Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 December 2009 Psalm 102:26‏

21 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 102:26     They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.
 
Oh Friends, another Monday morning has arrived, and a terrible one too, in that there are only four more shopping days till Christmas. Steups! That means the workers of iniquity will be out in full force, enticing us to buy what we can’t afford or really need, then the pushing and shoving in the malls and stores, plus the road rage from the traffic jams in the parking lots and highways, resulting in many negative situations, all disputing and negating what is supposed to be a season of peace, goodwill and good cheer in joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Now if you add to that, the extremely bad weather along the East coast of North America on the past weekend, the next few days certainly don’t lend themselves to much goodwill and good cheer. However, there’s not much we can do about that kind of negativity since it’s an aggressive, violent and selfish society in which we live. But as believers, we sure can monitor our own behaviour and not get caught up in the frantic last minute rush. It’s absolutely necessary to put on your full suit of spiritual armour before venturing forth to shop in this crazy time. Anyway, there’s a quote I want to share, re change. It’s attributed to Prince Phillip. ‘Change does not change tradition. It strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an opportunity not a threat.’ Now I don’t totally agree with Phil, for in some cases change does change or kill tradition. And what’s the first one that comes to mind? Hn! The crass kind of commercialism that now surrounds the major holidays, whereby many people have weakly bowed to the enemy and thrown out the traditional reasons for and manner of celebrating them. That means many young people have no clue as to their history of traditions, of what went on before their time. And as the adage says, ‘if you don’t know from whence you’ve come, you won’t know whither you’re going. To the young people, celebrations like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are basically times to eat, drink, be merry and spend lots of money on inane, mostly useless or unnecessary gifts. In that way I think it does change tradition, for the real meaning of the celebrations are lost in the change. Using the same logic, change, at times does pose a threat, especially change of a negative variety, but overall it does provide challenges and opportunities to improve in a positive manner. Oh mih people, lemme tell all yuh about one little change that occurred today nuh, that actually bore out the truth of Prince Phillip’s words. And it happened in church too. I practiced what I preached! Glory Hallelujah! Now, I go to the early morning service at 8.30, that has none of the traditional bells and whistles, just a plain Eucharist, with no singing and stuff, unlike the main one at 10.30. That early service, which is more convenient for me, averages about a dozen people. Today though, we began with two. A third person came in a few minutes later. This created a serious change in my seating plans too, for while I’m usually at the back, today I was up front, not wholly comfortable to say the least. I’m like an old cowboy; I like my back to the door, to see what’s happening in the whole picture. Oh, there was also one other significant factor; I was the only male. The other four participants, including the priest and altar person were all female. That wasn’t a change for me though, because from my earliest days, I’ve always been the lone male amongst a household of women. Hn! Now I guess that explains many things eh. (smile) Anyway, during the peace greeting, I mentioned to Rev. Ann that I liked the small congregation, because it felt more intimate. Well then, says she, we can make it even more intimate if we all gathered around the altar during the lead in to the Eucharist. And that’s what we did: five of us, four women and one man on the raised dais, surrounding the altar, celebrating the Eucharist. Wow! I personally enjoyed it due to the more intimate setting, where you’re closer to the action, like she was preaching to me personally, unlike the sort of impersonal atmosphere where several people are spread throughout the church. It raises thoughts of my days as an acolyte back in the large, old Anglican Church many moons ago, in Scarborough, Tobago, when I was an integral part of the action. It also brings to mind the saying that an empty, silent church has more room for God. It certainly did seem so on Sunday morning. Remember too, that Jesus said wherever two or three were gathered in His name, He would be there. Well, with only five people in the church, He was there, and with definitely much more room than normal to envelope us with His mercy and LOVING-kindness. (smile) Now that small change, I certainly consider no threat to tradition since the congregation is seldom that sparse for it to become habitual. It was nonetheless a pleasant challenge and an opportunity to do something different, while staying within the parameters of tradition. In that sense it also strengthened the traditional way of celebrating the Eucharist. Ah Friends, that’s my testimony for today. And having said that, it doesn’t make sense to get into the heart of the Bit now, cause time and space are at a minimum. But we have talked about change, which was our theme for today, and if the Good Lord is willing, then tomorrow we’ll attempt to dissect it and come up with a meaning we can all understand, provided the Spirit doesn’t lead me in a different direction. (smile) Enjoy this short Bit. Hn, hn! Till then, Much LOVE!…please remember…that JESUS…not commercialism…is the reason for the season…and conduct ourselves and our affairs appropriately…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 December 2009 Proverbs 15:24‏

20 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 15:24     The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
 
