17 Nov 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: afflicted, all glory and honour to God, all heads will bow, all knees will bend, be hated by all nations for my sake, children of God, Christians, come up over our problems, distrust, earthquakes, false prophets, famines, friends of Jesus, function successfully without God, glory to God, God's Word, hatred, he that shall endure to the end, I am the beloved of god, I can trust my friend Jesus, I don't have to hurry, I don't have to worry, I'm not what I do, I'm not what I have, I'm not what people say about me, iniquity, invoke God's help, Isis, Israel, knowledge of God's word, Lebanon, LOVE, love shall wax cold, made it through, Paris attacks, persecution, pestilence, promises of Jesus, put on the whole armour of God, rumours of wars, shall be saved, share His love with the world, stand, strife, Syrian Civil war, take the cake, the beginning of sorrows, the beginning of the end, the best thing, the Creed of the Beloved, the disciples came unto Him privately, the end of the world, the Mount of Olives, the name of Jesus, the Olivet Discourse, the wherewithal to pull through, to withstand in the evil day, torrid emotions, tribulation, Tuesday Mantra, violence, wars, what shall be the sign of thy coming, what the world needs now, when shall these things be, wisdom, with God's help
Matthew 24:3. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?
Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s Tuesday – all day too! (smile) And yuh see how, with God’s help, you made it through Monday without any real worries or anxieties?
Well the same thing is also applicable to Tuesday. All you need to do is sincerely invoke God’s help, and He will give you the wherewithal to face down whatever you are facing, and come up over your problems.
Wow! All glory and honour to the great, to the magnificent God we serve and worship! I truly don’t understand how so many people can believe that they can function successfully without Him in their lives nuh.
Anyway, since today is Tuesday, it means that we should declare our Tuesday Mantra, or what’s otherwise known as ‘The Creed of the Beloved.’
Altogether now: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen.’
Oh glory to God my people! As Christians, as children of God and Friends of Jesus we have the best thing going in this whole wide world! Absolutely no need to worry or hurry!
Unfortunately though, not enough of us fully appreciate and enjoy it, otherwise we’d all be much happier and our world would not be in such a sad state of strife, distrust and deterioration.
Ah Lord eh! Just thinking about the recent Paris attacks, the Lebanon debacle, and the violence that’s fomenting in Israel… and we’re not even including the Syrian Civil war, or the Isis nonsense… we certainly are in a time of serious danger and difficulty.
If the strife isn’t soon abated, then it’s very liable to blow up into a big inferno that engulfs the whole world. And believe me friends, if we think the last world wars were terrible, I believe this next one is going to take the cake, since there are so many more dangerous weapons around and much better methods of spreading them.
That brings us to our Bit. ‘And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?
Now yesterday we read the beginning of Jesus’ answer to His disciples, where he talked about all the wars and rumours of wars, the pestilence, earthquakes and famines that will happen in various places.
And all of that stuff is definitely happening in our world right now. Sadly though Jesus said that was just the beginning of the end. Can you then imagine what the real end will be like? I hesitate to even think about it.
Now let’s continue with Jesus’ monologue, or what is called the Olivet Discourse, as it was delivered on the Mount of Olives (Olivet). ‘All these are the beginnings of sorrows (birth pangs). Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted (to tribulation), and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my sake.
And then shall many be offended, and betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the LOVE of many shall wax (grow) cold.’ Matt.24:8-12)
Oh my fellow believers, doesn’t it just seem as though Jesus is sitting on a hilltop somewhere today, talking about all the negative stuff that’s currently happening in our world? It certainly does! Beside the strife that we’ve already talked about, the persecution of Christians and the hatred that’s now been directed at them simply because of their belief and faith and trust in Jesus Christ is appalling.
Have you ever noticed though, that no other word in any language at all, seems to stir up such torrid emotions than the single, solitary name of ‘JESUS.’ Hn! It must then be a very powerful name indeed!
In general too, betrayals and hatred are on the upswing. And don’t talk about false prophets… there are so many of them around that one has to be very, very careful whom you listen to and follow.
The same goes for iniquity and lawlessness. Sin is now so rampant and official by man’s standards, that unless you have a good knowledge of God’s Word, you’ll find it extremely difficult to know what’s right from wrong.
And obviously from all those negative circumstances will flow the terrible lack of LOVE that’s now so prominent in our world. The words of the old song: ‘What the world needs now, is LOVE, sweet LOVE,’ have never been as true or as necessary.
However my precious people, my fellow believers, as always, our Lord and Saviour has provided a way out for us, ever faithful to His promises to never leave nor forsake us. Listen to His solemn words. ‘But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ (Matt.24:13)
Oh glory to the Lamb of God, who is so worthy of our praise and adoration! Yes Friends, if we stand strong and steadfast, holding securely and sincerely to Jesus during these rough and unpredictable times, we WILL be saved in the end!
That’s a promise of Jesus, and so far he has never reneged on one of them, so why will He now eh? No reason whatsoever my brethren!
So with all of that in mind, let’s continue reading and studying and meditating on God’s Word, so that we will know right from wrong and receive strength for our faith. Let’s also continue to meet and fellowship regularly with other believers, encouraging and edifying each other so that we are able to withstand the flaming arrows of the enemy.
As Bruh Paul so wisely advised the Ephesians. ‘Wherefore take unto you (put on) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph.6:13)
Yes Friends, that is indeed the wisdom of all wisdom! Much LOVE!
…there’s no name in the world as powerful as…JESUS…to whom all heads will bow…and all knees will bend…
07 Sep 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a prowling wolf, a scarcity of jobs, after one time is two, and were scattered abroad, anger, angst, as sheep having no shepherd, aura of love, because they fainted, Beelzebub, but the labourers are few, calamity, captains of industry, celebration mode, Christians, compassionate hearts, confidence, conquerors, corruption, Creator of the universe, crime, dissatisfaction, drunk or sober mind your business, Eastern Parkway, Election Day, energy, enthusiasm, faith, friends, glorify God's name, godliness, Granny's spiel, guidance, help, humble servants, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jesus was moved with compassion, jobs, Labour Day, lies, LOVE, make a difference, memories, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Oh Lord God Almighty, pray the Lord of the harvest, prosperity, rebellion, refugees, rejuvenation of spirit, remuneration, renewed vitality, responsible government, rest, serve a useful purpose, societal obligations, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, strife, taunts, the bottom line, the harvest truly is plenteous, the Holy Spirit, then saith Jesus to his disciples, trust, truth, ungodly world, wars, watered down, weary souls, wiles, wisdom
Matthew 9:37. Then saith he (Jesus) unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.
