16 Apr 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a stranger, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats, as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, before him shall be gathered all the nations, being confident of this very thing, Come ye blessed of my Father, conform to the example of Jesus, consider our current way of life, depart from me ye cursed, distinguish between good and bad, endure to the very end, eternal security, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, from the foundation of the world, future rewards, go away into everlasting punishment, Good Friday, hands on the plough, he which hath begun a good work in you, helping the sick and needy, holy spirit, I was hungry, I was sick and ye visited me, I was thirsty, in prison, inherit the kingdom prepared for you, into everlasting fire, Jesus Christ, Jesus was crucified, keep on keeping on, LOVE, mercy, naked, naked and ye clothed me, not turning back, our abominable sins, prepared for the devil and his angels, salvation, second wind day, separate them one from another, set the goats on the left hand, set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left, sick and in prison, so glad to be alive, spiritual freedom, superior and inferior quality, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the hefty price Christ paid for our sins, the poor and downtrodden, the righteous into life eternal, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, until the day of Christ Jesus, weak and failing, will our lifestyle satisfy Jesus, will perform it, wisdom, ye came unto me, ye clothed me not, ye did it not to me, ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye gave me drink, ye gave me food, ye gave me no drink, ye gave me no meat, ye have done it unto me, ye took me in, ye visited me not
Matthew 25:33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Aye friends, it’s Wednesday of Holy Week, the second wind day of our workweek! A day that helps us get up the gumption and courage to keep on keeping on for the next couple days. This week though, we only have one more day to go, as Friday, Good Friday, is a holiday for most of us. But despite the holiday, we will have a lot of sadness and sorrow because it’s the day that our Saviour Jesus Christ was abused, tortured and crucified to pay for our abominable sins.
And if we’re true believers, that ought to give us pause and make us consider if our current way of life will satisfy Jesus, and make Him consider the hefty price He paid for our spiritual freedom worthwhile. Now that’s a million dollar question, and I don’t know how many of us will answer it truthfully, but we need to. And if our lives are not up to scratch, then we need to raise them up, as it may one day cause us to be separated from the sheep and placed with the goats. That means to distinguish between good and bad individuals or those of superior and inferior ability.
It’s based on Jesus story in the gospel of Matthew, when He comes again in all His glory. ‘And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:32-36)
And when the righteous asks Jesus when they’d done all those things to Him? He answers: ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) Yes my fellow believers, that’s how we are expected to function; helping the sick and needy, the downtrodden and helpless with good hearts, and not expecting anything from them in return, knowing that any future rewards will come from the Father in His own time.
Now here’s the other side of the equation: ‘Then shall he (king Jesus) say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me no meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.’ (Matt. 25:41-43)
And when they ask as to what time they saw Him in need and not minister on to Him? ‘Then he shall answer them, saying, Verily, verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. and these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.’ (Matt. 25:45-46)
Ah friends, that’s the kind of scenario we might have to face. And since we don’t know how much time we have left, it’s best we begin to improve our lives as soon as possible, in fact right now. Oh, we all know where we are weak and failing, and if we don’t know, then we can ask the Lord and He will gladly show us. (smile)
The truth is that though we will never be perfect, we can all improve, we can all get better at doing the things Jesus desires of us. And this verse from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Philippians, ought to encourage us to do so. He writes; ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begin a good work in you will perform (complete, finish) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6)
Yes my fellow believers, when we accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour, the Father began a good work in us, which He will undoubtedly continue until Jesus comes back. So there’s no need to worry we’ll be left out of the loop. No way! For that verse speaks to our eternal security, since God’s plan has always been to make all His children conform to the example of His first born, and that will never change. So, with such great assurance under our belt, let’s faithfully use this Easter season to improve ourselves; physically, spiritually and emotionally.
And we can begin right now by declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail with strong conviction. As one voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And it’s been promised that if we endure with Jesus to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s plan to meet at the very end and enjoy that future together nuh! Much LOVE!
…in Jesus kingdom…it’s better to be a sheep than a goat…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
11 Nov 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 11 a.m on the 11th day of the 11th month, a crying shame, a show of support, a stranger, age shall not weary them, armistice, be yours to hold it high, between the crosses, Bible, bounden duty, christianity, cleansing, defend the poor and fatherless, destroying the works of the devil, died in the line of duty, divine aid, do justice to the afflicted, done it unto the least of these, enjoy a decent life, expended on our behalf, faith, felt dawn, filling the void, financial aid, fly, for the Armed Forces community, from falling hand, god, has mercy on the poor, he that honours him, he that oppresses the poor, healing, hear and answer our prayers, hifalutin speeches, holy spirit, humble servants, I was hungry, I was in prison, I was thirsty, if ye break faith with us who die, In Flanders Fields, in the sky, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, John McCrae, keep himself separated from the world, like sheep before the slaughter, living hand to mouth, LOVE, loved and were loved, make a good living, mark our place, medical aid, mental aid, mercy, naked, nor years condemn them, open thine hand widely, paraded out, platitudes, preaching, proper housing, pure religion, Remembrance Day, reproaches his Maker, row on row, salvation, saving the lost, saw sunset glow, scarce heard amid the guns below, short days ago, still bravely singing, suspension of fighting, take up our quarrel with the foe, the God who heals, the government don't care about the veterans, the larks, the poor shall never cease, the poppies blow, the poppy flower, the sacrifice, they shall not grow old, thirsty and ye gave me drink, though poppies grow in Flanders fields, to you, truth, turn from our evil ways, undefiled before God, veterans, we are the dead, we lived, we shall not sleep, we that are left grow old, we throw the torch, we will remember them, wisdom, ye clothed me, ye have done it unto me, ye took me in, you gave me meat
Proverbs 14:31. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor (needy).
