27 Mar 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a negative vein, a positive answer from heaven, bound in affliction, drought, famine, foolish pride, get rid of God, God's children, God's given us the power to get wealth, heal our land, his mercy endureth for ever, humble servants, Jehovah Rapha, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, reap the big boomerang, scourges of cancer and stress, strong faith in Christ, such as sit in darkness, thank you Lord for your magnanimous gifts, the devil's goading, the God who heals, the shadow of death, turn from our evil ways, undeserving children, weapons of mass destruction, worldwide sickness and disease
Psalm 107:1. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy (LOVING-kindness) endureth for ever.
Aye mih people, it looks like spring has really sprung this Monday morning in the last week of March. Once again, you can hear the joyful birds singing their sweet songs of morning praises to their Creator and giving their thanks for seeing another day. Now that’s what we should also be doing, because we have even more to be thankful for than the birds of the air. The sun’s up and shining brightly, and I believe the weather is above the freezing mark, giving us another reason to be glad for the air we breathe and God’s breath of life that’s energizing our souls, our bodies, and our spirits.
And all of God’s children said a grateful and thankful: ‘Thank you Lord for your magnanimous gifts to your underserving children!’ That brings to mind the opening verse of Psalm 107: ‘O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy (LOVING-kindness) endureth for ever.’ (Ps. 107:1) And that’s the indisputable truth friends! God’s mercy (LOVING-kindness) is from everlasting to everlasting! That’s why we are still around to tell the tell the tale.
Unfortunately though, not as many of us as should, do truly give God thanks for His mercy and goodness. Right now, so many people and situations are crying out for the removal of God from our society, but please think for a moment, if we actually got rid of God – which by the way will NEVER happen – what would become of us eh? We certainly can’t govern or rule ourselves. Just look at the mess we’re in right now, even with God somewhat in the picture. Can you imagine if there was no God to help us up when we falter and fall, like so many of us are doing?
And what I can’t understand, is that we can’t fix our problems, but we don’t have the wisdom to turn to God, because our foolish pride and the devil’s goading is preventing us from doing so. Oh friends, I beg of you to listen and turn back to God. Please look at what’s happening to our world; the scary, unpredictable weather conditions, with more powerful hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and so many other natural disasters than we’ve ever known at one time. Not to mention, the pervasive drought and famine all over, the economic futility and poverty in a world of plenty.
Then add the worldwide sickness and disease in a time when we’re transplanting hearts and other organs like it were child’s play, but the scourges of cancer and stress are still consuming our young in great numbers because of the food we eat and the lifestyle we live. We’ve put man on the moon and are tearing up and down in space, like it was our own backyard, while focusing on building ever bigger and more powerful weapons of mass destruction. No wonder there are wars and turbulent times all over. It’s almost impossible to find a place on the globe where there’s no strife and serious unrest.
And yet we look down our noses at the Israelites who had God’s goodness surrounding them, but when they became prosperous turned away from Him because of foolish pride, believing they had engineered their prosperity on their strength. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses warned the Israelites of that very thing. But they didn’t listen, and it’s the very same thing we are doing today. We’ve entirely forgotten that it’s the Lord God Almighty who has given us the power to get wealth and prosperity. (Deut. 8:18)
But the big difference between the Israelites and us is that when they suffered their disastrous times for turning away from God, they eventuallywoke up, realized their mistake and turned back to Him, and were reinstated in His mercy. But not us. We’re so modern and inventive, twenty-first century people, we don’t need some far away, nebulous being to handle our affairs. And that’s why all the negative stuff that’s currently overwhelming our world is going to continue, with Satan forcing us down further into the mire of darkness, until we either wake up and smell the roses, or our world implodes.
We certainly cannot continue in this negative vein, without more disastrous things happening, because each one just fuels the other. Remember the basic law of God’s economy? You reap what you sow, more than you sow and later than you sow! And we’re already reaping the harvest of our earlier negative deeds, but one day, if we persist in this negative manner, we’re certainly going to reap the big boomerang. Remember, another law of nature is what goes around comes around.
That’s why we should take these cathartic, cleansing and refreshing words of Psalm 107 very seriously. ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron (prisoners): Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned (despised) the counsel of the most High:
Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder (broke their chains in pieces). Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass (bronze), and cut the bars of iron in sunder.’ (Ps. 107: 8-16)
Yes my people, that’s what the Lord did for the children of Israel, and what He will do for us if we get wise and ask Him. And there’s no better time to do that than right now! So, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn and place our petition before Him. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And if we truly expect a positive answer from heaven, then now is time for us to keep our part of the covenant and turn from our evil ways. Much LOVE!
