Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 June 2009 Acts 5:19‏

10 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 5:19     But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth…
 
Yes my Friends, that’s yet another jailbreak orchestrated by the Lord! Seems that was His specialty. (smile) This time though it was a group of the apostles, disobeying the Jewish elite’s threats to stop preaching Christ, teaching and healing in His Name. Yesterday we heard about Him breaking out Peter from Herod’s clutches, that’s the second time, for he’s also included in this group. Then later on, with Paul and Silas in jail, our God caused an earthquake that shook the very foundations of the prison, so all the prisoners chains were loosed and the doors thrown wide open. (Acts 16:26) But note one thing Friends, on each occasion His Holy Name was praised and glorified. With Bruh Paul and Silas, the keeper of the prison, instead of committing suicide, fearing that all the prisoners had escaped, through Bruh Paul’s quick intervention, he and his whole family were born again, receiving Christ as their Lord and Saviour. (Acts 16:27-36) Per yesterday’s occasion with Peter, after the angel left him, and he’d considered his options, he ended up at Mark’s mother’s house, ‘where many were gathered together praying.’ (Acts 12:12) There was one glitch here though; when Peter knocked at the gate’s door, a young lady, Rhoda, came to answer it. ‘And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then they said it is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.’ (Acts 12:14-16) That brings to mind Jesus’ words; ‘O ye of little faith.’ (Mat.6: 30) It also leads the scholars to conclude, that though the church prayed fervently, their faith was somewhat lacking, because they had such a hard time believing that Peter was really outside. They either didn’t believe that God would respond with such a miracle, or that He would do it so soon. That, my people, is also a common thing amongst modern day believers. We pray, plead, wish and hope, but oftimes the essential element, true belief, true faith is either not there, or not strong enough. We believe it in some form and fashion, but not completely. But the whole point of faith is to truly believe, before we actually see. That’s not always an easy task, but one we have to come to grips with, if we want to grow and mature in the Christian faith. Now, re Today’s Bit, the local Jewish leaders, the Sanhedrin Council, had already locked up Peter and John overnight for preaching the Word and healing, in particular one man lame from birth. But when brought before them the next day and asked whose name they did it in, Peter waxed oratorical, being filled with the Holy Spirit, saying they were a bunch of greedy, selfish hypocrites, and they healed in the name of Jesus Christ whom they crucified. The stone the builder refused had become the chief cornerstone, and the only way to salvation. (Acts 4:5-12) The fly in the ointment here was the lowly masses, who had been stirred up by the acts and words of John and Peter, and were ready to believe and receive Christ. The leaders feared a riot if they dealt harshly with the apostles, and after privately considering how best to punish them, agreed all they could do was threaten them to stop preaching, teaching and healing in Christ’s name. ‘But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ (Acts 4:19-20) After threatening them again, the leaders let them go, but the damage was already done; the man they’d miraculously healed was over forty years old, and everybody knew him since he constantly hung out at the temple entrance, and ‘all men glorified God, for that which was done.’ (Acts 4:21) Ah Friends, those apostles sure had manly parts. Peter and John went back to the group and told them what had happened. ‘And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is….’ And they went on to explain their plight, asking for help and guidance. ‘And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.’ (Acts 4:23-30) Ah Friends, can you imagine the guts, the gumption, the faith it took for them to come before Almighty God and ask for the boldness, the wherewithal to preach His word in the face of the powerful Jewish elite? If we only had half as much faith and parts, the enemy would be running from us or believing, instead of thumbing their noses. But remember Friends, time longer than twine, and a battle won doesn’t guarantee victory in the overall war. Our Leader Jesus is still in control, still at the forefront leading His troops, and once He’s there, anything, no, everything’s possible. Have faith my people! Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll continue this. Much LOVE!…the race is not for the swift…but for the sure of foot…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 June 2009 Acts 12:11‏

09 Jun 2009 1 Comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 12:11     And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
 