As is expected, after Sunday comes Monday…and this Monday is a big one in the Western Hemisphere; the official celebration of Remembrance Day in honour of all those brave armed forces members who died in the line of duty during the numerous and unnecessary wars of the last century.
‘It all began with the end of the First World War when at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The Germans had called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement and accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender.’
Today the handful of veterans left will be paraded out like sheep before the slaughter and many hifalutin speeches made at all the monuments erected for those who departed this life in service to their country. But the truth of the matter is that we remember those who fell in conflict, but the veterans who are still alive have been mostly forgotten and not shown the appreciation they fully deserve. Too many of them are living hand to mouth, not being able to secure proper housing, financial, medical or mental aid from the governments and the associations responsible for doing so.
It’s a crying shame when you hear the many stories of such irresponsibility and abuse. And we chose the red poppy flower as a symbol for this day, one of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community. And on this day we also glorify the fallen combatants, especially those lying in the graves of Flanders with this popular poem ‘In Flanders Fields,’ written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, (1872-1918) a Canadian poet, physician, author, artist and soldier during the World War I and a surgeon during the Second Battle of Ypres, in Belgium, which served as inspiration for the poem.
So please read it with me: ‘In Flanders fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, LOVED and were LOVED, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.’
Ah friends, it is a sad and touching poem, a true testimonial to the wastefulness of lives lost in wars that don’t really prove anything but the stupidity of mankind. One commentary claims that ‘The day before he wrote his famous poem, one of McCrae’s closest friends was killed in the fighting and buried in a makeshift grave with a simple wooden cross. Wild poppies were already beginning to bloom between the crosses marking the many graves. Unable to help his friend or any of the others who had died, John McCrae gave them a voice through his poem. It was the second last poem he was to write.’
And it’s certainly good to remember those who fell in service to us, but it’s even more important to remember those who are still alive and through no fault of their own cannot make a good living or enjoy a decent life. We owe them that for the sacrifice they expended on our behalf. It’s our bounden duty to look after them, but it’s one more duty that we’re shirking, while filling the void with mere platitudes on this day.
And there are many scriptures which admonish us to take care of the poor, sick, needy and downtrodden. For example, in Psalm 82 – Unjust Judges – the psalmist Asaph writes: ‘Defend (vindicate) the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.’ (Ps. 82:3-4)
Meanwhile, James says it thus: ‘Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’ (James 1:27) True religion is not only doing good, but also staying separate from the world.
And way back when the Lord told the Israelites through Moses: ‘For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore, I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide (freely) unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.’ (Deut. 15:11) And Cousin Sol reminds us of our duty with this gem. ‘He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor (needy).’ (Prov. 14:31)
It’s also like Jesus said when speaking of the coming separation of the sheep and the goats. ‘For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36) And when the righteous ask when all of that happened? ‘And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40)
Remember my fellow saints that Jesus came to save and to help, as this Bible summary tells us: ‘His ministry included preaching, teaching, healing, seeking, and saving the lost, and destroying the works of the devil (see Matt. 4:23; 9:35; Luke 19:10; 1 John 3:8).’ Now we have to do likewise. And to help us do so, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn and ask for divine aid in these times of dire need.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face.
So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And it’s ever so necessary to repent and turn from our evil ways if we truly desire to receive divine aid. Much LOVE!
…the Remembrance Day exhortation…They shall grow not old…as we that are left grow old…Age shall not weary them…nor the years condemn…We will remember them…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
28 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a means of restoring faith in you, all the work of thine hand, anxiety and confusion, as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, bacterial infestation, divine help, divine wisdom, eat and be satisfied, Friday chant, gather the gleanings, God is the champion of the underdog, God loves the poor, he that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord, heat wave, how dwelleth the love of God in him, introduce a new flock of believers, Jesus' warriors, LOVE, man's inhumanity to man exceeds his love for them, return backsliders to your fold, show them the error of their ways, shutteth up his bowels of compassion, simmering unrest, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, that the Lord thy God may bless thee, the cry of the poor, the Good Library, those things which are needful to the body, thou shalt love the stranger as thyself, unexpected storm, wake up and and smell the coffee, what doth it profit, whoso stoppeth his ears, wise guidance, ye have done it unto me, ye were strangers in Egypt
Proverbs 21:13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
And like this Friday is going to be another day of cloud and heat! So brace yourselves for the heat wave after you’ve joyfully declared (yesss!) ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend is here at last!’ I guess though that many of us won’t care, because we’ll either be ensconced and relaxed in our air-conditioned places or enjoying some outdoor activity where the heat doesn’t bother us. The beaches will probably be packed too, those that aren’t closed because of bacterial infestation.
But nonetheless, we will get through the day and enjoy doing so, because that’s what our Lord and Saviour Jesus expects of us. Remember, Jesus’ warriors can handle anything that comes against them, because He strengthens us, gives us the wherewithal to overcome whatever threatens our safety.
And I’m chuckling here, for as usual, on opening the Good Library my eyes were drawn to a very applicable passage for these turbulent times. It opened unto the Book of Proverbs and my eyes were irresistibly drawn to this verse of Cousin Sol’s divine wisdom. ‘Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.’ (Prov. 21:13)
And is that ever the indisputable truth, for the many who are currently blocking their ears from the cries of the poor will indeed suffer God’s wrath in their own time! That’s because God LOVES the poor and downtrodden, He’s the champion of the underdog, and desires that we help them to the best of our ability. And besides, there’s enough wealth and food in this prosperous world so that there needs not be any truly poor on the face of God’s great earth!