…God is the Creator and Controller of the universe… while we are only frail and fragile created beings…why do we keep forgetting that eh…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
17 Jan 2019
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abundant life, Amen, as sheep, be cheerful, Behold, bet your bottom dollar, C.S. Lewis, Christianity 101, Christians, comes a calling, compassionate heart, courage, creativity, curse, dissipation, don't worry, drunk with wine, entrench it deeply in our hearts, excess, exult, faithful promise, get involved, glory to God, God's Spirit, God's Word, God-like matters, goodness, growing, hard row to hoe, harmless as doves, holy spirit, hymns, I send you forth, in the midst of wolves, in the same hour, in your heart, innocent, Jesus' directive, making melody, mercy, moral intemperance, moving on, negative word, onwards, overcome the world, prompt us, prosper, psalms, read, reassurance, rejoice, rewards, saved, self-control, share with others, singing songs, steadfast, stop learning, strong, study the word, success, talent, the fear of God, the Good Book, the Spirit of your Father, the tempter, Thursday Blessings, true, undeserving children, unfairly persecuted, upwards believers in Christ, what you shall speak, wise as serpents, working for Jesus
Matthew 10:16. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent) as doves.
Moving on…Moving on…! Yes friends, we’re moving on… onwards and upwards! As believers in Jesus Christ we’re supposed to be always moving onwards and upwards in our faith and Christ-likeness – even till the day our earthly breath expires, or Jesus comes back, whichever one happens first. But unfortunately too many of us believers tend to stop learning, stop moving up, stop growing when we most need to – that’s everyday! (smile)
We can’t enjoy the abundant life Christ died for us to have and be cheerful because He’s overcome the world, unless we’re filled with His Word and His Spirit. The great spiritual writer C.S. Lewis puts it this way: ‘God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it’s not there!’ Yes my brethren, it’s only in God that we can find true peace and happiness, because that’s the only place it really exists!
And the more peace and happiness we want, the deeper and higher we’ve got to get involved in God-like matters! Rejoice and exult in His goodness and mercy! Hear, read and study His Word, then entrench it deeply in our hearts, so that when the evil tempter comes a calling we can brush him aside with powerful words and actions from the Good Book!
It’s all a part of growing up as Christians my people! Of becoming strong, steadfast and true! And that’s the ONLY way we can ever carry out Jesus’ directive: ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent) as doves.’
Ah mih people, working for Jesus is not easy, but He does give us all the tools we need to do the job! What a directive eh! Like dumb, innocent sheep in a pack of hungry, angry wolves, but wise like the serpent and yet harmless like a dove! That’s certainly a hard row to hoe with all the contrariness and contrasts it entails. But as I said before, as true believers, we have everything we need to do it!
And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Jesus further: After warning that we’d be unfairly persecuted, He calmly and sincerely directs us: ‘But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what (do not worry about what) ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in the same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.’ (Matt.10:19-20)
Mamma Mia! What reassurance my brethren! Yuh see, our Lord and Saviour doesn’t leave anything to chance. He has a provision for each and every situation that we might find ourselves in. The Holy Spirit that dwells in us will prompt us what to say and do in every situation that we face! Glory to God! Give Him thanks and praise for being so attentive to the needs of us undeserving children!
But here is the really rough part: ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Matt.10:22) Now therein lies the heart of the story. Just for being believers in Christ, we’ll be persecuted. But those who endure; stand, strong, steadfast and true throughout the severe persecution WILL be saved!
That’s Jesus’ faithful promise my fellow believers! And we all know that He doesn’t make idle promises. If He says it WILL be so, then you can bet your bottom dollar that it WILL be so! (smile) But we have to endure, and we can only do that by being shrouded in His Word and Will.
Now hear these words of Bruh Paul to the Ephesians as he explains to them the way of the believer. ‘But all things that are reproved (exposed) are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light (all sins are exposed by light). Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.’ (Eph.5:13-14) Yes my brethren, all we that are less than right with Christ need to turn from our sin and accept the promise of spiritual enlightenment that Christ offers!
And furthermore: ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise (watch carefully how you live), Redeeming the time (making the most of every opportunity), because the days are evil (and are they ever). Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Lord is.’ (Eph.5: 15-17) And the only way we can understand the Lord’s will is by having constant and excellent communication with Him and His Word!
‘And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation); but be (continually) filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ (Eph.5:18-21)
There you have it friends, Christianity 101: be filled with the Holy Spirit and not wine, which leads to moral intemperance. Learn God’s will, give continual thanks and praise in everything, and defer to others if it is in God’s will. End of sermon! (smile) And when we try to live like that, then our blessings will fall down like rain, as outlined in our Thursday Blessings. Let’s declare them (spelled it right!) in loud voice with sincere hearts.
‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection!
I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! AMEN!’
And that needs to be a big ‘AMEN’ my people because of the staggering proportions of blessings we undeservedly enjoy, and remember, are also called to share with the less fortunate. Much LOVE!
