Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 December 2009 1 Corinthians 15:1‏

11 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Corinthians 15:1     Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand.
 
Oh Friends… Steups! Why can’t I spell that word right eh? Oh Friends…whoopee! It seems like winter is finally here to stay. The last couple days have certainly been cold, snowy, windy and icy. Oh for a bit of warmth; some sea, sun, sand and rum in the heat drenched south! Is okay mih people down there, you don’t need to rub it in. I can see the smirks on your faces. I know right now I’m only dreaming. However, dreams are born from hope, and hope makes one alive. So while I’m alive, there’s always hope that my dreams will come true, particularly this one for an extended stay in the sunny south. (smile) But just like the mail, neither sleet, snow, rain or shine can stop the gospel from being noised abroad. And that’s our job my people; to spread the gospel far and wide, over all God’s earth. And what’s the gospel about? Good News mih people, Good news! Oh Friends, it is the most important message in the Good Book! As the Lord planned, we fittingly have the Good Book bearing the Good News of Christ coming to earth as an ordinary human and interacting with us, showing us a better way to live, then sacrificing His innocent life on our behalf. Wow! And what better message can we receive during this season of Christmas when we celebrate our Lord and Saviour’s birth? None really! Now, per the scholars, the gospel is both a proposition and a person. As a proposition it includes Jesus’ death, His burial and resurrection, which Bruh Paul points out to the Corinthians. The first thing he tells them, as he’d been told, was ‘that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…And that he was seen of Cephas (Peter), then of the twelve. After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (died). After that he was seen of James; then all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as one born out of due time.’ (1 Cor.15:3-8) And that’s the gospel in a nutshell mih people. Christ, born of the virgin Mary in a manger in Bethlehem, lived an obscure life as a carpenter’s son, then around His thirtieth birthday, in the Lord’s good time, He blossomed into the teacher and healer He was meant to be. Sadly, He was persecuted by the same people He came to save, but LOVINGLY ransomed Himself on that old rugged cross for our disgusting sins. Then, on the third day after that horrific event, He triumphantly rose from the dead, successfully putting the lie to the thought that there was no life after death. And to make this factual, after His resurrection, Jesus was seen several times by many people, including Peter, Mary Magdalene, His disciples, and some five hundred others, most of whom were still alive when Bruh Paul preached to the Corinthians. Last of all, Bruh Paul himself saw Jesus, not in the flesh on earth, because he was born after the fact. But he surely saw Him on that road to Damascus when struck blind by the bright light from heaven. As he recounts, when he fell down, he heard this voice calling out to him, asking, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (goads) (Acts 9:4-5) That must have been a real eye opening (smile) for Bruh Paul, who hitherto was a great persecutor of believers. So that’s his testimony; a life changing experience which led to him becoming the most vocal, zealous and outspoken broadcaster of the gospel. What a man, Bruh Paul; from chief destroyer to chief defender of the faith! But remember Friends, the gospel is personally about Jesus too. As Mark declares: ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’ (Mark 1:1) Then he goes on to quote Isaiah re the messenger, John the Baptist, who would blaze the trail for Jesus’ coming. Also when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river: ‘And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. And there came a voice from heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ (Mark 1:10-11) Yes my people, outstanding moments like those are all part of the gospel, part of the Good News, though I think that Jesus’ entire earthly life should be considered gospel and so preached, not only after He begun His ministry, but also the little we know of His upbringing, since all that helped to form His adult character. Then Jesus Himself declared, after John was imprisoned, and He assumed the mantle of chief spokesperson: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.’ (Mark 1:15) Oh Friends, (got yuh) what a brave, exciting, uplifting, redeeming story the gospel tells; re the Good News of Salvation and Eternal Life! There’s been no other story, true or false, that has so captivated the world. For over two thousand years it has seriously impacted man’s life, and it’s still going strong. But it needs to get even stronger to withstand the oncoming forces of Lucifer, whose avowed mission is to destroy Christ’s Church. Oh my people, we simply cannot allow that to happen, cause it would mean that we’ve been delinquent in our duty of building Christ’s Church and spreading His Holy Word. We definitely can’t allow the gospel to fall into disrepute, for as Bruh Paul reminds, it is, ‘By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory (hold fast) what (the Word) I have preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.’ (1 Cor.15:2) Yes Friends, (yeah) we need to hold fast to the gospel, for that’s how we’re saved, that’s how we receive the grace that brings salvation and everlasting life. So if we seriously believe, then let’s ramp up our activities to help spread the gospel and build Christ’s Church into a worldwide movement, as He desires of us. Much LOVE!…if you sincerely believe…then we need…much more walk…and plenty less talk…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 December 2009 Proverbs 27:1‏