However, the inequity in the distribution of that wealth and food causes many millions to live and die in extreme poverty. Why is it that when man has become so enlightened in all his ways, that he is still greedy and selfish eh? That his inhumanity to his fellow man still exceeds his LOVE for them? Chuh! I guess only the Lord alone knows yes! And despite all God’s warnings throughout the Good Book about the ill treatment of the poor and lowly, that ungodly, unsavoury behaviour still persists, and in some places is even getting worse.
From the very beginning God warns in Leviticus: ‘And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex (mistreat) him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you (a native), and thou shalt LOVE him as thyself; for ye were strangers in Egypt: I am the Lord.’ (Lev. 19:33-34) The Lord reminds them of their stranger status in Egypt when Jacob and his family first went down there in the famine that drove them from their home in Canaan.
Then He again proclaims in Leviticus: ‘And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings (leftovers) of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord.’ (Lev. 19:9-10)
And in Deuteronomy He takes it one step further. ‘At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up (store it) within thy gates. And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.’ (Deut. 14:28-29)
There it is friends, your work will be blessed if you have compassion on the poor and needy. And Cousin Sol in his amazing wisdom further tells us in Proverbs 19: ‘He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.’ (Prov. 19:17)
Jesus however puts it in much more blatant and in your face terms when in His talk about separating the sheep from the goats, (Matt. 25) He solemnly declared (awright!!!) ‘And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) That’s how much the Lord cares about the poor and downtrodden my fellow believers.
And John in his first epistle states it very clearly. ‘But whoso hath this world’s goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion) heart from him, how dwelleth the LOVE of God in him?’ (1 John 3:17) The answer is it simply does not!
It’s like James says when he talks about faith without works. ‘If a brother or sister is naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit?’ (James 2:15-19) Absolutely nothing! It will only call down the Lord’s anger and destruction on your head!
Oh my fellow saints, our world in sad turmoil, and it’s only through divine help can we ever make any positive changes, so please, through our Friday Chant, let’s go the throne of grace right now and seek such help. As one voice! ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help.
Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle this unexpected storm properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you.
Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Now, before any help from heaven is forthcoming, it’s obvious we first have to make some godly changes! Much LOVE!
…where there is need…believers ought to help as best they can…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
14 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: as ye have done it unto one of the least, depart from me ye cursed, endured the cross despising the shame, eternal life, everlasting punishment, for the joy that was set before him, get our second wind, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, humility, into everlasting fire, join the fray, lack the parts to walk that talk, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, my eyes are looking straight ahead, nailed naked between two thieves, not looking back, not my will but thine be done, obedience, prepared for the devil and his angels, salvation, saving grace, separate the sheep from the goats, set the sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left, Simon the Cyrene, talk a good talk, thank God, the author and finisher of our faith, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the crown of thorns, the Great tribulation, the Great White throne judgement, the righteous into eternal life, the shame of the cross, the sufferation of Jesus, to a glorious future with Jesus, ungodly ingrates, Wednesday Wail, ye have done it unto me
Matthew 25:40a. …inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
And we’ve progressed to Wednesday, the middle day of our work week, when we get our second wind for the last part of the five labouring days. (smile) I guess it’s like the race cars going like crazy around the oval, who pull into the pits every so often to refuel, change tires and fix whatever else may be wrong, then head back out to the track with a burst of speed to join the fray once again. Yes my faithful brethren, that’s how we ought to be; getting refueled, recharged in our spirits, then getting back into the fray to help lost souls come to Christ to receive His saving grace, salvation and eternal life.
Oh, what a wonderful assignment for a wonderful Saviour! Ah friends, we couldn’t have a better guide, leader and employer. He came to earth and died for us, thus paying for our sins and saving us from eternity with Satan in Hades, then went back to heaven where He currently advocates for us, meanwhile giving us His Holy Spirit to help and comfort us, to enable us to do what He desires of us, then when our days on this earth are over, the unimaginable joy of spending eternity with Him in heaven! How could it get any better than that eh? It certainly could not!
The problem though is that some of us want the benefits without lifting a finger to do the work necessary. But do you think Christ wanted to go to the cross and die that shameful death? No way Jose! Yuh see how the night before His crucifixion, in the Garden of Gethsemane He begged the Father three times about not having to go through it. He was so anxious about the whole situation that He even sweated what seemed to be blood. But the Father’s answer was a silent No! Although He did send an angel from heaven to comfort and strengthen Him (Luke 22:39-46)
Eventually Jesus got the message that there was no other way to save the souls of us sinners, and it shows up in His fateful words: ‘Not my will, but thine, be done.’ Yes, my fellow believers, Jesus didn’t relish the thought of going to the cross, but He did it because the Father asked Him to, and He LOVED both us and Father enough to give His sinless life to save our sinful ones. And I hate to bring this up because every time I think about the ‘sufferation’ Jesus endured for our ungrateful sakes, it makes me feel sick inside.
Can you imagine the lashes of that maniacal whip slashing across His back, creating untold and irreparable scars; the crown of thorns pressed down on His holy and sinless head; the spitting and jeering that He was forced to undergo, then carrying that heavy wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary? It’s a good thing the Father saw His sorry state and sent Simon the Cyrene to help carry His cross and give Him a much needed break. And do you think the nails fiendishly pounded into His hands and feet or the gaping javelin wound in His side were a pretty sight and fun to bear.
And just imagine the shame of being nailed up on that cross, between two thieves, totally naked for all to see and jeer, then the added insult of casting lots for his garments, while poor Mary His mother stood there her heart just breaking into fine particles, knowing that that was His destiny, but still wishing that her first born son would not have to undergo such agony for people who couldn’t care less about Him. And now, we want to go to heaven but don’t want to live the godly life it calls for and help others to come to Him for salvation.
