13 Dec 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: awesome majesty, bear burdens, Bruh David, called to courage, change, Christmas Season, contemplation, covenant, cry in distress, deliver us from sin, descendants, do not be afraid, eternal death, eternal life, Ethan the Ezrahite, ever-faithful God, everlasting faithfulness, faithful, faithful promise, faithfulness, fear, fellowship, Firday 13th, for ever, forgiveness, foundation of the earth, Friday chant, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generations, generous help, God's sure promises, gospel truth, grace, greatest gifts to man, grow old, heaven, Jesus Christ, jesus name, joyfully shouting, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, loving, loving kindness, magnanimous god, make known, merciful, no labour, omnipotent, perseverance, pilgrims, proudly, ravages, refreshed in soul, relaxation, renewed, respect, rest, right track, salvation, seed, smoke, sojourn, stand strong, steadfast faith, superstition, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the Lord's mercies, time to sing, true, true believer, ungodly earth, vanish away, veneration, weekend, wisdom, work of thy hands
Psalm 89:1. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday…Friday the 13th! Now does that raise fears in your spirit, re it being an unlucky day? I surely hope not, because there’s absolutely nothing to fear from a Friday that falls on the 13th day of the month.
It’s just a bunch of superstitions dating back to who knows when and where! They can’t even decide where it originally came from. So we’ll repeat, there’s nothing to be afraid of on this Friday 13th December 2013, or any other Friday 13th at all!
And that’s especially so if you’re a true believer in Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and Saviour. He’s faithfully promised to save us from any evil, so there’s nothing to be afraid of. And just in case you’re one of those who have difficulty handling a Friday 13th, then you’re probably suffering from ‘Paraskevidekatriaphobics.’
Yes Friends, it’s a big word for a fear that ought not to exist! So please keep joyfully shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ because whether it’s called black, or misfortune, or unlucky Friday, it’s still the day before the weekend, and there’s no labour for two, whole, big, long days! (smile)
And to keep us on the right track, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much affirmation nuh. ‘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.’
Now that’s the right way to view the weekend my people! And in conjunction with our Bit, we shall certainly stand strong this weekend.
Our Bit comes from Psalm 89, which deals with God’s sure promises to Bruh David. It’s a contemplation written by Ethan the Ezrahite, a man of much wisdom, (1 Kin.4:31) and also one of the singers in Bruh David’s band. (1 Chr.15:19)
So he was well qualified to declare in the opening verse: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.’
And this Christmas season my brethren, is certainly a time to sing of and make known to all and sundry, the great mercies and the everlasting faithfulness of our omnipotent and magnanimous God!
Look, He promised to deliver us from sin and its ravages, death eternal, and in response sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to do it, thus giving us the two greatest gifts ever known to man; salvation and eternal life! Wow! Now how can we not jump and shout for joy at those two life saving and life giving situations eh?
And as the psalmist continues: ‘For I have said, Mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.’ (Ps.89:2-4)
And all of that is gospel truth my Friends! And if you don’t believe me, then listen to these scriptures which declare and establish that LOVING-kindness and faithfulness of our eternal God.
Psalm 102, a cry in distress, puts it thus: ‘Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure (continue): yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed (descendants) shall be established before thee.’ (Ps.102:25-28)
Who says our God isn’t merciful, LOVING, faithful, omnipotent and true eh! He certainly is my people, as all of us can attest to in so many aspects of our lives!
And we’ll end today with this outstanding verse from Isaiah, where the faithful are called to courage. ‘Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax (grow) old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished (broken).’ (Is.51:6)
Oh my people, please hang on tightly to those words of our ever-faithful God, because it’s in His words, His promises, that we find courage, perseverance and steadfast faith to bear our burdens as pilgrims on this evil, ungodly earth!
And we’ll have more corroborative scripture on this topic tomorrow to boost our spirits, provided the Lord’s in favour, of course.
But till then my Friends and fellow believers, please, please, let’s stand steadfast and strong, and sing staunchly and proudly of our God; of His mercies, His LOVING-kindness, His forgiveness, His grace and all the other wonderful stuff that He’s so faithfully and LOVINGLY provided to help us on our short sojourn here on earth. Much LOVE!
…when God’s people stand strong…in faith…LOVE…and mercy…the whole world takes notice…and stands up in respect, in veneration…of His awesome majesty…
22 Nov 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Abraham, acts of faith, all the nations, altar, Amen, Beer-sheba, Bible, blessed, blessing, body soul and mind, chosen people, Christians, consequences, contradiction to God's character, correct perspective, covenant, descendants, descendants of Abraham, different light, edification, enlightenment, ever-faithful God, evil, faithfulness, father of many nations, fear God, fellowship, followers of Jesus, Friday chant, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, Gentiles, God's command, heaven, honour, in Jesus' name, Isaac, Ishmael, Israelites, Jehovah-Jireh, Jesus, Jews, journey of faith, jump to it, land of Moriah, LOVE, magnanimous, monstrous deeds, murder, Muslims, mysterious ways, negatives, Noah, obedience, obeyed God's voice, party time, promises, prove, rainbow, relaxation, renege, renewed and refeshed, rest, reverence, right attitude, sacrifice, sacrifices to gods, sign, soul searching, stars, stress, substitute, sufficient fun, tempt, test, TGIF!, Thank God is Friday, the angel of the Lord, the Good Book, the Lord will provide, time of want, token, trust, try, unselfish act, way of the world, weekend, wisdom, zenith
Genesis 22:18. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Aye mih people, it’s Friday morning, and I hear you loudly shouting ‘TGIM! Thank God it’s Friday! The weekend is here, and no more work for two big days! Pappy oh! That means it’s party time!’
But hold on a minute mih people, that’s the way the world looks at it. True followers of Jesus ought to look at it in a different light though; the light that our Friday Chant extols. So please let’s chant our Friday Chant instead, so that we can bring the right attitude, the correct perspective to the wonderful weekend ahead of us.
