26 Aug 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a deadly weapon, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, an individual and corporate matter, assurance of salvation, be familiar with God's word, belieivng God's promises, children of God, Christian armour, climate change, comes from the gospel of peace, do what's right in God's eyes, don't go into battle if you're properly dressed for it, dressed in the armour of God, duty bound, eagerness, eagerness to contend with Satan, faith, freeing him from anxiety, girded your waist with truth, having your loins girt about with truth, holy character, holy spirit, hurry, in the Spirit, Jesus Christ, knowledge of the truth of God's Word, life to see another day, LOVE, meat and potatoes, mercy, moral conduct, obedience to known truth, of the joints and marrow, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, possess a sense of eagerness, prayer for divine aid, prayer is indispensable, praying always with all prayer and supplication, produces a godly life, protect one from doubts, quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, salvation, scripture to abttle the enemy with, share His love with my neighbours, sharper than any twoedged sword, special shoes called caligae, spiritual combat, stand our ground, stand therefore, taking God at His word, the beginning of the cold season, the beloved of God, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel gives peace to the believer, the helmet of salvation, the hope of salvation, the importance of prayer, the last Tuesday in August, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, the Word of God is quick and powerful, to advance against the devil, to go out and share the love and friendship of Christ, to take the fight to him, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, watching thereunto, wisdom, with all perseverance and supplication for all saints, with the Spirit's help, without prayer God's armour is inadequate, worry, your feet shod
Ephesians 6:14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And it’s cool, windy, somewhat sunny, but partly cloudy on this last Tuesday morning in August. Yes, I did say the last Tuesday in August, for come Monday, we’ll be talking about September. And you know what that means; the beginning of the cold season, unless we have some climate change eccentricities. (smile) In any case, these last few days have been rather cool, possibly to have us adjust to the cool temps that are on the way. (smile) And the computer is promising afternoon rain, but that’s okay, for nothing can harm us once we’re fully dressed in the armour of God.
Now that’s what we spoke about yesterday, and promised to continue our refresher course today, if the good God gave us life to see another day. And it seems like He’s done just that, so let’s get into the meat and potatoes of the armour of God, what it actually is. Yesterday, we saw why we so badly need it, today we’ll discuss all the ramifications of what it is, thanks to Bruh Paul’s writings to the Ephesians. We stopped yesterday where he advised us to take up the whole armour of God and then to stand our ground.
Today, he continues: ‘Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God:’ (Eph. 6:14-17) Now those are the basic parts of the armour of God, as Bruh Paul likens them unto the protective armour that the Roman soldier wore back then.
And according to the scholars, The belt of truth, is like the belt the Roman soldier wore around his waist, which held most of the other pieces of his armor. And in the believer’s case this belt of truth is a knowledge of the truth of God’s Word, which like the old soldier’s belt, holds all our other pieces of Christian armour, based on our knowledge of the truth.
Then there’s the breastplate of righteousness, or the breastplate which is righteousness. A breastplate of leather or metal was worn on the soldier’s chest and prevented damage to his upper body, for the Christian this represents a holy character and moral conduct. Obedience to the “truth” known produces a godly life (righteousness).
Meanwhile, the preparation of the gospel of peace, means ‘eagerness that comes from the gospel of peace.” That is, as the Roman soldier wore special shoes called caligae, enabling him to advance against his enemy, so the Christian must have on his feet (possess) a sense of “eagerness” or “willingness” to advance against the Devil and take the fight to him. Such “eagerness” to contend with Satan “comes from the gospel of peace.” The gospel gives peace to the believer, freeing him from anxiety though he advances against such a powerful foe.
Next we have the shield of faith, which the soldier carried to prevent missiles thrown at him, or weapons thrust at him from hitting him, therefore believers have a shield of faith to block all the enemy’s threats. That means taking God at His word, by believing His promises. Such trust will protect one from doubts induced by Satan.
And then comes the helmet of salvation. The Roman soldier wore a helmet to protect his head, and so do we believers. Or as the scholars point out, since the readers are already Christians, they are not here urged to be saved. First Thessalonians 5:8. Describes this helmet as “the hope of salvation” that is the certainty (assurance) of salvation. In other words, our helmet protects our heads by assuring us of salvation, leaving no doubts to the reality of the situation.
And last but not least, we have the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Now that means the pieces of scripture with which we battle the enemy, and you cannot quote any scripture unless you know it. That therefore means we have to be very familiar with God’s Word if we want to use it as a deadly weapon against the enemy. Remember how the author of Hebrews characterizes the Word of God? ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12)
Wow! What a powerful weapon is God’s Word. In fact it’s the most powerful weapon in the universe! So if we’re wielding it as a sword against the enemy, he’d better look out! (smile) And those are the parts of the armour of God and some basic explanations of their purpose. However, there’s one more aspect of that armour without which, nothing will happen. That’s prayer. As Bruh Paul says: ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and the supplication for all saints.’ (Eph, 6:18)
And the scholars tell us that ‘Praying is grammatically linked to “stand” in verse 14. Without prayer God’s armour is inadequate to achieve victory. Prayer is indispensable. Always means “on every occasion,” that is, when Satan attacks. In the Spirit signifies that with the Spirit’s help such prayer for divine aid is to be made. Watching thereunto means “being vigilant in this very matter” of prayer. They are to pray not just for themselves but also for all saints; spiritual combat is both an individual and corporate matter.’
And so it is my people! As true believers in Christ Jesus, we don’t only look out for ourselves, but for all the saints of our faith. Now, I sincerely hope and pray that that refresher course on the armour of God has indeed refreshed and renewed our spirits and souls and has made us more aware of the spiritual warfare in which we’re engaged as children of God. And that we will always dress in the Lord’s armour, before going out to fight for His glory.