10 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 27:1     Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a cold, frosty morning in my neighbourhood, with frozen patches of snow underfoot. Oh, it’s begun snowing now, but I’m giving thanks just for being alive! And so should we all, since as our Bit indicates, none of us knows what will happen on a particular day, if we’ll even live to see it through. But before we get into that, let me share a quote on an important topic that is tied into our Bit. It comes from Harold Kushner, and says: ‘To see the goal of life as ‘winning’ forces us to see other people as competitors, threats to our happiness. For us to ‘win’ they have to ‘lose.’ Ah Friends, that is so true, and sadly it’s also a policy that our society subscribes to and zealously encourages. Everything, from simple kindergarten sports and play to high finance and commerce is based on competition. This just leads to more stress than necessary or healthy in our lives and later on to boasting. That’s because in a competition based society someone has to win and someone lose. Unfortunately, that competitive spirit engendered by our society also raises the question, gives the idea that one is better than the other, and unless the winner’s ego is stable, and he’s confident in his abilities, he’s liable to go around taunting others and blowing his own trumpet. And Friends, nobody likes a boaster, especially if his boast is true, because that makes us feel inferior and kills our self-confidence. On the other hand, those who are good and know it, don’t need to boast or always win to feel good about themselves. And that’s the real difference between a true star and a wanna be: The true one doesn’t have to win to feel confident, while the wanna be only gets his confidence from winning and being able to lord it over someone else. My people it’s become a sickness in our society today, where everybody is a star, or trying their best to be one and riding roughshod over anybody in their way. Now a lot of that comes from parents who try to live vicariously through their offspring. They get their children into some activity then push, cajole and even abuse them for not being better. Just check out any youngsters’ game being played these days, and the most disgusting people around are the coaches and parents unashamedly hurling invective at the officials, their charges and each other. That’s the poor example adults are setting these days. To them the youngster’s games are no longer fun, but serious business, either for the coach to move up, the kids to impress a scout, or the parents to bask in the children’s glow and hopefully some day the money and fame they’re so sure they deserve. Thus the children end up either being driven to excel in an unhealthy, fear based manner, or just give up and walk away from the sport. And what we adults don’t see or realize in our foolish rush for worldly glory and stardom is that the early aggressive, abusive forays under the competition banner, where winning and losing are given such importance, affects the children in some negative manner for the rest of their lives. They either thrive fiercely on it, or reject it completely, unable to find a happy medium, because they were badgered so early on in life to win, win, win. We need to be more gentle with our children and teach them that winning isn’t everything, that it’s okay to lose every once in a while, that losing doesn’t make you any less a person, or any less LOVABLE or LOVED. In fact it’s good to lose every so often because one doesn’t really understand, enjoy or appreciate winning unless you’ve been on the losing end. And what it all boils down to is a matter of ego and self-confidence. As in any meeting of supposed stars, it will only go as well as the smallest ego in the room. That’s why they say to leave your ego outside when you enter a room. And ego is just the bedrock, the foundation on which our boasting is based. Jesus gives one of the best examples of foolish pride and boasting in His parable of the rich fool, who had so many worldly possessions and not enough storage room for them. So in his earthly wisdom, he decides to pull down the old warehouses and build bigger and better ones, able to accommodate his vast wealth. Then he could relax, eat, drink and be merry. Hn! Don’t many of us think the same way? But what happened? ‘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?’ (Luke 12:19) Yes Friends, none of us knows what lies ahead for us on any given day of our earthly lives. How many times have we begun fine and figured it would go like that that all day, but halfway through it all just suddenly changes and goes downhill, or vice versa?  More than we choose to remember. But that’s what life is all about; a cycle of ups and downs, over which we have only a small amount of control. And yuh know what mih people? I was planning to paraphrase James’ talk on the matter, but after reading it, the Spirit said, just copy the whole thing from the Good Book. So listen carefully to James talk on unchristian conduct, in a boasting light. ‘Go to (come) now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain (make a profit): Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice (boast) in your boastings (arrogance); all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ (James 4:13-17)  There you have it Friends, the definitive word on boasting, from Sol, Jesus and James. So let’s go and sin not, in that respect. Much LOVE!…do not blow your horn…unless prefaced by…if Jesus will, then…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 December 2009 Psalm 31:3‏

