19 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious future with Jesus, acceptable in the Lord's sight, an uphill climb, band our bellies, Bruh Paul, cause confusion, charles stanley, come up above our problems, communing with nature, depravity, discerning, do God's bidding, expose, expose the sins of the lost, face the sinful world, faith, faithfully serve us, fellowship, food for thought, forget today, friends and neighbours, glory hallelujah, gospel truth, greetings, hideous nature, hold that vision, I am halfway home, I'm not looking back, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, indulge in the sins of the unsaved, iniquities, intrude, it is a shame, keep slogging away, leave all the consequences to Him, LOVE, made manifest by the light, mind-boggling, Mother Nature, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, never give up, not think about tomorrow, obey God, overcome evil, peace, peaceful and calm, personal experience, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord, proviso, refresh our minds, relaxation, release the pressures, reprove, salutations, sins, speak of things done in secret, stave off the heat, strength, terrible consequences, the believer's duty, the breath of life, the day's activities, the Ephesians, the peace of God, the unfruitful works of darkness, the vagaries of life, the vocabulary of jesus, understanding, Wednesday Wail, with God's help
Ephesians 5:10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Greetings Friends and neighbours… and a few salutations too thrown in for good measure! (smile) It looks like it’s going to be another cloudy day in my neck of the woods.
I just wish the rain would fall though, instead of the dark clouds just playing games, for the earth does need some heavenly blessing to successfully stave off the heat and keep Mother Nature green and lovely.
Oh my people, I do enjoy sitting out on my front porch in the early hours of the morning, just communing quietly with nature, letting the peace of God refresh my mind and throw out all the muck that has clogged it from the day’s activities.
Sometimes I have to drag myself inside to go to bed, so that I can get up at a reasonable hour to write the Bit. Last night was one of those nights. It was so peaceful and calm out there that I felt like sleeping right there. (smile)
At one stage I closed my eyes and put my head back against the wall for about thirty seconds, and I’m sure if I had left it there for much longer I would have fallen asleep right there. Hn, hn!
So, judging from personal experience, I do believe that it would help us all a lot, if before we go to bed, we just find a peaceful place to sit and commune with nature and/or with God, just to release the pressures that have built up in our bodies, souls and minds during the busy day. Just a simple bit of relaxation to forget today, and not think about tomorrow as yet.
Please try it and see how it works for you. But in the meantime and between time, let’s not forget that today is Wednesday, therefore wailing is the name of the game. So let’s wail on nuh, as one hearty wailer: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday!
Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Yes my fellow believers, that’s how our souls ought to be trending this Wednesday morning, and hopefully every morning. Oh I know the vagaries of life try to intrude and cause confusion, but if we hold that vision constantly before us, it will faithfully serve us, and we will come up above our problems.
That brings us to our Bit.‘Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.’
Yeh Friends, we’re continuing to look at the scriptures where Bruh Paul is talking to the Ephesians about the ways of the believer. And after telling them that they, we, must be constantly discerning what is and is not acceptable in the sight of the Lord, he continues. ‘And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved (exposed) are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.’ (Eph.5:11-13)
And the scholars provide some useful explanations for those verses. ‘5:11. Reprove is better translated “expose.” The believer’s duty is expressed here in two ways. Negatively, he is not to have any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, that is, not to indulge in the sins of the unsaved.
Positively he is to “expose” (reprove) these sins, that is, bring them to light and show them for what they really are, so that the unbeliever may see their hideous nature and their terrible consequences.’ Are we doing those things Friends? I certainly hope so.
‘5:12. For tells why the Christian must expose the sins of the lost. If it is shameful even to discuss their iniquities in decent company (c.f. v.3), how much worse is the committing of these sins. Hence the need to bring them to light.’ More food for thought my people!
‘5:13. This verse may be paraphrased: “All sins that are exposed are made visible by the gospel, for whatever sin is made visible becomes light.”
Ah mih breddren, sin was bad in Bruh Paul’s time, but nowadays it’s off the charts. If Bruh Paul was alive today, he would certainly hold his head and bawl, for the kind of depravity that exists in these modern times, is certainly mind-boggling.
But be that as it may, it is our job to try and change it, obviously with God’s help, since we can’t do very much in our own strength. So though it’s certainly an uphill climb, we just have to band our bellies and keep slogging away at it. The one proviso being, never, never to give up! For giving up is not in the vocabulary of Jesus and His believers.
So today, as we face the sinful world, to try and turn it around, may the great God of our fathers be constantly with us, and grant us His peace, LOVE and understanding, along with the strength and faith necessary to do His bidding, which is to overcome the evil that’s currently strangling our world. Much LOVE!
…as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) would say…the best way to live this life…is to obey God and leave all the consequences to Him…gospel truth that my people…
18 Aug 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beacon, anxiety, basic purpose on earth, be on our p's and q's, bright light, bright light of Jesus' resurrection, Christian, Christian charter, Christian soldiers, darkness, darkness of the world, discerning, Do's, don't ever give up, Don't's, enlarges faith, every nook and cranny, evil deeds, faith, fascination, fear, followers of Jesus, forgiving, glory to God, goodness, guilt, happiness, immorality, it's working, Jesus' love and light, light, light of jesus, LOVE, misery, moral purity, nothing to do with God, One Year Book of Bible promises, our heavenly Father, pay compliments, permeate your home with love, persist in prayer, personal agendas, practice forgiving, pretend, promise of eternal life, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord, puncture, push, put it into practice, religiously informed, right and wrong, righteousness., Ruth Harms Calkin, self-esteem, showing the way to Jesus, solicitations to evil, spiritually unenlightened, successful Christian lives, temptations, thanks, the best of our ability, the confusion of life, the fruit of the spirit, the ways of the believer, truth, walk as children of light, warms the cockles of my heart, with God's help, worry
Ephesians 5:10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Forward on Christian soldiers, the battle awaits! And though this Tuesday morning might be gloomy and cloudy on the outside, on the inside the followers of Jesus are burning with the bright light of His resurrection that fulfills the promise of eternal life! Glory to God!
Yeh mih people, once we’re truly connected to Jesus there is no need for fear and worry because His LOVE and LIGHT displaces all the darkness within us. Now isn’t that wonderful? Yes, it truly is! That’s why despite what the weather might look like, we always have a bright light shining out from us; a beacon showing the way to Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!
And to show the truth and the practicality of all that, here is something from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s titled ‘On the Way to the Airport.’
It says: ‘The women’s retreat had ended, and I was on my way out the door. I had only a little while to get to the airport for my plane trip home. As I hurried toward the waiting car, a charming young wife followed me. I sensed her deep anxiety when she asked, “How can I live before my husband who wants nothing to do with God?”
