23 Aug 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a constant drizzle, a supposed time of peace, a Supreme Being, are ye not much better than they, behold the fowls of the air, can add one cubit unto his stature, climate change, cock-of-the-walk attitude, consider the lilies of the field, disruptions to our communities, drought, economic deprivation, endure to the end, eyes straight ahead, famine, glad to be alive, halfway home, humans to blame for climate change, LOVE, man is God's servant, man's propensity to create disaster, man-made strife, natural disasters, not turning back, returning to God's fold, severe heatwaves, thank God, thank God the breath of life, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the gestation of a child, the moon to light the night, the sun to light the day, the vicissitudes of life, they sow not neither do they reap, to a glorious future with Jesus, torrential ranifall, turf God out of society, turning away from God, Wednesday Wail, which of you by taking thought, who causes day and night, your heavenly Father feeds them
Matthew 6:27. Which of you by taking thought (worrying) can add one cubit unto his stature (height)?
Well friends, in my neck of the woods, Wednesday opened dark, cloudy and drizzly. And at noon time, as I’m writing the Bit, it is still dark, cloudy and drizzly. (smile) However, I’m very thankful that it’s only a constant drizzle and not a constant downpour as places like California have recently had, courtesy of tropical storm Hilary, that’s led to floods, landslides and all sorts of unfortunate disasters.
Brother! What a world we’re currently living in! We’re not only plagued by manmade strife, economic deprivation and sickness, but also many natural disasters; severe disruptions to our communities, which exceed our capacity to handle them with our own resources. And we’re talking about things like wildfires all around the globe, floods and structural destruction caused by torrential rainfall from major storms and tornadoes, and the reverse of all that; severe heat waves which lead to eventual drought and famine.
So, couple all the natural disasters with our propensity to create the man-made kind, it’s no wonder that our world is in a catastrophic situation. And the amazing fact is that it’s a worldwide phenomenon, not only one nation or continent is in disastrous uproar, but all of them. I truly don’t know if our world has ever been in such a state of disruption in a supposed time of peace.
We blame climate change for a lot of it, and it does have its portion of blame, but more than anything else we beastly humans are the ones to shoulder it, because we caused the sudden change in our climate behavior by abusing the sensitivity of the world’s eco-system with our thoughtless and greedy machinations.
And above all, we have turned away from the God of our forefathers! Now, unfortunately, not many of us are considering that aspect of our disastrous world situation, and many instead of considering returning to the fold of a generous, merciful and forgiving God, instead are trying to remove Him from our society. We’re so foolish and prideful, arrogant and hardheaded that we can’t realize that will NEVER happen, because the Lord will not allow it to! He will put up with a lot of our foolish, childish shenanigans, but turfing Him out of the universe He created…NEVER!
And why is it so difficult to believe in God or a Supreme Being, more powerful than us, since we cannot control the vicissitudes, the changes and variations of our own lives? We can’t control our births or death. Some of the strongest of us pass away in an instant at a young age, while some weak and sickly seem to live forever. We cannot control all the natural disasters that are occurring, not even keep them in check, much less stop them from happening. So why do we still insist on this foolish cock-of-the-walk attitude we bandy around eh?
We don’t truly control anything! And until we wake up and realize the truth of that statement, and realize that Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of this universe still sits on His august throne and simply allows us to play our foolish games, we’ll forever be stymied in our lust for power and control. The world didn’t just evolve from nothing to something. No, it’s too ordered and well defined. It had to be created. Someone or something had to set the parameters.
Why doesn’t the sea overflow the land every time it boils and churns eh? Or who causes day and night to flow into each other without ever a break, with the sun to light the day and the moon to light the night? Who set and controls the birth of a child and the gestation in its mother’s womb? Why do the seasons; spring, summer, winter and fall occur one after the other without hesitation or departure from the regular cycle? Why do the wild animals, the birds, the bees and all the many insects flourish in their own way, when they have no minds or limbs like man to do the toil and labour that it requires to feed man?
Jesus said it thus ‘Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought (worrying) can add one cubit unto his stature (height)? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed (beautifully dressed) like one of these.’ (Matt. 6:26-29)
Now that ought to cause us to sit and ponder what all our pride and arrogance is about, when despite how hard we try, we cannot truly control our lives or the world around us. And if you want a good read on the subject, check out Cousin Sol’s words in Proverbs 8:12-29, his soliloquy on Wisdom. And we’ll stop there for today because it’s already late, and if I say all I want to say, it will be surely too long. (smile) Tomorrow, God spares life, we’ll continue with that trend of thought.
Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful 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 very end with Christ, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So, let’s plan to meet there nuh! (smile) Much LOVE!
…mankind might be God’s most important creation…but nonetheless he needs to remember…that he’s still His servant…totally dependent on Him for life and LOVE…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
16 Aug 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: circuit court judges, eyes fixed straight ahead, hands on the plough, LOVE, perverted justice, prods one's faith, Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life, Samuels' sons walked not in his ways, show a heart for God by trying, still flowing through me, the breath of life, the faith of the old heroes, the lure of welath, the sins of avarice and greed, to a glorious future with Jesus, turned aside after lucre
1 Samuel 7:15. And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
And as it should be, after the steady drizzle of rain we had on Tuesday afternoon and evening, Wednesday has opened, clean, bright and sunny. And is it ever so wonderful to awaken to a day of sunshine and blue skies and know that our great God is in His heaven LOVINGLY looking down on us and guiding our lives through His Holy Spirit! It surely is reassuring and prods one’s faith in Christ to higher levels. But can we reach a level like that of the prophet Samuel back in olden times?
Now that’s a very interesting question, for his faith in Almighty God was way out there at the far end of the positive end of the continuum. But it’s that kind of faith, the faith that the old heroes had that we should be attempting to duplicate, because it’s only then that we see and experience the real greatness, generosity and goodness of our Triune God! No, it’s not easy to develop that kind of faith, but we must try to do so, because the Lord is more concerned with our trying than anything else. For when we try, we show a heart for Him, we show that we care enough about Him and His kingdom to put forth the necessary effort. And that’s what He likes to see.