Oh Friends, on this rainy June morn, I’m sure many, if not all of us, can use an angel to help us out of some dire circumstance in which we’re entangled. Unfortunately though, only a few will be granted that heavenly blessing, hope I’m one of them, (smile) but the rest will just have to muddle through as best we can, for it’s not every case that we think calls for heavenly help that meets the Father’s requirements. But what are angels, you ask? Hear Bruh Paul: ‘Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?’   (Heb.1:14) Yes my Friends, angels are the Lord’s helpers in the spirit world. They go around doing His bidding, re those of us who believe on His Son, Jesus, and come to him in faith; ‘the heirs of salvation.’ And for the lucky faithful who receive angelic help today, I implore us to go out and make it a powerful, revealing testimonial to our omnipotent God, just like Peter did when imprisoned by Herod. Before I get caught up in Peter’s story though, like I did with Daniel and his buddies yesterday, let’s just mention a couple other instances of angels doing yeoman service. ‘And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and behold we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost part of thy border. (Num. 20:16) That’s Moses asking the people of Edom for permission to pass through their territory on the way to the Promised Land, which they refused, instead bringing out a large, strong force to intercept them. And would you believe they were family? Edom was Israel’s brother, (Deut.23:7) descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Then we have Bruh Paul. Hn! He must have had angels constantly around him, for the amount of trouble he got into. As he wrote to Timothy, in his trials, nobody stood by him, ‘but all men forsook me…Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (2Tim.4:16-18) Not that nobody cared for him, but in his last days in prison in Rome, after all he’d been through, he was convinced that only the Lord could have made it possible, and right to the very end he believed that a place was being prepared for him in heaven. Say what yuh want about Bruh Paul, mih Friends, he had one thing in great abundance, that too many of us lack; real, earth moving, mind bending faith. Oh if there was only some way to bottle it and spread it around! But sadly, faith only comes through trials, and great faith, through great trials. So much so that when Peter was sprung from jail that night, he had to shake himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. It was so easy. After killing James, John’s brother, Herod saw that it pleased the Jews, so he locked up Peter during the Passover, planning to bring him out after the feast and make him the second martyr. Security was so tight in the jail that Peter had four squads of four soldiers guarding him. ‘Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.’ (Acts 12:5) And Friends, as I keep saying, our God is the master of timing, Why? Cause the very night before Herod planned to bring out Peter and martyr him, our God staged a daring prison break. ‘Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.’ (Acts 12:6-8) Peter did as he was told, all the time though thinking it was a dream. They walked past two guard posts, which the scholars claim the guards themselves unwittingly opened, then miracle of miracles; ‘they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.’ (Acts 12:10-11) Ah mih people, chalk up another miracle to the Lord, and also to the power of faith and prayer! The main gate just opened automatically. And I like the angel’s business-like manner. Once he was sure Peter was safe, he took off. Yes mih Friends, there are angels out there who minister to us, who do God’s bidding in our lives, but once they’re done, they move on to look after others, then we have to take responsibility and give serious thanks, praise and soulful testimony to the Most High for bailing us out of whatever trouble we were in. It takes a lot of faith to surrender our lives to Him completely; faith that’s hard earned.  But if we truly desire to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, remember, we must be prepared to suffer some in His Name. We’ll continue this tomorrow. Till then, the Good Lord willing; Much LOVE!…the path to great faith…is filled with many excruciating twists and turns…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 June 2009 Daniel 6:21-22‏

08 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Daniel 6:21-22   Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me, and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
 
Oh Friends, let’s praise our great God and be exceedingly thankful that we don’t have to suffer the persecution and horrible experiences of those four Jewish youths; Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, whose only crime was that they refused to bow to any other deity but Almighty God.  But like everything the Lord does, there’s a purpose, a master plan that’s designed to show His unlimited power and glorify His Holy Name. First, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were bound and thrown into an overheated furnace. But what happened? The furnace was so hot, it burnt up the men who threw them in. Then king Nebuchadnezzar claimed to see four people walking loose, unhurt in the fire; ‘and the fourth is like the Son of God.’ (Dan.3:25) Then the king came as close as he could to the furnace and called them out, and all the king’s court witnessed the three coming out; ‘upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.’ (Dan.3:27) Wow! What a mighty God we serve people! Praise His Holy Name! Then the king said; ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any God except their own God.’ (Dan.3:28) Ah my Friends, great faith is surely an awesome thing. It’s not easy to come by, but when we do reach that state where we’re even ready to die for our beliefs, the Lord often steps in and thwarts the efforts of the enemy. In this case, He had a pagan king singing His glorious praises. Later on, our God did the same for Daniel; when, as a high ranking official and a favourite of king Darius, his enemies wanted to bring him down, but could find no fault re his work or loyalty to the king. ‘Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.’ (Dan.6:5) So they hatched a plot and talked the king into signing a decree, ‘that whosoever shall ask petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.’ (Dan.6:7) The trick in that was the law of the Medes and Persians could not be altered once the king signed it. Obviously when Daniel heard that the decree had been signed into law; ‘he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.’ (Dan.6: 10) His enemies found him praying and reported him to the king. I guess the king then realized that Daniel had been set up and ‘he was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.’ (Dan.6:14) But Friends, yuh know how sharks behave when they smell blood, so did Daniel’s foes. They pestered the king until he had Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. And I particularly like this next part, cause it shows what a master planner our God truly is. ‘Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.’ (Dan.6:16) Oh Friends, can you imagine the extra encouragement that must have given poor Daniel; the king showing faith in his God and also letting him know that he was rooting for him. Then a stone was placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his signet and that of his princes so that no skulduggery could ensue during the night, then he went home and fasted but couldn’t sleep. Early the next morning he was back at the lions den, and ‘he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:…O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions den?’ (Dan.6:20) Oh my people, imagine the joy, the LOVE, the glorification for our God that must have passed through Darius’ heart and soul when he heard Daniel reply: ‘O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then the king was exceedingly glad for him…’ and ordered him taken out. And lo and behold my Friends, ‘no manner of hurt was found upon him…’ Why? ‘…because he believed in his God.’ (Dan.6:23) Yes mih breddren, our God never ceases to amaze! And they rounded up all the plotters against Daniel and threw them, their wives and children into the same den, ‘and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.’ (Dan.6:24) Wow! Before they even reached the bottom they were torn up. Shows you not to mess with our God! And what did all this do? ‘Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.’ (Dan.6:25-27) Oh Friends what an awesome testimony, from a pagan king to boot! The whole thing worked to the glorification of our God and the spreading of His Holy Name and Word amongst the heathen. It would certainly be nice if that kind of awakening happened more often, but it takes, requires such a high level of faith that most of us don’t possess. Note, it’s not the only time that the Lord sent His angels to protect the faithful in trying times, and I planned to mention some, but I got so fascinated with Daniel’s story that I ran out of time and space. But we’ll look at some tomorrow. Till then my people, let’s use the story of those four Jewish youngsters as a rallying cry, as a serious encouragement to our faith. Let their stories reach into our hearts and make them strong; impervious to the wiles and worldly lusts of the evil one; so strong that we’re prepared to go through fire and any other danger in His Holy Name. It’s not easy, but with His help, we can do all things. Much LOVE!…through the fire…through the danger…anything for Him…
 