From the car window I said, “Let me give you four DON’T’S and four DO’S. 1. Don’t push. 2. Don’t preach. 3. Don’t pretend. 4. Don’t puncture his self-esteem. 1. Do permeate your home with LOVE. 2.Do practice forgiving. 3. Do pay compliments to him often. 4. Do persist in prayer. “Oh, yes, one more DON’T: Don’t ever, ever, ever give up!”
The young woman reached inside her purse for her personal card. With gentle persuasion she asked, “Would you be willing to write all of that down for me when you get home?” I promised I would.
We’ve never seen each other again, but almost a year after the retreat I found a short note in our mailbox. Just three words and her name. “Thanks! It’s working!”
Oh Glory to God my people! It does warm the cockles of one’s heart and enlarges one’s faith when good advice is given, it’s taken seriously, and then it works!
Now that particular problem might not be present in our own home, but there are many homes where one spouse is a practicing Christian while the other is not, and it does cause some awkward and uncomfortable situations, and that is exactly the kind of response the Christian partner ought to have.
But yuh know what Friends; in actual fact, that is the kind of atmosphere that ought to permeate EVERY Christian home, be they all followers of Christ or not! No pushing, no preaching, no pretending, no puncturing of self-esteem. But a place where LOVE permeates every nook and cranny, where forgiving is paramount, compliments are paid, and prayer is continuous. Actually, that’s the Christian Charter in a simplified form!
Oh my people, if only half the supposed Christian homes were run like that, Christianity would be so much further ahead. But unfortunately, in these troubled and trying times, most families are not run like that. Too many of us are too busy occupied with our own personal agendas to give the needed time to others.
And the Bible verse associated with that writing is also our Bit for today. ‘Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.’
Oh Friends, that behaviour is not only acceptable to the Lord, it is what He expects from every believer!
Bruh Paul is here explaining the ways of the believer to the Ephesians, encouraging them not to associate with unbelievers, or those who practice the evil deeds of the world. (Eph.5:1-6)
As he says before our Bit: ‘Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes (once) darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth:)’ (Eph.5:8-9) And indeed that’s what the fruit of the Spirit is, my brethren!
And before we go any further, let’s get some explanations from the scholars. ‘5:8. Darkness indicates that the readers used to be spiritually unenlightened, and accompanying this ignorance was immorality with its resultant guilt and misery. Light denotes that the recipients are now to be religiously informed. Their knowledge of the truth is attended by moral purity and happiness.’
‘5:10. Because of constant temptations and solicitations to evil, believers must always be proving or discerning what is and what is not acceptable unto the Lord.’
Yes Friends, we need to always be on our p’s and q’s as to what’s right and wrong in the Lord’s sight, as we make our pilgrim’s journey through this dark, evil and deceitful world. It’s not always easy to do, especially when we get caught up in the confusion that’s modern life.
But as believers, we need to make the effort, and as always, with God’s help we can and will do it to the best of our ability. Now let’s review and consider and ponder on all that we’ve said today, and with the sure assistance of our heavenly Father, try to put it all into practice, so that we can all lead successful Christian lives. For that is our basic purpose here on earth. Much LOVE!
…once we have encountered the brilliant light of Jesus…the darkness of the world…ought to hold no fear or fascination for us…
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit Friends. The ole fella’s just been a tad under the weather these last few days with a cold and cough. Thankfully though, with the Lord’s help, they are now on their way out. Much LOVE!
24 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a crown of righteousness, a fool despises instruction, a foolish son is the grief of his mother, a haughty spirit before a fall, a modicum of circumspection, a wise son makes a glad father, abides among the wise, aches and pains, another week of work, be humble, before honour is humility, Cousin Sol, despises his own soul', dishonour, disobey God's laws, don't give up, don't stop the party, fellowship, foolish, foolishness, fraud, Friday chant, generous help, glorious kingdom, glory hallelujah, God has a plan for your life, hanging in there, he that regards reproof is prudent, he that regards reproof shall be honoured, honour, honoured, humility, instruction, invade, Jeeves, let my hair down, listen to wise instruction, listening, live it up, Lucifer, mih dan dan, never never give up, not giving up the fight, obedience, old fashioned things, pay a price, personal space, poverty and shame, pride goes before destruction, Proverbs, prudence, prudent, rebuked, relaxation, renewed and refreshed in soul body and mind, rest, righteousness., TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the fear of the Lord, the instruction of wisdom, the Lord gives and He takes, the pressures of age and time, the reproof of life, the right perspective, the weekend's here, to him that refuses instruction, understanding, violate, wisdom, wisdom of the ages, wise, with God's help
Proverbs 13:18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth (disdains, ignores) instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in God’s great universe! Wow!
However, the night wasn’t so great nuh. Though I went to bed earlier than normal, sleep was hard to come by. The aches and pains gave me a rough time, couldn’t find a comfortable position for any length of time. Then I come down here and my ole trusty computer acts up, so I have to waste time and reboot it.
I guess, like its owner, it is feeling the pressures of age and time. (smile) But yuh know what? Just like it’s owner though, it’s not stopping, it’s not giving up the fight. Age and time might slow us down, but Glory Hallelujah we’re hanging in there to the very end! And with God’s help we will be successful!
So all you other ole fogeys out there who are experiencing the same aches and pains and drawbacks, please take note and don’t give up. Slow down if you must, but never, never give up! You’re still alive, that means God still has a plan for your life.
And having said all of that, I guess I’ll remind us that today is Friday…
And the shouts of joy suddenly echo through the atmosphere. “TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday oui! The weekend’s finally here, and I’m all ready to party! I have mih dan dan (dress clothes) all ready and waiting for me to step out later and live it up!
What’s the purpose of working so hard all week, then can’t let mih hair down for even one night eh? Steups! Thank You ever so much that it’s Friday yes Lord!’
Ah Friends, there is some logic to that, but please remember that the weekend is not only for partying, and we have to be very careful when we let our hair down that we don’t give the ole crook Lucifer a chance to invade and violate our personal space, because that’s what he is always on the lookout to accomplish. So don’t stop the party, but do have ‘a modicum of circumspection,’ as Jeeves would say. (smile)
And to help us get the right perspective on handling the weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant with sincerity and faith. ‘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, that is more like how we should handle the precious two days off, rather than just partying them away. And that segues rather nicely into our Bit for today.
Isn’t the Lord just grand, the way He leads us to do His work? But of course! He never gives us stuff to do without giving us the wherewithal to do it.
That’s why our Bit is so pertinent. ‘Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth (disdains, ignores) instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.’