09 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 31:3     For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends…Wow! I spelt it right both times! It’s 3 a.m on a cold, windy, snowy December morn! At last the first real snowfall has fallen. (smile) I’m looking out my window and everything’s covered in white; trees, roofs, fences, porches, decks, main roads, laneways, all looking so clean and pretty, not yet sullied by man. No unsightly tire tracks as yet either, though one solitary vehicle just went up the road, God alone knows going where at this ungodly hour of the morning. But then, my house is the only one in the immediate vicinity with lights burning inside. But I’m on a God-given mission, a sacred purpose; to propagate the Word. (smile) Now there’s no doubt that a snowfall in gentle action is a thing of soul-tingling beauty to behold, but venturing out into it, especially when it gets slushy and dirty from man’s activities, that’s a different story. Every so often I hear the blustery wind howling outside my window, and all I can say is, ‘Thank God, the ole fella not going out in it today!’ I did my all my running around yesterday, including sitting in a tire shop for over four hours waiting to get a tire I had bought the day before repaired; found it flat this morning. Chuh! But some people were there even longer than me. Would you believe they close at five or six, but they stopped taking bookings around one thirty because everybody was doing the last minute thing to beat today’s snowfall. Normal human nature! And since I unwisely asked the Lord for patience like Job, I guess He’s still trying to work me up to it. But Friends (right again) you all would have been proud of the ole fella. It has to be my best patience performance ever; sitting in a long, narrow, chilly room clustered with tires, rims and oodles of people for over four hours, and not making a scene. That’s maturity in the patience department! And it wasn’t like the guys weren’t working hard, they just had so many people. However, unless something very, very, very important happens, I’ll be safely and warmly ensconced, cloistered in my li’l two be four today. I’m truly sorry for those who have to venture out in it, including my wife and younger daughter. But I’ll do the best thing I can; pray for them. ‘Oh Lord, I pray that those driving, walking, or just being out in the miserable weather be careful. Watch over them, especially those on the snow covered, slippery roads during this morning’s rush hour. Guide their hearts and minds so that they make take their time, drive sensibly and reach their destinations safely. I pray that there not be any serious accidents. Guide and protect all those out on the highways and byways. In Jesus’ name. Amen!’ Oh Friends, (right again) it’s certainly going to be an unholy mess out there this morning. Then comes the shovelling…Hn! But it’s suppose to change to rain later in the day, and when that freezes up this evening…Stop laughing you snowbirds down south! I’ll take a snowfall any day over a hurricane. (smile) I hate to contemplate the consequences, but up go the car insurance premiums again. Now the only thing to counteract those unsavoury conditions, or any distasteful kind of situation, my people, is to do like Bruh David and sincerely plead: ‘In thee O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness: Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock (of refuge), for a house of defense (fortress) to save me.’ (Ps.31:1-2) Yes my people, in difficult times, the Lord God Jehovah is the only one who can really carry us along safely. And Bruh David quite rightly likens Him to a strong rock, a house of defense. ‘For thou art my rock and my fortress.’ That’s like saying, or portraying our Lord as a mighty, impregnable fortress where the weary, downtrodden, sick, oppressed, hungry, hurting soul can find refuge and succour at any time of night or day, 24/7. Ah mih breddren, who else is like unto our God, eh? NOBODY! And Bruh David surely spells it out in Psalm 18, that awesome song of thanksgiving for deliverance from all his enemies, especially Saul. ‘I will LOVE thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower (stronghold). I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ (Ps.18:1-3) That’s the answer to all our problems right there my people. At all times, both good and bad, our first response must be to call on the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; our strength, shield, granter of salvation, stronghold and refuge. And He’s all these things because He created the universe and all therein; therefore He knows all, sees all and is all-powerful! What better being to have guiding, protecting and providing for us? There’s NONE, my Friends! But the strange, uncomprehending thing is that we have such a mighty, generous, kind, LOVING Deity, calling us His children and wanting to be a true Father to us, yet many of us refuse to call out to Him, to allow Him into our lives, even in times of trouble. Why eh? It’s mostly foolish pride, for though we claim to believe, yet we either consider ourselves unworthy to call on Him for help, or wrongly think that we can fix our problems ourselves. Oh Friends.. (Chuh! the first wrong one) that’s such a silly attitude, since Jesus so plainly and clearly stated: ‘For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ (Mat.9:13) So it’s the supposedly unworthy ones that the Lord really wants to come to Him, and it’s obvious too that we can’t handle all our problems on our own. And we all know that if there’s one sin the Lord detests more than any other, it’s that of pride, because it callously implies that we have no need of Him and don’t respect His superiority. So my people, please, let’s drop all the foolish, prideful stuff. Our God wants us to come to Him with any and all problems. What better example of that can we have than Bruh David: the most powerful and beloved king of Israel. He was a righteous sinner; meaning he consistently humbled himself before his God, paid dearly for his wrongs, but yet rode the crest of victory because of his deep-seated trust, reverence and faith in the Most High God Jehovah. So much so that the Lord called him a man after His own heart. And Friends, in my opinion, that’s the highest compliment we can ever receive from our God, because it means that despite our innate sinful nature, yet deep down, our hearts resemble His. We’re always trying to do good, to LOVE, honour, trust and obey, to do what’s right. And that’s all our God really asks of us, cause nobody knows our inadequacies and shortcomings better than Him, since he created us. Hence my people, let’s get our act together, and quickly too, and turn to our Maker, like Bruh David did, place our sincere trust in the Lord our God, surrender our lives to Him, and allow Him to ‘therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.’ It’s the only sensible thing for humans to do, because ‘He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ (Ps.23:3-4) And all God’s people joyfully chorused: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Amen!’ Much LOVE mih people!…the fool says there is no God…but the wise man knows who butters his daily bread… P.S. It’s long, but tasty, and was directed by the Spirit. (smile)
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 December 2009 John 15:20‏

08 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 15:20     Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
 