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.’
Now that, my Friends and fellow believers is more in keeping with what our response to the weekend ought to be! And the time has come to turn to our Bit, the same one as yesterday: ‘And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.’
We saw yesterday where the Lord commanded Abraham to go to the land of Moriah and sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. No doubt Abraham experienced great internal stress, since the Lord’s command deviated substantially from His promise to make him the father of many nations through Isaac.
However, on the outside, Abraham remained calm and did what the Lord commanded. And when he was about to slay Isaac, the Lord stopped him, then provided a lamb for the purpose, and in honour of the Lord’s faithfulness, Abraham called the place Jehovah-jireh (the Lord will provide; for He did indeed provide in Abraham’s time of want. (Gen.22:1-14)
Now that whole episode makes me wonder what effect it had on young Isaac. How he must have fretted eh, especially after asking his father about the animal to be sacrificed, being told that the Lord would provide one, then having his father bind him upon the altar to use him as the sacrifice. (Gen.22:7-8)
The Good Book doesn’t say anything about it, but one way or the other, it must have had a great impact on Isaac, a mere youth at the time. But that unselfish act of Abraham must be considered as one of the greatest acts of faith ever shown by a believer, especially in those first days when the Lord was trying to put His chosen people together.
The Lord must also have been greatly moved, for as the Good Book tells it: ‘And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed (descendants) as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.’ (Gen.22:15-19)
Yes Friends, that’s the magnanimous, ever-faithful God that we serve! When we are faithful to obey His commands, especially those real deep, soul searching one, He honours us superbly! You can certainly see why He eventually made Abraham the father of many nations; his faith and trust were exceedingly great!
Now here are some relevant thoughts on the situation from the scholars. ’22:1-14. God did tempt Abraham: The word tempt is better rendered as “proved or tested.” God does not tempt anyone with evil (James 1:13), but in certain instances, He does test, try, or prove us (James 1:2; 1 Pet 1:6-7). Therefore we must assume that the command to sacrifice Isaac was not evil. God knew what He would do in the end. He had no intention to permit the murder of Isaac.
The reason God prohibited the Israelites from following the example of the Gentiles who offered their own children as sacrifices to their gods (Deut.12:31) was that such monstrous deeds were in contradiction to the character of the true God. Abraham’s faith was being tried. This was the entire purpose of the episode.
Moriah was in the general area that included the hills on which Solomon later built his temple in Jerusalem (2 Chr. 3:1) The journey was about 50 miles. God will provide is a phrase that would be immortalized in the name of the place in verse 14.
Now I know that thou fearest God indicates that God was certain that Abraham feared (reverenced) Him more than anyone else, since he was willing to offer Him his son. So God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac. (cf. John 1:19)’
Ah my brethren, our great God does move in mysterious ways, but He’s never reneged, or will He ever renege on any of His promises! That’s the point that we’re trying to make.
He promised Noah a rainbow as a token of His covenant, and even to this day, thousands of years later, the beautiful rainbow of God’s promise still graces our skies every so often.
Likewise Abraham, though he experienced a lot of negatives on his journey of faith in and for God, today, most of the world, Jews, Christians and Muslims are all considered descendants of Abraham through Isaac, Jesus and Ishmael respectively.
Wow! The Lord indeed kept His awesome promise, making him a father of many nations, and his heritage known around the world. That just goes to show my people that we can faithfully trust the God of Noah and Abraham to keep His promises to all and sundry, without any exceptions.
So Friends, if the Lord is talking to you today, please listen closely, then do as he asks. You’ll cause yourself less problems in the long run, for if He really wants you, He’ll eventually get you, the hard way. I can tell you that from personal experience.
So whenever he comes a-calling, just say, ‘Yes Lord! How high Lord?’ And then jump to it. That’s wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!
…as per Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley)…the wisest move we can ever make…is simply to obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him…
P.S. Yes Friends, I know it’s a tad long, but I just wanted to finish the messages on Abraham’s promise today. So please bear with the ole fella, since it’s all for your enlightenment and edification. (smile) Much LOVE!
15 Nov 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Abrahamic Covenant, Abram, act of faith, be on our p's and q's, border line, carried away, childless, confidence in God, count the stars, do nothing, evil, evil doings, evildoers, faith, famine in Canaan, fear not, fellowship, Friday chant, fruit of the womb, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, generous help, Gomorrah, good attitude to adopt, great reward, heir, heritage of the lord, in Jesus' name, in soul body and mind, joyfulness, king of Salem, land of Canaan, laze around, Lot, LOVE, matter of belief, Melchizedek, Most High God, obedience, offerings, Pharaoh, possessor of heaven and earth, pray, rejuvenate our spirits, relaxation, relying on God, renewed and refreshed, rest, rest is repair, rewards, righteousness., shield, sin, Sodom, source of confidence, spoils, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, tithes, to listen than the fat of rams, to obey is better than sacrifice, ungodly world, weekend, wisdom
Genesis 15:1. After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Once more it’s Friday Friends, and we’re all singing, ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ gearing up for a joyous weekend. But let’s all be careful that we don’t get too carried away with the joyfulness and cross the border line, where it turns to sin, for that’s very easy to do when we don’t have a good handle on our thoughts and our behaviour.
So to help us have some moderation and keep our eyes on Jesus, let’s chant our Friday Chant. As one harmonious voice 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 mih people, in this evil, ungodly world, we need to be on our p’s and q’s at all times. And interestingly enough, I came across a rather appropriate quote this morning, attributed to one Daniel W. Josselyn, which says: ‘Rest is not a matter of doing absolutely nothing. Rest is repair.’
