Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 April 2011 Proverbs 11:28‏

30 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 11:28.     He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Oh Friends, what’s happening with our world eh? Are these the prelude to the end times? The devastation over the last couple years, both natural and human, is catastrophic and rather alarming, I’m pointedly referring though to the freakish disaster earlier this week, where several tornadoes ripped through five or six U.S. Southeast states almost simultaneously, claiming some three hundred lives. Wow! And it’s been claimed that they haven’t seen multiple tornadoes like that for around forty years. But who’s to know what’s really happening eh? It’s all part of God’s big, overall plan for the universe He created, and as such, none of us can really comprehend it, so we’ll just have to trust and accept that He knows what’s He’s doing. All we can do is live right; live the way He wants us to, and pray that we don’t get caught up in any serious calamity. In the meanwhile, let’s pray for all those unfortunate people who bore the brunt of the tornado attack in the southern U.S. and willingly offer any material help that we can, because they desperately need all kinds of assistance in this time of unbelievable tragedy. The frightening thing is that these disasters don’t seem to be lessening in frequency or intensity, which makes me wonder if at some time soon our days could just be spent praying for disaster victims. But as we keep saying Friends, where there is life, there’s always hope. So please don’t stop hoping, don’t stop living in faith and don’t stop praying, pray even more if possible, for God knows why He created us and the entire universe. Our task is to simply embrace His Word and live the way He desires. And how is that? Out Bit says it short and sweet: ‘He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch (like foliage).’ There we have it in a nutshell my people! We must not put our faith and trust in the material wealth and ungodly ways of this world, because they cannot be trusted, and all who do so will eventually face disaster, since the riches of this world tend to rust and decay, neither do they hold their value for long. Instead we have to live according to God’s Word and His dictates. Then we’ll truly prosper, grow like the well-fed and nourished branches of trees. The comparison springs to mind of spring time (smile) when all the trees flourish with new growth after going through a difficult, dry winter. That’s how the Lord God Jehovah treats the righteous! Now here are some testimonies that attest to that fact. The first is from Job, the father of patience. In talking of his integrity, he declares: ‘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) Yes Friends, by putting our trust in material wealth and worldly lusts, we’re denying that God is alive and more important. Now listen to the psalmist, as he talks of the blessedness of the righteous: ‘And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.’ (Ps.1:3-4) Ah mih breddren, what solace, bliss and prosperity await the righteous! And finally, hear Jeremiah wax ecstatic in the same agricultural vein as the psalmist: ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see (fear) when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful (anxious) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.’ (Jer.17:7-8) So Friends, we have it on good grounds from three prominent men of faith; without a doubt, those that look to the Lord for guidance and purpose shall prosper in their righteousness, even in the lean times. Now let’s take that promise and run with it. Let’s hold it tightly, without fear, and base our whole lives upon it, for it’s the Word of God, and therefore the undisputed truth. Much LOVE!…to find peace and prosperity…here on earth…live for God…

 

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 April 2011 Proverbs 3:27‏

29 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 3:27.    Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
 