Now, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…if you’re not properly dressed for battle…you should not go into battle…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
14 Jan 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a deeper unserstanding, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a leather belt, an individual and corporate matter, Bible, by grace ye have been saved through faith, challenges, Christian, christianity, conquer the enemy, cut us down to size, divine aid, dressed in God's spiritual armour, duty bound, eagerness, faith, feet shod, girded your waist with truth, hand to hand combat, having your loins girt about with truth, holy character, holy spirit, hurry, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, knowledge of the truth, logos, LOVE, mercy, moral conduct, obedience to known truth, of the joints and marrow, offense is the best part of defence, our omnipotent God, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, prayer is indispensable, praying always with all prayer, produces a godly life, quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, responsibly handled, rhema, righteousness, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, sharper than any twoedged sword, spiritual belt, spiritual combat, spiritual warfare, stand, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, the armour of God, the assurance of salvation, the beloved of God, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel frees the believer from anxiety, the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the Holy Spirit's help in prayer, the hope of salvation, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, the Word of God is quick and powerful, troubles, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, we cannot achieve victory without prayer, willingness to take the fight to the devil, win the spiritual war, wisdom, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, worry
Ephesians 6:14a. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth (girded your waist with truth),
So it’s Tuesday, and we have forgotten Monday’s problems, and are instead concentrating on the current ones that Tuesday is bringing, because that’s what Jesus said to do. (smile) ‘Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34b). And the scholars explain: ‘That means each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.’ And one of the problems that can and will arise today and every day is that of putting on and keeping on the armour of God which helps us to fight against the deadly attacks of the enemy.
Now, yesterday we talked about what it meant to put on the armour of God and why it was necessary, today we will delve into exactly what it is. Bruh Paul defines them thus, in his epistle to the Ephesians. ‘Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth (girded your waist with truth), and having on the breast plate of righteousness; And your feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ (Eph. 6:14-17)
Those are the six pieces of the armour of God, which we should always be clothed in, if we desire to effectively turn away, and eventually conquer the enemy. And what does it all mean? It’s essentially the six pieces of protection that a Roman soldier went into battle with, or any soldier should never go into hand to combat without. It begins with the truth, or knowledge of the truth of God’s Word girded about one’s waist. And per the scholars, ‘The ancient soldier’s loins (waist) were girt about with a leather belt which held most of the other pieces of armour in place. Similarly, the other pieces of the Christian’s armour depend on, and are held in place by, his spiritual “belt” or his knowledge of the “truth” of scripture.’
Then the second piece of protection in a soldier’s armoury was his breastplate, a device worn over the torso or chest to protect it from injury. The scholars say that ‘The breastplate of righteousness may be read “the breastplate which is righteousness.” It represents a holy character and moral conduct. Obedience to the “truth” known produces a godly life (righteousness).’
Meanwhile, the third piece of the believer’s armour, the ‘preparation of the gospel of peace, means “eagerness that comes from the gospel of peace.” That is, as the Roman soldier wore special shoes called caligae (heavy-soled hobnailed military sandal-boots) on his feet, enabling him to advance against the enemy, so the Christian must have on his feet (possess) a sense of “eagerness” or “willingness” to advance against the Devil and take the fight to him. Such “eagerness” to contend with Satan “comes from the gospel of peace.” The gospel gives peace to the believer, freeing him from anxiety though he advances against such a powerful opponent.’ That ought to remind us of the old adage; offense is the best part of defense. And that’s oh so true, especially in our spiritual warfare with Satan and his evildoers.
That brings us to the fourth part of our Godly spiritual armour; The shield of (which is) faith, the handheld protection that a soldier used to protect himself from the arrows launched at him, or from the enemy’s weapons in hand-to-hand combat. As per its spiritual interpretation, the scholars say, ‘it means taking God at His word by believing His promises. Such doubts will protect one from the doubts induced by Satan.’
Then there’s the fifth part of the armour, the helmet of salvation. And we know that soldiers going into battle all wear a helmet, or protection for their heads. The scholars put forth that ‘Since the readers are already Christians (Eph. 2:8), they are not here urged to be saved. First Thessalonians 5:8 describes this helmet as “the hope of salvation” that is the certainty (assurance) of salvation.’
And just because I like to spoil us so much, (smile) I will quote the two references that the scholars gave above. The first about Christians already being saved is a verse we all should know and LOVE, for it’s the very basis of our faith. ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ (Eph. 2:8) Please let’s remember that salvation has nothing to do with our works or otherwise, but all to do with God’s great LOVE and compassion for us! And the verse from first Thessalonians about the helmet of salvation, says: ‘But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast plate of faith and LOVE; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.’ (1 Thess. 5:8)
And finally, the sixth part of our spiritual armour: ‘The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.’ Now, according to the scholars, ‘The Greek term rendered “word” is not logos, referring to the whole Word of God, but rhema, referring to certain portions or selected verses of Scripture.’ However, when we wield those verses at the enemy, they’re powerful enough to cut them down to size. For remember what the Bible says about God’s word?
‘For the Word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12) Yes friends, the Word of our omnipotent God is living, powerful, can cut us down to size, and can judge all of our thoughts and intentions. In other words, we cannot hide from it.
And that’s the six basic pieces of our spiritual armour. But there’s one more piece that doesn’t pertain to the Roman soldier’s armour. And Bruh Paul reveals it in this later verse. ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph. 6:18)
Oh my people, all our armour is of no use unless we pray! The scholars tell us that ‘Without prayer God’s armour is inadequate to achieve victory. Because prayer is indispensable!’ And we have to pray whenever Satan attacks, seeking divine aid with the help of the Spirit. Furthermore, we are to be very vigilant in the matter of prayer, and to pray not only for ourselves, but also for all our fellow believers. Because spiritual combat is both an individual and corporate matter.’ And there we have it, the whole armour of God, that we need to fight the enemy. So please, let’s study, meditate on it, and put it on, so that we can have God’s protection in this our deadly spiritual war.
Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that commitment, we’re now duty bound to go out and 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!
…only dressed in God’s spiritual armour…with the Holy Spirit’s help in prayer…can we win the spiritual war…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
04 Jun 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, all such rejoicing is evil, all the ways of man are clean in his own eyes, and doesn't do it, Bible, boast not of tomorrow, buy and sell and get gain, christianity, commit thy works unto the Lord, duty bound, faith, from the Lord, god, God has the last word, hurry, if the Lord will, in god's eyes, it is even a vapour, it is sin, Jesus, Jesus Christ, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, share His love with my neighbours, sharper than any twoedged sword, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, take no thought for the morrow, that appears for a little time, the answer of the tongue, the beloved of God, the best laid plans of mice and men usually go astray, the Lord weighs his spirit, the preparations of the heart, the Word of God is quick and powerful, then vanishes, thou knowest not what a day may bring forth, thy thoughts shall be established, to him that knows to do good, tommorow is not promised to us, tomorrow will worry about itself, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, what is your life, wisdom, worry
Proverbs 27:1. Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
And the days continue to move right along with no thought for our problems or negative circumstances. (smile) Yes, Monday has come and gone, and Tuesday is going about its business like there was no tomorrow. And for Tuesday, there is no tomorrow, just Wednesday anxiously waiting in the wings to take its place. Therefore it has to do whatever it needs to do today. Likewise, we believers in Jesus Christ don’t know if we’ll live to see tomorrow, consequently we should be up and about our Father’s business today, not leaving anything we can do today for the proverbial tomorrow.