…working for Jesus is not easy…but brother…are the rewards ever excellent…and certainly worth it all…
15 Nov 2018
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: . speak evil, a compassionate heart, a good conscience, a sound mind, a thousand, abundance, always comes through, at noonday, at thy right hand, be not afraid, Bless His Holy Name, courage, cover thee, curse, destruction, dwelling place, evildoers, faith, faithfulness, fall at thy side, fear, fearsome power, flieth by day, for righteousness sake, generously dole out, give an answer, gives us a task, God has never let me down, guidance, help us to accomplish it, hemming and hawing, hope, in every believer, in his time, keep thy foot from being caught, lays waste, loving-kindness, magnanimous god, mature faith, meekness, mercy, negative word, not come near thee, nourish, nurture, of love, of power, pestilence, planted, pressure, prosper, reassurance, resist fear, reverential awe, revitalize our faith, second nature, security, self-control, shield and buckler, strong will, success, sudden fear, suffer, sufferation, take refuge in, talent, ten thousand, terror, terror by night, testify to, the arrow, the desolation of the wicked, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Good Book, the Lord shall be thy confidence, the Lord's great mercy, the Most High, the spirit of fear, Thursday's Blessings, thy habitation, Timothy, trouble, trust, truth, under his wings, undeserving children, walk in darkness, water, wisdom, with His feathers, words of strength
Proverbs 3:25. Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh.
Ah friends, I was just wondering what we should write about this morning, because I had nothing whatsoever in mind. But as always, I asked the Lord for some guidance, then opened the Good Book and shortly thereafter found something that He pointed me to. All Glory be to our great and wonderful God!
Friends, you all wouldn’t know the pressure there could be in having to write the Bit everyday, but thankfully I don’t feel any because of the Lord’s great mercy and faithfulness. All I have to do is remember to get up and write it, and I’ve been doing it for so long now it’s come like a second nature.
And if there is one thing I can testify to is the Lord’s ever-faithful faithfulness! (smile) He’s never let me down one day yet in the eleven years I’ve been writing the Bit. Granted, some days it might take a little longer than others to discover what He wants me to write about, but He always comes through – in His time! Bless His Holy name.
That’s why I can testify to the fact that He never gives us a task and then not help us to accomplish it! So whatever He’s asked you to do today, instead of hemming and hawing, simply go to Him in all sincerity and ask for His help, He will only be too glad to give it.
Now let’s see what He desires to share with us today from His word. More wise words from Cousin Sol: ‘Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh.’ What words of strength and reassurance my brethren!
And for those of you who are wondering why Cousin Sol gave that assurance. Here’s why: ‘For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (caught).’ (Prov.3:26) Oh give our great and wonderful God some thanks and praise my believing brethren for his mercy and LOVING-kindness to we undeserving children of men!
So many times in His word He assures us that we should not be afraid of what the wicked can do to us…Let’s hear some of them nuh to revitalize our faith. And I guess we can begin with this one from Bruh Paul to Timothy, which so many of us quote, but don’t seem to live by.
‘For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind.’ (2 Tim.1:7) Yes friends, that power to resist fear has been planted in every believer, it‘s then left up to each of us to water and nourish and nurture it so that it can grow into a strong and mature faith.
Now hear the psalmist as he exalts the fearsome power of our God to all who sincerely trust and take refuge in Him: ‘He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust (take refuge): his truth shall be thy shield and buckler (a small shield). Thou shalt not be afraid for (of) the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth (lays waste) at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come near thee…Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation (dwelling place).’ (Ps.91:4-7,9)
Yes my people, what security we have when we place our sincere trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! And Peter puts it this way: ‘And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy (blessed) are ye: and be not afraid of their terror (threats) neither be troubled;
But sanctify (set apart) the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer (a defense) to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (reverential awe):
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation (conduct) in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing.’ (1 Pet.3:13-17).
Ah friends, I know that’s a mouthful, (smile) but all it’s basically saying is that if we are accosted about our faith, we should have a sincere and reverential answer for the hope we have in Christ, and to give it without offense. No need to get into any heated arguments.
And if we do suffer at the hands of the wicked, better it be for doing good than doing bad, and sometimes we are asked to suffer under those circumstances as a testimony to others.
However, the Lord will eventually reward us for any ‘sufferation’ we undergo in His name. So let’s not be afraid to stand strong and steadfast in the faith and assurance of our Lord God, the Creator and Controller of this great universe, for whatsoever He has promised, He will deliver! Amen!
And now it’s time to declare our Thursday Blessings; blessings that our most magnanimous God has so generously bestowed on us. And please remember that a blessing is not a blessing until it’s declared over someone or something.