‘It’s Friday, it’s Friday! Thank God it’s Friday! Yeh Friends, I hear you all chanting the chorus as you come chipping down the road, relief for the weekend filling your souls. So why stop now eh? Let’s continue and chant we Friday Chant: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And who says Christians doh enjoy life eh? Possibly the misguided ones. But if we know that the end will be great and joyous, as Jesus promised, why live miserable, unhappy lives here on earth? So, mih people, let’s keep a smile on our faces, good cheer in our hearts, and a spring in our step, as we endeavour to do Jesus’ work nuh. The worst thing a believer can do is to talk to someone about Christ with a sour, negative disposition. The person you’re witnessing to will surely consider it thus: ‘How come yuh telling me about this wonderful Jesus Christ, and the great life He offers, both down here, and in some place called heaven, yet yuh looking and behaving so sour and miserable?’ Oh Friends, there’s nothing that turns off unbelievers, and other believers too, like ‘poe me one’, hard done by believers. Look at all the trials and tribulations Jesus, in His innocence, went through for our sakes, yet you never heard Him complain or develop a negative attitude. I know it’s not easy to bring forth a smile and good cheer from a sad and hurting heart, but people, if we’re followers of Jesus, we just have to do it. And we can too, if we ask Him to help us. It brings to mind some folks who ask how come I’m always singing and sound so happy? But they don’t know mih breddren that some of those happy tunes are masking a truly sad soul. And sometimes the sadder the soul, the more cheerful the external actions. The important thing is that believers try to show a positive attitude, because of what Jesus did for us and the great promises He’s made for the future. We can’t always be happy and grinning like a Cheshire cat, else they might lock us up in the loony bin, but we ought to have a consistently pleasant and positive outlook on life so others can see that Jesus is truly working in us, and if they embrace Him, that He will do the same for their hurting souls. Remember Friends, actions speak louder than words, and examples impress more than rhetoric. And I’m chuckling here because I’ve written all of this without a Bit. It’s one of those days when the Spirit just moved me to begin writing without a known direction. Sometimes when He plants the ideas in my mind, I just have to run with them right away, before I lose or forget them. Anyway, let’s see what Bit He’ll guide me to now. Oh Friends, I’m back…in less than five too! Without any fuss and struggle the Holy Spirit guided me to Proverbs 3:27. ‘Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.’  That ties in nicely with what we’ve been talking about so far; having a positive spirit and letting Jesus shine forth from us. In particular though, we should not withhold good from others if it’s possible for us to do otherwise. Yuh know, like how plenty of us borrow stuff from others, especially money, then find it hard to give back what we’ve borrowed, even though we can afford to. Hear how Cousin Sol addresses that matter: ‘Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.’ (Prov.3:28) It also brings up some powerful words from Bruh Paul: ‘Render therefore to all their dues: tribute (tax) to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.’ (Rom.13:7) That’s another side of the equation. We ought to pay things like taxes without too much complaining, because it’s all part of God’s overall plan for running our lives. And finally, here’s another important piece of scripture from Bruh Paul in the same vein, this time to the Galatians: ‘As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:10) Oh Friends, that says it all! Christians are supposed to do good to all they encounter, especially other Christians. Hn! That Christian-to-Christian goodness though is a touchy subject, which we’ll leave for another time. Suffice it to say that we should do good to everybody, in Jesus’ Name. Amen! Much LOVE mih people!…if we bear the mark of Christ…then goodness and mercy… should continually flow from our hearts… P.S. Oh Friends, while editing this, I heard this lovely gospel soca on Wack 90.1 which truly describes Jesus: ‘Jesus is sweet, sweet. He’s so sweet, sweet. The more I hear of Jesus, The more I want to hear. The more I learn about Jesus, The more I want to learn. Cause Jesus is so sweet. He’s so sweet. Don’t you know that Jesus is sweet, sweet. Let the world know that Jesus is sweet, sweet.’ Exactly my Friends! Much LOVE!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 April 2011 2 John 7‏

28 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 John 7.   For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
 
Oh Friends, another beautiful day has dawned with a whole new slew of mercy, grace, blessings, forgiveness and good tidings from our heavenly Father. Wow! What a Deity! And I hope that as I suggested yesterday, as soon as we became conscious of being alive today, we offered up some thanks and praise to heaven, because that early communication with the Father gets us off on the right foot, it sets the tempo for our day. Yes mih people, in this rough, evil, ungodly world of ours, we need to start out fresh and unencumbered every day, dressed in our full battle gear, if we’re going to do a good job for Jesus. Why is that? Our Bit explains it perfectly. ‘For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.’ Oh Friends, our world today, from top to bottom, is packed with more con-artists, charlatans, deceivers and bluffers than ever before. All levels and all walks of our society are currently full of innumerable deceivers. Anyway, in our case, John is speaking specifically of those who deny that Jesus Christ ever came to earth in human form and flesh. In other words, denying the doctrine of Incarnation. But if you deny that, then you deny the whole of Christianity, for Christ, born incarnate, a spiritual embodiment in flesh, is its very basis and foundation. If Christmas didn’t happen, then Christianity couldn’t have come about. For how else would Jesus have accomplished His earthly ministry. Those Gnostics, pseudo Christians preaching this deception were certainly confused, and by spreading their confusion, were doing grievous damage to the early believers, who never had as much groundings as we do today. As John warned in his first epistle, re the very real dangers of the antichrist; those who staunchly oppose God, His plans and His people: ‘Little children, it is the last time (hour): and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time (hour). They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all (none of them were) of us.’ (1 John 2:18-19) Ah Friends, there were so many false teachers in John’s day that he needed to remind the early believers to be very careful of the serious threat posed by those evil doers. However, they were not to be afraid, but to remain diligent and steadfast. Now if John thought there were many false teachers back then, he would go stark raving mad because of the great number that abound today. Thus, we need to be even more careful about whom and what we listen to and read, because once the evil sentiment gets hold of us, it’s very difficult to remove. John thought resistance to the antichrist so important that he speaks of it again in Chapter 4. ‘Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world.’ (1 John 4:1-3) Yes my brethren, we ought to check and double check all that we hear, read or see concerning Christ. And if it doesn’t live up to the test of confessing that Jesus came in human form, then it’s of the antichrist and should be immediately rejected. Don’t play with it! Reject it out of hand, for it’s like playing with fire, you’ll get burned, your thinking will be all confused and messed up. For as John asks? ‘Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.’ (1 John 2:22-23) And isn’t that the gospel truth Friends? Whoever denies Christ is a liar and a fraud, not to be believed. Therefore my people, what ought we to do? ‘Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought (worked for), but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him (give him a greeting) Godspeed. For he that biddeth (greets) him Godspeed is partaker of (shares in) his evil deeds.’ (2 John 8-11) Yes my people, we need to be very careful and not follow teachings that run contrary to God’s Word, because whoever teaches anything different is not of God. And also, if any of these frauds come to us with their false doctrines, we should not entertain them or wish them well, since John declares that to take in those false teachers, or to even wish them a blessing is to endorse their false teachings, and true believers should not actively support false teachers. This stemmed from the practice in the early days of preachers being accommodated in believer’s homes as they made their rounds of the churches. It doesn’t mean we can’t have unsaved people in our homes, unless of course they’re spreading a doctrine contrary to Christ’s. Oh Friends, it’s certainly a rough, evil, deceitful and devious world we live in, but if we keep our eyes, hearts and minds focused on God, diligently read and meditate on His Word, and consistently ask Him for guidance, then we shall do very well. But, like a good soldier, we must always be on guard, for the enemy can attack at anytime, any place. Much LOVE!…a believer needs to truly know Christ…so that he can recognize the antichrist…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 April 2011 Micah 3:4‏