Remember Cousin Sol’s wise words from Proverbs? ‘Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.’ (Prov. 27:1) And that’s the gospel truth, for look at how many plans we make for the morrow, plans that seem so foolproof, but yet when tomorrow finally shows up, we have to jettison those plans because of other more important matters. Yes friends, that scripture tells us that we are not promised tomorrow. Each day could be our last day and as believers, knowing this should change how we spend our daily lives. That’s doing what we ought to in light of God’s will and plan for our lives.
And Jesus adds to that by saying in his Sermon on the Mount: ‘Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34) In other words He’s warning us: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” And so it does. Yesterday, Monday, had its individual problems, so will today Tuesday, and so will tomorrow Wednesday. Some troubles might carry over from one day to the next, but be sure that each new day will bring its own problems to the front.
And with all of that in mind, we can turn to the epistle of James, who goes even further when he writes that rejoicing in boastings is evil. He says: ‘Go to now (come now), ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain (make a profit): Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice (boast) in your boastings (arrogance): all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ (James 4:13-17)
Jesus’ brother is really socking it to us. And He’s quite right, in these selfish and greedy times we make boastful and arrogant plans to do things without any thought to what Almighty God desires, and when He squashes those plans we wonder why such well-laid plans did not materialize. And again Cousin Sol has wise advice for us in Proverbs, that treasure trove of wisdom. ‘The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth his spirit. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.’ (Prov. 16:1-3)
In other words: ‘We may make our plans, but God has the last word. You may think everything you do is right, but the LORD judges your motives. Ask the LORD to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.’ That’s it in plain and simple language my brethren! Or as the old people would say, ‘Man plans, but God laughs.’ Also, ‘The best laid plans of man and mice go astray.’ It all shows the overwhelming importance of bringing God into our everyday lives and plans. We shouldn’t make a move without consulting Him. He might not answer right away, but most of the time we know what is right, and as James says, if we know that and don’t do it, then it’s considered sin on our part.
Let’s remember that the Lord is sovereign, even over a man’s thoughts and words, and He is also the great discerner of motives. As the author of Hebrews reminds us: ‘For the word of God is quick (alive, living) and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest (not hidden) in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (must give account),’ (Heb. 4:12-13)
My fellow saints, we cannot run from or hide anything from our Creator and Controller. So I don’t know why we foolishly insist on doing it. Please, let’s wake up and see ourselves for what we truly are nuh. That’s creations of God, to whom He gave free will, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t keep tabs on us and just allows us to do what and go where we want. Absolutely not! In His own time, according to His will, He is going to foul up our well laid plans, if we don’t include Him in them. And that’s the long and short of the story! (smile).
Now for those of us who are trying our best to live according to God’s will, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that declaration (awright!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…if God is not in it…then there’s a strong possibility it won’t be successful…
04 May 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, all the trees of the field shall clap their hands, an everlasting sign, as the rain cometh down and the swnow from heaven, be led forth with peace, be made the righteousness of God in Him, curse, God commendeth his own love toward us, God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, good freinds, great family, he calleth those things be not as though they were, he hath made him to be sin for us, hellfire and damnation, it shall accomplish that which I please, it shall not return unto me void, LOVE, negative word, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, promote Christ's everlasting kingdom, prosper in the thing whereto I sent it, self-control, sharper than any twoedged sword, so shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth, the Creator and Controller of the universe, the mountains and hills shall break forth with singing, the natural rewards of sin, the power of life and death, the Word of god, the Word of God is quick and powerful, Thursday Blessings, watereth the earth, while we were yet sinners christ died for us, ye shall go out with joy
Isaiah 55:12a. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:
Ah Lord eh! Another day of wimpy sunshine and dark clouds…but at least it’s dry! And as they say, one out of three ain’t bad. (smile) Yes friends, the almost constantly drizzling rain, the feeble sunshine and dark clouds do get a bit bothersome and annoying after a while. You’ve got to remember though that it’s spring; springtime when the land is watered after a long, dry, cold spell of winter where everything went into hibernation, and now they need the water to moisten their systems so that they can regain that freedom of life and living once again.
Yes, but what’s happened to the strong sunshine that they also need to grow and refurbish themselves? Why isn’t that making a more regular appearance eh, and not the feeble stuff we’ve been recently receiving? Who knows? We just need to remember, believe and conduct ourselves with the confidence that the Good Lord, the Creator and Controller of the universe is still there running things, and that whatever happens it’s for the best. Remember His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, (Is. 55:8-9) and thus we’ll never understand everything He does, that’s why He is God. If we understood everything He said and did then we’d be like Him and therefore have no need of Him.
That brings us to this interesting scripture right after that passage on His higher thoughts and ways, which seem directed to my contention above, (smile) while describing and setting us clear on His power and intentions towards us. The prophet says on God’s behalf: ‘For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.’ (Is. 55: 9-11)
Oh friends, the Word of God is amazingly powerful. Remember that’s what He used to create the universe. The only thing He didn’t speak into existence was mankind. And remember too, how the author of Hebrews describes it: ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12)
Yes, my fellow believers, that’s the incomparable power of God’s word, which He uses to do His omnipotent will, as well as scrutinizing our lives, and telling us the necessary things, attributes, characteristics. etc. that we need to know about Him. That’s why it’s ever so important to know the word, to read and study it. We can’t know anything about our great God unless we seriously delve into His word, because that’s what He uses to communicate a lot of His desires and demands to us. And that’s how we come to understand what we know about our magnificent Creator.