Today’s Bit 7 June 2009 Mark 4:19‏

07 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Mark 4:19    And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
 
Oh Friends, another marvellous spring day is in the offing, ever so excellent for sowing the Word of God. And I know that much seed will be planted today, but sadly, too small a percentage will be sown in fertile soil and bring forth good fruit.  For as Jesus described in the parable of the sower, some of the seed will fall by the way side, those who don’t respond to the Word; some will fall on stony ground, where it blossoms quickly, but since it has no sure foundation, no strong root, no spiritual reality, it withers in the hot sun. Once tribulation arises, that group quickly rejects the Word. Then there are those described by Today’s Bit; where the seed is sown in decent ground, but the thorns grow up around them and choke them. Unfortunately that applies to many of us my people. We allow ‘the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.’ Those, my Friends, are the defining words of Jesus. If He says it’s so, then it is so. We all have legitimate cares and concerns in our lives, but we let them weigh us down too much, allow them to take priority over the Word. And as He warns: ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.’ (Luke 21:34) Oh my brethren, that’s a serious warning we should heed; to go easy on the carousing and don’t let the cares of the world weigh us down. We must be attentive to what’s happening around us, else the day of judgement can catch us unawares. ‘Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.’ (Luke 21:36) Oh Friends, please remember that it’s Jesus we’ll be standing before, come that faithful day. And when He strikes that gavel, announces ‘Court in Session,’ and asks why we let the cares of the world burden us so that we had no time to watch and pray, what will our answer be? I know that some of us are sincerely overwhelmed by earthly cares, but it’s our responsibility as believers to make sufficient time for the Word. And we might be able to mount some small defence on that charge, but on ‘the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things?’ Hn! There’ll be no defence whatsoever on those, for there are too many scriptures that warn us about them. Let’s look at a few, starting in the Old Testament. ‘Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.’ (Prov.23:4-5) We know it’s much easier to blow a fortune than to make one, and have heard all the truth, that a fool and his money are soon parted. Sol also talks about the vanity of riches. ‘There is a sore evil which I have see under the sun, namely riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.’ (Eccl.5:13-14) Oh Friends, just reading Sol alone, the wisest and richest man ever, in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, should teach us about the fickle nature of wealth. So when Jesus asks why you didn’t listen to Sol, and you claim he was in the Old Testament, too old timish for you. His retort will be: ‘So what happened to the New Testament? Several people said it, including me, when I talked about the parable of the sower. Also when I said on purpose, ‘How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’ (Luke 18:24-25) Oh, yuh thought I was joking eh? Well for your information, I don’t joke on serious matters. Why yuh think I also said; ‘He that hath ears to hear, let him hear?’ (Mark 4:9) And just supposing you found my words old fashioned too, what happen to Bruh Paul’s famous treatise on the topic eh? Yuh never hear this? ‘And having food and raiment let us therewith be content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows…Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on everlasting life.’ (1 Tim. 6: 8-10, 17-19) Or yuh thought that was a joke too?’ Oh Friends, then we’ll be dumfounded before the Supreme Judge. And when He says; ‘So you didn’t listen to Sol, to Me or to Bruh Paul, but to that fool Lucifer. Well, since you think he’s so wise and great, then you can spend eternity in everlasting darkness with him and the many other imbeciles like him. Bang!’ The gavel raps. ‘Next case.’ Oh my people, we’ll consider it then to be a harsh judgement, but how many times must we be told before we understand, don’t run after the almighty dollar, but after the Almighty God? But if we continually ignore the warning and let money be our idol, our god, then when we’re sentenced to everlasting damnation, we can only blame ourselves. But the good thing Friends, is that we’re alive, so we still have hope. We can still change and be like ‘those are they which are sown on good ground: such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some an hundred.’ (Mark 4:20) Oh Friends, let’s start preparing, nurturing that soil, our hearts, souls and minds, RIGHT NOW nuh! So that we can be exceedingly fruitful and avoid the scathing condemnation of Jesus on the big day, and hear instead, ‘Welcome, my good and faithful servant!’ Much LOVE!…remember…if yuh doh hear…yuh certainly going to feel…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 June 2009 Romans 14:7‏