27 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Micah 3:4.    Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a brand new morn, and I sure hope we all uttered a few words of praise and thanks to the Almighty when we opened our eyes and realized that we were still alive. I’m also encouraging us to make that an everyday habit because every day we live is essentially a blessing of God, and we should show a little gratitude. But then you’ll wonder, if a new day is a blessing from Almighty God, why are so many Christians struggling, living in dire poverty and being innocently persecuted, while the wicked are also being blessed with life, and with prosperity?  But Friends, the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His plans encompass more than we are capable of understanding. Ours is not to question why, just to believe and obey. However, as the Lord has promised, in the fullness of time, when He is ready, the wicked shall receive their just deserts. Chapter 3 of Micah deals with the judgement of Israel’s leaders, who, at that time, were rather wicked, perverse and ungodly, just like so many of those ruling around the world today. And as the Lord asked of the leaders, through Micah, way back then: ‘Is it not for you to know judgement (justice)? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck (strip) off their skin from off them (My people), and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the cauldron.’  (Mic.3:1-3) Yes my brethren, our leaders are supposed to know and impart justice to those under their rule. However, just like in Micah’s time, the leaders are constantly abusing their powers, taking advantage of the people, oppressing and persecuting them for personal gain, and only paying lip-service to both man and God, while their hearts are filled with great evil, most pleasing to Beelzebub. But Friends, when the day of judgement arrives, when the Lord decides to end the travesty of justice that’s currently being perpetrated on His people, the leaders, the greedy and evil wealthy shall be made to pay. In that time, as our Bit says, they shall make petition to the Lord for mercy: ‘Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill (been evil) in their doings (deeds).’ Yes my people, make no mistake, the evil and wicked and ungodly will eventually get their comeuppance. Remember the Lord is faithful and keeps His promises, so if He’s promised that the wicked will pay at some stage, then know that they will. To aid our faith, let’s recall a few of those times He’s promised vindication to the righteous. ‘They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as (fine as) the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.’ (Ps.18:41-42) That’s Bruh David talking about God delivering him from his enemies. And Cousin Sol rightly declares: ‘Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early (diligently), but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.’ (Prov.1:28-29) Meanwhile, Isaiah, in his call to repentance for the sinful nation of Judah, said to them: ‘And when ye spread forth your hands (pray), I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood (bloodshed).’ (Is,1:15) Yes Friends, all that stuff that was happening in Judah back then, plus much worse is currently happening in our society, but our God is patient and long-suffering. He gives us plenty rope to either hang ourselves or to change our evil ways. So when He’s ready to implement judgement, we can’t complain that we didn’t have enough time. And it’s not like the Lord warns us in language we can’t understand. He says it plainly and doesn’t mince matters at all. Listen as Jeremiah informs his backsliding people of God’s intentions: ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil (calamity) upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.’  (Jer.11:11)  There’s nothing in that to misunderstand, and it’s not a new principle. If you’re continually disobedient toward the Lord, you will eventually be punished. Oh my people, I know it’s hard to watch the wicked prosper, while the righteous suffer, but take heart, for their day will surely come as the Lord has promised. Unfortunately though, it seems some of that retribution has already begun judging from all the problems we’ve been recently having: worldwide strife and violence, wars and rumours of wars, natural disasters a plenty, economic destabilization and downturn, the oppressed not only crying out for freedom, but willing to die for it. Yes my brethren something is afoot worldwide, and the Lord is in control, but in the meantime we need to stand steadfast and strong, keep doing what is right, knowing that our salvation is secure, doing our best to live the life God has designed for us. So as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) is wont to say, let’s: ‘Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him. That’s wisdom at its best.’ And in fact, that’s all our God asks of us. Much LOVE!…But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely…and shall be quiet (secure, at ease) from fear of evil…(Prov.1:33)
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 April 2011 Psalm 95:6‏

