14 Oct 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beautiful autumn day, a dire proposition, a major dose of pride, an individual choice, anger, be not proud, before your feet stumble, bitterness, bring us our better, celebrate our great God, collect his rightful dues, day and night, endure till the end, for your pride, Give glory to the Lord your God, great shall be the peace, greed, halfway home, hands fixed securely on the plough, hard-hearted, hate, have good success, in this sinful world, inhumanity, Isaiah's warning to Israel, Jehovah Rapha, knowledge revolution, leave all the consequences to Him, LOVE, make thy way prosperous, more glorious than we can ask or imagine, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, negative consequences, not turning back, obey God, our duty to teach the children, power-hungriness, prideful, put the children at a disadvantage, reverencing God, run down with tears, see us through tough times, show faith and rust, strife, stubborn, sufferation, teach them diligently unto the children, thank God, the breath of life, the Lord our God is one God, the shadow of death, thou shalt love the Lord thy God, thou shalt meditate therein, thy children shall be taught of the Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, ungodliness, Wednesday Wail, weep in secret places, willful disobedience, with all thine heart, with all thy might, with all thy soul, withstand the barrage of negative stuff, ye look for light
Deuteronomy 6:5. And thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And then it was Wednesday; another beautiful autumn day! So let’s be glad and rejoice in it nuh, celebrate our great God and give Him thanks for all He’s done, still doing and faithfully promised to do for us in the future! Yeh, times might be a tad rough right now, but He has also promised to see us through those tough times, and bring us out better on the other side…if we have faith and trust in Him. That means we have to show faith and trust now more than ever, since the rough times seem like they’re going to last for longer than we expected. (smile)
As Jeremiah so wisely warned his people long ago, I am here today to warn us of the consequences of lack of faith and trust, of ungodliness and willful disobedience and sinfulness. ‘Hear ye and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.’ (Jer. 13:15-17)
Ah mih friends, I know that sounds like a dire proposition, but it’s a true one. Sinfulness and ungodliness, especially when laced with a major dose of pride, WILL undoubtedly bring negative consequences from Almighty God! And our society has been guilty of all those things, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if we’re suffering some major heartaches now. And the sad part is that though our efforts to quell our problems in our own strength aren’t working, we still refuse to turn to the great healer, Jehovah Rapha for help.
Oh, we’re so stubborn, hard-headed and prideful, thinking that we know so much, when in actual fact, we don’t know a blooming thing! That’s why we can’t even cut down the numbers of the Covid-19 pandemic, for so many of us refuse to do the only things we know will ease the pain. So we not only disobedient and stubborn towards God, but also towards man. That means ‘sufferation’ will be in the cards…unless we smarten up and get back to LOVING and praising, sincerely worshipping and reverencing our Creator. It’s as simple as that.
And yuh know, the Lord doesn’t have to bring anything negative against us nuh, because we are doing it to ourselves. We are our own worst enemies with all the hate, anger, bitterness, strife, greed, power-hungriness and inhumanity that’s currently running rampant in our society. No society can withstand the barrage of negative stuff that’s happening right now and survive, much less prosper. And I have to chuckle sadly as I turned the pages of the Good Book and these rather appropriate words shot out at me. Isaiah’s warning to Israel. ‘And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.’ (Is. 54:13)
Unfortunately though, we have not taught our children of the Lord, so they obviously cannot find peace. They know only one option; that put forth by the world. And I don’t blame the children, I blame us, the parents, because it’s our duty to teach them about God, and it’s obvious that we haven’t done such a good job because so many of them don’t believe, and don’t even want to hear about God.
But from day one, Moses instructed Israel and all those who accept the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob thus: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.’ (Deut. 6:4-7)
And have we done those things? Hardly…or not to the extent that we should have. Our parents taught us about God and the way we ought to go, so we knew the two options available, but for some reason we have not done the same for our children, thus putting them at a disadvantage in this sinful world. Why? I don’t know. Possibly because we got too full of ourselves with the knowledge revolution that was going on in our time.
But hear what the Lord Himself told Joshua nuh. ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8) Now have we spoken of the book of the law, or meditated on it continually? Obviously not!
And yes, some of us have had what the world terms success, but it’s not the good kind, the lasting kind. We’ve sold our souls to the devil to acquire worldly things, but be it known that that gentleman – hn! – will eventually come calling to collect his rightful dues. And what then eh? Hellfire and damnation…? Most likely.
But when we adhere to God’s Word and Will, the result is heaven… and rewards.. a peaceful and prosperous eternity with Jesus as the Light and King of our lives. I don’t know about you, but I think I much prefer to live for Jesus than Satan. It might be harder, but it’s much more rewarding in the long run. In any case, it’s an individual choice we all must make, hopefully we ALL will make the right one…Jesus!
And for those of us who have already made that right and most wonderful choice, let’s go home now telling all and sundry our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, through our Wednesday Wail. In strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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 Jesus has so faithfully promised, if we endure until the end, that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Much LOVE!
…obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him…that’s true wisdom… (Dr. Charles Stanley)
07 Oct 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a wet and dreary looking morning, an accurate perception, avoid the pitfalls, becoming spiritually stronger, being fruitful in every good work, delivered us from, do not cease to pray fro you, either heaven or hell, Epaphras, ever coming to know the Lord better, everlastingly mighty, filled with the knowledge of God's will, forbearing the faults of others, foundering on the rocks of total disaster, giving thanks unto the Father, God's generous grace and mercy, halfway home, hands fixed on the plough, happiness, have Jesus for our Comforter, immorality, in practical situations, in the comfort of heaven, increasing in the knwoledge of god, into the kingdom of his dear Son, into the true nature of things, joyfulness, live in darkness, long-suffering, LOVE, made us meet, mire of quicksand, misery, morality, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not a static understanding, not turning back, nothing can stop us, our faith doesn't grow, partakers of the inheritance, pateince, persevering through problems, productive in Christian service, run some errands, sincerely expressing gratitude to god, spiritual food, spiritual understanding, strife and sickness, the breath of life, the misery of hell, the people perish, the pleasant and unpleasant experiences of life, the power of darkness, the skillful application of wisdom, the storms of life, to a glorious future with Jesus, translated us, two ways to live out eternity, unto all pateince, unto all pleasing, walk worthy of the Lord, wallowing in the mire, we can ever ask or imagine, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, with Jesus beside us we are invincible, without a visison, withstand the wiles of the devil
Colossians 1:10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Chuh man! It’s a wet and dreary looking Wednesday morning in my neck of the woods! But it would not really matter to me if I didn’t have to go out the street later to run some errands. Let’s hope the rain stops by then. But be that as it may, the most important thing though is that we are alive and kicking, meaning that there’s work for us to do, and we have Jesus for our Comforter, Guide and Saviour! Glory Be!