Chuh man! What a bunch of ungodly ingrates we are! And we have the gall to be ashamed of Jesus! But look at how He handled all the ‘sufferation’ and shame. The author of Hebrews tells us: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (become discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3)
Now that’s how Jesus handled all the sad and disgraceful stuff He went through, because of the joy of sitting at the Father’s right hand that would come afterwards. Now why can’t we do likewise and put up with some difficulties when we are guaranteed the joy of heaven for eternity eh? Because we’re so full of heifer dust! We talk a good talk but lack the parts to walk that talk. But we want to go to heaven! Hn! Yuh think the Lord lets any and anybody into heaven?
Remember what Jesus said about separating the sheep from the goats? Many of us who think we’re going to heaven will be sadly disappointed because we didn’t do the things that Jesus considers worthy of heaven, like sincerely helping others and not being ashamed of Him and spreading His word sincerely, etc. etc. As He said: ‘When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee and hungred (hungry), and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then he shall say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (Matt. 25:31-41) Yes friends, that’s what’s going to happen. And those on the left hand shall ask the same questions as the righteous did, but get the unfortunate reply: ‘Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.’ (Matt. 25:45-46)
Now I think it’s important that we should hear the scholars take on the subject. They say: ‘The judgement of the nations concludes our Lord’s prophetic discourse. This judgement of all nations must be distinguished from the Great White Throne judgement at the end of the Millenium. The nations are those peoples living through the Great Tribulation on earth at the time of Christ’s return. This is a judgement of separation: sheep on his right – goats on the left. At this judgement all nations (better, “all Gentiles”) stand before Christ who then separates the sheep (the saved) from the goats (the lost) in a manner reminiscent of the wheat and tares parable.
Note that these are living nations, whereas the Great White Throne judgement is one of the wicked dead whose bodies are resurrected to face the final judgement of the lost. Thus the saved are invited to come into and share the blessings of His kingdom. Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom. The basis of their acceptance seems to be their treatment of the least of these my brethren, the saved of the Great Tribulation.’
Yes friends, it’s heavy and plentiful, but it’s time we begin eating some meat and potatoes of the scriptures rather than simply drinking milk all the time. We cannot grow unless we get down to the nitty gritty of the word. And it takes time and energy to do that. So if we want to grow in the word, then we need to spend the necessary time and energy it calls for. Now let’s go home letting the world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, as we declare (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail.
In full voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And just to remind us that if we endure right down to the end with Jesus, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. Much LOVE!
…obedience and humility…that’s what Jesus is seeking from His followers…
P.S. Brother is it ever long, and I completely forgot about continuing where we left off yesterday talking about money. I only remembered it halfway through this discourse. But don’t worry, there are methods to mine and God’s madness. (smile) Much LOVE!
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
09 Dec 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a stranger and ye took me in, anxiety, as ye have done it unto one of the least, be not forgetful to entertain strangers, bring backsliders back to your fold, confusion, exploit the downtrodden, first world countries, Friday chant, God executes judgement, I was hungered and ye gave me food, I was sick and ye visited me, in prison and ye came unto me, introduce a new flock, let brotherly love continue, LOVE, love the stranger as thyself, many serious problems, modern salvery, naked and ye clothed me, omnipotent help, predatory bosses, show them the error of their ways, some have entertained angels unawares, stand strong and steadfast, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the fatherless and widow, the poor are getting poorer, the prevalence of food banks, the rich are getting richer, thirsty and ye gave me drink, too few have too much, too many have too little, trusting faith, wake up and smell the coffee, ye have done it unto me, ye were strangers in the land of Egypt
Matthew 25:40. Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Now, the new day has dawned somewhat grey and overcast, but that doesn’t matter, because it’s Friday. Oh yes, the last day of the workweek is here and we are all overjoyed. Our shouts of freedom can be heard all over the world. ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and we can soon rest for two days from the agony of this modern slavery!’
And in some respects, the sentiments are quite true, because, in spite of our supposed modern society, a lot of workers are still not enjoying the benefits of our advances, but are unfortunately still stuck in old world ways of work through the greed and selfishness of their rich and predatory bosses. It’s surprising that in a world of plenty, there are still so many with so little. The problem is that too few have too much and have greedily set up the systems so that they can acquire even more off the backs of the many with little.
But I guess that’s the way it’s been all down through the ages. Although one would have thought that in this supposedly enlightened and modern society of ours, the problem of equality would not be still such a big deal, and the distance between the haves and the have nots would not be so wide. ‘Wishful thinking,’ someone whispers in my ear. (smile) Why, in this day and age do we still have to fight tooth and nail to get a decent wage for a fair day’s work eh?. But it’s the truth. The richer are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer.
People in the so-called third and fourth world nations would never believe the amount of poverty, homelessness, sickness and economic suffering that exists in these supposed first world countries. They all think that it’s a bed of roses, and beg, borrow and steal to get here, until they arrive and sadly discover that in many cases, they were better off where they came from. At least back there if they didn’t have a job or food, some friend or relative would share what little they had with them. But in the first world countries sharing with your neighbours is not the norm.
And one aspect of the situation that’s so horrifying is the prevalence of food banks nowadays. People are working forty or more hours a week and still can’t afford to buy food for their families. I remember volunteering at a food bank many years ago, and they were few and far between at the time. It was only supposed to be a stop-gap measure. But now they are everywhere and desperately needed too. What with rents and prices for everyday items skyrocketing, but wages remaining stagnant, the ordinary man in the street needs help to feed and clothe his family.
However, the food banks should not be a staple or standard of our society, because that would simply turn us into a bigger beggy-beggy society than we already are. Three quarters of the mail I receive is from charities asking for donations to support one thing or another. I give, and gladly too, but at times it just gets to be too much. You pick up the phone, it’s someone growling in your ear about giving. You open your e-mail, the same thing. And yet, despite all these supposed charities, the situation is not improving. The governments don’t care. They are only interested in getting in power and being able to milk the gravy train themselves.