26 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 95:6.    O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
 
Oh Friends, it’s shaping up to be a rainy day Easter Tuesday in my neck of the woods. But who’s perturbed eh? Regardless of the kind of day it turns out to be, especially with the recent Easter celebrations of salvation and resurrection, all believers should be chocked full of unceasing joy, praise, hope and faith because our God is alive and in control, and every day He brings out a brand new batch of mercies and blessings for His followers. And all God’s people, with one accord, delightedly shouted: ‘Praise the Holy Name of the Lord, for He is most worthy to be praised!’ Yes Friends, of that there is no doubt. But our Bit today, taken from the psalm of praise to a great God, is suggesting, encouraging us to take our feelings of praise and thanksgiving just one step further: ‘O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.’ And for those of us, like me, who can’t do much or any kneeling, that is no excuse for not bowing down and worshipping. The Lord will take two out of three anytime. (smile) No doubt some are wondering why we ought to bow down and worship the Lord? Well the answer to that is very simple my brethren. The psalmist states it quite clearly: ‘For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand (under his care).’ (Ps.95:7) ‘Elementary, my dear Watson!’ as the inimitable Sherlock Holmes would declare. And furthermore, by definition, praise and worship are what followers of a deity do, since they believe that deity does good things for them, helps them to live safe, successful and prosperous lives here on earth. So logically speaking, if we consider the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to be our God, then it’s obviously incumbent on us to offer praise and thanks, because He DOES keep us Christians safe, secure, prosperous and successful down here on Mother Earth. As the verse above so rightly says: ‘we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.’ Oh my brethren, we are indeed the sheep of God’s fold, we’re under His care and control, and like the kind, merciful and LOVING shepherd He is, He looks after us with tender, LOVING care, takes care of all our needs. Wow! There’s nothing too big or too small for Him to handle. But then the sheep need to reciprocate this LOVING care by being obedient and thankful, by listening to the Shepherd’s voice and doing as He instructs them. Unfortunately though, today too many of God’s supposed sheep are proud, greedy, arrogant, disobedient and ungrateful, which spoils it for the rest of the flock, the gladly sharing, obedient and everlastingly grateful portion. Now this difference in behaviour obviously causes arguments, dissensions, strife, anger, confusion and all manner of negative emotions and actions amongst what should be a unified group of believers. And sadly Friends, that’s the state of our world today, because too many of us refuse to listen to God’s voice, refuse to hearken to His call to: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30) And that’s the gospel truth my people! So please, let’s accept His truly amazing offer, and not do like the Israelites and wander around aimlessly for forty years in the wilderness because of arrogance, foolish pride and disobedience, until a whole offending generation dies off, before we enter our promised land. That’s so infantile and silly. So my brethren, I’m imploring us that, ‘Today, if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation (rebellion), and as in the day of temptation (trial or testing) in the wilderness. When your father’s tempted (tried) me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved (was I disgusted) with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err (go astray) in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.’ (Ps.95:7-11) And as we all know, true to God’s declaration, that disobedient generation never set foot in the Promised Land. Oh Friends, I don’t know about you all nuh, but I certainly want to enter into God’s rest, so I will do my best to be obedient, bow down, worship and praise Him, for He is indeed worthy to receive all our praise and thanksgiving. Just look around at all the material comforts you posses and enjoy, and then consider the peace and calm in your spirit. Where do you think it all comes from eh? From none other than the Lord God Jehovah! So please think on all this, then have the right reaction. It will do wonders for you. Much LOVE!…as for me and mine…no ifs and buts…we will definitely be serving the Lord…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 April 2011 Proverbs 30:7-8‏

25 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 30:7-8.    Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me.