That means nothing can stop us, because when He’s walking beside us we’re unstoppable, invincible and everlastingly mighty! (smile) That’s the power He has and so generously shares with us. Give Him some much deserved thanks and praise my fellow saints!
And today I think we should take a look at Bruh Paul’s prayer for the church at Colossae, a church and people he had never seen but had heard of their problems from his friend in ministry, Epaphras, who had planted the church. Now hear his prayer: ‘For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;’ (Col. 1:9) Please notice the first thing Bruh Paul desires for the Colossians; ‘a knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’ Not clothes, or food or money or some material stuff, but spiritual food.
And the scholars explain that verse thus:‘1:9. Wisdom is an accurate perception into the true nature of things. Understanding is the skillful application of this wisdom in practical situations.’ And oh my people, how insanely important it is in these perilous and troubled times for us all to pray for wisdom and understanding; the knowledge of truth and how to practically apply it, because we definitely lack it right here and now, when we need it most, that’s why we are foundering on the rocks of total disaster!
Remember, without a vison, the people perish. (Prov. 29:18a) That’s Cousin Sol’s wisdom, and there certainly doesn’t seem to be any revelation of God’s will, and thus a morality based on it, in our current society. That’s why we are now wallowing in the mire of strife and sickness and sinking fast, like we’re in quicksand. And Bruh Paul continues: ‘That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;’(Col. 1:10)
Yeh friends, knowledge of God helps us to walk worthy of Him, and what Bruh Paul so desired for the Colossians, is also what we desperately need today. And not only a static understanding of our Lord and God, but even more importantly, an ever increasing and growing knowledge that will enable us to stay on the straight and narrow path.
And Bruh Paul then breaks it down: ‘Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (qualified us) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in (the) light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated (transformed) us into the kingdom of his dear Son (the Son of His LOVE):’ (Col. 1:11-13) What a powerful message my brethren! One that we need ever so badly today, if we are going to avoid the many pitfalls that are heading our way.
But let’s hear the scholars now with some interesting explanations of all that wonderful scripture.‘1:10.This verse expresses the reason that in verse 9 Paul wants the Colossians to obtain a knowledge of God’s will. It is that they may walk (live) properly and fully please God. In Greek, the four explanatory participles of verses 10b-12 spell out and precisely define what a worthy walk entails: the believer is (1) fruitful in every good work, productive in Christian service; (2) constantly increasing in the knowledge of God, ever coming to know the Lord better; (3) always strengthened with all might, becoming spiritually stronger and stronger; and (4) in the habit of giving thanks, sincerely expressing gratitude to God in both the pleasant and unpleasant experiences in his life.’
Mama Mia! It’s definitely not an easy walk that Bruh Paul’s asking and praying for, but he knows, from his own personal experience, that the Lord won’t ask it of us and not give us His divine help to accomplish it. And sadly, that’s where many of us fall down. We don’t acquire the ever-increasing knowledge and wisdom of God and thus our faith doesn’t grow, so we’re not able to withstand the wiles and lies of the devil and the storms of life that naturally come against us.
Hear the scholars further: ‘1:11. Patience is persevering through problems, trials, tribulations, and so forth. Long-suffering is forbearing the faults and offences of others.’ But with ever increasing knowledge of God, and His generous grace and mercy, it is all possible. And some more from the scholars: ‘1:12. This verse also might be translated “thanking the Father, for He made us fit to share in the salvation belonging to the saints who are in the light.” Light is the ethical condition in which God’s children live, namely, that of spiritual understanding with its accompanying morality and happiness.’
And finally from the scholars.‘1:13. Darkness is the religious state in which unbelievers exist, namely, that of spiritual ignorance with its attending immorality and misery.’ Thus friends, I guess it all boils down to whether we want to live in darkness with immorality and misery, or in the light, with its attendant morality and happiness. We have to choose one or the other, we can’t live on the fence, as so many of us are trying to do. It’s either heaven or the world that eventually leads to hell, we can’t have both.
And in my humble opinion, heaven is indeed the better choice, although the pathway to it might be a tad more difficult. (smile) But as we keep on saying, if we choose heaven, God will give us the tools, the grace, mercy and wherewithal to make it safely and successfully. Now it’s up to you to choose your eternal destiny. But for those of us who have already chosen heaven, let’s go home now joyfully declaring (steups!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
In strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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 stick it out to the end, the future will be indeed even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine!Much LOVE!
…two ways to live out eternity…in the comfort of heaven…or the misery of hell…take your pick…
23 Sep 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a Christ-like group, a little folding of the hands to sleep, a little slumber, a self-starter, and be wise, and gathereth her food, as a thief in the night, as one that traveleth, be ye also ready, consider her ways, Crhist's return, dire poverty, doomed to spending eternity, enjoyment of good living, for in such an hour as ye think not, go to the ant, halfway home, hands fixed on the plough, hang on to the vine, having no guide leader overseer, how long wilt thou sleep, I'm not turning back, in the harvest, in the heat and torment of hell, in the summer, laziness, live high on the hog, mea culpa, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, no taskmaster, O sluggard, predictable circumstances, provideth her meat, receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour, so shall thy poverty come, spending eternity with Jesus, thank God, the breath of life, the day of the Lord, the grim reaper, the habitually lazy person, the life of the world, the prince of darkness, the second coming, the Son of man shall come, thou sluggard, thy want as an armed man, to a glorious future with Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, we can ever ask or imagine, Wednesday Wail, without any labour, yet a little sleep
Proverbs 6:6. Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Let’s start off on the right foot this morning by apologizing. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa! (smile) The first apology concerns the lateness of the Bit. I had to go down the street for some early morning tests my doctor deemed imperative. Hn! When yuh getting old, the ole quacks and them deem too many things imperative yes! But what yuh gonna do eh? Generally speaking, they know more than you.
The next apology is for not including our Tuesday Mantra in yesterday’s Bit. Wonder how many of you noticed that eh? (smile) I had it written at the bottom of the page, but never saw or even thought of it at the end. And I’ll try not to make that mistake again. (smile) Thanks ever so much for forgiving me, you are ever such a Christ-like group! (smile)
But then I was led to these somewhat condemning words of Cousin Sol regarding our daily behaviour. ‘Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide (leader), overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat (bread, grain) in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.’ (Prov. 6:6-8) Yeh friends, laziness and the enjoyment of good living without any labour is becoming rampant in our society. We all want to live high on the hog, but few of us are willing to put in the hours and effort that usually entails.
And Cousin Sol continues in the same vein: ‘How long wilt thou sleep (lie down), O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth (a prowler), and thy want (need) as an armed man.’ (Prov. 6:9-11) Those are good questions Cousin Sol poses, and also a true result of those actions. And we are seeing that kind of attitude increasingly in our society as we get wealthier and have more amenities to do more of our daily tasks, be they hard, menial or complicated.
