Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 August 2008 2 Chronicles 15:5-6‏

21 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 15:5-6    And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with adversity.
 
Oh Friends, doesn’t that sound familiar? Doesn’t it paint a glaring picture of our current times? There’s no peace to him that goes out or comes in. The streets are filled with crime. Ordinary citizens are afraid to walk during the day time, much less the night. Your house, which was once your castle strong, impregnable fortress is no longer your safe harbour. It’s now beset by thugs and thieves through home invasions, drive by shootings and vehicles careening into it. Then there’s widespread fear of terrorists engaged in wanton, senseless killings that solve nothing, only invites violent retaliation. For ‘great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.’ Yes Friends, severe turmoil is currently engulfing a large part of our world. Fear is stalking the land. Now why did that negative stuff happen to the Israelites eh?  Because ‘for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law,’ (vs.3) Oh people, we’re in the same situation now! The teaching of and belief in the one true God, Jehovah, is sadly on the decline in too many places. There are not enough strong, sincere prophets, priests or teachers to lead the way, and though we are mired in laws, we’ve become a more lawless society. If laws don’t serve our purpose, we disobey them with impunity. ‘And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city.’ Ah Friends, it’s easier to count the nations not embroiled in some sort of strife, either internal or external, because so many are. Death, destruction, oppression, ‘sufferation’ is the order of the day; either through man’s activities or the increasingly severe natural disasters recently plaguing us. It’s a most gruesome and unhappy planet we inhabit. Not all of us experience the severe ravages, though we hear of and/or see them in the news media, but in some way, we all suffer the fallout from them. Can all this be happening ‘for God did vex them all with adversity?’ It’s quite possible. But when Israel woke up, ‘when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.’ (vs.4) Oh Friends, doesn’t that sound like the smart thing for us to do right here and now; turn to the the Lord God Jehovah? But can it be turned around?  For Jesus warned of all these happenings in Matthew 24; ‘false prophets, wars and rumours of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, earthquakes, pestilence.’ Unfortunately, He also said that those were only the beginning of sorrowful times, and all that stuff must happen before the end comes, so not to worry. And though it’s difficult under the prevailing circumstances, we’ve got to put our shoulders to the wheel and keep spreading the word. ‘Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.’ (Mat.24:12) That the truth Friends. Jesus knew of which he spoke. We’ve become an indifferent, hardhearted lot. But here’s an even greater truth from Him: ‘But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.’  (Mat.24:13)  Please listen to Him. Much LOVE!…to achieve salvation…one must endure the rigours of life…to the very end…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 August 2008 Jeremiah 49:16‏

20 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 49:16     Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the Lord.
 
Oh Friends, please pay serious attention to that warning. Like Jeremiah’s people, some of us today are being too proud and boastful of our accomplishments and earthly wealth. Remember, pride is number 1 on God’s dislike list. We must  give Him, His rightful due for our advancement or we’ll pay the price, and with the current resurgence of materialism, where we’re all clamouring and greedily striving for material gain, then set up monuments to show it off, beware people, many heads will roll. It’s already started with the economic decline of several countries. Though Jeremiah said Today’s Bit long ago, it’s truth still resounds, with even greater force today. Through the evil machinations of the enemy, we’ve developed a forceful, aggressive behaviour, which, combined with selfish pride has deceived us into thinking that we’re more important and powerful than we really are. We’ve also become slaves to, and idolaters of our material possessions, using them as a measure of earthly success. It’s no coincidence that in many countries around the world, the affluent drive expensive cars and live in luxurious mansions on the hillsides and mountains, and it’s generally recognized that the more expensive your car, the bigger your house and the higher you live, the more affluent you are. There’s basically nothing wrong with being wealthy or living at the top of a hill, except when it’s used as a status symbol; to show off our wealth and position in society. ‘We have heard of the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.’  (Jer.48:29)  Oh Friends, that’s where we’re at right now. Everything is being built on a poor foundation of self-aggrandizement. ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.’ (Is.14:14) That seems to be the new direction. But people that’s a fool’s dream. Flaunting wealth is contrary to God’s law, and in His own time, ‘thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.’ (Is.14:15) Have you ever noticed though, that sitting at the foot of many of these wealthy enclaves on high, is a rather poor neighbourhood.? Is that a subtle hint of God’s? Who knows? Even ‘though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the Lord.’ It’s a solemn promise people. So in our haste to succeed in the fight that’s life, let’s remember materialism is not the answer, it’s foundation is sand. Whatever earthly wealth we accumulate, it’s not ours to flaunt, the glory must go to God, not to us. Friends, please don’t leave God out of your plans, don’t listen to the wily taunts and snares of the enemy. Always remember, ‘Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.’ (Oba.4) Can’t say He didn’t warn us. As always, Much LOVE!…when you do wrong…you can run…but you can’t hide…from the Lord…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 August 2008 Jeremiah 31:25‏