However, as the scholars tell us: ‘While God may certainly be known by men, He is still incomprehensible in the totality of His person and purposes. Therefore, He reveals Himself to men by His word, which shall not return to Him void (in vain). The Word of God, therefore, accomplishes His purpose in announcing salvation to all mankind.’ And the beauty of our God is that He promised salvation to all mankind long before Jesus ever came to bring the promise to fruition. As Bruh Paul says of God to the Roman church: ‘…he calleth those things which be not as though they were.’ (Rom. 4:17)
Yes, our God has that awesome power to talk about things that have not yet happened as though they have already happened, because He is the source of all the happenings in the universe. But getting back to the early promise of salvation. Listen to Isaiah detail it. ‘For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you with singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir (cypress) tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.’ (Is. 55:12-13)
Now that’s what God promised His people Israel a long time ago, and in due time, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to fulfill the promise by sacrificing His sinless life on the cross of Calvary to pay for our sins. As Bruh Paul said in his second letter to the church at Corinth: ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Cor. 5:21) That’s how much God LOVED us and still LOVES us: putting the weight of all our sins on the shoulders of His sinless Son, so that we could be set free from the bondage of sin, from the hellfire and damnation that are the natural rewards of sin.
And this most outstanding verse from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Romans, says it all. ‘But God commendeth (demonstrated) his own LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) Ponder on the enormous importance of that statement for a few moments my brethren. God didn’t wait for us to change; He made the first move. That, if nothing else, ought to prove how much He truly LOVES us. All other supposed Gods wait for their followers to come to them, hat in hand, but our most wonderful Father took it upon Himself to get down to our level and show how much He truly cared for His wonderful creation, though we really didn’t deserve it.
But with Him, it’s not about our deserving anything, it’s about Him wishing to give good things to us. And talking about giving good things to us, here is a marvellous example, the undeserved blessings, we call our Thursday Blessings, that He’s so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. So let’s declare (yesss!!!) and activate them right now nuh.
Altogether: ‘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 bounden duty to go out and use those blessings in a generous manner to promote Christ’s everlasting kingdom! Much LOVE!
…the word of God…has the awesome power of life and death…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
31 Mar 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a means of restoring faith in you, a testament to our faith, a testament to our maturity, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, be not afraid, be strong and of a good courage, desperately need your help, dividing asunder of soul and spirit, for all saints, Friday chant, inclement weather, it's not a physical but spiritual battle, Jesus is on our side, Jesus is our strength shield and high tower, Jesus keeps His promises, LOVE, neither be thou dismayed, omnipotent help, our sinful world can wake up, praying always, put on the whole armour of God, quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, sharper than any twoedged sword, simmering unrest, sincerity, smell it sweet and strong, surrender, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the Lord thy God is with thee, the Lord's spiritual armour, the pandemic, the shield of faith, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, the Word of God is quick and powerful, trusting faith, wake up and smell the coffee, watching thereunto, with all perseverance and supplication, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit
Ephesians 6:11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.
And, as been happening these last few weeks, our ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ sentiments were again met by inclement weather; today it’s rain, with promises of snow in the forecast. Chuh! Some force or the other seems desirous of putting a proverbial spoke in our weekend plans. (smile) But please let them know that whatever they throw at us, we can handle it, because we have Jesus on our side! He is our strength, our shield and high tower! Yes friends, once we have Jesus as the mainstay of our lives, we can handle anything. He’s promised it, and He keeps His promises.
And I just LOVE this verse of scripture where the Lord says to Joshua, when He made him leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9)
It could not be any clearer than that my faithful brethren. He said it to Joshua a long time ago, but it’s the same thing He’s saying to us right now too. Be strong and courageous, because He is with us, wherever we go. It’s a testament to our faith, to our maturity, and it’s not always easy to adhere to, especially when the enemy keeps throwing fiery darts at us, like is happening right now with our world in such an evil mess.
But remember too that we have the Lord’s spiritual armour to protect us from all the enemy’s assaults. As Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. ‘Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.’ (Eph. 6:11) That’s because we’re not in a physical but spiritual battle.
And he continues: ‘Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (your waist girded) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph. 6:13-18)
Now there we have the spiritual armour with which we need to be constantly clothed. That’s the only way we can fight the enemy mano a mano and defeat him. But most importantly, we also have to put on that armour. It doesn’t just get on us automatically. We have to PUT ON, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, then TAKE UP, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Only then are we ready to engage the enemy in combat, to stand and face him… And not even then, because we still have to engage in prayer and supplication for all believers. Remember prayer is the mightiest weapon we have, and it must be involved in all we do. The whole point of all of this my brethren is that we have protection from the enemy, but we have to make a conscious decision to take it up and to put it on! It won’t do us any good otherwise.
And please take a good look at our armour and you’ll see how excellent it is: truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, faith, the word of God, and prayer. Wow! Nothing can defeat us if we have those things in our armoury! And remember too, the mighty sword that’s the word of our God.
How does the author of Hebrews describe it? ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest (hidden) in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him that we have to do (give account to).’ (Heb. 4:12-13)
Yes my people, the word of God is indeed mighty and powerful, living and sharp as the proverbial sword, and we cannot get away from it, because through God’s Spirit it can discern our very thoughts and open us up to the Lord Himself. That means nothing; thoughts, words, deeds, actions are hidden from our great God! So it’s useless trying to hide anything from Him, like so many of us still insist on doing.
And it’s only when we come to him in sincere repentance, open up ourselves, surrender to His goodness and mercy, that we can truly enjoy all the benefits of His protection and LOVING-kindness. And right now, we badly need those things with the level of evil that’s so very prevalent in our world. So, let’s go to him, through our Friday Chant, laying bare our souls, asking for His divine assistance.
As one strong but sincere voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land.
So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to return backsliders to your fold, show them the error of their ways.
And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Now let’s go out and keep our promises, so that the Lord can keep His. Much LOVE!
…to go to God…sincerity and surrender…are of the utmost importance…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
30 Nov 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a man after His own heart, bet your life on it, discover our motives, Dr. Robert H. Schuller, dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, endure to the end, even the night shall be light about me, even there shall thy had lead me, evidence of righteousness, eyes fixed straight ahead, God judges the intents of the heart, halfway home, hands on the plough, I the Lord search the heart, if I take the wings of the morning, LOVE, not looking back, O Lord thou hast searched me and known me, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, sharper than any twoedged sword, the heart is deceitful above all things, the motives of the heart., the state of our hearts, the Word of God is quick and powerful, thou art acquainted with all my ways, to a glorious future with Jesus, try the reins, Wednesday Wail, whither shall I go from thy spirit, who can know it
Psalm 139:1. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Well, on this last day of November 2022, it’s a rainy, overcast Wednesday morning (afternoon) in my neck of the woods. But I suppose that’s better than saying it’s a white overcast morning. (smile) Yes, we’ll always be glad to see rain rather than snow, although the white stuff will come in due course of time, you can bet your life on that. And let’s hope when it comes, it’s not a terrible downfall which causes more damage and confusion than we already have.