Oh Friends, our God is a winner yes! Yuh know, the last few weeks I’ve been encouraging us to really observe and celebrate the Sabbath with worship and fellowship, well some Sundays I mihself  don’t feel like going to church, but the Lord works on me and makes me feel guilty. In effect, He’s asking how I can encourage others to go to church and not do the same? Then I would be like the hypocrite Pharisees and them. So I force myself to go, even though I don’t feel like it since we’re not suppose to live by our emotions and feelings, but by what is right. One Sunday I didn’t go, and would you believe I felt guilty and miserable all day. (smile) It’s the old adage of  ‘do as I say, but not as I do.’ Like so many of us, who give good advice, but don’t heed it ourselves. Now here is one bit of wisdom I want us all to heed.  ‘The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.’ Those are Cousin Sol’s words, so there must be some truth to them.’ What does he mean? In the first place, it means that in all our endeavours we should always seek to rise up higher, aspire to standards of excellence, because that’s what our leader Jesus desires of us. In all our doings we must look for the right and understanding way, otherwise we’re not following Jesus. We will make mistakes occasionally because we’re human, and therefore not perfect, but the important thing is to be always searching for the uplifting, meaningful way; the manner in which Jesus would have handled the situation. Then, as Bruh Paul declares to the Philippians: ‘For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.’ (Phil.3:20-21) Bruh Paul had just told them to follow his example in their Christian walk and to be careful not to follow ‘the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is their destruction (eternal punishment), whose god is their belly (surrendering to their sensual desires of greed, gluttony, immorality etc.), and whose glory is in their shame (a shameful reputation), who mind earthly things (more concerned with earthly than heavenly things). (Phil.3:17-19) Yes friends, we the followers of Christ are citizens of heaven, and thus it’s to heavenly things we must look and aspire, not the matters of this sinful world. Look to Jesus the author of our faith, who, when He returns shall change, transform us, both in body and soul, inside and out, to be a perfect replica of Himself, through the same power by which God is able to subdue and control everything. So, in the traditional manner of seeing heaven above and hell beneath, all believers, the wise of the earth, ought to look heavenwards, for only good, wholesome, godly things flow from there. In this manner, we ‘may depart from hell beneath.’ My people, looking at life from an earthly perspective lowers our expectations and aspirations, doesn’t inspire us to excel. We fall into the trap of being like the majority, lost sheep, caught up in mediocrity, for that is what Lucifer wants and encourages; dumb, dumber, dumbest. He just wants you to go with the ordinary flow, and not think for yourself. That’s why his domain is pictured as hot and disgusting, of eternal darkness and damnation; no peace, no joy, no LOVE, mercy or forgiveness, for Lucifer is indeed a hard taskmaster. Meanwhile, Jesus’ yoke is easy, and His domain, heaven, is the exact opposite of Lucifer’s hell. Whether they’re real places or not mih Friends, I’m surely aiming and aspiring to go wherever Jesus is, because I know that HE is REAL. And besides, as Cousin Sol also said: ‘A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident (arrogant, self-confident). (Prov.14:16) Yes my people, this is one time I’m encouraging us to do just as I say; follow Jesus’ way cause it’s the right one. Whoever doesn’t, is either a madman or a fool, and I don’t want us to be either. Oh Friends, just for argument sake, even if all the things we believe in turn out to be untrue, then we’ve certainly led a decent, peaceful, LOVING life here on earth, the way it’s supposed to be lived. However, if it’s all true, and you don’t adhere to Jesus’ will here on earth, then Lucifer will be your master forever. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t want that to happen to me. However, we all must make our individual choices. I’m pleading with us, let’s make the wise and sensible choice; place your bets on a winner, Jesus; someone who’s already shown His great LOVE for us by giving His innocent life as a ransom for our terrible sins. Rest assured it will be to your great benefit, ending in salvation and eternal life with the Saviour. Much LOVE!…in life and death…there’s no need to hedge…cause Jesus is the sure winner…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

