Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 July 2009 Daniel 5:20‏

11 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Daniel 5:20      But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.
 
Oh Friends, those are the solemn words of Daniel to king Belshazzar, when called upon to interpret his dream. The occasion was after a bacchanalian splurge where the king and his courtiers drank from the golden and silver vessels brought to Babylon from the temple in Jerusalem. In other words, Lucifer’s minions feted with the Lord’s holy vessels. How unbecoming! In response to that unwise undertaking, the Lord sent a message to Belshazzar that no one in the kingdom could decipher. Enter Daniel, mouthing Today’s Bit, which refers to the king’s late father, Nebuchadnezzar. And Friends, though the statement was made ages ago, it is still applicable today, possibly more so with the ascendancy of wholesale depravity and the resultant decline in godliness. But before we get into that, let’s hear what Daniel said two verses earlier. ‘O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory and honour.’ (Dan.5:18) My people, please note that the operative words here are ‘the most high God gave…’ It’s oh so important for us to realize and keep uppermost in our hearts and minds that whatever blessings are bestowed on us, whether they be material possessions, or political power, or even simple peace of mind, they all come from one and the same source; the Most High God Jehovah. For some reason we tend to forget this when times are good. Neither do we seem to learn from the mistakes of others, foolishly believing that the same things won’t happen to us. I don’t know what makes us think we’re so different, that if we do the same wrongs as others, we won’t receive an approximate punishment. Nebuchadnezzar was all-powerful, did what he wanted and got away with most of it. ‘But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was disposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory away.’ Yes Friends, when he began believing his own press, when his pride rose on high and he became mean-spirited and started saying stuff like; ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?’ (Dan.4:30) That’s when the Lord acted. Oh people selfish, egotistical pride is possibly the worse sin we can commit before our God, and one He simply will not tolerate. We must acknowledge His mercy and kindness in all that we do or acquire. In this case; ‘While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee: And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar.’ (Dan.4: 31-33) Oh Friends, that’s how swift the justice of our God can be when we provoke Him to wrath! By the time the words were out of Neb’s mouth, the Lord found him guilty and pronounced a severe sentence that was carried out immediately. Neb is not the only example of a great ruler suffering for his egotistical pride. When the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt and Pharaoh refused to let them go, the Lord dealt with him the same way. The plagues and pestilence that befell Egypt were all because of Pharaoh’s foolish pride and hardened heart; thinking that he was mightier than the God of Abraham. As the Lord said to him through Moses: ‘And in very deed for this case have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all earth.’ (Ex.9:16) Friends, I don’t know why we insist on fighting against the Lord when we can never win, for He’s our Creator and also the Provider of everything we have. Egypt was racked with disaster through Pharaoh’s pride; Nebuchadnezzar went crazy and lived like a wild animal for seven years. Oh people, the Spirit just directed me to let Neb tell his own story. So here goes. ‘And at the end of the days, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation…and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the king of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgement: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.’ (Dan.4:34-37) Yes Friends, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, especially from those who walk in selfish pride. Please, let’s not be numbered amongst that lot, for it’s a very foolish path to tread. And ah have to laugh yes, cause our God ties you up when you least expect it. Why do I say that? Because I intended to complete this in one Bit, but obviously He had other ideas and flooded me with info. I never intend to write all of Neb’s words either, but He decreed it. And I can’t complain cause it’s just what we were talking about; pride, thinking that we know better than God. If He says to do it in more than one Bit, who am I to argue eh? (smile) I am just the messenger. So tomorrow, the Good Lord willing, more on pride. Till then, Much LOVE!…remember…pride goes before a fall…pride goes before a fall…  
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 July 2009 Romans 15:1‏

10 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Romans 15:1    We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
 