Now that’s why we have hope, faith and prayer. (smile) And although our prayers are not always answered the way we desire, we know for sure that they are heard by our heavenly Father and after considering the state of our hearts He answers them in His own time and way. Oh friends, it’s ever so important that we realize that God doesn’t just look at our outside appearances or what we say but He delves deep down inside of us to find out our motives before he answers our prayers.
As one commentary says: ‘God looks at the motives of the heart for evidence of righteousness in our hearts. Our motives reveal who we are living for and the things we care about. When God searches the heart, He can see the “why” behind our thoughts and choices. The Bible tells us that God judges the intents of the hearts (see Hebrews 4:14).’
That quote there is wrong though, it’s Hebrews 4:12, which gives us this magnificent scripture: ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight (hidden from him): but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (give account to). (Heb. 4:12-13)
Yes my brethren, the word of God is exceedingly powerful, so powerful that it reaches right down into our thoughts and intentions and discerns them. But then our God is also omniscient, knows everything, sees everything and intently scrutinizes everything that we do, therefore we have to be always on the up and up with Him, without excuse or pretense because He sees us so deeply, like we’re naked.
And Bruh David said it so beautifully in Psalm 139 – The everlasting presence and power of God. He writes: ‘O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thoughts afar off. Thou comapassest (comprehendeth) my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.’ (Ps. 139:1-4) Oh friends, those are words of indisputable truth. The Lord knows everything about us, even before we know them ourselves, for it is He who created us, for His personal purposes, and if you create something, you usually know everything about it. (smile)
But my favourite part of the psalm comes later, when Bruh David says: ‘Whither shall I (where can I) go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I (can I) flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell (Sheol), behold thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover (fall on me), even the night shall be light about me. yea, the darkness hideth not from (is not dark to) thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.’ (Ps. 139:8-12)
Mama oh Mama! What beautiful and ever so true scripture. The Lord sees us wherever we are, and knows everything about us, so there’s no use trying to hide from Him. And every time I read or hear those scriptures, I remember the first time I actually paid any attention to them. It was in an Hour of Power service many years ago, when the founder, Dr. Robert H. Schuller read them in his dynamic, expansive manner. I can see him now raising up his hand with that big smile on his face, asking the question: ‘Whither shall I go from thy spirit?’ NOWHERE! That’s where!
And there are several other prominent and pertinent scriptures that tell us how deeply the Lord looks into our lives. The most famous possibly being in the Book of Samuel, when the Lord sends him to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the next king. And when Samuel saw the first one, Eliab, he figured that was surely the one. ‘But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused (rejected) him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.’ (1 Sam. 16:7)
That’s saying it loud and clear my people! We aren’t really able to judge a man’s heart, because his outward actions can belie those of his heart, but we can’t fool the Lord God our Creator. Thus, seven of Jesse’s sons passed before Samuel, with only Bruh David out in the fields looking after the sheep. Jesse had figured it wrong, for none of the big boys were accepted. However, when they sent for Bruh David and he came in, the Lord immediately said to Samuel: ‘Arise, anoint him: for this is he.’ (1 Sam. 16:13)
There was no hesitation friends, because the Lord had looked at Bruh David’s heart and knew that although he would make several serious mistakes, he would be righteous, true and honest to Him all his days. That’s why he could call him a man after His own heart. (1 Sam 13:14) And if you want more fodder before you believe the Lord searches the hearts of all men, then let’s look at these seminal verses from Jeremiah. (smile) ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try (test) the reins (mind), even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings (deeds).’ (Jer. 17:9-10)
That tells us exactly why the Lord searches our hearts before He responds to our requests. So we can stop, right now, with all the tomfoolery that some of us carry on with regarding the Lord, because we’re not hiding anything from Him. And for those of us who have recognized and acknowledge that fact, let’s go home declaring (oh yeah!!!) 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 if we endure to the end, then that future will indeed be even more glorious than we ask or imagine. Please, let’s use that rewarding promise to endure to the very end nuh. Much LOVE!
…you might run…but you can NEVER hide…from Almighty God…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ
06 Jun 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a jolt of God's grace and mercy, a merciful forgiving gracious God, a zeppo, because my cup has overflowed, cover the whole spectrum of the believer's life, Drinking from my Saucer, God is a good god, God-inspired words, he leadeth me beside still waters, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures, I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever, I will fear no evil, in fine form, Jehovah Rapha, keep pur promises, LOVE, mass confusion in our world, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, my cup runneth over, not a fairy godmother or doting grandfather, Pentecost Sunday, refilled with the Holy Spirit of Christ, scrutinize our lives very carefully, sharper than any twoedged sword, something good is going to happen through me, something good is going to happen to me, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, the birthday of our church, the God who heals, The Lord is my shepherd, the motives of our hearts, the Word of God is quick and powerful, this is the day the Lord has made, thou anointest my head with oil, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, we will rejoice and be glad in it
Psalm 23:5c. my cup runneth over.
Oh friends, what a rollicking Pentecost Sunday we had yesterday, as we gathered with fellow believers to celebrate the birthday of our church some two thousand and odd years ago, by reading about that most marvellous and memorable occasion and being refilled with the Holy Spirit of Christ! Glory be! What a time that was! And I’m sure that celebration reignited our passion and fire for Christ and all that He stands for! That means today, on Monday, this first day of our work week, we ought to be in fine form, just rearing to get out there and engage the heathen…and even our backsliding Christian brethren!
That fire and passion, if real, could not have been so easily quenched in just one day, and consequently the day before us must look bright and sunny, despite the true state of the weather. (smile) It’s one of those days when we get up and say, ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it,’ and truly mean it. Likewise, when we declare (steups!!!) ‘Something good is going to happen to me today, and something good is going to happen through me today,’ we just feel that jolt of God’s grace and mercy truly lined up in our favour!