06 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Romans 14:7     For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
 
Ah my friends, it promises to be another paradise-like day, for which we should be giving grateful thanks, but many won’t enjoy it, cause we’ll be too busy resenting and fighting each other. The confusion in the church has not changed in the two thousand years of its existence, ever since the Jews and Gentiles were first brought together under the umbrella of Christ’s body. Each of them brought their own traditions, cultures and attitudes that could not fit comfortably together. They had different foods, different religious observances, different morals, hence Bruh Paul’s intervention. ‘Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.’ (Rom.14:1) According to the scholars, Bruh Paul is saying that the weak person in the faith should not be turned away, but received with grace and not belligerence. For example, someone who considers certain practices immoral, and from which he should abstain, but which practices are in truth morally indifferent; like the eating of meat to some, or holding inviolably sacred the Sabbath to others. The strong brother should accept the weak one with LOVING kindness, and not get into useless arguments that won’t change anyone’s minds, but just raise more contention and strife. We ought to receive people with diverse convictions in questionable areas with Christ-like gentleness, recognizing their differences, and not try to brow beat them into our way of thinking. We should not judge them hastily or harshly, for what does it really matter if they have different dietary standards, or one esteems a particular day, while the other considers all days alike? ‘For God hath received him…for God is able to make him stand…Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. (Rom.14:3,4,5,) Once everybody is giving sincere thanks to God, we should learn to live together with the mostly superficial differences in our lifestyles. Why? ‘For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.’ And that’s the gospel truth. For, ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor.5:17) That means, once we become a believer, we can’t hold on to our old ideology, but have to conform to Christ’s rules, which basically means giving up our selfish attitudes and desires, and acquiring His selfless lifestyle. Or as Bruh Paul explains to the Galatians: ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who LOVED me, and gave himself for me.’ (Gal.2:20) Ah my Friends, most of us tend to take man made laws and traditions more seriously than the laws of God, but it’s the latter that will enable us to live a life worthy of God, as believers ought. As Jesus said: ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ (Mark 12:17) And Bruh Paul continues: ‘For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.’ (Rom.14:8) End of argument people! Once we claim to be believers, then all our actions, dead or alive, (smile) resonate through Christ. ‘For to this end Christ died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living.’ (Rom.14:9)  Oh my people, Jesus is the common denominator for all believers, and we desperately need to bring all our differences down to His level, else the wrangling over the petty stuff will never cease and just cause more harm than good. Can you imagine the powerful movement Christ would be leading if, from the beginning, we weren’t so small minded, stubborn and constantly seeking our own way? Wow! The enemy certainly wouldn’t have such a stranglehold on the world. And why would an unbeliever ever want to join a group who constantly fight over petty, immaterial concerns, though professing to be so interested in the greater glory of God? That’s why the Church is so fragmented and getting worse everyday. We’re foolishly allowing  Lucifer and his evil cohorts to infiltrate Christ’s church and have us fight amongst ourselves rather than against his wicked minions. Oh Friends, some differences are harder than others to put aside, but we simply have to put aside the majority, which are petty, when considering the bigger scheme of things, and that’s spreading God’s Word through both talk and our daily lives. Our lives should be a mirror image of what we preach, so that others will see, hear and understand the Good News of Christ, His free offer of salvation and gladly accept Him. Oh my people, they should see the sincere, moving example of His light and LOVE shining so brightly in us that they can’t wait to get what we have. And since the best advertisement is word of mouth coupled with a living example, if we seriously desire to live for Christ, then it’s absolutely necessary we come to grips with our differences, talk to each other, agree to disagree on some, but then resolutely obey God, by spreading His Word, living a life that’s a shining example of that Word and leaving all the other consequences to Him. Oh Friends, let’s stop allowing the wily enemy to divide and conquer us as he’s been doing for so long, and instead focus on building the understanding Church that Jesus desires. I pray this over us all, in Jesus’ Name. Amen! Much LOVE!..in unity there’s strength..we need both to do Jesus’ work successfully…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 June 2009 2 Thessalonians 3:3‏

05 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Thessalonians 3:3    But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
 
