Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 August 2008 1 Corinthians 14:20‏

11 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Corinthians 14:20    Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice ye be children, but in understanding men.
 
Never were truer words spoken Friends! We are past masters of the art of bearing malice, but lack the necessary Christian virtue of understanding; of listening, of turning the other cheek, of forgiveness, of empathy, and nowadays, even of simple sympathy. Bruh Paul was talking about speaking in tongues versus prophesying. He claims that talking in tongues has its purpose, but if the ones you’re talking to can’t understand the language, then it’s useless. Educating the people should be the objective, not a display of one’s language skills. ‘I thank God I speak with tongues more than ye all. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice, I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.’  (vs.18-19) Then he went on to tell them Today’s Bit. But, as the intro indicates, I want to slant Bruh Paul’s idea a bit, and focus on the holding of malice in our hearts against each other. Jesus said we must become child-like to get into heaven, and the greatest in heaven were like humble children, and the kingdom of heaven is made up people like children. That means we need things like trust and faith, obedience, simplicity and humility to enter heaven. But when it comes to understanding and all it’s various aspects, ‘be not children.’ We ought to acquit ourselves like men; in a grown up, adult, mature manner, using the Christian principles laid out for us by Jesus. And Friends, malice, hatred, bad mind and all their negative associates certainly aren’t included in that portfolio. Ah people, it not only amazes, but saddens me tremendously to see the way we hold malice, anger, bitterness, whatever, towards others. Not only unbelievers, but believers too. Some believers can really hold malice yes! And unfortunately, as our world becomes more selfish and sinful, that angst, that hardening of the heart seems to be increasing. Our world is so full of bitterness, anger and hatred that it just boggles the imagination. I’m bewildered when I see people who thrive on that negative trip. Me, I get physically sick if I hold anger in my soul for any length of time. I always told my children that hate and its derivatives are like acid in a plastic bottle. The acid eats away the container. Exactly what those negative emotions do to our soul; destroy it, while the ones we bear the ill will against continue living their lives with no problems. Oftimes unaware that you’re holding them up negatively in your heart. And if they do, they most likely don’t care. So it’s only you, the bearer of the negative feelings that suffers. Now Friends, that isn’t too smart, is it? As Bruh Paul wrote to the Romans. ‘For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.’ (Rom.16:19) And Peter gives the best remedy for our negativity people. ‘Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.’ (1Pet.2:1-2) Yes Friends, we need to study the Word. It’s the only way we’ll live Christ’s principles. Much LOVE!…true believers need to…read and inwardly digest the word…then put it into action…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 August 2008 Psalm 72:18-19‏

10 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 72:18-19    Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.
 
And all God’s people said, Amen!  Yes Friends, it’s time for some T&P, Thanks and Praise; enough of the negative, wicked, sinful things happening around us. Let’s concentrate on the Most High God, Jehovah; shower Him with blessings, thanks and praises. ‘Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.’ (1 Chron.29:10) Though Solomon only wrote two Psalms, 72 and 127, he had the word skills of his father David as exemplified by his numerous writings. Psalm 72 shows Sol’s righteousness and wisdom at a  fairly young age. It reflects his concern over his ability to rule wisely and fairly. He’s telling God his aspirations, and asking His divine help to accomplish them. ‘Give the king thy judgements O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness and thy poor with judgement.’ (vs.1-2) He’s basically asking for the ability to work righteousness and justice, to bring about peace and prosperity, to increase his wealth and strength, to help the poor and needy. In other words, to rule worthy of the Lord. And as with all the prayers of our forefathers that either begin or end with acknowledgement of God’s goodness and majesty, Sol ends: ‘Blessed be the Lord God , the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.’ No doubt about that Friends! Our God only deals in goodness and mercy, righteousness and LOVE! Moses and the Israelites sang ‘Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?’ (Ex.15:11) And El’i-phaz said to Job. ‘I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.’ (Job 5:9-11) Ah people, with such a wonderful, caring God, Sol rightly declared, ‘And blessed be his glorious name for ever.’ And having rebuilt Jerusalem and rediscovered the Lord, the Israelites, dressed in sackcloth and fasting confessed their sins. ‘Then the Levites….said, Stand up and bless the Lord your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.’ (Neh.9:5) ‘And let the whole earth be filled with his glory.’ The Prophet Habakkuk felt the same way. ‘For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.’ (Hab.2:14) Wow! That’s really spreading God’s glory far and wide. But the most important words on the subject come from the Most High Himself: ‘And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.’ (Num.14:20-21) And all the people said, ‘Amen, and Amen!’  Yes Friends, let’s bless His Holy Name and go forth unto all the earth spreading His Word and His Majesty. Much LOVE!…what the world needs now…is God…who is LOVE…the only thing we’ve got too little of…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 August 2008 Revelation 4:11‏