Aye Friends, as they say, after one time is two yes…and sometimes even three. (smile) What brought up that saying is my not remembering that today is Labour Day and thus a long weekend. That means I also forgot to give you Granny’s spiel about; ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober please mind your business.’ (smile)
Ah mih people, life and times certainly do change yes, as in my earlier years I never forgot two seminal days, Caribana Saturday and Labour Day. But I guess as my physical self deteriorated and I was no longer able to participate as physically as I would like, I just stopped paying any attention to them.
At one stage every Labour Day I would be in New York, checking out the Pan Competition with my Uncle John and Auntie Anne, and trawling the Eastern Parkway from top to bottom, but no longer, those days are simply memories, good ones.
In any case the festivals are not as good as they used to be. Everything is now watered down; the costumes and the music are mere shadows of their earlier years. However, please be careful as you ramp up the celebrations this Labour Day weekend, and remember Granny’s wonderful advice.
And to make matters even more interesting, today is also Election Day in T&T. I wonder how many people have left to go to New York for Labour Day, instead of staying and fulfilling their societal obligations? Whatever happens though, I just hope that we elect a responsible government, because it’s time to cut out all the crime and corruption and get our beautiful twin islands back to a state of godliness and thus prosperity.
Now, to help those who have to go to work on this Labour Day, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much energy and enthusiasm.
As one soulful choir now: ‘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!’
Oh Friends, that was truly energetic and enthusiastic but somewhat hoarse and scratchy, like an old vinyl record on a turntable. I guess many of you have been into celebration mode long ago, and your voices were the loudest because you don’t have to work today. But just remember to be careful, because Beelzebub is out there prowling like a hungry wolf amongst a flock of sheep, just waiting for one of us to go astray, so that he can pounce on us. And we definitely can’t allow that to happen.
And isn’t it upsetting, disturbing and disappointing that on this Labour Day of 2015 there is a dearth of labour for the many labourers? It brings to mind our Bit. ‘Then saith he (Jesus) unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.’ Only now the tables are turned; the harvest is scanty and the labourers are plentiful.
Yes Friends there is indeed a scarcity of jobs for an extremely large labour force. Even people with higher education have to take menial jobs for which they are over qualified. And the sad fact is that the captains of industry don’t care about the social cost of joblessness to the society, they are only interested in the bottom line and their fat, undeserved remuneration, with golden and platinum parachutes et al.
There is no reason in God’s world why a captain of industry should be making three to four hundred times that of a lowly shop floor worker. But unfortunately that is today’s norm. And when they want to cut costs, the first place they cut is the workforce. Ah Lord eh!
And they wonder why there is so much dissatisfaction and angst, anger and rebellion across the whole world. And then the seething strife and numerous wars that are currently dominating the earth don’t help matters either, for they just cause more unnecessary calamity and provoke refugee situations like we’re now experiencing.
But what annoys me most about the situation is that everybody is so concerned about finding somewhere for the refugees to go, when the best solution would be to end the strife and war in the countries from which they are fleeing. That’s where our efforts should be concentrated so there would not be such a big influx of refugees.
Anyway Friends, that’s just my humble take on the situation, which brings us back to our Bit. Before Jesus said it, the Good Book tells us: ‘But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted (were weary), and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.’ (Matt.9:36)
And sadly, that is exactly what’s happening in our world today, both with the refugee situation as well as in many countries, third and also first world. And it certainly seems that we Christians are the only ones who have the compassionate hearts to help stem the roaring tide of ‘sufferation.’ That’s why we need to do as Jesus says afterward. ‘Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.’ (Matt.9:38)
Yes Friends, the only way that we comparatively few Christians can make a substantial difference in this troubled and severely hurting world, is with the Lord’s august help. So please, let’s sincerely pray for His help and guidance and wisdom to enable us to make a worthwhile difference and thus glorify His Holy Name. Much LOVE!
…how can men eat…support their families…if they can’t get work eh…
23 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a world of iniquity, aches and pains, allotted portion, an unruly evil, ascension, assurance of success, bitter water, bless God, blessing, breath of life, condemnation, control, curse men, cursing, death, domination, drawbacks, evil enemy, full of deadly poison, glory to God, hardheaded, hardnosed, harmony, James, judgement, let every man be swift to hear, Lucifer, mutual talking and listening, negative, Nirvana, not listening enough, of Jesus birth, offend, optimistic, peace, Peace and Love, pessimistic, positive, powerful instruments, put bits in the horses' mouths, resurrection, rumours of wars, self-reliant, set on fire of hell, ships are turned about with a small rudder, slow to speak, slow to wrath, spread the good news, strife, stumble, sweet water, talking too much, the creative powers of the universe, the great divide, the likeness of God, the tongue boasts great things, the tongue can no man tame, the tongue defiles the whole body, this fallen world, tongues, trials and tribulations, wars, we will be judged by our words, what comes out of us defiles us, wherefore my beloved brethren, wisdom, wonderful to be alive
James 1:19. Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
Oh Friends, it’s so wonderful to be alive on this Thursday morning that promises to be such a terrific day! Glory to God! Regardless of all the aches and pains in my life, and whatever trials and tribulations are in the offing, I still prefer to have God’s eternal breath of life flowing through my body in these heady but difficult times.
And I know that most of you will agree with me, for despite the many unfavourable situations existing on this side of the great divide, we’re just not ready to go over to the other side as yet. (smile)
Oh we know that the other side will be great and exciting, but there’s stuff we still need to take care of on this side. Jesus’ work is calling out to us, and until we finish our allotted portion we cannot head for nirvana on the other side.
And to help us handle all the stuff we have to handle on this side, here are some words of wisdom and truth to help us. They come from a card on my wall that the Lord caused me to see a short while ago.
It’s one of the first things I stuck up there eons ago, but like so many of the other things tacked up around my office that are supposed to be there to motivate me, I haven’t noticed this one in quite some time.
Obviously I don’t remember where I got it from. It might even have been something I put together myself, (smile) and I believe I’ve shared it with you long ago.
Listen up. ‘A man or woman, who is self-reliant, positive, optimistic, and undertakes their work with the assurance of success, magnetizes his or her condition. They draw to themselves the creative powers of the universe.’
That’s absolute truth Friends! There’s something about setting out to accomplish a task with a positive and optimistic attitude, believing that we will be successful, that draws the creative powers of the universe to us. I guess that’s the way the Lord set it up.
And it’s a proven fact that being positive and optimistic usually wins over being negative and pessimistic. So this morning, in whatever we’re involved, please, let’s put on that positive and optimistic attitude, and believe that we will be successful, so that we can draw some of the creative powers of the universe to ourselves and our projects.