To all my beautiful Friends in Christ, let me say a hearty, ‘Mornin’ Neighbuh Mornin’!’ in Rapso stylee. (smile) Yes Friends, it’s shaping up to be another beautiful day of bright sunshine and cool breezes; in effect a situation akin to paradise, and I certainly hope that each of us will go out into our crazy, evil world, dressed in our Christian armour, with the Word ever ready on our lips, and put our best foot forward in the Lord’s name. Amen! As Bruh Paul told the Thessalonians; ‘Finally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.’ (2 Thess.3:1) Oh my people, that is something we should all be praying for today; that the Word should run free all over the universe. It should have free rein wherever it is invoked; that all those who hear it shall be uplifted emotionally and spiritually, that they will accept the Lord, rejoice in His goodness and mercy, thereby glorifying Him. Why? ‘That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.’ (2 Thess.3:2) Yes Friends, it’s essential that the servants of Christ be protected from the ravages of wicked and unreasonable people, of which there are far too many in our world. It just means that not everybody is as LOVING, kind hearted, humble, forgiving, merciful and faithful like us who believe in Jesus. Hn! I plead poetic licence! For ‘Some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.’ (Acts 28:24) And my brethren it’s such a great honour and wonderful privilege to be numbered amongst those who believed. Why? Because the omnipotent Deity in whom we believe, ‘the Lord, is faithful.’ Whatever He says is gospel Friends. Whatever He promises to do, bet yuh bottom dollar He’s going to do it! Bruh Paul is trying to show the confused Thessalonians the great difference between the promises of men and their unfaithfulness, as opposed to that of our God. According to the scholars it’s one of his favourite topics. ‘God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (1 Cor.1:9) And in Chap.10, he again claims; ‘but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ (1 Cor.10:13) Here’s another example of His endorsing God’s faithfulness. ‘Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.’ (1 Thess.5:24) And one more: ‘If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim.2:13) Yuh see that Friends? We have a choice to be or not be faithful, but our God has none because His very nature is created in faithfulness, and He cannot go against it. Oh my people, this concern about God’s faithfulness is very important to us believers since that is the very essence of our faith. Note that our belief system is called ‘faith.’ That entails trust, assurance, reliance, credence, certainty, credibility, as well as honesty and truth. And if our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is asking us to place our faith, our trust, our belief, and our lives in His hands, then we need to be able to do that without any worry or doubt. And that’s what His Word does; shows us His faithfulness; from the day He unveiled His marvellous creation, Planet Earth and all therein, to the present time, even unto eternity. Now we need to believe that with absolute certainty, like Jesus did in His time on earth, if we’re really going to be a force of good in His Name. Friends, forgive me if I ramble, but that’s when the Spirit is really working in me. (smile) And as Bruh Paul points out in Today’s Bit, the Lord shows His faithfulness in two promises: ‘who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.’ Wow! What lofty promises! But the problem here Friends is not with God being able to bring them to pass, but with our believing that He can and will. Since we walk by faith (there’s that word ‘faith’ again) and not by sight, they’re useless to us if we don’t believe what we can’t see. That’s the kind of trust the Lord’s trying to build in us. Now if we believe, have faith and trust in Him, then in His time, He will, ‘perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us,’ and also keep us from falling into the hands of the evil enemy. Jesus expressed that exact desire to His Father. ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil.’  (John 17:15) And if Jesus prayed that, because He’s always been a good and faithful Son, it’s obvious His Father, being of the same nature, would hear His earnest plea and acquiesce to His desire. Oh Friends, I certainly hope that I have not further muddied the already muddy waters. (smile) Instead, with the Spirit’s guidance, I hope I’ve successfully driven home to us, the serious impact those three words, ‘faith, faithful and faithfulness,’ have on our lives as believers. It’s of the utmost importance that we recognize their foundation and the principle behind them, for without them, we cannot come to, or serve Jehovah God. That also involves waiting patiently on Him, and being of good courage. I know it’s not an easy exercise my people, but it’s the best gig in town and the rewards are magnificent. Much LOVE!…faith is the act of being faithful…which ultimately…brings rewards of faithfulness… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 June 2009 Matthew 8:29‏

04 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 8:29     And behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
 