09 Aug 2008 1 Comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Revelation 4:11    Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
 
Yes Friends, that’s why God created us; for His pleasure. We were wonderfully made so the Creator could delight in us. Though right now, I doubt He’s deriving any joy from our sinful, selfish, evil behaviour. Some days He must shake His head and wonder why He ever created us. But let’s bless and praise Him for it, cause if we’re going  to spend eternity in surroundings like what John’s spirit got a taste of in Revelation 4., it’s certainly worthwhile. He saw heaven; the throne room, with a rainbow around God’s throne, with 24 elders arrayed in white garments and golden crowns sitting around Him. And from the throne came thunder and lightning and voices, with 7 lamps of fire burning before it, corresponding to the 7 Spirits of God. ‘And the spirit of God shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.’ (Isa.11:2) That’s Isaiah prophesying  Jesus’ coming. A sea of glass rested in front of the throne and around it were four beasts with eyes in front and behind. One beast resembled a lion, another a calf, the third had a man’s face, and the fourth looked like a flying eagle. Each beast had six wings. Wow!  Only our God could fashion such exotic creatures. And all they did, night and day, was sing, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.’  (Rev.4 :8) Nice work if you can get it. (smile) That’s how much they revere the Father, the Eternal Creator. And that’s not all Friends: ‘When those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever.’  (vs.9) The 24 elders fall on their knees and cast their crowns before the throne and worship the Father, saying, ‘Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power.’ Yes people! ‘Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.’ (Rev.5:12) ‘For thou hast created all things.’ Exactly! ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’ (Gen.1:1) ‘All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.’ (John 1:3) That says it all Friends: He who creates, deserves respect, honour and adoration. ‘And for thy pleasure they are and were created.’ Yuh got that right Friends! God made the world and all therein for His pleasure, not ours. But He’s such a wonderful Being, and LOVES us so much, we’re His #1creation, that He shares His other creations with us. All things exist because of His will. And yuh know Bruh Paul must have an opinion. ‘For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.’ (Col.1:16-17) Yes sir, Bruh Paul! Ah Friends, it’s good to be light-hearted, but with serious overtones. We’ve got to revere, worship and adore the One who created us, like those creatures and elders. That’s one of, if not the main reason He made man. And we’d be doing Him a major disservice, as well as spoiling our chances to experience heaven with Him. So let’s smarten up; do His will and accord Him the reverence and honour He deserves. Much LOVE!…worthy subjects…humble themselves…with joy…before their King…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 August 2008 Proverbs 4:11-12‏

08 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 4:11-12    I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
 
Yes Friends, the words of wise parents to their offspring. In this section of Proverbs 4, Solomon is dishing out wisdom, in particular the avoidance of wickedness. ‘Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.’  (vs.10) It’s only when many of us attain adulthood and have children of our own that we recognize the wisdom our parents tried to knock into our stubborn heads. Unfortunately, some of us, to our detriment, did not follow their advice and succumbed early. ‘For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.’ (Prov.3:2) All our parents felt like Sol. ‘I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.’ Our Father in heaven feels the same way. He guides us in the way of wisdom and leads us along straight paths. As Samuel said when he pleaded with Israel to serve God. ‘Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.'(1 Sam. 12:23-24) There it is in a nutshell people: the way of wisdom along a straight path; revere the Lord and serve Him faithfully with gratitude for His tender mercies. So that ‘When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened.’ And if you listen to Bildad the Shuhite reasoning with Job about the plight of the wicked; ‘The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.’ (Job 18:7) But when we revere the Lord and follow His will, then we shall proclaim as Bruh David; ‘Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.’ (Ps.18:36) Yes Friends, when the Word and the Holy Spirit is your guide, your steps will not be hampered, hindered or shortened. Likewise, ‘when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.’ Oh Praise His Holy Name People! For ‘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.’ (Job 3:23-24) ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.’ (Ps.91:11-13) Wow People! What awesome promises on walking in faith and obedience to God, from three of the most blessed and ardent believers. One should think they know, whereof they speak. Job had some of the most unfair and undeserved things happen to him, but he remained faithful and ended up with twice as much as he had before. Bruh David was a man of the people who had his ups and downs, some brought on by his disobedience, but he never faltered or forgot the God of his fathers. So much so that same God promised to look out for his descendants till eternity. And that same God blessed him with a son, Solomon, to be forever known as the wisest and wealthiest man in all kingdom-come. And though Sol blemished his record at the end by turning to his wives pagan gods, he left us with a bountiful legacy of wise words, that if we follow them, we’ll never go wrong. Sol would possible tell us today, ‘Do as I say, not as I do,’ for we are each responsible for our own salvation, and there’s no better or easier way to learn, than from other people’s mistakes. So Friends, let’s do that nuh. Let’s choose the path of wisdom and walking in obedience to God, so that our days may be long, our paths straight, and our steps strong. It’s not that difficult…and it’s wise. Much LOVE!…a word to the wise…is sufficient…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 August 2008 Isaiah 29:15‏