Ah my beautiful Friends in Christ, it was another perfect day in T.O. The ole fella enjoyed it by attending the premiere of the 2009 Caribbean Tales Film Fest running at the U of T William Doo Auditorium this weekend, July 9-12. It’s the fourth annual staging of the event and it gets better every time. This year features a panorama of documentaries and full films from all over the Caribbean by artists of Caribbean birth or descent, so for those who live in the area it would be a most worthwhile event to attend, especially if you’re of West Indian heritage, a glorious chance to catch up on yuh roots. The feature film today was ‘Carmen and Geoffrey,’ the story of Carmen de Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder, who with Alvin Ailey brought a new meaning to American Dance from the 50’s onwards. Geoffrey is the younger brother of the famous, talented, T & T Holder Brothers, the elder one being Boscoe, who also made his mark internationally. It was a beautiful film that perfectly exemplifies the principles of Today’s Bit: two people, strong and talented in their own right, but wise and generous enough to help each other carry their burden. It’s a story of LOVE, friendship, camaraderie, shared and unshared interests and successes with total loyalty; standing behind each other and enjoying the other’s success without any negative feelings. Oh Friends, let me apologize profusely for a typo I made yesterday, saying it was Job instead of Jacob’s family that went down to Egypt as strangers. And the sad part is that I wrote Jacob on the rough draft, but followed one of my bad habits of not paying enough attention to the draft when I come to copy it. And I read it at least twice before I sent it out. Just goes to show that the ole fella isn’t perfect, and needs help. (smile) As Bruh Paul says, ‘We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.’  So would some of you strong believers please come and share my infirmities? I have plenty. (smile) But it’s the truth Friends; we need to help each other. It’s the basic premise of our faith. Earlier on Bruh Paul declares; ‘Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputings.’ (Rom.14:1) Don’t be contentious over trivial matters; receive them kindly, agreeing to disagree on things or practices that don’t call the faith into question. The strong believer is morally and ethically obligated to help the weaker in things that bother him or he doesn’t understand. ‘Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.’ (Gal.6:1-2) So for those believers who have transgressed the Christian walk in whatever manner, it’s the responsibility of those walking firmly in the spirit, to make all effort to bring them back to the tried and true path. This we should do with all patience and selflessness, foregoing our freedom, putting up with our brother’s problems, ‘not to please ourselves,’ but our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the perfect example of the strong upholding the weak, by how He took the burden of our sins unto Himself. Oh mih people, remember sayings like, ‘it takes one hand to wash the other; two hands to clap, and two to tango?’ Well that’s exactly what Bruh Paul is trying to breed in us; the spirit of helping others not as strong or as able as us, in whatever aspect of Christian living they are deficient. And in so doing, we’re not to lord it over them either. Don’t assume the ‘I’m better than you posture because I’m helping you’ that so many believers adopt when they help the less able. Remember Friends to leave the egos outside cause it’s not about us; it’s all about working for Jesus, doing the things He requires of us. We’re to make no account of ourselves for we’re just bit players. Jesus’ name is the one up there on the marquee in big, bold letters and bright lights. Selflessness is often the first and biggest hurdle many believers need to overcome since it’s just a natural instinct when you’re doing good to feel good about yourself, and nothing’s wrong with that once we keep it under control and not let it go to our heads. Oh Friends, the operative words in the Christian faith are ‘help in action.’ That’s our stated purpose, not plenty talk and little or no action as is our wont. And it’s only fitting that we end with an exhortation from Bruh Paul on the matter. ‘Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.’  (1 Thes.5:14) Oh my people, that’s our calling right there! It’s what Jesus did, and what we’re supposed to do. So let’s do it nuh. Let’s replace our selfish egos with selflessness and help each other. Let’s be like Jesus, who made no account of Himself, although He was of divine heritage, and became a servant on earth. It’s the only way our faith will survive, remain strong, rise above all the problems we encounter and still be viable when Jesus returns. Much LOVE!…a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 July 2009 Hebrews 13:2‏

09 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Hebrews 13:2      Be nor forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
 
Ah Friends, what a beautiful day we were blessed with today! Give thanks and praise to the Almighty! It was one of those perfect, well-balanced days, and the ole fella luxuriated in it. Hn! That’s a tad exaggerated, but I did enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and the cool, unseasonable breeze and temperature. Later on in the week though it’s expected to be hot, but like Job says, you can’t expect only good from God and no bad. Now my intention yesterday was to combine Hebrews 13:1-2 into one Bit, but when I got into the brotherly LOVE scene, I was sweetly surprised by how much there was to write on it, so I had to leave verse 2 for today. And people, this is a very important aspect of our Christian Faith, where Bruh Paul reminds us; ‘Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.’ Good treatment of strangers has been one of our God’s directives from the time Israel was released from bondage in Egypt. In the laws concerning human relations, He decreed; ‘Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ (Ex;22:21) In other words; know yuh history, remember it and live by it; remember where yuh coming from and how yuh got there. When the famine struck Jacob and his family, Egypt welcomed them with opened arms, though they knew them not. Later on the Lord again cautioned them on the treatment of strangers. ‘Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ (Ex.23:9) Once more reminding them of their sojourn as strangers in Egypt. Bruh David also mentions it in Psalm 146, which deals with the Blessedness of trusting God. ‘The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and the widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.’ (Ps.   146:9) Yes my Friends, our God is certainly big on the treatment of strangers, widows and orphans. I remember being somewhat surprised, amused and moved when I discovered how important the Lord considered those groups of people. But now, having matured, both in life and Christian fellowship, I can understand His reasoning. It’s simple really: unfortunately, they oftimes have nobody to look out for them in their usually rough situations, and since the Lord cares for us all and wants to be merciful to all, He must make provision for those viewed as outsiders. And Friends, I can personally vouch for the benefits of that divine instruction, for I’ve been a stranger in many parts of this world, sometimes in serious situations, and not once can I say that I was terribly treated. In fact, I was often treated like royalty; another bit of exaggeration. But it does work, and that means Jesus will honour several people because of their good treatment to me, a stranger. Remember now, one of the conditions of brotherly LOVE that He laid down yesterday was: ‘For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.’ (Mat.25:35) So my people, we need to be kind to strangers, but with a be careful proviso, because of the many crooks and schemers willing to take advantage of your good nature and hospitality in this current age. But by the same token, while there can be problems in entertaining strangers, there can also be large rewards, as Bruh Paul declares; ‘For thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’ And the perfect example of that is the story of Abraham sitting outside his tent door, saw three men approaching and he ran to greet them, simultaneously offering food and rest. Lo and behold, it was the preincarnate Christ (Yahweh) and two angels come to tell him that Sarah would eventually bear him a son. (Gen.18:1-15) Shortly thereafter, ‘there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you into your servant’s house, and tarry all night and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.’ (Gen.19:1-2) Lot didn’t know these men from Adam, but he just felt the need to entertain them. ‘And he pressed upon them greatly: and they turned in unto his house; and he made them a feast.’ (Gen.19:3) I doubt nowadays we’d be so insistent to perfect strangers, but unbeknown to Lot, those same men were sent to save his life. And he didn’t only feed them, but also protected them from a mob that surrounded his house, wanting him to bring them out. But Lot refused. He even offered his two virgin daughters to the mob instead. The mob wanted the men though, and as they moved to break down Lot’s door, the men inside opened the door and quickly pulled Lot inside and shut it, then they ‘smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door.’ (Gen.19:11) Then they told Lot of the impending destruction of Sodom, so that he was able to flee with his family the next morning before Sodom was destroyed. That’s how our great God works my people! You walk in righteousness, look after strangers, widows and orphans, He makes your path straight and your way prosperous. Many of us older geezers will have experienced practical examples in entertaining strangers through our parents, in the simpler days, before big city living, fear and self-centredness got the better of us, where now we don’t even know our neighbours. But back then strangers were always  welcomed, and always got the best of everything. Sadly, that has turned right around now, to where the stranger is often neglected and gets the worse of everything.  But Friends, let’s try and return to the earlier sort of mentality nuh, where strangers were appreciated. We have to be careful, but we also need to follow Jesus’ instructions and do His work, if we consider ourselves true believers. Much LOVE!…be kind one to another…it’s the only way LOVE…and Jesus…can spread…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 July 2009 Hebrews 13:1‏

