28 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 131 persons received Jesus, American Gospel Music, an altar call, and having done all, cleansed of our abominable sins, Donnie McClurkin, Festival of Praise Concert, Fred Hammond, friends, glorification, glory hallelujah, glory to God, Hezekiah Walker, I'm halfway home, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, in the might of Jesus Christ, Kim Burrell, living for Jesus, lose our christian flavour, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, new relationship with Jesus, our light diminished, our salt is dead, praise, praise his holy name, put on the armour of god, reconciled to God, ringing in the ears, salt and light of the earth, stand strong and steadfast, substantial harvest, take unto you the whole armour of God, thanks, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, the bane of Christianity, the battle is not ours, the best gift to man, the breath of life, the evil attacks of the enemy, they left their egos at home, tinnitus, to a glorious future with Jesus, to stand, truly walked Christianity, walk our talk, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
Ephesians 6:13. Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Well my brethren, it’s Wednesday, and unfortunately my ole right knee is still acting up. Chuh! But it did not stop me from going down to the Hershey Centre last night and enjoying the proceedings…and actively partying too, I would have you know, ably supported by my African Rosewood cane, though not as energetically as I would have liked.
The Festival of Praise Concert was put on by a group of American Gospel Artistes. They included recognized gospel singers like Fred Hammond, who was the main man in putting the show together; Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, and Donnie McClurkin.
Oh Friends the joint was hopping from the time the M.C. a Christian comedian, who was pretty good himself, stopped and the first notes of the music rang out. Hn! You couldn’t sit if you wanted to because everybody was standing.
And what amazed and pleased me a whole lot is that there were no openers and no headline artists. I’ve never seen this done before, but they all came out onto the stage from the very beginning and stayed there till the end, taking turns singing and backing up each other. Oh glory to God, they left their egos at home!
I didn’t know most of the songs because I don’t follow American Gospel music that much, but believe you me, the crowd of between three and four thousand knew them, including a chubby white boy who was right up at the stage singing and dancing all night long, holding up a banner that read ‘Polaski.’
And then in the ending round of celebrations he and his group of white females found themselves on the stage singing and dancing and hugging the performers. It was indeed a good night my people.
Oh, there was also an altar call, and some one hundred and thirty one (131) persons came down to the front and received Jesus! Oh glory to God! Praise His Holy Name!
The lighting was good and so was the music, just a little too loud though for my liking, and that’s because I was down on the floor, about ten rows from the stage because my young daughter bought the tickets and she figured I’d like to be close to the stage.
But at those kinds of events I like to be up in the back seats, where the music isn’t as loud. But thank the Lord, this morning I don’t have tinnitus (ringing in the ears); my ears seem perfectly all right!
Anyway Friends, it was a good night. I just hope that those who were saved woke up this morning feeling different and that they will continue their new relationship with Jesus. Let’s pray that they will indeed do so.
Now there was so much praise and thanks and glorification given to God there last night, that it makes me wonder where all of that is during our normal everyday lives eh? If we would only expend a half of that godly energy in our normal lives, this world would be truly a wonderful place.
But sadly, outside of the church and these kinds of gatherings we seem to lose our Christian flavour; our salt is dead and our light diminished. In real life, we just don’t seem to walk our talk.
But though that’s been the bane of Christianity for a long time now, it’s time we change it, especially in these difficult and crucial times that we’re facing. Only truly walked Christianity will make a significant difference in this wicked and ungodly world.
Anyway, to day is Wednesday, that means it’s wailing time! So please let’s wail together: ‘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 am I ever glad to be alive Friends, despite my numerous aches and pains. (smile) And yuh better believe I am looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus! And if you are not, I will strongly advise you to get your act together and get to know Him, for He is the BEST thing, the BEST gift ever given to man!
Praise our heavenly Father for sacrificing His only Son so that we could be cleansed of our abominable sins and be reconciled to Him! What an awesome show of LOVE!
And with all my enthusiasm and writing about the gospel concert last night, (smile) I guess we only have time and space now for our Bit. ‘Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’
Yes my fellow believers, that’s what every believer needs to do: put on God’s armour so that we can withstand the evil attacks of the enemy, because that’s the only way we can withstand them.
And what I truly like about that verse is the last part; ‘…and having done all, to stand.’ That means my people, once we’ve done all that we can about the situation, we just need to stand; stand up strong and steadfast, unmovable in our beliefs and actions, and let God do His part, because the battle is not ours but His. We can’t defeat the enemy without His awesome help.
So today, please, I implore us to put on the armour of God, we all know what that is (Eph.6:14-18), then let us just stand strong in the might of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! That is indeed heavenly wisdom, and if we do it, we will eventually reap a substantial harvest, be the salt and light of the earth. Glory Hallelujah! Much, much LOVE, my people!
…oh living for Jesus…is such a wonderful and interesting way to live this earthly life…
21 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, a crown of glory, a life with Jesus at the helm, a relationship with God, a sign of age, Amazing grace, be thou faithful unto death, blessed is the man that endures temptation, blessings, commercial hair colouring, Creator, experience, filled with the righteousness of God, glory hallelujah, God's favour, I am halfway home, I will give thee a crown of life, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, in the way of righteousness, it takes two to tango, Jesus, Jesus is the best dancing partner, Justin Trudeau, LOVE, love the sound of His name, maturity, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, new mercies, on our way to glory, praise and thanks, provider, righteousness., rolls off the tongue, thank God, that fadeth not away, the beauty of old men is the gray head, the breath of life, the crown of life, the glory of young men is their strength, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the hoary head is a crown of glory, the Lord hath promised to them that love Him, the righteousness of Christ, the state of the heart, the wicked have no part in God's kingdom, this is the day the Lord has made, to a glorious future with Jesus, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, when he is tried, when the chief Shepherd shall appear, wig, wisdom
Proverbs 16:31. The hoary (silvery) head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Awright mih people! It’s a brand new day, with plenty new mercies and blessings forecasted. Oh glory to God!
And I do hope that you have given your praise and thanks this October morn to Almighty God, your Creator and sure Provider, and are in complete agreement with His excellent plan for your earthly life, so that you can be listed among those chosen recipients for God’s amazing grace and favour to day.
And all God’s people loudly and confidently declared: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it!