07 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 29:15    Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
 
That’s the wisdom of fools, my Friends! ‘Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.’ (Is.30:1) Yes people, it’s certainly foolish to try and hide our doings from the Lord. As Bruh David so rightly declared: ‘Understand ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not know? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.’ (Ps.94:8-11) It’s not rocket science Friends, just simple logic: If the Lord created us, set us in our ways, and rules us from on high, then obviously, He will hear, see and read our hearts and minds and know all that we do, whether in darkness or light. Some of us though still try to hide and do wrong stuff, believing that neither God or our neighbours will find out. But that mindset is totally wrong Friends. You might be able to fool your self, but never God. The neighbours aren’t always fooled either, for as the ole people were wont to say, ‘everything done in darkness, comes to light sooner or later.’ And that’s the gospel truth people. And we know it too, for all of us, at some stage in life, have done things we don’t want others to know about, but eventually, it might be years later, they still become public knowledge. And Friends, the sad part is that the longer we hide certain things, the worse they appear when daylight finally strike them, and the more our reputations, integrity and character suffer. Let’s not fool ourselves people, let’s not do works in the dark, then claim, ‘who seeth us? and who knoweth us?’ Especially in these days of the all pervasive paparazzi and the media circus, whose slimy tentacles reach right down into the very core of our lives. ‘They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.’ (Ps.94:6-7) Not so at all people; He sees all and regards all. As He said to Ezekiel, ‘Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The Lord seeth us not: the Lord hath forsaken the earth.’  (Eze.8:12) But listen up Friends, even if the Lord forsakes the earth, and He’s promised not to forsake those who do His will, He will still see our deeds, even the evil ones, done in darkness, and judge us accordingly. So please, let’s try to always do deeds that favour the light of day nuh. Much LOVE!…you can run…but not hide…can do in darkness…but not cover up…from the Lord…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 August 2008 Leviticus 18:22-23‏

06 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Leviticus 18:22-23    Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination. Neither shall thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
 
Ah Friends, just one more possibility why our world is in such great turmoil; we’re just straying further and further from the Lord’s dictates. It seems that homosexuality and bestiality have been around since ancient times. Then it was considered an abomination punishable by death. ‘If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.’ (Lev.20:13) The same goes for bestiality: ‘Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast.’ (Deut.27:21) Leviticus 20:15-16, is even more specific, saying that if either man or woman lies with a beast, both they and the beast shall be put to death. Now the death penalty may be a bit harsh, showing how much God was against it, to meet out such dire punishment. But Friends, today homosexuality is so rampant, it’s become so entrenched in society, that it’s even been legalized in some places. Even saying that it’s wrong is frowned upon, not considered politically correct. Like our leaders, lawmakers, churches, ministers and society to a large degree, have forgotten to read, or conveniently bypassed these two verses. ‘Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you. And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.’ (Lev.18:24-25) Yes Friends, the Lord keeps His promises; Sodom, Gomorrah, the Israelites through several captivities, Rome, Babylon, and many other immoral, ungodly societies that have fallen along the continuum of time. Once a nation or society gets too big for it’s britches, forgets where its largesse and safety truly come from, and behaves as a law unto itself, the inevitable, inevitably happens. How often do we have to suffer the consequences of disobedience before we really realize the truth eh? Whether you believe in God or not, we’re all smart enough to realize that there’s a higher power, a greater universal law, the Law of God which transcends that of man. Otherwise we would be able to control and prevent all the disasters that occur in our world. I know that Jesus’ coming brought into being a new covenant with God, and some things changed. I doubt that included the acceptance of homosexuality and bestiality. Obviously Bruh Paul held forth on it. ‘And likewise also the man, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.’ (Rom.1:27) Yes Friends, they paid the penalty. And though there seems to be no penalty in today’s laws, there still is in God’s. And remember whose law rules. ‘Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.’ (Rom.1:24) God did not give them permission, He just withdrew His gracious help, left them to their own devices, to eventually suffer the consequences of the lie they were living. It’s the same today Friends: We have freedom of choice, so God does not intervene in our affairs right away, He gives us time to do right or continue doing wrong, but at some stage, when the wrongdoing gets to Him, He will finally set the consequences in motion. Rest assured of that people. So to him who has ears, let him hear. Much LOVE!…when yuh doh hear…yuh does feel…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 August 2008 1 John 2:6‏