So altogether now, in strong voice and sincerity of heart: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!
I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection!
I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
And those blessings were not meant for us to selfishly hoard, but to also generously dole out to others like the Lord has generously doled them out to us. Much LOVE!
…we all need strong faith…but unfortunately…a strong faith can only be acquired through some ‘sufferation’…
06 Jul 2018
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: ., after the Spirit, all is not lost, another week of work, boundaries, Canada Day, celebrations, Christ's kingdom, convicted, death, dying on our behalf, eternal life, everything will be made right, exciting things, fellowship, flooding, Friday chant, friends, fun, given another chance, glorious kingdom, glory to God, god is still on his throne, God's own time and way, havoc in Quebec, heat-wave, justified, know about Jesus, lack of sleep, likeness of sinful flesh, limits, live by the flesh, made me free, made righteous in god, no condemnation, ole body tired, omni-present, omnipotent, omniscient, partying, punished, pure Spirit of Christ, rain, relaxation, reminded, rest, salve job, sanctified, selfless sacrifices, sentenced to die, summer weekend, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the gift of God, the law of sin and death, the Spirit of life, the wages of sin, the workingman's song, to be sin for us, undeserving children, ungodly ways of the world, walk not after the flesh, weak law of the flesh, weekends, which are in Christ Jesus, wildfire in Northern California
Romans 8:1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Well friends, it seems like the heat wave is finally over! Thank the Lord! Some rain fell yesterday evening and in the night and cooled down the place some, but the heat wave certainly wreaked havoc in the Province of Quebec, where it seems thirty something people died during that excessively hot time.
Steups! When it’s not one thing, it’s certainly another. Meanwhile down in the U.S. some places had an exceeding amount of rain that caused extensive flooding. And out in Northern California that wildfire we spoke of yesterday is expanding its reach with a vengeance.
But yuh know what friends, all is not lost because of these negative circumstances, since we know that our omnipotent, omniscient, omni-present God is still on His heavenly throne overseeing things, and in His own time and way, everything will be made right. Glory to God!
And anyway, today is Friday, and nothing is going to stop the workingman from declaring his heartfelt song. ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday oui! Brother! Don’t know if I could have made it one more day nuh. What with all the partying and lack of sleep from last weekend’s Canada Day celebrations, and the hard work on massa slave job, the ole body was really tired.
Glad that this was just a short week yes! Anyhow, is still the weekend, and the summer weekend calls for getting out there and making exciting things happen. And that’s what we’ll do, tired or not. Thank God for Fridays and weekends yes!’
Ah mih people, I’m sure many of us feel the same way; tired after a long weekend of celebrations, then straight into a week of work under hot and exhaustive temperatures. But hopefully, we will not do like the workingman and continue in excessive celebrations over the weekend, because it doesn’t fit who we are.
We are followers of Jesus Christ and we have boundaries, limits to how far we can go along the continuum of celebrations…certainly not as far as the workingman goes. So let’s declare our weekend song, our Friday Chant, which is entirely different to that of the workingman.
All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
Yeh friends, ours is a much more responsible situation. Oh we can party and such, but not to extremes, and we’re always on the lookout for ways to increase Christ’s kingdom and not denigrate it. That’s why we do not live by the flesh, by the wicked, ungodly ways of the world, but by the pure Spirit of Christ.
As Bruh Paul tells us in our Bit: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’
Oh my people, my people, what a delicious situation! Wow! If we live in Christ’s Spirit, under His law, we are no longer condemned, just convicted; not sentenced to die, but merely reminded and possibly punished, but given another chance, a much better situation. ‘For the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.’ (Rom.8:2)
Glory be mih breddren! Christ’s sacrificial death paid for our sins, and when we place our sincere trust and belief in Him, we no longer live under the negative law of sin, which says: ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom.6:23) Praise Christ’s Holy Name for all that He’s done for us undeserving children of men!
As Bruh Paul continues to the church at Rome: ‘For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for (on account of) sin, condemned sin in the flesh. That the righteousness (righteous requirement) of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ (Rom.8:3-4)
And all God’s people gave out a loud and sincere ‘Thank You Jesus!’ And so we should, because it’s only through Jesus becoming human and coming to earth, but not committing sin, and dying on our behalf, in our place, that we’ve been set free from the weak law of the flesh.
As the scholars explain: ‘8:3. Law…was weak: There is nothing inherently wrong with the law. The presence of sin renders the believer powerless to do what the law demands. The likeness of sinful flesh: Christ was truly human but not a sinner (2 Cor.5:21).’
And instead of asking you to check out that scripture, which most of you will not do, we’ll just end with it instead. Oh, the spoon-feeding! (smile) ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us (to bear our sins), who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in (through) him.’ (2 Cor.5:21)
Oh friends, please remember and be very appreciative of the fact, that whatever we are today; righteous in the eyes of God, justified, sanctified, etc. etc. it’s all because of Jesus and His enormous selfless sacrifices! Much LOVE!