08 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Hebrews 13:1       Let brotherly LOVE continue.
 
Yes my Friends, on this beautiful summer’s day, our doing that would be ever so pleasing to our God! That shows His care and concern for others through us. Jesus proclaimed that there were two basic commandments: LOVE God, and your neighbour as yourself. If we are intent on fulfilling Today’s Bit, then we’ll be fulfilling both commands, for we can’t truly LOVE God if we hate our neighbour; likewise we won’t really LOVE our neighbour unless there’s great adoration in our hearts for God. The two principles are inextricably tied together under one banner; reverence and service to God. Bruh Paul adamantly states; ‘Let brotherly LOVE continue.’ And so we should. But what does it mean, what does it entail in a practical application? Well Bruh Paul expounds, expands and explains it in Romans 12: ‘Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly LOVE; in honour preferring one another. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; If he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom.12:10-21) Wow! Oh Friends, that’s what brotherly LOVE is all about! I never intended to copy it all, but I couldn’t decide what to leave out, how to paraphrase it and still have it make sense. It is such a comprehensive list too, with nothing left out. The Spirit agreed and said, just include it all. (smile) So from here on in mih people, we have no excuses for not knowing or fulfilling that brotherly LOVE, a most important part of our Christian heritage. It’s one of the chief principles of Jesus’ philosophy, and a major goal in His earthly ministry; getting us to sincerely care for and help each other. As He said in the parable of the talents: ‘When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, than shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Mat.25:31-36) Quoting all that was just the leading of the Spirit again. (smile) But my people, it’s very important that we fully realize, understand and comprehend what Jesus is saying here. He’s talking about the same principle of brotherly LOVE, but shown in action though, not mere talk. He then explains  about the righteous asking when and where they did all that for Him: ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren; ye have done it unto me.’ (Mat.25:40) That means, any time we do a kindness for a fellow human, it’s considered doing it to Jesus too. And that’s how He wants us, His followers, to live our earthly lives; caring for and helping each other; doing it for the great LOVE of Him that we bear in our hearts. ‘Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (Mat.25:41) Why? Because when they saw Him hungry, thirsty, sick, naked, a stranger, in prison, they never lifted a hand to help Him. And when they ask when they saw Him needy and never ministered to Him? ‘Inasmuch as ye did it not to the least of one of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.’ (Mat.25:45-46) Oh my people, it’s so simple! Awright, so I’m somewhat simple and naive. (smile) But why is it so difficult for us to treat each other decently eh? That’s possibly the biggest problem in our world today; what with the violence, the greed, oppression and suppression that we’re heaping on each other. And a lot of it is done in the name of some god or religion. Obviously not the One True God Jehovah or the Christian religion, for, as we can see, those things are against the basic principles of Jesus and His Heavenly Father. Oh Friends, I implore us, let’s start treating each other better nuh. It could make this rough life so much easier, happier and interesting. Let’s do a good deed, or say a kind word to someone in need. Let’s begin right now; right in our own backyard, with our friends, families, neighbours, co-workers, fellow worshippers, and whatever strangers we may come into contact with, for who knows we might be entertaining angels unawares. And there’s plenty room for improvement right where we are since much of the ill treatment meted out is within those same boundaries. Friends, to be a true Christian, we need to show brotherly LOVE. It’s what this world is about: living the Word; being a good example of its principles and precepts. Talk is simply not enough, action is also imperative! I don’t know what else to say. You have the words of both Bruh Paul and Jesus before you. Now it’s up to each of us to make a conscious decision to live in brotherly LOVE, or not. I beg us, let’s listen to Jesus’ and obey His wish. It’s the path of true wisdom since in the end, He’ll be both the judge and jury whom we’ll stand before. And if we listen to Him, when He comes adjudging in all His glory, we’ll end up on His right hand with the sheep, bound for glory, and not on the left with the goats, bound for death and eternal damnation. Much LOVE!…what a wonderful world this could be…if we all practiced brotherly LOVE…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2009 1 Peter 1:15-16‏

07 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Peter 1:15-16     But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.
 