Oh Friends, the time is fast approaching when my neck of the woods will be covered with the cold, slushy white stuff – as early as today. Bah humbug! Many areas have already been inundated with it; have felt the cold hands of Ole Man Winter, which means Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is close at hand -another three weeks to be exact. Christmas! What a joyous time of celebration for believers, cause it not only heralded the birth of a precious child, but also signified the birth of hope, of a new day dawning, of better times, of a new covenant, of salvation and a right relationship with our Heavenly Father. Consequently, I implore us to remember that’s the real and true meaning for this festive season, not the rampant commercialism been touted by Lucifer’s iniquity workers, where it’s all about gifts and buying and shopping; ergo, the bottom line. As Jesus declared: ‘Remember the word that I said unto you,’ for though He’s talking about something else here, we still need to remember and pay close attention to what’s happening around us, because it’s another way the ungodly are trying to remove Christ from our lives. ‘But the servant is not greater than his Lord,’ so Beelzebub, a mere angel of darkness will never be able to remove Christ from Christmas or our lives, cause Jesus is the Son, and therefore much greater than him. That principle of servant-hood, or not being better than the one you serve, seems to be a favourite theme of Jesus, for He tells it to the disciples when He first gathers them together. ‘The disciple is not above his master (teacher), nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.’ (Mat.10:24-25) He also mentions it after washing their feet. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him.’ (John 13:16) Embedded in that part about being sent is a subliminal message about His relationship with the Father; that likewise, He is not greater than the Father who sent Him. Yuh see Friends…would you believe I spelt it wrong again? Steups! That’s three for three already. So subliminal messages are really old hat (smile) for Jesus was using them two thousand years ago. But seriously though, if we look at many of His teachings, especially the parables, a lot of significant undertones, implied truths and messages abound. I guess one reason Jesus kept bringing up the servant/master relationship was to remind His followers that theirs was to be a humble mission on earth, but exalted in heaven. He does so again in Today’s Bit while warning them of the world’s hatred. ‘The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.’ That’s normal and logical. Followers of a persecuted leader are highly likely to undergo persecution too. But Jesus’ warnings to His disciples, mostly uneducated men of low status, shows that He was a most caring, considerate, faithful and honest leader, who did not want His people to be unhappily surprised by His sudden, atrocious demise, nor their persecution later on, for simply talking about Him. It’s also not the first time God’s spokespeople were warned of persecution and resistance. One example of note is when the Lord commissioned Ezekiel. He warned him: ‘But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.’ (Ezek.3:7) But the God we serve is so caring and kind-hearted that He won’t send anyone to do a job without the necessary tools. Thus He comforted Ezekiel: ‘As an adamant (stone) harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.’ (Ezek.3:9) And it was the same with Jesus and the disciples. He did not totally demoralize them by talking of persecution only, but also gave them hope that their efforts would indeed bear some good fruit. ‘If they have kept my saying, they will keep yours.’ So anyone who took Jesus’ teachings and principles to heart would do the same with the disciples. If they heard the gospel preached and believed it, then the disciples would be safe from harm and make their own presence felt, make a difference. Oh my Friends, (got yuh) unfortunately both the negative situations of Ezekiel and the disciples also apply to us as Christ’s followers today. Many of us have evil come against us simply because we believe in Him and joyfully, valiantly and proudly proclaim it. But by the same token, we are also included in the second part of the equation, where the Word is welcomed, eagerly heard and applied. We therefore have reason to be careful and cautious in our dealings with the ungodly, but also a solid reason and purpose based on faith, to go forth and proclaim the gospel without fear, because of  promises made by Jesus and the Father. Like Ezekiel, our foreheads are harder than adamant stone, and the spiritual armour that Jesus provides, makes us nigh invincible. Yes my people, we are more than conquerors through Him who LOVED and died for us, and they can only kill the body, but definitely not the soul. So we need not fear the evil of persecution. In conclusion Friends, (wrong again) let’s remember that the world hated Jesus, before it hated us for simply being His followers. But remember too, that Jesus overcame the world, and so can we, if we follow His guidance and remain steadfast and strong, protected by the promises in His Word. Much LOVE!…though trials persist…under Jesus’ caring mantle…His followers safely exist…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 December 2009 1 Thessalonians 5:8‏

07 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Thessalonians 5:8     But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and LOVE; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
 
Spa na na na! Spa na na na! The trumpet calls! Battle stations Friends! It’s Monday morning! Time to engage the enemy once more! Our fearless and awesome leader, Jesus, is already at the front, aligning the troops. So let’s get our spiritual armour on and join Him. We can’t let Him go into battle shorthanded. I know this opening may cause some chuckling – I chuckled when the Spirit first laid it on me – but it’s a real scenario my people, for on Mondays the whole crazy, evil nonsense of our world begins building again, after a brief respite on the weekends. Now if we have not prepared ourselves properly to join the fray, then it’s our own fault, because our Leader and His lieutenants have told us, even more importantly, shown us how to handle the enemy. And as one great leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, said long ago; ‘A leader is a dealer in hope.’ That’s gospel my Friends! A true leader must have the parts, the necessary attributes, to fire up their followers; to develop hope and enthusiasm in them, so that they will gladly and wholly embrace whatever project is involved, and consequently give of their best. All successful leaders possess the trait, skill or ability to inspire by leading, not pushing. They’re always out front, conducting, being the role model. And Friends, if you accept that as the make up of a true leader, then we certainly possess the greatest leader ever in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, cause He’s done everything required of a leader and so much more. From day one, He’s been out on the front line gathering and encouraging lost souls to His awe inspiring programme. He’s built enthusiasm and hope like never seen before in this sinful world. He’s been such a major phenomenon that two thousand years later He’s still the most talked about and controversial figure on the planet. Wow! ‘All praise and glory to the Lamb!’ Yes mih people, there’s never been, and will never be anyone else like Him in the annals of man. He stands head and shoulders above all others that have walked this earth. Why? Because He put His money where His mouth was; He walked His talk, did not shirk His responsibilities, though they were unfair and unjust. And if we’re His true followers then it behoves us to act, walk and talk like Him. We’ll never attain His level of perfection, but we are expected to always do our best, because He certainly did. Friends, Chuh! If I spell that word wrong one more time, I’m going to bounce mih head on the wall. I use it so often every night and half the time I spell it wrong. Steups! Yuh think perhaps the Good Lord trying to tell me to stop using it? (smile) Anyway, Friends, Hooray I spelt it right! Jesus showed us the light. He gave His innocent life as a ransom for our sinful souls, that we could be washed clean and therefore have the right to call on the Father through Him. He also said that we, His followers, are the light of the world and that we should let our light shine brightly through our good works so that others may glorify our heavenly Father. (Mat.5:14,16) And one of His chief spokespeople, Bruh Paul, corroborated that fact. ‘Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.’ (1 Thess.5:5-6) That’s one of the most important statements Bruh Paul ever made my people. As followers of Christ we can’t be caught napping, sitting on our laurels. An army has to be ever watchful less the enemy attacks unseen, especially under cover of darkness. Getting too comfortable and relaxing their watch has been the undoing of many great armies. The element of surprise plays a huge part in any tactical operation. Remember too Friends, the enemy never sleeps. He’s always prowling around for someone to attack and destroy. Though he’s not in Jesus’ class, he’s still a formidable foe, and if he catches us napping, we could be in for some rough, tough times. That’s why Bruh Paul strenuously warns: ‘For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and LOVE; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.’ (1 Thess.5:7-8) Ah my people, right there is the beauty of our Saviour Jesus! He not only showed His tremendous LOVE, and gave us immense hope of salvation, but He also provided the armour, the wherewithal for our protection from the evil arrows of Lucifer. And if you don’t remember, or know what they are, then go to Ephesians 6:13-17, where they are listed. Read them again and again, even write them down and keep them close at hand, as I’ve done, so that you can be thoroughly clothed for the utmost protection. Note, you can’t pick and choose the pieces you want, cause you’ll be vulnerable in whatever part is left unprotected. You have to put on the whole armour: the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, sandals of peace, shield of faith and the mighty sword of the Word. So armoured Friends, the enemy can’t defeat us, because Jesus died to give us hope; hope of salvation and eternal life with Him and the Father. Bruh Paul says it best, so let’s listen to him. ‘For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.’ (1 Thess.5:9-10) And all God’s people shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Oh Friends, is there any greater hope in this world? No! How can there be, when everything else passes away? Everything, except Jesus! As a leader, He’s unsurpassed, because He’s given His followers the greatest gifts ever; of LOVE and of hope, in particular, hope of salvation and eternal life through His death, resurrection and ascension. The same things are possible for us, because he made it so. Please hang on to that my Friends. It will stand us all in good stead in the long run. Much LOVE!…for he had high hopes…high in the sky hopes…yes he had high hopes…Jesus high hopes….
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 December 2009 Isaiah 58:13‏