So, turning to Samuel, let’s delve further into his life. After he had made peace between the Amorites and Israel, the Good Library tells us: ‘And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he bult an altar into the Lord.’ (1 Sam. 7:15-17)
I just had to smile there because like Samuel was one of the first circuit court judges; judges who moved from town to town, judging the cases that had built up during their absence, like we used to have not so long ago, and still have in some of the more remote areas of the land. But, as happens to us all, Samuel got old, and he made his sons Joel and Abiah judges, and they ruled from the city of Beersheba. Unfortunately though, like the sons of Eli, Samuel’s sons, ‘walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre (dishonest gain), and took bribes, and perverted judgement (justice).’ (1 Sam. 8:3)
But what else is new eh? You raise the children the best way you can, but you can’t control their minds. And the lure of wealth and the sin of avarice or greed lurks deep down inside of all of us, it’s just that some of us repress them better than others. Consequently, ‘All the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel in Ramah. And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’ (1 Sam. 8:4-5)
And that’s how it all began my brethren; unreliable, unjust judges led to Israel asking for a king to rule over them like the other nations around them. I guess they were also feeling kind of strange and uncomfortable, possibly left out, because everybody else had a king but them. ‘But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed to the Lord.’ (1 Sam. 8:6) Please note that although Samuel didn’t like the idea, yet He took it to the One who mattered the most, the Lord. And that’s a habit we believers ought to develop; so that automatically, we take everything to God in prayer! And like God stilled Samuel’s fears, He will also still ours.
‘And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto (heed) the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other Gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto (heed) their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them (solemnly forewarn), and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.’ (1 Sam. 8:7-9)
Yes friends, it hurt the Lord’s heart when the Israelites asked for a king, because He was supposed to be their king, just like He’s hurting right now because we’re also rejecting Him with our ungodly and evil ways. But nonetheless, He advised Samuel to grant their request, though first showing them the many disadvantages that a king would bring them. And Samuel warned the Israelites of all the disadvantages of having a king. (1 Sam. 8:10-18)
‘Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us. That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord (repeated them to the Lord). And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.’ (1 Sam. 8:19-22)
Now that’s how the Lord sometimes deals with us too. When we are so adamant about what we want and refuse to listen to His warnings, He gives us exactly what we ask for allowing us to see the error of our ways and feel the negative consequences involved in our wrong thinking and asking. As James says, we ask amiss. (James 4:3) And that’s exactly what happened to Israel when they were so stubborn and hardheaded and demanded a king, for the majority of their kings down through the years were ungodly, greedy and despotic. If you read the books of Kings, you’ll see how badly most of them behaved and performed in their anointed positions.
And we know that the first king appointed in Israel was Saul, and you can find his story in 1 Samuel 9:2-31:13. And although he apparently had the qualities to be a suitable king over Israel in those turbulent times, he eventually showed a spirit of rebellion towards God, who eventually disinherited him from the kingship in favour of Bruh David, which then caused Saul to spend his last years foolishly running behind his successor trying to kill him. And you can read all about it in the references given above.
Ah friends, it just goes to show that we need to be very careful what we ask for and why we ask for it, and then listen to God’s warnings, for our heart’s desires are not always in our best interest. Now, let’s go home declaring (chuhhhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
All together now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And there’s an added promise, that if we endure with Jesus right down to the vey end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So, please, let’s plan to meet there and enjoy that glorious future together nuh! Much LOVE!
…be careful for what you ask…because not everything that glitters is gold…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
09 Aug 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a still small voice, bring all things to your remembrance, drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit, endure down to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, God teaches us lessons through circumstances, hands on the plough, He shall teach you all things, holy spirit, in a covenant relationship with Christ, Jesus Christ, let not your heart be troubled, listen to the Holy Spirit, longing for sunshine and warm weather, LOVE, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, not as the world giveth, not looking back, Peace i leave with you, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, thank God, the bread of adversity, the breath of life, the Comforter, the loud noises of the world, the peace of Christ, the water of affliction, the way of God, thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, this is the way walk ye in it, to a glorious future with Jesus, too much in love with the things of the world, turn to the left hand, Wednesday Wail, when ye turn to the right hand
Isaiah 30:21. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.
Oh friends, I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday nuh! The days are flying by so quickly, leaving me helplessly in their wake, unprepared and not doing any of the things I desire to do. But it’s a beautiful summer’s day in my area though, bright, sunshiny and cool, and if I’m smart, I’ll enjoy it to the last drop, because soon there won’t be any more of these kinds of days.
In fact, as soon as September begins, with the passing of Labour Day, the cold weather creeps back in and drives the beautiful thoughts and actions of summer away. But that’s just how it is in these northern climes. You know it, but never get accustomed to it, always longing for the sunshine and warm weather.
Anyway, with the Holy Spirit of Jesus in us and by our sides, leading and guiding us in the good way, we have nothing to worry about, regardless of what comes against us. But that doesn’t happen automatically. No sir. And why not you ask? Because we’re in a covenant relationship with Christ, which means we also have a part to play; that’s to listen to the Holy Spirit and then follow His godly guidance.
It’s like Isaiah said to the people of Israel, re God’s graciousness and mercy. ‘And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand.’ (Is. 30:20-21)
Yes friends, that’s the way the Holy Spirit operates, guiding us with a still, small voice, that we can only hear if we’re paying attention. However, not paying attention, not listening for that still, small voice is what so many of us supposed believers are doing, that’s why so many of us are going astray, and thus ‘eating the bread of adversity, and drinking the water of affliction.’ The scholars tell us that ‘the reference to the bread of adversity and the water of affliction shows that God teaches us lessons through circumstances when we will not listen to our teachers who call us to walk in the way (i.e., the way of God).’
Oh my people, that’s why it’s of the utmost importance to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit if we desire to know the true direction the Lord wants us to follow. That was Jesus’ direction to the disciples when He told them of the Holy Spirit’s coming. He said: But the Comforter (Helper), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:26-27)
And it’s that peace of Jesus that enables us to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. And if we don’t have that peace, then we cannot listen, and thus cannot be taught. And that’s the sad part of Christianity today. Too many of us don’t have the peace of Jesus, and therefore allow the loud noises of the world to drown out the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts have become hard, by being too much in LOVE with the things of the world, consequently we cannot hear the quiet guidance of God’s Spirit, and then, when we’re overwhelmed by our negative circumstances because of our unwise decisions, we’re quick to blame God.