Oh Friends, it’s the first day in almost a week that I haven’t had to search for a Bit and all it entails. It was all laid out for me in Bruh Paul’s journey from Jerusalem to Rome, so I’ve become lazy and spoiled, forgetting how hard it is sometimes to find a suitable Bit. But the Lord in His abundant mercy and compassion showed me favour and quickly led me to this one. He apparently wants us to concentrate on one of His most important attributes today; that of being Holy. Now what does Holy mean? The dictionary defines it thus: consecrated, sacred, morally and spiritually perfect, belonging to, commissioned by, devoted to God, and of high moral excellence. Wow! It’s surely a lot. And we can add a few more synonyms like, blessed, hallowed and unprofaned. But that’s enough to give us a good idea of what Holy means. And my stubborn, rebellious people, please note that is not merely a request of Peter’s, but a command of our God. As the second part of the Bit says; ‘Be ye holy, for I am holy.’ The Lord commanded this of the Israelites from the time He brought them out of bondage in Egypt. ‘For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy’ (Lev.11:44) That’s when He spoke to them about clean and unclean animals. Then again, concerning laws of holiness and justice, He told   Moses; ‘Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.’ (Lev.19: 2) And yet again, re the holiness of priests: ‘Thou shalt sanctify him therefore, (set him apart) for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the Lord, which sanctify you, am holy.’ (Lev.21:8) So we can see people that from the very beginning this holy attribute was very important to our God, and he expects His followers to adhere to it. ‘But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.’ That simply means being obedient to God in all your conduct. Let your daily conduct be shaped and shined by the word of God, by His laws and decrees. The Israelites lived up to it for a while, but abandoned the idea when life became prosperous. Unfortunately so did we. In the last half-century we’ve moved from a somewhat puritanical society to an almost godless one. As our material wealth, technical and scientific knowledge increased, our holiness and obedience to the things of God decreased. Until sadly, today the word Holy or anything that relates to it is ridiculed and considered of no importance. Lucifer has succeeded in getting us to disband, discourage and reject anything that even faintly smacks of being holy. Holiness is no longer sought after. Anything sacred, sorry, nothing is now considered sacred. And if you try to talk about being morally and spiritually inclined, you’re made a laughingstock. Oh mih people, so far have we turned away from God, that our young people have little or no notion of things holy, sacred, godly or spiritual. The term morals doesn’t exist in their thinking. To them it’s all about the here and now, the enjoyment, the experience of this particular moment; ‘show me the beef.’  If they can’t see it, they won’t or can’t believe it. Now it’s our job to raise and keep our children focused on their Creator, and it’s obvious we’ve failed in that respect. Yes we made life easy for them, a noble ideal, but we made it too easy, now they expect everything easily. And look how everything crash now, cause too many of us chose to follow the unholy Beelzebub, rather than the holy God, Jehovah. Ah mih Friends, it’s not an easy row we hoe, but where there’s a will, there’s always a way. First though, we must sincerely and desperately want to turn it around, and we all know there’s only one sure foundation on which we can successfully build our lives and our society; on the solid, permanent, immovable cornerstone that’s our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But to do that we parents, we adults have to relinquish the material, lustful ways of the flesh that we too have sadly adopted, and turn back to the holy, moral and spiritual ways of Jesus. Live by example, while still talking to our children about changing their materialistic outlook on life, plus praying with and for them. It’s not too late to redeem our children and ourselves, but that’s the only way we’ll dig ourselves out of the big pit in which we’re currently wallowing. As Bruh Paul exhorts: ‘Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’ (2 Cor.7:1) Yes my people, if our world just expended half the energy on God that we do on materialism and the cult of the celebrity nonsense, we wouldn’t be in this mess. On that note, let’s hope that Michael Jackson’s Memorial tribute today doesn’t turn into a fiasco as we’ve gone so crazy with our narcissistic affair. Until we drastically reduce this selfish LOVE for ourselves and place it where it should be, on God, our lives will continue to be unfulfilled. Oh Friends, let’s wake up and smell the roses nuh. Let’s inform others, spread the word, that Jesus Christ is the only way; whether it’s to be successful and happy here on earth, or to receive salvation and eternal life later on. Much LOVE!…and please remember…holiness is not a curse…but a cure… 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 July 2009 Acts 28:15.‏

06 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 28:15     And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as the Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
 