And that’s a fact Friends! Rest doesn’t just, or always, mean doing nothing, but sometimes simply doing other things that will repair and rejuvenate our spirits and bodies. What’s the saying? ‘A change is as good as a rest,’ or something to that effect. So when we hear the word rest, let’s not always jump to the conclusion that it’s time to laze around and do nothing. (smile)
Now let’s look at our Bit. ‘After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’
Some of the things the Good Book’s talking about here are: Abram being driven down to Egypt because of famine in Canaan. Of deceiving Pharaoh by saying that Sarai was his sister, and the Lord opening Pharaoh’s eyes to the truth, before he could touch her. Pharaoh sending Abram away, back to Canaan, where he and Lot separate. Lot goes to live in Sodom, and as we saw yesterday, the Lord promises Abram the land as far as he could see. (Gen.13:14-18)
Then certain kings come to fight against Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lot and his people are carried away captive. When Abram hears of this, he and 318 of his fighting men pursue the captors, rescue Lot and return all the spoil to Sodom and Gomorrah.
Then he comes upon Melchizedek, king of Salem, ‘the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.’ (Gen.14:18b-20)
Abram later refused the offerings, rewards of the ungodly king of Sodom, just food for his men. ‘I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.’ (Gen.14:23b) That’s a good attitude for us to adopt my brethren, when we are approached by evildoers to participate in their evil doings, or the spoils of their evil doings.
So we can see that Abram lived a very full and interesting later period of life. A time when most of us figure we should just retire from active life and do nothing. But the fact is when we completely retire from life, we die, both literally and figuratively.
Anyway, let’s hear these words from the scholars re our Bit, before we move on to some scriptures. ’15:1. Thy shield and thy exceeding great reward: This chapter introduces the Abrahamic covenant by which God promises him an heir and eventual descendants who will one day possess the land of Canaan. The word ‘shield’ is translated in other passages as “believed.”
Thus God is the object of Abram’s faith and thereby the source of his confidence. The promise of reward is especially significant in view of the fact that Abram had just refused a reward from the king of Sodom. God himself would be Abram’s true reward. (c.f. Ps.127:3)’
Oh Friends, I don’t know if I’m spoiling you, (smile) but here’s what that scripture says: ‘Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: the fruit of the womb is his reward.’ (Ps. 127:3)
It shows the value of relying on God, especially for children, which Abram did, as these passages of scripture show, after God spoke to him in our Bit. ‘And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward (heir) of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one (a servant) born in my house is mine heir. And behold the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
And he brought him forth abroad (outside), and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell (count) the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.’ (Gen. 15:2-6)
Yes my brethren, it’s all a matter of belief! And belief leads to obedience, and obedience to righteousness and rewards. And as the scholars so rightly point out: ‘This was not his (Abram’s) original act of faith, but a further evidence of his confidence in God.’
So please, my fellow believers, let’s listen closely to what God is saying to us today, what He’s promising us, if we believe and obey Him, for that’s wisdom at its highest height. Much LOVE!
…behold…to obey is better than sacrifice…and to hearken (listen) than the fat of rams… (1 Sam.15:22b)
08 Nov 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abased, abound, Beelzebub, blessings, Calvary, catastrophe, chanting, christianity, Christians, circumspection, contented, desires of the heart, destruction, disasters, duty, euphoria, evil one, exchange for one's soul, experience, feet firmly planted, fellowship, followers of Christ, foothold, Friday chant, full and hungry, fun, furthering God's glorious kingdom, gain the world, generous help, glory hallelujah, God judges, God-centred focus, good deeds, good for the soul, good times, goodness, gravalicious, greedy, inherent problems, jesus name, Jesus' selfless sacrifice, jump off the deep end, lead and guide, learned behaviour, lifestyles of the rich and famous, live humbly, loss of lives, LOVE, Lucifer, maturity, may God's counteneance shine upon us, motives of the heart, old rugged cross, partying, peace, Philippians, possessions, Praise the Lord, prisoner of hope, prosperity, refreshed in soul, relaxation, renewed, rest, right attitude, rip-roaring, rough times, satisfied, sell one's soul, solid ground, suffer need, temptation, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, the Lord's in our corner, the Philippines, the undeserving children of men, things of the world, time of dire need, true believers, typhoon Haiyan, ups and downs, waiting patiently, walk and talk with God, weekend, wild animals, wisdom
Philippians 4:12. I know both how to be abased (live humbly), and I know how to abound (live in prosperity): every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
And the band played, as the people lustily sang: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! TGIF! Thank God is Friday! Work soon done, then it’s my time to play, my time to party! Yes work soon done, then is my time to play, my time to party!’
But hold on a minute Friends, please don’t jump off the deep end so fast. Now some partying is good for the soul, but like too much of anything, it can either get boring or too rip-roaring and thus cause us to go astray, consequently allowing the evil one to gain a foothold in our souls. And that my people we must try to avoid at all cost.
So let’s stop for a moment, let the euphoria of Friday simmer for a bit, while we put on our thinking caps and find some wisdom to lead and guide us successfully through the weekend. And we’ll start by sincerely chanting our Friday Chant, which gives us the right attitude for handling the weekend.
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.’
Yes my brethren, that’s what we need when the weekend rolls around, a shot of circumspection, so that we don’t run lose like wild animals and lose our God-centred focus.
Now there’s one new disaster to contend with, as though we didn’t have enough worldwide. The super typhoon Haiyan apparently hit the Central Philippines this morning, with winds roaring up to 195 miles per hour. Mama Yo! A hundred and ninety five miles an hour!
Yuh know the amount of disaster and destruction that can cause mih Friends! There will most likely be plenty loss of lives and lots of physical destruction, so please, I implore us to pray for them in their time of dire need, and also help however else we can, for that’s our sure duty as true believers.
Ah Lord eh! There isn’t a day that passes by without some kind of bizarre catastrophe taking place in our world, either natural or man-made. But the good thing my people is that as followers of Christ we don’t have to get too low or too high about whatever happens, for we know that come what may, the Lord is firmly planted in our corner.
For as Bruh Paul tells the Philippians in our Bit: ‘I know both how to be abased (live humbly), and I know how to abound (live in prosperity): every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.’