Oh my people, if we want to be a truly just and Christian society, we need to remember those who don’t have and treat them properly. Our God decreed that from way back when. Listen to these scriptures. In Leviticus, He says: ‘And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex (mistreat) him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born (native) among you, and thou shalt LOVE him as thyself: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.’ (Lev. 19:33-34) Yes friends, all of us were strangers in some land at some time or another, and because of that the Lord expects us to treat strangers properly.
And Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s desire in Deuteronomy. ‘Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked (stubborn, rebellious). For the Lord your God is God of gods, and the Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward (the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality, nor takes a bribe). He doth execute the judgement of the fatherless and widow, and LOVETH the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. LOVE ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ (Deut. 10:16-19)
And all through the Bible references can be found about treating the stranger, the widow and fatherless with LOVE and compassion. Jesus even told us that the second great commandment was to LOVE our neighbours as ourselves. (Matt. 22:39) And our neighbour includes anyone with whom we come into contact. Then there’s also this poignant and appropriate scripture from Hebrews. ‘Let brotherly LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’ (Heb. 13:1-2)
Yes my faithful brethren, Abraham (Gen. 18:13) and Lot (Gen. 19:1-2) did receive angels unawares. And although that might not happen nowadays, showing hospitality to the needy is still important and will be very beneficial in the long run. Please remember Jesus words after the parable of the talents, when He separates the sheep from the goats, and says to the sheep. ‘For I was hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36)
And when the righteous in surprise asks when they dd all those things for Him. He replied: ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) That should give us plenty food for thought my people! Now, through our Friday Chant, let’s go to God in humble but confident prayer, asking for His divine intervention in our less than stellar affairs.
Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by our many serious problems. And you know Lord that we can’t fix them on our own, so we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe.
Also Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Now friends, if we want to receive a positive answer to our prayers, then we need to get serious about the promises we’ve just made, obeying God’s word and living the life He desires us to live. Much LOVE!
…you can’t exploit the downtrodden…and expect to be rewarded by Christ…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
21 Apr 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a test of one's trust in Christ, as ye have doen it unto the least, commitment to Him, digging deeper into the word of God, don't move away from the hope of the gospel, enriching the christian relationship, eternal life, faith if it hath not works is dead, faith ought to show out in our works, hang on to Jesus, he that shall endure to the end, I am halfway home, I was a stranger and ye took me in, I'm not turning back, it will all be worth it in the end, Jesus is never late, Jesus surprises us with good things, live up to the desires of Jesus, living good with our friends, LOVE, Mother Nature, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, naked and ye clothed me, our faith is worthless, perseverance in the Christian's faith, sends deliverance, snow on the rooftops, testing our faith, the breath of life, the Lord acknowledges our trust, the parabe of the talents, the same shall be saved, those things which are needful to the body, to a glorious future with Jesus, trials and tribulation, unknown adventures await, Wednesday Wail, well grounded in the faith, worthwhile ambassadors of Jesus, ye have done it unto me
James 2:17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Oh, how lovely it looks out there my people; white and virginal! (smile) Yes friends, there’s snow on the rooftops and the hitherto blossoming green trees. Was I ever surprised when I saw it this morning, but apparently it was predicted by the weather department. I don’t expect it to cause any serious problems though, because the roads seem bereft of the white stuff, and most likely it will all melt by this afternoon. Let’s hope so anyway. (smile)
But that’s one of the exciting and adventurous things about living in the northern climes; you’re never sure when Mother Nature will surprise you with something that’s supposedly out of season. And that’s exactly how our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ surprises us with good things when we walk sincerely with Him. So, although this earthly life provides many trials and much tribulation, let’s not lose faith and give up, because those are the times when the Lord acknowledges our trust in Him and sends deliverance.
Oh yes, He sees all of our struggles and helps us get through them all. Even when He’s testing our faith and commitment to Him. And in these turbulent and controversial times, we need to hang on to Jesus even tighter than before, because no other system or faith, or whatever, appears to have the power to answer all the questions and problems we are now facing worldwide. And believe me, if you stick close to Jesus, it will all be worth it in the end. That’s His promise: ‘But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ (Matt.24:13) And we know that all His promises are true and faithful, though probably not in our timing. (smile)
And yes, sometimes it feels like He will never show up, and I can personally tell you about that, for many times, He’s taken me right to the brink of the precipice, but He’s NEVER allowed me to go over. So I can also testify that Jesus is NEVER late! It might seem so to us, but He always catches the crisis before it drags us under. The problem is that we like to be relieved of our problems right away, but Jesus likes to test our faith, to see us walk our talk, and that’s what He is expecting of us right now in this unusual time of pandemic, strife and natural disasters.
So it’s a matter of digging deeper into the word of God, more prayer…and the sincere kind at that, and living good with our friends, families and neighbours. This is a time when Christians and the church of Christ are expected to come to the forefront and help our world understand that Christ is the answer to ALL of our many problems. As we said yesterday, we desperately need to be good and worthwhile ambassadors for Christ. That means we have to set a good example, and we can only do that when we are well grounded in the faith.
And there are several instances in the Good Book where Bruh Paul admonishes the brethren to be go deep in the faith. Listen to this verse to the Colossians as he talks about his service for Christ. ‘If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled (steadfast), and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; wherefore I Paul am made a minister;’ (Col. 1:23)
And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘1:23. If ye continue in the faith (or “since you will persevere in the faith”): the Colossians future entrance into God’s heavenly presence depends on whether they remain in the Christian faith. The words “since you will persevere” indicate that they will remain loyal to Christ. Perseverance in the Christian’s faith is a test of the reality of one’s trust in Christ. This verse implies that true believers will persevere.’