But the fault is usually ours, for being too much in LOVE with the deceptive and perishable wealth and things of the world, and not enamoured enough of the imperishable things of God. Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount about the best way to live. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33)
Yes my brethren, if we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, God will ensure that we do not lack anything. And remember, He owns the universe and all therein, and if He wants to make you filthy rich, He can, just like He made Cousin Sol the richest and most powerful man ever, although he did not ask for riches or glory, but wisdom and strength to guide his people. And there are many filthy rich and powerful believers out there in the world, so it’s not like we can’t acquire the good things that the world has to offer, but we have to do it through the auspices, the power of God and not of men or of Satan.
And there’s some more stuff I’d like to talk about, but it will make the Bit too long, (smile) so we’ll leave that until tomorrow, the Lord willing. Now let’s go home declaring (steupsss!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And there’s this added incentive, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Wow! Hope to see you there! Much LOVE!
…without the peace of Christ in our souls…we won’t hear the voice of the Holy Spirit…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
26 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a horse of a different colour, a pronouncement of victory, accustomed to the easy life, added bonus, after the Holy ghost is come upon you, ambassadors of Christ, and lo I am with always, baptizing them, cast blasphemous aspersions at Christ, endure to the end, even unto the end of the world, go ye therefore and teach all nations, grow in Christian maturity, hands on the plough, I'm halfway home, LOVE, make hay while the sun shines, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, never live perfect lives, not trying hard enough to spread the word, not turning back, reap the great harvest of unbelievers, resting on our laurels, rose-coloured glasses, second wind day, sincere trying, talk a good talk, teaching them to observe all things, thank God, the breath of life, the Christian life, the Great Commission, the risen Saviour, the triumphant living Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, toguth sledding against a persistent enemy, unto the uttermost parts of the earth, we only grwo in tough times, Wednesday Wail, whatsoever I have commanded you, win souls for Christ, ye shall be witnesses unto me, ye shall receive power
Acts 1:8b. … and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
And then it was Wednesday, that restorative, second wind day! And it looks like it’s going to be a hot one in my area, for all my computer says about it is ‘HEAT!’ But whatever comes our way, we’re ready and able for it because we have the ONE and ONLY Jesus in our lives, through whom we can do and face anything! Wow! Which other faith can say that eh? NONE! And that’s why we must be careful to live our lives, without giving the heathen cause to cast nasty and blasphemous aspersions at Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Oh, we’ll never live perfect lives, because we’re not perfectly made, and whatever we say or do, somebody will take umbrage at it, and refuse to come to Jesus for the awesome solace and refuge that He provides, but once we can truly say that we’ve tried, we’ve done our best, that’s all Jesus is looking for from us. It’s all in the sincere trying my fellow believers, and sadly that’s exactly where we’re falling down; not enough of us are trying hard enough to spread the good news gospel of Jesus, both in word and deed.
We’ve gotten so accustomed to the good things and the easy life that our world now provides that we’ve fallen prey to Satan’s deceits and lies and are just resting on our laurels, not making a sincere effort to win souls for Christ. But please, let’s remember that as His followers, we are His face down here on earth, and telling others about Him, and living the way He desires is one of our main responsibilities. We can’t remind us enough of the Great Commission Jesus gave to His disciples before He returned to heaven.
‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20) Now friends, that was a very important moment in the annals of our faith, and it’s become even more important today as evil and ungodliness sweep our world.
And I just LOVE how the scholars explain its importance. ‘The Great Commission brings the first Gospel (that of Matthew) to a grand finale. Christianity is not represented here as the mere reverential devotion of disappointed men who honour their martyred leader. Here is a far different scene. The triumphant, living Lord sends forth His ambassadors to proclaim His gospel throughout all the world. The Great commission is not just and order but a pronouncement of victory by the risen Saviour through His disciples. All power or authority is now in the hands of Christ, in heaven and on earth. On the basis of that power and authority the Christian disciple is to carry out the Great Commission of the church.’
Wow! And it was so important that Christ reiterated it just before His ascension when He instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem: ‘But ye shall receive power, after (when) the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8)
And now I hope we all see the great importance of our position as followers, ambassadors and agents of Christ on this evil earth! It’s not a request of Jesus, but an order that we get out into the world and teach others about Him and all the good and wonderful news He’s brought to mankind. That is, if we are His sincere followers. And I can’t help but say this because it’s true; not enough of us are making a sincere effort to follow the directives of Christ’s order.
Yes, it is not always easy to live the way He desires, and sometimes it will call for some sacrifice, but look at how Christ sacrificed His sinless life for our sinful ones nuh, just think about all the ‘sufferation’ He bore for us, what’s a li’l pain here and there for Him eh? We should be glad to bear a li’l pain in His name, for that’s when we grow in Christian maturity. We don’t grow when times are good, only when they are tough.
But how many of us are truly interested in growing in Christian maturity eh, especially when it takes some pain? Not very many. We all talk a good talk, but when it comes time to walk that talk, it’s a horse of a different colour, we’re not so mouthy and brave then. But yuh know what, many of us see the Christian life through rose-coloured glasses, all joy and gladness, salvation and everlasting life, and because Jesus LOVES us so much, He won’t cause us any pain.
However, that’s a sad and sorrowful approach to Christianity, for remember Jesus’ requirements for being His disciple. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) That means that Christianity is not always wine and roses, or a Sunday walk in the park, but very often it’s tough sledding against a persistent and evil enemy called Satan, who is trying to undo all the good that Christ has done!
Oh my people, I do hope that I’m making some headway in convincing us of the great importance of our talk and behaviour as disciples of Christ. Remember we are all the unbelievers might ever see of him, and if we don’t reflect and mirror Him properly, then they will just turn away from His wonderful invitation. Now we don’t want to be responsible for people turning away from Christ, but for them turning to Him. So please, let’s wake up nuh man, time is running out, every day we’re a day closer to death and to Christ’s return and we need to make hay while the sun still shines, to get out into harvest and reap the great harvest of unbelievers that are there to be reaped. That’s our bounden duty!
And for those of us who are trying our best to do just that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!) our Wednesday Wail letting the whole world know of our wonderful 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!’
Then there’s this added bonus. (smile) If we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Wow! Hope to see you at the end enjoying that even more glorious future! Much LOVE!