19 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
 
Friends, would you believe that another weekend has rolled around? These last few weeks have surely passed by quickly! And we all know what the weekend means? Time to rest, relax, rejuvenate, fellowship and worship on whatever day we celebrate the Sabbath. It’s very important that we get in some serious time with the Lord and fellow believers, after being tossed and buffeted all week by the evil antics of the enemy and his supporters. Here’s a quote that shines some light on the subject. ‘The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith.’ Those are the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one time President of the U.S. Do you think he’d be pleased by the way we’ve moved forward? I doubt it, cause we certainly haven’t moved forward with a strong and active faith. We’ve regressed, by kowtowing to the enemy more than our God and are now reaping the negative consequences of that unwise behaviour. Like the Israelites of long ago, we’ve ‘mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.’ That’s for sure my Friends. We’ve embraced Lucifer’s evil ways so readily and so much that though our God is patient and long suffering, there came a time our aberrant behaviour was intolerable. Obviously His pleas to us, through His messengers and His Word, to stop the foolishness and listen to reason didn’t work. We just kept going further and further down the broad highway of sin and disobedience. He had to act or lose us completely. And the only things we understand, that bring us to our knees are pain and hurt, suffering and hardship. The Lord doesn’t delight in those things, but He’s a God of justice and righteousness so He couldn’t allow the extreme disobedience we’ve been practicing to continue without intervening. Oh Friends, we don’t want to feel or witness the real anger of our God nuh, cause it would just totally devastate us. Yuh see what happened to His chosen people, Israel, after they went a whoring after other gods and the worldly lusts of the flesh? The prophetess Huldah declared: ‘Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil (calamity) upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.’ (Jer.34:24-25) Eventually, the peace and prosperity they had enjoyed in obedience to the God of their fathers disappeared, only to be replaced by enemy invasion, the destruction of their homeland, exile and bondage again, this time in Babylon. Oh Friends, there are way too many similarities between those times and our current circumstances to just completely ignore the misfortunes that have suddenly befallen us. When we were at the zenith of our prosperity, with Beelzebub’s boys riding high and wild, the rug was pulled right out from under us, with no warning, by the worldwide economic meltdown, displaying the false foundation on which our prosperity had been created. Then check out all the unusual, unlikely disasters that have been occurring, the rise in worldwide conflicts, both external and internal, and also the ecological changes that are wreaking havoc in so many parts of our world. It’s too much, too widespread and devastating to be mere coincidence my people. And as believers, we know there’s no such thing as mere chance, it’s just another way of saying God’s moving behind the scenes. The Bit declares; ’till there was no remedy.’ Hn! Friends, if there’s no remedy for the Lord’s anger against us, then we’re really in bad shape. The psalmist Asaph bewailed his people’s sad plight: ‘How long Lord? Wilt thou be angry for ever? Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?…O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent (meet) us; for we are brought very low.’ (Ps.79:5,8) We certainly have been brought very low my people, but please remember that the Most High God Jehovah is in control and there’s always a remedy to still His anger. The Israelites were eventually repatriated to their homeland after some seventy years in Babylonian exile because they finally saw the error of their ways and repented of their sins. Bit by bit, they returned to Jerusalem as promised by the Father, (Neh.1:8-9) and rebuilt it with the Lord’s help. So too Friends, if we repent and renew our association with our heavenly Father, He’ll help us to rebuild our lives and societies on a strong foundation; the Rock that’s His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But before He raises a hand to help, He must see some changes in our behaviour, some improvement society-wide in reverence to Him. We have to put aside the idols and the fleshly lusts we’ve been running after and wisely return to the safety and sanctity of His fold. My people, we have to plead on bended knees, with wounded but hungry for righteousness hearts, like Asaph did. ‘Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away (provide atonement for) our sins, for thy name’s sake.’ (Ps.79:9) Friends, when we sincerely come to Him in that state of mind and soul, and begin to live it through renewed faith and actions, then our Lord will begin showing us mercy and forgiveness and making our world a better place. I implore us to begin a repentance movement in our area RIGHT NOW, if we want our children’s children to see a brighter day. Much LOVE!…the Lord giveth,,,and the Lord taketh…on His terms…that’s His rightful prerogative…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

18 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. 
 
Ah my Friends, it’s another day of apparently unceasing warfare. But luckily, we know that eventually we’ll be victorious, for we have the Creator of the Universe on our side, and the greatest leader and field marshal ever, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, riding shotgun, directing the proceedings. Now that doesn’t mean we’ll win every battle. We’ll surely lose some along the way, but since we know the final outcome, we must persevere and not let the intermittent losses cause us to lose faith. Today we’re talking about how the ungodly ‘misused his prophets.’ And Friends, unfortunately, believers of all ilk have been misused and abused for their beliefs. For some reason the ungodly are afraid of the godly and are unable to adopt a live and let live attitude towards us. Is it because they know deep down that we’re right, and they can’t handle righteousness? But Jesus said it plainly: ‘Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city. That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel unto the blood of Zechariah son of Barachias, who ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.’ (Mat.23:34-36) And if Jesus said it, my people, then we know it’s gospel. The unrighteous will eventually pay for all the innocent blood of the Lord’s people they’ve shed. And we have a great example of prophet abuse in the unholy treatment meted out to Jeremiah. When he prophesied that the Chaldeans would invade Israel and burn Jerusalem, he was imprisoned for his apparent defection to the enemy. And when he continued declaring that Babylon would conquer the nation; ‘Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hamelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords (ropes). And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.’ (Jer. 38:6) Yes Friends, that’s the kind of disgusting treatment that Jeremiah received at the hands of his own people, for speaking God’s truth, which obviously did not jive with the lies of the princes and city fathers. Most of us will never find ourselves in that desperate a situation, but we’ll all, at some stage of our Christian walk, suffer some abuse, indignity or resentment simply because of our belief in a holy and righteous God, who does not tolerate sinful, worldly lusts. However my people, that should in no way, shape or form deter us from pursuing and performing our Christian duties to the best of our ability. Remember Jesus desires excellence of all His followers, and He’s given us all the tools we need to do whatever He’s called us to do. If we happen to suffer persecution for His sake, then through His indwelling Spirit, He will enable us to bear it, and /or find a way out. Just like Jeremiah did not stay long in the mire of the dungeon, so will we be rescued from innocent persecution. And yuh see God’s mysterious workings, in that it was an Ethiopian, Ebed-melech, a eunuch (officer) in the king’s guard who entreated king Zedekiah: ‘My Lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.’ (Jer.38:9) The king relented and Ebed-melech got some men, rope, old clothes and rags, padding for Jeremiah’s armpits, let it down into the dungeon and pulled Jeremiah up. Glory Hallelujah! He didn’t get out of prison, but out of the mire where he was sure to die of hunger and cold. (Jer.38:11-13)Yes my people, the Lord sends strange, unfamiliar, unexpected people and/or circumstances to test and also to help us. And who was persecuted more than Bruh Paul eh? As he wrote to Timothy: ‘Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.’ (2 Tim.3:11-12) Very true words my Friends. Nonetheless he advises: ‘But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of…the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ (2 Tim.3:14-17) Yes mih people, encouraging words from possibly the most abused believer ever. We’ll all suffer some, but we just got to believe and remember that the Lord will help us. So let’s keep on doing our duties, while reading and studying the scriptures, for it’s in there we’ll find strength to rise above anything that comes against us. It’s the Book of Life. Please hang in there my Friends. When life gets difficult, just remember that we are guaranteed to win in the end, and sincerely turn to the uplifting, encouraging tome that has answers to all our questions on the many machinations of life. Much LOVE!…our faith in Jesus…shall overcome all persecution…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