And isn’t that the living truth friends! We are expected to walk out our trust in the reality of the way we live our lives. And never more so than in these critical times of our world! And as true believers we WILL persevere unto the end! That’s also an indisputable fact! Glory be my people! It certainly warms the cockles of Jesus’ heart to hear us say that so definitely and confidently!
But it’s more than talk friends, it’s even more walk! Faith is indeed necessary, but that faith ought to show out in our works. As James says: ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed, and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ (James 2:14-16)
Now that’s the gospel truth friends. We can talk all the talk we want, but if we have the wherewithal to help another and don’t, then our faith is worthless. That’s why Jesus showed it was ever so important to help the poor and downtrodden as He spoke the parable of the talents (Matt. 25) and ended with these words. ‘For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36)
Then, when the righteous look at Him in astonishment and ask when they did these things? ‘And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch, as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) Yes, my fellow saints, in as much as we help the poor, downtrodden and needy, we’re helping Jesus; that’s what He desires of us, which means we need to take our responsibilities as a Christian very seriously.
And as one commentator questions? ‘Are you enriching that (Christian) relationship every day through your communication with God? Listen to His voice as He gets your attention while reading His Word. Talk back to Him in prayer. Communicate with Him! Do you truly know Him friend? Will He recognize your voice when you call out to Him?’
Oh my people, I believe those are all important questions that we need to seriously ponder and then do our best to live up to the desires of Jesus in these sinful, godless and evil times! And for those of us who have already decided to work for Jesus, despite the trials and tribulations, let’s go home declaring (awright!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!
So as one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And as we all know, if we endure to the end, that future will be even more glorious than we can think or imagine! So let’s keep on working diligently and efficiently for Jesus my fellow saints, for it will all be worth it, when He comes into His kingdom! Much LOVE!
…on earth with Christ…unknown adventures await…but for sure…eternal life with Him in heaven…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
06 Jul 2019
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a negative self defeating idea, a shout of joy, Anself, anything is possible, as you have done it, aspires to inspire us, Christ-like, Christian community, comes from your own actions, condemning the goats, discourage others, do to help others, down here on earth, eternal damnation, eulogy, faithfulness, for a better tomorrow, forgiveness, friends, God's will and purpose, godly, grace, greedy world, happiness, hellfire, helping the poor, I was hungry, I was in prison, I was sick, I was thirsty, insignificant, joy, living to please man or God, LOVE, mercy, my brethren, not something ready made, peace, praise and glory, pursuing their dreams, resume, rise and shine, seek the Lord thy God, seems impossible, selfish, the fear of failure, the lost, the Most High God, the naked light of day, the sheep, thou shalt find him, touch your heart, troubles, unto one of the least of these, verily I say unto you, with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with Jesus, ye gave me drink, ye gave me meat, ye have done it unto me, ye visited me, you came unto me, your psyche
Matthew 25:40. Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Ah well, another glorious summer Saturday in the year of 2019! So, whenever you rise and shine, please enjoy it as though it was your last day on planet earth, for who knows, it just might well be. (smile) A lot of people who went to bed hale and hearty last night, did not get up this morning, for one reason or another. And the Lord died that we could have joy and peace right down here on this conflicted earth, not wait until we get to heaven.
So despite our circumstances, let’s all give a shout of joy and declare: ‘All praise and glory be to the Most High God, our heavenly Father, who dearly LOVES us and looks after us like His own beloved children; who has promised never to leave nor forsake us and to see us through whatever troubles come our way in this earthly life!’ Give Him much thanks and praise for His awesome faithfulness, LOVE, mercy, grace and forgiveness my believing brethren!
Ah friends, when you really get to know our heavenly Father, you’ll be amazed at how wonderful He is! But it takes time and serious commitment to get to that point; things that not too many of us are willing to spend or give, but we still want to receive all of His blessings. It doesn’t work that way though.
As Moses told the Israelites so long ago: ‘But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.’ (Deut. 4:29) And in all those years, that hasn’t changed one iota my people! So let’s all seek Him sincerely nuh, starting Right Here and Now!
And enough palavering, (smile) let’s see what words of wisdom our friend Anselm had to share with us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. Listen to this first one: ‘Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.’ And that’s ever so true!
A lot of us sit around and expect others to make us happy, but that’s not very realistic, since all of us have different agendas, and very few of them in this selfish and greedy world are to make others happy. They are more self-centred and concentrate on making I, me and myself happy. So if you want to be happy, you’ve got to get out there and do it for yourself! Nobody’s going to do it for you.
And then there’s this: ‘Just remember: The people that say, ‘your dreams are impossible’ have already quit on theirs.’ More likely than not yes! Yeh friends, in this world there seem to be many more negative thinking people than positive thinking ones, even amongst our Christian community…
Brother! I can’t spell for hell this morning! I made more spelling mistakes in that last sentence than I’ve made in the rest of the Bit. Even spelled brother wrong! (smile) But moving along. Too many of us tend to discourage others from pursuing their dreams. But what’s a dream eh? Basically something that seems impossible in the naked light of day. Remember though, that with Jesus on our side, any and everything is possible!
Consequently, ‘There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.’ And is that ever so true! For once you think you’ll fail, you most likely will, because you introduce into your psyche a negative, self-defeating idea, which then tends to manifest itself in your attitude and the level of work you’re willing to put into making the dream a reality.
Like a li’l mole, it just keeps eating away at your creativity and you end up not putting in the amount of work really need to make the project a success. So don’t listen to the naysayers…listen to Almighty God! That means, the first thing to do is to find out from God, whether the dream fits His will and purpose for your life, for if it doesn’t, then it won’t ever succeed, no matter how much effort and elbow grease you put into it.