Yes Friends, indeed we will, because it’s a wonderful day and we are in an amazing relationship with a wonderful Deity! Glory Hallelujah!
And since today is Wednesday, we also need to proclaim our Wednesday Wail. So please let’s do so with much vim and vigour and sincerity and truth nuh.
Wailing… ‘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!’
Ah mih breddren, if we are sincere in that prayer, then we truly are on our way to glory, for their could be no better life lived on this earth than one with Jesus at the helm!
So I am encouraging us this morning to seriously get together with our Lord and Saviour, to up our knowledge and pleasure in Him through reading and studying His word and talking personally with Him. Remember it takes two to tango, and Jesus is the best dancing partner we can ever have!
Oh Friends, don’t you just LOVE the sound of His name – Jesus…Jesus… Oh it rolls off the tongue so easily and effortlessly, and it has such a LOVING, calm calling, friendly and homely quality to it, that we just gravitate naturally to it! Ah mih people, like the ole fella is in his essence this morning! (smile)
Oh, but before I forget, let me apologize for understating our new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s age yesterday. I said he was thirty something, but he’s actually in his early forties. Please forgive the ole fella, his brain is not as young and agile as it was. (smile)
And that brings us to our Bit, wise words from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. ‘The hoary (silvery) head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.’ What a beautiful statement my people!
And I like to tell people with silvery or white hair that that denotes a sign of age, wisdom, experience and maturity; something that they should be proud of, not something to hide under a wig or commercial hair colouring. Hn, hn!
But here’s an important note from the scholars on the verse. ’16:31. The hoary head or white head of old age is only a crown if it is accompanied by righteousness.’
And that’s no lie Friends! So it’s not everybody that we see with white hair means that they are crowned with glory. Only if they are sated in the righteousness of Almighty God, can that very noticeable white hair be considered a crown of glory.
So what does that say about me eh, because I don’t have much white in my hair? It’s still mostly black…at least the last time I saw it. (smile)
But don’t fear my fellow believers, having black hair doesn’t mean you aren’t or can’t be righteous. It’s not the colour of the hair, but the state of the heart that’s important to our God. Otherwise a whole heap of wicked people with white hair would be considered righteous and have a crown of glory. But we know that cannot be, for the wicked have no part in God’s kingdom.
Now here’s an interesting Proverb from Cousin Sol that lends authenticity to our Bit. ‘The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.’ (Prov.20:29)
And in our modern-day society we do tend to make those distinctions. We consider young men to be gloriously strong in their physical appearance, while older men are adjudged wise and wonderful with a head of gray. Now that’s not always the case, but that’s the generalization we make in this society.
Youth is always looked upon as being strong and vital, while the old are considered frail and doddering. (smile) Anyway Friends, the important thing is not our age or how we look, whether we’re physically strong or not, whether our hair is grey or not, but if our hearts, minds, bodies and souls are filled with the righteousness of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
And if the answer is a resounding yes! Then hear these words of James. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proved), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12)
Then Peter concludes: ‘And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.’ (1 Pet.5:4)
So Friends, if our lives are wrapped up in the righteousness of Christ, then there are at least two crowns for us to receive; one of life, and one of glory. Now isn’t that something significant enough to eagerly look forward to? It surely is! Much LOVE!
…be thou faithful unto death…and I will give thee a crown of life… (Rev.2:10b)
07 Oct 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a fool's wisdom, a no-brainer, a place of authority, aches and pains, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, as for me and mine, belief, caring, christianity, come boldly to the throne of grace, come unto me, compassionate, cramps, disappointments, discernment, earthly pilgrimage, earthly sojourn, faith, friend, genius, glory hallelujah, grace, guidance, hanging out with Jesus, hard experience, high priest, I am halfway home, I am meek, I will give you rest, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, in the presence of Jesus, infirmities, intercession, Jesus Christ, LOVE, loving, lowly in heart, mercy, my burden is light, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my testimony, my yoke is easy, natural inteligence, obtain mercy, our High Priest, our Lord and Saviour, out on a limb, praise and thanksgiving, promise, rest, sin, sympathize, take my yoke upon you, tempted, the breath of life, the Good Book, the great invitation, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, the Son of God, the throne of grace, them's the breaks, to a glorious future with Jesus, to help in time of need, we will follow the Lord, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, with God's help, without sin, worship
Hebrews 4:16. Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ah Friends, it looks like it’s going to be another nice day, but right now the ole fella’s shaking it a bit on the rough side. (smile) I guess it all has to do with rest; with not getting enough of that most precious commodity. And to make matters worse, I was rudely awakened by a couple of cramps in my legs. It doesn’t get any better than that. (smile)
But what can I say eh? Them’s the breaks! Cause it’s nobody’s fault but my own. Anyhow we going to putter and stutter along in faith, and with God’s help, we WILL produce a Bit that’s worthy of our heavenly Father.
And since today is Wednesday, it is only appropriate that we get wailing with our Wednesday Wail. So mih breddren, let’s wail nuh, in all sincerity and truth.
As one wailer 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!’
Ah Friends, what a glorious future that promises to be! Not looking back at all my past mistakes, but just ploughing straight ahead with Jesus by my side; continually being in the presence of, hanging out with the Son of God, Jesus Christ…Chuh!
How could it get any better than that eh mih breddren? No way! But for some inexplicable reason(s), too many of us opt not to accept that promise of being continually in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That’s a fool’s wisdom my people!
And yuh know what? To show you why that attitude is unwise, right now, in my rough and ragged state, I am going to take hold of that promise and do like our Bit says: ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’
And oh how I do need grace aplenty right now to help me find the right things and words to say in this work of praise and thanksgiving to our great God! What other faith offers such a wonderful opportunity eh Friends? No other! So why would I not partner with Jesus under those conditions eh? To me it’s a no-brainer.
And listen to what the scholars say re our Bit. ‘4:16. Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest (Jesus Christ). That figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed.’
And believe you me, I desperately needed it, and went straight to the Father’s throne and pleaded for grace to do His will. And without any problems, through His Holy Spirit which dwells within me, He granted me the discernment, the guidance and wisdom to write what I’m writing now.
How can I not LOVE and worship Him then eh? Otherwise I’d be left hanging out on a limb to dry, alone and unable to help myself.