17 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
 
Oh Friends, these days I often wonder why I read the papers or listen to the news, for what’s considered news is always so negative. It’s so sad that everyday there’s a new conflict in a new arena, or the worsening of one(s) already in play. Very few, if any, ever seem to be settled constructively, and a volatile undercurrent always remains. However, that’s the only way to get some idea, some insight into what’s happening in our messed up world. The old timers didn’t have the media that we do, but they still did okay, through the prophets regaling them with God’s Word. Unfortunately God’s people were not interested, so instead of listening and paying heed, they instead  ‘mocked his messengers, and despised his words.’ Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Yesterday we saw how they mocked the messengers, let’s look now at how they despised His words. Proverbs Chapter 1 provides an excellent example; where wisdom speaks, cries out in the streets; ‘How long, ye simple (naive) ones, will ye love simplicity (naïveté)? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought (disdained) all my counsel, and would (have) none of my reproof.’ (Prov.1:22-25) Yes Friends, the Lord offered His people wisdom and knowledge through the medium of His Word, but they naively and foolishly refused it, proudly thinking that they knew better than the One who created them. How is that possible eh? I don’t know, because I’m still trying to overcome my naïveté (smile) and gain some useful wisdom and knowledge through His Word. But sadly Friends, that same situation exists today. Wherever there’s rampant, unchecked sin, there will always be despising of the Lord’s Word, since it does not hold well with, or encourage the enemy’s evil ways, but teaches us how to eradicate them. Unfortunately, in our current ungodly society, the Word is not held in high esteem. In many circles it’s not even esteemed period, but considered passé, out of date and of no use in these supposed modern times. However my people, that’s a rather short sighted, foolish judgement, for the Word is a very appropriate guide for each and every age. That’s the way the Lord planned it. And what we don’t seem to realize is that the more things seem to change, the more they remain the same. It’s still birth, life, and death we must deal with, plus the complexities of making a living, raising and feeding our families. The overall way we do it might change, but the basics are always constant. And why would the Word last so long, stand the test of time, if it wasn’t applicable eh? It’s been the most controversial manuscript from the day the first words were written, and will most likely still be, come the judgement day. Now if we can see similarities between our current evil, disgusting situation and that of the Hebrews thousands of years ago, highlighted in its pages, that means it might also contain the answer to our situation, as it did to theirs. Friends, it sure does! And all of the good, self-help books published today are based on the everlasting principles of God’s Word. Note, I said the good ones, because whatever good way there is to live life, the Creator of the universe defined it from the very start. What do all those books teach about success eh? Things like dreaming big dreams, then harnessing them with discipline, study, focus, positivity, self-confidence. Steups! All of that and more is found in the Lord’s Word. So Friends, let’s stop this nonsense, stop this foolishness of despising God’s counsel, for just like the ignorant, stiff-necked Jews of old, we’ll suffer untold damage if we continue. As the Lord declares: ‘I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.’ (Prov.1:26) Don’t you think He’s doing that right now my people? The majority of us turned against His Word and look where it landed us; right smack dab in a world gone mad, a world filled with unbelievable tension, conflict, hatred and every negative thing imaginable. ‘For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. Therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away (waywardness) of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity (complacency) of fools shall destroy them.’ (Prov.1:29-32) Bingo! Isn’t that exactly what’s happening to us today, my people? Our waywardness and complacency has wrought much grief in our lives. But unlike the news media, I bring Good News, from the Good Book to boot! ‘But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet (secure, at ease) from fear of evil.’ (Prov.1:33) Oh Friends, only the Lord’s Word provides that kind of encouragement, freedom and security from fear and evil. Let’s wake up, wise up and take it to heart nuh, so that our lives, and those of future generations will be vastly improved. Much LOVE!…the Word…the Lord’s Word… providing solace from grief and sorrow today…strength and wisdom for tomorrow… 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