Yes my people, it’s these kinds of moments that we live for as true believers in Christ Jesus! Oh, and we do have to handle the maudlin, same old, same old days with Christian aplomb too, but our spirits just automatically rise to the occasion at these special times in our church’s calendar. That’s why yesterday we could sing the Javed song ‘Drinking from My Saucer,’ and mean it because God’s goodness is just flowing through us, or at least we feel it more on the special occasions. (smile) No wonder we could genuinely sing ‘I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed.’
Now that just reminds me of a great man of God who spoke about his overflowing blessings…that’s Bruh David in our favourite psalm, Psalm 23. And instead of only quoting one verse, I just got a zeppo that since it’s our favourite, we might as well just pray the whole psalm. (smile) So please pray these wonderful sentiments with me. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’ *Ps. 23:1-6)
Now doesn’t that just touch a tender spot in our hearts? Of course it does! Because the words and sentiments seem to cover the whole spectrum of the believer’s life… and remember, they were also God-inspired, so they have inherent power. Like the Good Book says: ‘For the word of God is quick (alive, living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in (hidden from) his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (must give account.’ (Heb. 4:12-13)
And all I can say to that my brethren is … ‘Wow!’ Now that shows we ought to continually scrutinize our lives very carefully, because the Lord is always intently scrutinizing them. Yes, His word is quick and powerful, that means living and active, not inept or inactive. And according to the scholars, God’s word ‘reaches into the inner secrets of man’s mind to discern even his thoughts and intents. Likewise, God’s eye sees man as though he were naked, unable to hide behind excuse or pretense.’ That makes us wonder why Adam and Eve hid from God (Gen. 3:8) after they disobeyed God’s command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Gen. 2:17)
But sadly, after all this time, many of us still try to hide from God, something that’s totally impossible. I guess when we do that, God just shakes His head and feels empathy for us, because that’s just the kind of God He is. Yes my fellow saints, our God is a good God. There’s no doubt about that. The problem though is that we want a fairy godmother or doting grandfather, and He’s neither of those. He is the omnipotent Creator and Controller of His universe, and we are the sheep of His pasture, and it’s time we know our place.
But yuh know what, despite our unfaithfulness and rebellion, He’s such a good God that He’s given us options to change our ungodly ways. And one of those ways is through prayer, or sincere communication with Him. So please, let’s take that opportunity right now nuh, to go to Him in prayer through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, re all the problems we currently are experiencing.
As one voice: ‘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. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that 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.
That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land 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!’
And having acknowledged those sentiments to heaven, we must now ensure that the motives of our hearts are right, and also keep our promises, if we expect to receive anything positive from God. Much LOVE!
…God is good…all the time…but He does not put up with nonsense…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
08 Nov 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: against spiritual wickedness in high places, and having done all to stand, but of power love and a sound mind, diving asunder of soul and spirit, eat you up and spit you out, faith like a mustard seed, faithfully promised to hear our prayers, God has not given us the spirit of fear, humble servants, Jehovah Rapha, like a twoedged sword, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, praying always, praying for the saints, shoes of the gospel of peace, sincerely seek your face, stop being afraid and ashamed, strong faith in Christ, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the God who heals, the Holy Spirit of Jesus, the power to dream, the shield of faith, the sincerity of our hearts, the Word of God is quick and powerful, waiting with bated breath, walk the walk, We can do all things through Christ
Ephesians 6:13. Wherefore take unto you (put on) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Come on down Monday! We are waiting for you with bated breath. You might think you’re big and bad because so many people get intimidated by you…but not this bunch…not this group of Jesus followers. We have the Holy Spirit of Jesus, the most powerful assistant in the universe, dwelling within us, which means we can handily handle anything that you, or anybody else brings against us.
So come on down today and give it your best shot. We going to eat you up and spit you out like a cherry seed, because that’s the power our Lord and Saviour gives us through His Holy Spirit. That’s why we can confidently declare: ‘We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.’ (Phil. 4:13) That means we are no longer afraid of you. We not tired and frustrated, because we gathered with other believers yesterday on the Lord’s Day and gave grateful thanks and praise and thus renewed our energy and commitment to Him.
So today, this Monday morning, we bright and bold, just chafing at the bit, ready and eager to get out into the evil world and live for Jesus! We are going let out lives talk for us. Yes, we going to walk the walk! Let our lights shine brightly, like that city set on a hill with lights blazing for all to see, so that they can glorify our heavenly Father! That’s what Jesus expects of us, and that’s exactly what we going to do today! Glory Hallelujah!
Oh mih people, what a mighty boast! But yuh know what? We can do it, because, as we said above, the Holy Spirit of Jesus dwells within us, and through Him we can do anything since He directs the mighty power of Jesus into our souls and spirits. And remember what Jesus said, if you have faith even as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains, and nothing shall be impossible to you. (Matt. 17:20) Well, I’m sure all of us have more faith that a mere grain of mustard seed, which means we can do anything that Jesus desires us to do! Bless His Holy name my fellow saints!
And what a bam bam it’s going to be out there in that dark and ungodly world today when Jesus’ saints are unleased on it! It won’t know what’s hit it! The evildoers will be so shocked and petrified that they will just beg to embrace Jesus, to have Him come into their hearts and set them free from their evil lives. Wow! What a glorious time that will be. (smile)
Now I know some of you are putting down my dream, like it’s a mere fable by Aesop or a fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson. But friends, that’s why God gave us an imagination and the power to dream. And remember we recently agreed that whatever we focused our minds and our imaginations on that it usually comes true. Well, that’s all I’m trying to do here now; get us to focus on living more seriously for Jesus, to stop being afraid and ashamed, and to start walking our talk.
Please remember that our great and wonderful God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound and disciplined mind. (2 Tim. 1:7) Meaning we don’t have to be afraid of anybody or anything, and we have the endurance and the ability to stand and fight mano-a-mano against the evil principalities, the powers of darkness and spiritual wickedness when we are also dressed in His magnificent protective armour. That’s why Bruh Paul advised each believer in his letter to the church at Ephesus. ‘Wherefore take unto you (put on) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph. 6:13)
Yes friends, we face a formidable foe in the powers of darkness and evil, but as the scholars so wisely tell us, we ‘must avail ourselves of God’s provision lest the enemy destroy our Christian witness and ministry.’ Unfortunately though, that’s what he’s been doing so far, because we have not availed ourselves of God’s protective armour and power. That’s His belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the mighty sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, (Eph. 6:14-17)
And what a mighty sword indeed is the Word of God! The author of Hebrews describes as ‘quick (that’s alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrows, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12) So you see the kind of marvellous protection and weapons we have to fight the evil foe.