Oh my Friends, it’s going to be a lovely, sunny day, with Jesus out and about in our hearts, doing the town with us. What a beautiful experience! Now let’s recognize and acknowledge Him like the demons that possessed those two naked, lost souls, living in caves and tombs, who accosted Jesus after He sailed across the Sea of Galilee and was walking through the Gergesenes (Gadarenes) countryside. On first reading it might seem strange that demons would recognize Jesus, when His friends, followers and family couldn’t. But on further consideration, if these demons were a part of the spirit world, Lucifer’s minions, then they would surely recognize the Saviour. As they asked, ‘what have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God?’ Plus, knowing Jesus’ awesome powers, they sure weren’t thrilled by Him coming into their territory. And I like how they specifically identified Him: ‘Jesus, thou Son of God.’ Note, there was no doubt or hesitation in their recognition. I was wondering if His companions heard the discourse between Jesus and the evil spirits, but they must have, else they could not have reported it as clearly as they did. Why then did they still have such a hard time believing that He was indeed the Messiah? If I’m with someone who claims to be something, and a totally unknown entity refers to Him the same way, that would surely cement my belief, especially with all the other stuff He did. But who can fathom the mind of man? Only God; its designer and creator! According to the scholars, their question, ‘Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?’ indicates that the evil spirits knew exactly why Jesus had donned a human form and come to earth; to cleanse the sinful souls of men, to drive out evil spirits like them, from our weak, frail bodies. In light of that, they must have known that Jesus would cast them out of the possessed men, so they took in front before in front took them. ‘So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (Mat.8: 31)swine.’ Some distance away, a herd of pigs were feeding. Oh my people, Jesus’ goodness knows no bounds! He even grants the wish of the demons. We would probably have gotten angry, abused them, and wanted to destroy them right away. But Jesus was smarter and cooler than that. His concern was centred on the unfortunate men. And all it took was one word; ‘Go.’ That further demonstrated His incredible power over both the physical and spiritual realms. ‘And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.’ (Mat.8: 32) Yuh see Friends, instead of carrying on like we might have done, Jesus employed a far better strategy; granting the demons wish to be transferred to the swine, then letting the whole herd run down the hill and drown in the sea. Matter finished! No more demons and negative emotions. Only on Jesus’ part though, for ‘they that kept them,   (the swine) fled, and went their way into the city, and told everything, and what was befallen to them possessed of the devils.’ (Mat.8:33) I suppose that’s a natural reaction for us to run from things we don’t understand. And the scholars bring up an interesting point concerning the herd of swine. They believe that the swine was being illegally kept by Jews living in the Gentile region, and since pigs were considered unclean under Mosaic law, we can say Jesus killed two birds with one stone; getting rid of the both the devils and the illegal swine in one fell swoop. Now Mark (5:1-20) and Luke (8:26-40) have slightly different versions of the story. Per the scholars, they only talk about one man, the more predominant convert, who claimed his name was ‘Legion: for we are many.’   (Mark 5:9) Both disciples relate that when the city heard what had happened, they came out to the tombs, ‘and found the man out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind: and they were afraid.’ (Luke 8:37) But when they heard how the man was healed, ‘the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.’ (Luke 8:37) But the good thing Friends, is that the man who sincerely appreciated Jesus’ healing wanted to follow Him, but was told instead; ‘Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published through- out the whole city how great things Jesus had done onto him.’ (Luke 8:39) Oh Friends, I wish we had such a strong testimony, or we declared it far and wide as that man. But the moral of the story is when we disobey God deliberately, we lose the heavenly providence, deprive ourselves of divine protection, placing ourselves at the very mercy of the forces of evil, of Lucifer and his wicked minions. Now that’s not a very wise or sensible thing to do. It’s hard enough when we’re under divine protection; imagine what it’s like without it. That’s why those two men were running around naked, living like wild animals, even chains couldn’t hold them, cause the evil forces within them were so strong. Please Friends, I beg us, don’t let Beelzebub get his hooks into us. Let’s try our very best to give him no place in our lives, especially our souls, for all he’ll do is wreak havoc and drive us crazy. Much LOVE!…resist the devil at all costs…fight him valiantly with the WORD…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 June 2009 Psalm 42:1‏

03 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 42:1    As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee O God.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s in a sour, morose sort of mood, and I don’t know why. So I’m asking; ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me?’ (Ps.42:5) Nothing’s wrong as such, and I was fine shortly before I came to write the Bit. I have two suppositions though: I remember about an hour ago, taking a quick inventory of all that I’m doing, or rather want to do, but seeing no real improvement, not even the two steps forward, one backward movement. Now I know there’s improvement, but simply not the kind I can plainly see or touch. Everything just seems to be in a state of hold, of suspended animation, of impending catharsis, pending change, but there are no outward signs of anything really happening. Yuh know, like a volcano gurgling and bubbling, just biding time before it erupts, or like a caterpillar whose skin is becoming uncomfortably tight, but it’s just not the right time to metamorphose into a beautiful butterfly. I guess I’m there too working like crazy behind the scenes, only like crazy won’t be the truth. I’m working, but certainly not like crazy. Could that be the problem? That I’m feeling guilty because I don’t think I’m doing enough of my God given tasks? I know some areas are definitely suffering, and I keep promising to get to them, but somehow never do. Now the next supposition is that it was the Lord’s doing; having me a bit down, so I can truly encourage myself in Him and write the Bit from a real personal, heartfelt experience, not just as a mental exercise. And Friends, I wouldn’t put it past Him, (smile) for He’s been known to do weird, stranger   things. But whatever the reason, the purpose has been served, and truly, ‘As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee O God.’ Yeh people, it’s at times like these, times of uncertainty, where you don’t know whether you’re coming or going, like you’re simply marking time, that your spirit, if you’re a serious believer, just hungers, just gets an intense longing for the Lord. I don’t know if it’s so that he can clarify, explain or help us understand, but there’s this greater awareness of God in those moments of indecision and indecisiveness. And it’s not that you’re afraid, or even losing faith, your faith might even be getting stronger, for you sincerely believe, but your spirit’s simply in the doldrums, like a sailing ship becalmed on the wide open ocean, waiting for even a whisper of a breeze to spring up and move it ever so slowly towards its destination. Wow! Bruh Paul would be proud of that sentence. (smile) And it’s not a matter of wanting to die or anything morbid, but merely a case of seeking some answers and some reassurance. As the Psalmist sadly pleaded: ‘My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?’ (Ps.42:2) In at least two other psalms, the same basic sentiment is declared: ‘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 there is no water.’ (Ps.63:1) And again; ‘My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.’ (Ps.84:2) Oh my people, it’s a constant struggle to keep the faith in a land of evil. But note the common theme; it’s always a cry to a LIVING God! A God that lives and breathes and moves! Oh my people, that means our God is alive and kicking, watching like a sharp sentinel over each of us! He is capable of doing all the things of a living, breathing being; hugging, kissing, comforting, fixing, sowing, reaping, tending, etc. etc. He’s most certainly a God of life and movement. He’s also bigger and more powerful than anything in the universe. He made it, and He is the chief caretaker. That’s our God; the Most High God Jehovah. And it’s at times when our souls seem empty, or just not fulfilled, that we need to turn to Him in sincere faith and try to find some answers, or if we don’t get answers, just some reassurance that everything will be okay; it’s all on track. Now, since ‘we walk by faith and not by sight,’ (2 Cor.5:7) it’s not always easy or humanly possible to just accept that things will turn out right. But people, the Lord’s on the throne and has us in the palm of His hand, guiding and directing our every step. Oh Friends, it’s only human to feel bleh and blah sometimes, for no apparent reason. But the important thing to do then is run to God, not Lucifer, for that wily ole fox will only increase your despair with his lying, evil spirit. Instead Friends, we need to pant after God like the thirsty deer does after water. We need to pour out our hearts, our hurts, our fears, our failings and whatever that’s bothering us to Him. He will certainly listen and give us some kind of feedback. Now it might not be exactly what we want to hear, but it will surely appease the hunger in our souls. And most of all, whatever happens, good or bad, please remember to stand strong in the faith. Tell yourself and your disquieted soul; ‘Look here self and soul, ‘Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.’ (Ps.42:11) And that’s the gospel truth my people! Oh Friends, I’m still not sure whether I’m coming or going, but having gone to the oasis of God, and having drunk like a thirsty hart, my soul is satisfied, my faith renewed, even strengthened, and I can carry on to live again; by faith, not by sight. Much LOVE!…to beat blues and blahs…talk sincerely to God…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 June 2009 Isaiah 32:17‏