It’s the Lord’s desire for all we do on His behalf. But oh, if we’d only do what our Bit says eh, life would be even greater than it is now. ‘Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.’
Ah mih people, talking too much and not listening enough is one of the biggest drawbacks to peace and harmony in our world. Look at all the wars, rumours of wars and strife that’s currently engulfing our planet, nobody is willing to sit down and listen to the other side, they all just want to be the ones that are heard.
Well how can anything be accomplished without mutual talking and listening eh? It just cannot be. In fact that hardnosed and hardheaded attitude is what usually begins the strife.
Oh my brethren, for better or for worse, we Christians have been chosen to bring peace and LOVE to this fallen world through the spreading of the Good News of Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection and ascension.
And though it’s oftimes difficult to do with the evil enemy of Lucifer and his minions fighting us all the way, we have to do what we have to do, and one of the ways we can accomplish that is by listening more than we talk.
The little tongues in our mouths are such powerful instruments that we don’t realize the half of their power, but listen to James as he so aptly describes the dangers it can produce.
‘My brethren, be not many masters (let not many of you be teachers), knowing that we will receive the greater condemnation (stricter judgement). For in many things we offend (stumble) all. If any man offend (stumble) not in word, the same is a perfect man, and also able to bridle the whole body.
Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm (rudder), whithersoever the governor listeth (the pilot wants).
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter (a forest) a little fire kindleth (sets on fire)! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue (the tongue is so set) among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature (existence); and it is set on fire of hell.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude (likeness) of God.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.’ (James 3:1-12)
Oh Friends, what a true and pertinent discourse also for our time! Our tongues surely are deadly instruments, especially with the unthinking way we tend to use them nowadays.
Now here are some pertinent facts from the scholars. ‘3:6. The tongue is a system (world) of iniquity that sets on fire the whole course of life, and is even set on fire by Satan (cf. 3:15).’
‘3:7. The “taming” has nothing to do with domesticating animals or training them to perform. The meaning is control or domination. Mankind can control every lesser creature, but no one can control his own tongue.’
‘3:9. James explains that man is made in God’s image (cf. Gen.1:26-27; 5:1), so to curse people and yet bless God is inconsistent. Though the fall of mankind has marred that image or likeness, James teaches that it still exists (as do Gen.9:6 and 1 Cor.11:7).’
‘3:12. The last clause of verse 12 differs from those that precede it. The former are questions that attempt to illustrate; this one is a statement to teach. As salt water cannot make sweet water, so the person who curses others cannot bless God. The cursing of people truly indicates what lies within a person.’
Oh my people, I do hope that after this series of messages on living together in unity and the very real dangers that our tongues possess, we will come to a serious reckoning with ourselves as to our use of that deadly, boastful member, and with God’s help, desperately try to contain and control it and thus lessen the strife that’s overtaking our wonderful world. For that is the wisdom of heaven! Much LOVE!
…Jesus said that what comes out of us is what defiles us…not what goes in…and that we will be judged…condemned or saved by our words…nuff said…
22 Mar 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abused, acts of obedience, anger, become more like Jesus, born of God, Bruh Paul, Christ's redeeming presence, Christian, Cousin Sol, Creator of the universe, dynamism, encouraging, endures all things, family gatherings, fellowship of believers, fomented, friends, God demonstrates His love for us, God is LOVE, godly love, hatred stirs up strife, hopes all things, in spirit and in truth, inspirational, love believes all things, Love covers all sins, Love doesn't envy, Love doesnt boast, Love God, love is an action word, Love is kind, love is not selfish, LOVE is of God, love is the panacea for all ills, Love isn't arrogant, love isn't easily provoked, love isn't rude, Love never fails, love reigns, Love suffers long, love thinks no evil, manifest deep affection, misunderstandings, motivation, negative emotions, overused, panacea, praise, prayer, Proverbs, quiet reflection, raise our voices to heaven, redeem, redemption, resnetment, rest, reverence, rumours of war, song, step up to the plate, strife, Sunday, Thank you Father, the epitome of love, the Good Book, the Lord's Day, the shed blood of Jesus, time for peace, traits of love, trust in Christ, truth, uplifting, wars, while we were yet sinners christ died for us, wisdom, worship, worshipping Almighty God
Proverbs 10:12. Hatred stirreth up strifes: but LOVE covereth all sins.
Well Friends, the earth has turned on its axis seven times, that means it’s Sunday once again; the Lord’s Day, a time for peace and quiet, reflection, rest, family gatherings and fellowship of believers!
So please, let’s try and get some of that good and godly stuff into our lives today nuh, especially the church going that brings together fellow believers to sing, praise and worship the Creator of the universe and all therein. For there’s nothing as moving, as inspirational, as encouraging and uplifting as a group of believers giving thanks and praise and worshipping Almighty God in spirit and in truth!
It is what our souls and spirits thrive on Friends. That’s why it is necessary for us to congregate at least once a week and raise our voices, our hearts, heads and eyes to heaven and let the Father know that we still admire, revere and LOVE Him.
Yes Friends, if we LOVE our God, then we need to let Him know, show Him, through prayer, song, worship and acts of obedience to His will. And that last part is of the utmost importance my people, because too many of us simply talk LOVE but never show it, and as I keep reminding us, LOVE is an ACTION word!
And the Lord proved this to us so famously, as Bruh Paul tells the church at Rome: ‘But God commendeth (demonstrates) His LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom.5:8)
Oh Friends, that’s the epitome of LOVE! How many of us will do that sort of thing in real life eh? Not too many. We all want to see someone else step up to the plate, to show their hand, before we do. But our omnipotent God was sure of whom He was, and confidently set the plans in motion to redeem us, even before we knew that we needed redemption.
Wow! And all God’s redeemed children gave out a loud and appreciative: ‘Thank You Father! Thank You for redeeming us through the shed blood of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour! We LOVE You, though we don’t always show it. Please help us to become more like Jesus, so that we can manifest the deep affection and reverence we have for You; manifest it not only in words, but even more in action. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen’
Oh my people, LOVE is truly the panacea for all ills!
Listen to how Cousin Sol puts it in in our Bit from Proverbs. ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but LOVE covereth all sins.’ And isn’t that indisputable, gospel truth, as we all can attest to from our personal lives!
Where negative emotions rule the day, strife is easily fomented. But where true LOVE reigns…. Oh Friends, strife indeed has a difficult time showing its ugly face.