Oh Friends, on this bright Monday morn, many of us are singing the Monday morning blues, especially after the Independence weekend in the U.S, dreading the drudgery of another work week. But just remember the Lord is still in control, the same way He was long ago, when Bruh Paul set out from Jerusalem bound for Rome. And if you have Jesus buried deep in your heart and soul, then, like He watched over Bruh Paul, He’ll also watch over you. And Friends, we’re now in the home stretch of that journey. After Bruh Paul’s exhortation to his fellow passengers to eat and be of good cheer, they did so, all two hundred and sixty six souls. And having satisfied themselves, they further lightened the ship by throwing out the wheat. At daybreak they saw a bay and a beachhead of land close by, and though they didn’t recognize it, it looked promising. So they upped anchor, committed themselves to the seas, hoisted the mainsail and steered a course, as best they could, towards the inlet. Between the high seas and the bay, they ran the ship aground. Unfortunately the bow became stuck, while the stern was broken up by the violent waves, causing the soldiers to consider killing the prisoners so that none could escape and swim to shore. But Friends, a guardian angel is always present in the difficult times of believers. This time it was Julius, the centurion. ‘But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.’ (Acts 27:43-44) All thanks to God, my people, for remember Bruh Paul had promised in the Lord’s name that none would lose their lives. So how would it look if some died eh? But again, through his courage, feistiness and faith, our God was glorified. And that wasn’t the end of God’s glorification mih people! In fact it intensified after that. When they hit dry land, they realized that they’d run aground on the island of Melita, modern day Malta. ‘And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us everyone, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.’ (Acts 28:2) Yes Friends, barbarians welcoming so many total strangers in the rain and cold. Doesn’t that sound strange? But here’s the piece de resitance: when Bruh Paul gathers some wood to put on the fire, ‘there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.’ (Acts 28:3) The natives began murmuring amongst themselves that he must surely be a murderer, and though he escaped the sea, justice was nevertheless being served. But lo and behold, Bruh Paul simply shook off the venomous snake into the fire, with no ill effects, though the natives fully expected him to bloat up or just die. ‘But after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.’ (Acts 28:6) Not a god, but a faithful servant of the Most High God Jehovah! And it really endears me to our God when He keeps His promises; and not in a small way either, but always in a manner that glorifies Him. He’d already promised that Bruh Paul would reach Rome safely, though not how, when or after what trials. But as we saw, He made a way for him to overcome each trial and also open the eyes of unbelievers. And wouldn’t you know that the estate of the chief official on the island, the Magistrate, was close by to where they landed. His name was Publius; ‘who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux (dysentery): to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island came, and were healed. Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.’ (Acts 28:7-10) Now isn’t that our great God moving in mysterious but practical ways? Note, the scholars claim since two different words were used for healing in verses 8 & 9, Luke, the physician did the general healing, and Bruh Paul only healed Publius’ father. But please remember Friends, that however lowly our estate, social standing or work, it’s still possible to do stuff that glorifies our Heavenly Father. God considers offering a thirsty man a sip of water, or a hungry man a morsel of bread as honouring our beliefs and glorifying him. So don’t think you have to move mountains or do great works to honour the Lord. Moving molehills are also important in the wide scheme of things. The shipwrecked travellers spent three months on Malta, then departed on another ship of Alexandrian registry that had wintered there. From thence it was clear sailing; to Syracuse, for three days, then circling around to Rhegium, then to Puteoli, where they found brethren with whom they spent seven days, then onwards to Rome, where the brethren heard about them and came as far as the Appii Forum and The Three Taverns to greet them. That simple act of appreciation and brotherhood caused Bruh Paul to give much thanks and boosted his courage, for even those of great faith also need encouragement. Bruh Paul’s favour in God’s sight continued at Rome, for instead of being housed with the other prisoners, he was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him. Three days later he called the elders together and explained the situation to them. They hadn’t heard anything about it, but desired to hear his views on Christianity, since only negative opinions were being aired. So one day they came to his house, ‘to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. (Acts 28:23-24) All was fine until he said; ‘Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.’ (Acts 28:23-24) And just like the Jerusalem Jews, they listened quietly until Bruh Paul mentioned the gospel being preached to the Gentiles. Then they all got up and left with great dispute amongst themselves. That didn’t stop Bruh Paul’s ministry, but set the pattern for the Church to become a Gentile entity. He rented a house in Rome and lived there for two years; ‘Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concerned the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no man forbidding him.’  (Acts 28:31) And so ends one part of the saga that was Bruh Paul’s life. Friends, very few of us will ever be tested so strenuously for our belief in Christ, but I sincerely hope that when tested, we’d use this small portion of Bruh Paul’s walk for Jesus as encouragement to stand steadfast and strong and withstand whatever trials we face, for it’s certainly an awesome testimony that includes many negatives, but also courage, a deep faith in Christ, and above all, an enormous desire to spread the Word and glorify God. That’s my sincere wish for all of us this day. I hope you all appreciated the journey we took with Bruh Paul the last few days. I certainly did. It definitely opened my eyes to what being a true believer means, and what we sometimes must endure in Jesus’ Name. Much LOVE!…true faith is…belief, trust, surrender, patience, perseverance, courage…and then some more of them all…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 July 2009 Acts 28:15‏

05 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 28:15     And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
 
