Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 February 2010 Mark 8:12‏

18 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Mark 8:12     And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a beautiful morning, let’s be up and at ’em! (smile) Okay, so it’s not a beautiful day in your neck of the woods, and truthfully, neither is it in mine. However, I’m sure that in some part of God’s wonderful planet Earth, a beautiful day has dawned with sparkling sunshine and will continue that way, until it ends in a fiery blaze of orange, gold and crimson, as the sun sets behind the horizon. I’m therefore telling the truth, since I didn’t say exactly where the day was beautiful. In fact though my people, each and every day that we’re alive is a beautiful day, whether or not it’s reflected in Mother Nature. Please get that salted away in your hearts, souls and minds. As the song says, the Promised Land is not Africa, America, Europe, Asia or anywhere physical; ‘The Promised Land is a state of mind.’ And that’s quite true, for there’s nowhere in this world that actually reflects or matches our writings and thoughts on the subject. The Promised Land is a vision; a vision of faith we hold before us, a Utopian place we visualize as the ultimate venue for good living. It takes faith and hope to envision it. Note Bruh Paul’s words: ‘For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance) wait (eagerly) for it.’ (Rom.8:24-25) Exactly Friends! Unlike the Pharisees of Jesus’ time, we have hope and faith, but they came to Jesus ‘and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.’ (Mark 8:11) But those supposedly learned people were as Jesus said, truly blind, because after seeing all the miracles He did and His familiarity with the scriptures, you’d think they would at least be inclined to look seriously at His claims. But so taken up were they with their own egos, social and political positions, fearing they would lose that good life they enjoyed, they refused to even consider Jesus as the long awaited Messiah, especially since the scriptures envisioned their Saviour as being more of a warrior king, certainly not a poor, itinerant preacher. The scholars though claim that this particular group of Pharisees weren’t really interested in Jesus’ message, but were either out to satisfy their own curiosity, or gather evidence against Him, to prove He was one of Lucifer’s minions. Remember when ‘the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.’ (Mark 3:22) The Jewish rulers were so intent on getting rid of Jesus, they would stop at nothing to do so. They were so blinded by their hate, anger and fear that they did not even consider it possible that having done all He’d done, Jesus could read their minds or at least discern the reasoning behind their questions. Oh Friends, there’s really none so blind as he who refuses to see! But anyway, Jesus was on to them, and it’s noteworthy that the Good Book says, ‘he sighed deeply in his spirit,’ before answering them. This ‘sigh or groaning’ of Jesus is reflected in other places too. For example when He opened the ears and loosened the tongue of the deaf, speech impaired man. ‘And looking up to heaven, he sighed…’ (Mark 7:34) Also when He came to deal with Lazarus’ death, He ‘groaned in the spirit and was troubled…again groaning in himself.’ (John 11: 33,38) The scholars claim that this signifies Jesus’ inner emotional and spiritual fervour as He entreats the Father to undo the wrong. Hn! I don’t know if the sigh in our Bit would fall under that explanation nuh. I think Jesus was more fed up and tired, exasperated with the foolish games the Pharisees were playing. (smile) He might’ve been more asking the Father to give Him the patience to answer them sensibly and not just strike them down dead where they stood. And if so, the Father granted Him that desire, for He calmly replied: ‘Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.’ Then He left them, got into a boat and went over to the other side. Oh Friends, don’t you just LOVE how Jesus could rag on the stupid, hypocrite Pharisees an’ dem! He was being derogatory because they refused to accept Him as the Messiah in spite of all the solid evidence He provided. According to Matthew, others apparently also asked Jesus for a sign, and His answer was: ‘An evil and adulterous (unfaithful to God) generation asketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’ (Mat.12:39-41) Jesus was obviously referring to His death and resurrection. Then He further rebuked them by saying that the people of Nineveh would judge them harshly ‘because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in judgement with this generation; and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon: and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.’ (Mat.12:41-42) Jesus was simply pointing out that the Ninevites repented after a lowly prophet like Jonah warned them of coming tribulations for their ungodliness, and how the queen of Sheba travelled a great distance to hear Sol and marvelled at his riches and wisdom and believed on the Lord. (1 Kin.10:1-13) Yet they, in their ungodly wisdom and great arrogance refused to listen to and believe Him, who was much greater than both Jonah and Sol. Ah Friends, do we feel as the Pharisees did? Are we also looking for signs before we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour? Unfortunately, Jesus doesn’t do signs for signs sake. He deals in truth and faith, and expects those who follow Him to do the same. But enough for now. More tomorrow, God willing. Till then: LOVE your God, LIVE your Faith, and SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…signs are for those who don’t know where they’re going…believers do…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 February 2010 Isaiah 64:1‏

17 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 64:1      Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence.
 