But there is one last thing that’s necessary in that fight to the death friends. Bruh Paul explains it thus to the Ephesians. ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph. 6:18) Yes mih brethren, prayer is ever important, both individually and corporately, for without it you can’t win the battle even if you have all the other protection. So, since prayer is that important, what better time to indulge in it than right now, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.
As one voice: ‘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. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that 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. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land 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!’
But don’t forget my people, that the results of our prayer depends on the sincerity of our hearts and the keeping of our promises. Much LOVE!
…if eleven men can cause millions to come to Christ…why can’t we…those millions…with our marvellous technology…bring billions to Him eh…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
07 Oct 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a neat package of ethics, as a burning fire, burns within me, clear direction for my life, crooked places become straight, curse, darkness becomes light, free choice, good friends, gung-ho, hanging in there, He giveth power to the faint, his word was in mine heart, I could not endure it, I was weary with forbearing, indisputable truth, invigorates me, lack of strength, like a martyr, my heart was hot within me, negative word, One Year Book of Bible promises, our guidebook for earthly living, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, poor sleep patterns, prosper, Ruth Harms Calkin, sharper than any twoedged sword, shut up in my bones, succeed, the Book of All Books, the Good Book, the Lord's word is alive and kicking, the One who makes all things new, the Word of God is quick and powerful, Thursday Blessings, to them that no might he increaseth strength, while I was musing the fire burned
Hebrews 4:12. For the word of God is quick (alive, living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword…
And then it was Thursday…a rather trying and tiring morning, because of my poor sleep patterns. Hn! Hn! What else can one expect when one doesn’t adhere to good sleep patterns eh? I’m like the sun out there, too weak to shine with any brilliance and strength. (smile) But with the ever-present and amazing help of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I am hanging in there like a martyr, as gung-ho as possible to do His marvellous work.
What does the Good Book say about lack of strength? ‘He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.’ (Is. 40:29) Glory be mih people! That’s exactly what I am seeking and praying for this morning. And I know that our God will grant me it because He is a faithful God, and I only want that strength so I can do His work with diligence and excellence.
And what I did just say…that our God is a great God and will show the way…? And has He ever. He’s guided me to this oh so appropriate poem from our One Year Book of Bible Verses with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin that’s titled ‘Book of All Books!’ Wow! I guess He’s sending the message that His Word, His Book, has all the answers. When you’re looking for anything, like I was looking for strength, you can open His Word and find an answer.
So please pray with me: ‘Lord, I am overwhelmed As I read Your living Word. What power, what pungency I find within its pages. It stirs me, burns within me It challenges me, invigorates me And often disturbs me. When I obey its commands The results are what you claim. Darkness becomes light Crooked places become straight The more I seek, the more I find. Within its pages, God I see beyond a neat package of ethics. I crash head-on with a living Person The One who makes all things new. No other book can claim as much.’
And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren! No other Book can claim what the Bible, the Word of the Living God does, because all others are written by frail, finite and dispensable man! And I like how our poem declares that the Good Book ‘stirs me, burns within me, challenges me, invigorates and often disturbs me.’ And it’s all true. A very good example of that is me a li’l while ago. I got up tired, miserable, not knowing what to write, but then I put my mind in the Word and…Voilà! It stirred me up, invigorated me, and I found strength to do what I needed to do.
So friends, you can’t ever go wrong turning to the Word of the Lord when you are lost, indecisive, weak, weary or whatever the situation. It will always give you a wise and sensible way to handle your condition. And that part of the poem that says ‘it burns within me’ recalls the verse in poor Jeremiah’s story, where he is a reluctant prophet of the Lord, suffering all kinds of violence and reproach on the Lord’s behalf. Finally, he gives up. ‘Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing (of holding it back), and I could not stay (endure it).’ (Jer. 20:9)
Oh my people, that’s the way it is with the Lord’s Word! Once it gets into you, it’s like a burning fire that just consumes you and you can’t hold it in, you have to release it, to speak and action it, if you are to find any peace in your soul and spirit. As Bruh David concurs in Psalm 39 – A prayer for self-understanding. ‘My heart was hot within me; while I was musing (meditating) the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue.’ (Ps. 39:3)
Yes, my fellow saints, the fire was so hot within Bruh David that he had to speak and let it out, otherwise it would have consumed him. And I know it’s so with a lot of us, but we insist on holding it in, only to our own detriment. And why does the Word of God have such a magnetic and moving effect on us eh?.
Because as the Bible verse that backs up our poem says: ‘For the word of God is quick (alive, living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in (hidden from) his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (must give account to).’ (Heb. 4:12-13)
That says it all! The Lord’s Word is alive and kicking, just like Him! It’s sharp and dangerous, can cut apart joints and marrow, soul and spirit, so please be careful in dealing with it. And in any case, we can’t hide from our Maker, who sees all, knows all and is all omnipotent in power! Yet we still try to hide from Him and dodge the words of His book. But that’s oh so foolish my brethren, for the simple truth is that we can neither run from nor hide from Almighty God, Creator and Controller of the universe!
And right now, in this time of pandemic and many other problems, it would be ever so wise for us to turn back to Him with repentant hearts and souls because He is the ONLY One who can truly help us solve those problems. But our hearts, being full of foolish pride and arrogance insists on using our free choice to ignore and stay away from Him…only to our own sorrow friends.
But our God is so wonderful, LOVES us so much, that despite our disconnection, He still showers down numerous blessings on those of us who are willing to hear and work on His behalf. We call them our Thursday Blessings, and when we declare them out loud, they give us the strength and wisdom we need to do the Father’s bidding.
So, as one strong and sincere voice, let’s shout them out loud nuh: ‘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 since we’ve taken those blessings to heart, it is now our bounden duty to go out and share them with others, just as generously as Christ shared them with us. Much LOVE!
