Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 November 2015 Colossians 3:2

30 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colossians 3:2.  Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.

Ahoy there mates, it’s our favourite day, Monday! Oh thank the Lord for it! (smile) And I know that some of you are thinking, has he lost his mind? How could Monday ever be our favourite day eh? 

Ah mih people, it might not be, but it possibly should be, because Mondays bring the most opportunities for truly serving God, out in the busy, open world, where we have many more unbelievers to witness to. 

And remember that serving God is our first priority down here on this earth. So, though you don’t like having to get up and go back to work, there are silver linings to the black clouds you see every Monday morning. 

And as always, to help us get through that difficult time, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much gusto. Look for our choirmaster, Jesus’ direction now. 

And as one: ‘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!’ 

Oh, not too bad a rendition Friends, especially after Thanksgiving weekend, and on Cyber Monday, when the online sales are supposed to go crazy. Ah Lord eh! What next commercial day are they going to come up with? 

Although I recently read that Cyber Monday is slowly morphing into Cyber Friday, because so many people have smart phones now and can order stuff whenever they like. Good for them yes! Chuh! It’s just all about material stuff! How much material stuff can we use eh? Not much! 

I’m sure all of us can look around our houses and see stuff that we thought we must have, then soon after we bought it, something else caught our eye, and the first thing was relegated to some corner, just left sitting there in limbo, unused. Ah mih breddren, when are we going to learn eh? 

Listen to how Bruh Paul spells it out to the Colossians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col.3:1-3) 

Yes Friends, if we have been born again, become new creations in Christ, then our priorities should not be earthly things, but heavenly ones, where Christ is now seated beside the Father. That’s why our Bit clearly states that our minds ought to be on things above, not those down here on earth. 

But I guess with our fallen nature and the coercion of the world, that’s much easier said than done. However, as faithful believers, that’s what is expected of us. Our old ways and habits, values and vices, interests and sins are to be left behind. And we should seek those things which are above. 

The scholars explain that thus: ‘These “things” include deeper knowledge of Christ, closer fellowship with Him, experience of His resurrection power, victory over sin (vv.5-11); the development of godly virtues (vv.12-17); the fulfillment of domestic and social responsibilities (3:18-4:1); an effective prayer life (4:2); fruitfulness in witnessing (4:3-6) – in a word, the attainment of Christian maturity, and all the spiritual benefits God has for His people during their days on earth. To have been raised with Christ and not to seek these blessings would be a contradiction.’ 

Oh my people, the important things in this life are all right there, all laid out for us in Bruh Paul’s letter to the Colossians. It might be to our advantage if today, we spent some time pondering that letter and all the wonderful advice it has to offer to true believers in Jesus Christ. 

There’s no way we’ll lose if we did that. It’s one of those win- win situations. So that’s our homework for today. And don’t think you can get away with not doing it, because tomorrow I’m going to question us on it. (smile) 

Therefore my brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s go out boldly and confidently today nuh, and make our Lord and Saviour proud of us, by thinking of heavenly things and then putting them into action in our earthly lives, for that is indeed wisdom of everlasting proportions! Much LOVE!

…spiritual beings ought to concentrate on spiritual things…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 November 2015 Psalm 130:4‏

29 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 130:4.  But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared (reverenced with awe).

Well then my fellow believers, it’s that glorious day called Sunday, when we are expected to gather together in the Lord’s sanctuary to offer up our sacrifices of praise and thanks and worship! Glory to God! 

And remember this is still Thanksgiving Weekend, so even more praises and thanks are expected. Today ought mostly to be about glorifying our wonderful Creator and heavenly Father, so please, let’s not make a mockery of it and get out there in our numbers and do what we know is right. 

And all God’s children declared a loud and proud: ‘Praise the Lord!’ 

Now here is something from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, which I think we all should place close attention to this November Sunday. It’s called ‘Fiery Trials.’ 

Listen up. ‘God is teaching me incredible lessons regarding growth. I see with undeniable evidence that growth means pruning, and pruning means pain. I confess, I’m actually a coward about pain. I certainly never pray for it. I don’t anticipate or look for it. I do only one thing. I ask God to steady me, since the Bible so clearly states that trials are a part of our lifewalk with him. 