Now my brethren, that’s how the Christian ought to be able to live. And I daresay that I have reached a fairly mature point in that respect, because I’ve been around long enough – don’t read or think old – (smile) and have gone through enough ups and downs to appreciate both the rough times and the good ones.
As a lot of things in Christianity, it’s a learned behaviour; one you can only truly acquire through experience. And the one thing I have going for me in that regard is that though I like nice, expensive things, it doesn’t rile my soul if I don’t get them. I’ve been dirt poor and I’ve also hung out with some wealthy folks, but truthfully, I don’t like either end of the spectrum.
I have to thank the Lord that I’ve never been a greedy, ‘gravalicious’, ‘wanty-wanty’ person. My feet have always been firmly planted on solid ground, and at this stage of my life, I’ve done some of all that the Lord’s put in my heart, though not to the extent that I would have liked. But I’m a prisoner of hope, Glory Hallelujah! And I am still waiting patiently for Him to fulfill those desires to a greater degree.
But Friends, I know the glitzy, glamorous things of the world, the lifestyles of the rich and famous are causing havoc in many believer’s lives today because they want to be able to live the same way. But as I keep saying, we don’t know what they’ve done to get what they have, they’ve most likely sold their soul to Beelzebub.
Now that’s something you surely don’t want to do. Unfortunately though, many of us are indeed doing it. We need to stand strong though and resist that temptation. Granted, none of us want to be poor, but being rich also has its inherent problems.
Oh I know you’re going to say, I’ll take the rich problems rather than the poor ones. But please remember that our God doesn’t judge us by our possessions or outwards actions, but by the motives of our hearts. So all the possessions and good deeds don’t mean a thing if you’ve sold your soul to Lucifer.
For as Jesus asked of His disciples: ‘For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’ (Matt.16:26)
Now that my Friends, is a question each individual has to answer for him or herself. But I just want to let you know that the correct answer to that is, NOTHING OF THE WORLD should be able to purchase our souls!
In fact they’re not for sale, because Jesus has already bought and paid for them with His selfless sacrifice upon that old rugged cross at Calvary some two thousand years ago!
And all God’s people shouted a most grateful, ‘Praise the Lord for His wonderful goodness to the undeserving children of men!’ And that’s as it should be my people!
We’ll end here for today, because it’s already long and I don’t want to tire us out by having to read too much heavy stuff. (smile) So we’ll continue this message tomorrow, obviously if the Lord’s in favour.
Till then, please let’s go safely, constantly walking and talking with God, so that He’ll bless and keep us and cause His wonderful countenance to shine upon us with peace, wisdom and LOVE! Much LOVE!
…it’s not easy…but Christians must learn to be satisfied…contented in whatever state or stage they’re currently at…because that’s exactly where the Father wants us…at that particular time…
21 Oct 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a name above every name, alive, aura of love, author of salvation, bang for your buck, Beatitudes, blessed, call to repentance, confidence, death, death of the cross, divine wisdom, down to earth, enthusiasm, every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, evil, exalted, fellowship, G;ory Hallelujah, glory days, Glory of the Father, God's will, good of the land, haughty, high priest, holy spirit, hope, humble, humble servants, inroads, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jesus' philosophy, Jeus Christ is Lord, jobs, kingdom of heaven, lies, LOVE, Monday, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, mouth of the Lord, nothing's impossible, obedience, obedient, pagan world, poor in spirit, proud, rebel, Red Letter Day, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, rest, rock heaven and earth, rock-star status, saviour, self-control, Sermon on the Mount, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, sure conquerors, truth, ungodly, ungodly world, unwise habit, useful purpose, weary souls, weekend, wicked taunts, wiles, willing, wisdom, wisest decision
Matthew 5:3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Ah Friends, it’s Monday once more! I hope we’re all up bright and early and rearing to go after a weekend of rest and fellowship. (smile) Oh I know that plenty of us are still mired in the weekend party-going scene and are thus suffering the Monday morning blues and the miserable side effects that unwise action entails.
But I’m alive, therefore I have hope, that eventually we’ll all kick that unwise habit and get ourselves back to the glory days, when Monday was a day we all looked forward to with excitement rather than dread.
However, in what ever state you are this Monday morning, this is the perfect opportunity for us to all join together and rock heaven and earth with a splendiferous rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. (smile)
So Friends, with one, loud, sweet, tuneful, harmonious voice, let’s rock! ‘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!’
Ah mih breddren, that was indeed a rocking rendition of our Battle Hymn! Even Jesus was rocking along with us! Now let’s get out into the evil ungodly world that surrounds us, and instead of carrying that rock-star status with us, let’s follow the divine wisdom of Jesus and be like what our Bit says: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
And that’s the exact attitude that Jesus expects ALL His followers to genuinely have and sincerely display to all and sundry!
Now some of you might not recognize our Bit, but it’s the first of the Beatitudes, part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He first sat down and taught His disciples and the people gathered round Him, His basic philosophy and expectations of those who desired to follow Him. Others of you might also be wondering what exactly does the Bit mean.
Well the scholars give us a very good explanation, so we’ll run with it. ‘5:3. Blessed means “happy.” This is a basic description of the believers’ inner condition as a result of the work of God. These Beatitudes, like Psalm 1, [please read] do not show a man how to be saved, but rather describe the characteristics of one who has been saved.
The poor in spirit are the opposite of the proud or haughty in spirit. They have been humbled by the grace of God and have acknowledged their sin and therefore their dependence on God to save them. They will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Kingdom of heaven is a general designation of the dwelling place of the saved.’
Consequently my people, even though we attain to such heights as being the most powerful person in the world, or the richest, or the wisest, or the strongest, or the most celebrated, if you desire to follow Jesus, He still expects you to have a humble, down to earth attitude, with total surrender to, and complete trust in His heavenly Father, relying on Him for all guidance and direction.
Oh Friends, it’s a simple philosophy; one of obedience and self-control, but nonetheless a difficult one to embrace and successfully cultivate, especially when you have the pagan world which surrounds us, pushing all sorts of wicked, ungodly things at you. But as we keep saying, if you’re serious about doing something that’s within God’s will, and you engage Him to work with you, then NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE.