…working for Jesus carries many responsibilities…but the rewards are very worthwhile…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
19 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a challenge to get on our horses and ride, a crying shame, a personal desire to sacrifice for Christ, able to stand against the wiles of the devil, after one time is two, artificial intelligence, be strong in the Lord, bounden duty, but of power love and a sound mind, endure to the end, evil doers are bullies, evil is ruling the roost, eyes fixed straight ahead, fighting the good fight, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, girding your waist with the truth of Christ, hands on the plough, in the power of his might, life's basic behaviour does not change, LOVE, mano a mano, more pervasive and distrustful, not turning back, prayer the vital umbrella, put on the whole armour of God, putting ourselves out for Christ, ride for Jesus, sacrificing, so glad to be alive, spiritual battles, take advantage of their physical strength, the breastplate of righteousness, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the gospel of peace on your feet, the Great Commission, the helmet of slavation, the loud voices of Christians, the shiled of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, there is no new thing under the sun, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, without proper regulations
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.
Oh friends, this Wednesday is going to be another glorious summer’s day! It might not be boiling hot, but it’s sunny, nice and cool, just the way I like it! (smile) After being in this climate of changing seasons for so long, it seems like I can’t handle the heat as well I use to it. I guess it’s like the old people would say; after one time is two. And isn’t it amazing that for almost every scenario in our lives today, we can quote something from our fathers and forefather’s generations that tie in so nicely with them. It just goes to show that the basics of life don’t change that much from generation to generation.
As Cousin Sol so wisely said, writing as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes: ‘The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.’ (Eccl. 1:10) And that’s basically true, for though we might have some new inventions, our basic behaviour and the things we do through this life are just like the ancients did. Get up, work, eat, sleep, party, be sinful, and hopefully praise God, while LOVING each other, then die.
It’s only the how, not the why, that’s been changed down through the ages. We have invented ways to live better, but also ways to be more sinful and ungodly, and, unfortunately, the latter behaviour is what’s currently ruling the roost in our world, which is a crying shame! One would have thought that by now, with all of our enlightened accomplishments and vast learning, mankind would have realized that godliness is ever so much better than evil doing and sinfulness. But no, the devil has gotten his evil claws into so many of us, that godliness is running in second place in our world, and a far second place too.
This however is wholly unacceptable my fellow believers. We cannot allow the evil doers to control our world, especially after all the sacrifices our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made on our behalf! No! We have to get up, put away our fear, or whatever is holding us back, and attack the enemy full force, mano a mano, not run away from him like scared rabbits, as so many of us are now doing. Jesus stood up staunchly for us, it’s now our turn to stand up staunchly for Him, and He’s already given us all the tools to do the job, the great Commission, that He desires of us.
And it’s all so easy; tell people about Him and the good things He wants to share with them, and live in a manner that will cause others to want what we have, the intimate relationship with Him. But it does mean putting ourselves out, sacrificing and not always living the easy, carefree, doh care life. And that’s what so many of us supposed believers shy away from. With all the wonderful amenities in our world, it’s become so easy to just relax on our lollies and do almost nothing, but still exist.
And with the recent upgrade and breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence, brother, we’ll be doing even less than before, because this new invention will even think for us. Are we on our way to obsolescence my people? Who knows, but it ought to give us definite cause for concern, when our society is already filled with all sorts of fakes and untruthfulness, now we’re going to be even less sure if a real person was involved in a particular situation or thing, or whether it was the work of Artificial Intelligence.
It’s already such a big part of our world, and without proper regulations, it’s only going to get bigger, more pervasive and more distrustful, like all of mankind’s inventions, especially with the evil and untrustworthy minds that are currently at the forefront of our world. And if any serious and worthwhile changes are going to be made in our world, it will have to be through the loud voices of Christians, because we are the only group who seem to want goodness, mercy and the LOVE of God to flourish.
But that’s our very problem; our voices aren’t being heard, because they’re not plentiful or loud enough to make a difference, and until we make them loud and plentiful, nothing will ever change! That’s why I’m calling on us to rise up today, as one solid and unified body of Christ, His marvellous church, and dare the evil doers to stop us from taking over our heavenly Father’s world! It’s well known that evil doers are basically bullies who take advantage of their strengths, but are basically cowards underneath, and this is indeed a challenge for us believers to get on our horses and ride, ride for Jesus, like we should have been doing long ago!
And it’s important that we don’t just rush in willy nilly without a proper plan and proper safeguards. That means before we go into battle, we must put on the whole armour of God! As Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians: ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.’ (Eph. 6:10-11) Then in verse 12, he goes on to explain that it’s not a physical battle we’re fighting, but a spiritual one. However, we still need protection even in spiritual battles, just a different kind. And what’s that you ask?
Briefly speaking, it’s the truth of Christ girding your waist; the breastplate of righteousness guarding your chest; the eagerness of the gospel of peace on your feet; the shield of faith with which to divert the fiery arrows of the enemy; the helmet or hope of salvation to protect your head; the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God to fell your enemies, and finally prayer, which brings everything under its vital umbrella and without which no battle can be won!
So we have all that we need to fight the enemy, except the courage and desire to do it. But please, let’s remember that our great ‘God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7) That means the only thing holding us back is our desire to engage the enemy, because we have everything else. And, sadly, that desire must come from deep within each of us, it must be a personal desire to sacrifice on Christ’s behalf. No one can make us do it.
And for those of us who are willing to put up that fight, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful, irreversible 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 very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So let’s promise ourselves to see it nuh! Much LOVE!
…fighting the good fight for Christ…is the believer’s bounden duty…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
12 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a father of the fatherless, a judge of widows, a little lower than the angels, catch our second wind, crowned with glory and honour, endure to the end, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith if it hath not works is dead, fight the good fight, hands on the plough, how dwelleth the love of God in him, I will not leave you comfortless, inasmuch as ye have done it, Jesus set the example of doing good works, let every man be swift to hear, not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, not looking back, pure religion, selfless sacrificial works, separating the sheep from the goats, shew me thy faith without thy works, shew thee my faith by my works, shutteth up his bowels of compassion, slow to speak, slow to wrath, thank God, the awesome breath of God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, to a glorious future with Jesus, to visit the fatherless and widows, undefiled before God, unspotted from the world, unto one of these my brethren, Wednesday Wail, whoso hath this world's goods, you have done it unto me
James 2:17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Now Tuesday was nice and hot and summery until the evening hours when it turned cool, and windy with a thunderstorm. And would you believe that during the night outside was cooler than the air-conditioned inside. And this morning when I went out to do some blood tests, it was chilly as ever. The computer earlier on told me that rain was coming, then shortly thereafter told me it will be mostly sunny.