16 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
 
Ah Friends, it’s cold outside, and winter isn’t even officially due for another four days. Chuhhh! Oh for some hot, tropical weather! Don’t laugh. I’ll just have to keep on hoping and praying, and in God’s good time, He’ll grant me that request, although it might just be Canada in July. (smile) Anyway mih people, yuh see from the Bit, what the Lord’s chosen in Judah did under the evil king Zedekiah. ‘But they mocked the messengers of God.’ Hn! Israel had already fallen by the wayside, now Judah too had become spiritually bankrupt. A good example of that is when Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 30, wrote to all the Jewish people inviting them to come to Jerusalem to observe the Passover. He warned them not to be stiff-necked like their fathers: ‘For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.’ (2 Chr.30:9) Hezekiah was speaking the awesome truth about our wonderful God being gracious, merciful and ever welcoming to those who sincerely turn to Him. But what was the response? ‘So the posts (runners) passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.’ (2 Chr.30:10) How sad mih Friends. Even in the hope, that their turning back to the God of their fathers might allow those who held their children and brethren captive to let them return, many of the Lord’s chosen still rejected Him. I’m sure that hurt Him terribly. It’s like when we make overtures to our children or people we admire to join us in some good cause and they simply turn us down, or laugh at us and refuse our entreaties. It hurts because we don’t expect that uncouth reaction from those people. But yuh know Friends, is the same thing we doing to the Lord today. They’re a whole host of people, including me, inviting us to repent and turn back to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so that He will save us from the many troubles that now afflict us, but it’s the same cold, mocking reception being received as in the days of Judah and Israel. And I can’t understand why? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Lucifer’s people are ruling the roost right now, and look at the mess they’ve made of the world with their evil shenanigans. Meanwhile, we have a most merciful, gracious, LOVING, forgiving God, the Creator of the universe and all therein, who will gladly accept us back into His fold, even after all the wrong we’ve done, and will also improve the mess the enemy’s made, yet we still refuse to do so. Why? Are the sinful, evil, worldly lusts that surround us so important? Are those things we can’t take with us when we return to the dust from whence we came, and which will also rust, decay, become useless and worthless, more important than our eternal soul, than the salvation and eternal life promised by Jesus? Oh mih people, I certainly hope not! But unfortunately I don’t see us flocking, gathering in droves to hear God’s Word like we do to hear Beelzebub’s. And what was God’s reaction to Israel’s impiety, her ungodliness? ‘Go ye upon her walls and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements (branches); for they are not the Lord’s. For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the Lord. They have belied (lied about) the Lord and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine. And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.’ (Jer.5:10-13) Now Friends, after reading that, look around our world and tell me you don’t see any similarities to that decree of God to Jeremiah. We have rejected the Lord, but our world has not been totally destroyed. But in the last little while it has seen, and is still currently seeing much evil, much war, much hunger, drought, famine, homelessness and poverty like never before. All that in the most advanced society ever! What does that tell us eh people? We’re obviously doing something wrong, if in spite of all the affluence in the world, there’s still so much negative affliction. And the only logical reason for it my Friends is a lack of godliness amongst the world’s people. If we had the Most High God Jehovah reigning supreme in our hearts we would gladly share our worldly possessions with the less fortunate. Then a few us might not be so rich in worldly terms, but Friends, neither would many, many be so poor and destitute. That is what the LOVE of God does to those who revere and trust in Him. Let’s see if we can’t do better than we’re doing nuh. Those of us with wealthy friends and associates, who have more than they or their families can ever use, please plead with them to give a little of their worldly substance to the great mass of unfortunate. Let them know they’ll be rewarded more than they can ever ask or imagine. Friends, the fate of our world depends upon us, the believers, cause we’re the only ones theoretically minded or programmed to SAVE, GIVE, HELP and LOVE. So please, I beg of us, to set our hearts, minds and goals to doing those things that will make our God happy. If we do, He’ll bless us and our land abundantly. We’ll continue this tomorrow, obviously if the Good Lord is willing. Till then, Much LOVE!…what the world needs now…is LOVE, sweet LOVE…it’s the only thing…we can never have too much of…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 December 2009 Jeremiah 2:17‏

15 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 2:17     Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the way?
 