Ah mih people when I talk about being Friends with Jesus, some of you no doubt chuckle and possibly think I’m crazy. But I am only talking from hard experience here. And you will never know how wonderful it is to serve Jesus, until you actually begin to do so.
As the Good Book says, it’s all done through belief and faith. If you don’t have them, how can you know what they’re all about eh? And how do you think I’ve been writing this Bit for…for some eight years now eh? Do you think it’s through my natural intelligence and brilliance, my innate genius? Definitely not!
It’s only been possible through the powerful, ever-faithful and ever-present help of the Holy Trinity! Many days I’ve come to write with no clue whatsoever about what I was going to write about. But in His own way and timing, He has ALWAYS led me to write something worthy of His name.
And the great thing about turning to Jesus for help and intercession is that He, in His earthly sojourn experienced all the aches and pains and disappointments that we’re now going through, so he understands what’s happening with us.
As the Good Book says before our Bit: ‘For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ (Heb.5:15)
Yes Friends, Jesus was tempted in all areas of life, just like we are. The only difference is that unlike us, He did not yield to the temptations and remained sinless during His earthly pilgrimage. But He understands better than anybody else, exactly what we are going through.
So this Wednesday morning in early October of 2015, I am beseeching, I am imploring us to turn to Him for succour and comfort. Nobody else does it the LOVING, caring, compassionate and friendly way that He does. Just listen to this awesome promise as we close. It is called the Great Invitation!
‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle and humble) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30)
Oh Friends, oh Friends, that is truly the GREATEST invitation that’s ever been uttered! And Jesus has no reason to lie, because He is God and thus able to do whatever He promises! So please wake up, be wise and turn to Him today nuh. I guarantee that that will be the wisest decision you’ll ever make in this life. Much LOVE!
…as for me and mine…oh…without a doubt…we will definitely follow the Lord…
P.S. Friends, today’s Bit is a fine example of our God’s grace and mercy. At the beginning I was feeling rough and had no idea what to write, except our Wednesday Wail.
And now, having gone confidently to the throne, look at how much I’ve written – more than I actually bargained for. And I know it’s not all nonsense. So that’s my story, my testimony. And I’m sticking to it. (smile) Much LOVE!
30 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all flesh is as grass, all the glory of man as the flower of grass, believe in Christ, but my words shall not pass away, calls the faithful to courage, damnation, death, dental work, eternal life, excruciating pain, follow Christ's commandments, glory hallelujah, guide and protect us, heaven and earth shall pass away, I am halfway home, I had a hard night, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, it was a rough night, Jesus Christ, LOVE, my children walk in truth, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no greater joy, no ifs ands and buts, our Lord and Saviour, painkillers, peace, pilgrim's journey, Prince Buster, righteousness., salvation, severe discomfort, testify to the truth, Thank the Lord, the Alpha and Omega, the breath of life, the earth shall wax old like a garment, the flower falls away, the grass withers, the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, the privileged few, the same yesterday today and for ever, the solution cause more problems, the stomach growling for food, the word of the Lord endures for ever, to a glorious future with Jesus, unrelenting pain, walk steadfastly with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
Matthew 24:35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Ah mih people, in the immortal words of the old Jamaican singer, Prince Buster, I have to say: ‘I had a hard night…last night. It was a rough night…last night. I feel so mash up today…’ (smile)
Unfortunately though, my hard and rough night was not a result of sexual activity, like the Prince was referring to in his song, but of a trying and unrelenting pain in my right cheek, the results of dental work. Hn!
Ah Lord eh! That’s what happens when the solution causes more problems than the original problem. The tooth in the upper right corner only caused me problems when eating. Otherwise it didn’t hurt at all. But in my wisdom I decided to go and get it and another problem fixed before they escalated.
Now I was finished at the dentist around 12.30 p.m, left there obviously with my whole face fat and unfeeling because the other problem was in the bottom left half of my mouth. However, I ran around and did a few errands before the rain started falling and I decided to just come home and rest and wait for the freezing to go away.
Now the bottom left freezing went away before the top right and brother, when that did eventually go away, around four o’clock, the pain began seriously. And though it was not a terrible, terrible pain, it was sufficient to cause severe discomfort, as any pain in one’s face is liable to do.
I couldn’t even eat anything solid, because any pressure on the tooth just caused more excruciating pain. And to make matters worse, I did not have any breakfast before I went to the dentist, so the ole stomach was growling for food. Finally about 5 o’clock I made some porridge and drank that to ease the pains in the stomach..
And though I tried valiantly to wait out the pain in my jaw, I had to take some painkillers around 9.pm. But by 3 a.m that had worn off and I got up with my cheek throbbing again. More painkillers followed, and I finally got back to sleep.
Right now it’s not feeling too bad, though in the background I can still feel a slight throb. Hope that’s the end of the strong pain yes, and I don’t have to take any more painkillers. And that’s my story for this morning. (smile)
But Friends, if that’s my biggest problem, then I can truly say, thank the Lord, because compared to the problems of a majority of the world that is indeed a minor one. Many of them don’t even have a dentist around that they could go to, even if they have the necessary funds.
So many of them don’t have any clothes, food or shelter, and here I am complaining about a little pain. Chuh! But that’s how it goes when you live amongst the privileged few in this dangerous and turbulent world. Anyway, enough about me, it’s Wednesday, so let’s wail our Wednesday Wail with much sincerity and truth.
As one enthusiastic wailer 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!’
Yes Friends, that is exactly where our focus ought to be; on the wonderful future of salvation and eternal life that we have assured with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour! But that’s only if we sincerely believe in Him and follow His commandments.
Otherwise, we’ll just end up in death and eternal damnation. And believe me, that is not a very nice place to spend eternity. And we have the assurance of that from Jesus Himself as He says in our Bit: ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.’
Now that is indeed a truth that we cannot query! Why? Because it comes from God Himself! And simple logic dictates that if we can query God’s Word, then He can’t be a true God. End of story!
Now let’s check out a couple of scripture passages that testify to the truth of Jesus’ words. Listen to Isaiah as he calls the faithful to courage. ‘Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and earth shall wax (grow) old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.’ (Is.51:6)
Yes Friends, our God and His righteousness will last forever; no ifs, ands and buts about that!