Oh Glory be Friends, it’s a new day! Sing out a joyous song of eternal gratitude to out God for His enduring mercy and our continuing privilege of life! And though we have the same old problems, we have another chance, another opportunity to come at them from a different angle, with a different attitude. We need a new and more powerful perspective to attack those insidious problems that keep making our lives a hell on earth. That new perspective though must include the Most High God Jehovah, who still sits on His throne high in the heavens, monitoring all we do and don’t do. One of those new and powerful perspectives could be like that of Isaiah, when he cried out to the Lord in a prayer for help. When our earthly problems become unsolvable, that’s the best thing to do. And sadly Friends, some of the utter nonsense that’s happening in our world today does seem to call for God to come down and fix them, for man certainly can’t seem to do it. Look at all the sick and unhealthy societies in our world. Consider the recent worldwide economic meltdown that unbridled greed and avarice caused, with innumerable loss of jobs, homes and businesses. From which we still haven’t learned, for we are still moving along the same old road. Think of the breakdown of the family unit. We no longer eat or play together, or even watch t.v together. Everybody has their own t.v, their computer and all the other technological toys. Some of those things might be useful, but unfortunately they steal the personal dimension from our lives, they don’t encourage, but rather discourage togetherness. Sure, you can correspond with others all over the world, but there’s nothing like face-to-face meeting, talking, greeting, hugging and kissing. You can text, blog and whatever till thy kingdom come, but Friends, those toys cannot, and will never replace that special feeling that’s inherent in actually meeting and greeting someone in person. Good interaction is becoming increasingly hard to find anywhere. It’s gone from the family where there’s more infighting and disrespect than ever before. The workplace doesn’t lend itself much to that either for too many people are still scared for their jobs and their livelihood. That doesn’t build harmony and friendship. And don’t talk about the society at large…Hn! That’s just a dog eat dog world with all the crime, violence, fear and ungodliness that’s now running rampant. Within most nations there’s either much turmoil or serious unrest due to poverty, oppression, corruption, racial and religious disagreement to name a few causes. Then between nations, there are constant wars and rumours of wars and the cowardly threat of terrorism that recently reared its ugly, ungodly head. Oh Friends, it’s certainly not a pretty picture, and though we try to stay positive and manage to encircle ourselves in our little cocoons, we can’t ignore forever the fact that mankind is on the cusp, the brink of serious catastrophe in our relationships with each other. If we don’t hurry up and get it under control, then who knows what’s next? And it’s not the many unexpected natural disasters that are driving us apart. Surprisingly, they bring us together for a time to help each other. Maybe we should just have them all the time. It’s the unbridled greed, lust for power and wealth, the anger, hatred, resentment, jealousy and those negative things that keep driving a wedge in our relationships. We talk a whole lot about fixing and making things better, but despite all the meetings between the major countries and their proclamations, when they can agree on a watered down version, nothing worthwhile happens. It all boils down to mostly highbrow rhetoric, simply talk, for there is always someone or some group stirring the pot of strife and dissension for their own evil purposes. Friends, I don’t know about all yuh nuh, but I’m sure tired of all the unnecessary, small minded, petty foolishness that’s making a mess of our world, so I’m calling on the Lord to come down and help us, for it’s reached the stage where only He can fix it. Therefore, we pray, Lord, ‘Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. As when the melting fire burneth (burns brushwood), the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence. When thou didst terrible (awesome) things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down (shook) at thy presence.’ (Isa.64:1-3) Yes Friends, it’s probably time for Him to tear open the heavens, shake up the mountains, to come down and intervene in the affairs of men for we just can’t seem to make it work. Possibly like when Moses brought his people out to meet their God. ‘And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. (Ex.19:18) Or it could even be like when Bruh David cried out in his distress and the Lord heard him. ‘Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.’ (Ps.18:7-8) My people, there’s no doubt the Lord is displeased at the way His most wonderful and unique creation is behaving and laying waste their inheritance. Who knows, all the recent, unexpected, improbable disasters might just be a warning? But are we even considering that? No, cause we’re being led by an ungodly majority. Friends, we don’t know what’s going to happen when, but be sure of one thing, if the Lord is unhappy, then at some stage we will pay for our ungodliness. We can’t fix the world, but we can each fix ourselves first, then our families. That’s our immediate responsibility. We can then try our best in our workplaces and our neighbourhoods. If each believer does that, then for sure some godly improvement will come about, and hopefully the Lord will not have cause to vent His anger on us. I can guarantee we won’t like it. So my people, please, let’s begin that godly improvement RIGHT NOW! Much LOVE!…if the Lord’s wrath comes upon us…what a sad day that will be…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 February 2010 Psalm 62:10‏