19 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 31:25    For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
 
Oh Friends, needful words of encouragement from our God, conveyed through the prophet Jeremiah. We can all certainly use some of that uplifting emotion right now. With all the negative nonsense currently happening in our world; economic and religious woes, strife breaking out on some new front almost every day, it’s a wonder that many of us still look forward to each new morn. But as believers, it’s exactly what’s expected of us. Remember, God’s mercies are new each and every day, so there’s a great possibility that tomorrow will be better than today, and plenty better than yesterday. Here’s where our faith truly comes into play people; shows how much we really believe and trust in the promises of our heavenly Father to LOVE and care for us. When times are rough and uncertain, like now, believers have got to rise above it all. And the best way to do that is by meditating on the Word; finding little bits of encouraging scripture; even using them in mantra form, to boost our spirits and keep our motors humming smoothly. Let’s say together, ‘The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us…He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth,’ (Ps.115:12-15) Don’t stop: ‘Keep sound wisdom and discretion…Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence; and shall keep thy foot from being taken.’ (Provs. 3:21-26) Yes Friends, in perilous times, when the world seems headed for destruction, we’ve got to psyche ourselves up, both individually and in fellowship with others; not only believers, but unbelievers too. It’s a most promising time to witness to them, for when they see us rising above the gloom and doom, if they’re smart, they’ll want to participate in our renewal, based on the premise and promise of Christ, under whose protective umbrella, ‘goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.’ (Ps.23:6) ‘And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness…Refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded saith the Lord.’  (Jer.31:14,16) Of a truth people, we’ve got to keep on working, being obedient, and doing the right thing, even if we don’t feel like it. For the Lord has promised that our work in His cause shall never go in vain, we shall be rewarded for faithful service. Oh Friends, I know it’s hard, and many of us are hurting and  fearful for any number of reasons, but it’s in the darkest times we need to not only have the greatest faith, but more importantly, show it. Remember, Christianity is an action word! And as Bruh David so eloquently puts it, let’s recall that ‘The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.’ (Ps.9:9) ‘Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me, says the Lord.’  (Ps.50:15) ‘Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.’ (Ps.55:22)  And no discourse on encouragement can be complete without some words from Bruh Paul. ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom.8:28) But the last words are reserved for our Saviour, Jesus. ‘I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.’ (John 6:35) Oh Friends, let’s go to Him, call on His Holy Name, so He can refresh our faint and weary souls. Much LOVE!…Jesus and the Word…all we need to live this life…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 August 2008 Romans 12:12‏

18 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Romans 12:12    Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
 