Now hear Peter as he stresses the words of Isaiah, hundreds of years later. ‘For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word (spoken word) of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’ (1 Pet.1:24-25)
Oh my brethren, when something is true, you simply cannot deny it. And that’s the way it is with the words of Jesus; undeniably true!
And we’ll end with these simple but ever so true words from Hebrews. ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.’ (Heb.13:8)
Yes my people, our Jesus: the ‘Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.’ (Rev.1:8)
Now my fellow believers, may we walk steadfastly and sincerely with Jesus, and may He guide and protect us, give us His wisdom and His peace, as we tread this woeful earth in our pilgrim’s journey. Much LOVE!
…I have no greater joy…than to hear that my children walk in truth… (3 John 4)
23 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a hell of a thing, abominable sinners, Almighty God created the world, another glorious day on God's great earth, bring all things to your remembrance, cast Him out of our society, consequences for disobedience, disobedience, draw closer to Jehovah God, even unto you old age I am he, facade, friends, glory hallelujah, God is our God, gospel truth, hardheaded, He shall teach you all things, he will be our guide even unto death, I am halfway home, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, indisputable truth, Jesus is ever-faithful, let not your heart be troubled, like a spring of water, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, not as the world giveth, obstinacy, pay a substantial price, Peace i leave with you, reluctant to embrace Jesus, stupidity, the breath of life, the Comforter, the end of our mortal lives, the Holy Spirit, the lake of fire, the Lord shall guide thee continually, the Lord shall make fat thy bones, the Lord shall satisfy thy soul in drought, the sons of Korah, this God is our God for ever and ever, this is the day the Lord has made, thou shalt be like a watered garden, to a glorious future with Jesus, trust, unwise decision, we will rejoice and be glad in it, Wednesday Wail, willing to revile Jesus, wisdom, words of comfort, you can lead a horse to water, you can lead a human to Jesus, you can't make him believe, you can't make it drink
Psalm 48:14. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death.
Oh Friends, welcome to another glorious day on God’s great earth! Wow! These days are so filled with sunshine and cool breezes that it’s not funny.
But apparently the ole fella’s head is filled with stupidity, because I did the same thing I did two nights ago; I went to bed even earlier than before with the same unhappy results. I awoke at an hour that didn’t thrill me, so I turned and tossed until I finally fell asleep again, then got up late with the usual back pains. Chuh!
How hardheaded can one body be eh? Anyway, I sincerely hope that I’ve learned my lesson now. And the strange part is that the first time I awaken, I usually feel fresh and alive, but I just find that it’s too early to get up, since I’ve only had a few hours sleep. Then when I do get up, I feel lousy.
So the solution seems to be either to go to bed late, or simply get up when the good Lord awakens me the first time. Obstinacy is a hell of a thing yes! (smile)
In any case it’s still a wonderful day, so let’s all declare: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it, come what may!’
And today is Wednesday, so that means it’s wailing time. So let’s wail nuh mih breddren, with sincerity and godly feeling. ‘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 Friends, if we stay focused on Jesus our future will indeed be glorious! Down here on earth, as well as in heaven above at the end of our mortal lives. That is what He’s promised and He is ever-faithful to fulfill His promises. He hasn’t reneged on not even one as yet, and He never will!
So I don’t know or understand why so many people today are so reluctant to embrace Jesus and His most worthwhile cause. Why they are so willing to revile Him and cast Him out of our society when He gave up His holy and sinless life to save a bunch of abominable sinners?
But my brethren please remember that Almighty God created the world and still controls it, regardless of what you might think or see, and there are consequences to disobedience and evil working against His heavenly realm.
That brings us to our sterling Bit from Psalm 48; a song from the sons of Korah, titled, ‘God is our God.’ And the psalmist ends it with these beautiful and indisputably true words.‘For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death.’
Yes my people, that’s the gospel truth! As we said above, the Lord made us and controls us. He has a plan for every life that He’s made, and if we choose not to follow it, that’s our decision. But be sure that we will pay a substantial price for that unwise decision come the judgement day.
And it’s not like the Lord hasn’t promised elsewhere to be our guide and defender. In our Bit from yesterday He plainly stated it thus: ‘And even unto your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs (gray hairs) will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.’ (Is.46:4)
That’s an awesome promise Friends! So why do we hesitate to accept it eh and consequently draw closer to Jehovah God? I truly don’t know. I guess the flash and dash of the things of the world hold us in such thrall that it’s difficult to let go and turn to God.
But please remember Friends, the things of the world are like beautiful vessels on the outside, merely an inviting façade, but inside they are either empty or filled with evil and darkness, and none of them will last longer than this lifetime.
Remember too that Beelzebub is the master of deceit, so please don’t fall for His wiles and lies. He can do nothing for us besides get us thrown into the lake of fire, come the end times. So if that is what you want, then go right ahead and bow down, kow-tow to Him and His evil rapscallions. Just be warned that it will all come back to hurt you in the end.
Meanwhile listen to this wonderful promise from Jehovah God. ‘And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought (dry places), and make fat (strengthen) thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.’ (Is.58:11)
Oh Friends, the Lord did exactly that for His people Israel when they were obedient to His commands, and He will do the same for us if we heed His will. And furthermore, after Jesus sacrificed His life to pay for our sins, making us worthy to come to God in His name, the Lord was still so gracious and merciful to send His Spirit to live in us to lead and guide us.
Listen to Jesus tell it like it is. ‘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.’ (John 14:26) And we all know the big splash the Holy Spirit made when it finally fell on the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2)
And my people that same Spirit dwells within each and every believer today, to lead and guide and comfort us down here on this earthly pilgrimage. So how can we in all truth deny that God is our guide, our leader and protector eh? That’s utter nonsense!
And we’ll end with the immortal words of comfort that Jesus spoke to His disciples after promising that the Holy Ghost would come to them and ultimately to us. ‘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 15:27)
Now that my brethren, is the ultimate in wisdom and trust! Please embrace it. Much LOVE!