Well a good Sunday morning mih Neighb’s, wherever you are in God’s great but troubled world! And if today is when you celebrate the Sabbath, I implore you to get out and fellowship with others; raise your voices in thanks and praise, in gratitude for the unconditional LOVE, mercy and forgiveness He’s bestowed upon us. Selah! Even if it’s only two or three gathered together in His Name, Jesus has faithfully promised His Holy Spirit will be there. So let’s be sure we put aside that one day a week to rest, pay special attention to Him, and not let the cares of the world drive us crazy. Bruh Paul seemed rather adept at that, for little appeared to ever fluster him. Now some time after his case was heard by King Agrippa, they loaded him and some other prisoners on a ship under the safeguard of Julius, a centurion, and set sail along the coast of Asia; eventual destination Rome. With Bruh Paul was Luke, the writer of Acts, and ‘one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica.’ The second day out, they landed at Sidon, where the centurion was nice enough to let Bruh Paul leave the ship and visit friends. Afterwards they continued the journey, staying close to the coast of Cyprus because of contrary winds. Then at Lycia, they found a ship of Alexandria headed for Italy and embarked on it. But progress was real slow cause of light winds. ‘Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and the ship but also of our lives.’ (Acts 27:9-10) But the centurion believed the captain and owner of the ship, who obviously said that everything would be fine. It was now late Sept, early Oct, as per Bruh Paul’s mention of the fast, referring to the Day of Atonement. (Lev.23:27-32) That meant winter was fast approaching, but the harbour they were then in wasn’t suitable for wintering, so they decided to try and reach Phoenix, a safe harbour in Crete and winter there. ‘And when the south wind blew softly,’ they set sail for Phoenix, staying close the coast of Crete. ‘But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon.’ (Acts 27:14) A southeast wind that stirs up waves. And Bruh Paul’s prophetic words began to come true. They couldn’t control the ship, so fearing running aground, they took down the sails and let the wind drive it. The second day they threw out stuff to lighten the ship. The third day they ditched the ships tackle. ‘And when neither sun nor stars in many day appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was taken away.’ (Acts 27:20) That’s when Bruh Paul rose to the occasion: ‘But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. (disaster) And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar, and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.’ (Acts 27:21-26) Oh Friends, how can you not LOVE Bruh Paul eh? In the midst of the raging storm he gets up and through the power of the Holy Spirit assures them that nobody would die, they merely lose the ship and be cast upon some island. Hn! Wish I had Bruh Paul with me a few years ago, instead of some drunken friends, when we got caught at night in the middle of a storm on Lake Ontario. But on night fourteen the storm had not abated, the ship was still been tossed about. At midnight though, the sailors thought they were near land, and after twice checking the depth found it to be fifteen fathoms. But fearing they’d run aground in the dark, they threw out four anchors over the stern, ostensibly waiting for daybreak. But then they went up to the front and pretended to be letting down anchors there too, but it was really the life boat they let down, intending to jump ship and leave the passengers stranded. But again they reckoned without Bruh Paul. He recognized the ruse and said to the centurion and the soldiers; ‘Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.’ (Acts 27:31-32) Ah Friends, when I was first introduced to Bruh Paul, I considered him an upstart, a boastful, educated loudmouth. But the more I learn about him, the greater my respect grows. With that in mind, I’ll just let him take us home today, for he is indeed worthy to be respected and praised. ‘And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then they were all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.’ (Acts 27:33-36) Oh Friends, one must admire Bruh Paul’s confidence and courage under fire! Oh that we could be blessed with even a small amount of that real faith, trust and surrender that he exhibited! We’d move mountains in our day! Now, unlike him, I can’t guarantee that not a single hair will be lost from your heads, but I can assure us that if we stand steadfast and strong, be of good cheer and invoke the Holy Spirit of Christ in any trials we’re currently undergoing, the Most High God Jehovah will keep His promise and bring us safely through it all. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen! Much LOVE my People!…put your faith to the test…stand strong…and see the salvation of the Lord…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 July 2009 Acts 28:15‏

04 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

HAPPY  4TH OF  JULY  U.S.A

Acts 28:15    And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

 Oh Friends, the partying will be plentiful in the ole U.S.of A. today. But let’s not forget the original cause for all that celebration; freedom from a colonial yoke. That appealing but dangerous idea of freedom, of independence, which drives men to do unbelievable acts of courage and bravery to acquire it. The Founding Fathers were fleeing religious persecution and the right to worship as they pleased, just like Bruh Paul fought for it in his time. We stopped yesterday when Festus replaced Felix. For two years Bruh Paul was held in limbo; out on bail, with a centurion supervisor. And the rigmarole continued under Festus, who went up to Jerusalem three days later where the Jewish elders took up the issue again, wanting him to bring Bruh Paul to Jerusalem, ostensibly to accuse him, but secretly planning to way-lay him en route. Festus refused though, telling them to come to Caesarea if they wanted to accuse Bruh Paul. After almost two weeks in Jerusalem, Festus returned to Caesarea, and heard Bruh Paul’s case the next day. The Good Book says; ‘the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.’ (Acts 25:7) They were so hungry for his head that they were willing to lay charges without any proof. And as expected, Bruh Paul stood strong in his innocence, replying; ‘Neither against the law of the Jews, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended anything at all.’ (Acts 25:8) But smart-man Festus, wishing to curry favour with the Jews, asked Bruh Paul if he was willing to transfer the case to Jerusalem. Bruh Paul wasn’t stupid, he knew his goose would certainly be cooked if he ventured back to Jerusalem. He answered Festus: ‘I stand at Caesar’s judgement seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.’ (Acts 25:10-11) Strong words my Friends, again showing Bruh Paul’s courage and conviction. If you spoke to a judge like that today, you’d be found guilty of contempt. Note how he says if he’s worthy of death, ‘I refuse not to die.’ Only someone with Bruh Paul’s strong faith could use such confident language under those life-determining circumstances. And then, knowing the law, he appeals to Caesar. Education my Friends, education; it will set you free. Festus, after conferring with the council, haughtily declared; ‘Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shall thou go.’ (Acts 25:12) But the merry go round wasn’t over, for some time later, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice, with whom he reputedly had an incestuous relationship, came to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus, who eventually told them of Bruh Paul’s case. King Agrippa seemed intrigued by it and decided to hear the case. So the next day, with full pomp and pageantry Bruh Paul was brought before the king. Festus made the opening remarks, stating that in his opinion there was no evidence of a crime worthy of death, but since Bruh Paul had appealed to Caesar, he determined to send him to Rome, though he needed some charges to lay against him; ‘For it seemeth unreasonable to me to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.’ (Acts 25:27) Then Agrippa gave Bruh Paul the floor. And did he take it! First claiming he was happy to be before Agrippa, ‘especially because I know thee to be an expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews.’ (Acts 26:3) The kings were locally based and had more interaction with the various peoples under their rule than the Roman officials. Bruh Paul then explains to Agrippa that he was a Pharisee, the strictest sect of the Jewish religion. ‘And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers. Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?’ (Acts 26:6-8) Why indeed my people? It’s one of the basic tenets of our faith. Then Bruh Paul goes on to explain his persecution of the early Church and his subsequent conversion on the road to Damascus. ‘I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.’ (Acts 26:19-23) Oh Friends can’t you just imagine Bruh Paul at his oratorical best, speaking the Word and glorifying God? So good too that Festus loudly interrupted: ‘Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.’ (reason) (Acts 26:24-25) Then in gung ho mode, he claims that the king knew all about it for it was done openly, and asks, ‘King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.’ (Acts 26:27-29) Oh my Friends, such a wonderful testimony! It almost made Agrippa a convert. We all can’t be such great orators with such great testimony, but there are ways in which we can show our strong faith and tell what testimony we have. It’s all a matter of having that faith so deeply ingrained and entrenched in our hearts, minds and souls, that nothing or no one can displace it. A faith so strong that we’d be bold and brave enough to use any forum to spread it, proudly acknowledging Christ as our Lord and Saviour. And after such a moving testimony, they obviously found Bruh Paul not guilty. ‘This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed to Caesar.’ (Acts 26:31-32) But Friends, our God is not stupid. He knew that if Bruh Paul was set free anywhere in that area the Jews would have found a way to kill him. The best way to keep him safe was in Roman hands. In any case He had much more glorifying of His name for Bruh Paul to do. Oh Friends, we’re not all meant to be martyrs, but certainly to be courageous and stand up for our beliefs. Let’s use Bruh Paul’s exceptional witness and courage as a guide for our own walk with Christ. It can only mature and strengthen our faith. Much LOVE!…examples speak much louder than mere words…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 July 2009 Acts 28:15‏