Hear how Bruh Paul characterizes that in the LOVE Chapter of the Good Book. ‘Charity (LOVE) suffereth long, and is kind; charity (LOVE) envieth not; charity (LOVE) vaunteth not (does not brag on) itself, is not puffed up (arrogant). Doth not behave itself unseemly (rudely), seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (keeps no account of evil); Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity (LOVE) NEVER FAILETH…’ (1 Cor.13:4-8a)
And that last highlighted line my brethren, brings it all together – LOVE NEVER FAILS! No matter what the situation, once sincere LOVE is involved, it will be successfully rectified, or at least rectified without a whole lot of strife, anger, hatred and resentment. And unfortunately, our world today is very lacking in true LOVE, that’s why there is so much hatred and resentment, wars and rumours of wars.
And all of that despite the fact that we use the word so often, more often than it’s ever been used before. The problem though is that we use it carelessly, without fully considering or understanding its true and beautiful meaning.
Sadly, the word LOVE has fallen into the group of words like ‘nice’ which have been overused and abused, and now don’t convey any real dynamism, just a simple, generalized understanding, which often lead to misunderstandings. (smile)
And John, in his first epistle, puts it as clearly as it can be put. ‘BELOVED, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that LOVETH is born of God. He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE.’ (1 John 4:7-8)
Now Friends, as the scholars’ so rightly tell us: ‘4:7. In context, John is not saying that everyone who LOVES is somehow a Christian, whether they trust in Christ or not. He makes it clear elsewhere that true knowledge of God entails right belief about Christ, as well as right response to God, including LOVE for others. Mere human LOVE apart from Christ’s redeeming presence and motivation falls short of LOVE in its fullest dimension as a human response to God’s perfect and infinite compassion (cf.1 Cor.13).’
And we have already seen above, the true traits of LOVE in that reference. So Friends, it’s obvious that as believers we can’t use the world’s understanding of LOVE to be our umbrella, but rather God’s definition, which obviously includes acceptance of Christ and His redemptive qualities.
Therefore my people, as we go out today, to church or even at home with our friends and families, please allow that godly kind of caring and affection to show forth in our words and actions, because if we aren’t showing godly LOVE, then we are not true believers in God.
My Friends, the logic’s simple, but the wisdom is indeed heavenly! Much LOVE!
…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE HIM…
20 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: almighty god, Bruh David, Buffalo, burdens, clamouring for peace, dig down deep, dissatisfaction, do good, don't give up hope, don't think of quitting, dwell in safety, edify another, evil, faith, figurative, freedom time, Glory be, God's will, God's Word, greater toronto area, guide and comfort, haeling balm, Holding on, hope, indisputable truth, Israelites, joy, Lake Ontario, let not your heart be troubled, literal, LOVE, my peace I give unto you, O if thou had heeded my commandments, obedience, only one way, peace, Peace i leave with you, perfect peace, Praying Expectantly, promises of God, protective wings of almighty God, righteousness., rought times, rumours of war, seek peace, sleep in peace, snowstorm, stay strong, strife, surrender, thankful, that's no lie, the Lord will bless his people with peace, the Lord will give strength to his people, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the rock of ages, thy peace had been as a river, thy righteousness as waves of the sea, trust, trust in the Lord for ever, unfaithfulness, ungodliness, unrighteousness, wars, waves of the sea, weather the storms, wintry climate
Isaiah 48:18. O that thou hadst hearkened to (heeded) my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.
Well Friends, we’ve made it down to Thursday – Glory Be! Only one more day to go before some freedom time. But yuh know what? Unfortunately the first big snowstorm of the season has visited, in fact is still visiting my area!
Chuh! Regardless of how long you dwell in these climes, I don’t think you ever really get accustomed to the wintry climate nuh. Even those born and bred here get fed up with it.
It’s beautiful to look at from your window inside the warm and cozy house, but going out in it can be a rough experience for some people, especially the elderly. I guess you can number me in that category now. (smile)
But in the Greater Toronto Area, we do have one thing to be thankful for; we weren’t hit as hard as poor Buffalo on the other side of Lake Ontario. I heard one fellow over there say that they received one year’s worth of snow in some thing like three days.
Ah Lord eh! But what yuh going to do eh? Not much. It’s all part and parcel for the area. You just have grin and bear it, as well as literally dig down deep, both in the snow and in your spirit to find the resources to weather the storm.
And fellow believers, we all know that there’s only ONE way to successfully weather any and every storm in this life, be it literal or figurative; and that’s under the protective wings of Almighty God! Any other way usually ends up being futile.
With all the promises of God to be found in His Word, there’s always something in it to guide and comfort us in times of sorrow and adversity. The Lord has a healing, soothing balm for each and every wound we suffer. So please don’t give up hope, don’t even think of quitting, when the rough times come, as come they will. Stay strong in faith and trust.
And talking about hope, here’s an interesting definition from Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) from his Hour of Power Devotional. ‘HOPE: Holding On, Praying Expectantly!’
And that’s no lie Friends, for when we hope, we do indeed hold on to God’s promises and pray with great expectations for them to come true. It’s all about faith and trust, surrender and obedience to God’s wise and holy will my brethren.
But sadly, like the Israelites of old, and many other once upon a time powerful nations who no longer darken the earth, we have failed to live up to the dictates of our great and wonderful God. And what He said so long ago to the Israelites, His chosen people, He’s now saying to us in these terrible times. ‘O that thou hadst hearkened to (heeded) my commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.’
Oh my people, those words do hold a bundle of indisputable truth! I don’t have to explain the great mounds of evil, of unrighteousness, ungodliness and unfaithfulness that’s currently dominating our world, and consequently the many wars, rumours of war, endless strife and general dissatisfaction that’s evident all over the globe.
But the strange, sad part though, is that everyone’s clamouring for peace, but there’s really no peace, for as Bruh David rightly declares: ‘The Lord sitteth (sits enthroned) upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever. The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.’ (Ps.29:10-11)
So if we’re not interacting obediently with Jehovah God, how can we expect peace eh, when He’s the one who grants it? That’s also why Bruh David strongly advises: ‘Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (deceit). Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.’ (Ps.34:13-14)
Oh my people, it’s something we have to actively look for and pursue! It just doesn’t come upon us of its own will. But doing that, then allowed him to say with confidence: ‘I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety.’ (Ps.4:8)
Isaiah also echoed Bruh David’s call in his hymn of praise, where he boldly proclaims: ‘Thou wilt keep them in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on (sustained by) thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength (the Rock of Ages).’ (Is.26:3-4)
Meanwhile Bruh Paul says to the Philippians: ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil.4:6-7)
And it’s only fitting that we close with Jesus’ greatest pronouncement on peace. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27)
That says it all my people! If we faithfully and obediently embrace Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, then His special peace, not that of the world, will fill our bodies and souls, lighten our burdens and increase our joy!
Now that’s certainly something worthwhile working towards! So let’s get a move on and do it nuh! Much LOVE!