…you can lead a horse to water…but you can’t make it drink…likewise you can lead a human to Jesus…but you can’t make him believe…
09 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a faithful ambassador brings health, a wicked messenger falls into trouble, above reproach, ambassador in bonds, ambassadorial position, as though God did beseech you by us, be in the world, be not conformed to this world, be ye reconciled to God, be ye transformed, bounden duty, by the renewing of your mind, caught up in the world, children of God, Christians, confer with God, convert the heathen, earthly riches, edifying, encouraging, eternal life, faithful messengers of Christ, glory hallelujah, God's Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, he refresheth the soul of his masters, heavenly wisdom, hidden truth of the gospel, I am halfway home, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, imbued with Christ's Spirit, in Christ's stead, keep moving right along, keep them from the evil(one), material wealth, minister on Christ's behalf, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, not a part of the world, open my mouth boldly, our earthly purpose and duty, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, perseverance, prayer, prayer is indispensable, praying always, praying for each other, praying for the saints, putting on the armour of God, salvation, sincerity, steadfastly focused on Jesus, supplication, thank God, the breath of life, the church at Ephesus, the good news of the gospel, the mystery of the gospel, the perfect will of God, the representative of one country to another, the righteousness of God, the values and systems of the world, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, ungodly and unrighteous activities, uplifting, we are ambassadors for Christ, we pray you, Wednesday Wail, well versed in the things of God
2 Corinthians 5:20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you, in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God.
Well Friends, it looks like it’s going to be a warm, wet and windy Wednesday in my area. The wet has not begun as yet, but the skies are dark and the wind is getting itself together. (smile)
However, as children of God, we just have to keep moving right along as best we can. And to encourage us, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail nuh, with all sincerity and truth.
As one 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 so it should be my brethren! Our eyes ought to be steadfastly focused on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and not on the world and the evil involved thereof! For as Jesus prayed the Father when His time was nigh, re His disciples and eventually us: ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one).’ (John 17:16)
Yes Friends, Jesus wanted us to be in the world, but not be a part of the world, so that we could minister to the evil world around us. Unfortunately though, too many of us believers have been caught up in the world and all its ungodly and unrighteous activities, like steadfastly seeking its material wealth and riches, instead of the righteousness of the kingdom of God.
Oh my people, we need to remember that we’ve been placed here to convert the heathen, not to be converted by them. And our Bit so clearly reminds us of our earthly purpose and duty. ‘Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you, in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God.’
Yes my brethren, we have been charged with the most worthy job of being an ambassador for Christ here on earth, and that post, like any other earthly ambassadorial position, carries very significant and important duties.
Now an ambassador is the representative of one country to another, and as such there are certain rules he must follow very closely. The first thing an ambassador of an earthly state does, is confer with his boss about his role and responsibility, what he can and cannot do, both pertaining to the rules and regulations of his country as well as that of the one to which he is been posted.
And as ambassadors of Christ, we believers need to do the same thing, confer with our leader, God Almighty, through prayer, His Word and consultation with fellow Christians. Before we can begin our ambassadorial jobs we need to know what we can and cannot do.
That means we need to be well versed in the things of God, so that we can go out into the evil, ungodly world and minister on Christ’s behalf, take His wonderful message, the good news of the gospel, of salvation and eternal life to the unbelievers. And we can only do that properly if we stay focused on, and in close communication with our heavenly Father, be led and guided by His Holy Spirit.
The same way an earthly ambassador needs to be above reproach while living in another country, so we ambassadors of Christ also need to be above reproach in this tumultuous world. Note too, praying for each other is a very important part of our work.
As Bruh Paul told the Ephesians re putting on the armour of God: ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery (hidden truth) of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds (chains): that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.’ (Eph.6:18-20)
Yes Friends, prayer is always necessary. In fact it’s indispensable in a believer’s life. Even the wonderful and protective armour of God is useless if prayer doesn’t accompany it. We see Bruh Paul imploring the church at Ephesus to pray for him, even though he was greatly imbued with Christ’s Spirit, that he might boldly and confidently speak the truth of Christ to the heathen.
And if Bruh Paul needed prayer to help him perform his duties, how much more do we need it eh? Ah mih breddren, that is what fellowship is about; edifying, uplifting, encouraging and praying for the saints of Jesus, so that we can do our job with excellence and thus glorify God here on earth.
Now let’s look at a few scriptures that enlighten us re our ambassadorial role in Christ Jesus. First up are Cousin Sol’s wise words from Proverbs. ‘A wicked messenger falleth into mischief (trouble): but a faithful ambassador is (brings) health.’ (Prov.13:17) And we all know that that’s no lie, as we see and read everyday in this confused and evil world.
And Bruh Paul told the church at Rome in no uncertain manner. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom.12:2)
Yes Friends, we are to seriously and sincerely resist becoming like the world, adopting its values and systems, and continually seek and search for the will of God, so that we can be worthwhile ambassadors in His name.
And we’ll close with more words of godly wisdom from Cousin Sol. ‘As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.’ (Prov.25:13)
Oh my people, my people, doesn’t that speak volumes to us? It ought to. That’s why today I’m imploring us to do whatever it takes to be faithful messengers of Christ, so that we can refresh His soul, put a smile on His face, and warm the cockles of His sacrificial heart. That’s not only heavenly wisdom, but also our bounden duty! Much LOVE!
…to represent Jesus properly…we need to know Him intimately…
02 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, a day begun with Jesus, a godly life, a good name is better than precious ointment, a good name is to be chosen above riches, a good report makes the bones fat, a good reputation, a shout of thanks, a shout out to Jesus, Advocate, Alpha and Omega, bawling, born again, conflict, earthly riches, every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, excellence, faith, forgiveness, fruits of the Spirit, glory, glory hallelujah, glory to God, godly principles, good character, halfway home, head holding, high priest, holy spirit, hope, human nature, I'm not focusing on the past, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, in heaven alongside Jesus, in our own strength, integrity, jehovah god, Jesus christ is Lord, joy, kindness, King of Kings, Lord and Saviour, Lord of Lords, LOVE, loving favour rather than silver or gold, material things, meekness, merciful God, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no beating about the bush, praise, prince of peace, seek God's favour, self-control, stay focused on God, stress, the breath of life, the day of death, the day of one's birth, the light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, the obits, the straight and narrow path, the vicissitudes of life, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, understanding, wealth, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, worries
Proverbs 22:1. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING favour rather than silver and gold.
Aye Friends, it’s wailing Wednesday! So let us wail nuh. (smile) ‘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 people, it’s simple, straightforward and to the point! No beating about the bush! If it’s a day for wailing, then why not wail from the very beginning eh?