Ah Friends, that’s the Christian motto in a nutshell; to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. It’s certainly a hard row to hoe, but Jesus did it, and we’re expected to follow in His footsteps. We keep emphasizing that the Christian walk is not easy; it’s littered with many obstacles, including the ever present, prowling enemy, but if we faithfully embrace Jesus and His LOVE for all mankind – easier said than done too – it becomes more tolerable. For Jesus said; ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’  (Mat.11:29-30) Yes Friends, that’s the first requirement for enduring the walk of faith; accepting Jesus’ easy yoke and light burden. Meaning, if we stay in touch with Him, He’ll help us bear our heavy load, while performing His service of LOVE to all. Bruh Paul talks about ‘rejoicing in hope.’ But what is hope, that we should be joyful in it? Hope is positive expectation, looking towards the future for something good. Bruh Paul describes it thus: ‘For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?’ (Rom.8:24) Exactly! And if we’re hoping for, or expecting salvation, then we should do it with joy, not the sour demeanour of so many believers, for salvation is our most wonderful expectation. Jesus advised: ‘Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.’ (Luke 10:20) Oh thank you Jesus; Wonderful Saviour! Bless His Holy Name People, cause that’s the ultimate in rejoicing!  So with such a marvellous event to look forward to, we can afford to be ‘patient in tribulation;’ put up with all the hard knocks and unfairness of life, all the evil, unwarranted affliction that besets us. Bruh Paul said, ‘But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.’ (Rom.8:25) That’s obvious Friends. If we expect to receive something valuable in the future, then with patience, we eagerly await it. Otherwise we are just fooling ourselves. And since salvation is the Greatest, then we need to earnestly persevere until it comes. Friends, though I delight in the words of Bruh David and Bruh Paul, nobody puts words together like Jesus. Hear this statement. ‘In your patience possess ye your souls.’ (Luke 21:19) Wow! Short, sweet and to the point. Your souls depend on your patience, for your patience will dictate what happens to your soul. And while we joyfully wait for salvation, with a patient, eager awareness, we need to be ‘continuining instant in prayer.’ That means talking to Jesus continually; repenting of our sins, asking  His forgiveness, mercy, advice and guidance on the long, arduous journey home. Continuous prayer is akin to grease or oil in a machine; it lubricates the parts, reduces heat and friction, makes it run smoothly. Without that lubrication the mechanical parts overheat, seize up and eventually stop working. It’s the same with us Friends; prayer is our lubrication; without it we malfunction, lose our power to perform optimally. But hear it from the Master himself.  ‘And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.’ (Luke 18:1) Oh Friends, let’s listen to Him nuh. He knows best. Much LOVE!…constant hope, perseverance, prayer…leads to…salvation and eternal life…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 August 2008 Psalm 63:3-4‏

17 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 63:3-4    Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
 
Oh Praise His Holy Name Friends! For He alone can fill the hungry, thirsty soul with righteousness and mercy. And it seems mine needed those things today. I was all set to write on a different topic, when I experienced a strange gnawing, a growing dissatisfaction in my soul, and my spirit decided it needed something praiseworthy and uplifting instead. It desired a break from the evil, the greed, the wars and rumours of wars and the host of other negatives currently running rampant in our world. And wonder of wonders! My first effort to find a suitable Bit was successful. Obviously the Most High saw my need and guided me to an appropriate well-spring; Psalm 63, titled, ‘God satisfies the thirsting soul.’ Wow! How marvellous and spot on are His movements people! Bruh David wrote this Psalm while wandering in the wilderness of Judah, undergoing some tough times. Strangely though, it doesn’t deal with pain and sorrow or pleas for help, but instead overflows with praise and thanks. He opens by declaring his longing for spiritual renewal. ‘O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;’ (vs.1) Guess the unease I felt was also the need for spiritual refreshing. Then Bruh David expresses his thankful mood. ‘Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.’ Yes Friends, that’s the attitude we’ve got to acquire, and keep renewing whenever the troubles of this sinful world drains away our confidence. Psalm 138:2, acknowledges this sentiment. ‘I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.’ And that’s gospel people! The Lord’s word has been magnified: He’s kept His promises and done whatever He said he would, making His Holy Name one of power and truth. Consequently, like Bruh David, as faithful believers, we should unequivocally shout out in ringing harmony; ‘Thus I will bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.’ Friends, it is meet and right that we bless the Lord and lift up our hands in praise and thanksgiving, for without Him, we’d be nothing but sinful, spineless, spiteful mortals. But thanks to the Most High God, Jehovah, His Son, Jesus and their help-mate, the Holy Spirit, we’ve morphed, been born again as new creatures, with a promise of salvation in that new heaven and earth without day or night, sorrow or death, but eternal life with the Holy Triumvirate. Now ain’t that good news? Yes, wonderful tidings! Oh Friends, for His wondrous works on our behalf, the Most High deserves our unending thanks and praise. Please, I implore us, let’s keep on giving Him, His just desserts. Much LOVE!…a hand…a voice…lifted in praise…quickly draws the Father’s attention…and admiration…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 August 2008 Micah 7:9‏