16 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 62:10     Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a new day! Wow! We’ve been granted a new lease on life, so let’s thank our Heavenly Father for His LOVING kindness. ‘Thank you Lord, for allowing me to see another day. I pray that you’ll keep me, and all those who trust in you, safe, and guide us in paths of righteousness, so that we can do your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’ And since the Lord was willing for us to get together again, (smile) then, as promised, we’ll continue on the topic of; ‘if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.’ Yesterday we saw Jesus’ response to earthly wealth, but before going on, I want to point out one important thing. After Jesus told the rich, young ruler to go and obey the commandments if he wanted to obtain eternal life, and the fellow said he’d been doing that from young, the Good Book notes; ‘Then Jesus beholding him, LOVED him…’ (Mark 10:21) That means He felt sorry for him, felt badly, felt sad, had compassion, because He knew that what He was about to tell him; sell what he owned, give to the poor, then come and take up his cross and follow him, would create great sadness and conflict in the youngster’s heart and soul, since he genuinely seemed to want to do good. My point here Friends is that in cases where we’re about to give others news they might not like or appreciate, especially if they seem genuine, we must consider our words and actions carefully, don’t be too harsh, unforgiving or belittling. Let’s be like Jesus, show some compassion, for often when we’re right, we tend to get up on our high horse and talk down to people, expound without any thought for the other person’s feelings. That wasn’t our Saviour’s style. Even when He gave bad news, He always tried to soften the blow. So too should we. Now yesterday we ended where Jesus astounded the disciples with talk of how hard it is for the rich to go to heaven, it being easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, and how men couldn’t do that, but with God all things were possible. (Mark 10:23-27) Today we’ll continue that conversation. ‘Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.’ (Mark 10:28-31) That, my people, puts the whole thing in the right perspective. It’s not always easy to give up material things, but if we do it on Jesus’ behalf, then we will be rewarded later on, either here on earth, or when He comes to rule in glory. And it’s not just a one for one payback, but ‘an hundredfold.’ That’s how our God rewards us for putting out on His behalf; with more than we can ask or imagine. And as we said yesterday, nothing’s wrong with being rich, but it all depends on how and why we acquire the wealth and what we do with it. Obviously if we acquire it through false, unethical, ungodly means, like stealing, killing robbing, usury etc, then it will be considered ill gotten gain, wealth that we’re really not entitled to. However if we get it through fair and honest means then that’s fine. Then we come to the why, the motive for acquiring that wealth. If it’s just to boost your ego, make you feel good and powerful and live the high life, then I doubt the Lord will look kindly on it. But if you seek riches not to glorify yourself but God, then He will safeguard your earthly treasure, for riches are given to us to enable us to do God’s work, to further His kingdom, cause we’re only stewards of that wealth. Remember, regardless of what good we do, the Lord always looks at our motive, the true purpose and intent of our hearts as the judging factor. Oh Friends, contrary to what many think, wealth itself causes many problems; we’ve got to keep it safe, know whom to trust with it, can’t let too many people know we have it for fear of them wanting to hurt us or our families to get some of it etc. Being wealthy is nice, but it’s no picnic. Most importantly, we have to ensure it doesn’t change us into worldly, self-seeking ogres and just live for it. As Job said when he spoke of his integrity. ‘If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much…This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.’ (Job 31:24-25,28) So Friends, even way back then, wise people realized that life was not only about earthly wealth and the amassing of or serving it. Jesus’ famous warning should always ring in our ears too when we consider material possessions. ‘Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.’ (Luke 12:15) And finally Friends, no talk, lecture, dialogue, diatribe, whatever, on riches is ever complete without these wise words of Bruh Paul. ‘For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds of) evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, (for which some in their greediness have strayed from the faith) and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’ (1 Tim.6:10) Seldom were truer words spoken Friends. So let that warning also stay in our consciousness when we consider the wealth of the world. Nothing’s basically wrong with money, for we all need it to live. It’s when we worship, LOVE, bow down to it like an idol, that it gets us in trouble. Please be careful and not let it lead us astray. Much LOVE!…remember…earthly possessions can’t buy LOVE…salvation…or eternal life…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 February 2010 Psalm 62:10‏

15 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 62:10     Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
 
Oh Friends, the weekend’s over! Like time these days, it passes rather quickly. Now it’s Monday, and we need to put on all the protection available from Almighty God before heading out to the crazy workday world, to again engage the enemy in hostilities to the death. Make no mistake Friends, the enemy is intent on taking us down with him to eternal death and damnation, and it’s only if we stand strong in the faith granted us by the risen and living Christ, our Lord and Saviour, can we defeat him and live to receive salvation and eternal life. Wow! What a mouthful! (smile) But a true mouthful. Bruh David knew this when he penned Psalm 62, ‘God only is my rock and my salvation.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people! If you believe nothing else, please believe that. All that we are, depends entirely on our Creator and our God, as Bruh David acknowledges in the opening verses. ‘Truly my soul waiteth (waits silently) upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense (strong tower); I shall not be greatly moved (shaken). (Ps.62:1-2) To that my people, let’s all offer a thankful shout of ‘Glory Hallelujah! All praise and thanks be to the Living God for His never ending and impenetrable protection of those who sincerely believe in and worship Him!’ However Friends, there are a significant number of people who don’t believe that; Lucifer’s workers of iniquity. And sadly, these days they greatly outnumber us who consider those words of Bruh David gospel. They also attempt to pressure us into being like them, using all sorts of evil and ungodly means and methods to do so. Their arsenal includes harsh means like oppression, suppression, greed, anger, torture, even outright warfare. And if these negative methods don’t work, then they can also be nice and sweet and entice us with worldly things that our fleshly lusts adore, but our spiritual side abhors. So my brethren, the enemy is not only brutal and ruthless, he is also cunning and charismatic, and not afraid to use any means, devious or otherwise, to achieve his wicked, godless ends. But Friends, I’m here to convey Bruh David’s soul and mind changing message to us all: ‘Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery.’ In other words, don’t depend on oppressing and suppressing others to build yourself up, for what goes around comes around. Every dictator’s been ousted by another power hungry fool. Neither should we vainly hope in robbing or stealing from others to enrich ourselves, like so many of us do today. Robbery is probably the number one crime in our society, and too often it’s accompanied by violence. But we also have the legalized kind of robbery, synonymous with the word business. Steups! In too many cases the words greed and robbery can be substituted for business, since the number one end or motivation in those endeavours is to enrich, to make ever larger profits. We therefore stoop to whatever unconscionable levels we need to, in order to attain those unjustifiable ends. Please remember my people that the enemy has no conscience. He lives by the mottos; kill or be killed, the ends justifies the means, grab whatever and as much you can, live for today and forget about tomorrow. But as believers, we know that all those things are wrong, and thankfully, the Spirit of Christ which dwells in us, our conscience, will not allow us to participate in them. And we have one more everlastingly important caution from Bruh David on the subject: ‘if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.’ Oh Friends, that is the enemy’s biggest ploy, most prominent enticement; to have us set all our hearts, minds, souls and goals on becoming rich; in money, material possessions, social prominence and political power. He makes us believe that success is based on being on top of the heap; wealthy and well known. But mih breddren, nothing can be further from the truth. You just have to look around our world today and see the vast number of wealthy, powerful, well known but unhappy people. Oh I know some of us will say it’s better to be rich and unhappy than poor and happy, but that’s all a matter of personal preference and it’s not the determining factor in this debate. And what is? It’s the opinion of Jesus, our Leader, our Lord and Saviour. Listen as He enlightens His disciples and a young, rich, ruler who comes asking how he can obtain eternal life. Jesus first tells him to go and obey the commandments. ‘And he answered and said unto him, Master (Teacher), all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him, LOVED him, and said unto him: One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and take up the cross, and follow me.’ (Mark 10:20-21) Obviously Jesus’ words saddened the youngster, as it would have any of us with much wealth, and he went away unhappy. And Jesus, always adept at using drama in His teaching, turned to His disciples and said: ‘How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ (Mark 10:23) The disciples were astonished at Jesus’ words, but He continued unperturbed. ‘Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’ (Mark 10:24-25) Now the disciples were truly astonished and began muttering amongst themselves, ‘Who then can be saved? And Jesus  looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.’ (Mark 10:26-27) And if we are true believers we know that. Oh Friends, there’s basically nothing wrong with being rich, but it boils down to how and why we acquire the wealth, then what we do with it? We’ve run out of space and time today, so we’ll delve into these things tomorrow, as there’s much more to talk about, for this is a very important aspect of the believer’s life. Oh, I forgot to mention, provided God is willing. But then why shouldn’t He eh? All we’re doing is glorifying Him, Spreading His Word and Living Our Faith. So till then, Much LOVE!…be wary of riches…for they are one of Lucifer’s calling cards…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 February 2010 2 Corinthians 6:14‏