Now hear how the scholars characterize all of Cousin Sol’s words nuh. ‘6:6-11. The sluggard is the habitually lazy person. He is admonished to learn two important lessons from the ant: (1) the ant has no guide, overseer, or ruler (vs.7), meaning that the ant does not have to have a taskmaster standing over it to make it work; it is a self-starter. (2) The ant is wise enough to prepare for predictable circumstances (vs.8). Two questions about sleep are posed to the sluggard (vs.9). His answer is given in verse 10: “Just a little more sleep!” The result of such laziness is dire poverty, which will come as suddenly and destructively as a robber.’
Oh mih people, mih people, there’s so much wisdom in those words! And it’s not like we haven’t seen it, or experienced it. We all have in some form and fashion, at some time in our long lives. We haven’t been as proactive as we should, then suddenly find ourselves cornered by a predictable circumstance. No, we cannot prepare for the unpredictable ones, but we certainly can for the many predictable ones. And the big one that jumps to my mind right now is preparation for spending eternity with Jesus, wherever that might be!
That’s the most important predictable circumstance we all must face – where to spend eternity. And the wise money is on Jesus! No doubt about that? Now, have we made those preparations yet, by receiving Him as our Lord and Saviour? I can’t tell you how important that is, because the Grim Reaper can come calling at any unpredictable time, and likewise Jesus can come back at any unpredictable time. And once either of those two things happen, and you haven’t received Jesus as your eternal destiny, then you’re doomed to spending eternity with the prince of darkness in the heat and torment of hell.
And to make matters worse, Jesus referred to His second coming like that of a thief in the night. ‘Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:43-44) We have been forewarned friends, so now it’s up to us to make the necessary preparations for whenever that event occurs if we’re still alive and kicking. Bruh Paul also warned us in his first letter to the Thessalonians: ‘For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.’ (1 Thess. 5:2)
Oh my people, the Great Tribulation will begin suddenly, without any kind of imminent warning. But we have the certain knowledge that it will happen and those who don’t revere Christ as Lord and Saviour at that most critical time will suffer irreparable damage. So please, please, I implore us, let us get ready for that moment whenever it comes nuh! Let us therefore be like the wise ant nuh, and wisely prepare for that one big circumstance, either death, or Christ’s return, both of which we sure are coming at some future, but unknown time.
And having decided we’re going to do just that, let’s go home now declaring (awright!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know, in no uncertain terms, our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. All together now, in strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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!’
Yes my bredrin, if we hang on to the vine that’s the Life of the world, until the very end, then we’re assured that the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…true wisdom is knowing what’s coming…and being prepared…whenever it comes…
16 Sep 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a challenge, a crucial aspect of our work week, a done deal, according as God hath dealt, before you can ride on it, boasting, Christ is our strength, diversity, endowed with grace, every man that is among you, evil tentacles of modern society, face with honesty, festive folks, flowing through me, for men to search their own glory, genuine appreciation, go unto the heathen, God made us in in His own image, halfway home, hands fixed securely on the plough, it is not glory, it is not good to eat much honey, Jews, let another man praise thee, like white on rice, mire of self-pity, more highly than he ought to think, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back at the past, not thine own lips, not thine own mouth, not to think of himself, one baptism, One Body, one faith, one hope of your calling, ONE Lord, one spirit, One Year Book of Bible promises, oneness of Holy Spirit Father and Christ, remember the poor, Ruth Harms Calkin, Sane Estimate, self-aggrandization, somebody has to build the float, specail gifts, spiritual energy, stick to Christ, thank God, the apostleship of the circumcision, the breath of life, the evil world sends our way, the Gentiles, the gospel of uncircumcision, the grace given to me, the measure of faith, the measure of the gift of Christ, the right hands of fellowship, the talents and abilities, to a glorious future with Jesus, to think soberly, unique differences, unity, Wednesday Wail, with a twinkle in your eye
Romans 12;3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Yeh friends, it’s Wednesday once again…and getting over this hump is a crucial aspect of our work week. Once we do, we see it as a done deal rather than as a challenge that Monday, the start of the week, seems to throw out. But let’s remember that when Christ is sincerely in our lives, we are up to and ready for each and every challenge that the evil world sends our way, for He is our strength, and with Him running the show, we can do all things that need doing! Glory be my fellow saints in Christ!
And I believe that this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin gives us a good idea of how to suit up ourselves for the challenges of life. It’s titled ‘Sane Estimate.’
Please pray with me: ‘Lord, help me to face with honesty And genuine appreciation The talents and abilities You have given As special gifts to me. Give me a sane estimate of myself. Neither exaggerated nor mud-crawling. Just sane, as Your Word admonishes. May I be joyfully satisfied With Your unique plan for me. When at times I’d secretly LOVE to ride On a colourful float Beautifully adorned Waving to cheering crowds Smile at me, Lord. With a twinkle in Your eye Remind me again That somebody has to build the float.’
Yeh friends, somebody has to build the float before we can ride on it in the parade waving to cheering, festive folks! And ofttimes that somebody has to be us. The Lord has made each of us in His own image, but with unique differences and talents which we need to be able to successfully complete the also unique plan He’s made for every one of His creation.
And the Bible verse associated with that poem is also our Bit for today; the immortal words of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome: ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 12:3)
Oh my people, so many of us in this current world need to take that advice so badly because so many of us think much more highly of ourselves than we ought to! Boasting and self-aggrandization has unfortunately become a way of life in our modern society, and its evil tentacles even reach out and embrace supposed believers, who ought to know better. Sadly too, we also have the believer who behaves like a ‘mud-crawling’ animal, not thinking enough of him or herself, and thus wallowing in the mire of self-pity and not functioning the way Christ expects.
But neither state is what the Lord planned nor desires of us. And I guess that’s why Bruh Paul wrote to the Galatians, re his meeting with the apostles in Rome. Some of them seemed to think little of Bruh Paul, neither did they impress him (Gal. 2:1-6)
‘But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually (worked effectively) in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty (worked effectively) in me toward the Gentiles.
And when James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who seemed to be the pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen (Gentiles), and they unto the circumcision (Jews). Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward (eager) to do.’ (Gal. 2:7-10)
Yuh see friends, especially in high circles, and the church is no exception, there is great susceptibility to think more highly of ourselves and not enough of others, which causes us to make a mess of God’s plans. But thankfully James and John and Peter, the stalwarts of the then church recognized Bruh Paul’s God-given grace to take the Word to the Gentiles, and only reminded him to remember the poor which is a vital part of Christ’s ministry, something that he was already eager to do.
The two groups of believers had been entrusted with the very same gospel, but to two different groups of people. So it really doesn’t matter to whom God’s grace leads us, once we recognize the leading and fervently obey it. As Bruh Paul later wrote to the church at Ephesus: ‘There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ (Eph. 4:4-7)
Yes my brethren, the church is one body, speaking of Christian unity in the oneness of Holy Spirit, Father and Christ. It is the same ONE GODHEAD who gives to all of us, but who gives different gifts individually, to do the work He’s planned for each individual. So there is unity, as well as diversity in the church, because of the different gifts, but ALL of it is endowed with grace, spiritual energy from the One God so we can perform our God-given tasks successfully.