So who knows what we’re going to get today, this middle of the work week Wednesday, when we try to catch our second win, that enables us to fight the good fight all the way down to Friday? The important thing though is that we have life, the awesome breath of God flowing through us, mightily LOVED by our heavenly Father, created a little lower than the angels but crowned with glory and honour. (Ps. 8:5)
The unfortunate thing though friends is that so many of us don’t behave like we have that glory and honour of God, which takes us back to yesterday’s Bit, ‘Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:’ (James 1:19) This current version of mankind is certainly the opposite of those wise words. We’re rather quick to speak, and speak a lot, quick to get angry and hardly ever listen.
Now yesterday we stopped where James was saying that anyone who was not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, his deeds will be blessed. (James 1:25) And he continues in this vein. ‘If any man among you seem to be (thinks he is) religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain (useless). Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’ (James 1:26-27)
And that’s what Christianity is all about my people! Remember Jesus’ great compassion for widows and orphans, the sick, the poor and the lonesome. He came to save the downtrodden. And throughout the Bible there are numerous verses that indicate that God LOVES the widows and orphans. Psalm 68 describes Him as: ‘A father of the fatherless, and judge (defender) of widows, is God in his holy habitation.’ (Ps. 68:5) Meanwhile Isaiah 1:17 instructs on the Lord’s behalf. ‘Learn to do well (good); seek judgement (justice), relieve (reprove) the oppressed (oppressor), judge (vindicate or defend) the fatherless, plead for the widow.’ And Jesus even promised: ‘I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.’ (John 14:8)
So helping those in need is what we should be focused on, physical help as well as spiritual and emotional concern. That leads us to these powerful verses in 1 John. ‘Hereby perceive we the LOVE of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good (goods or riches), and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion (heart) from him, how dwelleth the LOVE of God in him? (1 John 3:16-17) It obviously doesn’t!
That’s why James continues later on in his epistle about the relationship between faith and works. ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ (James 2:14-17)
And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! We can have all the faith we want, but if we don’t have some sacrificial work in that faith, it’s basically useless, because faith is not just believing, but also doing! As James continues: ‘Yea, a man my say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.’ (James 2:18)
Faith and works just have to go hand in hand my brethren if any of them are to be worthwhile. That’s why sometimes when we try to evangelize the poor and downtrodden, instead of filling them with scripture, we first need to fill them with food, clothing and shelter, that way they will be more amenable to receiving the good news of Christ’s gospel.
Remember when Jesus talked about separating the sheep from the goats? (Matt. 25:31-34) What reasons did He give for that separation eh? ‘For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord….when did we do all these things unto you…. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-37, 40)
Yes friends, that’s what Jesus is looking for in His followers; kindness to our brethren, especially if they are poor, sick, a stranger, widowed or orphaned. Our basic faith might get us into heaven, but it’s our selfless, sacrificial works that are going to earn us heavenly rewards. And it all begins by speaking less and listening more, so that we can understand the truth of the kingdom of God.
Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful 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 as we keep reminding, if we endure with Christ right down to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please let’s us e that as one more bit of encouragement to endure to the very end! Much LOVE!
…Jesus set the example of doing good works…so that His followers could follow it…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
28 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a smoke alert, among whom ye shine as lights of the world, an inferiority complex, bear your whoredoms, complaining means that God is not good enough, do all things without murmurings and disputings, endure to the end, halfway home, hands on the plough, how long shall I bear with this evil congregation, I will smite them with pestilence, if God spares life, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, know my breach of promise, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not turning back, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Israelites constantly complained, the negative consequences of complaining, to a glorious future with Jesus, we love to complain, Wednesday Wail, would God we had died in Egypt, would God we had died in this wilderness, ye may be blameless and harmless, your carcasses shall fall in the wilderness, your children shall wander in the wilderness
Philippians 2:14. Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings:
Oh boy, are these days ever moving along swiftly. Can you believe it’s already Wednesday, not to mention the last few days of June. And to make matters even worse, today there’s a smoke alert in our area from the wildfires up north that apparently are still spewing out their pollution. And the real summer weather hasn’t even truly arrived. Yes, we have gotten a few hot days along the way, but not consistently, the air conditioners have hardly been on. (smile) It’s been more like springtime weather.
Let’s hope that July brings some consistently warm weather, so that we can complain that it’s ever so hot. Yuh know how we just LOVE to complain, especially when we get what we ask for and discover it’s not what we really want. And on that note, I think we are being guided to look at complaining in a more serious and biblical sense, because the Bible tells us in several scriptures about the negative consequences of complaining. And there seems to be so much relevant stuff on complaining that this might just have to run for two days. (smile)
Now, I guess the best place to begin is right at the beginning, where complaining first reared its ugly head with serious consequences. And that’s when the Israelites having seen all the miracles that the Lord had done for them on the way out of Egypt, once in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land began murmuring and grumbling and about their situation. They complained about the lack of water, the lack of proper food, the lack of meat, etc. etc. Things got bad and the Lord threatened: ‘I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.’ (Num. 14:12)
Yes friends, the Lord was so tired with the ugly griping and complaining after all the wonderful things He’d done for them, that He was willing to destroy them and make a greater second nation for Moses. But Moses interceded on their behalf, pointing out how it would look if He destroyed them, when He was supposed to be their God and looking after them. And the Egyptians would have a field day spreading all kinds of nasty rumours. So the Lord listened to Moses’ wise words and relented, and instead of destroying Israel, He pardoned them. (Num. 14:1-20)
But they kept on complaining. And finally, the Lord’s patience wore thin. ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur (grumble) against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you. Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole (entire) number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me.
Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware (solemnly promised) to make you dwell therein, save Caleb of Jephunneh, and Joshua of Nun. But your little ones which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know (be acquainted with) the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcasses, they shall fall (die) in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness (be shepherds) forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness.
After the number of days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities (guilt), even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise (rejection or opposition). I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. And the men, which Moses sent to search (spy out) the land, who returned and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander (bad report) upon the land. Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the Lord, died by the plague before the Lord.’ (Num. 14:26-37)
Oh my people, yuh see what the evil of complaining accomplished. And how what you wish for can be used against you, for in verse 2, they had complained: ‘Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God that we had died in this wilderness.’ And they eventually got their wish after refusing to go into the Promised Land because of the negative report of ten of the twelve spies who went in and checked it out. That was a terrible slap in the face to God, because ‘Grumbling complaints directly or indirectly declare that God is not sufficiently good, faithful, loving, wise, powerful, or competent.’