But you know something else my brethren? A li’l wail, a li’l shout out to Jesus when you wake up in the morning to face a brand new day, is the best way to begin it.
Why? Because it causes you to be more focused, filled with more joy, more LOVE, faith, hope, kindness, forgiveness and mercy…more of the fruits of the spirit, like meekness and self-control. And those of you who practice it, know that I am telling the truth.
Oh my fellow believers, as well as you unbelievers, believe me, a day begun with Jesus WILL outshine any that’s not begun with Him, where He is not the focus of our minds, body and souls! So please, let’s pledge that from here on in, every morning that we arise and don’t see our name in the obits, that we’ll give Jesus a wail, a shout out of thanks and praise and glory.
And if we do happen to see our name in the obits, (smile) well then there’s no need to worry, because we’ll be right there in heaven alongside Jesus, exactly where we want to be.
Oh Glory to God, for giving us such a wonderful Lord and Saviour, Prince of Peace, Advocate, High Priest, the Alpha and Omega, Lord of Lords and King of Kings, to whom each knee will eventually bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord indeed! Glory Hallelujah!
And like our good God is trying to tell us something significant this morning, because I was led to a rather interesting Bit from Cousin Sol, namely, that ‘A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING favour rather than silver and gold.’ Oh my people, is that ever so true!
And as the scholars explain it: ‘22:1. A good reputation is more important that wealth.’
Oh if we’d only believe that my brethren, and stop running down the worthless wealth of material things and earthly riches, our lives would be so much better; less stress, less conflict, less head holding and bawling.
That’s what our great and merciful God is trying to tell us today; be a person of good character, one of integrity and excellence, seek my favour, rather than the world’s, and your life will be amazing.
Oh Friends, I know that when the vicissitudes of life come upon us, it’s not always easy to stay focused on Jesus, but we just have to do our best, so that we can receive His best.
When the money and health and relationship worries tumble down on us, it’s difficult not to try and withstand and/or overcome them in our own strength, although we have the faithful promises of our Lord to look after and provide for all our needs. It’s just human nature.
But since we are born again in the Holy Spirit, we need to put away those worldly fantasies and seize the opportunity to stay focused on God and His things, which are way more lasting and edifying than the things of the world. We can’t buy a good name, integrity or character with earthly wealth, although a lot of us are trying to do it, especially in these heady times of upcoming elections.
Earlier on in Proverbs, Cousin Sol tells us that ‘The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat (healthy). (Prov.15:30)
That’s ever so true Friends! When our eyes are opened with wisdom, our hearts rejoice, and when we are commended for our stellar behaviour, integrity and character, it does raise the level of our health; physically, spiritually and emotionally. There’s nothing like people saying good and truthful things about us.
As Cousin Sol say in Ecclesiastes 7: ‘A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.’ (Eccl.7:1)
Yes Friends, wise living, and we’re talking about godly not worldly wisdom, is ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO GO!
And you cannot be led down that straight and narrow path by anyone else other than Jehovah God.
So please, let’s go to Him today nuh, right now, if necessary, and sincerely ask Him to grant us the wisdom and understanding we need to live a wise and godly life, one that’s ever so pleasing to Him. For that is indeed wisdom to the nth degree…everlasting wisdom! Much LOVE!
…godly principles cannot be bought with earthly wealth…
26 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a follower of Jesus Christ, almighty god, anxious, blessings, Christian, confidence, deal with whatever comes our way, divide the spoil, eternal life, faith, faithfulness, food and gladness, fretful, fruitful seasons, give thanks, glorify, glory hallelujah, glory to God, Glory to god in the highest, God is holy and all-powerful, God-given propensity, goodness, goodwill to all, grace, halfway home, holiness, I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, joy, joy of the harvest, Labour Day, leave all the consequences to Him, lord of hosts, LOVE, Messiah, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are fixed securely on the plough, no need to worry, obedience, obey God, our Father in heaven, peace, people that walked in darkness, prince of peace, prosper, rain from heaven, rejoice, salvation, spiritual strength, surrender, tension, the big chill, the breath of life, the Most High God, the shadow of death, them's the breaks, thou hast put gladness in my heart, thou Lord only makes me dwell in safety, to a glorious future with Jesus, trust, trust in Almighty God, Uncle Charles, upon them a light hath shined, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, witness, worry, worship, you shall reap what you sow
Psalm 4:7-8. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
And then it was Wednesday! Yes Friends, another cloudy looking day in my neck of the woods, with highs only going up to about 20 C. Can you imagine that it’s not quite the end of August and I had to shut my windows last night because it was a bit on the chilly side?
Chuh! The summer looks like it has come and gone, but it was never really here. (smile) And come September, right after Labour Day, we know that the big chill begins. I don’t know if we’ve had two weeks of truly hot days altogether this summer. But them’s the breaks, we just have to deal with them as they come.
That’s one of the many blessings of being a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ; we have the God-given propensity to deal with whatever comes our way, knowing that our Father in heaven is constantly watching over and looking out for us.
And all God’s people declared a loud and proud, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill to all!’ Yes my people, on Jesus’ behalf, that’s what we’re spreading; glory to God, and peace and goodwill to all and sundry.
Now since it’s Wednesday, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail nuh. As one wailer now. (smile) ‘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!’
Ah mih breddren, I can’t tell you exactly how glorious that future with Jesus will be nuh, but if He’s promised it, then in His utmost and awesome faithfulness, He WILL keep His promise. No need to worry or be fretful and anxious about anything.
As Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) likes to say, the best way to live this earthly life is to obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. And that is gospel truth my people!
Now let us take a gander at our Bit, the same most worthy scripture of yesterday. ‘Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.’
Oh my people, there’s such joy and peace, such a release of worry and tension when we place our sincere and complete trust in Almighty God! When we truly surrender our lives to Him, a shade of grace comes over our lives. Glory to God!
For in our obedience He does put gladness in our hearts and allows us to dwell here on earth amongst the heathen and the infidel with confidence and true spiritual strength. No other supposed god really does that, but our Jehovah.