Yes my brethren, those of us who choose to refuse or disobey godly instruction and advice will be brought to shame in any of many ways. But those who choose to obey, or be rebuked, will be honoured, again, in any of many ways.
Remember Friends, the Lord gives and He also takes, so if we don’t step up to the plate as required, how can He bless us eh? One of the most important considerations in God’s law is OBEDIENCE, and for those who follow it, a crown of righteousness is set up for them in the end.
The same goes for the law of man; when we break it, we are punished, have to pay a price in some form and fashion. So therefore obedience; to our parents, to our bosses, to man’s law in general, and to God’s dictates is something we ought to value highly and try our best to follow so that we won’t have to pay a heavy price of shame and dishonour.
And Cousin Sol points that out to us several times in Proverbs. Listen up. In Proverbs 10, where he contrasts the wise and the foolish, he opens by declaring: ‘The Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness (grief) of his mother.’ (Prov.10:1)
And that’s no lie Friends! The choice between wisdom and folly is of great importance to our parents, and can either gladden or break their hearts. Then in chapter 15, Sol spells it out in black and white. ‘A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.’ (Prov.15:5)
Now that word ‘prudent’ is one that I believe has been lost to this generation. I don’t know if they ever learned it, but they surely don’t practice it. And sadly, we the older generation behave like we’ve forgotten all about it, and also just rush headlong into whatever captures our fancy and imagination.
That’s one of the reasons why there is so much successful fraud in our world right now, especially amongst the older folks. We have forgotten about the word prudence, and are not as careful as we ought to be in our dealings with the many people and things that buffet us these days.
But to try and remind us about the old fashioned things like prudence, listening and obedience, let’s end with these marvellous words of advice from Cousin Sol. ‘The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth (disdains, ignores) instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth (heeds) reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honour is humility.’ (Prov.15:31-33)
Yes Friends, before we can be honoured, we have to be humble, by being obedient, by listening to wise instruction and not thinking that we know it all. So today may we go out, and with God’s help, put all that we’ve learned into action, that we may be honoured with a crown of righteousness later on. That’s the wisdom of the ages. Much LOVE!
…pride goeth before destruction…and a haughty spirit before a fall (stumbling)… (Prov.16:18)
21 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a discipline always costs, a listening ear, a man of understanding, A Quiet Tongue, anger inflames talk, beginning is half done, blessed day, break into conversations, bringing us safely through another dark night, circled them with red ink, come up above the problem, comfortable, Cousin Sol, don't listen enough, easy prey, enlightened insight, eternal life, evil minions, expounding, forgiveness, glory hallelujah, glory to God, grace, he that restrains his lips is wise, holds his peace, I talk more than I listen, inspiring experiences, it is best to listen much, joy, Joyce Meyer, let every man be swift to hear, listen, listen more than we talk, listening is a discipline, lost sheep, LOVE, Lucifer, mercy, my guilty heart, not become angry, One Year Book of Bible promises, our Lord and Saviour, patience, pay a price, peace, praised and thanked God, room for improvement, Ruth Harms Calkin, silence., slow to speak, slow to wrath, solve the predicament, speak little, talk inflames anger, talk too much, the bright light of Jesus, the Holy Ghost, the leading of the the Holy Ghost, the longest journey begins with the first step, the LOVE of God, the only way, the righteousness of God, the straight and narrow path, the wrath of man, trials, truth, two ears and one mouth, up and about the Lord's business, violence, wherefore my beloved brethren, wisdom, with God's help
James 1:19. Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
Ahoy there mih beauties! How goes it this cloudy Tuesday morning in the summer of 2015 eh?
Hope things are good, and even if they are not so hot, that yet still we’re up and about the Lord’s business, and have praised and thanked Him for bringing us safely through another dark night into the bright light of Jesus, our most esteemed Lord and Saviour. For He is indeed the ONLY way to true peace, joy and truth!
And that’s not simply hearsay, but an acknowledged fact! Without Him working in our lives, we’re like lost and forlorn sheep, easy prey for the wild animals of this world, namely the evil minions of Lucifer.
And that we cannot afford to let happen, so please let’s get serious with Jesus and allow Him to guide us safely along the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal.
Now here’s a rather interesting, but also very pertinent excerpt from the One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. When I read it yesterday, I had no doubts whatsoever that I needed to share it with my Scrip-Bit family, because it’s oh so relevant to these days and times. It’s titled ‘A Quiet Tongue!’
Please repeat with me. ‘Lord, a revealing fact Began to surface today: I talk more than I listen. I seem to be thoroughly convinced That my ideas My inspiring experiences My bits of wisdom Are exactly what my friends need. Too often I break into conversations Confident that my enlightened insight Will solve the predicament – Whatever it is.
Obviously, I feel more comfortable When I’m expounding. But this morning at a Bible study I cringed when I read your command In the first chapter of James: “Don’t ever forget That it is best to listen much Speak little, and not become angry.”
At first I wanted to run. But as the words kept battering away At my guilty heart I finally circled them with red ink. Now, Lord, please help me to obey them. Remind me daily, hourly That listening is a discipline And a discipline always costs. I know I must pay a price. The price for me Is a listening ear and a quiet tongue.’
Oh glory to God my people! That paints such a true picture of so many of us that it’s unreal. Most of us talk too much and don’t listen sufficiently. I know I’m a guilty party. The Lord dealt with me about that a couple years ago when at the Holy Thursday night vigil His simple message to me was ‘LISTEN!’
And I have indeed been doing better since then. But as Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) would say: I haven’t arrived as yet. I still have a ways to go. But look at where I’m coming from!
Yes Friends, the important thing to do is to make a start, which is usually the hardest part, and as the Chinese Proverb says: The longest journey begins with the first step. Yes my brethren, beginning is half done.
But please remember too as it says in the poem, it takes discipline to listen more than we talk, and a very strict discipline too, if we really want to be successful at it.
That reminds me of the saying that the Lord gave us two ears and one mouth so that we can listen more than we talk. And isn’t that the gospel truth! (smile) And especially in this modern talkative society, we do need lots of will power to refrain from talking too much. I think it’s a deep-seated malady in this age of almost instantaneous and far-reaching communication.
And the Bible Promise for that most meaningful poem is also our Bit for today. James’ famous words: ‘Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not (does not produce) the righteousness of God.’ (James 1:19-20)
Ah Friends, words of indisputable truth! And the scholars offer us this info on those verses. ‘1:19. This is a key verse because it expresses three topics that James develops later: hearing, verses 19-27; speaking, 3:1-12; and wrath, 4:1-12.’
‘1:20. Trials require silence and patience because talk inflames anger, and anger inflames talk. Anger also distracts from listening to God.’