…if you know about Jesus…and don’t LOVE and worship Him…then something’s sadly wrong with you and your mind…
09 Oct 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a load of care, a solemn sound, amid the conflict, angels will attend, anointed with fresh oil, bear fruit, burdened, busy society, cedars of Lebanon, count our blessings, demise of their enemies, do not be discouraged, doth a fool understand, enemies shall perish, every doubt will fly, flourish in the courts of God, frivolous stuff, glory to God, God is over all, God's goodness, grateful, help and comfort give, I will triumph, in their old age, it is a good thing, journey's end, joy, loves us unconditionally, made me glad, magnificent and magnanimous God, mighty words, money cannot buy, name them one by one, peace, planted in the house of the Lord, psalmist's praise, see what God has done, sing praises unto thy name, spring up as grass, stop complaining, thankful, Thanksgiving Sunday, the cross, the sheep of his pasture, the wicked, thy thoughts are very deep, to give thanks unto the Lord, trust in jesus, undeserving children, warm the cockles of God's heart, wisdom, workers of iniquity, you will keep singing, your home on high, your reward in heaven
Psalm 92:1. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:
Okay friends, it’s Thanksgiving Sunday in this great and good land of Canada, so let’s open with something rather appropriate nuh, something that would make life much more interesting if we did it as often as we should.
Oh my fellow believers, let’s count our blessings, as we raise our voices heavenward in a sacrifice of praise, worship and thanksgiving. Please sing with me enthusiastically and sincerely because we have a lot of blessings to be thankful for.
‘When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by. Refrain:
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. Refrain:
So, amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.’
Oh friends, if we truly count our blessings, I’m sure that we’d all be surprised by what God has done in our lives. So please let’s stop complaining about petty stuff and instead give thanks for every little thing that we enjoy.
And we do enjoy a lot of things that most of the world doesn’t, so let’s start being grateful for what we have rather than complain about the frivolous stuff we don’t have.
And our Bit for today tells us exactly that. ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:’
Yes friends, it is indeed right and mete to sing praises for the Lord’s goodness to us, the undeserving children of men. He has done so much for us that we can never ever dream of repaying any of it.
And He doesn’t do it for repayment, but because He made us, we are the sheep of His pasture and He LOVES us unconditionally. Oh my people, just His unconditional LOVE alone is worth more than we can ever ask or imagine.
And if we add all the other things our wonderful God has done, is doing and will do for us, there is no doubt that we should be mucho mucho thankful and grateful, since we truly don’t deserve any of it.
Now let’s continue singing the praises of our magnificent and magnanimous God from Psalm 92. ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth (declare) thy LOVING-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.
Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery (lute or lyre); upon the harp with a solemn (harmonious or melodic) sound. For thou Lord hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.’ (Ps.92: 1-4)
Ah mih breddren, can you imagine those long ago days when our great God was praised both morning and evening? Hn!
Today, because of our busy society, we’d be lucky to praise Him once, much less twice. But that’s what He deserves, and if we truly put our minds to it, we can raise our voices at least twice a day in praise and prayer.
So let’s promise ourselves to faithfully offer up praise both morning and evening nuh my fellow believers, for that will surely warm the cockles of God’s heart and give us a peace and joy that only those who trust in Jesus will ever know.
Now let’s continue with the psalmist’s praise. ‘O Lord, how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish (senseless) man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring (up) as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn (strength) shalt thou exalt like a unicorn (wild ox):
I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat (plump) and flourishing (green); To show that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.’ (Ps.92:5-15)
Yes friends, that is what can be expected of those who place their trust in and surrender their lives to Almighty God! They will grow and flourish like the tall and stately cedars trees in Lebanon, see the demise of their enemies, and even more, will continue to bear fruit and flourish in their old age!
Wow! Glory to God my people for His goodness to the undeserving children of men! How can we not give Him much thanks and praise for all His mighty works in our lives eh?
So please, as we fill His sanctuary this Thanksgiving Sunday morning, let’s remember to count our many blessings and give Him the appropriate thanks and praise nuh, for that’s the wisdom of the ages. Much LOVE!