Oh Friends, it’s Easter Monday and the partying, the physical celebrations for most of us are sadly over. But thank the Lord, the spiritual joy bubbling within us will last forever! Yes Friends, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection on this Easter weekend two thousand years ago, set the stage for salvation and eternal life forever, fulfilling the promise He made in John 16:22, that once He’d done His thing, no man would be ever able to take away our joy. So let’s hang on to that joy as we go out today to begin another work week in our wicked, ungodly world. And as usual, to help us bear the strain of that exercise, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, in the best voice we can muster, since many of us are still feeling the after effects of excessive weekend celebrations. (smile) All together now, and please let it come from deep within our hearts and souls. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now that wasn’t too bad for a bunch of tired, partied out people. (smile) Anyway, our Bit today hails from the words of Agur (Agar), the stated author of Proverbs 30. Now, per the scholars, nothing is known about Agur, but it’s likely that he was one of the international sages or scholars of Cousin Sol’s day. And he must have been truly wise, for those words would sound very wonderful to our God if all believers today were to sincerely believe and pray them to Him. ‘Two things have I required (requested) of thee; deny me them not (deprive me not of them) before I die: Remove far from me vanity (falsehood) and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient (you prescribe) for me.’ Ah mih people, just cutting out the negatives from our lives like lies, deceit and foolish pride and simply living a comfortable, consistent life of integrity and godly character would do so much to eliminate much of the nonsense that currently has our world in a stranglehold. Just imagine if all of our riches were thrown into a big bowl, then distributed to the world’s inhabitants in sufficient quantity for all to be comfortable and contented. Wow! What an awesome world this would be, minus the widespread poverty, oppression and hunger! Okay, so I’m dreaming out loud, because once mankind retains its current nature, there will always be greedy and discontented folks to screw up a good thing. Note Agur’s prescience too, for his words, ‘feed me with food convenient for me,’ are harbingers of Jesus’ own statement in the Lord’s Prayer; ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ (Matt.6:11) And judging from the reason for his request, Agur was indeed wise. Knowing man’s basic unreliable nature, he continues: ‘Lest I be full (rich), and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain (profane the name of my God).’ (Prov.30:9)  Forgetting the Lord in times of prosperity was indeed one of the things Moses constantly warned the Israelites about (Deut.8:11-20) but they still did it, several times, and were punished several times. Sadly my people, the same affliction has struck us today. In our heady prosperity, which we wrongly attributed to our own power, we’ve turned away from the Lord and are now worshipping fleshly lusts and the idols of our own making. No wonder so many catastrophes have recently befallen, and are still befalling our wicked world. Remember, the Lord’s Word never changes. So if eons ago, He promised retribution for disobedience, it means that promise still stands today. And if it takes eons for Jesus to return, the promise will stand even till then. Oh Friends, unfortunately our world has bowed to Lucifer and become a greedy, ‘gravalicious, wanty-wanty, gimme-gimme’ society, never satisfied with how ever much we have. Please, let’s change that attitude and begin seeking a comfortable and consistent sufficiency, which will help the less fortunate to also rise to a comfortable position, because there’s way too much poverty, hunger, homelessness and nakedness in a world of so much prosperity. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Much LOVE!…only as we equitably share the world’s resources…will the dire hunger, poverty and suffering that now exists, diminish…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 April 2011 John 16:20

24 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 16:20.    Verily, verily I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned to joy.

HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY!

Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s Easter Sunday morning! The stone has been rolled aside! The tomb is empty! The grave clothes lie neatly piled to one side! What’s happened? He is risen! Yes! Jesus Christ, the Son of God is risen this Easter Sunday morning, thus guaranteeing us salvation and eternal life! And all God’s people boldly and enthusiastically chorused: ‘Glory Glory Hallelujah! Glory Glory Hallelujah! Glory Glory Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is risen today!’ Ah Friends what a most wonderful day this is. It should be one of the happiest days in a believer’s life, because it’s the day Jesus finally fulfilled all the promises in the scripture, showing what a gracious, faithful and ever-LOVING God we serve and worship! Now since Jesus had been hurriedly entombed just before the start of the Sabbath, His body had not received the traditional anointing of Jewish burial tradition. So early on the morning following the Sabbath, a group of Jesus’ female followers went to the sepulchre with the spices and ointments to anoint Him, only troubled by getting past the big stone that guarded the tomb’s entrance? But much to their surprise, they found the stone rolled away. And their surprise further increased on discovering that the tomb was empty. But while they stood outside the tomb, worried and perplexed, two men in shining garments (angels) came up and asked the scared women: ‘Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words. And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest…And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they believed not.’ (Luke 23:5-9,11) Ah Friends, what else is new eh? Why do we all have such a hard time believing both Jesus’ words and movements? It’s not like He didn’t tell them what was going to happen, more than once too. Finally though, John and Peter ran to the tomb. John apparently got there first, but possibly scared, only looked in, while big, brave Peter, on arrival, went straight in. He saw the burial clothes at one side of the tomb, and the face cloth that had wrapped Jesus’ head neatly folded elsewhere. John eventually went in, took it all in and believed. ‘For as yet they knew not (didn’t understand) the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.’ (John 20:9)  And what was John and Peter’s response afterwards? ‘Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.’ (John 20:10) It’s obvious that Jesus’ followers were confused and scared, not knowing what to believe. And to a certain extent we can’t blame them, for they were simple, uneducated folk dealing with heavenly matters. And even now with all our hindsight and heightened intelligence, we still find it difficult to believe, so we have to cut the early believers some slack. Our Bit though clearly speaks to the problems that would ensue. ‘Verily, verily I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned to joy.’ Well my people, for the past two days we’ve been weeping, lamenting and very sorrowful, while the world rejoiced at the death of our supposed Saviour and Messiah. But today it’s an entirely different story! Today our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! He’s defeated death and the grave, rising in a new form to bring eternal life to all who believe on Him! Because He rose from the dead, then ascended up to heaven, so too believers are ensured that they will also rise and enjoy eternal life with Christ and the Father. And as Jesus promised at the end of our Bit: ‘but your sorrow shall be turned to joy.’ Oh Friends, this Easter Sunday with Jesus’ triumphant resurrection, that’s exactly what’s happened. All the weeping and gnashing of teeth we endured for the last two days have been forgotten, because it’s a New Day! Our Saviour is alive! Glory Hallelujah! And since we all know the Easter story, I won’t get into it in any further detail. We’ll close though with another awesome promise of Jesus: ‘And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.’ (John 16:22) Oh my people, today is that day! So please let our hearts rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection, because no one can ever take away the joy that Jesus brought us when He paid for our sins with His death and established eternal life with His resurrection. So let’s celebrate the glorious victory, giving plenty, plenty thanks, and go out now with joyful praise: ‘Glory Glory Hallelujah! Glory Glory Hallelujah! Glory Glory Hallelujah! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain! But is risen in righteous glory today!’ Much LOVE mih people!…only the sinless Son of God…could have caused such a righteous commotion amongst mankind two thousand years ago…and is still causing it today…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 April 2011 Luke 23:46‏

23 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 23:46.    And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Oh Friends, Good Friday is over. Jesus is dead, lies in a tomb, secured by a large stone at the opening, with Roman soldiers guarding it. Many of His followers are scattered near and far, having found to be missing in action at His crucifixion, especially the hitherto macho men. Others are locked up tight in their dwellings in Jerusalem, fearful, disheartened, and somewhat angry too, feeling that Jesus disloyally deserted them after they had faithfully followed Him for so long. But anyone who really knew, or knows Jesus, would not believe that for even one single moment. The truth my Friends, is that Jesus’ death was a victory, a victory of great proportions! In fact it was the greatest victory that’s ever been won in any battle since the beginning of time! His precious blood has been shed, meaning the hefty sacrificial price for our multitudinous and disgusting sins has been paid for, for all eternity. And all God’s people declared a loud, thankful: ‘Amen!’ Yes my brethren, Jesus had successfully borne the burden of our sins, like Atlas bearing the world on his shoulders, and had acquitted Himself most valiantly. And all God’s people cried out: ‘Oh thank you Jesus! You are the best!’ And He most certainly is my fellow believers! But unfortunately His task was no Sunday afternoon stroll in the park, for crucifixion is probably the worse form of death ever conjured up by mankind. And Jesus’ was exceptionally tortuous. But even as the lifeblood drained from His human from, He knew that He’d won, and found the strength to cry out: ‘It is finished:’ (John 19:30) He was there referring to the successful conclusion of His earthly task; a worthy triumph over Lucifer and the curse of sin. This brings to mind His prayers for His disciples in John 17, which the scholars call the real ‘Lord’s Prayer,’ for this was when Jesus actually prayed to the Father on the disciples’ behalf. What we consider the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ today, (Matt.6:9-13) is merely a basic plan that Jesus gave us on which to base our own prayers. But personally: ‘These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power (authority) over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.’ (John 17:1-4) Yes my people, as of Good Friday evening, our Lord and Saviour Jesus had accomplished the onerous, distasteful, but very necessary sacrificial task, so that we sinners could be reconciled to the Father. And all God’s people shouted: ‘Hallelujah! It is done! Salvation’s been achieved! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!’ With that done, there was nothing left for Jesus in this earthly realm, so He uttered our Bit: ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my Sprit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost (breathed His last).’ Now I believe when Luke talks of Jesus crying with a loud voice, he is referring to John’s ‘It is finished,’ statement, because that’s the only way the two gospels could co-exist in perfect harmony, since Luke doesn’t actually mention, ‘It is finished,’ and John doesn’t record Jesus commending His Spirit to the Father, just he simply gave up the ghost after that. But anyway, isn’t it more than mere coincidence that the words Jesus uttered before dying are very similar to those of Bruh David’s in Psalm 31? ‘Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.’ (Ps.31:5) And Jesus was so potent and unpredictable that even in His last moments His power was undeniable. Hear Mark tell it: ‘And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain (torn in two) from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion which stood over against (opposite) him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.’ (Mark15:37-39) Ah mih Friends, if a Roman soldier could believe Jesus’ divinity, although it was only at the last moment, why couldn’t His people eh, and for that matter, why can’t we today? But take heart my people, for though yesterday was indeed a very rough day, and today we’re filled with doubt, fear and uncertainty, please hang in, for the Lord God Jehovah is still in control, and the best is yet to come. Much LOVE!…sacrificing one’s life for another…that’s the ultimate form of LOVE…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 April 2011 Luke 23:34‏