And is that all ever so true my believing brethren! Talk and anger just inflame each other like nothing else in this world! And all of that tends to lead to violence if they continue for any length of time.
Now this subject of talking and listening is so important in a believer’s life that it is dealt with in several parts of the Good Book. Cousin Sol in particular touched on it several times in his writings. Let’s look at a couple of them. First off this from Proverbs 10: ‘In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth (restrains) his lips is wise.’ (Prov.10:19)
And he backs that up with this gem from Proverbs 17. ‘He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent (calm) spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace (keeps silent) is counted (considered) wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.’ (Prov.17:27-28)
Oh Friends, that is all so true that it’s amusing! Though we might be the biggest fool and least knowledgeable person on the planet, we will most likely be considered wise and understanding if we keep our mouths shut. Glory Hallelujah!
So let us each diligently ponder today where we are on that continuum of listening and talking nuh, and then make a serious decision to improve, for we all have room for improvement, just some more than others, and with God’s help, let’s come up above this important problem.
Now may the grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness and LOVE of God be with us all this blessed day! Much LOVE!
…if we follow the sure leading of the Holy Ghost…our words will be few and wise…
18 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beacon of hope. for the poor and downtrodden, a bright ray of light, a willing hand, acceptable to God, aggressive, air-conditioners, air-conditioning techs, approved by men, be gentle unto all men, bet your bottom dollar, blessed are the pure in heat, Christians, climate change, consequences, Cousin Sol, dangerous territory, defiled, disobedience, edify another, encouragement, fall short of the grace of God, filled with a spirit of love, follow after things which make for peace, follow peace with all men, for they shall see god..., get our jollies, high standards. try our best, holiness, if he has done thee no harm, joy in the Holy, making a mint, negatives, one that takes a dog by the ear, peace, positives, quick to take offence, reasl summer weather, righteousness., root of bitterness, speaking words of truth, strife, strive not with a man without cause, the body of Christ, The kingdom of God is not food and drink, the nature of the beast, the servant of the Lord must not quarrel, those in opposition, to each his own, to help those in need, understanding, wild imagination, wisdom, with God's help
Proverbs 3:30. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm
Well my people, the summer is moving along briskly, but we aren’t seeing real summer weather as yet. It’s only a few days since summer officially began that we have seen truly warm temps.
We’ve been mostly getting temps in the low twenties with cloudy skies, but I’m not really complaining nuh, because on the hot days the heat can be a bit much. (smile)
If we’re past the middle of July and the heat and the hot sun aren’t blazing down on us, then something has obviously gone awry. By now the air-conditioning guys would be making a mint, with all the calls for broken air-conditioners, but I don’t think they’ve been having such a field day because we have not had any real need for them.
I haven’t even attempted to turn on mine as yet. If this mild weather keeps up then we will certainly not be able to write off climate change as the product of someone’s wild imagination, but need to take it seriously.
Some days it feels more like spring than summer, and the strong, cool winds just exacerbate the situation. After a long and cold winter, everyone’s been looking forward to a hot summer, but sadly that has not really materialized as yet. And you can bet your bottom dollar that if and when it does, we’ll be complaining that it’s too hot. That’s just the nature of the beast. (smile)
Anyway, here’s a little something that deals with being a true Christian. I believe it was my brain-child (smile) because there’s nothing on the sheet of paper on which it’s written that acknowledges it as a quote from someone else.
It says: ‘A true Christian must be … a bright ray of light in this darkened world, this world of unbelievable darkness … a beacon of hope for the poor and downtrodden … a willing hand to help those in need … while speaking words of truth and encouragement…filled with a spirit of LOVE and understanding…’
Yes Friends, if we can claim all those conditions as part of our daily lives, then we can indeed call ourselves true Christians.
And then we have our Bit, which wisely tells us: ‘Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no wrong.’
Now why would we want to strive with someone that hasn’t done us any wrong eh? I certainly won’t. I don’t want to strive with anybody period, because that produces no Christian positives, only evil negatives.
However, some of us are so aggressive and quick to take offense and get uptight over petty and imaginary stuff that we spend a large part of our lives in involved in meaningless strife. That’s definitely not heavenly wisdom; in fact it’s not any kind of wisdom at all.
But some of us do get our jollies from that kind of behavior. So to each his own…but just remember that there are consequences to each and every decision we make, good or bad.
Now let’s delve into some scripture that agrees with our Bit. Hear Cousin Sol from Proverbs 26. ‘He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.’ (Proverbs 26:17)
Ah mih people, Cousin Sol’s analogy is something else yes! But it is the truth. We all know how a dog reacts if we try to hold it by its ear; it snarls ferociously and tries to bite the one who’s holding its ear. Strife, whether it belongs to us or not, does the same thing; it puts us in dangerous territory.
Meanwhile Bruh Paul told the Roman church, in the discussion on what is clean to eat or not. ‘For the kingdom of God is not meat (food) and drink; but righteousness; and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.’ (Rom.14:17-19)
Yes my brethren, if we are to be true followers of Christ, we need to seek peace and build up our neighbours, not tear them down in strife. And the author of Hebrews, in his warning against disobedience tells us in no uncertain terms.
‘Follow (pursue) peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God. Looking diligently lest any man fail (fall short) of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.’ (Heb.12:14-15)
Oh Friends, unfortunately in today’s society many are falling short of God’s grace and the root of bitterness is widespread, leading to many being defiled, which is not good for the body of Christ, the church, nor the individuals who make it up.
And we’ll close with some more wise words from Bruh Paul on personal conduct and relationships, this time to Timothy. ‘But foolish and unlearned questions (ignorant disputes) avoid, knowing that they do gender (generate) strifes.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive (quarrel); but be gentle unto all men, apt (able) to teach, patient. In meekness instructing (correcting) those that oppose themselves (are in opposition); if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of (so they may know) the truth.’ (2 Tim.2:23-25)
Ah Friends, one more lesson as to how the genuine Christian ought to behave. Please, let’s take it all seriously and consider how all that we’ve said relates to us as individuals and try our best, with God’s help to live up to the high standards that Jesus desires of His followers. Much LOVE!
…blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God… (Matt.5:8)
15 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 20-20 vision, a helping hand, according to His abundant mercy, almighty god, Blessed be the God and Father, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christian's destiny, comfort, compass, compassionate, continually guarded by God, deliverance, Easter Sunday, encouraging words, faith, forgiving, frenzied state, friends, gentle, glory hallelujah, glory to God, God never relaxes His vigil, God's attributes, God's great earth, God's magnanimous works, grace, guaranteed by Jesus' resurrection, hath begotten us again, hindsight, histrionic fits, hope, I am halfway home, I'm not turning back, I'm so glad to be alive, incorruptible, inheritance, into a lively hope, Jesus as the guide, kept by the power of God, kind, life eternal, Lord and Saviour, LOVE, loving, lurking in the background, makes life worth living, merciful, mercy, morally untainted, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, new stage of life, no element of uncertainty, not looking back at the past, of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Creator, our Provider, Peter, plan of salvation, ponder it all, powerful, promises, reserved in heaven, revealed in the last time, rose triumphantly from the dead, rudder, salvation, security, sincerity and truth, stepped into the breach, surrender my life to Jesus, thank God, that fades not away, the author of salvation, the breath of life, the Lord works, the presence of God, the presence of sin, the ravages of time, the resurrection of Christ, the sun and Son are shining, the trees dancing to a fast riddim, the work of salvation, through faith unto salvation, time from a Western perspective, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, undefiled, vigil, Wednesday Wail, what a wonderful God we serve and worship, wisdom, wisest action, with God's help
1 Peter 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Ah Friends, it was just one of those days where the ole fella went to bed at a Shakespearean early hour. (smile) Three o’clock found me sitting on my porch, but I didn’t stay long because the wind was in a rather frenzied state and had the poor trees dancing to an incredibly fast riddim, and it was also a tad chilly in my shorts and T-shirt.
It’s surprising that nothing seems to have been blown down, for since early evening the wind had been having serious histrionic fits. I had to close a couple of my windows because it was making such a fuss. And it’s still not completely over it’s bad behaviour, but just not as challenging as during the night.
Thankfully though, both the sun and Son are shining quite brightly this Wednesday morning. And since it’s Wednesday, then I guess it’s time for our Wednesday Wail. Please wail with me.
‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.
My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Oh my people, what a Friend, Lord and Saviour we have in Jesus Christ! Glory to God! I don’t know what we’d do without Him nuh, for He is so LOVING, gentle, kind, compassionate, merciful and forgiving… And that’s just the tip of His attributes. It would take me half the day to name them all.
Yes Friends, having Jesus as the guide, the rudder and compass of our lives is the wisest action we can ever take down here on God’s great earth! I don’t know how I lived, how I existed before I truly let Him into my heart. Oh, He was always there, but lurking in the background, waiting for me to smarten up and surrender my life to Him.
As they say, hindsight is certainly 20-20 vision yes! For in hindsight, I can now see the many occasions on which He lent me a helping hand. Many times when others couldn’t or refused to help, He was the One who stepped into the breach and shored it up.
That’s why, now that I’ve truly bought into His plan, I can say with all sincerity and truth; what a wonderful God we serve and worship! And am I ever so grateful for His LOVE, mercy, comfort and grace which certainly makes this life worth living.
And I know that I’m not alone in that regard because the Lord works His magnanimous works in the lives of ALL who sincerely believe in and honour Him.
That’s why we can agree with Peter when he so wisely declares in our Bit: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’
Yes my brethren, this new life of ours all stems from the resurrection of Christ. Without His resurrection, there would be no new creation of man!
And as Peter continues:’(We have been raised) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’ (1 Pet.1:4-5)
Oh Friends, what powerful and encouraging words and promises! But all of it indisputable, gospel truth!
Now let’s delve into what it all means with the help of the scholars. ‘1:3 –2:10. The Christian’s destiny: salvation. Salvation means “deliverance.” Peter’s view of salvation is ultimate salvation, that is, when the believer will be rescued from this world into the presence of God.’
‘1:3-12. The plan of salvation: Peter does not look at time from a Western perspective. The Hebrews regarded the present as so fleeting that in their language they have essentially only two tenses: past and future.’
‘1:3-5. The portrayal of salvation looks to the future. The author of salvation is portrayed as the blessed God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The work of salvation (vv.3-5) is described as to its effect. Hath begotten us again refers to a new stage of life that begins at salvation.
This lively hope has no element of uncertainty, for it is guaranteed by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. The believer’s inheritance is described as incorruptible (Gr. aphtharton), imperishable or indestructible, and undefiled (i.e. morally untainted). That fadeth not away (Gr. amaranton) means it is not subject to the ravages of time.
Further it is reserved (Gr. teteremenen, perfect tense), that is, it has been preserved in the past and still is in heaven. Kept is a present passive participle – we are secure because we are continually guarded by God, who never relaxes His vigil. Salvation here refers to final salvation, that is, deliverance from the presence of sin and into the presence of God.’
Ah Friends, I do hope that the general descriptions, as well as the more specific ones help us to better understand what salvation is, and all that’s laid up for us in heaven, and also helps to increase our faith by knowing, by being assured that Almighty God, our Creator and Provider is constantly watching over us, and we can have no better security than that.
Now let’s ponder it all, then put it into action as our lives unfold, obviously with God’s help, for it is indeed the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!
…oh what an auspicious, blessed and reassuring day…was that Easter Sunday morn…when Christ triumphantly rose from the grave…and gave us all the hope of future life eternal…with Him in heaven…
10 Jul 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, Abraham Isaac and Jacob, beck and call, Bruh David, confession, confidence, doing God's will, enemy, enjoyment, eternal life, faith, faithful, faithfulness, fellowship, for he is faithful that promised, free gift of grace, Friday chant, friends, generous help, glorious kingdom, Glory be to God, gobble us up, Gods thoughts and ways are higher than ours, gospel truth, grace, great is thy faithfulness, harmony, his compassions fail not, hope, in Jesus' name, indisputable truth, Isaiah, jehovah god, Jeremiah, Lamentations, let us hold fast the profession of our faith, LOVE, loving kindness, mercy, refreshed, renewed, repentance, righteousness., roaring lion, salvation, sincerity, slave drivers, steadfast love of God, stray from the straight and narrow path, surrender, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the fountain of life, the good news of Jesus, the One and Only Living God, the right perspective, the straight and narrow path, the weekend, truth, under the shadow of God's wings, unrighteousness, wisdom, with God's help, without wavering, wolf in sheep's clothing
Hebrews 10:23. Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Oh Friends, it’s a brand new day in God’s great universe! And thankfully the ole fella’s feeling much better than he did yesterday, not as much doddering (smile). All glory be to God! And by the way, it’s also Friday…
‘Oh yes we know that. That’s why all morning we’ve been singing; TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here at long last! This has been a rough week, for the slave drivers drove us harder than usual. But with God’s help we survived. Thank the Lord it’s Friday yes! We certainly going to enjoy this weekend.’