…if you’re alive today…you’re blessed…and thus owe the Lord many thanks…
Visit the Scrip-Bit Blog at https://randyobrien50.wordpress.com
22 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: A Prayer for later years, a sinful nature, a sour old person, a terrific Tuesday, Abraham Isaac and Jacob, accept with graciousness, aches and pains, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you, and I will bear, brow beat, complain about my aches and pains, enchilada of roadwork, encourages, endure the boredom with patience, eternal life, even I will carry and deliver you, even to your old age, expressing an opinion on every subject, favours, from creation in our mother's womb, generous, get to the point, God's mysterious workings, going to bed early is strictly for the birds, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, grace to listen to others, graceful, gracious, helpful, I am he, I have made, immortal spirits soar to heaven, independent, jack hammering, loving, make me thoughtful, Mary's Musings, merciful, mortal bodies return to dust, one true and living God, our Lord and Saviour, Praise the Lord, promises, push and keep us down, pushy, recital of endless destails, salvation, talkative, talkative society, the annals of life, the pleasure of discussing my aches and pains, the sounds of heavy machinery, the wisdom to keep my mouth shut, the work of the devil, tiresome habit, understanding, undeserving children, uplifts, walk the path of peace, wisdom
Isaiah 46:4. And even to 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.
Aye mih people, welcome to another wonderful day in the annals of life! (smile) It looks to be a terrific Tuesday, although a tad chilly and noisy in my area. Oh Lord eh! It’s never amusing, inviting or interesting to awaken to the sounds of heavy machinery rumbling along the roadway and jack hammering pounding away at the road.
Unfortunately that’s what I awakened to today. I thought they had finished working in the neighbourhood, and all that was left to do was pave the main road. But when I looked out it seems they were digging up around the manholes, after having smoothened out the road for paving last week. Steups!
Now couldn’t they have dug up around the manholes then, instead of doing it now? To my small mind that would have made much more sense. But the whole enchilada of roadwork and construction this summer has made little sense whatsoever. Anyway it seems as though they have moved on further down the road, so I’m not hearing the noise like before.
And here’s an interesting prayer that seems to cover all bases. It comes on a single sheet of paper. Somebody gave it to the duchess and she gave it to me, and now I’m going to share it with you…. Another of God’s mysterious movements! (smile) It seems to be taken from a Blog called ‘Mary’s Musings – Life and times of a small town Nana…’ And the prayer is titled ‘A Prayer for Later Years.’
Please pray with me Friends. ‘Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit of expressing an opinion on every subject. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details.
Give me wings to get to the point. Give me the grace, dear Lord, to listen to others describe their aches and pains. Help me to endure the boredom with patience and keep my lips sealed, for my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity, and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
Teach me the glorious lesson that, occasionally, I might be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not wish to be a saint (saints are so hard to live with), but a sour old person is the work of the devil. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not pushy; independent; yet able to accept with graciousness favours that others wish to bestow on me.
Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, I am wiser than those who have not lived so long. If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in recent years, give me the wisdom to keep my mouth shut. Lord knows that when the end comes, I would like to have a friend or two left.’
And all God’s people let out a loud shout of ‘Amen! Praise the Lord!’
The paper went on to say: ‘The author is unknown but I wish I had written it. I think it is appropriate for those of us of a “certain age.”
Now I agree with that to a certain extent, but with the kind of talkative society we now have, I believe people of all ages should embrace that prayer, for it does cover a lot of useful ground.
I also disagree with the point about ‘the pleasure of discussing my aches and pains is becoming sweeter as the years go by.’ Definitely not! They are certainly increasing, and discussing them only makes me remember them and dread their persistence in my life! (smile)
Overall though, it’s a blessed good prayer for ALL of us to pray, since we ALL are guilty of a lot of it. And now I’m going to do exactly what the prayer warns about; complain about my aches and pains. (smile) But it serves a useful purpose, explaining why the Bit is so late.
I went to bed earlier than normal, and woke up at some God-forsaken hour, but refused to get up so early. But as the Lord would have it, after much turning and tossing, I got up late, with a terrible back pain, which I seem to get anytime I lie down too long in bed. So I’m finally convinced that going to bed early is strictly for the birds! End of excuse! (smile)
Now there’s not a lot of time or space left for our Bit, but it is a very interesting promise of God, especially to us old fogeys. ‘And even to 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.’
Yes Friends, the same God who made us, has also faithfully promised to carry us all the way through this earthly life; right down to our old age with our gray hairs prominently proclaiming our age and our wisdom. Now isn’t that something to be excited about? It certainly is!
No other supposed deity makes that kind of promise. Instead, they all try their best to brow beat us, push and keep us down, with all sorts of disadvantageous rules and regulations.
Only the ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, encourages, uplifts and promises to look after us from creation in our mother’s womb till the time our mortal bodies return to the dust from which it was taken, and our immortal spirits soar to meet Him in the high heavens!
And all God’s people gave out a loud and grateful shout: ‘Oh thank You heavenly Father for being so wonderful, so generous, LOVING, merciful and gracious to us undeserving children of a sinful nature. We LOVE You, praise and adore Your Holy Name, now and forever more. Amen!’
Now Friends, may we all walk the path of peace and LOVE, wisdom and understanding, blessed by the wonderful grace and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Much LOVE my brethren!
