ we will live through eternity with Him, and furthermore be comforted by the fact that our LOVED ones will also be there with us! Wow! Nothing can be better than that! Both for this life and the one to come! 

Now for those of us who are convinced of those immortal, immovable and unchangeable facts, (smile) let’s go home declaring (awright!) our Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. Altogether now: ‘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!’ 

Now it’s our divine responsibility to go and share those blessings with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…please be prepared…for that fateful day…is coming sooner than we expect… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 July 2020 John 6:47.

30 Jul 2020 Leave a comment

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

John 6:47.     ​Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 
 

Welcome friends to another beautiful day on God’s great earth! Hope you are ready to receive all the new mercies and compassions that He’s made available to us today! Wow! I can’t wait to start receiving them… Oh I’m sorry, I’ve already begun receiving them, the first one was just opening my eyes this morning! Glory be! And then being able to get up and move around without too many problems was the next one. Please note I said without too many problems, not without ANY problems. (smile) 

Having a roof over my head, and clothes to wear, and food in my larder and a LOVING family and good friends like you to write to… They are all mercies and compassions from our wonderful God this new day! And one that particularly thrills me is not seeing my name in today’s obits. Hn, Hn! So whoever says that our God isn’t good, please tell them they talking chupidness! 

But the problem is we must believe. Jesus stated the importance of belief all throughout His earthly ministry. Words like: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. ’ (John 6:47) And we all know His most famous words: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16) 

Ah mih people, almost everything in this world hinges on belief in some form and fashion, especially the desire to go to heaven when life on this earth is done. And that’s the cut-tail part; we seem to have problems in believing! I don’t know why, when it’s so straightforward. And Jesus continues: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’ (John 3:17-18) 

Mama Mia! How much clearer does it need to be eh friends? Believe and you’re saved – everlasting life is yours in the company of Jesus! Don’t believe and you’re condemned to eternal death with the evil one, without Jesus! Now that should be a very sobering thought to us all, but it obviously doesn’t resonate with many of us, since so many of us don’t believe, in fact obstinately and foolishly refuse to believe in Christ Jesus. 

Now hear Jesus again on the subject nuh. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation (judgement); but is passed from death into life.’ (John 5:24) He’s constantly stressing the need for belief, and that time He tried a different tact; not if you believe in Him, but in the One who sent Him. 

And He continues: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.’ (John 5:25-26) Oh my people, please hear those words and believe them nuh, especially ‘they that hear shall live.’ We’re all going to die a physical death, with our earthly bodies turning back to the dust from whence it came, but our spirits will live on until the great day when Christ comes back to claim His throne. 

Then as Bruh Paul proclaims: ‘For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump (trumpet) of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever (always) be with the Lord.’ (1 Thess. 4:16-17) 

Yes friends, Bruh Paul is talking about what we believers’ term the Rapture of the church. That is the first phase of Christ’s return, when the trumpet of God will sound and the dead in Christ – believers of the church age – will be resurrected, while those believers who are alive at that time will be caught up, snatched up, raptured, (from the Latin word ‘raptus’ – to carry off) to meet Christ in the clouds, instantaneously receiving glorified bodies. What wonderful promises my friends. 

And as Bruh Paul continues: ‘Wherefore comfort one another with these words.’ (1 Thess. 4:18) What a comfort that ought to be to believers! As the scholars explain: ‘4:18. Comfort: The Christian’s hope of the resurrection brings solace in the face of death – in contrast to the hopelessness of the heathen.’ Yes precious people, that’s what belief in Jesus Christ offers – eternal hope, rather than no hope at all. 

But please remember that all of what has gone before only applies to those who sincerely believe in Christ Jesus. So as they say: a word to the wise is sufficient. Don’t delay, place your trust in Jesus TODAY! For He can return at any time, and you don’t want to be caught napping, or not believing, for then crapaud smoke yuh pipe! 

Now for those of us who sincerely believe and are trying to be good ambassadors for Christ, let’s go home declaring (mama yo!) our Thursday Blessings, which the good Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. All together now: ‘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 everyday! Amen!’ 

So precious saints of Christ, it’s time to generously share those blessings with others, as our Lord and Saviour greatly desires. Much LOVE!

…to end up inside of heaven looking out…you must first believe…