Yes my people, the weekend is there for us to enjoy, but we have to be careful about what we consider enjoyment and make sure it is not of a sinful, but rather of a godly nature. And to help us get the right perspective, let’s chant our Friday Chant with sincerity and truth.
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.’
Ah mih breddren, please pay serious attention to our Chant, and let it keep us on the straight and narrow path when we set out to have fun this weekend, for it’s ever so easy to fall into unrighteousness when we let our hair down.
And the wily enemy, the wolf in sheep’s clothing, the roaring lion is waiting ever so patiently to gobble us up when we diverge, stray from the straight and narrow path. So let’s not give him any satisfaction this weekend nuh.
That brings us to our Bit, which encourages and assures us that our faith is dearly worth holding on to. ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Yes my people, you definitely won’t find any human, or any supposed deity more faithful than the ONE and ONLY TRUE and LIVING God whom we serve and worship; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! That’s an indisputable truth!
But sadly, too many of us supposed believers loose faith as soon as something doesn’t go the way they want it to. We expect God to be there at our every beck and call and to give us what we desire. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.
We are the ones supposed to be at God’s beck and call and do His desire, which is first and foremost to tell others the good news about His wonderful Son and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and live the kind of life that will encourage others to come to Jesus in sorrowful repentance to receive His free gift of grace, which leads to salvation and eternal life.
Wow! Now isn’t that mouthful? It certainly is. But it’s also the glorious truth! Ah mih people, we can’t afford to loose our hard won faith as soon as things don’t go our way. We’ve got to be stronger and much more faithful than that. God has promised to look after us, but in His own way and time, and to eventually make everything work out well.
We might not always understand or appreciate His motives and ways, but remember He says that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, (Is.55:8-9) so His actions won’t always blend seamlessly with our desires. That’s where our trust and faith, surrender and confidence comes into play.
Now let’s look at some scripture, in particular from three men of faith, none of whom had it easy in doing God’s will, but they all declared His faithfulness with supreme confidence and assurance.
First up is Bruh David, the servant of the Lord, from Psalm 36 – The steadfast LOVE of God. Bruh David confidently declares: ‘Thy mercy (LOVING-kindness), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains (Lit. mountains of God); thy judgements are a great deep (ocean):
O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent (precious) is thy LOVING-kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness (fullness) of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.’ (Ps.36:5-9)
Oh Friends, after hearing such a glowing report on God, how can we not put our trust and faith in Him eh? Bruh David did not live an easy life, but he certainly lived a rewarding one by faithfully trusting the God of his fathers.
Now hear Isaiah as he declares the righteous reign of the branch of Jesse. ‘And righteousness shall be the girdle (belt) of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins (belt of his waist). The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.’ (Is.11:5-6)
Yes my people, such shall be the peace and harmony existing in the kingdom of the Messiah, of Jesus when He returns to rule the earth. We only have to look at the many predictions of Isaiah and see that most of them have already come true to realize the absolute faithfulness of Jehovah God.
And we’ll close with this popular scripture from the Lamentations of Jeremiah, another prophet who did not have an easy life, but who nonetheless extolled the faithfulness of his God. ‘It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:22-23)
And that is the gospel truth my brethren! It is only because of God’s compassion and faithfulness that we have not been consumed. He has shown us mercy, because of His great LOVE for us, and He is ever reliable and faithful to those who worship Him in sincerity and truth. Please remember that. Much LOVE!
…to recognize and appreciate faithfulness…one must also be faithful…
16 May 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new creature, ackee and saltfish, all things are become new, and have it more abundantly, anger, anxious, as God for Christ's sake, be angry and sin not, be kind to one another, be not conformed to this world, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, be transformed, bondage of sin, bread and sherk, Bruh Paul, by the renewing of your mind, callaloo, cartwheel dumplings, Christ-like, corrupt communication, curry crab, curry goat, easier said than done, edyifying, Ephesians, evil, expectant faith, faith, flying fish, followers of Jesus, forgiving, fretting, give place to the devil, glorified Lord, gospel truth, gungo peas, heathen, I am come that they might have life, if any man be in Christ, in the flesh, Jesus, let all bitterness, let not the sun go down on your wrath, living the new life in christ, making changes, malice, members one of another, mouth watering, new creation, old things are passed away, patties, perceives Christ in a new way, pigeon peas soup, practice what you preach, prisoners of hope, problems, put away lying, put on a new man, rice and peas, roti, salvation, selfish, shackles of sin, sin, speak truth, stressing, tenderhearted, the day of redemption, the good shepherd, the moment of salvation, the West Indies, the will of God, to destroy, to kill, to steal, to the lusts of men, ungodly world, vital union, West Indian menu, will of God, with God's help, wrath
Romans 12:2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
So Friends, it’s Saturday! What’s cooking? No I don’t mean what’s on the fire literally cooking, like pigeon or gungo peas soup, or callaloo – the T&T kind made with dasheen bush, or the Jamdown kind made with spinach, or even some rice and peas and curry goat, a roti or bread and shark…
And what about some ackee and saltfish, some patties, or even a big cooking oil tin filled with curry crab and some big, cartwheel dumplings, or even some flying fish eh… Mama Yo!
But that sounds like a rather good West Indian menu though. As I keep telling these northerners the best tasting, the sweetest food in the world comes from the West Indies. And you better believe that they have come to realize that I was right, because if you see them nowadays in the West Indian restaurants and food stores, buying up we food.
And just talking about it, I know that mouths are watering for a taste of one, or many, or all of those delicious meals! (smile) And why not, is excellent food!
But that’s a different story for another day. I meant what’s happening in our lives, how are we handling the situations that currently exist, be they good, bad or indifferent? Are we anxious, fretting and stressing ourselves over them, or are we calmly going to Jesus with our problems, and being prisoners of hope, waiting with expectant faith for His answers? I do hope it’s the latter scenario, because that’s the only one that befits a follower of Jesus Christ.
Yeh Friends, we all know that putting that stuff into practice in this selfish, evil, ungodly world is much easier said than done, but as Christians we are expected to do it, because it’s all a part of our faith, our pilgrim’s journey. That’s why Christ came to earth and died, so that we could be set free from the bondage of sin that this world has us locked up in.
As Jesus says, when referring to the sheep of His pasture and His role as the Good Shepherd: ‘The thief cometh not but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10)
Oh my people, that is such a mighty statement, but to have life like Jesus gives it, one must become a whole new creature by shaking of the shackles of sin that’s keeping us in total bondage. And to do that we have to start in our minds, like our Bit says. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’
Ah mih breddren that’s gospel truth, for we can’t make any serious or lasting changes in our lives without first processing it through our minds and then keeping the other stuff out of them. But please note that all of that can only happen with God’s help. So why don’t we start making those changes right now eh Friends?