So, none of them who came out of Egypt, except Caleb and Joshua, entered the Promised Land, but died in the wilderness. That’s because they were the only two spies who had positive reports on the land. Now you might say that was in the Old Testament and it doesn’t apply today. But you’ll be oh so wrong, for there’s this prominent scripture from Bruh Paul to the Philippians that refutes your contention. It quite clearly says: ‘Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless (innocent), the sons (children) of God, without rebuke (fault), in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (generation), among whom ye shine as the lights of the world.’ (Phil. 2:14-15)
Yes, my fellow believers, we are warned not to grumble and complain as we go through this tough life, but to be strong and steadfast, blameless, innocent and shining as the lights of the world that Jesus desires of us. And as we saw above, when we grumble and complain against God, it means we don’t consider Him good or strong enough to handle our problems. And believe me, if God could destroy His chosen people, the Israelites for constant complaining and disobedience, why wouldn’t He do likewise to us? No reason whatsoever!
And I know God claims to be patient and longsuffering, but what with all the sin and disobedience that’s running rampant in our world, I’m sure His patience is growing thin with us, just like it was with the Israelites way back then. And yuh see the lethal punishment that He can mete out. So please, as they say, a word to the wise is sufficient. Let’s be wise then and cut down on our complaining. That’s enough for today. More tomorrow, if God spares life. Let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful 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 let’s remember, that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, that glorious future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…when believers complain incessantly…it upsets God…gives Him and inferiority complex…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
21 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all the trees of the field shall clap their hands, an everlasting covenant, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off, be led forth with peace, break forth into singing ye mountains, express thanksgiving for rain and harvest, fill me with your unchanging light, God's way and thoughts are higher than ours, God's word would not return void, he that has ears to hear let him hear, help me to dwell in the abundance of your love, In Touch Devotional, in tune with Jesus, light peace truth and love, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back at the past, repent and return to God, Satan behaves like a petulant child, settle me with your perfect peace, sincerely seek God's face, Sing O ye heavens, soften my heart to receive your truth, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the enemy tries to intimidate believers, the first day of summer, the fundametals of God nature, the God who forgives, the god who intervenes in history, the god who provides, the pastures are clothed with flocks, the river of God, the valleys are covered over with grain, they also sing, they shout for joy, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, ye shall go out with joy
Psalm 65:12b. …and the little hills rejoice on every side.
Awright mih people, it’s Wednesday, the day we catch our second wind, and this 21 day of June is also the first day of summer! And it’s turned out to be a warm and sunshiny day with only a few clouds hovering overhead to try and intimidate us, as the enemy is constantly doing. But he just can’t accept the fact that he cannot intimidate true believers in Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.
And what gets me about Satan is that he knows Jesus’ power, because he was created by Him, and then defeated by Him in the fight for control of heaven, then again in the tussle over hell, death and the grave, but like a young petulant child, still tries to get his way, when his or her parents are adamantly opposed to it.
But enough about Satan, let’s turn to our wonderful God, who LOVES us so many that He even sent His One Son, Jesus Christ to die for us so that we could be reconciled back to Him. And we’ll do that by saying this prayer in June’s In Touch Devotional that’s based on Psalm 65.
Please pray with me: ‘Lord, I know You are good, yet some days I doubt Your provision. Today, let me join my prayer with the psalmist’s and say, You make the sunrise and sunset shout for joy – please fill me with Your unchanging light. You settle the earth’s ridges – likewise, settle me with Your perfect peace. You soften the earth with showers – please soften my heart to receive your truth. You have crowned the year with goodness – help me dwell in the abundance of Your LOVE. Amen.’
Oh friends, isn’t that a wonderful prayer? It certainly is! And I like how it asks for the basics, the fundamentals of God’s nature; His light, peace, truth and LOVE! With those things flowing through us, we certainly don’t need anything else to live the abundant life that Christ died for us to have! Glory Be! And it’s only right that we should peruse the words of Bruh David from Psalm 65, verses 8-11, that that prayer was based on.
But before we get into it, here is some info from the scholars re the purpose of the psalm. ‘The psalm has a simple purpose: to express thanksgiving for rain and harvest, an appropriate subject in an agrarian economy. It is addressed to God in its entirety and presents Him as the God who forgives (vs. 1-4), the God who intervenes in history (vs. 5-8) and the God who provides (vs. 9-13)’ Now that gives us some idea of what the psalm is about, so let’s read verses 8 -11.
Bruh David wrote: ‘They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens (signs): thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice (shout for joy). Thou visitest (gives attention to) the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn (grain), when thou hast so provided for it.
Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing (growth) thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop down fatness (abundance). They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn (grain); they shout for joy, they also sing.’ (Ps. 65:8-13)
Wow! What a wonderful and mighty God we serve my brethren! Yuh see how He prepares the earth for seed time and harvest, all out of His abundant majesty! And I couldn’t leave out those last two verses, because they too say a lot. (smile) I particularly like how Bruh David says: ‘the little hills rejoice on every side…and both the flock clothed pastures and corn filled valleys shout for joy and sing.’ You couldn’t find better imagery than that. And it’s what we should also be doing as we enjoy His new compassions and mercies every day.
And it’s all reminiscent of these two passages from Isaiah. The first one where he’s reminding Israel that the Lord has redeemed them, blotted out their transgressions and would return them to their land which would flourish, therefore they ought to repent and return to Him with joy and gladness. It says: ‘Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.’ (Is. 44:23)
Yes friends, even the very land will rejoice and shout for joy when the Lord renews it with His abundant grace and mercy. And the second verse is like unto the first (smile). It comes from that magnificent chapter 55, which opens with God inviting all who hunger and thirst to come to Him and eat and drink, buy stuff without money, instead of wasting our money on stuff that doesn’t satisfy.
In that chapter, God also promises an everlasting covenant with the Gentiles, like the one He’s established with Israel, and abundantly pardons those who sincerely seek His face, and where He lets us know that His thoughts and ways are greater than ours, and His word would not return void but do whatever it was sent out to do.