And when Isaiah promised that the Prince of Peace, our Messiah would come to save us, he confidently declared. ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation and not increased (increased) the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy of the harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil (plunder).’ (Is.9:2-3)
Yeh Friends, that awesome promise was fulfilled when Jesus came to earth in the form of a human being and took all our sins on His person, gave us a bright light shining in the oppressive darkness of the evil world, and filled our hearts with inconceivable joy and peace. Mama Mia!
Oh what a wonderful day that was! But we can’t enjoy that joy and premium harvest unless and until we put our sure trust and faith in Him. It’s God’s basic law; whatever you sow, that shall you reap. So if you don’t sow belief, obedience and trust, then you won’t reap the bountiful harvest of joy and gladness and bright shining light. It’s as simple as that my brethren.
And as Bruh Paul was saying to the people of Lystra, before they stoned him and carted him out of the city and left him for dead. ‘Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.’ (Acts 14:17)
And the scholars explain that verse thus. ’14:17. Even though all men have not received the special revelation of God’s written Word, all have received God’s general revelation which is witnessed through the creation and man’s own nature, making man without excuse if he rejects this (Rom. 1:18-20: 2:14-15). Romans 1 states that the context of general revelation is that God is holy and all-powerful. Acts 14:17 further states that He is good.’
Yes Friends, our God is certainly holy and all-powerful and good, and has made that known to all mankind. We reject His holiness and goodness at our own peril, jeopardizing our salvation and eternal life. And if you read the references above, you will better understand what it’s all about.
Now my fellow believers, please let us get ourselves together on this faithful Wednesday morning, and wisely and faithfully appreciate and glorify and LOVE and worship and give sincere thanks to the Most High God, the Lord of Hosts, as we are supposed to do, for that is indeed wisdom of the highest order. Much LOVE!
…it’s proven fact…that when we praise, worship and magnify God…we prosper, have joy and gladness and peace…so why be foolish and do otherwise eh…
05 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a high priest, a mystery, a successful journey with Christ, all praise and thanks, an evil conscience, arthritis, as ye see the day approaching, aseembling together, atonement for sins, awesome truth, blazed the trail, boldness, by the blood of Jesus, Calvary's cross, confdence, conspiracy, encouraging, enter into the holiest, eternal life, evil hooks, exhorting one another, faith, fellowship, finished the course, friends, full assurance of faith, glory hallelujah, godless deeds, good works, gospel truth, hatred, hobbling around, hold fast the profession of our faith, holy spirit, hopes and dreams, I am halfway home, I am the way the truth and the life, I'm not turning back, Im not looking back at the past, Jesus Christ, Jesus is advocating for us, Jesus is the greatest, keep our focus on Jesus, LOVE, Lucifer, minion, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no man comes to the Father but by me, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, pain, positive connotaion, precious blood, reciprocal encouragement, salvation, saviour jesus, spiritual food, stir up LOVE, stir up strife, strengthening, tentacles, the author and finisher of our faith, the breath of life, the evil one, the Holy Place of God, the Holy Spirit, the house of God, the Lamb that was slain, the light of the world, the one and only superstar, the straight and narrow path, the veil, to a glorious future with Jesus, to humble me, true heart, uplifting words, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, without wavering, worship, write indelibly in our hearts
John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Oh Friends, I don’t understand it nuh; it’s a mystery that I can go to bed feeling fairly okay and wake up a few hours later experiencing serious pain in places that weren’t paining before I went to bed. Hn! I thought rest and sleep were supposed to calm those things, not heighten them.
Chuh! I woke up a little while ago with my right knee giving me beans, and that hasn’t been hurting me, it’s the left one that’s recently been problematic. So there I was subsequently, hobbling around like the old man I refuse to be, trying to put out the garbage and chuckling somewhat unhappily to my self.
But yuh know what, it’s a conspiracy! Yes Arthur (arthritis), the minion of the evil one, is desperately trying to humble me before his wicked master. But please tell Arthur for me that that will NEVER happen!
Not as long as our great God sits on His throne in heaven on high, which He will do forever, neither as long as our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus stands by His side advocating on my behalf, or as long as the Holy Spirit dwells within me!
No Friends Lucifer will never get his evil hooks into me, or wrap his mushy tentacles around me, once the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are in control of things. And to bring that even more forcibly home to Mr. Arthur and his evil boss, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail, which is most appropriate in this situation.
Please wail with me people: ‘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 my people, if we want to make it successfully through this wicked and ungodly world we have to constantly keep our focus on Jesus! There is no other way! Remember His promise of salvation in our Bit ‘I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh to the Father but by me.’ And He is also the LIGHT of this evil and darkened world.
And I like how the scholars put it, re our Bit. ‘14:6. Jesus does not tell them about the way, nor does He show them the way. He does not even guide them along the way. He says He is the way!’
And that’s an awesome truth that ALL believers need to acknowledge, to write indelibly in their hearts, souls and minds if they want to have a successful journey with Him. Glory Hallelujah! All praise and thanks be to the Lamb that was slain for us, whose precious blood was spilled at Calvary’s cross so that we could gain atonement from our abominable sins!
Yes my brethren, Jesus is indeed THE GREATEST! The ONE and ONLY Superstar! All our hopes and dreams begin and end with Him. As the author of Hebrews so wisely reminds us; He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb.12:2)
Or as the scholars put it. ‘He has already blazed the trail and finished the course.’ So we don’t have to do any more trail-blazing, just follow the straight and narrow path that He has laid out for us, all the way to salvation and eternal life with Him and the Father. There’s absolutely nothing better than that in this confused and troubled world!
Now listen to these encouraging and uplifting words from the author of Hebrews, where he issues a plea to the early believers to hold on to their new faith. ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness (confidence) to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say the flesh; and having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering: (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching’ (Heb.10:19-25)
Oh Friends, that same plea is crying out to us today, in these dark and dismal times! Jesus is the ONLY WAY to overcome them!
Now let’s get some explanations from the scholars re those verses: ’10:20. Jesus Christ is the new and living way by which believers have direct access into the very Holy Place of God (cf. 4:14; 6:20; 7:25; John 14:6).’ Please check out those references my people, as they will certainly help to enlighten us in the scriptures.
’10:24. The word translated provoke (Gr. paroxysmos) usually has a negative sense, as is witnessed by its only other New Testament usage (Acts 15:39). The positive connotation which the word has in the present text means to stir up. It is easy to stir up hatred and godless deeds; it take much more to stir up another to LOVE and to good works.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth Friends, it’s much easier to stir up strife than LOVE, especially in these godless times!