That’s provided you truly and seriously want to be freed from the shackles of sin that now bind you. But you have to go to Jesus in faith and believe that He, His precious blood spilled on Calvary can cleanse you, and then do your part, for it’s a two way street.
As Bruh Paul told the Corinthians: ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.’ (2 Cor.5:17)
As the scholars further explain: ‘5:17. When a man comes into vital union with the risen and glorified Lord, he is a “new creation” (cf. John 3:3; 15:5; Rom.8:1,9; Gal.6:14-15) and perceives Christ in a new way, making a decisive break with the old life at the moment of salvation, bringing new things into being.’
And Peter puts that transformation thus: ‘Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.’ (1 Pet.4:1-2)
Yes Friends, that’s how a follower of Christ is expected to live his or life; by the will of God, not by the lusts of men!
And in closing, let’s listen to Bruh Paul tell the Ephesians about living the new life in Christ. ‘And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour; for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil.
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you with malice: and be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph.4:23-32)
And there we have it Friends, a general guide of how Christians ought to live. Now do we live like that, or anywhere close to it? I’d say no. That’s why we have such a bad reputation amongst the heathen. We spout a whole lot of scripture, but then live a completely different life style.
But it is possible to live much closer to those ideals than we currently do. So please my people, let’s wake up and get our act together nuh, if we want to bring others to Jesus, rather than drive them away as we’re doing now. Much LOVE!
…for Christians to bring people to Christ…we have to begin living more Christ-like lives…practice more of what we preach…
03 Mar 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a positive note, action, action based, Almghty God, almighty god, anxiety, anxious thoughts, atonement for our sins, awesome Son Jesus Christ, Beelzebub, beginning the day with Jesus, Bruh David, calm and peace of God, calm our storms, Calvary, christianity, confidence, control, cut him some slack, daily ritual, deceit of the enemy, deceitfulness, delivered my soul, deliverer, despair, die on the cross, enemies, everything will work out for our good, faithful, faithfully walking with Jesus, frail, from strength to strength, generous, glory, God is never late, guidance, gullible minds, Hades, hope in the Lord God, I wait all day long, jehovah god, just in time, keep it unto the end, lead me in a plain path, Lent, LOVE, loving kindness, Lucifer, maganimous God, mercy, Most High God, negative, O Lord, omnipotent, peace, promises, prosperity, protection, Redeemer, reverential awe, smart, Son Jesus, spreading God's Word, stand strong, strength, talk show, Teach me thy way O Lord, thanks and praise, the beauty of knowing Jesus, the bondage of sin, the depths of fear, the god of Jacob, The God of my salvation, the ladder of success, the straight and narrow path, the way of thy statutes, tired and out of sorts, tough times, tribulations, true, true followers of jesus, truth, unconditional LOVE, walk a smooth path, walk in thy truth, walking with Jesus, wisdom, with God's help, with Jesus leading the way, woldly
Psalm 27:11. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain (smooth) path, because of mine enemies.
Oh Friends, the ole fella woke up late, somewhat tired and out of sorts this morning, so you have to cut him some slack eh. (smile)
But nonetheless, I remembered to give our wonderful God some thanks and praise for bringing me safely through the dark night into the beautiful and brilliant light of His awesome Son Jesus, on this glorious Tuesday in Lent!
That’s because it is only through His enduring and never ending mercy and LOVING-kindness that I’m alive to see another day. I also remembered to ask Him for strength, guidance, wisdom and confidence to stay on the straight and narrow path that leads to Him, while spreading His Word, as well as the peace and LOVE that He desires of me.
Oh my people, that’s a daily ritual we’ll all go through if we’re smart and walking with Jesus! For when we begin the day on a positive note with Almighty God, our day goes much better than if we begin with a set of negative, worldly, anxious thoughts flooding our frail and gullible minds.
Beginning the day with Jesus, we move from strength to strength, going up the ladder of success and prosperity. However, starting out with Lucifer invading our thoughts, just keeps taking us down lower and lower, and finally into the depths of fear, anxiety and despair. And that certainly is never a good place to be my brethren!
So please, let’s remember to begin each and every day on the right note, with Jehovah God, so that even if our whole world seems to be falling down around us, we will still have the calm and peace of God, and His everlasting confidence to face the tribulations, knowing that He is in perfect control, and will eventually work everything out for our good.
Life is already difficult as it is, why make it more difficult by holding on to the lies and deceit of the enemy eh, when we can hold on to the true, generous, faithful and wonderful promises of our omnipotent and magnanimous God? And that’s today’s sermon! (smile)
Now let’s turn to our most appropriate Bit, just one verse after the one of yesterday, for that’s where I was led. And in it, Bruh David sincerely declares: ‘Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain (smooth) path, because of mine enemies.’
Yes Friends, we all have people and things that come against us, but when we are true followers of Jesus, and have His Word engraved in our hearts, we can stand strong in those tough times and walk a path that’s smooth and calm, with Jesus leading the way.
As we said above, if we give in to Beelzebub and his deceitfulness, then we’ll experience a path strewn with obstacles that we’re too afraid and anxious to deal with.
Now Jesus doesn’t necessarily calm our storms, but He does give us the wherewithal to face and go through them without a whole lot of fear and anxiety. And that’s the beauty of knowing His ways and faithfully walking with Him in them!
Now listen to some scripture that upholds our contention, starting with Bruh David from Psalm 25 – A prayer for guidance and protection. He again seeks to know the ways of God. ‘Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.’ (Ps.25:4-5)
Yeh Friends, we do need to look to the Most High God for guidance and salvation! For he is the One who, through His great and unconditional LOVE for us, sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross to procure the atonement of our abominable sins.
But remember too that sometimes our pleas will not be answered right away, so there will be some waiting involved. But note that our God is NEVER LATE, for He is the God of just in time!
And we all know these fateful and faithful words of Psalm 119, where the psalmist beseeches God: ‘Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.’ (Ps.119:33) Again my brethren, we have to note the last words of that verse ‘and I shall keep it unto the end.’
For what good is the Lord teaching us His ways, if we don’t keep them eh? None whatsoever!
But unfortunately, many of us only want to learn His ways to get through whatever difficulty is currently confronting us, and after that is resolved, we forget about those ways until the next time we find ourselves in a difficult situation.
But that’s not how it ought to be my people. We ought to learn the ways of the Lord and faithfully keep them from that time until forever! That’s what he desires and expects of us, and really the only path in this world that makes any sense at all.