In all honesty I would prefer to escape the testing. I don’t like the pain of emotional trauma, which can be so overwhelming and baffling. I don’t like the deep cutting pain that goes on and on without relief. The pain of loneliness frightens me, the pain of losing someone dear to me grieves me. 

Nevertheless, I am praying for an open heart. I can’t begin to contemplate what fiery ordeals God may choose for my testing and growth, but I do long for my yieldness to prove my willingness to be conformed to the image of his dear Son.’ 

Oh Friends, I read that yesterday, but it’s only just now as I copied it that it really hit home. I’m talking about the agonizing pain I’ve been going through this past week. It was just supposed to be a simple procedure…

Ah Lord eh, thanks for painkillers yes. At least they ease up the pain some. If this is merely testing, then I’m not very thrilled about it nuh. But I guess I’ll just have to grin and bear it, although it’s getting harder to do with each passing day. I’ll surely have to check out the medics tomorrow, because this just doesn’t seem right. 

And the promise to which that poem is attached is: ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as (to the extent that) ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.’ (1 Pet.4:12-13) 

Ah mih people, it is a great scripture, but certainly not an easy one to put into action. But since we are a continual work in progress, we’ll obviously try our best to do so, with God’s wonderful help of course. 

And having said all of that, let’s turn to our Bit.  ‘But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared (reverenced with awe).’ 

Yes friends, we’re continuing with the theme of forgiveness. Today however, we’re just going to look at scriptures which talk about, which trumpet the forgiveness of our heavenly Father. And what better scripture to begin with than this one from 1 John. 

‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.’ (1 John 1:9-10) And we definitely don’t want to call God a liar! 

Then listen to Daniel as he prays for his people Israel. ‘To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him.’ (Dan.9:9) 

Never were truer words spoken my brethren, because as Jeremiah so wisely tells us in Lamentations: ‘It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:22-23) 

And all God’s people gratefully declared: ‘Thank God for His mercies and compassions! Thank God that they are new everyday!’ Yes friends, we certainly have to be thankful there, otherwise we’d be mercilessly swept aside because of our sinful nature and behaviour. 

Now hear Isaiah: ‘Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.’ (Is.55:7) More words of undisputed truth! 

And Bruh David in Psalm 86 – Teach me thy way, O Lord – puts it this way. ‘Rejoice (make glad) the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.’ (Ps.86:4-5) Gospel truth my precious people! 

And we’ll end most appropriately with words from our God Himself, when Moses went back up Mt. Sinai to have the tablets of the Ten Commandments rewritten, after he had broken them. 

‘And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.’ (Ex.34:6-7) 

Yes my fellow believers, our God is a most forgiving God; in fact the ONLY such one amongst all the other supposed deities. Please remember that and act accordingly. Much LOVE!

…forgiveness is certainly ours for the asking…but it all depends on our forgiveness of others…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 November 2015 Psalm 130:4

28 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 130:4.  But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared (reverenced with awe).

Well Friends, it’s Saturday, and sad to say the ole fella’s shoulder is still a mess. Ah Lord eh! I really don’t know what’s the problem nuh, but it definitely shouldn’t be hurting as much as it is after all this time – from Tuesday afternoon to now. Chuh! 

I do believe that a part of it has to do with the computer, because yesterday evening I felt a sort of break through, but then foolishly I went and played a set of games that made my forefinger ache and throb, and the shoulder pain increased. And I am still having some pain reaching up for the mouse. 

However, today I’m just writing the Bit then staying away from the computer, no games or anything. Let’s see what will happen. 

Now here is a quote from my ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU’ poster that caught my eye this morning. ‘It says: ‘Carrying a grudge is like a run in a stocking – it can only get worse. Forgiveness is the answer.’ 

And isn’t that the gospel truth my people! Carrying grudges just makes a body more resentful and bitter every day the grudges are held. The only way to successfully get rid of them, and thus the negativity they foster, is to forgive those against whom you hold the grudges. 

Oh my fellow believers, forgiveness is probably the most important Christian characteristic after LOVE! Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made that very clear. 

He first mentions it in what we consider the Lord’s Prayer, when He taught the disciples to pray. ‘And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.’ (Matt.6:12) It states quite plainly that our forgiveness depends on how much we personally forgive. 