…let us therefore follow after…the things which make for peace…and things wherewith…one may edify (build up) another… (Rom.14:19)
11 Nov 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: anticipation of Christ's return, believing sinner, blame, bread, Bruh Paul, ceremony of Holy Communion, Christ's atoning death, clawing back, commemorate Jesus' sacrifice, corrupt, crooks, don't walk it, eternal life, eternal redemption, fallen down in our responsibility, free country, free life, free society, freedom, fruits of the vine, glorify our Saviour Jesus Christ, grateful hearts, greedy, half-truths, he brake it, heifer dust, holy and sinless body, honouring the memories, hypocritical, inefficient, insensitive, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jesus took the cup, lack of sufficient government support, lies, LOVE, mediator, mental and physical help, New Covenant, pensions, redemption, remembrance, Remembrance Day, sacrifice, salvation, show enough actual caring, society owes them a living, speak up enough, spiritual partaking, stark reality, struggling families, swaggering, symbol of Christian worship, talk a good talk, tardiness, teach our children, thankful espression, the broken body of Christ, the church at Corinth, the Good Book, the government don't care about the veterans, the Lord's death, the Lord's Supper, the new testamnet in my blood, the powers that be, the shed blood of Christ, this do in remembrance of me, this is my body which is broken for you, travesty, unconcerned, veterans, war veterans, wars, when he had given thanks
1 Corinthians 11:24. And when he (Jesus) had given thanks, he brake it (the bread), and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Oh Friends, it’s Remembrance Day; the solemn occasion when we remember with grateful hearts, spirits and souls, all those who either gave up their lives or fought in the many terrible wars we’ve experienced in the past century!
All the powers that be, will turn out in full force, ostensibly to honour those who fought and died that we can enjoy the many freedoms that we do. They will also trudge out some of the surviving vets, as a showpiece. But the stark reality of the situation is that the governments don’t really give a damn about these poor veterans!
And why do I say that? Simply because in real life the veterans are indeed poor and are suffering terribly from lack of sufficient government support! A lot of them have mental and physical issues stemming from their wartime activities, but they are in a constant fight with the governments to get proper mental and physical help. Steups!
Their pensions are a travesty to their efforts; to the way they laid their lives on the line for us when we so desperately needed them to do so. The corrupt, greedy, inefficient Canadian government is even clawing back money from the vets, if they make a few extra dollars on the side.
But the insensitive and hypocritical crooks will get up today and spout a whole lot of lies and half-truths about how much they care for the vets. Heifer dust my brethren!
Just ask some of the many struggling families of the dead and living vets how much their governments care about them nuh? You’ll be most surprised at the answers you’ll receive.
But yuh know what; we can’t only blame the governments for the poor treatment meted out to the vets. We, the supposedly fine, upstanding citizens are also to blame, because we don’t speak up enough for the vets, or show them enough actual caring. We talk a good talk too, but don’t walk it.
However, it is essential that we do remember them, and also teach our children to appreciate the efforts of the many men and women who fought so that they can now live a basically free life, in a free country and society.
I think we have also fallen down in our responsibility in that regard too, not teaching our children enough about the war veterans, for many are not even aware of the veterans, so how can they be appreciative of their efforts.
And it’s very important that the youth of today understand why and how, they can go about doing what they do without too many restrictions; swaggering about unconcerned, believing that society owes them a living.
Anyway my brethren, enough of my ranting. (smile) Please, let’s remember to give our own individual thanks to the vets, and help the surviving ones and the families of those who succumbed in any way we can. It’s only fitting that we do so.
But my people, it is even more fitting that we respect, remember and glorify our Saviour Jesus Christ in the fateful and memorable words of our Bit, which Bruh Paul penned to the church at Corinth.
‘And when he (Jesus) had given thanks, he brake it (the bread), and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.’
Yes Friends, our most important remembrance should be that of Jesus Christ, sacrificing His holy and sinless body for us!
And the Good Book continues: ‘After the same manner also he (Jesus) took the cup, when he had supped (after supper), saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show (proclaim, remember) the Lord’s death till he come.’ (1 Cor.11:25-26)
That’s the figurative, ceremonial manner in which Jesus desires us to remember Him!
Unfortunately though, for whatever reason(s), a lot of us choose not to do so. But it ought to be a conscious and continual rite though of every believer to participate in the ceremony of Holy Communion, wherein we commemorate Jesus’ tremendous sacrifice on our behalf!
That commemorative ceremony is also called the Lord’s Supper, and the scholars have an interesting take on it. ’11:20. The Lord’s supper is the distinctive symbol of Christian worship instituted by the Lord on the eve of His death, being a spiritual partaking of bread and the fruits of the vine.
These elements are presented as a thankful expression of Christ’s sacrifice, taken in fellowship with Him and with one another. It is a memorial conducted in remembrance of Christ’s atoning death, anticipating His return to earth. The two symbols of this ordinance are the bread, representing the broken body of Christ, and the cup, representing His shed blood.’
And re the ‘new testament’ part of Christ’s words, the scholars say: ’11:25. New Testament: Christ is the Mediator of the New covenant, who “by his own blood entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Heb.9:12-15) Notice the emphasis on the blood. This signifies our Lord’s death, which in turn signifies the grounds on which eternal salvation is applied to the heart of the believing sinner.’
Therefore Friends, we can see why Holy Communion, and our active participation in it, is of tremendous importance in the lives of all believers! Yes my brethren, it’s through that solemn ceremony that we show a true remembrance of Christ, a true appreciation of His sacrifice, both physically and spiritually.
So my people, on this day of Remembrance, let’s sincerely ponder on, gratefully remember and give plenty thanks for the veterans who fought so heroically for us to have safe and free earthly lives, as well as to Jesus, who died that we might have salvation and eternal spiritual life. Much LOVE!
…no greater remembrance can we have…than honouring the memories of all those who died in our stead…especially Jesus…
P.S. Please excuse the Bit’s tardiness, but it was just one of those late nights… and thus the body rebelled against getting up early. (smile) Much LOVE!
07 Jul 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 4th of July, Africa, appreciation, aura of love, California, Canadian Maritime Provinces, carnal lusts, chosen generation, complaining, confidence, conquerors, darkness, dissension, drought, economic fallout, enthusiasm, Europe, famine, flooding, greed, holy spirit, homage, homelessness, humble servants, Hurricane Arthur, invincible, Jesus Christ, light, LOVE Revolution, lust for power, Manitoba, maturity, Melchizedek, Middle East, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, need of milk, negative influences, newborn babes, North America, poverty, racial religious and ethnic tension, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, rich are getting richer, righteousness., royal priesthood, Saskatchewan, sickness, soccer, solid food, sorry state, Southern Ontario, spiritual armour, spiritual immaturity, spirituality, state of our world, steadfast faith, strife, surrender, terrorism, Texas, the body of Christ, the Word of god, things of God, tornados, trust, U.S. Midwest, ungodly world, violent acts, wars, whining, white elephant stadiums, wisdom, World cup
1 Peter 2:2, As newborn babes, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
Oh Friends, it’s a brand new day – Monday – the first day of the new work week. And for whatever reason, I’ve been guided to take a brief inventory of the state of our world.