03 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 28:15     And from thence, when the brethren heard of us they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw he thanked God, and took courage.
 
Oh Friends, it’s the midnight hour, and I’ve just come in from sitting on my front porch, eating a forbidden fruit; a Julie mango. (smile) This one was a tad over ripe, but I surely enjoyed the quiet refreshing breeze, gently gliding through the trees after the shower of rain. Ever noticed after the Lord washes the earth with His showers of blessing, how everything seems so nice and clean, so silent, temporarily relaxing before the cycle starts again? It’s just like us after a shower; the outside dirt’s washed off, but an air of cleanliness, a clean, relaxed, refreshing feeling is also bestowed on the inner man, giving us some respite from the drudgery of daily life. Bruh Paul didn’t have much respite though, for the day after he caused the commotion in the Jerusalem high council between the Sadducees and the Pharisees, a group of forty men bound themselves by oath neither to eat nor drink until they’d killed him. That conspiracy they shared with elders, advising them to drum up some reason to have Bruh Paul brought before them the next day, and they would do the dirty deed along the way. But Friends, when it’s not your time, nothing can touch you. And it certainly wasn’t Bruh Paul’s. As luck, more as the Lord would have it, Bruh Paul’s sister’s son, overheard them planning his uncle’s demise and went into the castle to tell him, and consequently the chief captain. In response, the captain, around 9.p.m, hustled Bruh Paul out of Jerusalem, bound for Caesarea and the custody of the governor Felix, with a bodyguard of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen. Wow! A bodyguard fit for a king! But the captain was obviously taking no chances, especially with a Roman citizen. It’s interesting to note though, that in the captain’s letter to governor Felix, he says that he rescued Bruh Paul from the Jews, ‘having understood that he was a Roman.’ (Acts 23:27) A slight rearrangement of the truth, for he only found out Bruh Paul was a Roman citizen when he decided to flog him. But it served everybody’s purpose; Bruh Paul was delivered safely to Felix, and the captain got his pips for rescuing him. All the above can be found in Acts 23:12-35) Five days later, Ananias, the high priest and his cohorts came down to Caesarea to plead their case before Felix, bringing with them an orator named Tertullus, to act as prosecutor against Bruh Paul. I guess they realized that they themselves were no match for Bruh Paul’s oratorical skills. Well Tertullus said his piece, first praising Felix for his providence, though Felix was a greedy, cruel official, then accusing Bruh Paul: ‘For we have found this man a pestilent fellow and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.’ (Acts 24:5) Note Friends, the Jews termed the early believers ‘a sect of the Nazarenes,’ re Christ’s birthplace, Nazareth. They would never call them Christians, since it would lend credence to their contention that their leader was actually the Christ. Meaning, The Messiah, the longed awaited Saviour of the Jews had come, and unforgivably not been recognized by them as such. Anyway, Bruh Paul’s turn comes, he steps up to the plate, gives Felix his due, and refutes all the charges brought against him, then gets in his shot for God. You didn’t think he’d let such a golden opportunity to glorify God, go a begging now, did you? ‘But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.’ (Acts 24:14-16) Felix was left in a quandary, without any supporting evidence, but rode the fence admirably, reserving judgement until the chief captain, Lysias could come down to Caesarea and give his testimony. The mean time, he put Bruh Paul under a kind of house arrest, with liberty and visitors, but under the supervision of a centurion. Now Felix himself knew of the faith, and a few days later, in his wife Drusilla’s company, ‘which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’ (Acts 24:24-25) Ah mih people, can’t you just imagine Bruh Paul laying Jesus on poor Felix, so hot and heavy that he trembled? Possibly scared out of his wits, Felix sent him away claiming that he’d send for him when he had more time. Hogwash! The Good Book says he also had an ulterior motive; hoping that Bruh Paul would anti up some dinero for his freedom. Bruh Paul’s family obviously had some resources seeing they sent him to Jerusalem for such expensive schooling. Bruh Paul himself had also mentioned bringing money to the penurious Christians in Jerusalem from the other churches. (Acts 24:17) But Felix was thwarted in that respect, for though he communed often with Bruh Paul, no money ever passed hands, neither is it recorded that Felix was ever saved through Bruh Paul’s testimony. Two years passed without any resolution, then Festus succeeded Felix. Friends, please note Felix delaying his salvation, for a convenient time.  Oh my people, there’s no such thing! And if you, or anyone you know is putting forward that spurious claim, please believe yourself and tell them that they’re playing with serious fire, for we know not when our number will be called. Michael Jackson is the perfect example right now. Just like the parable Jesus told of the rich man who had so much earthly treasure and not enough storage space, so he grandly decides to tear down everything and build bigger. ‘And I will say to my soul, soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.’ (Luke 12:19-21) Straight from the horse’s mouth Friends! So please, don’t put off accepting Jesus. The right moment is always NOW. For ‘God says; Behold NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.’ (2 Cor.6: 2) My people, please take that seriously, for it’s gospel. You can be here today and gone tomorrow with no warning whatsoever. Much LOVE!..time might be longer than twine..but not necessarily yours..   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 July 2009 Acts 28:15‏