…blessed is the man or woman…who follows after Christ… from birth until death…to whom a wonderful earthly life is granted…along with salvation and eternal life…
05 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abominable sins, Achilles heel, actions, adoration of God, aura of love, battle hymn, bombarded, buffeted, Calvary, Caribana, condolences, conquerors, Creator of the universe, enemy's ranks, enemy's wicked taunts, enthusiasm, eternal death, eternal life, evil, further God's glorious kingdom, god, God's righteousness endures forever, godless times, grace, grief, Hallelujah, holy blood, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, jump up, lies, loving kindness, lustily singing along, Monday, Monday Morning, praise and thanks, Praise the Lord, raised to heaven, reconciliation, redeemed, rejuvenation of spirit, religion, renewed vitality, righteousness., sally forth with confidence, salvation, sanctification, spiritual armour, spiritual emotion, steadfast faith, the Holy Spirit, the stripes of jesus, theology, truth, unconditional LOVE, undeserving children, ungodly world, useful purpose, wiles, wisdom, words, work, worthwhile inroads
Psalm 109:30. I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yea, I will praise Him among the multitude.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday, and the party continues in good ole Canada, where it’s a holiday in most, if not all of the provinces! The Caribana weekend will wind down with all sorts of events across the G.T.A today, and with all the cottagers returning home from their extended stay in cottage country, the traffic won’t be much different than a normal Monday evening.
There’s one bit of sad news to pass on though. Apparently a young man was fatally run over by one of the trucks along the Parade route late Saturday evening. We offer our sincere condolences to his friends and family, and pray for their comfort in this their time of grief.
Ah Lord eh! And yuh know that is one of things that turned me off of the parade; the young people don’t know how to jump in the streets. They just rush and push and cause havoc. Neither do they respect the space needed for the big trucks and them to operate. They just seem to want to get involved without any thought for their safety or that of the other revellers.
Anyway, some people, both here and around the world do have to go out and labour today, so let’s encourage them by lustily singing along to the delightful strains of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.
Wow! I spelled Monday right! Mama Mia! Just like I had problems spelling Friends right some time aback, Monday seems to be my new Achilles heel.
And though some of us are not going to work, we all still need the strength and blessings of our Heavenly Father to make it through the day in this hellish and ungodly world. So let’s all sing with hearts, eyes, heads and hands raised up to heaven.
‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
And with that surge of spiritual emotion, let’s turn to our Bit, which appropriately continues the adoration of Almighty God. ‘I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yea, I will praise Him among the multitude.’
Yes Friends, that is what ALL believers are expected to do! Why? Because our God is a great and majestic God! He made the universe and all therein, and still controls it! He’s also omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, which means He’s all-powerful, all-knowing and everywhere! So He’s alive and kicking, therefore you can’t run nor hide from Him. Plus He’s merciful, forgiving, blessed, and full of LOVING-kindness to the sinful and undeserving children of men!
What more do we want or need to therefore praise Him eh? There’s plenty more though. We can also add His undying and unconditional LOVE for us, His mortal creation. And His sending His only Son, Jesus Christ to die, to be a human sacrifice to repay our disgusting and abominable sins undoubtedly showcased that!
Now those sins rightfully called for eternal death, but my people, because of Jehovah God’s everlasting LOVING-kindness, instead of reaping death and destruction, instead we’re reaping reconciliation, sanctification, righteousness, salvation and eternal life through the free gift of grace, offered to all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and Saviour!
Now tell me if that isn’t more than sufficient reason to give much praise and thanks to the wonderful Being, the great Deity, known by such Names as Yahweh, I AM THAT I AM, Jehovah Nisi, Jehovah Jireh, the Lord of Hosts, the Most High God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, etc. etc. with each name specifically relating to one of His many attributes?
It sure is my people! And He truly deserves even more thanks and praise then we’re even capable of giving in our paltry mortal state.
Bruh David recognized this obligation, one that turns into a great desire when we sincerely put out trust in the Lord. As he says in Psalm 35, a prayer for rescue from his enemies: ‘I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much (a mighty) people.’ (Ps.35:18)
Yes mih breddren, giving plenty, plenty praise and thanks to the ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD is what we believers need to do more than anything else in these evil, godless, turbulent and disastrous times! For it is by His LOVE, the stripes of his Son Jesus, the holy blood that poured from those stripes at Calvary, that we are healed and redeemed!
And we’ll end with some appropriate verses from Psalm 111, aptly superscripted, Praise the Lord for His care. Say with me: ‘Praise ye the Lord (Sing Hallelujah). I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought out (studied by) all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.’ Amen. (Ps.111:1-3)
Now Friends, that’s gospel truth and eternal wisdom! So as true believers, let’s go out and put it all into practice nuh. Much LOVE!