And it’s in a real sorry state at the present time – what with a variety of strife, wars, terrorism and other violent acts dominating the landscape of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, spawned mainly by greed, lust for power, racial, religious and ethnic and economic tension. And in many of those same places where the violence is taking place, there is famine, drought, flooding, sickness and extreme poverty.
Meanwhile, on this side of the pond, in North America, the confrontations are not as violent, though racial, religious and ethnic tensions are also on increase. There is plenty dissension and the continuing economic fallout is causing poverty, homelessness and sickness to be more rampant than ever, especially in such an affluent society. But that’s because the greed and non-social conscience of the rich are causing them to get richer, while the rest are certainly getting poorer.
And besides that we’re simply having floods in the Western Canadian Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, while several violent tornados have recently ripped through the U.S Midwest and Southern Ontario, and this past weekend Hurricane Arthur deluged the U.S North East Coast and the Canadian Maritime Provinces with tons of rain. But then states like Texas and California are enduring extended periods of drought.
But down in South America, where poverty and strife are always present in large amounts, the supposedly ‘beautiful game,’ soccer is having its World Cup expose in Brazil amidst large demonstrations and unhappiness at the amount of money spent to build new, white elephant stadiums to host the games. But the games are being doted on and bet on by billions around the globe.
What’s going to happen after the finals this week eh? The already wealthy clique that controls the game will walk away even wealthier, leaving the poor and downtrodden in Brazil possibly even worse off than before. And before long we’ll certainly hear about some unnecessary violence committed in the name of the football gods.
Ah Lord eh! And that Friends is only a brief overview. So what sort of picture does it paint of our world eh? Certainly not a pretty one! And though there’s serious unrest and tension all over, there’s not much any of us individuals can do, except to try and keep our immediate families and friends as safe and secure as possible, and free of those negative influences.
However as a group, a group of true believers in Jesus Christ, we can do something to lessen those negative influences. And we can begin by being thankful and responsible this Monday morning; by getting up and going to work without whining and complaining, especially after the 4th of July long weekend, for we are living better than three quarters of our world.
So in appreciation of that, and homage to our wonderful God, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with great gusto. As one powerful army cum choir of God, let’s sing. ‘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!’
Now that might suffice for today my people, but what happens tomorrow eh? We have to turn to the wisdom of our Bit: ‘As newborn babes, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.’
We need to grow in the Word of God if we hope to make a positive difference in this world. And you can see from our overview that our world is in bad shape, which means we have to get a move on sooner, rather than later if we want to stop its slide into total destruction. And this section of Scripture from Hebrews, where the author wants to talk about Jesus the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, brings home that point.
‘Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered (explain), seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time (though by this time) ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles (sayings) of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat (solid food)
For every one that useth (partakes of) milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat (solid food) belongeth to them that are of full age (mature), even those who by reason of use (practice) have their senses exercised (trained) to discern both good and evil.’ (Heb.5:11-14)
Yes Friends spiritual immaturity is holding back the body of Christ. Many of us, who should be teachers by now, are still immature in the faith. We can’t cause a LOVE Revolution through immaturity. We need to be versed in the Word and then put it into practice.
Now listen to how Peter describes us: ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people (God’s special people); that ye should show forth (proclaim) the praise of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.’ (1 Pet.2:9)
Yes my brethren, that’s what we’re supposed to be, chosen of God, special! That also means we have to be behave like royalty! So please let’s get with the programme nuh, let’s seriously study the Word and thus not be fooled by the wiles of the enemy. It’s only through maturity we can do that, and also be able to teach others. That’s what Jesus desires of us.
Much LOVE!…it’s high time believers stop allowing the carnal lusts of the world to rule their lives…and turn to the things of the Spirit and of God instead…
20 Jan 2014
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adrenalin, anointing, aura of love, blessings, call to arms, changing the world, Church of Christ, come together, confess, confidence, conquerors, day of the awakening, destruction, devastation, direct my prayer, divide and conquer, Elijah, enthusiasm, equal rights, eternal life, evil, faults, friends, further your glorious kingdom, get down to brass tacks, God's people, good news, harm, heaven, hiding their heads in the sand, holy spirit, humble servants, importance of prayer, in the morning, invincible, Jesus Christ, justice, lies, Lord God Jehovah, LOVE, make a difference, mickey-mouse stuff, Monday Morniing Battle Hymn, natural disasters, nature, one day at a time, passions, peace, powers of evil, pray for one another, prayer, prayer of faith, prayer of the righteous, rain, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, righteousness., rise up, rumours of war, saving and redeeming gospel, saviour, sins, spiritual armour, spirituality, steadfast faith, strife, suffering, taunts, things of the world, trespasses, trust, ungodly world, unified fight, victorious, wake up call, wars, weary souls, wiles, wisdom, worthwhile inroads
Psalm 5:3. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday: Monday 20 January 2014! The year that the Lord God Jehovah will make a mighty impact on this planet Earth, that He created! Fellow believers, this year we’re going to receive such a wake up call that we’ll be unable to avoid the Lord’s call to arms.
You’ll notice that since 2014 stepped in the strife around the world and the natural disasters have escalated. And believe me Friends, if we, the ones appointed by Jesus to take the good news of His saving and redeeming gospel all over the world, don’t do it, then we’ll see even worse strife and disasters, many of the latter man-made.
Oh my people, the talk about wars and rumours of wars is no longer prophetic, for it’s been currently fulfilled, with serious strife in more places than those where some semblance of peace reigns. So mih breddren, if we truly want our children to live to see a brighter day, then WE have to seriously step up to the plate and do some serious proselytizing, since it’s only by spreading the Word around the globe, that LOVE, peace, equal rights and justice will ever find a true foothold.
Oh my people, it’s high time we stop the mickey-mouse stuff we’ve been fooling ourselves with and get down to brass tacks, because the enemy; the powers of evil, Lucifer and his evil cohorts, have stepped up their programme of evil devastation and destruction. That means we have to take even bigger steps than them, if we even want to catch up, much less to pass them.
Friends, this is not just my feeling, but it’s right there out in front of us for all and sundry to see. But please remember that there’s none so blind as those who refuse to see. And sadly, a great many believers are either too taken up with the things of the world, or are foolishly hiding their heads in the sand like the ostrich, hoping that the evil tendencies will disappear on their own.