Morning mih Friends in Christ! What a way Jeremiah’s words have come back to haunt us eons later! Truer words were never spoken mih people. All our recent ‘sufferation’ is our own fault. We brought it on ourselves by turning away from the One True God Jehovah. What a crying shame! Jeremiah plainly states it. ‘Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth into thine heart.’ (Jer.4:18) And does it ever reach into our hearts! Our consciences no longer recognize sin. Morality is no longer important in our society. Now anything and everything goes. We can always find a convenient reason to support our misdeeds. Oh my people, hear this foundation-building bit of scripture nuh. ‘For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye…So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange God with him.’ (Deut.32:10,12) Yes Friends, that was Israel’s blessed relationship to the ONE God of their fathers. Our land was also founded on the Christian faith and ethic, and while we obeyed the Lord God Jehovah, it too prospered. But unfortunately we behaved as Israel did back then. ‘But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.’ (Deut.32:15) Yes mih breddren, we also got prosperous, fat and lazy, played the harlot, became proud and mistakenly believed we did it all from our own strength. Oh how soon we forget! As the Lord asked Israel, and is surely asking us today: ‘Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?’ (Jer.2:21) Now that’s a very good question mih Friends. How did we move from a godly, principled society, to a most degenerate, sinful, wicked, ungodly people eh? Even out fathers of a mere fifty years ago wouldn’t recognize or like their land, it’s deteriorated so much into ungodliness. Lucifer always had a toehold, but certainly not the stronghold he now possesses. Right now he’s the dominant character in the society, that’s why it’s falling apart. Oh mih people, it’s not rocket science to realize that a healthy, prosperous society cannot be built, much less maintained on a negative, sinful foundation. A society that’s focused on things like greed, envy, violence, oppression, immorality, suppression and man-made gods never lasts, since they only breed destruction and anarchy. But Friends, this thing about man-made gods just struck me as being contrary. You originally have an omnipotent, omniscient, all-powerful God, who leads you from servile bondage into a land of milk and honey. But after you’re settled and become prosperous, you simply desert Him. Now that doesn’t sound too smart. And like the Lord was confounded by His people’s desertion. ‘Thus saith the Lord, What iniquity have your father’s found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?’ (Jer.2:5) The same question applies to us today? I can only suppose that mankind, having freedom of choice, wanted to be free of what he considered the Lord’s shackles. What boggles my mind though, is why get man-made gods to worship after that? ‘They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.’ (Ps.106:19) Isn’t that going to put shackles on you too, take away your freedom to do as you please? And then, if you make it yourself, how can you worship it? It should be the other way around, like it is with our Creator and us? I believe the maker always has the upper hand over the ‘makee.’ The logic in that evades me. But whoever said that man was a logical creature eh, we’re ruled more by our emotions than anything else, that’s why we’re in the current worldwide mess we’re in, just like Israel, when they threw off what they considered the Lord’s heavy yoke and began doing their own thing. Friends, I’ll make a poor excuse here for them; they didn’t know Jesus, because he had not yet come to earth. However, we can’t use that same excuse. We know Jesus, and we also know that He said: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Mat.11:28-30) And all God’s people joyously sang; ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Yes my Friends, that’s the best offer there is, and I would strongly advise us all to grab it while it’s available, for it can be repealed, at any time, with no warning whatsoever. That’s why we have to accept it NOW! Just like we run to the sales, even line up long before time, afraid they’ll soon be sold out, even so my people, I implore us to run to Jesus and accept His offer of salvation and eternal life cause we don’t know when it will end, and if we put it off, we might just end up on the outside, in eternal darkness, looking into the bright light of salvation and eternal life. Much LOVE!…the only way to make our world right again…is to embrace Jesus…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 December 2009 Job 12:10‏

14 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Job 12:10     In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind
 
Blessings my Friends! It’s Monday morning, when the forces of evil come scurrying out of their holes and lairs in full strength, to commit their sinful joys. That means it’s also time for us, the soldiers of Jesus to put on our spiritual armour and battle Beelzebub’s minions for another week. Remember it’s a battle to the death, no quarter asked or given, only repentance will save the ungodly sinner. (smile) I guess that might be laying it on a bit too thick for some people, but believe me Friends, it’s the gospel truth. The only thing that can save us come the judgement day is repentance and acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. And contrary to what some think, it’s a very serious confrontation in which we’re engaged. Many believers may take it for a joke, but the enemy doesn’t. He has concrete, as well as contingency plans to bring about the demise of Christianity, and only through our strenuous and serious efforts of resistance, with the Most High God Jehovah supporting us, can we successfully thwart Lucifer’s evil intentions. We’ve all seen our religious freedom curtailed and our faith sidelined in the last decade and we need to remember that Christianity is not only singing and praising and LOVING and being kind, but also putting up solid resistance, in whatever form that’s necessary, against any and all who seek to destroy it. And that certainly doesn’t mean sitting on our rear ends spouting scripture, quietly waiting for the Lord to wave His hand and make it happen miraculously. No my people, it means getting up and getting out into the world and fighting, being proactive, rather than reactive. Or as the old people would say; ‘take in front, before in front takes you.’ Hn hn hn! Ah have to laugh yes! How did I get on that train of thought eh? The Spirit certainly is a tricky one. But He must have seen some need for it, else He would not have guided me there. So let’s just treat that as our Intro: Remembrance 101; and get into the Bit, which states an overwhelming fact; God’s omnipotence. Job acknowledges this when he answers the three pseudo friends who had vilified him, concluding that he’d committed some heinous sin, hence the Lord’s harsh justice. He sarcastically comments: ‘No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these? I am as one mocked of his neighbour (by his friends), who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn…The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.’ (Job 12:2-4,6) Oh Friends, isn’t that the living truth! Look at the number of evildoers who seem safe, secure and prosperous in our world. Then Job snidely tells his companions to ask the beasts, the birds, the earth, the fishes of the sea, ‘who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord had wrought this?’ (Job 12:7-9) That’s another bit of gospel Friends: God oversees everything that happens on earth. ‘In whose hand is the soul of every living thing.’ Yes my brethren, the life of every living creature rests in the hands of our God. As Bruh Paul declares: ‘For in him we live, and move, and have our being…’ (Acts 17:28) God also controls ‘the breath of all mankind.’ Job cements this when talking of his truthfulness. ‘All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit (breath) of God in my nostrils; my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.’ (Job 27:2-4) The youngest of his companions, Elihu, admits it too ‘The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.’ (Job 33:4) Unfortunately though, Job also recognizes the destructive capacity of God’s omnipotence. ‘With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.’ He breaks down stuff that can’t be rebuilt; imprisons with no hope of release. He holds back the waters and there’s drought and famine. He releases them and there are floods. ‘With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.’ (Job 12:13-16) Another truth my Friends: both the wicked and the righteous are God’s. He made them both, though sometimes it makes us wonder and drives us crazy to see the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer. But remember God’s comprehension is way higher than ours, therefore His plans encompass a greater scope than we can understand. We can only see the small picture, while He sees the entire thing. Remember too, that ours is just to do His will and leave the rest up to Him. In His time He will straighten out everything. I know it’s difficult, and sometimes extremely so, to hang in when we face adversity in our attempts to be righteous. But as I heard Uncle Charles, Charles Stanley emphasize recently, believers have absolutely no reason to quit, to give up, because we have the Most High God Jehovah, the most omnipotent Being in existence, as our Father, Guide, and Provider. So why should we quit? Now we should all write that deep in our souls, my people as a reminder. So let’s hang in though it gets hard. I doubt any of us have been brought to our knees the way Job was, but please remember what he said under those truly tragic circumstances: ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:’ (Job 13:15) That, my Friends, is the kind of world shaking faith we need to possess, but it’s only developed through trials and tribulation. So don’t despair, valiantly hang in there. Everything works out for good to those who LOVE God and do His will, that’s why Job’s ending was more blessed than his beginning. Much LOVE!…the Lord hath made all things for himself…yea, even the wicked for the day of evil… (Prov.16:4)
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 December 2009 Luke 13:24‏