And these wise words on the subject from Cousin Sol make a good going-home present (smile). ‘It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search (seek) their own glory is not glory.’ (Prov. 25:27) Then there’s this: ‘Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.’ (Prov. 27:2) And with those awesome words of wisdom throbbing vibrantly in our hearts, bodies and souls, let’s go home declaring (ah Lord eh) our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now, in strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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!’
Oh yes mih people, if we stick to Christ like white on rice, (smile) and endure to the end, then the future will indeed be unimaginably glorious! Much LOVE!
…God ALWAYS gives us the grace…the spiritual power…to do whatever He asks of us…
09 Sep 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a life of faith, a lifelong process, an ongoing process, casting all your care upon him, catch a dove, Christ can give His all to us, Christ died that we might have life, Christ liveth in me, come to terms with our working life, deeper than Bible reading, depending on Christ for all things, divine guidance, Dr. Robert H. Schuler, enjoy it more abundantly, enters our mental consciousness, exalted by the Father, exciting position in Christ, eyes fixed straight ahead, gave himself for me, get used to the humdrum, giving our all to Christ, God demands a total cling to Him, God's guidance, gotten over the hump, great sacrifice, halfway home, hands on the plough, he cares for you, Hour of Power Devotional, I am crucified with Christ, I live by faith, in the Son of God who loved me, Jesus is the answer, living life through the eyes of Christ, Lord of Lords, make God the trustee of our lives, nevertheless I live, not turning back, prayer, righteousness., saints in Christ, same ole, seek the kingdom of God, self-centred desires, spend a life feeling frustrated, spiritual things, surrender, symbol of the Holy spirit, thank God, the breath of life, the celestial wavelength, the Holy spirit is god, the King of Kings, the life I now live in the flesh, the mysterious experience, the name that's above every other name, the New testament, through the Bible, to a glorious future with Jesus, to our current circumstances, tune our minds to, unfailing obedience, Wednesday Wail, worship, yield upward
Galatians 2:20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of (in) the Son of God, who LOVED me, and gave himself for me.
And then it was Wednesday, the mid-week day, the day we finally feel like we’ve gotten over the hump… Monday and Tuesday are gone and Friday is right there in sight! Glory be! Yeh friends, what a game of musical days we play during those many years of our working life. And sadly, too many of us don’t ever come to terms with it and thus spend a life feeling frustrated about doing the same basic things on the same basic days, over and over.
But that’s what life is all about! We can’t have fun and excitement every day, like some of us feel we ought to, we’d get bored and frustrated and tired of that too. So let’s get used to the humdrum, same ole, same ole way of life nuh, because that’s all we’re going to ever have…that is until we reach heaven. (smile)
And besides that, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ died that we might have and enjoy an abundant earthly life, and have it even more abundantly. (John 10:10) And that doesn’t mean just having plenty of earthly things, but also plenty of heavenly and spiritual things. And is only when we pursue those last two, seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, that we really find, really discover the enjoyment that life has to offer. (Matt. 6:33)
Bubba! What a day when we discover that, believe it, and truly put it into action! Our lives become so much more meaningful than they were previously, and we find that we have so much more to live for. That’s why the wisdom of heaven proclaims that ‘JESUS IS THE ANSWER!’ Yes my people, the name of Jesus is the name that’s above every other name, exalted by the Father because of His unfailing obedience and great sacrifice! He’s been made the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, to whom each knee must bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11)
And how do we accomplish all of that eh? Through just one word: ‘SURRENDER!’ Yes to really take advantage of all that God has provided for us, we need to completely surrender our lives to Him and His will. Hear these words on that subject nuh, from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional.
He asks? ‘How are we guided? The answer is no secret. Surely God speaks to us through the Bible! Those who read it quietly and prayerfully find God’s guidance. And prayer is still the mysterious experience where we tune our minds to the celestial wavelength and ask God to guide us. In addition, there are thousands of people who will testify that in the quietness of worship God entered into their consciousness to illuminate them. But I would suggest that the real secret of receiving divine guidance is deeper than Bible reading, prayer, or worship.
The key word is SURRENDER! Surrender your sins, your self-centred desires, and your life to Jesus Christ. surrender your mind to the Holy Spirit. Are you sure you want guidance? Would you take it if He gave it? Do you know how to catch a dove? It is interesting that in the New Testament the dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is God who enters into our mental consciousness.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors to the San Juan Capistrano Mission in southern California try to catch the white doves that flock in the ancient mission. You may reach out with your hand, fingers open, and just as you are about to grasp the feet of the dove, it flaps its wings and flies away. So you try again. You reach out with your hand cautiously, slowly, furtively, and just as you are about to grab the bird, it escapes again.
The secret is this: Simply extend your hand. Hold it out straight in front of you. Open your palm. Wait quietly. And the dove will come and rest right in the middle of your hand. Surrender your soul, your mind, your spirit that way to God, and He will take over your life and guide you.’
Mama Yo mih bredrin! What awesome words of wisdom from Gramps Schuller! That’s the only healthy, sensible and wise way to live this life! Anything else is going to get us nothing but a wasted life! And what does total surrender to God mean and include. Listen to this definition. ‘The word surrender in this sense is derived from the Greek word “paradidomi” which can mean yield up, transmit, and entrust. Surrendering all to God means to yield upward rather than to our current circumstances. God demands a “total cling” to Him—not anyone else.’
Peter talks about ‘Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you’ (1 Pet. 5:7) That means God wants us to cast ALL of our cares, anxieties and worries upon Him, surrender everything, entrust ALL we have to Him, make Him the trustee of our entire lives; finances, emotions, health, etc. etc. Now, ‘The key to entrusting is leaving the cares with God and allowing Him to remain the trustee. This can be an ongoing process.’
Yes my fellow saints in Christ, surrendering to God is not an overnight process, but a lifelong one. And I don’t think anyone exemplified this better than Bruh Paul when he wrote to the Galatians. ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of (in) the Son of God, who LOVED me, and gave himself for me.’ (Gal. 2:20)
Now that’s surrendering to God! Giving up all that you are to Him, living your life through the eyes of Christ, allowing Jesus to cultivate His desires, virtues, character and power in us. Living a life of faith, depending on Christ for our strength and ALL our necessities. That’s true surrender! So for those of us who are currently undergoing that surrender process, let’s go home now declaring (awright!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know of our unique and rather exciting position in Christ.