But Friends, I have news for us; that’s a fallacy, a very foolish one too! If we try to run and hide from the situation, it will only get worse, and eventually catch up to us and engulf us in its evil claws. So please, let’s stop trying to side step the problems nuh, for we’re only doing ourselves irreparable harm.
Oh Friends, this is the day of the awakening! This is the day that God’s people must rise up and take the fight to the enemy! And as our Bit so wisely advises, the best way to do that, is to begin the day in prayer, in serious communication with the Most High. ‘My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.’
So now my people, as we always do on a Monday morning, let’s look up, and raise our voices, direct our prayer, our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to our wonderful Creator, Provider and Protector. As one harmonious, blessed union, let’s pray.
‘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 adrenalin now pumping through our veins my brethren, let’s go out into the evil world that surrounds us, this first day of the work week, and make a serious and worthwhile difference in Jesus’ name nuh. I don’t like to keep harping on it, but it’s only through our strong, indefatigable and sustained efforts, RIGHT NOW, that our grandchildren will inherit a half-decent world.
Remember how we recently talked about changing the world, one day at a time? Well now it’s become imperative that we do so!
Now let’s get into the last scripture in this series of messages on the importance of prayer in a believer’s life. It comes from the epistle of James, recognized as Jesus’ earthly half brother. One of those who, in the early days chastised Him and didn’t believe, but who later came to see the light, as I’d like us to do.
And in talking about patience in affliction, James boldly proclaims: ‘Is any among you afflicted (suffering)? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults (trespasses) one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual (effective) fervent (supplication) prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are (with a nature like ours), and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth (land) by the space of (for) three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.’ (James 5:13-18)
Oh Friends, I can’t say it better than that! I can only hope and pray that this Monday morning, we will all go out and stand up steadfast and strong for Jesus. In His Holy name, we pray. And all God’s people gave a loud and rousing shout of ‘So be it! Amen!’ Much LOVE my brothers and sisters in Christ!
…only as the church of Christ comes together…and fights a serious and unified fight…will it ever be victorious…otherwise the enemy will keep on dividing and conquering us…
21 Dec 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: ability, Abraham, admissible evidence, assurance, Athens, authority, balancing act, being fearful, black and white, blatant, boggles the imagination, boldfaced, Bruh Paul, brutality, calamitous state, called to account, Christian, Christmas, confidence, conscience, consitent, corruption, crime, crimes against humanity, culprits, destruction, disobedient, economics, emotional, evil, followers, God-given responsibility, Godhead, good, greed, help, homelessness, hunger, ignorance, incompetence, Jesus, judged, judgement, judgement day, justice, justice of God, letting voices be heard, life, light of the world, loss of jobs, LOVE, marginalization, Mars Hill, mental, mercy, military presence, needy, newspapers, obedient, offspring of God, ordained, parable, pay heed, petty excuses, physcial tiredness, piddling wages, plead, police, politics, poor getting poorer, poverty, prayer, public protests, raised from the dead, relationships, resistance, retribution, rich getting richer, righteousness., rule the roost, rumours of war, salt of the earth, secret thing, selfishness, serious action, Sodom, sorry picture, standards, standing up to wrongdoers, step up to the plate, strife, talents, technological prowess, throw the book, under a bushel, understanding, ungodly, unhappiness, unknown God, walk earhtly paths, wars, wisdom, wrongdoings
Ecclesiastes 12:14. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s tired and unhappy this Saturday morning before Christmas. It’s not physical tiredness nuh, but mental and emotional unhappiness. But it’s all my fault, for I fell behind in my newspaper reading this week, then unwisely tried to catch up on several days reading, all at once. From now on though, I’m going to try my best to stay current, because the news from one day is bearable, but for several…no way Jose!
And what a sorry picture it all painted. We start of with wars and rumours of war, strife in almost every area. Then we have economic and political incompetence and corruption all over the world. And not only that, but the boldfaced and blatant manner in which these crimes against humanity are being carried out, boggles the imagination, especially when very little, if any retribution is being meted out to the culprits.
At least in earlier times we had the good sense to hide our wrong-doings, but not today. Today the greed and selfishness is all out in the open, nobody seems to have a conscience anymore. And in the balancing act that’s life, it only means that the rich are noticeably getting richer, while the poor are not only getting poorer, but also that their numbers are daily increasing at an alarming rate, what with the great loss of jobs and the piddling wages most of the remaining ones now pay.
And since there’s only one pie to be split up amongst several groups, if one group unilaterally increases their portion, then obviously all the others will have theirs curtailed. And consequently, we end up with astronomical rates of marginalization, abject poverty, homelessness, hunger, escalating crime and public protests, more police and military presence and brutality, etc. etc. And who would ever have expected such a calamitous state in a world that is at the height of its technological prowess eh?
Ah mih people, when and where will it all end eh? I guess the Lord alone knows. But we, His people down here on earth also have a serious, God-given responsibility to help, to do our best not to let matters deteriorate any further. And we can only do this by taking serious action; a combination of prayer, letting our voices be heard publicly, standing up to the wrongdoers, and helping those in need.
That’s what Jesus did, and what He fully expects of anyone who calls him or herself a Christian. But there again my fellow believers, we’re not truly living up to the standards that Jesus desires of His followers, and are allowing the ungodly to rule the roost without much resistance. But Friends, please, let’s listen to, and pay serious heed to the words of our Bit. ‘For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’
Yes my brethren, all our actions will be judged. And when the Lord asks us why we didn’t do better with the talents He gave us like the servants in Jesus’ parable, (Matt.18:23-35) what are we going to tell Him eh? Remember too that ignorance will not be admissible evidence. So it’s full time, or rather overdue time that we get our act together and do something concrete for the world, instead of making petty excuses and being fearful, or being selfish and greedy like the world around us.
Remember we’re supposed to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, but it seems that in fits of anxiety we’re hiding our lights under a bushel and the salt in us has become seriously diminished and thus useless. But Friends, we need to step up to the plate like so many others have done before us, and we’ll use this example of Bruh Paul in our Bit, as he stood up on Mars hill in Athens, explaining to its citizens about the altar they had erected with the inscription; ‘TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.’ (Acts 17:23)
‘Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead (Divine Nature) is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven (shaped) by art and man’s device (devising). And the times of this ignorance God winked at (overlooked); but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; wherefore he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.’ (Acts 17:29-31)
And we’ll close with some notes from the scholars’ re the Justice of God. ’17:31. The justice of God is the active extension of the holiness of God into matters of decision. It implies that God has the authority and ability to establish the standard for all relationships and that He will be consistent in relating to His obedient and disobedient creatures. The justice of God is both legislative and distributive.