06 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 58:13     If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.
 
Oh Friends, this is a somewhat touchy subject, in the sense that different religions celebrate the Sabbath on different days. However, I don’t think the particular day matters as much as actually observing a day of the Lord; a holy day, in which we stop doing our own things and honour Him. Sadly, it’s one of the many areas of dissension between Christians. Most believers though seem to celebrate the Sabbath between Friday and Sunday evenings. So whatever day your religion dictates, just make sure you do your godly duty on that day. Now some people don’t consider the Sabbath important, but more an outdated regimen, best left in the annals of antiquity. But Friends that thinking is so wrong, for the Lord placed great emphasis on it throughout His Word, and it’s one of the reasons why we’re suffering today, for not keeping the Sabbath leads to ungodliness. At the very beginning, the Lord gave it to the Israelites as a sign, when He said to Moses: ‘Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you…Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall be put to death…the children of Israel shall observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.’ (Ex.31:13,15-17) Oh that says it all right there Friends. We’re supposed to work six days, then honour the Lord our God on the seventh. Now the part about putting to death anyone who did not obey might have been possible in a small agrarian society thousands of years ago, but in our modern manufacturing system, it’s virtually impossible to shut down everything for twenty four hours then start it back up again. Some things just need to run 24/7. And our God understands that. But that’s no excuse for the mockery some of us make of the Sabbath, and in no way does it detract from our responsibility to celebrate it. In a godly society, ways and means will be found for most people to celebrate it. But since our society has moved away from godliness, it certainly causes a problem. I guess in that sense it might be a good thing that we all don’t celebrate it on the same day, meaning that the shut down time will be spread over say three days rather than one, hopefully enabling more people to fellowship, giving God much deserved thanks and praise. And if we continue this logic, then in a godly society, like ours (smile) the Lord’s name will be constantly praised, honoured and glorified from Friday to Sunday evenings in His houses of worship. So more people will be celebrating the Lord’s Sabbath, giving Him above average praise over a period of three days, not just one. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Oh Friends, I hope this is not all wishful thinking on my part, because the Sabbath is a serious occasion and should be adhered to as closely as possible. It’s so important that Moses reiterated it to his people in Exodus 35:2-3. Isaiah reminds them of its importance too in Chapter 56:1-7. He even included the sons of strangers, foreigners and eunuchs. ‘Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer…for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.’ (Isa.56:7) Jeremiah warned them too about keeping the Sabbath; (Jer.17:21-27) and detailing the punishment for not doing it: ‘then I will kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.’ (Jer.17:27) And we all know that our God doesn’t make idle promises, so we should take His day as seriously as He does, and no doubt we’re feeling some of His wrath now. It doesn’t mean we can’t have fun or enjoy ourselves, but the main focus on whatever day we choose to celebrate the Sabbath, should be the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Our thoughts should be on the Most Wonderful Being in the Universe as we congregate to celebrate His Holy Majesty. Joyful thanks and praise should usher forth from our hearts and mouths to the One who so LOVINGLY moulded us from a handful of dirt, then tenderly breathed life into our bodies, and has been guiding, guarding and providing for us ever since. On that basis, is it too much to ask that His supreme handiwork set aside one day in seven to honour Him? Certainly not my people! And because our God believes in righteousness and justice, wherein He punishes for disobedience, He also offers rewards for faithfully observing His day. ‘Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.’   (Isa.58:14) And since He faithfully keeps His promises, if we obey, we’ll surely have cause to celebrate. Ah mih people, it’s not an easy route we’ve chosen, but it’s the best there is. Henceforth, let’s place more emphasis on the Sabbath, not as a day of rigid prayer, but one of joyful worship, fellowship and praise. That way we can get more people into the houses of worship each week and start turning this evil juggernaut back around to a godly, righteous society. Remember, time is of the essence, so please get a move on NOW! Much LOVE!…machines need occasional servicing…and so do humans…but more often…weekly…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 December 2009 Jeremiah 9:3‏

05 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 9:3     And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord.
 