And as a glorious end to the chapter, he says: ‘For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into 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 (plants with prickly and thorny stems) 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)
Oh my people what an important chapter that is, chocked full of all sorts of good things, especially God’s promise of salvation to ALL mankind, and the promise that His word would do exactly what He sends it out to do. We can’t ask for more than that, because it encompasses everything in a nutshell. (smile)
The kicker in it all though is for us to do our part, because in a covenant relationship both sides have duties and responsibilities to perform, and God has certainly done His part, but unfortunately we haven’t done ours to any worthwhile extent, that’s why we’re still suffering the indignities imposed on us by the enemy. And the ONLY WAY that will ever change is if we repent and return to God, sincerely seek His face and change our evil ways.
It’s as simple as that my fellow believers. And we all know that, but we’re just so stubborn, arrogant and prideful that we refuse to capitulate to Almighty God, our Creator, Controller and the most powerful Being in the universe! How foolish is that eh? But just remember that there are consequences to every action, for every action, there’s a reaction. And that’s a word to the wise. As Jesus says; ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’ (Matt. 11:15)
Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to keep the faith, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday!
I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And let’s remember that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…if we’re in tune with Jesus…then we should be joyful and singing His praises…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
14 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: as ye have done it unto one of the least, depart from me ye cursed, endured the cross despising the shame, eternal life, everlasting punishment, for the joy that was set before him, get our second wind, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, humility, into everlasting fire, join the fray, lack the parts to walk that talk, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, my eyes are looking straight ahead, nailed naked between two thieves, not looking back, not my will but thine be done, obedience, prepared for the devil and his angels, salvation, saving grace, separate the sheep from the goats, set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left, Simon the Cyrene, talk a good talk, thank God, the author and finisher of our faith, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the crown of thorns, the Great tribulation, the Great White throne judgement, the righteous into eternal life, the shame of the cross, the sufferation of Jesus, to a glorious future with Jesus, ungodly ingrates, Wednesday Wail, ye have done it unto me
Matthew 25:40a. …inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
And we’ve progressed to Wednesday, the middle day of our work week, when we get our second wind for the last part of the five labouring days. (smile) I guess it’s like the race cars going like crazy around the oval, who pull into the pits every so often to refuel, change tires and fix whatever else may be wrong, then head back out to the track with a burst of speed to join the fray once again. Yes my faithful brethren, that’s how we ought to be; getting refueled, recharged in our spirits, then getting back into the fray to help lost souls come to Christ to receive His saving grace, salvation and eternal life.
Oh, what a wonderful assignment for a wonderful Saviour! Ah friends, we couldn’t have a better guide, leader and employer. He came to earth and died for us, thus paying for our sins and saving us from eternity with Satan in Hades, then went back to heaven where He currently advocates for us, meanwhile giving us His Holy Spirit to help and comfort us, to enable us to do what He desires of us, then when our days on this earth are over, the unimaginable joy of spending eternity with Him in heaven! How could it get any better than that eh? It certainly could not!
The problem though is that some of us want the benefits without lifting a finger to do the work necessary. But do you think Christ wanted to go to the cross and die that shameful death? No way Jose! Yuh see how the night before His crucifixion, in the Garden of Gethsemane He begged the Father three times about not having to go through it. He was so anxious about the whole situation that He even sweated what seemed to be blood. But the Father’s answer was a silent No! Although He did send an angel from heaven to comfort and strengthen Him (Luke 22:39-46)
Eventually Jesus got the message that there was no other way to save the souls of us sinners, and it shows up in His fateful words: ‘Not my will, but thine, be done.’ Yes, my fellow believers, Jesus didn’t relish the thought of going to the cross, but He did it because the Father asked Him to, and He LOVED both us and Father enough to give His sinless life to save our sinful ones. And I hate to bring this up because every time I think about the ‘sufferation’ Jesus endured for our ungrateful sakes, it makes me feel sick inside.
Can you imagine the lashes of that maniacal whip slashing across His back, creating untold and irreparable scars; the crown of thorns pressed down on His holy and sinless head; the spitting and jeering that He was forced to undergo, then carrying that heavy wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary? It’s a good thing the Father saw His sorry state and sent Simon the Cyrene to help carry His cross and give Him a much needed break. And do you think the nails fiendishly pounded into His hands and feet or the gaping javelin wound in His side were a pretty sight and fun to bear.
And just imagine the shame of being nailed up on that cross, between two thieves, totally naked for all to see and jeer, then the added insult of casting lots for his garments, while poor Mary His mother stood there her heart just breaking into fine particles, knowing that that was His destiny, but still wishing that her first born son would not have to undergo such agony for people who couldn’t care less about Him. And now, we want to go to heaven but don’t want to live the godly life it calls for and help others to come to Him for salvation.
Chuh man! What a bunch of ungodly ingrates we are! And we have the gall to be ashamed of Jesus! But look at how He handled all the ‘sufferation’ and shame. The author of Hebrews tells 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 (become discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3)
Now that’s how Jesus handled all the sad and disgraceful stuff He went through, because of the joy of sitting at the Father’s right hand that would come afterwards. Now why can’t we do likewise and put up with some difficulties when we are guaranteed the joy of heaven for eternity eh? Because we’re so full of heifer dust! We talk a good talk but lack the parts to walk that talk. But we want to go to heaven! Hn! Yuh think the Lord lets any and anybody into heaven?
Remember what Jesus said about separating the sheep from the goats? Many of us who think we’re going to heaven will be sadly disappointed because we didn’t do the things that Jesus considers worthy of heaven, like sincerely helping others and not being ashamed of Him and spreading His word sincerely, etc. etc. As He said: ‘When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee and hungred (hungry), and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then he shall say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (Matt. 25:31-41) Yes friends, that’s what’s going to happen. And those on the left hand shall ask the same questions as the righteous did, but get the unfortunate reply: ‘Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.’ (Matt. 25:45-46)
Now I think it’s important that we should hear the scholars take on the subject. They say: ‘The judgement of the nations concludes our Lord’s prophetic discourse. This judgement of all nations must be distinguished from the Great White Throne judgement at the end of the Millenium. The nations are those peoples living through the Great Tribulation on earth at the time of Christ’s return. This is a judgement of separation: sheep on his right – goats on the left. At this judgement all nations (better, “all Gentiles”) stand before Christ who then separates the sheep (the saved) from the goats (the lost) in a manner reminiscent of the wheat and tares parable.
Note that these are living nations, whereas the Great White Throne judgement is one of the wicked dead whose bodies are resurrected to face the final judgement of the lost. Thus the saved are invited to come into and share the blessings of His kingdom. Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom. The basis of their acceptance seems to be their treatment of the least of these my brethren, the saved of the Great Tribulation.’