05 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 John 2:6    He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
 
Now Friends, isn’t that the burning truth? Whoever says that Jesus lives within them, ought to emulate Him. While we can’t atone for others sins, or do some things He did, cause He was God in human form, His followers are expected to devote themselves to God, and have compassion for others, as he did. Jesus said it. ‘For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.’ (John 13:15) Peter expanded on it. ‘For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.’ (1 Pet.2:21) And Friends, the scorching hot question is how many of us supposed believers are even attempting to walk the way Christ walked? I don’t know how many, but I know it’s not sufficient, else our world would not be in such a terrible mess. Plenty people, walking in Jesus’ rather large and difficult footsteps, would have made a greater, more sobering Christian like impact on our troubled world. I guess my first question should have been, how many people really have Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, really abiding in them? As Jesus advised. ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.’ (John 15:4) Maybe that’s the problem people? Jesus doesn’t inhabit the hearts of enough people, so we’re not bearing enough fruit, not making sufficient difference. To bear much fruit, you need many branches. And we’re supposed to find the branches, the unbelievers, and prune them, share the good news of Jesus’ saving grace, so that they too can be fruitful. Does that mean we’re not doing our job and bringing lots of lost souls to Jesus? Friends, I don’t have the answers, but this I do know, that we’re not making sufficient inroads into the enemy’s territory, as quickly as we need to.  If we keep on in the evil, angry, selfish, greedy, oppressive, immoral, ungrateful, inappropriate direction we’re currently heading, then sooner, rather than later, it’s all going to blow up in our faces. And the only antidote for the malady that ails our world is Jesus! No doubt about it Friends. Why? Because Jesus lives by and teaches the most most workable and most beautiful Philosophy of Life; One of LOVE! And as Bruh Paul explains in his famous treatise in 1 Cor.13; LOVE ‘suffereth long, is kind, envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave unseemingly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, never faileth.’ And of the big three; faith hope and LOVE, LOVE IS THE GREATEST! Wow People! What a wonderful way of life! Why aren’t we living it eh? You know it’s only two things Jesus asked of us; LOVE God, and LOVE our neighbour as ourself. And just looking at our world consumed by evil, it’s obvious we’re not doing it. But Friends, loving God is so easy, once we appreciate all that He’s done, and still doing for us, and realize our need for discipline. Loving our neighbours is a tad more difficult. But as Jesus pointed out, just LOVE them as we LOVE ourselves. Does that mean many of us don’t LOVE ourselves? The important thing Friends, is to LOVE God. Once we do that, everything else falls into place. So I’m imploring us to let the Spirit of Jesus not only abide, but grow and prosper in us, through faithful LOVE and devotion to God. Only then will we be able to walk confidently in Jesus footsteps. Much LOVE!…the only true way…is…LOVE…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 August 2008 Genesis 1:26-28‏

04 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Genesis 1:26-28    And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them. And God blessed them…
 