16 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Micah 7:9    I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgement for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
 
Sadly Friends, that’s one of the major failings of our current society; nobody wants to accept responsibility for their actions. We’re quick to blame everybody else; pass the buck is what it’s called. Instead we should be saying stand yuh bounce; stand up like a man and accept the fact that you’ve done wrong, instead of trying to weasel out of it with petty excuses, as we’re won’t to do. We should all be big enough to say like Micah, ‘I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him.’ As they say in jail circles, ‘If you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime.’ But we’ve allowed the young generation to get away with so much stuff, without paying a price, that now they have no sense of responsibility, and do what they want without considering the consequences of their actions. Unfortunately, the older folks are adopting the same attitude too, so now it’s become a blight on our society with nobody thinking before they act, then everybody crying and whimpering afterwards when it’s time to pay the devil his due. As Jeremiah rightly laments, ‘Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?’ (Lam.3:39) Exactly. When we do wrong, then we’ve got to admit it and face the music, ‘until he plead my cause, and execute judgement for me.’ Yes Friends, we’ve got to step up to the bench and let the Lord try our case and declare a right and just decision. ‘Their redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name: he shall thoroughly plead their cause.’ (Jer.50:34) Of that were sure people; the Lord will do right by us. ‘He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.’ Even though we do wrong, if we admit it and come before him with a repentant heart, though we may pay a price, which will always be just and merciful, He will renew our spirit, open our eyes, and cause us to focus on Him and His truth, and not the lies of the enemy. ‘Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the Lord thy God? mine eyes shall behold her; now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.’ (Mic.7:10) Oh Friends, it’s time for us to start acting responsibly, and if we don’t, be big enough to accept the blame and the consequences. Jesus set a high standard; He even took blame and paid a hefty price for stuff He didn’t do;our sins. That means, as His followers we have to uphold and maintain that high level of responsibility. Our failure to accept responsibility, demeans and belittles us in God’s sight and those we hope to bring to Jesus. So ‘Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.’ (Lam.3:40-41) Friends, the whole world will be better off for it. Much LOVE!…if yuh wrong…yuh wrong… simple as that…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 August 2008 Revelation 21: The New Heaven And New Earth Cont’d

15 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Revelation 21:    And I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
 
Yes Friends, today we going to continue checking out that new heaven and earth. Hope you liked the West Indian parlance. No one’s complained so far. But if you didn’t like it, sorry, that’s just how it was suggested to me by the Most High. And yuh know what people, West Indian life and lingo are still the sweetest and most refreshing in the whole world, cause we have a hodge podge, a mixture of everything; a real melting pot, and when yuh take we outa that pot..Brudder! We just so sweet and exciting and exotic, that yuh can’t help but LOVE we! (smile) Anyway though, leh we check out that new H&E nuh. ‘And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.’ (vs.5) Friends, yuh better believe that I done have mih pen out ahready to write yes! The Big Man say the words true and faithful. And the Big Man doh lie. Besides, yuh outa place to even consider Him in that kinda thing. I’ll excuse yuh this time, but doh let it happen again nuh. ‘And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.’ (vs.6) Oh thank yuh Jesus! Yuh better believe I thirsty yes Lord…plenty plenty thirsty! So just full me up with some a that water a life yes! Quench mih thirst Lord! Ah so hot and thirsty, ah burning up! Cool me down, refresh me with some ah that life giving water please Lord. And after promising to do that, He continued: ‘He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.’ (vs.7) Oh Jesan-ages! This thing so good ahready, never thought it coulda get any better nuh boy! Wow! Now why wouldn’t I want to overcome, if then, the Most High God, the one call Jehovah yuh know; if that same big God want to adopt me, to be mih father and mih God, and I, He son? Oh Friends, what more motivation than that yuh want to overcome eh? Seems to me that this is the best thing that could ever happen to we wayward, hard ears pickney; the Good Lord offering we this nice new place call heaven on earth to live, with Him, He Son Jesus and the Holy Ghost, where there ain’t have no tears, no sorrow, no pain, nothing negative, only PEACE and LOVE, and we not rushing to accept it. People we brain dead or something? Is the best offer we could ever get. And if yuh think ah joking, hear the alternative to all a this niceness. ‘But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.’ (vs.8) Brudder! That sure doh sound nice. An’ that is the alternative people. I certainly doh want to go there, an’ ah sure none a you want to go there either. But the only way to avoid that awful place and go in the nice one, is to change yuh evil ways, obey the Lord, and get yuh name written in the Lamb’s book of life, cause is only if yuh name write down in that book yuh getting in. In other words, is by reservation only. So make sure yuh rsvp right now, cause the Most High could decide to send Jesus back any time, meaning reservations done. And once that happen, if yuh name not in the book…Hn! Sorry yes Friends, but crapaud smoke yuh pipe! Much LOVE! …an’ remember…no reservation…no name in book..no heaven…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 August 2008 Revelation 21: The New Heaven And The New Earth.‏