Now here’s this very interesting quote: ‘Are you living out things that will affect your résumé or your eulogy? How would your life change if you lived each day with your eulogy in mind?’ That’s a very good question! One we should all take a moment or two to ponder. It’s basically asking are we living our lives to please man or God; to meet the world’s standards or God’s?
And it’s strange, but I heard a preacher ask that very question recently, just in a different form: ‘What would we like our eulogy to be: praise for wealth and power, worldly things, or praise for being godly and Christ-like?’ I suggest the latter is the more worthwhile, but it doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process, which means you have to start living it NOW!
And the final quote asks very significantly: ‘What needs around you touch your heart? What’s one thing you can do to help others—even if it seems insignificant?’ Right there friends is the heart of our Christian ministry; helping others. Remember Jesus said that He came to seek and to save those who were lost. (Luke 19:10)
But even more importantly listen to His words re when He comes back to set up His kingdom and He sets the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left and invite the sheep to live with Him for ever after, while condemning the goats to hellfire and eternal damnation. Why? Because the sheep, true believers, helped those who were sick and suffering, lost and lonely, while the goats did not.
‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.’ (Matt.25:35-36) And when the righteous ask when they did all of that, He will reply: ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’
Yes friends, our earthly job includes helping the poor, the lost and the unfortunate, just like Jesus did. So let’s get with it nuh, and stop concentrating solely on ourselves and our friends and families, because there is so much unmet need out there in today’s crazy world, that even the most insignificant help we can give will be joyfully looked upon by heaven and in due time, well rewarded. Much LOVE!
…you can’t call yourself a Christian…and don’t help anybody in need…
06 Apr 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cup of water, a millstone were hanged about his neck, absolutely nothing, assurance, At the cross, beloved, cast into the sea, Christian friends, diligence, diligent, faith, followers, foolish thinking, from pillar to post, glory, Glory be, God is not unrighteous, God's concern, hope, I am halfway home, I bow my knee, I'm not looking back, I'm so glad to be alive, imitators, in my name, inasmuch as ye have done it, inherit the promises, labour of LOVE, LOVE, ministered to the saints, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no greater love, O Lord you've searched me, our usual allotment, overcome the grave, passionately, patience, pick sense from nonsense, pickup the baton, pride, render sincere service, reward, run a race, running away from Jesus, sacrifice of praise, salvation, slothful, snow, spring, steadfast, the breath of life, the king shall answer, the loving care and compassion of God, the loving fold of God, to a glorious future with Jesus, under the weather, unto one of the least of these, verily I say unto you, Wednesday Wail, what can separate me now, wisdom, words of encouragement, ye belong to Christ, ye have done it unto me, you know my way, you shield my way, your blood was shed for me
Matthew 25:40. And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Aye mih people, the ole fella’s a tad under the weather this morning, having run around from pillar to post yesterday trying to accomplish some errands, then a meeting in the church in the evening just set back all my other stuff and made it a rather late night, or rather early morning. (smile) I’ve got to learn that I’m not as young and strong as I used to be.
Hn! But talking about under the weather, that veritable element is being rather disgusting this April morning. When I went to bed, sometime after three, it was dry and beautiful outside. But when I get up at nine, it’s white as snow and that foolish stuff is pelting down like rain!
Steups! What’s with that eh? That’s the second time in as many days. Chuh! I thought now was supposed to be spring. However, it seems that because we didn’t get our usual allotment during the winter months, we’re getting it during the springtime.
But yuh know what friends? All that stuff is immaterial when placed beside the LOVING care and compassion of our wonderful God! Glory Be!
So to honour Him and get ourselves ready to hear his Word, let’s offer up the sacrifice of praise and worship by singing two verses of the old and glorious hymn, ‘At the Cross.’
Please sing with me. ‘Oh Lord You’ve searched me You know my way Even when I fail You I know You LOVE me Your holy presence Surrounding me In every season I know You LOVE me I know You LOVE me At the cross I bow my knee Where Your blood was shed for me There’s no greater LOVE than this
You have overcome the grave Your glory fills the highest place What can separate me now You go before me You shield my way Your hand upholds me I know You LOVE me At the cross I bow my knee Where Your blood was shed for me There’s no greater LOVE than this You have overcome the grave Your glory fills the highest place What can separate me now?’
And the answer to that poignant question my precious believers in Christ is as always: ‘ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!’
Yes my brethren, once we’re ensconced in the LOVING fold of God, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING can ever take us out or steal us away! That’s just the way it is!
And since today is Wednesday, let’s do some wailing nuh. (smile) As one wailer now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday!
I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Ah friends, I might be a tad under the weather, and the weather outside might be unkind, but I’m ever so glad to be alive this Wednesday morning, basking in the LOVE of my Saviour Jesus, holding steady to my furrow and looking forward to an even more wonderful future with my friend and brother.
Oh glory to God! Nothing can be better than that my fellow believers! So please let’s grasp the eternal and everlasting lifeline that Jesus has thrown out to us, and hold on tightly to all that He has to offer!
Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’
Yes my fellow Christians, we need to render sincere service to the poor and needy as our Lord and Saviour did.
I like how Mark puts it in his gospel. ‘For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. And whosoever shall offend (cause to stumble) one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.’ (Mark 9:41-42)
Oh my people, yuh see what can, and will happen to us if we, through excessive pride and foolish thinking, refuse to serve our fellow man!
Our God is not only concerned with the big things that impinge, that impact our lives, but also on the small and everyday matters that we have to deal with. In fact He’s concerned about EVERYTHING that concerns us. That’s just the kind of God He is.