Oh praise His Holy Name Friends! Today was one of those days when I couldn’t decide on a Bit. Then suddenly this bright idea hit me; why not go right back to the beginning, when God in His wisdom -we won’t argue that – decided to create man. Yes Friends, on the sixth day, having made all the necessary preparations; the earth, sky, sea, plants and the lesser creatures, God was ready for the climactic moment in His miraculous week of creativity. ‘And God said, Let us make man…’ Note people, that unlike all the other creatures, where God commanded the waters and the earth to bring them forth, (vs.20,24) He decided to mould us personally, to fashion man ‘in our own image, after our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them.’ What a spectacular gift, what an awesome privilege He bestowed, by creating us in His own likeness! As the three year old told her father; He mixed up some dirt and bones, covered it with skin, moulded it to resemble Him, then like the potter with the clay, baked it in His secret fire. Then He breathed life into the nostrils of that figure, and voila! Man became a living soul! And our reproduction now, is just as exciting and exhilarating as Adam’s formation from the dust. So we should all say with Bruh David: ‘I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Ps.139:14) An unarguable fact people. God made us in His image, lower than the angels, but much higher than the other creatures. They reproduce their kind, but only man resembles God, and reproduces in that same image. ‘And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and called his name Seth.’ (Gen.5:3) Ah Friends, what high hopes our Creator had for us; making us to look like Him, primarily in spiritual terms. Only man has a brain, with the capacity to think rationally, the capacity for eternal life, moral discernment, self realization, to talk, and so, fellowship in praise and worship. And like the rest of His handiwork, God was pleased with His beautiful creation, which mirrored His likeness. ‘And God blessed them…’ As per the scholars, to bless is not to only bestow a gift, but also to assign a function: ‘And God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.’ (vs.28) But sadly Friends, shortly thereafter, we fell from grace through the disobedience of our forefathers, and been paying a hefty price since then. And though we still retain His image, it’s been somewhat tarnished by sin, that’s become our inherent nature. But God is LOVE, and despite all our faults, if we’re obedient to His will, He’ll help us. And He demonstrated that amazing LOVE by sending His only Son, Jesus, to die in innocence, to pay for our sins, once and for all time! Wow! And when we believe, place our faith in Jesus, whose spilled blood washed away our guilt, then salvation and eternal life are ours; the tarnish of sin is removed from our souls, and we again resemble our Creator. Oh Friends, how much more can we ask of Him eh? He made us. But we disobeyed. Then He provided the means for us to be made whole again. It’s so unselfish, forgiving and merciful, that it should just make us want to jump for joy, sing His praises, give thanks for His loving kindness, worship Him with majesty, and go out into the sinful world, excitedly and enthusiastically spreading His Holy Word. Oh Friends, I’m all worked up now! (smile) But More Time, and Much LOVE!…creation and redemption…should be cause for… GREAT JOY…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 August 2008 Isaiah 26:4‏

03 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 26:4    Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
 
Well Friends, history was made today. For the first time in 35 years, the ole fella missed the Caribana Parade. Wow! And, surprisingly, it was an easy decision. Though my knee wasn’t feeling too badly, around midday, I just said no, I’m not going. Then a shower of rain fell shortly after. That sealed the deal. And though I like mih mas in rain, I wasn’t in the mood for the traffic and parking hassles, then walking to the parade and unable to participate my way. But the worst part would have been walking back to the car afterwards, assuming I could walk. Strangely enough, I wasn’t mortified by my decision not to go. Like the Lord gave me the peace I was seeking. So when the enemy showed up, as I knew he would, about three o’clock, after the sun had come out and everything was bright and sunny, talking about all the partying, the pretty costumes and nice women I’d be missing, I just chased him away, saying that I’d seen enough parties, pretty costumes and nice women to last a lifetime, so no big deal if I missed this one. Hn,hn! Oh people, aren’t you all proud of the ole fella. (smile) Guess age does bring wisdom. But enough about me. Don’t know if you all heard of the incident a couple days ago on the Greyhound bus travelling in Western Canada, between Portage La Prairie and Winnipeg, where this stranger attacked a young man with a big, Rambo styled knife, for no apparent reason, then decapitated him. Ah Lord eh! It seems both were sitting quietly at the back of the bus, the assailant wearing his dark glasses even in the dim bus, the victim wearing headphones. A man sitting in front of them claims he suddenly heard a loud, blood curdling scream. He turned around and saw the older, Asian man, stabbing the youngster, cool as cucumber, no rage, no talking, like a robot, possibly 40 or 50 times in the chest and neck. How can you just stand there and count 40 or 50 stabs without doing anything? But he did rush up front to get the driver to stop the bus, while many were caught up in the video been showed. Then everybody got off, leaving only the assailant and the victim. When the man and a couple others went back into the bus, ‘he had the guy on the ground, and he was cutting his head off and pretty much gutting him.’ What did they expect eh? Then they barricaded the door from outside with their bodies,waiting for him to come out. But the fellow just brought the severed head to the front of the bus, still wearing his darkers, and unfazed, pushed it through the door, displayed it to them, then dropped it at their feet and returned to the back of the bus, where according to a leaked police report, he was seen cutting pieces from the body and eating it. Some five hours later, he tried jumping from a broken window and was taken into custody. What a gruesome tale Friends. But what disturbs me most is that with 37 people on the bus, none came to the innocent victim’s aid. Guess their safety was of more concern; understandable, but only to a point. A group of them could have ganged up on him, or done something to prevent the incident reaching its sickening end. He couldn’t have hurt them all. Sadly, it shows the low state to which our society has deteriorated. No doubt a couple of the passengers consider themselves Christians. Is that what Christ would have done? No way! Some might think I’m being a bit harsh, and you may be right, but it’s hard to accept that in our boastful, supposedly civilized society, a group of us could allow that to happen without lifting a hand. The only way to handle the stress though, is to ‘Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.’ Much LOVE!…can we be true Christians…and ignore another’s cry for help…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 August 2008 Isaiah 26:3‏