All together now, in strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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 that means if we stay surrendered to the end, the future will be ever so glorious, more than we ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…only in giving our ALL to Christ…can He give us His ALL to us…
02 Sep 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a benevolent young couple, a privilege and honour, all knees must bow, Alpha and Omega, at thy right hand, clothing, compassions, crowded city of New York, difficult is the way, felt cheated, food, give thanks, go a whoring from God, God's LOVE, gospel truth, halfway home, hasten after another god, he is at my right hand, He is enough, how narrow is the gate, I ask forgiveness, I shall not be moved, I will bless the Lord, idolatrous worship, in Him there is enough faithfulness, in thee do I trust, in thy presence is fullness of joy, in whom is all my delight, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my great enough, my hands are fixed, my limited concept of God, never enough of anything, new upon us every day, nothing apart from thee, One Year Book of Bible promises, pleasures for evermore, Ruth Harms Calkin, satisfy the longings of my heart, securely on the plough, shelter, the attitude of the righteous man, the breath of life, the Lion of Judah, the name above every other name, the path of life, the Prince of Peace, the question of faith, there is none like our Lord, thou wilt show me the path of life, to a glorious future with Jesus, to God the Father, vast expanse of water, warmth, Wednesday Wail
Psalm 16:11. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Well another day of God’s LOVE, mercy and compassions are new upon us! Glory be! What a privilege and honour to have Him refresh our lives each and every day. That’s why we say there is none other like the Lord our God, our Jesus! He is the Alpha and the Omega; the Frist and the Last, the Prince of Peace, the Lily of the Valley, the Lion of Judah, the Rose of Sharon…and so many other things, like the name that’s above every other name, and the One to whom all knees must eventually bow and give thanks through Him to God the Father!
Wow! Isn’t He loverly…isn’t He wonderful? Most certainly! And that leads us quite nicely into this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, titled ‘He Is Enough.’ Bless His holy name! Please pray with me: ‘She lived in the most deprived section of the crowded city of New York, where there was never enough of anything – never enough food or clothing, never enough warmth or shelter, never enough compassion.
But one day a benevolent young couple invited her to spend a week at the seashore, to experience a piece of life she had never known. Hour by hour she breathed deeply as the crashing waves brushed against her small frame. She looked at the vast expanse of water – and then, without warning she began to sob. For the first time in her life she saw something of which there was enough!
Today I ask forgiveness for my limited concept of God. At times I’ve secretly felt cheated – as though somehow He was not enough to satisfy the longings of my heart. I need to learn and relearn that in Him there is enough faithfulness, enough LOVE, enough grace, enough joy! May I never forget that God Himself in now and forever my Great Enough!’
And that is the living truth my people: our great God is more than enough of everything for everyone He’s ever created! But until we learn that most important point – I’ll repeat it (smile) God is more than enough for all of us, we will never be satisfied, or joyful in this evil world! And that’s where the question of faith comes in. The more faith we can muster the less doubts and anxieties will plague us, and the more joyfulness and assurance we will feel and exhibit in the Great I AM!
And that’s why Bruh David could write these immortal words in Psalm 16, as he seeks preservation and blessing. ‘Preserve (watch over) me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee (is nothing apart from thee). But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent (they are the excellent), in whom is all my delight. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.’ (Ps. 16:1-4)
Yes friends, if we go a whoring after other supposed gods our sorrows will be seriously multiplied, for we are nothing, apart from the Lord our God! Jesus said it quite plainly: ‘for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5b) And Bruh David learned this at a young age, possibly from being alone in the wilderness caring for the sheep with only God to help Him. He certainly had to rely on God more than if he was doing a regular 9-5 job in safe surroundings. (smile)
Hear how he puts it: ‘The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou manintainest (upholds) my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage (inheritance). I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel; my reins (heart) also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (Sheol; the abode of the dead); neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’ (Ps. 16:5-11) And that’s all gospel truth my precious saints of God! But until we learn and accept that being in God’s presence is the greatest thing that could ever happen to us, we’ll never be satisfied or fulfilled. And that last sentence is also the Bible Promise for our poem above.
Now listen to the scholars: ‘Psalm 16. The attitude of the righteous man is described in life (vs.1-8) and death (vs. 9-11). In life his attitude is one of trust (vs. 1), gratefulness for God’s goodness (vs. 2), delight in God’s people (vs.3), separation from idolatrous worship (vs. 4; cf. Ex. 23:13; Deut. 12:3), satisfaction in God’s gracious provisions (vs.5-6), praise for the Lord’s counsel (vs.7) and steadfastness in spiritual devotion (vs.8).
In facing death, the righteous man rejoices and is hopeful (vs.9). He is confident that God will preserve him from the decay of death and that death will not result in his corruption (vs.10). Rather, he will travel down the path of life, that is, the path leading to life, which will terminate in God’s joyful presence (vs.11). David’s confidence in his ultimate destiny is valid for him (and for all believers) only because Christ has traveled down that path and paved the way for all who believe in Him (Acts 2:25-28).’ And that’s why Christ could truthfully say, without Him, we are nothing.
Now for those of us who truly believe that, let’s go home declaring (steups!) our Wednesday Wail, telling all and sundry of our wonderful position in that most wonderful person, Jesus Christ. 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 if you truly believe, then you’ll know that if you endure to the end, that future will be even more glorious than you ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…think on this…how narrow is the gate…and difficult is the way…which leads to life…and there be few that find it… (Matt. 7:14)
27 Aug 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: another round of the scourge, both shall be alike good, bowing to Almighty God, bread to the wise, cast thy bread upon the waters, chance and time, divine intervention, equalizing effects, evil deeds, eyes fixed straight ahead, fear God, glad to be alive, God will make it right, halfway home, hands on the plough, hell-bent trail, His everlasting sovereignty, I returned and saw under the sun, in His own time, in the evening, in the morning, keep his commandments, let us hear, lighten up, LOVE, mind boggling problems, not turning back, only repentance and a return to God, pandemic, questions, riches to men of understanding, sow thy seed, strife, the conclusion of the whole matter, the Lord will save a remnant, the race is not for the swift, the true answer to life, the works of God, this is the whole duty of man, thou knowest not, time to buckle down, time will reveal the answers, to a glorious future with Jesus, uncertainty of human industry, unfortunate times, Wednesday Wail, whether shall prosper, will save us, wisdom, withhold not thine hand
Ecclesiastes 12:13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ah mih people, the summer is quickly coming to an end… and many of us didn’t even have the time to notice it was summer and do all the things we enjoy doing in this wonderful season…and we all know why. (smile) And it wasn’t bad summer weather at all, hot – like you know where – with some rain and thunderstorms, what we would have termed a good summer if we were able to engage in all the usual summer activities. But now it’s time to buckle down for fall and the cold winter days ahead.
Who knows what life will be like then eh? Will there be school, will there be some ease in the pandemic and strife, or will we see another round of the scourge and more strife? Questions, questions! That’s all we have, and only time will reveal the answers! Oh what a wonderful philosophical statement! (smile) Lighten up mih friends, our wonderful God is still on the throne, still controlling things, and that’s all we need to know!