…the Word of God…the Bible…it is our guidebook for earthly living…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
03 Aug 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, a mirage, acknowledge and honour God in our celebrations, activities of the mind, All thanks and praise to the Lamb of god, all things are naked and opened, breathed into his nostrils, celebrations are not bad things, dividing asunder of soul and spirit, don't have to hurry, don't have to worry, give an account of our earthly behaviour, I am the beloved of god, imperfect beings, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, just our imagination playing tricks on us, keep thy heart with all diligence, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, man became a living soul, mano a mano, no creature not manifest in his sight, no one can take that from me, not what I do, not what I have, not what people say about me, of the joints and marrow, opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do, out of it are the issues of life, pagan style rituals, part of the human's bone structure, prince of peace, reaches into the inner secrets of man's mind, ruling the roost, set our minds to it, share His love with the world, sharper than any twoedged sword, spies an oasis, the Battlefield of the mind, the breath of life, the Immaterial Part of Man, the seat of the intellect, the soul lives on forever, the Word of God is quick and powerful, to know Jesus is to love Him, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus christ, whatever captures our minds captures our hearts, who gives us the victory, whole spirit and body be preserved blameless, Wise counsellor
Hebrews 4:12a. For the word of God is quick (that’s alive, living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
So what’s up this Tuesday morning eh friends, after a riotous Civic Holiday long weekend? Hope your work doesn’t, or didn’t interfere too much with your celebration. (smile) On a more serious note though, the Lord does expect us to enjoy our days down here on earth. So, celebrations are not bad things. Have you ever noticed the amount of feast days He mandated for the Jewish people back in the old days? Several…some even a week long! But the important thing is that we acknowledge and honour Him in ALL of our celebrations. They ought not to be just pagan style rituals, celebrations for celebrations sake, but in some manner glorify and honour our great God.
Unfortunately, in these current times, we are seeing less and less celebrations with God’s name and honour glorified, and more of them based on Satan’s desires and lifestyles. It certainly seems like our society has thrown Jehovah God to the back of the bus. We no longer consider Him, Number One, El Numero Uno. The evil enemy now seems to be ruling the roost. But friends, that’s just our imagination playing tricks on us; like a thirsty man in the desert who spies an oasis in every step he crawls…but it’s never real, always a mirage…existing just in his mind.
And that’s the same way the enemy believes that he’s winning the war. Oh, he might win a battle here and there, but the victor of the overall war is a foregone conclusion, Jehovah God, through His majestic warrior Son, Jesus Christ, possessor of the mighty two-edged sword, the Word of God! And all God’s children shouted a loud, proud and grateful: ‘Glory Hallelujah! All thanks and praise to the Lamb of God, who gives us the victory!’
Yes my brethren, Jesus is our mighty warrior King, our Lord, Saviour, Prince of Peace, Wise Counsellor, and ALL that we can ever hope or long for! Please, please, let us continually remember the Word of God, and let it lead and guide us in these most trying and troubled times, for it is only by, and through it, that we can ever hope to have victory in our individual lives.
And I just LOVE how the scriptures describe it. ‘For the word of God is quick (that’s alive, living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in (hidden from) his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (to give account).’ (Heb. 4:12-13)
Wow! What powerful, enlightening and remindful scriptures! So let’s see what all of it means. Listen to the scholars. ‘4:12-13.For the word of God: The reason given for one’s careful scrutiny of his life involves the reality that God is intently scrutinizing it. His word is quick (living). This word is first in the Greek and is the emphasis. God’s Word is not old or archaic; it is alive. It is not inept or inactive; it is powerful (active). It reaches into the inner secrets of man’s mind to discern even his thoughts and intents. Likewise, God’s eye sees man as though he were naked, unable to hide behind excuse or pretense.’
Now friends, that reality alone, that God can see right down into our very souls and discern our thoughts and intentions, see us as though we were naked, ought to give us serious pause and make us truly consider the way we live our lives. And don’t forget, that at the judgement day, we have to stand before Him and give account of our lives. So we cannot come with any excuses or lies, because He will know every single thought, intention and action we’ve ever done.
And then, based on verse 12, re the ‘Immaterial Part of Man,’ the scholars further offer: ‘The writer here draws an interesting parallel between the joints and the marrow, which have different functions, yet both are part of a human’s bone structure. Thoughts and intents are also two distinct activities, yet both are activities of the mind. And while the soul and spirit are distinct in function, both have an immaterial character (nothing you can actually touch or see).
When considering the nature of humanity, we must realize a person is a two-part being, that is, with body and soul. But in activity or function the body, soul, and spirit of a person each has a different function. Paul desired that his converts’ “whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23). (First Ref. Gen. 2:7; Primary Ref. 1Thess. 5:23; cf. Prov. 4:23).’
So what does it all mean eh? That since we will stand and give an account of our earthly behaviour, that we ought to try and make that earthly behaviour as good and blameless as possible. The Lord knows we will never be perfect, because He made us as imperfect beings, but He does expect us to try our best as we have daily communion with Him.
And since I like to spoon feed us so much, (smile) I am going to quote the two verses of scripture that the scholars mentioned above there. The first one says: ‘And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.’ (Gen. 2:7) That’s how man came alive – both in body and soul; by receiving the breath of the living God! The material or mortal body dies, but the soul is immaterial, immortal and lives on forever.
And next up, in the words of Cousin Sol: ‘Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.’ (Prov. 4:23) And per the scholars: ‘4:23. Heart could often be translated “mind” in the book. Since the Hebrews had no separate word for “mind,” the word “heart” often served to represent the seat of the intellect. The key to the whole man is his mind. Whatever captures the mind captures the man.’
And that’s the indisputable, gospel truth my people! Whatever our minds focus on, that’s where our lives will lead. Hence the truthful saying, ‘The battlefield of the mind.’ And that’s why the enemy strives to gain control of our minds above all else. But let’s remember that God’s word is stronger than anything in this world, and that through prayer and thanksgiving we can fight the enemy mano-a-mano and defeat Him. We just have to set our minds to it.
And for those of us who have made that marvellous decision, let’s go home now declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, proudly and sincerely telling the whole wide world who and whose we are. As one strong 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!’
That means we now have to go out and put our big talk into action; sharing Jesus’ amazing LOVE and friendship with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do. Much LOVE!
…to sincerely know Jesus…is to LOVE Him…LOVE Him like nothing…or no one else in this whole wide world…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
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