22 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 23: 34.    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…‘

BLESSED GOOD FRIDAY!

Oh Friends, it’s Friday! But a Friday with a big difference. We’re not joyously calling out ‘TGIF,’ because most of us have the day off and are at home anyway. But this Friday is special, one we call Good Friday. And though it’s termed Good, it’s somewhere in between good and bad, because it bears much sadness and grief as well as joy and gladness. It’s sad because our Lord Jesus Christ was humiliatingly crucified on this day, some two thousand years ago. It was a horrific death. I don’t know if anybody else ever suffered such an agonizing death, with nails in both hands and feet, a spear wound in His side, offered bitter vinegar to drink, then viciously left to perish in the noonday sun, betwixt audible jeers and sarcastic cheers. To put it truthfully, it was a tortuous death of great proportions. That’s the sad and grievous part. The good and joyous part is that Christ’s anguished death was sacrificial; a sacrifice to pay for our burdensome sins. The Father wanted to reconcile us to Him, but since He’s holy, just and righteous, He can’t be remiss about sin. His Word says: ‘For the wages of sin is death…’ (Rom.6:23) So all who sinned, meaning all humans, would have had to face death and eternal separation from Him. But He LOVED us so much, that it broke His heart to see His most noble, though oftimes most foolish creation, all congregating with Beelzebub in Hades at the end times. But to do anything worthwhile for us needed someone on whom all our sins could be placed and then sacrificed or written off. The traditional animal sacrifice wouldn’t cut it. But just as animal sacrifices had to be unblemished, whomever God used also needed to be unblemished, not touched by sin. And sadly, the only sinless being beside Himself, was His only Son, Jesus. Wow! What a quandary! Certainly one deserving the term, between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to bring us home, but the only way to do that was to sacrifice His only Son. And we think we have tough decisions to make. But in the long run the Lord decided to bring us home. And all God’s people shouted with joy: ‘Thank you Lord for sending Jesus to die for us!’ But it was indeed a heavy price paid by both Father and Son, and it just shows their exceedingly great LOVE for us sinful, undeserving humans. So although Jesus’ death saddens us, it also gladdens our hearts, because without it there’d be no possibility of reconciliation through salvation, and we’d all still be headed for Hades to spend eternity with Lucifer. Please note Friends, this doesn’t mean that we forego our Friday Chant, because we still need the Lord’s help, especially after this long and joyous Easter weekend. We possibly need it more than ever to recover and go back out to work in reasonably good shape. So let’s chant, with a combination of sadness, for Jesus death, but also for joy with His selfless sacrifice on our behalf. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Now my brethren, let’s consider our Bit: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…’ Those were some of the last words Jesus spoke as he hung on that rugged wooden cross, dying to pay for our heinous wrongdoing, for the wrongdoing of all the ingrates who scourged and ridiculed, then crucified Him with sadistic delight, with much more cruelty than the two thieves beside Him. But even in the throes and agony of death, our Saviour still shone forth like the bright light He was, still is today, and always will be. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ And besides, He was correct in His assessment of the situation, for as Peter later said to the Jews, when he appealed to them to repent and be forgiven: ‘But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you (Barabbas); And killed the Prince (author) of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses….And now brethren, I wot (know) that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things which God before had showed (foretold) by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should (would) suffer, he hath fulfilled.’ (Acts 3: 14-15,17-18) Yes mih breddren, the people who railroaded Jesus didn’t truly understand the Father’s plan. And I guess it was fitting that they didn’t, else they might not have crucified Jesus, and His precious blood would not have been shed to pay for our sins, meaning we’d still be facing purgatory today. What a dreadful thought! That’s why God keeps on saying that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, but yet we refuse to believe Him. (Is.55:8-9) If we could, we’d be on God’s level, and therefore have no need for Him. Like Lucifer, who tried to overthrow God and ended up walking the earth in sorrow, then Adam and Eve, who foolishly tried to usurp God’s power by eating of the tree of Life, and got kicked out of the Garden of Eden in to an earthly life of sin, sorrow and death, continually hounded by the same evil Lucifer. But our wonderful and ever-LOVING Father, in His time, eventually sent His only Son Jesus to pay the high price needed, so that we, like undeserving prodigals, could come back home to the glorious sound of rejoicing and partake of the fatted calf. Oh Friends, this Good Friday, please, let’s all sit down and seriously consider what this day means in our lives. It’s possibly the most important in a believer’s earthly sojourn, for it’s the day that Jesus died on the cross with forgiveness on His lips and His precious blood flowing forth, so that His heavenly Father could justly and righteously forgive us the sins of our souls. Much LOVE!…Jesus…the epitome of…help, humility, sacrifice and selflessness, forgiveness, faithfulness, obedience and LOVE…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 April 2011 John 13:15‏