He’s the same yesterday, today and forever, which means we know exactly what to expect from Him, so there’s no need for us to hold our heads and bawl, He will make it right in His own time, when we are sufficiently repentant and have turned back to Him, sincerely welcoming Him back with open arms. Back to our homes, our schools, our society, when life once again focuses and throbs around His everlasting sovereignty!
The longer our serious, mind boggling problems persist, the stronger I feel that only repentance and a return to God will save us. The only problem is how long can we afford to pussyfoot around when more people are dying everyday through sickness and strife? Yes, the Lord will save a remnant, like He did with Israel every time He punished them for disobedience, but I believe the size of that remnant will depend on how soon we move to bring Him back to our society.
So in effect, the ball is in our court, we are the deciders of our faith – turn back to God and prosper, or continue down the destructive, hell-bent trail we’re now on and suffer divine intervention. Wow! Is the ole fella waxing philosophical this morning or what! (smile) But here are some interesting words from one who was ever so much wiser than me.
We talking about Cousin Sol, and writing as the preacher in Ecclesiastes, he says: ‘I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. For man also knoweth not his time as the fishes that are taken in an evil (cruel) net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.’ (Eccl. 9:11-12)
And has an evil time ever fallen suddenly upon us my brethren! Oh some may say that it has not fallen suddenly because our evil deeds have been on a path of accumulation all along, and this is just the culmination. But however we parse it, these are indeed evil and unfortunate times. And I like the scholars’ brief explanations of those two verses above. ‘9:11-12. Five statements of unexpected results are followed by an explanation. Man’s ability cannot guarantee the results (vs.11) because of the equalizing effects of time and chance.’
Yes friends, our wealth, strength, wisdom, understanding and skill does not keep us from ‘sufferation,’ for we are all liable to the equalizing effects of time and chance, which happen unexpectedly to us all. Thus, the only thing we can be sure of in this life is the sovereignty of Jehovah God, who created us in His own spiritual image and still controls the reins of our lives, regardless of what the wise or evil man might think. And furthermore, as Cousin Sol says earlier in his famous treatise of a time for every purpose under heaven: ‘A time to LOVE and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.’ (Eccl. 3:8)
Oh precious people, these crucial and most critical times are ones for LOVE and peace, not hate and war! The latter two will only drive more nails into our already prepared coffin. Only the godly traits of LOVE, peace, mercy, grace, forgiveness, kindness, friendship and the like, can save us in these turbulent and unrelenting times. And yes my fellow saints in Christ, Cousin Sol has some really good words of wisdom and advice in Ecclesiastes. Hear these, as he enjoins us to charity, which is so badly needed in this time of lack and hardship.
‘Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth… As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit (wind), nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which will succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’ (Eccl. 11:1-2,5-6)
Now hear the scholars on those verses. ‘11:1-6. These verses contain a series of sayings about the uncertainty of human industry, and are held together by the fourfold occurrence of the expression thou knowest not. Although man cannot comprehend God’s work, nor predict success, he needs to be involved in life’s activities and trust God for the results.’ And that is exactly what I’m trying to get through to us my people! The only sure thing in this world is God, regardless of what we think or believe! And the only sure way to live this life with positive purpose is to interact sincerely with Him.
And Cousin Sol wraps it up thus: ‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl. 12:13-14) That’s it in a nutshell friends! To live successfully, we need to reverence God and be obedient to His will, nothing else will suffice!
And now that we’ve been reassured and re-indoctrinated (smile) to our earthly purpose, let’s go home declaring (awright!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most wonderful 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 will it ever be glorious, if we endure to the end! Much LOVE!
…wisdom dictates…that bowing to Almighty God…is the true answer to life…
19 Aug 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a city set on a hill cannot be hid, a damning statement, above all we can ask or imagine, answer for wasting valuable time, be about the Father's business, before men, Christ's saints, Christlike character, compassion of Jesus, do the work, exceeding abundantly, forgiveness, gace, glorify your father in heaven, God can do, good for nothing, halfway home, hands on the plough, let your light so shine, light a candle, like the idle rich, living a life that glorifies Christ, lost their saltiness, LOVE, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back, of him who sent me, pussyfooting around, put it under a bushel, put our money where our mouth is, raise up our faith, salt has lost it's savour, Sermon on the Mount, shining lights of Christianity, thank God, the breath of life, the light of the world, the night cometh, they may see your good works, to a glorious future with Jesus, trod under foot of men, turbulent times, waiting for a slowpoke, Wednesday Wail, when no man can work, while it is day, winning souls for christ, ye are the salt of the earth
John 9:4. I must do the work of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.
And then it was Wednesday… ahready? Yes, already! (smile) Unfortunately, it seems that the days are not waiting for a slowpoke like me, they are going about the Father’s business, as they are meant to. And believe me, they are indicating in scowling disapproval, that I should also be about His business instead of pussyfooting around like the idle rich! Yeh, when even the days are disapproving of your behaviour, then you must know that things are bad with you. (smile)
So what’s a poor man like me to do under those circumstances eh? I guess I ought to do like Jesus said when, on the Sabbath day, He healed the man that was blind from birth. ‘I must do the work of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.’ (John 9:4) Ah my brothers and sisters in Christ, we should indeed do the work of Him who sent us, Jesus Christ, while we have the time, for there will eventually come a time when we cannot work, through death or Christ’s return.
And then, we’ll all have to answer for the valuable time we wasted in doing everything else, besides winning souls for Christ. Yes friends, that’s our basic job down here on earth; to live a life that’s so reminiscent of Christ, that others will desire to follow Him. But if we’re living in darkness, spiritual darkness that is, we can’t do that job successfully. We have to believe and act as Jesus said: ‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ (John 9:5)
And that’s no lie! When Jesus was here on the earth in the physical form of man, He was indeed the light of the world, but once He returned to heaven, then we, His believers and followers became the light of the world. As He said so purposefully in the Sermon on the Mount. ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle (lamp), and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick (lampstand); and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.’ (Matt. 5:14-15)
So it’s not just my imagination (smile) that we ought to be bright shining lights of Christianity in a dark and evil world, Jesus said it very clearly and boldly to all and sundry. And furthermore, He exhorts us with heartfelt passion: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:16) Oh precious people of God, we cannot get away from that exhortation because it’s our very purpose for being in the world: living a life that glorifies our heavenly Creator.
And I don’t know if there’s ever been a time in man’s history that we’ve ever needed Christians, believers in Christ to stand up and be counted more than we currently do. Yes friends, in these seemingly last and very troubled times, we desperately need to show our mettle, our true Christlike character and nature, so that we can be encouraging beacons of light for those who don’t know Christ or are not very strong in their faith. There is no doubt my brethren, that this is the time for which we who are currently here were made for. And it’s ever so important that in the fear and darkness that’s hovering over our world, that we believers stand forth as lights of the world and salt of the earth!