And we’ll close with some scriptures that drive home the point. First off, listen to Isaiah as he calls Israel to repentance. ‘If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.’ (Is.1:19-20) That’s very simple and straightforward Friends.
Now hear the author of Hebrews: ‘Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of salvation unto all them that obey him. Called of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.’ (Heb.5:8-10)
And lastly, listen to Bruh Paul talk about Jesus to the Philippians. ‘And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.’ (Phil.2:8-11)
Yuh see Friends, Jesus was highly rewarded and exalted for His obedience to the Father’s will, and if we follow Jesus, we also shall be divinely reward. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’
So my fellow believers, let’s make today a Red Letter Day nuh; by seriously considering, and pondering all that we’ve said, and then deciding to work not only closely with Jesus, but also solely for Him. It’s the wisest decision any human can ever make on this earth, because that’s the only way to get into the kingdom of heaven. Much LOVE!
…unfortunately fools don’t realize it…but working for, and with Jesus…gives you the biggest bang for your buck…
16 Sep 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abundance, adrenalin flowing, assurance, aura of love, battle, bending ears, Bible Study, blessed, change for the better, Colorado, confidence, constantly in thy mouth, counsel of the ungodly, diabetic coma, enemy's ranks, enthusiasm, faith, floods, glorious kingdom, God's kingdom, God's Word, good news, greedy, heavenly Father, high on the hog, holy spirit, in the way of sinners, invincible, Jean and Dinah, Jesus Christ, jobs, joyful lips, keep on trying, keeping families together, laggards, lazy, lead and guide, lies, Lord and Saviour, Lord bless you, lord god almighty, LOVE, meditate, Mighty Sparrow, Monday Morning, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, new week of work, not afraid, partying, pinnacle of living, promise, prosperity, rejoice, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, reverence, rivers of water, satisfies the thirsty soul, scripture do the talking, selfish, shadow of God's wings, Slinger Francisco, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, success, sure conquerors, surrender, the righteous, weekend, weekend habits, wicked taunts, wiles, worthwhile inroads
Joshua 1:8. This book of the law shall not depart (shall be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Oh mih Friends, check out this story nuh!
As the young lady steps out her front door, she sees her elderly neighbour sitting on her porch next door. ‘Morning Miss Mavis!’ she greets in a bright and friendly voice.
‘Mornin’ Neighbuh!’ the older woman replies. Then noticing that her young friend was already dressed for work, she continues in a slightly sarcastic but pleasant tone. ‘But what a way yuh early this Monday morning chile!’
The younger woman laughs and says: ‘Yuh notice nuh! But this weekend I decided to take it easy, no setta partying and such. I even went to bed early last night, and so was able to get up early. Ah just tired being so tired and late every Monday morning, so I’m trying a different tack this week. And for once I want to be on time for the Bible Study they have at work every Monday morning. I’m always getting there when they almost finish. Steups! Ah feel so bad.’
‘Good for you mih chile!’ Miss Mavis says with an accompanying laugh. ‘But a good night’s rest does wonders for both yuh body and yuh soul. So just keep it up, and you’ll soon see a real change for the better, in all aspects of yuh life.’
‘Thank you, Miss Mavis,’ the young lady replies. ‘I’m trying…’
‘Well just keep on trying mih girl,’ is the older woman’s advice.
‘Thank you Miss Mavis,’ comes the answer.
‘And the Lord bless you, as you go on your way this morning,’ Miss Mavis adds.
‘Thanks Miss M,’ the young lady replies, stepping off down the sidewalk to catch the oncoming bus.
Ah mih people, how many of us have recently adopted that young lady’s approach to Monday eh? I hope quite a few, because it’s the only wise and sensible way to begin your work week. Now let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get the adrenalin and faith flowing. In strong voice, as a heavenly choir.
‘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!’
That was a very hearty rendition mih people! Obviously some of the laggards have changed their weekend habits, (smile) and that ought to get us off and running to a fine start.
Before we get to our Bit though, I want to encourage us to pray first for those unfortunate folks in parts of Colorado in the U.S. who have suddenly been hit by some rather serious flooding this past weekend. Ah Lord eh! When is not one disaster, is another yes!
And please pray also for the greatest entertainer to ever come out of the West Indies, Slinger Francisco, better known as the Mighty Sparrow, Calypsonian extraordinaire. Apparently, instead of rumours of his demise, he’s actually in a diabetic coma in New York. Sparrow’s been entertaining the world for at least half a century, starting with hits like Jean and Dinah, Melda – Obeah Woman, and many others, too numerous to mention here.
Now let’s check out our Bit. ‘This book of the law shall not depart (shall be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’
Yes Friends, it’s that simple! If we study God’s Word and live by it, then we’ll eventually be warmly greeted by prosperity and success. And the good news is that I won’t be bending your ears this morning. (smile) We’re just going to let the scripture, do the talking, re meditating on God’s Word.
And where better to begin than Psalm 1; Blessed are the righteous. ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder by talking to oneself) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps.1:1-3)
Oh mih breddren, mih breddren, what a wonderful scripture, just chocked full of promise – if we do our part by pondering on the Lord’s law, then faithfully living it! We really can’t ask for more than that. But being the lazy, greedy, selfish animal man has become, we all expect to live high on the hog without doing anything to deserve it. But unfortunately it doesn’t work like that in God’s kingdom.
And we’ll end with these wonderful words of faith and assurance from Bruh David, taken from Psalm 63, God satisfies the thirsting soul. ‘My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow (the best) and fatness (abundance); and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings I will rejoice.’ (Ps.63:5-7)
Oh Friends, I couldn’t put it any better than that! So in closing, I’ll just pray that for all of us whom the Lord has helped and is still helping, that we’ll continue rejoicing in the shadow of His awesome wings. That’s the very pinnacle in living, be it here on earth, or in heaven above! Much LOVE!