Oh Friends, that time for rest and respite from our labours, as well as fellowship, has rolled around again. It sure does come around quickly, so make sure you rejuvenate yourself so that you can go back out to battle on Monday, don’t waste it all on partying. (smile) As we were discussing yesterday, our world is built on cunning, deception and deceit, where all the major players ‘bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth.’ Consequently, the lesser lights follow that example, in the mistaken belief that to get ahead, one must do like those above you. It’s now reached the stage that the whole truth is seldom heard, and very difficult to discern when actually noised about, especially in this era of virtual reality. Real reality is passé! In fact, people don’t know what’s real anymore, seeing that they’ve been overwhelmed with the virtual stuff. And now that the big push is on for 3D, three-dimensional imaging, we’ll be even more confused about what’s really real. They’ve been flogging 3D since I was a kid, but it just never caught on. I guess the technology wasn’t good enough. And if the Lord wanted us to see things in three dimensions, He would have done it, cause He had the know-how from day one. Ah mih Friends, in these perilous times, even photographs lie, for with the modern technology one person’s head can be easily copied on to someone else’s body, and vice versa. So when you see pictures, you’re not sure of their veracity. The days when a picture was worth a thousand words are apparently over. Then we have all the cross-dressing, where men dress like women and look even better than the real McCoy. The same goes for women dressing and acting more like men than men. I’m certainly sorry for the young people today, they have to be so careful with all the variations out there and the numerous diseases that didn’t exist a few decades ago. Don’t even talk about the news media. They’re so hungry and ruthless for news, particularly in breaking it first, that people are making up fictitious stories, selling them as truth and wining awards for them, only to later discover they were lies. And what happens? They get an even bigger day in the spotlight, then we move on to the next unreal thing. So what can we genuinely expect from a society that stoops so low? Nothing but evil and distrust. As our Bit says; ‘for they proceed from evil to evil.’ Jeremiah decries and lists Israel’s sins in Chap.5: their perverseness, adultery with other gods, their impiety, spiritual and civil corruption. Sadly, our society is littered with the same evil, plus some more that weren’t invented in Israel’s time. Then, as Jerry later ponders: ‘Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.’ (Jer.13:23) It sure is hard to change one’s way of living, especially when that way is so deeply ingrained in the society, ‘and they know not me, saith the Lord.’ Yes Friends, it is difficult, if not impossible, without knowledge of the Most High God Jehovah. Just like Jerry lamented for Israel, so to should we lament for our society. ‘How long shall I see the standard (banner) and hear the sound of the trumpet? For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish (stupid, silly) children, and they have none (no) understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.’ (Jer.4:21-22) Ah mih breddren, Jerry could have been lamenting for us, cause it’s more war and violence every day; stupidity, inefficiency, greed and evil permeates every level of society, and there seems to be little hope of any improvement soon. But note Friends, I didn’t say there was no hope. For if Israel could change their wicked ways and return to worshipping the God of their fathers, then so can we. Our conversion and repentance might just take longer since we’re a bigger, more evil and corrupt society, with Lucifer’s many tentacles spread wider and deeper. But remember people, once the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is involved, anything’s possible. And if He sees our sincere willingness to turn back to Him, He will surely inject His powerful aid. But my people, that transformation has to begin with us, the followers of Jesus. If our society is going to again become righteous, we, the few believers have to set the ball in motion, and keep it rolling, like a snowball rolling down a hill and getting bigger with each roll. And we’ve got to staunch the bleeding NOW! We can’t put it off for later, because there’d be no later. Neither can we do it with divisions, dissensions and recriminations. It’s got to be a consistent, serious, unified, Christian project of all denominations.  The long and short of the story my people, is that if we want to save our world from further destruction and its inhabitants from the cruel, evil clutches of Beelzebub, then we’ve got to get together, not split up as we’re currently doing, and seriously hit him where it hurts the most; in the economic and political spheres. Do as little business as possible with them, and don’t elect those we know are downright corrupt and evil. Oh Friends, for once, let’s go short on the talk and long on the action nuh! Much LOVE!...Christendom unite…and fight for Jesus…it’s the only way to save our children…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 December 2009 Jeremiah 9:3‏

04 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 9:3     And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord.
 