14 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

HAPPY  VALENTINE’S  DAY

2 Corinthians 6:14     Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
 
Oh Friends, it’s Valentine’s Day! A day for a special outpouring of LOVE to those we consider worthy of our LOVE and/or Friendship. It’s also another one of those days designed to bolster the coffers of the merchants at our expense, with gifts of chocolates, cards and all sorts of unusual doodads. (smile) However, I guess if it does boost the outpouring of good and sincere sentiments, then we have to acknowledge its importance, for anything in these evil, ungodly and hard times that produces or enhances a feeling of peace and LOVE amongst humans is worthy to be noted and supported. But having said that, we still need to be very careful in our relationships, because as Bruh Paul said to the immature Corinthian congregation: ‘Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.’ Now it doesn’t mean we can’t be friends with unbelievers, but we have to be very particular whom we associate with outside of God’s circles of believers, and also how we interact with them. In truth though, some unbelievers behave better than some supposed believers. Anyway,the important words in his statement are ‘unequally yoked,’ meaning the unbeliever must never be the one who controls the relationship, nor their ideas be the dominant topics of conversation. Instead, our ideas and beliefs concerning Jesus and all that He stands for, should dominate the relationship, obviously in a kind and godly manner reminiscent of Jesus’ style. We can’t say to have no relationships whatsoever with unbelievers for we meet them in all walks of life. Furthermore, how else are we going to tell them of our wonderful Saviour and all the good things He’s done and is still doing for us and get them on track to become believers? How are they going to see and judge the beautiful Christ like examples we set, having told them all those great tidings re our omnipotent, omniscient and ever-LOVING God, if we don’t interact with them on some level? Remember, examples speak more forcibly than words. The important thing here Friends, is to keep our wits about us, use some common sense, try to keep control of the interactions so that their unbelief doesn’t dim or wither our faith in the One True God, Jehovah. This is not always easy to do, for some unbelievers can be very aggressive, assertive and convincing too, and if our faith is not solidly entrenched in the blood and the cross of Jesus, then they can turn the tables on us, cause doubts to enter our minds and to eventually backslide. Consequently, Bruh Paul warned: ‘I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company (associate) with fornicators.’ (1 Cor.5:9) Now according to the scholars, that was an earlier epistle which was lost, but we’re sure that’s one thing he told them in it. ‘Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.’ (1 Cor.5:10) It’s the same thing we were saying people, you can’t help but meet the ungodly in this world. To not come upon them, you would have to go out of the world. But listen to Jesus praying to the Father for His own people: ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one)…As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.’ (John 17:15,18) It sure is a tricky situation my people: we’re not to associate with those of excessive ungodliness; ‘for what fellowship (in common) hath righteousness with unrighteousness (lawlessness)? and what communion (fellowship) hath light with darkness?’ But Friends, it’s some of those very people; the unrighteous and those in the dark, that Jesus befriended. It’s also those who need to hear the good news of the gospel of Christ the most. For when the scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus: ‘Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ (Luke 5:30-32) Yes my people, we are called to do a seemingly impossible task, but as we all know, with those who LOVE and obey God, all things are possible. Nevertheless, let’s close with some more warning words of Bruh Paul, this time to the church at Ephesus. ‘Let no man deceive you with vain (empty) words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children (sons) of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them…And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.’ (Eph.5:6-7,11) Yes Friends, in all our associations and relationships, we must be led by the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and ensure that Jesus and His Good News Gospel is the primary topic that permeates the atmosphere. May the Good Lord through His Spirit strengthen and guide us in this matter. We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Much LOVE!…saving lost souls is our duty…but we can’t do it without heavenly help…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 February 2010 Psalm 104:24‏

13 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 104:24     O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
 