…those who don’t LOVE and revere the Father…really don’t know what they’re missing nuh…
23 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: affection, associate with the humble, be honest, be of like minds, be of one accord, benefits, bless those who persecute you, body, bounden duty, build Christ's church, cheerful hearts, comfort of LOVE, conceits, consolation in Christ, Creator, curse not, depart from evil, dissension, ditty, divide and conquer, don't repay evil for evil, don't set your mind on high things, encouragement, eschew evil, esteem, fellowship, freedom, Friday chant, fun, further your glorious kingdom, generous help, get a move on, glorious kingdom, godly virtues, grains of sand, ground zero, hallmark of Christians, harmonious living, harmony and unity, high mindedness, holy spirit, jehovah god, Jesus, jesus name, joy, likeminded, live peaceably, live right, lowliness, mercy, mind, no man's an island, only hope, opposition, peace and harmony, petty differences, provider, rejoice, relaxation, relevant scriptures, renewed and refreshed, repel the enemy, selfishness, sincere reverence and worship, slave labour, solace, solemn decision, soul, stand together, steadfast in unity, strife, striving together, strong voice, successful future, succour, sure foundation, sympathy, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the gospel's progress, unruly living, vainglory, virtues, weekend, weep with those who weep, wisdom, wise in your own estimation
Proverbs 3:7-8. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones.
Oh Friends, before I could even say anything about it being Friday, the working populace was already chanting: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! The weekend done come! Yes the weekend done come! And soon this week of slave labour will end. Yes, this week of slave labour soon end. So just thank God it’s Friday!’
Now Friends, that li’l ditty heralds the arrival of the weekend, and it’s all well and good to do so, but then we need to understand how to use those two days of freedom. That’s where our Friday Chant comes in. So let’s chant it nuh, in strong voice, with cheerful hearts.
‘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.’
Now that’s the right way to use our valuable two days off! That brings us to our Bit. ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones.’
It’s the same as yesterday. However, instead of it being basically the headline or banner for several other affirmations, today we’ll dig a little deeper into its individual meaning and share some relevant scripture.
Now the basic meaning should be clear, because the words are simple and to the point. We shouldn’t consider ourselves as stalwarts of wisdom, since we obviously are not, and thus try to do stuff in our own strength, as an island unto ourselves, for none of us can stand alone. We all need help at various times and stages of our lives.
What we need to do is turn to Jehovah God, our Creator and Provider and acknowledge Him with sincere reverence and worship. That’s true wisdom! For in so doing, He’ll give us all the succour we need, and the strength to eschew the evil things of this world, which are like the grains of sand on the beach; too numerous to count.
That’s why Bruh Paul wrote these relevant scriptures to his readers. To the Romans, he says: ‘Bless them which persecute you: bless (speak well off), 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 (do not set your mind 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.’ (Rom.12:14-18)
Yes Friends, believers ought to try and live in peace and harmony as much as possible and not in dissension and high mindedness as many of us are living today.
Meanwhile to the Philippians, Bruh Paul pleads: ‘If there be therefore any consolation (encouragement) in Christ, if any comfort of LOVE (consolation), if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels (affection) and mercies (sympathy),
Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.’ (Phil.2:1-4)
Oh my people, harmonious living should be the hallmark of those living under the Holy Spirit of Christ!
Now here are some important thoughts from the scholars. Re verse 1: ‘Therefore resumes the thought begun in 1:27-28, namely that the Philippians are to be “worthy” and steadfast in unity, striving together for the gospel’s progress. The word if, occurring four times in this verse, denotes fact, not doubt; it might then be translated “since.”
Paul is thus affirming that in Christ there exist consolation (encouragement); comfort of LOVE (solace furnished by LOVE); fellowship of the Spirit (partaking of the Holy Spirit’s life and sharing in His gifts, ministry, help, values, etc.); bowels (affection); and mercies (sympathy).
This verse forms the basis for Paul’s appeal in verse 2: “Fulfill ye my joy.” His thinking is this: Since these five benefits or virtues exist in Christ, and since you are Christians, then exercise these virtues toward one another as you contend for the gospel and face opposition.’
Ah mih breddren, what statements of truth! Selfish and unruly living, like many of us supposed believers are currently embracing, will only harm Christ’s church. Only the upholding of the godly virtues will enable us to stand together and successfully repel the enemy. And sadly, we’re not doing a good enough job of it, because the enemy is daily getting stronger, using our selfish and petty differences to divide and conquer us.
Oh fellow believers in Christ, we cannot allow that to continue happening, for it’s our bounden duty to build Christ’s church, not to see it fall apart for lack of harmony and unity. So I’m imploring each and every one of us who claims to believe, to TRY AND LIVE RIGHT!
We all know what it takes to do that, but we need to truly get serious about it and make a solemn decision to actually do it. Otherwise, Christ’s church will keep on falling lower and lower, until it hits Ground Zero. And I’m sure we don’t want that to happen, especially on our watch.
Therefore Friends, let’s get a move on nuh, let’s start living more harmoniously than we’re currently doing. It’s our ONLY HOPE for a successful future! Much LOVE!
…no organization can be successfully built…unless there’s a sure foundation of unity and harmony…
16 Aug 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: awesome works of God, be not afraid, beautiful imagery, body, bringing lost souls to Jesus, deceit, declare the works of the Lord, evil, exaltation, excellent things, fellowship, fortress, Friday chant, fun, generous help, glorious kingdom, godless world, gospel, greedy owners, harmonious voices, hell in a hand basket, high tower, in Jesus' name, incontestable truth, irrevocable truth, Isaiah, joy, live joyfully, liveable wage, magnanimous god, magnificent, make a positive difference, mercy, mighty, mind, mire of greed, most important role, oppression, oppressive, owners of capital, praise, profound proclamation, prophecy, psalm 118, refreshed, relaxation, renewed, rest, Rock, salvation, selfish purposes, sing to the Lord, soul, spirituality, Thank God it's Friday, the Holy One of Israel, the Lord be praised, the Lord is exalted, the Lord is my salvation, the Lord is my song, The Lord is my strength, the right hand of the Lord, the righteous, the voice of rejoicing, tool of justice, triumphal doxology, true believers, true perspective, trust, valiantly, war, week of work, weekend, weekly reprieve, wells of salvation
Psalm 118:14. The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation.