14 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Revelation 21:    And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
 
Ah Friends, who says that the Lord doh work in mysterious ways eh? He is the master of mystery…and timing too. But doh even talk about that one nuh! Nobody can match his timing at all at all. He like a pan side, when everybody tight and jamming together, or as the wise ones would say, everybody in sync. And before we go any further, lemme say that is the Lord writing this, not me. As the Bajan boy say, forget his name, ‘Is not me. Blame it on the music.’ But this Bit doh have no blame nuh. All it have is pure PEACE and LOVE, cause it coming from the Most High. To make a long story short, I was researching another topic to write on today and was directed to Rev.21:2. I dutifully read it, then just kept on reading.  Lo and behold! This very intriguing  idea suddenly hit me. And as I read the idea grew and grew, until I realized, that’s it, that’s what yuh got to do. So I finally put pen to paper, and this is what the Lord directed. ‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.’ (vs.1) Yes Friends, is a new time coming; the old one gone to the past now. Wave yuh flag! The Most High coming back again! ‘And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.’ (vs.2) Wow People! Jerusalem looking pretty sah! Is right there I going and live yes! ‘And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.’ (vs.3) Wowee! Wowee! The Most High Jehovah coming to dwell with His people, and be their God! That so awesome, that ah got to say Wow again yes; WOW! This time in capitals, because what can be better eh people, than to have the Ever Living, Ever Faithful, Ever Merciful, Ever Forgiving, Ever LOVING God living in an’ amongst you eh? Tell me what can be better than that nuh People? NOTHING! ‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’ (vs.4) Oh Praise the Lord, Hallelujah my Friends…and enemies too! Though, as far as I’m concerned, I doh have no enemies. But anyway, right now, I wishing that this new heaven could come right now yes people; to wash away the tears from the many children’s eyes that soaking wet with tears; to take away their pain and sorrow…and allow them to grow as children should. Hn, hn! And to be truthful, I could surely use some a that too yuh know, cause growing old nice, but…Yes, ah know some of oonoo think ah going crazy, in fact ah gone mad, talking bout how old age nice. But to me, the only thing wrong with old age is the creaking, degenerating bones and dem…oh, and when the mind start to go too. Other that that, I happy to grow old with mih little knowledge and experience yes, plus a glowing promise from the Most High of a bright future and much wisdom. Besides, I wouldn’t want to be young in this day and age nuh. I prefer my times. They mighta been harder, but deh made you a better person with more backbone and belly. But enough for now mih Friends. Gonna give all yuh time to contemplate what ah said here. So, More Time, and Plenty, Plenty LOVE!…to…be…continued…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 August 2008 Luke 1:78-79‏

13 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 1:78-79    Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
 