Yes friends, it’s heavy and plentiful, but it’s time we begin eating some meat and potatoes of the scriptures rather than simply drinking milk all the time. We cannot grow unless we get down to the nitty gritty of the word. And it takes time and energy to do that. So if we want to grow in the word, then we need to spend the necessary time and energy it calls for. Now let’s go home letting the world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, as we declare (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail.
In full 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!’
And just to remind us that if we endure right down to the end with Jesus, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. Much LOVE!
…obedience and humility…that’s what Jesus is seeking from His followers…
P.S. Brother is it ever long, and I completely forgot about continuing where we left off yesterday talking about money. I only remembered it halfway through this discourse. But don’t worry, there are methods to mine and God’s madness. (smile) Much LOVE!
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
07 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a fool's lips enter into contention, a fool's mouth is his destruction, a talebearer revealeth secrets, death and life are in the power of the tongue, endure to the end, get a business, gossip factories, halfway home, he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth matters, his lips are the snare of his soul, his mouth calleth for strokes, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of thy mouth, looking straight ahead, LOVE, lying more than to speak righteousness, meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips, not turning back, o thou deceitful tongue, our words can either make or break us, plead thy cause with thy neightbour himself, so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue, stop minding other people's business, thank God, that which is good to the use of edifying, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the north wind driveth away rain, the words of a talebearer are as wounds, they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof, thou lovest evil more than good, thou shalt not bear false witness, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail
Proverbs 18:21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that LOVE it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Brother! Is it really Wednesday already? The days sure are moving quickly. And it’s already the 7th of June. If we don’t look sharp and pay attention to our business the year will finish and we would not have done anything worthwhile. As 3 Canal rightly said: ‘If you don’t have a business, then you’d better get a business and stop minding other people’s business.’ And is that ever the truth in these times of social media and plenty minding of other people’s business. Minding other people’s business has now become big business where some of us are making big money for tattling on others, calling them entertainment shows, but in actual fact are just gossip factories.
And it’s sad, but somewhat amusing that everybody has an opinion on everything, even when we don’t know a blooming thing about anything! But I guess that’s life in these supposed modern times. And as usual we’ve forgotten one of the Ten Commandments; ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.’ (Ex. 20:16) But false witness is exceedingly popular and rampant in these last days. And there are many other scriptures about gossiping and slander and false witness. Let’s check out a few of them nuh.
Cousin Sol is amongst the forefront of those who warn against the deadly virus. Listen to him from Proverbs 18: ‘A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes (blows). A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer (gossip or slanderer) are as wounds (tasty morsels), and they go down into the innermost parts (chambers) of the belly.’ (Prov. 18:6-8)
Yes friends, our mouths get us into plenty trouble, especially when we carry news and we’re not sure if it’s true or not. The words of a gossip might be tasty morsels to some who are hearing it, but to the one whom it’s about, it’s like an internal wound; it hurts them, especially if it’s not true. And unfortunately, that’s what our world seems to be about in these turbulent and vitriolic times.
Then in Proverbs 20, Cousin Sol tells us that ‘He that goeth about as a talebearer (gossip) revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not (don’t associate) with him that flattereth with his lips.’ (Prov. 20:19) And is that ever wise advice, for whoever gossips to you about someone else, will also gossip about you to someone else. And unfortunately, very few of us seem able to keep a secret nowadays, what with the way our mouths are constantly running with no real thought to what we’re saying.
That’s why Cousin Sol also wrote: ‘A talebearer (gossip) revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth matters.’ (Prov. 11:13) Now how many of us around right now are of a faithful spirit eh? Not too many, for we all like to blather and prattle about what we know, as well as what we don’t know. And listen to this one from the man of Proverbs. ‘Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble.’ (Prov. 21:23) And isn’t that the glorious truth! And how I wish that many many more of us would pay attention to that scripture and put it into practice. Our world and lives would be so much the better for it.
And Cousin Sol apparently wasn’t joking when he wrote about gossips and slanderers for here is some more of his infinite wisdom on the subject. ‘Debate (plead) thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not (don’t disclose) a secret to another. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away (the evil report that follows your gossiping doesn’t go away.)’ (Prov. 25:9-10) Yes my people, let’s not reveal the secrets of others, for those things usually get back to the owners of the secrets and they can really put us to shame by bad-mouthing us to others.
And furthermore, according to Cousin Sol: ‘A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul (club), and a sword, and a sharp arrow.’ (Prov. 25:18) Yuh see friends, gossip and false witness are very dangerous things, that can cause untold damage to both the victim and the one who spreads it. That’s why Cousin Sol further says: ‘The north wind driveth away (brings forth) rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.’ (Prov. 25:23)
And I like this commentary on that verse. ‘Proverbs 25:23, the verse that specifically uses the word backbiting, paints a vivid picture of how people respond to a gossip. Just as a cold north wind brings rain, so a tongue given to backbiting will bring angry looks from the victims of the gossip.’ And sometimes it will bring more than angry looks according to the nature of the gossip.
That brings us to these words from Bruh David found in Psalm 52. ‘The tongue deviseth mischiefs (delights in evil); like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou LOVEST evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou LOVEST all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him.’ (Ps. 52:2-6)
In other words, as this commentary describes the passage. ‘3 You love evil more than good, you call black white. 4 You love malicious gossip, you foul-mouth. 5 God will tear you limb from limb, sweep you up and throw you out, Pull you up by the roots from the land of life. 6 Good people will watch and worship.’ That’s some of what we have to look forward to if we continue being gossips and false witnesses.
And what’s the solution to all of those warnings and promises, you ask? Listen to what Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.’ (Eph. 4:29) Oh my people that’s the way it should be. Instead of gossiping about others, we can talk words of kindness and truth to those we meet, LOVE them, by speaking words that will build them up rather than break them down.
For remember that Cousin Sol again has the answer: (smile) ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that LOVE it shall eat the fruit thereof.’ (Prov. 18:21) Yuh better believe it my people, those of us who LOVE to indulge our tongues will most certainly bear the consequences of our words. So please, let’s stop and think before we talk nuh. That’s wisdom for the ages. Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting the whole world know of our marvellous 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!’
And if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So let’s use that as incentive to endure all the way with Jesus nuh! Much LOVE!
…the words we speak…can either make or break us…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries
SCRIP-BITS 