And then it was Friday again mih people; the eve of the weekend, the short weekly reprieve from massa’s labour.
And all the working people joyfully declared: ‘Thank God is Friday yes! This labouring business getting too hard now oui! What with all the layoffs and cutbacks, we doing even more work now than before, for the same measly pittance. Is time for a four or three day workweek yes! Why we have to work more than twice the amount of time we rest eh?’
Good question Friends, but one that I can only guess at an answer. That being, is so the oppressive and greedy owners of the capital see it. And we lucky to be even getting two days off a week, because many people around the world still labouring seven days a week for not even a liveable wage.
That’s just the way world is set up, where the strong, the rich and powerful fix things to suit their own selfish ends and purposes, with little, if any regard or respect for the wishes and feelings of their fellowman. Anyway, the whys and wherefores are now elementary, we just have to live with it and say, the Lord be praised.
But in addition to that we can chant our Friday Chant, which gives us a bright and true perspective on the weekend and its uses. So let’s all chant with loud, sweet, harmonious voices. ‘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.’
Now that’s how we ought to face the weekend my people! And furthermore, let’s add our Bit to the mix. ‘The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation.’ That gives us an even better perspective, since we’re all better off when the Lord God Jehovah is our rock and high tower, our strength and our fortress.
And the psalmist was so moved by our Bit, that he continued in full adoring and reverent voice: ‘The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles (tents) of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.’ (Ps.118:15-17)
Yes Friends, all of that is the absolutely incontestable, irrevocable truth! For rejoicing and salvation is indeed found wherever the righteous gather!
And as for the Lord’s right hand…Hn! It’s just mighty and magnificent to whatever purpose it’s put to; whether as a tool of justice, war, basic strength or mercy! That’s why it’s so exalted!
And as true believers, we will certainly not die, but live joyfully declaring the awesome works of the Lord to all and sundry, all over the world.
Oh my brethren, what an important role we have to play in the bringing of lost souls to Jesus! It’s actually the most important role of each believer’s earthly life. All others are subject and secondary to that one.
And that great man of God, Isaiah, felt it so forcefully and completely that he couldn’t help but make this profound proclamation. ‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he has also become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings (deeds) among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.’ (Is.12:2-6)
Oh mih breddren, what lovely praise and exaltation on behalf of our wonderful, magnificent, majestic and magnanimous God!
There’s nothing I can say to add to or better that, except possibly this last sentence from the scholars’ explanation. ‘With beautiful imagery, Isaiah closes this section of prophecy with a triumphal doxology of praise.’
And that’s gospel Friends! So please, today and everyday henceforth, let’s find some way, regardless of how small it might be, to make a positive difference in our troubled, calamitous, evil and godless world.
For without our righteous action in Jesus’ holy name, our badly guided world will continue to wallow in the mire of greed, evil, oppression and deceit, and will eventually end up in hell in a hand basket.
Remember though, that out job is to prevent such a disastrous thing from happening. So let’s get some serious action going along those lines my people, so that our heavenly Father can look down on us and be pleased, and not regret that He ever sacrificed His One Son for our abominable sins.
Remember too, that any time we don’t walk in the Father’s will, we’re making a mockery of Jesus’ death. And we definitely don’t want to do that. Nuff said.
Now let’s go out and put our hands to the plough. And remember – don’t ever look back. Much LOVE!
…the pilgrim’s earthly journey is rough…but with Jesus first and foremost in his heart…the endless miles pass away like nothing…under his divinely guided feet…
12 Jul 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Alpha and Omega, anointed, blessings, body soul and mind, cedar of Lebanon, chinks in our armour, christianity, courts of God, Creator of the universe, enemies, faith, fellowship, First and the Last, forgiveness, Friday chant, fun, generous help, glorify, glorious kingdom, God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, iniquity workers, Jehovah-Jireh, Jesus, Lucifer, mercy, Most High, no accounting for taste buds, old age, only true God, palm tree, prince of darkness, psalm 92, race of life, refreshed, relaxation, religion, renewed, rest, salvation, setting our sights on heaven, smart money, surrender to Christ, sweet jesus, Thank God it's Friday, thanks and praise, the righteous shall flourish, the wicked, trust, truth, weekend, wisdom
Psalm 92:8. But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.
Well hello there Friends, neighbours and fellow believers, it’s Friday once again!
And all the people stood up, and in one accord, with hands, hearts, eyes and heads uplifted to heaven, solemnly declared: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and our labour will soon be over for another week. Thank You Sweet Jesus! Thank You for sacrificing Your life for us and giving us the chance to be reconciled with the Father, and be able to spend eternity with Him! We LOVE You, and glorify Your Holy Name!’
Yes my people, it is meet and right to give praise and thanks to Jesus for the enormous act of selflessness and LOVE that He performed for us at Calvary. Now let’s chant our Friday Chant which will give us the right perspective on the use of the weekend.
‘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.’
Yes Friends, let’s use the weekend wisely, so that Lucifer won’t find any chinks in our armour and take advantage of them.
Time now though to turn to our Bit; a spanking, brand new one! And I can hear some shouts of ‘Yeah! A new Bit!’
Ah mih people, I don’t know why some of us always want something new everyday, especially when there’s more left to be said on the subject. But as they say, there’s no accounting for taste buds.
Anyway, our new Bit is quite simple, straightforward and the ultimate in truth. ‘But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.’