Illustration: When Abraham attempted to prevent the destruction of Sodom, he appealed to God’s justice: he knew that the Judge of all the earth would do right (Gen.18:25). Application: So today, everyone can have confidence that God will deal with him justly, but the believer may additionally plead God’s mercy. (First Ref. Gen.3:14; Primary Ref. Acts 17:31; cf. Mark 10:18)’
There we have it Friends, in black and white! Now we can’t say we didn’t know, and anyway, as we said above, ignorance will not stand as a plausible plea on judgement day. Therefore let’s come together, TODAY, and clean up our acts, so that the just judge, on judgement day, will not have to throw the book at us. Much LOVE my people!
…and may the Lord grant us wisdom and understanding…to walk earthly paths…that will not bring harsh judgement…when He calls us to account…
10 Dec 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: ability to choose, ability to think, advice, affectionate, anger, avenge not, believers, bless, brotherly LOVE, Bruh Paul, bundle of good, Christ's Church, Christian nation, complain, conceit, condescend, curse not, diligence, dissensions, disturbed sleep, dividing, divisions, drifitng apart, enemy, estimation, evil, evil for evil, eye teeth, feed, feel rotten, fervent, followers of Jesus christ, functions, give drink, glorify God, grow, growth, harmony, heap coals of fire, honesty, hospitality, human animal, humble, hypocrisy, in christ, in the end, Jesus Christ, live peaceably, longevity, LOVE, Love God, LOVE your neighbour, low estate, meaningful, members, message, miserable, needs, negative stuff, not always easy, One Body, option, overcome evil with good, overcome of eveil, patient, peace, perplexed, persecute, petty jealousies, petty woes, please Jesus, politice, prayer, preference, preseverance, prized creation, problems, rampant, rebels, recompense, reconciled, rejoicing in hope, repay, resentment, right decision, Romans 12, rumours of war, sacrifice, sad, saints, selfish, serving the Lord, sinless life, slothful, steadfast, talk a good talk, thirst, tired, tribulation, truth, ungodly world, unity of brethren, values of God, values of the world, vengeance hunger, walk, walk in sync, wars, weep, wisdom, work together, works out for good, wrath
Romans 12:4-5. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office (function): So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one (individually) members one of another.
Oh Friends, have you ever experienced the unparalleled joy of going to bed feeling fairly okay, but waking up a few hours later feeling terrible? Well I experienced that joy this morning.
Chuh! I went to bed at a decent hour, feeling good enough, but lo and behold when I got up… brother did I ever feel rotten, tired and miserable! I could barely get myself together. I don’t know if it’s because the phone rang during the night and disturbed my sleep, but I sure had a hard time coming around.
Enough of my petty woes though, a lot of people would give their eye-teeth (smile) to have my problems, compared to their own. And I truly don’t have that much to complain about, for the Lord’s been looking after me fairly well.
Now that doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but it always works out for good in the end. And that is basically the message Bruh Paul is trying to convey to us in our Bit, which continues from yesterday.
‘For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office (function): So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one (individually) members one of another.’
Oh my brethren, as members of Christ’s church, though we have different gifts and different functions we desperately need to work together for it to be successful! That’s the ONLY way the church will ever grow and become meaningful in this evil and ungodly world!
Look at it nuh Friends, everything else that the Lord made without brains function perfectly in His universe. However, the human animal, His most prized creation, the one thing that He made with the ability to think, constantly rebels against Him.
We cannot seem to work together in peace, LOVE and harmony, as He desires. Even those of us who proclaim to be followers of Jesus Christ, who profess to keep the two great commandments – LOVE God, and LOVE your neighbour as yourself – we’re way too often hypocritical on the matter.
And sadly, that hypocrisy seems to be rampant in Christ’s church, where it has absolutely no place. Why is that eh? Possibly because we’re still too selfish, still holding on to the foolish values of the world as our templates for life, instead of the values of God.
Now let’s continue from where we left off yesterday, with Bruh Paul’s advice to the Romans about what should be happening in their church.
‘Be kindly affectioned (affectionate) one to another with brotherly LOVE; in honour preferring (giving preference to) one another; Not slothful (lagging in diligence) in business; fervent (boiling over) in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing instant (steadfastly) in prayer; Distributing to the necessity (needs) of saints (believers); given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless (speak well of), and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not (don’t sent your minds on) high things; but condescend to men of low estate (associate with the humble). Be not wise in your own conceits (estimation).
Recompense to (repay) no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.’ (Rom.12:10-20)
Oh my people, how much of all that can we say is truly happening in our world eh? Not a whole lot, otherwise there would not be as many wars and rumours of war.
And what about Christ’s church eh? How much of that wise advice are we showing in the church of today?
Unfortunately not a whole lot either, because if we were doing a good job the anger, resentment, petty jealousies, politics and all the other negative stuff would not be as rampant as they are, and the divisions and dissensions would thus be much less amongst our Christian nation.
But sadly, everyday we hear about more negative stuff happening in the church, and instead of coming together as we ought to, we’re dividing and drifting further and further apart.
As I said yesterday, Jesus must be sad and perplexed about how to solve our problems. But my people, He did the best He could; He did His part by sacrificing His sinless life so that we could be reconciled to the Father. Now we’re foolishly behaving as though we never needed that option, and it’s not important.
Jesus can’t come and hold everybody’s hands yuh know. It’s now up to us to make the right decision. That’s why our Creator gave us a mind and the ability to choose.
Oh my fellow believers, we talk a very good talk, but our walk surely doesn’t reflect that talk. That’s our major problem. And until we get both our talk and walk in sync, make them jive, Christ’s church will never come together as it should.
Now we’ll end our discourse today, the same way Bruh Paul ends Romans 12, with some of the best advice we can ever receive. ‘Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom.12:21)
Now that my brethren is all the different kinds of wisdom and truth wrapped up in one small, but very powerful package! Let’s endeavour to truly heed it nuh, to sincerely adopt it in our lives, for it will do us a bundle of good.
And even more importantly, it will please Jesus and glorify our heavenly Father, the main purpose for which we were originally created. Much LOVE!
…the unity of the brethren…is essential…of the utmost importance… for the longevity and growth of Christ’s church…
P.S. In yesterday’s Bit I left an empty bracketed space between ‘volitional caring’ in the scholars’ note, because I wanted to find a simpler synonym for it, but with all the technical problems I forgot to fill it.
It basically means ‘will or desire,’ a caring that we raise up from deep within our very souls for others. And that’s something we very much need to do these days my people. Much LOVE!
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