02 Aug 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 26:3    Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
 
And that’s a proven fact Friends. Once again it’s Caribana Day in T.O, and I will definitely have to stay my mind on the Lord today, even more than usual. Got to raise the level of my faith and lean on Him in total confidence and security, as it seems for the first time in thirty five years, I won’t be out on the Boulevard making a bigger fool of myself than normal. Some might say that’s a good thing, but Friends, I certainly beg to differ (smile) But wait up people, it’s not yet a fait accompli, it’s only 4.am, there’s still lots of time to decide. Not until about seven in the evening can we be positive about it. Anyway, over the past month, I’ve been having some knee problems, they claim it’s arthritis. Chuh! But I doubt the amount of walking involved in going to the parade will be good for it. And I’m definitely not going down there to just be a casual bystander. I’ll have to prance a bit when the sweet soca music get in mih blood. On a point of interest, I checked out the Pan Alive Competition earlier on in the evening. Heard some sweet pan, and the knee seems to be holding up well so far. But that did not involve a lot of walking. Don’t know if the Lord’s just out to try my spirit or what, but however it turns out, I’ve got to trust Him wholeheartedly; either by going to the parade, believing He’ll let the ole knee hold up, or by staying home and letting His peace, cover and comfort my disappointment. Let’s hope I’m not the only one putting their confidence and trust in the Lord, but all who attend the parade and /or the numerous events scheduled for this long, Civic Holiday weekend. And let’s pray too, that there’ll be only a few minor, negative incidents during the celebrations. Like Isaiah 26, originally a hymn of praise, the Greater Toronto Area will follow Judah’s example. ‘In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; we have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.’ (vs.1) Yes Friends, let’s sincerely hope that the Lord puts up those spiritual walls and defences around us, that nothing untoward happens to further tarnish our already, mostly undeserved, tarnished reputation, for wherever thousands of humans gather, there must be problems. It’s just the nature of the beast. But people, even one gun shot, one stabbing, one fight, is one too many. And Friends, that relates not only to the Caribana celebrations, but to our entire world. All mankind needs to keep our minds closely attuned to God, that He might keep us in perfect peace; that state of mind that transcends human comprehension. Our world desperately needs it. What with the recent spate of suicide bombings this past week in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. A new round of terror seems to be on the horizon. But Friends, we simply cannot allow the enemy to have us constantly living in fear and dread of his stupid, subversive, cowardly methods that will enrich no one, just turn into a vicious cycle of more destruction; the terrorism begetting violent retaliation. With the selfish, egotistical, misguided leaders, feeding their lust for power and evil on the backs of the the brainwashed, poor, uneducated masses. Oh Friends, let’s hope and pray that the Lord will look down on us with bountiful mercy. ‘I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him,’ (Is.57:19) People, let’s all pray for peace and healing nuh; our troubled world desperately needs it, cause right now, we’re hovering on the brink of destruction. Much LOVE!…without peace…and quickly too…our world is doomed…
 

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