And that my brethren is gospel, eternal, everlasting, undeniable, irrevocable and all the other kinds of truth put together! (smile)
That’s because our God is the ONE TRUE God, the ONLY God there is in this universe! He is the FIRST and the LAST, the ALPHA and OMEGA, (Rev.1:8) Creator of the universe and all therein! The ONE who watches over mankind and provides for them; Jehovah Jireh! He sees all, knows all, and is all-powerful! In other words, He IS the most potent force in the universe!
But yet so many foolish men refuse to bow to Him and accept His gracious mercy, blessings, and forgiveness for their abominable sins. How sad eh people, that we allow the con-man Lucifer and his evil con-artists to con us into believing that the flimsy, destructible crap that the world has to offer, is what we should be about, instead of setting our sights on the wonderful, indestructible, everlasting things of heaven.
But Friends, please listen to the verses that surround our Bit. ‘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, sprout) 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 the horn of 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.’ (Ps.92:5-11)
Yes my people, those who don’t believe that the Most High God Jehovah is the ONE and ONLY TRUE God in existence, will be destroyed in His good time.
But those who believe in Him; ‘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 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.92:12-15)
Oh Friends, what more can I say eh? Not much. Except to reiterate that we should not put our trust in mankind or things of the world, but in the omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent Spirit of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, because that’s where our salvation truly lies.
Remember that Jesus has already conquered death, the grave and Lucifer, (Rev.1:18) so putting trust in the fallen angel, the prince of darkness is totally foolish, since he’s already been rendered powerless for some two thousand years now. He has no real power over us, and can only hurt us if we allow him to.
So my brethren, this Friday morning, in mid-July 2013, let’s all promise ourselves to sincerely surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, put our absolute trust and faith in Him, and live a life that’s worthy of Him. That’s the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!
…the smart money is on Jesus…He’s the overwhelming favourite to win the race of life…and He won’t let us down…you can count on that…
05 Jul 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 4th July celebrations, a walk with Jesus, adjustments, birthday celebrations, christianity, common sense, essence of wisdom, excuses, faith, fellowship, forsaken the Lord, Friday chant, fun, furthering God's kingdom, glorious kingdom, God's assurances, great victory, I cannot speak, I'm a child, introspection, Love the Lord, nations prosper, New Year's resolution, people volunteer, relaxation, reluctance, right mood, right perspective, simpering, sing praise to God, sufficency for God's service, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, unworthiness, weekend, when leaders lead, whimpering
Jeremiah 1:6. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday… And everybody’s jumping and shouting, whooping and hollering: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes! No more work! Party Time!’
Yes mih people, the weekend is here and the party mood is taking over, especially in the good ole U.S. of A, where the 4th of July birthday celebrations continue in full glory.
But Friends, as we remind ourselves every week, the weekend is not just for fun and frolic, but also for rest and contemplation. And would you believe that July is already a week old. That means we should also take some time over this weekend to do our monthly reflection and introspection on our New Year’s resolution; that of taking a closer walk with Jesus this year.
I recommend this because it’s much easier checking out small steps in short time periods, than trying to figure out how we’ve done over long periods. It’s also easier to make adjustments as we go along, than wait for a whole year to pass before trying to adjust. And besides when we keep track over short periods, we’re less likely to forget or move away from our resolution.
Anyway, let’s get in the right mood, the right perspective for this upcoming weekend by chanting our Friday Chant. With one accord 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.’
Now let’s all go and put those words into serious action, so that we can stay on the right path.
And turning to our Bit: ‘Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child (youth).’
Yes Friends, it’s the same as the last two days, because Moses took up all the time yesterday with his ceaseless simpering and whimpering, even though God gave him so many assurances.
But as the scholars’ declare: ‘Jeremiah’s sense of unworthiness recalls others such as Moses (Ex.3:4), Barak (Judg.4:8), Gideon (Judg.6:15), Saul (1 Sam.10:22), David (2 Sam.7:19), Solomon (1 Kin.3:7), and many others who understood clearly that the sufficiency for God’s service comes only from God Himself. (c.f. 2 Cor.2:16)’
And all that’s true my brethren, but how long are we going to put up barriers and excuses even when God is plainly promising to be with us and help us eh?
Let’s check out Barak. In his time judges ruled Israel, the current one then being the prophetess Deborah. Israel had again forsaken the Lord their God and enemies were lined up to come against them.
Then Deborah sent for Barak ‘and said to him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw (deploy troops) toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me; then I will not go.
And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour (be no glory for you); for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.’ (Judg.4:6-9)
Ah mih breddren, another instance where people are reluctant to answer God’s call. And would you believe the great victory that Deborah and Barak wrought over their enemies! So much so that they sang a song afterwards: ‘Praise ye the Lord, for the avenging of Israel (when leaders lead in Israel), when the people willingly offered themselves (volunteered).’ (Judg.5:2)
Yes Friends, when leaders truly lead, and the people willingly volunteer to do service to God, their nations prosper!
And the song of Deborah and Barak continues: ‘Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel… So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: but let them that LOVE him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest for forty years.’ (Judg.5:3,31)
You can read the in between portion of their song of victory in Judges 5. But Barak, like many of us, was at first reluctant to answer God’s call, and only with Deborah’s leading, did he take up the mantle of God to fight for his God and country.
Ah Friends, I don’t know why we’re so reluctant to answer God’s call to do His work nuh, but as soon as a sinful man calls we go running to do his oftimes evil bidding!
Is it that we revere or have more faith in man than in Jehovah God, our Creator and Provider? I surely hope not. But that’s how it seems, for we always come up with some excuse not to do God’s bidding, but when we eventually do, we discover what a joy and pleasure it is to answer His call.
So let’s promise ourselves my brethren, from today, from RIGHT NOW, we’ll no longer hesitate or find excuses not to heed God’s call, but as soon as He calls, we’ll say, ‘Yes Lord, thy servant hears, and will gladly do your bidding!’
That my Friends, is the very essence of wisdom and common sense! Much LOVE!
…to willingly answer God’s call…without any fuss or excuses…is the mark of a mature believer…
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