…words must be spoken…but actions ALWAYS speak louder than words…
18 Oct 2012
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: abundant blessings, believers, burning passion for Jesus, death and destruction, fire in our souls, get understanding, God's awesome kindness, gospel truth, happiness and joy, Lucifer's lies, paths of peace, strong and faithful in Jesus, tree of life, undeserving children, wisdom, wonderful god
Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Hi there you beautiful people, fellow believers in Christ! How goes it this glorious Thursday morning eh? I hope we are all standing strong and faithful in Jesus, and thus enjoying the abundant blessings He has prepared for us each and every day. Ah mih people, when I consider how wonderful our God is to us, undeserving though we are, I just have to shake my head in amazement and shout out a heartfelt, ‘Thank You Lord! We LOVE and worship You, today and forever!’ Oh Friends, there simply are no words in any language to really describe, to truly do justice to the awesome kindness and caring that the Lord God Jehovah has for His sinful, rebellious, disobedient children. And since those attributes lead to very foolish and brain-dead acts on our part, I decided to repeat our Bit from yesterday which deals with WISDOM, hoping that it will ignite a spark, then a flame, then a brightly burning passionate fire in our souls to turn from our foolish, rebellious, disobedient ways, and seek WISDOM, without which, we’ll never truly understand or even come close to our awesome God. I think our Bit says it very simply and truthfully: ‘WISDOM is the principal thing; therefore get WISDOM: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ Yes my brethren, without WISDOM in this evil, ungodly world, we’re totally lost and oh so liable to follow the wiles and lies of Lucifer down the broad highway that leads to death and destruction. Yesterday we ended with the powerful scripture of James on how and where to get WISDOM; from Almighty God, with a sincere longing and a heart of true faith, not wavering in the slightest. And that’s the way it always was, and always will be! Let’s see how important WISDOM is in our existence, both here on earth and also in heavenly places by listening closely, with both our ears and our hearts, as Cousin Sol solemnly proclaims in Proverbs 3: ‘The Lord by WISDOM hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths (deeps) are broken up, and the clouds drop down dew.’ (Prov.3:19-20) Ah my people, WISDOM is such an important element in our world, that God used it to create the universe! Now if God needed WISDOM to do that, why wouldn’t we mere mortals need it too, since we’re His creation? And if you’re still not convinced about the prudence and common sense of acquiring WISDOM and understanding from Almighty God, then listen again to Cousin Sol as he describes a whole heap of things that WISDOM encourages and procures. Remember too, that Cousin Sol is still reputed to be the wisest man who ever lived, so if any mortal should know about knowledge and WISDOM, it should be him. ‘Happy is the man that findeth WISDOM, and the man that getteth understanding: For the merchandise (gain) of it is better than the merchandise (profit) of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her (holds her fast).’ (Prov.3:14-18) Oh Friends, that’s nothing but gospel truth! WISDOM is indeed more profitable than either silver or gold, as well as other precious jewels, like rubies! Nothing we can desire in this fallen world can be compared to her, because her ways are pleasant and peaceful, and acts like a tree of life to those who embrace her, and even more importantly, she brings happiness and joy to all who hold on to her tightly! Wow! What a miraculous entity is that thing we call WISDOM! The billion dollar question then Friends, is if WISDOM is so great and wonderful, why aren’t many more of us actively and consciously seeking that which comes from God, than the fallible, evil and foolish supposed wisdom of man eh? I suppose that in spite of all our godly spiel, we’re still yoked more tightly to the things of the world rather than the things of God. Oh my people, how often must I remind us that whatever Lucifer promises us, the Most High God can offer us much more, and we won’t be led down the garden path, as we would be following the evil leader of death and darkness. But I guess Lucifer’s baubles have more glitz and glamour attached to them, than God’s. But please remember my people, that all that glitters is not gold, and most of Lucifer’s shining trinkets are merely gold-plated brass, whereas, our great God only deals in the real stuff, in the truth. If He’s really all-powerful, and can make or break anything, why then would He resort to falsehood to bring His children home to Him eh? No reason whatsoever my brethren! Lucifer however lacks that power, so he has to rely on lies, innuendo and all the other negative stuff that prevails in his dark, dismal and evil world. And we’ll end with this most wise and appropriate scripture: ‘The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion (legacy) of fools.’ (Prov.3:35) Oh Friends, I couldn’t say it any better than Cousin Sol, the wisest mortal to ever draw breath. So please, let’s wake up and pay serious attention to our attitudes today nuh! If we don’t, we’re liable to lose all the riches, both of heaven and earth. Much LOVE!…to those who listen…many rewards are thrust upon them…while to the deaf…death and destruction prey upon them…
SCRIP-BITS 