A cheerful good morning, my worthy Friends in Christ! I hope we’re all in good spirits and have given thanks for the awesome blessing of witnessing another beautiful sunrise. I also hope that we’ve dressed in our full suit of armour so we can be protected when we join the fray. And believe me people, it’s a terrible war in which we’re involved, where the cronies of the evil one are trying to run roughshod over the righteous, which we can’t allow to happen. Once upon a time, a man’s word was his honour, but that time has long since past, and Today’s Bit reads as though Jeremiah was talking about our world today. ‘And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth.’ What a shame Friends! That’s even more gospel today than in Jerry’s time! Sadly, in our modern society, there are very few people and things you can trust or believe, since the society itself is built on a foundation of lies, half-truths and deception. From the leaders, right down to the lowly beggar on the street, we’re all enmeshed in a web of duplicity and deceit. Bruh David said it thus: ‘Hide me from the secret council of the wicked; from the insurrection (tumult) of the workers of iniquity: Who whet (sharpen) their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect (blameless): suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily (secretly); they say, Who shall see them. (Ps 64:3-6) Yes my people, that’s the kind of society we’re living in, where the wicked make secret plans to destroy the righteous, figuring that nobody will see them. But we know differently, for the Lord God Almighty sees every move of every person and knows their innermost secrets and they will eventually pay for their evil. And sadly, the politicians are possibly the biggest perpetrators of this particular crime, for they’ve made it a habit, a trait to say whatever it takes to get elected, and then continue to deceive so they can stay in power. I’m sure a survey of whether the populace believed their leaders would turn up with a resounding NO! Only a naive few would say yes. And it doesn’t speak very well of our society if we don’t believe our leaders, the very people we’ve put in power to run our affairs. That’s why the statement you get the kind of government you deserve is so true. But the politicos are not the only ones caught up in the lying game; the businessmen, the advertising industry, they run close behind, for the very manner in which their businesses are structured encourages scams, half truths and outright fraud. The advertising industry is built entirely on falsehood, on claims that the majority of products certainly don’t meet. Then the prices advertised often are different when you go to purchase the products, either because they’ve advertised the least worthwhile model, which doesn’t meet your requirements, so you’ll pay more for an upgrade, or there are all sorts of other expenses they conveniently forgot to mention. Take buying a car. Hn! You can safely add almost a quarter of the quoted base price before you drive it off the lot. Things like taxes, freight and a whole lot of other stuff are never usually mentioned until you go to buy, or they’re mentioned in such fine print that most people won’t pay any attention to. But Friends, it’s in the fine print where most of the deception takes place, which has become a standard in all the contracts we sign in everyday life. The person drawing it up embeds all sorts of clauses to their benefit in such legalese and fine print that it often requires a magnifying glass and a lawyer to read and decipher it. And the new marketing schemes where persons go door to door or phone you are riddled with these cunning and crafty ploys, that you never discover until something goes wrong, then they want to charge you an arm and a leg to get out of the contract. It’s unfortunate that we live in this capitalistic system that’s set up to extract the most for the least. And they call it fair. Hn! How can it be fair eh, when the bankers, financial analysts and the money men have schemes to wring the most out of the least worthy products? Look at how they recently fooled the whole world, packaging worthless stuff and selling it for a fortune. But Friends, that’s what happens when we’ve been brainwashed into always thinking about a deal, a bargain; basically getting something good for much less than it’s worth. Nobody wants to pay a fair price for a decent product, that’s why we’re always haggling over prices, but still paying so much for inferior quality stuff that’s not made to last, with warranties that don’t hold up. Oh Friends, our society is just one big commercial operation now. Everything takes second place to commerce. Even the universities are changing the focus of their curriculum, slanting them to what business needs, what crass commercialism decrees. Oh my people, we’re out of time and space, so we’ll have to continue this topic tomorrow. However let’s get one thing straight. Our world is messed up, and we can’t get away from it. Jesus said we have to live in, but not be a part of it. That’s easier said than done with all the enticements the enemy constantly waves in front of us. That’s why it’s imperative for believers to read and study the Word, to stick together, fellowship, encourage and help each other so we don’t get caught up and carried away by the things of the world, that’s so easy to do. Remember, our job is to bring the ungodly to God, not for us to become ungodly. But we can’t do that without Jesus, His Word and His Spirit. So let’s make a concerted effort to stand strong and faithful, to not be taken in by the evil wiles of the enemy, but rather work towards depleting his band of evil doers, converting them to doers of good; in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Much LOVE!…if it doesn’t jive with the Word…then it’s not true…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 December 2009 Psalm 98:1‏

03 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 98:1     O Sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
 
Oh my Friends, it’s another glorious day of life, so chant some thanks and praise! New blessings and mercies are flowing down on us from the Almighty, just as promised. And regardless of what befalls us, let’s not forget that he is still in control, which means there is yet much hope for victory in our undertakings. Wow! Bruh Paul would surely be proud of that sentence. (smile) Today’s Bit is the opening verse of a psalm titled, ‘Praise to God for His salvation,’ referring to His coming reign on earth. Now, though we’re exceedingly grateful for salvation and the promise of His coming to live with us, there are numerous other things to be thankful for in our earthly lives. And the Psalmist rightly declares: ‘O Sing unto the Lord a new song.’ Why? ‘For he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.’ Yes my people, we should sing songs of praise and thanksgiving every day to our Creator and Great Provider for all the wonderful things He’s done for us. And if the song can be new every day, so much the better. In Psalm 33 the writer also declares: ‘Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise (shout of joy. For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He LOVETH righteousness and judgement (justice): the earth is full of the goodness (LOVING-kindness) of the Lord.’ (Ps.33:3-5) Oh Friends, the Lord’s sterling character is grandly displayed in His everlasting LOVE of truth, righteousness, justice and kindness. Isn’t that more than enough cause to sing songs of praise and thanks to Him? It surely is! The prophet Isaiah thought so, and put forth his heartening call for song too. ‘Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein: the isles (coastlands), and the inhabitants thereof. Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.’ (Isa.42:10-12) What a stirring call to praise, to glorify God! And my brethren it’s what we’re called to do. As believers in the immortal God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our mouths and voices should be raised, as often as possible, in praise and thanks to our merciful, LOVING God. And I’d like to say it should be continuous, but that’s not reality, for we can’t go around simply singing and mouthing praises, else they’ll quickly come and take us away in a straight jacket. (smile) But we must surely do it as often as we can. If not from our lips, certainly from our hearts, for remember that’s where the Lord looks for corroboration for anything that comes out of our mouths, and if it’s not written there, then He knows we’re just faking. And believe me Friends, faking before the Lord isn’t only stupid, but also one of the worse things we can ever do. Just like faking in real life detracts from human trust, so too it detracts from God’s faith in us, and certainly doesn’t encourage Him to work on our behalf. As Moses says in his song: ‘Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods (mighty ones)? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.’   (Ex. 15:11-13) What a wonder that was my people; the parting of the Red Sea, the Israelites walking on dry land  betwixt the two mighty walls of water, then the rejoining and the swallowing up of the mighty Egyptian army, while the Lord leads His chosen people through the wilderness, guided by fire and cloud. ‘In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.’ (Ps.78:14) Wow! What a most magnificent God we serve! One to whom none other can compare! In the annals of man there’s never been factual evidence of any other supposed gods doing miraculous works like our God; the Most High God Jehovah. It lead Asaph, the psalmist, to joyfully declare: ‘Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary (holiness): who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.’ (Ps.77:13-15) Yes my Friends, we worship the ONE and ONLY TRUE God, who is omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present. There is none other like Him in existence, for it’s He who created the world and all therein, therefore he is exceedingly worthy to receive out constant thanks and praise in song. But sadly my people, gratitude is something that our society has recently discarded, dumped by the wayside to adopt the ingratitude that’s ingrained in Lucifer’s evil model. However, as true believers, let’s not follow their ungrateful attitude. It’s our bounden duty to give thanks and praise to Almighty God. Please, I implore us, let’s perform our duty with excellence, with flying colours, so that the Lord God, our Father in heaven will be enormously glorified and wear a permanent smile on His kind, LOVING, merciful, forgiving countenance. There’s no better gift we can give Him. Much LOVE!…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…just to see Him smile…makes my life worthwhile…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 December 2009 Matthew 10:22‏