13 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 13:24     Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
 
Ah my Friends, we have awakened to another beautiful day in which anything is possible for those who have put their trust and faith in our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We haven’t read our name or seen our picture in the Obits, so it’s therefore appropriate that we give our heavenly Father a big, ‘Thank you Lord!’ And remember today is Sunday, so all you Sunday Sabbath believers, please attend your sanctuaries and take part in some fellowship and worship. The words in our Bit today are those of Jesus. That was His answer to a question posed to Him while going through Galilee teaching, His destination Jerusalem. ‘Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?’ (Luke 13:23) And Jesus, in His usual penchant for speaking in riddles, answered: ‘Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.’ Now what’s this strait gate? He explains it in Matthew at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. ‘Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.’ (Mat.7:13-14) Friends, we have two ways to live this earthly life, with two gates leading to them; one narrow, one wide, and both have very different consequences. The wide gate with the broad road represents the cherishing of worldly things, which leads to certain destruction. In spite of that, many people still blatantly choose it, while others pretend not to, but in private, and under cover of darkness put the tops down and crazily careen along the broad highway, with the wind blowing through their hair. But remember Friends, we can’t hide from God, so just like the blatant, boldfaced ones, they too will be eternally separated from God, doomed to eternal darkness in Lucifer’s company. And since there is no accounting for taste buds, it’s highly likely that some people genuinely enjoy and desire that lifestyle. On the other hand my people, for those of us who don’t enjoy Lucifer’s company or lifestyle, then we have to enter through the strait or narrow gate, because that’s the gate that leads to the narrow path that in turn leads to Jesus, salvation and eternal life. Hallelujah! But note, He said that only a few people find it. And he should know, since He’s both the gate and the way, as He solemnly declared to Thomas: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) End of story Friends! If we want to know or see God, we first have to embrace Jesus. He’s the conduit. There’s no getting to the Father by any other means. And though it isn’t hard to find Jesus, you won’t find Him unless you consciously seek Him, and only God enables us to find that gate where’s He at. ‘No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me, draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.’ (John 6:44) So there are the choices my people; through the wide gate that leads to darkness and Beelzebub, or through the narrow one that leads to Jesus and eternal life. But don’t forget, in the Bit Jesus also points out; ‘for many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.’ That’s because many who think they’re righteous, aren’t. It’s merely outward show and hypocrisy. And Jesus warns of this in Luke 13:25-30, using the parable of a man having shut his door for the night, then people come knocking on it, wanting to be let in, claiming they know him, ate and drank in his presence and he taught in their streets. But the master of the house won’t let them in because he considers them evildoers. And there shall be much weeping and gnashing of teeth when others from all over the world are allowed in, but the supposed righteous are excluded. ‘And behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.’ (Luke 13:30) Jesus was simply saying that the Jews, because He was there Messiah, had the first opportunity to believe in and follow Him, but they adamantly rejected Him. However, when His gospel and teachings were spread abroad to the Gentiles, many of them would accept Him, and subsequently spend eternal life with Him. Bruh Paul details this in Romans 9:30-32. The Gentiles weren’t brought up to follow after righteousness, but attained it through faith in Jesus. Meanwhile, the Jews who were born to the law of righteousness, never really attained it since they sought it through the law and not through faith in Christ. Friends, the long and short of the story is that there are two paths in life; one with a wide gate, the other with a narrow entrance. The wide gate signifies the evil world and all its destructive properties, while the narrow gate leads to Jesus, salvation and eternal life. My recommendation is Jesus. No ifs, ands, or buts! But it’s a choice each individual must make. If we desire salvation and eternal life, then we must seek the narrow gate that leads to Jesus, put our trust in Him and follow His dictates. There is no other way. And I’d strongly suggest we do it NOW, for there are no guarantees either. We can be suddenly called home or Jesus can return at any time, and if we’re not hooked up with Him before either event happens… Hn! Then crapaud smoke we pipe. So Friends, I implore us to avidly seek  Him NOW, while He still can be found. Much LOVE!…for many are called…but few are chosen…wise words to live by…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 December 2009 Ps.31:8‏