Oh Friends, it’s the weekend; Sabbath time again! So be sure to get your spiritual fix. (smile) Join others in praise and worship, refill your spiritual tank with God’s assurances and mercy, for without this renewal we cannot battle the enemy successfully. Today’s Bit comes from Psalm 104, a song dedicated to God’s marvellous handiwork in nature, and the way He looks after it. It states: ‘O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.’ And isn’t that the truth my people? The Lord’s work in Mother Nature is certainly plentiful: its contents are at once simple and complicated, practical, awe inspiring and mind boggling. Bruh David extols it in Psalm 40. ‘Many O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.’ (Ps.40:5) That’s an amazing fact Friends. We can never count the number of good things that the Lord has done for us, or His thoughts towards us, which are always for good and not evil. That man of patience, Job, agrees. When speaking of the Lord, he exclaims: ‘Which doeth great things past finding out: yea, and wonders without number.’ (Job 9:10) Meanwhile, Sol, in his own inimitable style declares: ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken, and the clouds drop down the dew.’ (Prov.3:19) And Jeremiah proclaimed: ‘He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.’ (Jer.10:12) Jerry found it so nice that he had to say it twice. (Jer.51:15) (smile) So Friends, we all agree that our God did a most marvellous and amazing job when He made the earth, the heavens, the seas and all therein. Now some of us may be familiar with Psalm 104 through the following verses that Peter Tosh used to help pen the song; ‘Igzabier, Let Jah be praised.’ ‘He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb (vegetation) for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth. And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengetheneth man’s heart.’ (Ps.104:13-15) Ah Friends, does our God ever deserve to be praised! Remember, He made nature and all its workings before He ever made man. He made Paradise first, then placed man in it. He made Mother Nature both pleasant to the senses; sight, smell, taste and touch, and fruitful for man’s existence. But the question is do we appreciate it? Do we take proper care of it? The resounding answer is NO! Definitely not as well as we should. Just consider how we exploit and abuse the land with pesticides and over use, not giving it time to lie fallow so it can be naturally replenished. Also the deep scarring from mines, where all the trees are removed and the land left bare so the soil can all be washed away in the rains. Now we’ve moved from burrowing into the earth to removing the whole hill, extracting what we want, then leaving the ugly, harmful sludge behind. But it’s easier and cheaper and what happens to the earth and people who have to live there is not that important. We also pollute the seas and rivers, consequently destroying the sources of food God provided. The same goes for the heavens, with the smog and acid rain caused by our belching smokestacks, and the carbon dioxide filled smoke from our car exhausts, all contributing to the constant erosion of the protective ozone layer. The Lord made everything to work in delicate precision, like the famed Swiss watches, but mankind has just royally screwed up everything. Then we wonder why there are terrible snow and rain storms in places that usually have none, while there’s none in places that are supposed to have plenty. Why there are floods and famines in places that by human reasoning and past experience should not have them? Where once productive land abounded, now it’s dry and arid? There’s only one answer to all those changes Friends, man’s atrocities, which in our earthly wisdom, read greed and ignorance, we refuse to take seriously or acknowledge. The atrocities, the constant rape and pillage that man has wrought on the planet over the years, are now taking their toll. Even the moon is subject to our destructive habits, because every time we go there, we leave junk and garbage. The whole eco system is out of sync with God’s careful planning and consideration, due in large part to our misuse and abuse. It’s so bad that many plants, animals, birds and other living organisms are becoming extinct, either by being pushed out of their natural habitat or killed off for profit and/or fun. Oh people, the only things we haven’t crossed up yet are the workings of the sun and moon. ‘He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.’ (Ps. 104:19) But don’t worry, we’re trying to tamper with those too. Ah Friends, I don’t know what to say, except that we all are responsible for taking care of God’s great gift, and we’re sadly falling behind more everyday, by allowing our leaders and captains of industry to adopt the greedy, short-sighted, short term plans that are wreaking havoc on the planet. If we don’t step up and hold them accountable soon, and try to reverse it, then we’ll also be complicit in the degradation. And I don’t want to play the devils advocate, but if it continues the way it’s going, then the logical conclusion is that one day man will also become extinct, having destroyed his natural habitat. For the sake of our children and future generations, let’s come together and make saving our beautiful but ill-treated planet a priority nuh. It’s our gift from God, we ought to take proper care of it, for like our money and material possessions we’re only stewards, caretakers of it for future generations. Much LOVE!…take care of the planet…and the planet will take care of you…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 February 2010 John 1:17‏

12 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 1:17     For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
 