But we need to let Him into our lives before He can help us. And that’s the number ONE problem today! Too many people are running away from Jesus rather than into His ever-LOVING arms. That’s just not right or wise my brethren. But I digress.
So let’s end with these wonderful words of encouragement from Bruh Paul in Hebrews. ‘But beloved, we are persuaded (confident of) better things of (concerning) you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of LOVE, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful (sluggish, lazy), but followers (imitators) of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.’ (Heb.6:9-12)
And that my friends is my sincere wish and prayer for all of us today. Please, please, let’s passionately pick up the baton and run a good, steadfast and diligent race with it nuh. For that’s the wisdom of heaven. Much LOVE!
…one can’t win a race and get a reward…unless one runs in it…with diligence, steadfastness, and a strong sense of purpose…
P.S. It’s late and long, and I do hope it makes sense. But in any case, I know that my wise, wonderful and faithful Christian friends can pick sense from nonsense. (smile) Much LOVE!
19 Feb 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living
Tags: a better tomorrow, advice, anger, Anselm, broken, Clifton Hills Resort, corruption, decisions, don't give up, drink the sweet, dysfunctional, eat the fat, encouragement, Ezra, fellowship, focus, for the joy of the Lord is your strength, Friday chant, friends, fun, furthering God's kingdom, heal, hockey wilderness, hurt, Jesus Christ, joy, joyful, lack of joy, LOVE, loving kindness, mercy, mirth, money, mourn not nor weep, Nehemiah, one of the least, pain, party time, Point Fortin, rejoicing, relaxation, renewed and refreshed, resentment, rest, San Fernando, send portions to the needy, temptation, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, the Levites, the Pitch Lake, the weekend, the words of the law, this day is holy, trust, try your spirit, understand, Uriah Buzz Butler Highway, water taxi, week of work, wisdom, wounded, ye have done it unto me
Nehemiah 8:10c. For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
And then it was Friday…
And we all know what happens on Fridays – the people rejoice with shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday oui! The weekend’s here at long last, and we can say to hell with work for two days! Party time mih breddren! Oh thank the Lord for Fridays yes!’
Ah mih people, I won’t even bother to say that that is not the best use for us to put the weekend to. (smile) I’ll just say let’s chant our Friday Chant so that we can get a better perspective on our two days off.
As one 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 makes a whole lot more sense than just partying away the two little days off we have, then going back out to work next week tired and miserable and complaining. I do hope that eventually most of us learn the right way, for until we do, our lives will keep on being dysfunctional, filled with complaints, resentment, anger and a sad lack of true joy, and that’s definitely no way to live.
And to further help us in living functional and joyous lives, here is a quote from our friend Anselm, who always aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow.
Listen up: ‘You’re going to be okay. This pain you feel is going to pass. Maybe not this moment or today or tomorrow, but sometime soon. The hurt will fade. Don’t give up before things get better. You may be wounded, but you aren’t broken. You can and will heal.’
Oh friends, I don’t know about you all nuh, but the ole fella needs that message, that encouragement badly! Now deep down I do know that things will improve health wise, as I’ve already had an inkling of it, but still, when the aches and pains strike out of the blue, with no apparent provocation on your part, it does try your spirit.
That’s why we need to keep our focus steadfastly on the Lord and His tender mercies and LOVING-kindness, so that we won’t give in to the always nagging temptation to give up! And that’s why our Bit is ever so important: ‘For the joy of the Lord is your strength.’
And did I ever have my joy renewed yesterday friends! We took the water taxi from Port of Spain to San Fernando, a cool hour’s ride along the coast of Trinidad. There, a couple of friends met us and drove us through Sando (San Fernando), then down to their home in Point Fortin.
Oh, is the southland ever busy! Brother, the cars are numerous, with all sorts of traffic jams, and then others just swooping by under less than safe circumstances. We saw the highway that was never completed, ostensibly due to lack of money, aided and abetted by serious corruption. Ah Lord eh!
We also saw the Pitch Lake; that mass of regenerating pitch, (asphalt) from which I understand we export, but don’t use ourselves. Anyway it was a very interesting tour, with all sorts of big and beautiful homes along the way, as well as older, not so big ones.
The people are crying that the times they are hard, and no doubt they are for some, but looking at some of what is going up, one would deduce that there is money, and plenty too, in certain echelons of the society.
Nonetheless, we had dinner at a wonderful new establishment called Clifton Hills Resort, situated next to the beach. A small hotel, not yet functional is also situated on the property. It’s well landscaped, the food was delicious and the service excellent.
Then our friends drove us all the way back to Port of Spain, at least an hour and a half drive. The new Uriah Buzz Butler Highway made it a little easier. And wonder of wonders, as I was going up to my room I saw a hockey game on in one of the little booths in the lobby, and I obviously shouted for joy, because I’ve been in a hockey wilderness for three weeks now.
I was just in time to see the third period. And although my team, the Detroit Red Wings lost against the Pittsburgh Penguins, I felt like a thirsty man does when given a drink of water. (smile)
Now let’s end with the rest of the story re our Bit. ‘And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha (Governor), and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
Then said he unto them, go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace (be still), for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth (rejoicing), because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.’ (Neh.8:9-12)
Oh friends, how I wish that we could be so joyful when we hear the word read to us because we understood it. So many of us don’t even pay attention, much less understand.
Then again, we can get all sorts of advice, but we all have to make our own decisions, let’s hope we make the right ones today, especially that of closely following our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for that is indeed the wisdom of all time. Much LOVE!
…in our times of merriment and joy…let’s not forget to share with the needy…for as Jesus said…in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren…ye have done it unto me… (Matt.25:40b)
SCRIP-BITS 