02 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 32:17     And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s mentally tired, having just finished my tax accounting. Hallelujah! Yes, I know it’s late and all that, but that’s how the life played out; procrastination and contrived busyness. (smile) And then I didn’t have anything to write on, so I appealed to the Most High and He led me to the passage on righteousness. Now since He led me there, I guess, rather hope, NO! I know, I have the utmost faith that He will guide my pen and cause me to write sense, uplifting sense that is. He’s been doing it all along, no reason for Him to stop now. And the best way to begin anything is with a common definition. Now the dictionary defines ‘righteous’ as being just, upright, virtuous, and law-abiding. Oh my Friends, doesn’t that sound like a perfect definition of us believers! It should be what we aspire to, and what others see in us, since it’s what Jesus desires in His followers; a sense of righteousness, works that uplift, virtue, law keeping, justice and simple decency. What did He say about it in the Beatitudes? ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ (Mat. 5:6)What a wonderful promise! Those of us who recognize our paucity or lack of righteousness, and knowing that we badly need it, then genuinely seek after it, shall be filled to overflowing with it by Almighty God. That’s just His way; anything in His good books that we sincerely desire and seek after, He usually grants us. And the Psalmist attests to that. ‘He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Ps. 107:9) So my people, now that we have a basic definition of ‘righteousness’, let’s turn to the Bit. It declares, ‘the work of righteousness shall be peace.’ Oh isn’t that ever a great declaration! If we work righteously, then peace shall be the blessing that’s bestowed on us. Isaiah agrees, and explains: In the Lord’s day, ‘He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.’ (Isa.2:4) Glory Hallelujah! But why do we have to wit till the Lord’s day my people? Who knows when that will be? Why can’t we begin transforming all those swords and spears, melting all those guns and other weapons RIGHT NOW eh? But judging from all the strife, hate, anger, oppression etc. that’s plaguing and dehumanizing our world, not too many, surely not enough people are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. The Psalmist says; ‘Great peace have they which LOVE thy law: and nothing shall offend them.’ (Ps.119:165) But if we use that as a measuring rod, then obviously, today there aren’t too many, or again, not sufficient people who LOVE the Lord’s law, cause these days we’re all so easily offended, and finding true peace is probably like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. Our world is so strife and violence torn that it might be easier to count the theatres of war than those of peace. I recently read that there are over two hundred places of violent dissension on our planet. That sure is a lot, which means my people, if we want to live in peace, then as followers of Christ, it’s out job to try and turn this violence around, try and get our fellow man to hunger and thirst for the righteous way that only comes from Jehovah God. Then the bit talks about the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.’ Wow! There we have the answer to all our personal problems my Friends! The effect, result, consequences of righteousness is a reduction in tension; a soothing, calm, tranquil nature, being free from disturbances, not anxious or remorseful. The important thing though people, is that we must first bring righteousness to our individual lives before we can spread it around. For as James says; ‘And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.’   (James 3:18) That’s an undisputable fact Friends! It’s only by promoting peace that righteousness is born. And Bruh Paul weighs in thus: ‘For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.’ (Rom.14:17 -18) Yuh see mih people, when we live righteously we’re acceptable to both God and man. What more can we ask eh? Not much. Now hear Sol’s take on the matter. ‘In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.’ (Prov.12:28) That’s for sure! Righteousness brings peace, contentment, joy and favour with God through salvation; so our lives on earth will be peaceful and contented, then blessed spiritually, forever after with Christ. It’s the best gig going my Friends, so I implore us to gladly accept it. Let us genuinely seek after righteousness nuh, so that even if we don’t have peace in our time, the future generations will have a better chance to do so. As Bruh Paul exhorts us: ‘Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.’ (Rom.14:19) Oh Friends, I certainly hope this edifies us. Much LOVE!...the best legacy we can leave our children…one of righteousness…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 June 2009 Psalm 116:9‏