Oh my Friends, another bright, sun shiny day (though cold and windy here) has been born out of the darkness, and the servants of the Most High God Jehovah need to be up and about their Master’s business. Give Him thanks and praise for all that He’s done for you, and pray for continued safe and steadfast guidance as you trod this weary earth, seeking to do His will. Yesterday, we saw how the basic law of God was given to Moses, but with Jesus’ coming, His death and resurrection brought other things into play, into greater focus. Things like grace, truth, salvation and eternal life took on a new meaning, a new vitality. Jesus offered us a New Covenant, underwritten by His cleansing blood and sacrificial death. We also noted that grace was the undeserved favour of God by which we are able to receive salvation. The people of Jesus’ time had problems juxtaposing the Law of Moses and Jesus’ covenant. We have no such conflict, for though the basic law still stands, as what we should and should not do, everything else is new, based on Jesus. He is the focus for all believers, our raison d’être, our sole reason to be. Whenever we talk about God, we automatically include Jesus, cause as He explicitly says: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) So we can never enter the Father’s presence without first going through His Son, our Lord and Saviour, our Advocate and Spiritual Advisor. Oh Friends, the great thing about Jesus’ coming is that the law, read works, no longer mattered where salvation was concerned. Before Him it was considered that things like good works and piety were needed for salvation. But our Saviour’s death changed all that, because it meant He paid for our sins, and all we now needed for salvation was to believe in Him, be born again, have a spiritual rebirth, and receive God’s free gift of grace. Sin would no longer hold us in bondage because Jesus’ death had washed away the sins of all believers. Wow! What a blessed day! As Bruh Paul so eloquently puts it: ‘For as by one man (Adam’s) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Jesus) shall many be made righteous.’ (Rom.5:19) Oh Friends, it all boils down to God’s free gift of unmerited grace and favour. Hear Bruh Paul again: ‘Moreover the law entered that the offense (sin) might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign, through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom.5: 20-21) Yes my people, the law that encouraged and fomented sin, that led to death, was being replaced by an abundance of grace through Jesus that would lead to salvation and eternal life. Christians are able to break out of sin’s stranglehold because we live under the law of the Spirit, grace, not that of the flesh and the world. And as Jesus said to His disciples, re the hatred of the world and their persecution. ‘If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not sin: but now they have no cloak (excuse) for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.’ (John 15:22-24) My brethren, that says a whole lot. If Jesus had not come and done all he did, we’d be none the wiser. However, once He came and made everything known, accomplished His purpose, our eyes are supposed to be wide open, and we see everything clearly. There are now no excuses for our ungodly behaviour and actions. Sin has been brought out in the open for all and sundry to see, and grace has been offered for all and sundry to accept. Let’s not be foolish and continue revelling in sin, but come to the wise conclusion that the grace of our God, through Jesus Christ, is more important than anything this fleshly, lustful world has to offer. And how do we know all of that is true? Why simple! Jesus said it. And do we take His word for it? Sure! Why? Because as we already noted, He’s the way, the truth and the life. Everything moves around Him. He also told those Jews that believed on Him: ‘If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.’ (John 8:31-32) Glory Hallelujah Friends! What else do we need eh? And for all of us who truly LOVE, revere and follow Jesus, the truth is made known to us through the working of His Holy Spirit in us. ‘But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.’ (John 15:26) Glory be, mih people! Those were Jesus’ words to His disciples, and we know what happened on that first day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit inflamed them with tongues. So how can we doubt His word eh? But just in case your heart’s still hard with unbelief and doubt, then Listen to His answer when Pilate asked Him: ‘Art thou a king? Jesus answered, Thou sayest (rightly) that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.’ (John 18:37) Matter fix mih Friends! If in your hearts, minds and souls you either know the truth or seek it, then you’ll hear the Saviour’s voice calling softly, LOVINGLY and reassuringly, ‘poor sinner come home.’ If you don’t believe, are not tuned in to the truth, then I’m sorry to hear that, and sincerely hope that something happens to change your mind and heart before it’s too late. For when the last whistle, of that last train blows, and it slowly chugs out of the station, headed for glory, those not aboard will be cast into dark exile for ever. Please don’t allow this to happen to you and yours. Make the right decision NOW; be wise and accept Christ as the way, the truth and the life, so you can receive His free gift of abundant grace that leads to salvation and eternal life. Oh Friends, it’s the ONLY WAY! Much LOVE!…it’s the only sure bet…so my money, my life, and all that I am, are on Jesus…TO WIN…!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 February 2010 John 1:17‏

11 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 1:17     For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
 
Oh mih Friends, it’s one of those February mornings with just a smattering of snow on the ground, but nowhere close to what Washington D.C. and the U.S. East Coast are experiencing. Please say a prayer for them, because many parts of the affected area are not accustomed to such snowy conditions. Up here though, it’s still cold and damp with a chill wind blowing through whatever you choose to put on. To me, February and March are the worse winter months because of the cold wind that seems to blow continuously, while the bright sunshine fools you into subconsciously thinking heat. But Friends, wherever we are, whatever the physical conditions of Mother Nature, cold, hot, snowy or otherwise, let us raise a prayer of thanks to Almighty God for enabling us to enjoy one more day on planet earth. And though it turns out to be a rough day, once we’re walking with the Lord in our hearts, minds and souls, we’re assured that He will give us the grace and the power to handle whatever comes along. On that note people, let’s look at our Bit. It’s simple but full of wisdom, truth and light. ‘For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus.’ So true mih breddren! The law, meaning the basic law of God; the rules and regulations His people should live by, were handed to Moses, written by God on two tablets of stone, which we refer to as the Ten Commandments. We all know them, or should. Whether we practice them is another story, though, as believers, we should to the best of our ability. And just supposing, now we only supposing eh, (smile) that you don’t know them, or are in doubt, just to refresh your memory, read them in Exodus Chapter 20. ‘And God spake all these words saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ (Ex.20:1-3) Yes Friends, that’s the first and most important law; the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob shall be the only deity you worship and bow down to. All the other laws, though important, are subservient to that one, because our God is very jealous and protective of His sovereignty. Now we’ve had those laws; thou shalt not kill steal, covet, commit adultery, worship idols etc, for ages, but obviously haven’t followed them as closely as we ought, for some of the supposedly most godly societies have proven to be the biggest warmongers, crooks, idolaters and adulterers over the years. Our God was terribly unhappy with the situation, but He’d already wiped us out once before, through the Flood, then raised us up again through Noah’s progeny and nothing changed. That sinful bent, naturally inherited from our forefathers, soon raised its ugly head again. Fed up with our animal sacrifices and insincerity, the Lord decided to fix the situation once and for all. He’d send His innocent, sinless Son, Jesus, to die for us, to pay our sin debt in full and wash away all our atrocities. No more sacrifices were needed, because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, and with Him came grace and truth. Now grace was also evident in the Old Testament, but not like when Jesus came. We read there: ‘But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.’ (Gen.6:8) Also when Moses went back up Mt.Sinai the second time, to replace the first stone tablets that had been broken, ‘The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.’ (Ex.34:6) Yes, grace was available before Jesus came, but mostly to those of great faith. However, with the coming of Jesus…Wow Friends! Jesus brought grace in real and true abundance! As John concurs: ‘And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.’ (John 1:16) The ‘fullness’ part refers to John 1:14, which says; ‘And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.’ And per the scholars ‘grace for grace’ means ‘grace heaped on grace.’ Thank you Jesus! Sorry Friends, I guess we should define what we mean by grace. It’s basically God’s favour bestowed upon us, undeserved of course, for our salvation. Without that grace, salvation is, and would be impossible. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Bruh Paul’s exposition on the subject. ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship (creation), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’ (Eph.2:8-10) Yes my Friends, it’s not by works, but through the grace of God that we are in Christ Jesus. Our spiritual rebirth through Jesus, enables us to do good works in His name. We’ve been morally upgraded for that express purpose, since as we all know, only good works flow from Jesus. The scholars believe that Bruh Paul’s thinking was that believers were given a spiritual life to do good works, so consequently there could be no good works before conversion that would merit salvation. In other words; good works follow, not precede salvation. Oh Friends, like we’ll have to continue this tomorrow yes, God willing, of course. I have more to say, but won’t make it too long, bearing in mind our short attention spans. (smile) But yuh know mih people, sometimes I just have to chuckle in wonder and awe at the way the Spirit guides me in finding and writing these Bits. If I ever had doubts before, now I know for a fact that there is a Spirit that exists within us, to aid and abet us. Without the Spirit’s truly wonderful help, I certainly couldn’t do what I’m doing. So please, I implore you, do not downgrade or disown that Spirit of our Saviour in your own lives, for it’s of immeasurable and incalculable importance to you as a true believer and follower of Jesus. Working with it, we can do all things, while without it, we’re rendered totally helpless. Much LOVE!…only as we have received God’s GRACE…can we receive SALVATION…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 February 2010 Micah 4:12‏