02 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 10:22     And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
 
Well hello my dear Friends! It’s a new day, and it surely feels good to be alive! So please give the Lord some thanks and praise for that. Or as 3 Canal says: ‘Chant a chant and welcome the morning.’ (smile) Today’s Bit comes from a section of the gospel where Jesus warns His disciples that following Him meant sure persecution. Driving into Toronto yesterday, I saw a sign flashing on a billboard that said, ‘Get rid of your nightmares by remembering your dreams.’ That sounds like good advice, for whether they’re talking about real nightmares during sleep, or just waking problems, concentrating on your dreams will certainly drive away some of the negative emotions besetting you. When you remember all those big, positive dreams you had, or still do, where you were going to change the world, make a significant difference, right some wrongs, whatever, it does get the adrenaline flowing and takes your mind off the negative stuff. It might also come in useful when handling persecution for your beliefs. Note that Jesus did not hide or deny the fact that His followers would suffer simply by identifying with Him. ‘And ye shall be hated by all men for my name’ sake.’ That’s being totally up front and straightforward. Earlier on He told the twelve; ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless (innocent) as doves.’ (Mat.10:16) Now that’s certainly asking a lot. Yes, people, Jesus does expect plenty from us, excellence at all times, though being wise and innocent amongst a group of wild, savage, snarling, bloodthirsty wolves is a bit much. But Friends, since nothing has changed in Jesus’ teaching over that period of time, though the wolf pack has certainly become larger, hungrier and more bloodthirsty, it means that we, His current followers also need to adhere to that warning while obeying the principle. Sorry, but I prefer harmless to innocent, cause innocent conjures up images of naivety. And we definitely don’t want to go out in today’s world naive, else we’ll be eaten alive in no time flat. So we’ll use harmless, which sounds more plausible. Anyway, after that, Jesus made a statement of supreme importance: ‘But beware of man.’ It was true then, and possibly more so now, and is indeed a sad commentary on our society. For as Jesus reasoned, His followers would be betrayed, beaten, intimidated, falsely accused and taken before all kinds of authority to try and destroy His Church. (Mat.10:17-18) And so said, so done. Through the intervening years, up to this day, believers have been persecuted, oftimes for simply believing. In the western, supposedly Christian society, we’re fairly free to worship, though recently we’ve experienced some setbacks. But my people, in many other societies around the world, just the very mention of the name Jesus, or Christianity, is liable to have you imprisoned, even executed. Now that’s totally unacceptable two thousand years later. Oh Friends, we have to stop that kind of persecution, at least reduce it substantially, by diligently helping those believers out in the field, and the pockets of Christian resistance and assurance in those countries that are hostile to the Word and won’t allow Christ to be preached openly. It wasn’t easy in Jesus’ time, neither is it today. But fortunately my brethren, Jesus was prepared for it all. Listen to His stellar advice: ‘But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.’ (Mat.10:19-20) Oh praise His Holy Name people! Yes Friends, our Saviour, like the savvy leader He is, already had a plan worked out; namely the Holy Spirit would advise His followers how to behave and what to say when they were falsely accused. What a giant; our Saviour! And an honest one too. He never lied or pretended that His followers would have smooth sailing, but rather candidly informed them that suffering would abound if they preached in His Name. Now how many other supposed deities have been that honest eh? None that I know of. Another sad consequence that Christ warned would pursue His followers was dissension amongst families. ‘And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.’ (Mat.10:21) Ah mih people, it happened, and is still happening. We all know of families that have been destroyed by opposing beliefs. It’s not a nice situation, but one we have to deal with. However people, Jesus wasn’t moving clueless, remember we said He had a plan. And here’s the best part of it, the saving grace; though we are persecuted for believing in Him: ‘he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ And all God’s people joyously sang: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Worthy is the Lamb to be praised!’ Yes Friends, even though there seems to be no way out of our problems, when we listen to Jesus and obey His instructions, He opens a way for us. Jesus promises, that those who persevere to the very end, in spite of all the trials and tribulations, will be saved. And remember, He is faithful that promised, so there’s nothing to worry about. Oh, the scholars also bring up a good point here. It doesn’t mean that if we don’t persevere salvation will be lost, but rather those who are truly saved will have the parts and will indeed endure to the end. That means we can’t give up my people. We’ve got to keep on keeping on, to grow and mature in the faith like children becoming adults. There’s still a lot of work to be done before Jesus returns. So let’s get diligent and be persevering. And the best way to do that is by listening to that guiding Spirit within us and studying the Good Book, so we can fully LOVE our God; LIVE our Faith; and SPREAD His Word. Much LOVE!…Christian persecution will only cease…when the whole world’s converted…so let’s work diligently towards that fateful day…
 

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