Yes, Jesus also did desire us to be salty, that is to have qualities that are refreshing, effervescent, flavourful, preserving and healing; all the many things that salt are good for and used for in our society. He puts it thus: ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour (flavour), wherewith (by what) shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.’ (Matt. 5:13) Wow! What a damning statement from our leader!
And it seems He knew what He was talking about, because right now in these very trying and turbulent times, many of His saints have apparently lost their saltiness, not being very refreshing, preservative, effervescent or otherwise and are of no earthly use to the kingdom! Now that doesn’t speak very well of us my people, neither does it reflect very well on our Lord and Saviour, since we are His ambassadors, His representatives down here.
So please, can I implore us to step up to the plate, for while we’re alive, there’s always hope, and let’s do better than we’re currently doing nuh. Look at what Jesus did for us, and is still doing; stuff that we can never repay! So let’s raise up our faith and put our money and faith and action where our mouths are nuh; in being the salt of the earth and the light of the world as Jesus desires, so that we can be of some real use on our planet and not just idly taking up and wasting valuable space. (smile)
Remember, it’s all for Jesus! For our Lord and Saviour who sacrificed His all for us, so that we could be reconciled to the Father, our dastardly deeds, our sins forgiven and eternal life in heaven ours for the taking. And all He’s asking is that we stand up strong now and let the world see the LOVE, the mercy, grace, forgiveness and compassion that’s inherent in being a believer. Is that so much to ask? I don’t think so.
Now let’s go home declaring (awright!) our Wednesday Wail, telling the world of our most enviable position in Christ Jesus. In strong voice with sincere and fearless hearts. ‘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 I do believe, like Bruh Paul says, that our God can ‘do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.’ (Eph. 3:20) So if we stand strong and endure to the end, He will indeed boggle our human imaginations with His awesome divine power when we get to heaven. Much LOVE!
…time for Christ’s saints…to get real salty…and to let their lights shine real bright…
12 Aug 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a good and godly attitude, a powerful tool, a righteous man, agree in prayer, ask, ask in prayer, at noon, availeth much, Ayphia, belieiving, cast thy burden upon the Lord, confess your faults to each other, Covid-19, cry aloud, engage in sincere prayer, evening, eyes fixed straight ahead, give ear to my words, giving thanks, God searches our hearts, grace, great expectations, guidance, halfway home, hands on the plough, he shall hear my voice, he shall sustain thee, He will never allow his children, healing balm, heaven is our home, I will call upon god, in the name of Jesus, it shall be given you, it shall be opened, keep looking up, knock, magnificent and magnanimous God, morning, my god, my King, never ceasing prayer, not turning back, peace, pray always, pray everywhere, pray for one another, prayer, prayer meister, saints in Christ, seek, strength, the assurance, the breath of life, the effective fervent prayer, the Good Book, the great and awesome friend, the Lord shall save me, the surety in his voice, the voice of my cry, those who love and trust you, timely guidance, to a glorious future with Jesus, to be taken, true motives, unto thee will I pray, Wednesday Wail, will I pray, will look up, wisdom, work everything out for good, ye may be healed, ye shall find, ye shall receive
Psalm 55:17. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Well a good morning to you my fellow saints in Christ! I do hope we’re all prepared to receive and enjoy all the new mercies, grace, forgiveness and unconditional LOVE that our wonderful God has to offer today! There will be a surfeit of blessings; an abundance, such excess like we’ve never seen before, and much much more than we can ever use! Wow! What a magnificent and magnanimous God we serve!
Anyhow, on to more serious matters. One of our Scrip-Bit family members wrote me yesterday asking for prayer for her 2 ½ year old granddaughter Ayphia, who was born with several medical complications. This morning she’s going from Atlanta to Philadelphia to see a specialist about her blood sugar situation, which is always low. The grandma says that Ayphia has come a long way and she knows that it’s because of prayers offered on her behalf. But she is very nervous this time because of the Covid-19 situation, thus she is asking for our prayers to be sent up to heaven on Ayphia’s behalf.
Now, prayer is that marvellous action in which the saints of Christ ought to be rather adept at, since it’s the way we communicate with our Creator and heavenly Father and it is also a very powerful tool. As James, Christ’s brother so powerfully puts it: ‘Confess your faults (trespasses) one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual (effective) fervent prayer (supplication) of a righteous man availeth much.’ (James 5:16) And since we’re all righteous in the eyes of the Lord, it means that our prayers can be very effective. Thus, I’m asking all of us to pray privately for Ayphia, but also to join me in corporate prayer here.
Please pray with me. ‘Dear Father in heaven, you’ve said in your Word that when your children come to you agreed in prayer, that you will hear and grant their request. So right now we come in agreement, with concerned hearts and minds for your daughter Ayphia, asking that You heal her, apply your healing balm to her sick and hurting body and soul. And if that healing is not in your plans for her young life, then please give her and her family the strength, wisdom, grace and peace to handle the situation with a good and godly attitude, knowing that you’ve faithfully promised to eventually work everything out for the good of those who LOVE, trust and surrender their all to you. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour, your wonderful Son, Jesus Christ!’
Ah friends, there’s nothing else on earth as powerful and soul building as prayer! That’s why the Good Book entreats us so much to engage in sincere prayer as often as possible…. Bruh Paul says to pray always (Eph. 6:18); without ceasing, (1 Thess. 5:17); pray everywhere (1 Tim. 2:8) So, in other words, prayer ought to be a constant in our lives. As we go about our daily tasks, our communication with our heavenly Father should not be neglected, but rather, we should involve Him in all that we do; asking for timely guidance and wisdom, giving thanks, and just talking to Him like the great and awesome friend that He is.
Remember what Jesus said: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ (Matt. 7:7) And He further stated: ‘And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.’ (Matt. 21:22) So I don’t know why so many of us forsake the wonderful opportunity to pray always, everywhere, and sincerely. (smile) And that’s why Bruh David, despite all his faults and foibles could still be known as a friend of God and a man after His own heart. He never stopped calling on the Almighty, regardless of time and/or circumstance.
Hear that great prayer meister. (smile) ‘Give ear to my words, O Lord; Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.’ (Ps. 5:1-3) Now how can a good and LOVING God refuse or refute such prayers eh?
And hear Bruh David again in Psalm 55, his cry against deceitful friends. ‘Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick (alive) into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.’ (Ps. 55:15-17)
Oh mih people, that’s why Bruh David prospered! As I keep saying, he knew on which side his bread was buttered! And did you notice the surety in His voice, like Jesus said, the belief that God would hear his cry? Now do we come to God with such assurance? I don’t think so. That’s possibly why many of our prayers are not answered. Remember too that God searches our hearts for our true motives before He answers our prayers, so if our motives aren’t right and our belief isn’t strong then our prayers are likely to go unanswered.