21 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 13:15.    For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, when Jesus was offered up as a living sacrifice for our disgusting sins. And all God’s people gratefully cried out: ‘Thank you Lord for sending Jesus to die for us! And thank you Jesus for dying for us!’ Please remember my brethren that Jesus didn’t have to do it. He could have refused, don’t know how that would have sat with the Father, but because He was so LOVING and obedient, even unto death, He did the Father’s will and saved our sorry souls. Now today is called Maundy Thursday to commemorate the day Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. The Good Book says: ‘He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.’ (John 13:4-5) But when He came to Peter, as usual, he had to cause a hassle, asking if Jesus was also going to wash his feet. Here’s how the Good Book puts it: ‘Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest (understandeth) not now; but thou shalt hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed (bathed) needeth not save to wash his feet, but is (completely) clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.’ (John 13:7-10) Ah Friends, Jesus’ words here are of great significance, for the washing of the feet was a symbolic spiritual cleansing, hence, if Jesus didn’t wash Peter’s feet, then he couldn’t be His disciple. The first washing applies to our original salvation. Once we’re saved, we’re washed clean of all sin. But we can only be saved once, however we’re still sinful, so for any further wrongdoing we only need to repent and God will cleanse us. Thus the foot washing relates to any cleansing after becoming a believer. We don’t need to bathe again, just do a cowboy wash up. (smile) But please note my people that Jesus’ act of foot washing was more than just a symbol of spiritual cleansing. Listen to His words after He finished washing their feet, dressed and sat down with them again. ‘Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master (Teacher) and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord (master); neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.’ (John 13:12-17) Yuh see mih breddren, foot washing in the Hebrew culture was amongst the lowest of the low tasks, a slave’s job, and no self-respecting Jew would stoop so low as to wash someone else’s feet. But our Saviour did it, with pride and grace too, to set and example for us of the ultimate humility. Just imagine the Son of God washing sinner’s feet nuh! You couldn’t get any more humble than that mih Friends! And as He says in our Bit, we ought to follow His example and do to others as He has done to us, which He specified in His golden rule: ‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.’ (Matt.7:12) Oh my people, though the lord and master is greater than the servant, in Jesus’ outfit, humility must abound. Now when there was strife amongst the disciples as to who should betray Jesus and also who should be considered the greatest amongst them, Jesus rebuked them saying: ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief (leader), as he that doth serve. For whether (who) is greater, he that sitteth at meat (at the table), or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.’ (Luke 22:25-27) Yes Friends, that’s the basic motto, the guiding principle of Jesus’ work: TO SERVE! And if we are to be His true followers, then we must also be willing to get down and dirty, to serve in the most humble capacity necessary. I know sometimes it’s hard to swallow one’s pride and do menial work since our social status dictates otherwise, but if God’s Son could do it, so can we. And keep in mind what He also did for us on Good Friday. That selfless sacrifice has never been, and will never be equalled. So let’s consider our sinful selves extremely lucky and be very thankful for a triune Godhead that LOVES us so much. Furthermore, let’s do our best to gratefully return that LOVE, cause it’s what makes the world go round. Much LOVE my brethren!…Jesus’ earthly sojourn…should teach us…to be selfless, obedient and humble… 

 

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