02 Jul 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 28:15    And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God and took courage.
 
Well my august Friends, Canada Day is over. I hope you all did not celebrate too heartily, and did get in some thanks and praise for all our Good Lord has done for us. The ole fella just chilled, caught up on his rest, since I’m not as young and energetic as Bruh Paul was when he faced the mob in Jerusalem. Anyway, the next morning, the captain, still anxious to learn why they wanted Bruh Paul’s death so badly, made arrangements for the Jewish High Council, the Sanhedrin, to meet, and brought Bruh Paul before them. And he, always excited by a forum to expound his beliefs, declared to them: ‘Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.’ (Acts 23:1) But the high priest, Ananias, ordered them to slap him in the mouth. That brought forth this undaunted reply from Bruh Paul. ‘God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?’ (Acts 23:3) He certainly had cojones to be calling the high priest white washed and accusing him of illegal judgement. And when asked; ‘Revilest thou God’s high priest?’ He claimed ignorance, ‘for it is written thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.’ (Acts 23:4-5) And so it is my people. ‘Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.’ (Ex.22:28) It’s a part of the human relations edicts that Moses gave to the Israelites. But we still do it, justifying it by saying that our rulers are either, inept, corrupt, oppressive or criminally inclined. The Preacher was quite clear on that point too. ‘Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.’ (Eccl.10:20) As we were constantly reminded; the walls have ears and the windows eyes. Peter railed against it too: ‘But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities,’ (2 Pet.2:10) It doesn’t stop us though. As soon as our rulers displease or disappoint us, we curse and belittle them. And what of Bruh Paul? He then exhibited his extraordinary potential in people psychology. The Good Book says; ‘But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.’ (Acts 23:6-8) Yes Friends, give Bruh Paul full marks for discerning that trump card and using it admirably. It’s a wonderful example of the divide and conquer principle. Now, as per the scholars, the Sadducees were a small, elite sect, made up of the priestly family. They were best known for what they denied; rejecting all aspects of the supernatural, such as miracles, angels and the resurrection. They also rejected all of the Old Testament except the five books of Moses, the Pentateuch. Their political bent was liberal, which enabled them to win the favour of Rome and so control the high priest’s office, appointed by Rome. The Pharisees by contrast, were of the common folk, and therefore had more sway over them. They accepted all of the Old Testament, including a lot of tradition, considered Oral Law, handed down from the time of Moses. They accepted the supernatural; miracles, angels and the resurrection. Bruh Paul’s family was truly a long time member of the Pharisees, so in this time of adversity, he wisely identifies himself with them, appealing for support in his belief in the Resurrection, thereby deflecting the anger and hostility of the council away from him, back to the council itself. What a brilliant bit of strategy and manoeuvring by Bruh Paul! ‘And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.’ (Acts 23:9) Things got so heated on the council floor that the captain, fearing they would tear Bruh Paul to pieces, sent his soldiers down there to take him out by force and return him to the castle. ‘And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.’ (Acts 23:11) Oh Friends, what a tumultuous, adventurous and faith filled life Bruh Paul lived! There seems to be very few calm, quiet moments in it. But I’m sure he would have gladly said, if asked about it: ‘It’s all for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Nothing is ever too much for Him.’ So too my people, should we be framing our responses re our individual testimonies and ministries: ‘Doing it all in Jesus’ Name!’ I know it takes much time and effort, but once we consider ourselves believers, then it automatically becomes our job, our destiny. So please, let’s not shirk our duty. Let’s stand together strong and work real hard to help our Saviour bring the great unsaved mass to Him, cause he wants to lose none of them; not even a single one. More Bruh Paul tomorrow. Some of you might be well versed in these scriptures, but others are not. Those well versed can always use a refresher course anyway. (smile) So please bear with the ole fella, cause that’s where I’m guided. Much LOVE! …remember…. the longest journey begins with the first step…let’s take it for Christ nuh…
 

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