But listen to these oh so true words of Bruh David that brings the full picture to life. ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’ (Ps. 55:22) Now that encapsulates the whole thing; just cast your care on God, believing that He will never allow His children to be taken! And with that divine assurance, we can therefore go home now declaring (yeahhh!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
So in strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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!’
Now let’s hold on strong and steadfast to the plough, keep focusing on the future, and we’ll be more than pleasantly surprised at the eventual outcome. Much LOVE!
…heaven is our home…so let’s keep looking up…with great expectations…
P.S. Please remember Ayphia in your prayers. Much LOVE!
05 Aug 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a personal relationship with God, adventurous, all will be well, bathed in bright sunshine, called to his purpose, chance, circumstances, determine happiness, don't be dejected and sad, endure to the end, enveloped in gentle breezes, experience God's largesse, faithfulness, fearful, God always gives the grace to do His work, going through rough times, halfway home, hands on the plough, happiness is like sugar, heed His call, in awe and wonder, in your best interest, interesting, is your strength, joy, joy is like honey, joy is the Lord's creation, long lasting steadfast emotion, LOVE, loving kindness, make a conscious decision, mirth, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my favourite word, mysterious ways, never leaves you in the lurch, not turning back, One Year Book of Bible promises, promised to work all things out for good, Ruth Harms Calkin, shaking your head, step out in faith, stop laughing, talking from expereince, testimonial direction, thank God, thank you for joy, the breath of life, the Good Book, the joy of the Lord, the Lord determines joy, the Lord doesn't give up on you, to a glorious future with Jesus, to step up and out, to those who love him, totally fulfilling, Wednesday Wail, without faith, working for Jehovah God, you can't fake joy, you can't hide joy, you're in good hands
Nehemiah 8:10. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!
And this Wednesday morning has opened completely different to the past two days! We’re bathed in bright sunshine and enveloped in cool, gentle breezes, unlike Monday and Tuesday that began with rain and continued all day with a rotation of sunshine and heavenly blessings. But let’s not talk too quickly, because with all the stormy weather in the area, Wednesday could end being just the same, except for the start and finish. And having philosophized on the weather, which we have absolutely no control over, let’s turn now to something that we have some control over, that godly thing we call JOY!
And that’s the simple but overwhelming title of today’s poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. So please pray with me: ‘Joy! My favourite word. Circumstances may determine my happiness But, Lord, You determine my joy. Joy is sweetly honest. No wonder the minister said: “You can’t hide joy if you have it – You can’t fake it if you don’t.” Who can manufacture it, Lord? Joy is Your creation. Who may have it? Anyone who asks. Thank You, Lord For JOY!’
Oh mih people, mih people, I sure hope all of that just brought your own joy bubbling up from the depths of your souls to the surface, like it did mine! For there’s nothing in this world sweeter and more refreshing than JOY! It’s like the difference between honey and sugar. Happiness is like sugar; sweet but uncertain and fleeting and dependent on circumstances. Meanwhile, joy is like honey; thick and rich, steadfast and long lasting, because it comes solely from God!
Yeah! If you don’t have the Spirit of God, the One True and Living God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob dwelling in you, then it’s impossible for you to have joy! You might have happiness, but certainly not that long-lasting, steadfast emotion we call joy! That’s why the Bible Promise for today’s poem, which is also our Bit, solemnly declares (ah Lord eh!) ‘Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’ (Neh. 8:10)
Mama oh Mama! What an awesome truth! That’s why the enemy’s biggest and strongest efforts are all geared towards stealing our joy, making us dejected and sad, fearful and without faith, for he knows that once he steals our joy, he has us like jelly, in the palms of his hands. We’re unable to function the way we ought to without the Lord’s joy, our very strength. And by the way, that translation comes from the New Living Translation. I usually stick to my King James Version, but this one just sounded more in tune with the times and our disastrous situation right now. (smile)
And I’m chuckling here with joy and mirth because I just turned to the Good Book to find the scripture, and lo and behold it was already opened at Nehemiah, though not at the exact spot! I usually just open it and see if it opens at anything that seems like it’s good and useful for the day, but today I just opened it and didn’t look at where it opened at, but the Good Lord in His mysterious and fascinating ways was, as usual, way ahead of me. How can I not LOVE and cherish him when He looks after me so well eh? (smile)
Ah friends, knowing the Lord, and having a personal relationship with Him is the best thing you can do in this life! Note, it’s not easy living and working for Him, because He often makes big and scary demands, but He ALWAYS gives us the grace and power to fulfill them. And though we ofttimes have to step out in faith to do His will, His work is always interesting, adventurous and totally fulfilling.
Believe me, I’m talking from experience here. If you want to experience the most interesting, adventurous and fulfilling life this world has to offer, then you need to consider seriously working for Jehovah God! He will lead you into some times and places that will have you shaking your head in awe and wonder, even as you’re going through some rough times. That’s the beauty of working for Him: you know that you’re in good hands even though the situations might seem to dictate otherwise.
But friends, you’ll never know or experience much of His largesse and awesome adventures until you make a conscious decision to step up and out and do whatever He’s called you to do. And yes, many times that stepping out will mean taking a big chance, with many voices crying out a loud warning of “NO!” But please note, in the Lord’s economy, there’s no such thing as chance. All His moves are well planned and orchestrated and He never leaves you in the lurch, always gives you the grace and power to do whatever He calls you to do.
That I can personally testify to! How do you think I’ve been writing this Bit for some thirteen years now eh, possibly only missing two days in all that time? Because of the Lord’s faithfulness and LOVING-kindness! And if you compare where and how I started out with where I am now, it’s like night and day! That’s because the Lord worked with me, once I decided to stop laughing and heed His call to write the Bit. Yes, for those of you who don’t know the story, I did laugh when He first approached me with the idea. Just like Sara did when He promised her a child in her old age.
But here’s another thing. Whenever the Lord comes a calling, it’s always in your best interest to agree on the first approach, for He’ll make your life miserable and intolerable until you do agree. Yeh, that happened to me. My life just wasn’t running right; not terrible, but not right either. Then I realized why. Hn! Hn! The Lord doesn’t give up on you, when He’s serious. So, finally I agreed. In the beginning I couldn’t write much, because I didn’t know much. My exact excuse for turning down the job. Now, however, I’m writing too much! (smile)
And again I’m chuckling as I realize the testimonial direction He’s led me in today. And that’s where the joy and strength comes from; that knowing that regardless of what happens on the outside, on the inside there’s a surety that all will be well, because our great and faithful God has promised to work ALL things out for good to those who LOVE Him and are called to do His awesome bidding. Now it’s time us to go home declaring (yeahhh!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
So in strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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!’
That’s another faithful promise you can’t beat friends. It just requires that we endure steadfastly to the end! Much LOVE!
…working for God is not easy…but it sure has wonderful and everlasting benefits…
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