12 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 31:8      And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
 
Well top o’ the morn mih wonderful Friends in Christ! It’s a chilly Saturday in the northern climes. Oh, that means Sabbath time has rolled around again, it sure comes around quickly, so please show some respect for it, because it glorifies God and refreshes our spirits. Anyway, I read an interesting quote today that meshes well with our Bit. It’s attributed to Flora E Meredith, and says: ‘I’ve heard He works with broken people. I am sick, hurting, broken. I am waiting and willing now…’ Sadly, my people, that’s the unholy plight and cry of too many in our world. They’ve been attuned to their affairs only by human efforts, which true believers know are hopelessly inadequate. So, after relying on themselves, or other humans for far too long, they become sick, hurting and broken. Then and only then, do they give up the foolish search for man made solutions and finally are willing to turn to the Most High God Jehovah for the help that only He can give. And their opening words sure are strange; ‘I’ve heard He works with broken people.’ Why do I say that? Because many have known of this great characteristic of our God, long before they became sick or broken, but possibly because of foolish pride or some such negative emotion refused to come to Him before. But once they’ve reached the nadir of their existence, then they try to find Him. Fortunately for them, my Friends, our God is a most merciful, forgiving and caring Deity, and will NEVER turn away anyone who genuinely comes to Him with heartaches and problems. My point is, if we know of God’s goodness and mercy, why wait until we’re broken and lost before surrendering our lives to Him? We’re just putting ourselves through unnecessary pain and agony. The important decision here is to surrender our lives asap to God, whether we’re whole or broken. Total surrender is necessary so that He can bind us up, lead us to the right path and safely guide us along it. That’s why Bruh David was so blessed despite his many faults. He knew from whence his strength, energy and good life flowed; from the kind, merciful and LOVING God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. So he was always in there, like a buzzing bee around a luscious flower, talking to his God, praising and thanking Him, spilling out his hurt, anguish and sin; just laying bare his entire soul to the Lord in utter surrender. And that’s what our God desires of us all; total surrender! Psalm 31 embodies both trust and lament. Bruh David opens it by declaring: ‘In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.’ (Ps.31:1) He could afford to make that demand because he’d placed his absolute trust in the Lord. Friends, we can’t ask any thing from our God unless we also have placed our absolute trust and faith in Him by giving up total control of our lives to Him. We can’t ask Him to do something, then do something different ourselves, usually the opposite of what pleases Him. No organization or person can move in opposite directions simultaneously and succeed, they’ll eventually be torn apart by the internal struggle. That’s why there’s always someone at the helm to make the final decision. So if we want the Lord to help us, then we’ve got to give up control and just follow where He leads, because He’ll NEVER lead us astray, but in green pastures and beside still waters. ‘Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.’ (Ps. 31:5) The Lord could only redeem him because he had trusted and relinquished control to His superior Being. ‘I have hated them that regard lying vanities (vain idols): but I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities.’ (Ps.31:6-7)  Yes Friends, that’s the basic attitude we need to bring to God; disliking falsehood and unrighteousness, and completely surrendering all we are to Him. Note, our God’s not interested in partial surrender. It’s all or nothing! We can’t be of the world, and not of it at the same time. We have to be in it, but not of it. Remember a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. With our God you can’t straddle the fence and try to have the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, that’s what many of us do, then wonder why we’re not getting anywhere. It’s only because of Bruh David’s deep seated trust, belief, faith and reverence for his God that he was able to make some serious mistakes and yet be exalted by the Lord. Because his soul was an open book before the Lord, the Lord took pity, had mercy on him; ‘And hast not shut me up (given me over) into the hand of the enemy.’ As Moses says in his song: ‘How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up.’ (Deut.32:30) Yes my people, only if the Lord intervenes can that happen. As it did to the Israelites, when the Lord became angry with them for turning to evil and idols after Joshua died. ‘He sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.’ (Judges 2:14) For Bruh David’s repentance and surrender, the Lord gave him dominance over his enemies, and ‘thou hast set my feet in a large room.’ ‘All praise to the Most High God, for His goodness to those who sincerely seek and surrender to Him!’ He enlarged, relieved Bruh David, put him in a wide place for his righteousness sake. ‘He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.’ (Ps.18:19) Oh Friends, the Lord will do the same for all who seriously come to Him with their problems. He refuses NONE; helps ALL! That’s His motto. But He can’t help until we approach Him. So for all who are sick, lost, suffering, hurting and broken, let’s turn to Him NOW, before it’s too late. And that means all mankind, for we all have problems that we can’t handle on our own, but with the Lord God Jehovah’s help, we can do wonderfully. Much LOVE!…a broken or hurting soul…can only be repaired…if it’s laid bare in surrender…before Almighty God…

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