10 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Micah 4:12     But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.
 
Ah Friends, the days they are moving along as our Lord God appointed them, and with each passing day we grow a little older, but also a little closer to Him. Let’s join in a short prayer of thanks and great expectations. ‘Oh Lord, thank you for allowing me to see a new day. I know that your thoughts towards me are for good and not evil. Please guide me safely through this day and all the others you permit me to see, then receive me in glory when my earthly days are done. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.’ Oh my people, Today’s Bit comes from a part of scripture where the prophet Micah saw Jerusalem and Israel restored to their former glory after Babylon and all their enemies were destroyed; ‘and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.’ (Mic.4:7) But until then, there will be much travail and sorrow, even exile to Babylon with much hardship and suffering there. But ‘there shalt thou be delivered; there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.’ (Mic.4:10)  Friends, I’m here equating our current situation to that of the people in Micah’s time cause there are many similarities, since we’re now living in what’s called the ‘New Babylon.’ That day Micah spoke of came on a small scale for both Israel and us; namely Babylon’s destruction, Israel’s release from captivity and Jerusalem rebuilt. For us it came when Jesus died on the cross, taking our sins upon His innocent soul so that we could be made right with our heavenly Father. However, there’s a bigger day still to come, cause Micah was looking at the end times, when our God will come in all His splendour and glory, defeat the ungodly nations, the New Babylon, and set up His righteous kingdom. But right now we are going through that time of travail and sorrow, like the Israelites in Old Babylon for it’s obvious from the warlike state of our world that many are trying to destroy God’s people. ‘Now also many nations are gathered against thee (Zion), that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.’ (Mic.4:) That in no way meant the old-timers, nor us today, any good, for we know that Lucifer and his lowly, evil minions are out there frantically and fanatically trying to destroy the main body of believers, Christ’s Church, as well as individual believers. In the ungodly countries there’s physical persecution and destruction of places of worship, while in those that claim to be godly, they bad talk the Church to non-believers and entice believers to back slide, to turn away from the One True God Jehovah through promises of pretty but flimsy, useless trinkets, money and power. ‘But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel.’ Yes Friends, the heathen has no idea of our God’s thinking. ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ (Isa.55:8-9) So though we know of and about our God, the miniscule human mind can never really comprehend His complete sovereignty, omniscience and omnipotence. We’re like mere ants compared to God in His greatness. ‘For he shall gather them as sheaves into the floor (to the threshing floor)’ Yes my people, that’s how the Lord will handle our enemies; gather them like sheaves of wheat on a threshing floor, then thresh them, beat them, as we do the sheaves of wheat to remove the grain.’ They won’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell! That’s why Micah encouraged his people, and I’m encouraging us now to; ‘Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people(s): and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.’ (Mic.4:13) Yes my Friends, that’s what we, the Lord’s people need to do; be strong, rise up and take back what is ours, reclaim our rightful heritage, reclaim the society on God’s behalf. I know that believers are currently going through some rough times, but I want to remind us of all the promises our God has made to those who follow Him sincerely, and that we need to hold on to them as tightly as possible, especially in these trying times. It won’t always be easy, but if we place our complete trust and faith in Him and surrender our whole beings, then He will enable us to bear whatever burdens or trials that may come our way, then receive us to glory in the end. As Micah says: ‘But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in (on) the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills, and people (peoples) shall flow unto it.’ (Mic.4:1) Oh my people, what a wonderful time that will be, with nations coming from all over the world to Zion, to learn of the Lord; ‘and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths,’ (Mic.4:2) He’ll also judge many nations and rebuke them, ‘and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks (knives): nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore…For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever.’ (Mic.4:3,5) All I can say to that Friends, is ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ I can’t wait for that glorious day to come, so let’s keep on living in faith and hope, and trust in the faithful promises of our God. That’s the only way to live this earthly life. Much LOVE!…remember…He who promised is faithful…and no seed of the righteous will ever beg bread…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 February 2010 Psalm 149:4‏