And we’ll end with some more appropriate words of Bruh David from Psalm 86 – Teach me thy way, O Lord. ‘Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart (give me singleness of heart) to fear thy name (to have reverential awe for you).
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell (from the depths of Hades).’ (Ps.86:11-13)
Oh my brethren, what words of indisputable truth and glory! For it is indeed the Lord God who truly has delivered our souls from the sure destination of Hades, through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus’ death on the cross of Calvary.
Otherwise, without the option of heaven, we would all be surely bound for death and destruction with Lucifer, the prince of darkness. And that’s not a very pleasant thought or destination!
So all God’s children declared a loud and grateful: ‘Thank You Father for sending Jesus to be our redeemer and deliverer! And thank You Jesus for being selfless and obedient to the Father’s will, thus setting us free from the bondage of sin. We glorify You and praise Your holy name! Amen!’
Now Friends, let’s go out into the cruel and evil world and put all that we’ve spoken about today into action. Remember that Christianity is an action based and action packed movement, not simply a talk show, as we often tend to make it. Much LOVE!
…happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help…whose hope is in the Lord his God… (Ps.146:5)
P.S. It’s pretty late, but with God’s help, also pretty good! (smile) Much LOVE!
03 Feb 2015
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: ambassadors, another beautiful morning in Paradise, belief, christianity, Christians, comfort, compassion, coughing bout, doubting, evengelizing, example, faith, Father of mercies, fellow believers, followers of Christ, freezing cold, friends, Glory be, helping others, hope and pray, I grinned and bore it all, Jesus came to save the lost, Jesus taught them many things, Jesus was moved with compassion, multitudes, only in T&T, Pigeon Point, salt water and sunshine, scandal, simple existence, soca music, Thank the Lord, thanks and priaise, the birds are singing, the cool breezes are blowing, the eyes ears hearts and hands of Jesus, the North Country, the sun's shining, they were as sheep not having a shepherd, tribulation, we will overcome, we'll fight it through, with God's help
Mark 6:34. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people (a great multitude), and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Oh Friends, what can I say eh, but that it’s another beautiful Tuesday morning in Paradise!
As I sit on the verandah of my little cottage at Lowlands writing these words to you, the sun’s a shining, the birds are a singing praises, the cool breezes are a blowing, ruffling the trees and leaves, which are a dancing to God’s perfect melody, and one member of His greatest creation is here enjoying it all, adding his thanks and praise to the rest of nature! (smile)
Wow Friends, it couldn’t get much better than this…except for my health! I’m still not in the greatest shape; my chest is still tight and my back’s aching. I’m starting to think it’s the bed, although on the surface it doesn’t feel too soft or too hard. Unless I am sleeping too much, although I don’t think so.
But I much prefer my back to ache me down here in the warm weather than in the freezing cold and plentiful snow that seems to have enveloped the north country since I left. I’ve been seeing pictures of Toronto and other areas in the U.S and they certainly don’t look too welcoming. I’m certainly sorry for those of you who have to deal with it, and I’m glad that I don’t have to in my current condition.
All I can do is thank the Lord that He got me out before it began, and I hope and pray that He keeps you all safe and sound and warm through it all.
Ah Chuh! I just had a small coughing bout! Thought it was all over, but apparently not. But not to worry, we’ll fight it through, with the Lord’s help obviously. Each day I am feeling a little better. I was able to handle the heat and sunshine much better yesterday. And we finally got our phone situation fixed – Glory be!
In the afternoon we went down to the beach. The duchess wanted to go to Pigeon Point, and although I’ve never like there, in my humanity and Christianity, I acquiesced to her desires. (smile) Now I thought she wanted to go right inside the compound where you have to pay to get in.
But lo and behold, as we were driving by a decent looking beach with people bathing and some sweet soca music pouring out of a car, she decided to stop there. Hn! And again being the beautiful person that I am, I stopped.
The beach itself was sandy and the water, though a little choppy with the tide coming in, was blue and inviting. But to my great surprise when I entered the water, before it even got up to my waist, I felt a very rocky and stony bottom.
Steups! It was actually worse than my water hole back home, but I grinned and bore it. It was salt water and sunshine, exactly what the doctor had ordered for my ailing and aching body. And in any case I couldn’t do much swimming because my right arm and shoulder are still aching.
On the way home from the beach we bought some food and some goodies; coconut tart, currant’s roll, rock cake etc. (smile) Then we came home and had a quiet evening, in part listening to the Prime Minister, Kamla Persad, address the nation on t.v. re some scandal amongst her cabinet, which she shuffled around and which is going to cause even more scandal. Only in T&T, you say!
So you see the ole fella’s just leading a quiet simple existence, trying to get healthy. I still don’t feel like eating, and that tells me I’m not up to scratch. But with the Lord’s help, and in His time, there’s no doubt that we will definitely overcome!
And Friends, this morning if you’re doubting your faith and belief in Jesus Christ, just listen to these wonderful words of our Bit. ‘And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people (a great multitude), and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.’
Oh my people, how could you not believe and have faith in such a wonderful and compassionate man eh ? The sequence of events that led up to that outpouring of compassion are as follows. ‘And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things , both what they had done, and what they had taught. (They had just returned from evangelizing around the region.)
And he said unto them, come ye yourselves apart (aside) into a desert (deserted) place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. and they departed into a desert (deserted) place by ship privately (by themselves)
And the people (multitudes) saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them (arrived before them), and came together unto him.’ (Mark 6:30-33)
Oh my fellow believers, what a wonderful example for us to follow! But do we have that kind of compassion on our fellow men? To some small extent yes, but nowhere near the amount that we should have!
Remember Friends, that we are supposed to be the eyes, ears, hearts and hands of Jesus here on earth. That means we are also supposed to do as He did. But unfortunately, not many of us supposed believers show the kind of caring and compassion we ought to our fellow man. But then, when we need compassion, we expect Jesus, as well as other men to show it to us.
Friends, life doesn’t work that way. We receive what we give, and reap what we sow. Listen to these Bible verses from Bruh Paul to the Corinthians. ‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble (tribulation), by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor.1:3-4)
My people, God comforts us, has compassion on us, so that we can do the same for our fellow man. Remember Jesus came to save the lost, the sick, the hurting, the unfortunate. (Matt.18:11) And if we are His true ambassadors, then we are supposed to do likewise.
So please, today, as we go about our business, which hopefully is also Jesus’, let’s allow His LOVE to soften our hearts, open our eyes to those who need our caring and compassion, and let our hands and mouths show forth His LOVE! That’s our bounden duty, our earthly purpose and responsibility. Much LOVE!
…if we’re not helping others…then we don’t deserve to be called Christians…followers of Christ…
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