01 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 116:9        I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living
 
Oh Friends, last evening the ole fella had a rather invigorating and exhilarating experience; walking in the rain with the one I LOVE! No, it wasn’t a human companion, but the Most High God Jehovah. Human wise I was alone, but as always our God was certainly with me. I don’t know if it was stubbornness, ignorance or what, but like the day before when I finally came out to go for my walk, the sun had gone under the clouds and the rain began a light sprinkle. But the ole fella was adamant. He was going for a walk even if he got soaked in so doing. And I was lucky, for most of the way down to the park I usually go to, it was just a few drops. At the park, I rounded the baseball diamond with no problems, but just as I got around the soccer field the heavens opened. The wind blew, the trees shimmied and ‘shaked’ in it, the lightning flashed, the thunder cracked, and the old fella burst out laughing, pulling my old hat down around my ears so it would not blow away in the gale-like wind. And the ole fella laughed all the way home, tears of joy mixed with the heavenly blessing, cascading down my face. The day before I was so unconcerned about getting wet, complaining that I hadn’t had a walk in the rain for some time, so the Lord in His infinite wisdom finally obliged. And I’m sure He was chuckling too, while mouthing; ‘You asked for it son, so you got it!’ I was sorely tempted to stop at the fellow’s house where I spent   over two hours the night before, to show him my drenched state, but didn’t. And yuh know what? Shortly after I got home, all heavenly activity ceased and the sun came back out again. Oh Friends, that’s what a walk with God means; through the good times and the bad times. Bruh David didn’t specify when he’d walk with God, he just said, ‘I’ll walk before the Lord in the land of the living.’ That means at all times during his earthly life. The same goes for us, cause our God is with us at all times; in our moments of joy, sorrow, anguish and pain. Though He allows them to beset us, He’s always there looking over, safeguarding us, so that things don’t get out of hand. It’s that sense of His spiritual presence we need to get in tune with, else we’re selling ourselves short of pain killers and problem solvers, for it’s in His presence that we find the strength to overcome the pain and solve the problems. What did He tell Bruh Paul? ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Cor.12:9) Remember, He never gives us more than we can bear, and furthermore, always gives us the wherewithal to perform the tasks He assigns us. So my people, it’s very important that we get in tune with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, since it’s the channel through which the Lord guides and directs our hearts and footsteps. Remember too, it’s ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.’ (Zech. 4:6) There is nothing more important to a believer than to be open to and aware of that still, small voice operating within them, cause it’s the source of all our righteousness. And until we’re good for ourselves, we really can’t be good for anybody else. Our spiritual health must be amongst our priorities, or else we won’t be able to accomplish our work for God. And people, that spiritual health is not something we can turn on and off like a light switch, or check today and then ignore for a week. NO! It’s something we have to work on EVERYDAY. Just like our physical bodies need good food and nourishment everyday, so too does our spiritual selves. We need to nourish it and keep it in good shape every day. Like we run, or go to the gym to build our physical torso, in the same way we have to pray, read the Word, and fellowship with other believers to keep our spiritual selves in shape, so we can successfully battle the ever present, ever challenging enemy. Oh Friends, it’s an ongoing war that won’t end until Jesus comes again. It makes no difference which side you’re on, the enemy’s or Jesus; the war’s already enjoined and is constantly unfolding. I would strongly suggest though that we join the Lord’s army, cause that’s the eventual winner. The enemy might win a few skirmishes along the way, but in the overall picture, when the trumpet is sounded up yonder, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will most definitely be the winner! So Friends, I exhort us to get seriously involved with Jesus and the Father: Let them into the innermost sanctum of your being, your soul. Let them lead, guide and direct your earthly life. Let them walk in step with you here on this uncertain earth, so that at the last day, you will be welcomed to their heavenly home with opened arms. Oh Friends, it’s the wisest decision we can ever make. Much LOVE!…though I walk through the shadow of death…I will fear no evil…for thou art with me…thy rod and thy staff…they comfort me…
 

Next Newer Entries