09 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 149:4     For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
 
Oh Friends, it’s another new day, and though we may have the same old problems from yesterday, today brings new hope that we’ll find a way to solve them. Let’s thank our heavenly Father for blessing us with life and giving us the glorious opportunity to enjoy the wonders of His creation, for at least one more day, cause without Him, we are nothing. Then let’s consider these words of John Greenleaf Whittier: ‘Of all the sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: It might have been.’  Oh my people, those words are so full of truth and wisdom! The sad part is that all of us know it, but we still refuse to do the things that won’t make them necessary. It happens all the time; we procrastinate until it’s too late. For example in telling some one we LOVE them, or we’re sorry, then they suddenly die, move away, or are no longer interested in our friendship because of our insensitive attitude and/or behaviour. It can also be a job or some such thing that we keep putting off, until it either blows up in our face, or we lose a wonderful opportunity and suffer serious loss. Friends, the word is called procrastination; putting off until oftimes it’s too late, then we bury ourselves in self-pity and mumble; ‘If I’d only known.’ That reminds me of an old, but quite appropriate saying; ‘Too late, too late shall be the cry, When Jesus Christ of Nazareth passes by.’ That’s a sad truth mih people, for we never know what’s going to happen when, therefore we should always aspire to do what we ought, when we ought, so that if unforeseen circumstances intervene, we won’t be caught with our pants down, (smile) then walk around wallowing in regrets. And don’t be fooled, it’s a more common problem that we want to admit, and it’s causing serious problems in all aspects of our society; church, home, school, government, and business because we’ve all grown so accustomed to the easy life, shirking responsibility and blaming others for our problems, that it’s hard to accept our culpability, even though it’s staring us in the face. Right now I can think of a couple of things that I’ve been putting off for God alone knows how long, and I have no one to blame but my self. Thankfully they’re not that serious to cause me serious grief or pain, but they have caused some unnecessary inconvenience. Oh my people, I’m imploring us to follow the old people’s advice and not put off for tomorrow what we can do today, since in the long run it always causes us needless pain, neither is it a wise way to live, especially as believers. For as the Psalmist says: ‘The Lord taketh pleasure in his people:’ But how or why would He do that, if His people are not doing what they ought to? Remember, we are the Lord’s creation. He made us for His enjoyment; a living being with whom He could communicate and lavish His untold blessings upon. His major purposes are to LOVE and provide for us. Hear some of Bruh David’s words on the subject. ‘Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.’ (Ps.35:27) Oh Friends, there are so many scriptures that talk of God wanting to bless and prosper His people that we can only quote two. The first is Bruh Paul’s adaptation of Isaiah 64:4. ‘But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that LOVE him.’ (1 Cor.2:9) Yes my people, we can’t even imagine what our God has prepared for us who LOVE Him, because it’s above our comprehension. So why don’t we LOVE Him eh? Then there’s Nehemiah, who in his efforts to rebuild Jerusalem declared: ‘And the king granted me according to the good hand of my God upon me.’ (Neh.2:8) The king of Babylon gave him almost everything he asked for to get the project going. That wasn’t just by chance, but because his God worked on the heart of the king. And later on, when his enemies mocked and scoffed at him for his seemingly inadequate efforts, what was his response? ‘The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build.’ (Neh.2:20) And build they did because their God prospered them. Oh Friends, Jeremiah said it perfectly. ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope) (Jer.29:11) So why won’t we do as He asks, when all He has in mind for us is good and not evil? Who knows? Possibly because of our inherently sinful, rebellious attitude, and the glitz and glamour of the world’s flimsy baubles, bangles and bright shining things which draw us to them with false promises. Now we perhaps prefer those things, as opposed to what the second part of our Bit says: ‘he will beautify the meek (humble) with salvation.’ Praise Him for His goodness yes my people! Let the foolish follow Beelzebub, but the wise will worship the Lord. And Psalm 132:16 echoes the sentiment of God beautifying the meek (us) with salvation. ‘I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.’ Are we shouting Friends? Then we have another famous passage of Isaiah that upholds them all. ‘To appoint (console) unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.’ (Isa.61:3) Oh my people, what’s it about God’s good plans for us that we don’t understand eh? He’s been saying from day one that all He wants is to LOVE, cherish and prosper us. However, if we don’t abide by His rules and regulations He won’t. And that’s only natural since he who pays the piper has the right to call the tune. And it’s not like we don’t see many glaring examples of prosperity for obedience and destruction for disobedience and rebellion throughout history. Yet we still choose to follow the ungodly path and suffer. Ah Lord eh! Do we have a death wish or something? Please people, let’s start turning it around before it’s too late nuh. Please, enough procrastination. Let’s understand and gladly accept the wonderful promises of our Most Merciful God and do as He requires, so that He can prosper our children and us forever. It’s the only wise solution to our numerous problems. Much LOVE!…God calls us to righteousness…so that He can prosper us…and be glorified…
 

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