‘10:25. Not forsaking the assembling: This admonition involves far more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is the outward indication of an inner condition. The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained from one another (cf. Col.3:12-16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor.12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.’
And I say a loud and proud ‘Amen’ to that! There we have it Friends, the reason for going to church, for Christians assembling together in the name of Jesus Christ!
Now let’s go out today, and every day, and work diligently, sincerely and faithfully on behalf of our Lord and Saviour nuh, for that is the ultimate wisdom of this life. Much LOVE!
…following the path that Jesus blazed…and doing His will…brings the greatest joy and eventual richest reward…spending eternity with Him…
P.S. Oh Friends, I know it’s long and late, but that’s all made up for in its wonderful information and its intrinsic beauty! (smile) Much LOVE!
29 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: beautiful fall colours, Christian's response, comparative attributes of God, cry out to God, depressive mood, destiny, dour and sour, dreams are born, Each day is a gift from God, fearfully and wonderfully made, fish are jumpin, glory to God, God's eyes saw my substance, God's omnipotence, halfway home, heaven, hell, how precious thy thoughts unto me, hush little baby, I was made in secret, I'm not turning back, if there be any wicked way in me, Jesus came that we might have life, Jesus id the ultimate winner, Jesus is the way the truth and the life, know my anxious thoughts, know my heart, lead me in the way everlasting, let it all hang out, light of our salvation, morose, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, not looking back at the past, O Lord thou hast searched me and known me, omni-presence, omniscience, our responses to the seasons, psalm 139, put all our hopes and dreams on Jesus, rebirth of enthusiasm, sad, search me, summertime, surrender to God, the breath of life, the cotton is high, the days are hot and sticky, the living is easy, thought-provoking, to a glorious future with Jesus, try me, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, wrought in the lowest parts of the earth, your daddy's rich, your mama's good looking
Psalm 139:12. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Oh Friends, it’s ‘Summertime, And the livin’ is easy. Fish are jumpin’, And the cotton is high. Oh your daddy’s rich, and your mama’s good looking, So hush little baby, Don’t you cry.’
Yes Friends, let’s live the words of the Gershwin Brothers lyrics and not cry and complain because it’s the time of year we so avidly look forward to; summer. The days are hot and sticky, but we’re thankful it’s not freezing and we have to dress up in several layers of clothes and spend so much time inside.
And it’s certainly amusing and thought-provoking the way the weather plays on our emotions and our responses to each season. In winter we’re somewhat dour and sour (smile).
Then when spring comes along we lighten up some, a rebirth of enthusiasm seems to take place. As the cooler winds blow and the trees come out in their spring green colours, we begin to get lively with all sorts of dreams being born.
And when the big one hits, when summer finally rolls around, oh we just get crazy and let it all hang out. But not for very long though, because as fall, as autumn rolls in, the trees soon start losing their leaves, although they first provide us with some beautiful fall colours, but a depressive mood creeps in.
Then when the first snowfall hits… Chuh! We get sad and morose again thinking about the long, cold, dreary days and nights of winter and long to get away to somewhere warm and sunny. Hn, hn!
What a life mih people! But it’s ours and we’ll be foolish not to enjoy it as much as we can, for remember Jesus said that He came to give us life, and that more abundantly. (John 10:10)
So regardless of the temperature or the kind of weather we’re currently enjoying, please, let’s go out everyday and enjoy it to the best of our ability, knowing and believing that it’s another beautiful gift from God, and that He has something important planned for our day, that’s why we’re still alive. End of sermon! (smile)
And since today is Wednesday, let’s wail on nuh. Please wail with me. ‘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’s exactly how it ought to be my brethren! Our focus should always be on Jesus, for He is indeed the Way, the Truth, the Life and the Light of our salvation. Glory to God!
And we’ll continue today with our Bit from that beautiful Psalm 139 –The everlasting presence and power of God. ‘O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.’ Yes Friends, our God knows all about us, as intimately as we can be known, because He created us, formed us in our mother’s womb, and we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’
And Bruh David reminds us of that, as we continue from where we left off yesterday. ‘My substance (frame) was not hid from thee when I was made in secret, and curiously (skillfully) wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect (unformed); and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned (the days fashioned for me) when as yet there were none.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.’ (Ps.139:15-18)
Yes Friends, our God planned, designed and formed us, writing the details of our members in His book before they even existed, even before they began forming. Then He sat and LOVINGLY watched us grow in our mother’s wombs. Isn’t He just a marvellous Deity? He surely is!
Now the scholars grace us with some info on the Comparative Attributes of God as it pertains to Psalm 139, and I would be greatly amiss if I didn’t share it with you.
‘Psalm 139. The comparative attributes of God contrast human abilities with the divine nature. Everyone has some knowledge, but only God has all knowledge (omniscience). Everyone has presence, but only God has presence at all times everywhere (omnipresence). Every person has some degree of power, but only God has unlimited power (omnipotence).
Illustration: Psalm 139 lays a foundation for understanding the comparative attributes. The omniscience of God is seen in verses 1-6. The omnipresence of God is seen in verses 7-11. The omnipotence of God is seen in verses 12-16.
Application: A Christian’s response to the comparative attributes of God should be to surrender to His leadership because He is wise, He is able to protect us, and He knows the true way to life with Himself. (First Ref. Gen.3:8; Primary Ref. Ps.139:1; cf. Eph.1:8).’
So Friends, it is only sane and sensible that we hand over leadership of our lives to the One who created us and controls our days and destiny down here on this earth, and through salvation in heaven, or death and destruction in hell, till eternity. Nothing else makes sense, since we can’t control much of what happens to us.
And we’ll close with some more wise and telling words from Bruh David. ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my (anxious) thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’ (Ps.139:23-24)
Ah mih people, let’s do that this morning nuh… Let’s cry out to God to search our hearts and minds and clean us up and lead us on the straight and narrow nuh. For that is indeed wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!
…the smartest bet we can ever make…is to put all our hopes and dreams on Jesus…to WIN…no show or place bets…because Jesus is indeed the irrevocable, irreversible and ultimate WINNER…Glory to God…
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