Prophetic words Friends! Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, spoke them at John’s circumcision, eight days after his birth. Now Zechariah had been struck dumb for not believing when the Angel Gabriel told him that he would have a son, ‘great in the sight of the Lord.’ (Luke 1:15) At the circumcision they named him Zechariah, after his father, ‘And his mother answered and said, Not so, but he shall be called John,’ (Luke 1:60) This caused a commotion, for none of the family was named John, and tradition dictated that they named him after a family member. When they consulted the father in sign language, ‘he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.’ (vs.63-64) Yes Friends, when Zechariah finally accepted God’s word, his speech returned. And note, the first thing he did was praise God, then went on to prophesy about Jesus’ coming. Saying that John would would ‘be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways. To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.’ (vs.76-77) And all God’s people said Amen! For that’s exactly what John did. Then Zechariah continued. ‘Through the tender mercy of our God;’ Undoubtedly Friends, the goodness in our lives comes because of God’s mercy. He’s not obligated to show us any mercy at all, but we are His, and He LOVES us dearly, in spite of our disobedience. Extending mercy is His way of showing that LOVE. ‘Whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.’ Oh People, that’s the greatest act of LOVE ever! Jesus; the Messiah, the rising sun, the dawn of heaven, coming to earth, ‘to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.’ Isaiah foretold it. ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ (Is.9:2) And Jesus confirmed it. ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness; but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) Bless His Holy Name Friends, and be eternally grateful that through the Father’s tender mercy, His great LOVE for us, His only Son, Jesus obediently came down from heaven and shone His eternal flame on us, sinful children wallowing in the mire of darkness, lurking in the shadows of death. He also came ‘to guide our feet in the way of peace.’ Now that word ‘peace’ is very contentious; we all don’t see it the same way. But Jesus said; ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) There you go Friends. If we live in Christ, we’ll have peace; the peace of mind that’s necessary to overcome the problems of the world. That makes Bruh Paul’s advice invaluable. ‘For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.’ (Eph.5:8) And while walking as children of light, we’ll have the peace of Jesus. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) Listen to Him Friends. Much LOVE!…walking with Jesus…brings light to our hearts…and peace to our minds
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 August 2008 Psalm 62:1-2‏

12 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 62:1-2    Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock, and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
 
Oh Friends, what awesome words of inspiration, strength and encouragement from Bruh David! I’m always amazed at how he communicated so easily and purposefully with God. Psalm 62 basically deals with his trust and confidence in the Most High.  ‘Truly my soul waiteth upon God:’ implies great trust. Knowing that his soul finds rest and peace only in God, he therefore waits patiently. And Friends, it’s not just an abstract, one time thing, but it’s a constant in his life.’ ‘Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.’ (Ps.33:20-21) Yes People, as I keep saying, Bruh David knew on which side his bread was buttered. ‘From him cometh my salvation.’ Not only did he trust the Lord for the next life, but also this crazy, sinful one. ‘He only is my rock, and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.’ Wow! What a sense of confidence and security! His rock, his fortress, his strong tower, all providing an unshakeable belief that he could not be moved or shaken, once he was under the Lord’s protection. And all of that stemmed from the fact that throughout all his ups and downs, the many highs and lows in his life, the Lord stood steadfastly by him and thwarted his enemies, even when he was wrong and downright sinful. Just consider how he was anointed to be king at a young age, then spent years running from the current king, Saul, through Saul’s resentment and jealousy. But Saul’s son, Jonathan befriended and protected him. That was God’s hand creating a lifeline in the enemy’s camp. Wherever Bruh David turned, whatever he did, wrong or right, he always sought the Lord. Friends, that’s something we must learn to do; seek the Lord continually, in good times and bad, sinful and righteous, cause that’s where our bread is buttered. The Lord rescued Bruh David from so many dangerous situations, that he could say with full confidence and trust: ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.’ (Ps.55:22)  Oh People, none of us will ever be perfect since sin is an inherent part of our nature, and nobody knows that better than the Lord, but if we keep seeking Him, even in our sinful times, and recognize His power and mercy, like Bruh David, he will look favourably on us. Now that doesn’t mean we won’t pay a price for the wrongs we commit; Bruh David surely did. He lost his son by Bathsheba; paying for his adultery and the deceitful way he had her husband killed. Then his family became dysfunctional, especially when he named Solomon as his heir. But Friends, that’s all part of life. As Job said, we can’t expect only good and no bad. The important thing though, is to stay tuned to God. Set your dial to His station, then never change it. But hear it from Bruh David, the expert. ‘In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust him at all times; ye people, pour out your hearts before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.’ (Ps.62:7-8) Please Friends, let’s take Bruh David’s advice. He knows whereof he speaks. Much LOVE!…the key to a good life…constant communication with God…
 

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