Then Jesus spells it out in spades a couple of verses later. ‘For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’ (Matt.6:14-15) 

Oh friends, it couldn’t get any clearer than that! If we forgive, we will be forgiven. If we don’t forgive, then we won’t be forgiven. Yet still so many of us cry out to God for forgiveness while still bearing serious grudges in our souls, and refusing to forgive those who have trespassed against us. Now how sensible is that eh my people? Not very! 

It all boils down to the basic law of God’s great universe: what you sow, the same you shall reap. So if you sow unforgiveness, then obviously it’s unforgiveness you will reap. As the old people would say, you can’t plant peas and expect to reap corn. 

And the truth of it all my brethren, is that the forgiveness is not really for the forgiven but for the forgiver! Ofttimes the person we forgive doesn’t know or doesn’t care, but we feel a great weight lifted from our spirits when we forgive. 

Please remember that forgiveness is mainly for our benefit and do your best to forgive as soon as possible. Oh, I do know that it’s not always easy to forgive some wrongs and hurts, but again, holding the bitterness inside doesn’t do anything productive for us either. 

Remember Jesus’ answer to Simon Peter on forgiveness. ‘Then came Peter to him (Jesus), and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but Until seventy times seven.’ (Matt.18:21-22) 

Yes Friends, seven times is not enough for us to forgive, but seventy times seven. As the scholars say: ‘in other words, unlimited forgiveness must characterize the true disciple.’ That’s just the way it is in God’s kingdom. So you either wisely accept it, or foolishly leave it. 

And Jesus then went on to tell them of the parable of the rich man whose servant owed him a lot of money, but couldn’t pay, and subsequently cried out for mercy, which the master compassionately granted him. 

However, a short while later that same forgiven servant found one of his brethren who owed him a minuscule amount, but refused to have mercy on him when he cried out for it, and instead threw him into debtor’s prison. 

Well you can just imagine what happened; the other servants went back and told the master what the forgiven servant had done and the master lambasted him. ‘O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst (begged) me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee. 

And his lord was wroth (angry), and delivered him to the tormentors (torturers), till he should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.’ (Matt.18:32-35) 

Somehow or other though friends, all of that doesn’t seem to seep into the souls of many Christians, for too many of us still walk around bearing grudges, full of bitterness, resentment and a whole host of negative emotions which only ruin our lives. I don’t know what else it will take for us to stop the nonsense nuh! 

And we’ll end with a couple verses from Psalm 130, including our Bit, which says it very clearly and straightforwardly. ‘If thou, Lord, shouldest mark (take note of) iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared (reverenced with awe).’ (Ps.130:3-4) 

Yes precious people, if our God were to take note of all our sins, who would be left standing eh? Not a single, solitary one of us! But through His LOVING-kindness, we can find forgiveness…but only if we forgive others. 

So please let’s get our acts together today nuh; let’s smarten up and forgive, so that we may be forgiven, for that is indeed the wisdom of heaven! Much LOVE!

…if our world was a more forgiving place…then it would also be a much more LOVING and godly place…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 November 2015 Psalm 114:7

27 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 114:7.   Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.

Well Friends, it’s Friday…Black Friday! And the voices sing out loud and clear: ’TGIF! Thank God is Friday, Black Friday, and we going down to the sales and buy to our hearts delight. Oh thank God for the weekend and Black Friday. Mama Yo! What a time it will be!’ 

Ah mih people, how sad that sounds. Another contrived day of commercialism; the Friday after the U.S thanksgiving is now widely known as Black Friday. It has nothing whatsoever to do with a Friday that falls on the 13th of the month, but all to do with an avalanche of supposed sales that have people rushing to the stores to buy stuff that they mostly don’t need or cannot afford. 

I’ve been receiving flyers for this most inauspicious occasion all week long. Steups! And the behaviour of these sale hounds is oftimes very disgusting, especially over the door crashers. People have been trampled in the mad rush to get into the stores first, so they can have a chance at the door crasher. It has finally become true to its name 

Ah Lord eh! What’s next eh? Don’t you know? Cyber Monday! Monday coming! That’s the online version of Black Friday. Chuh! And yuh know what, these arranged sales usually hook the people who can least afford them, and they get into a set of debt and further problems. 

And sometimes I wonder how these business people expect the populace to buy their expensive stuff when so many are not working, when everyday you hear more people are being laid off to cut costs. 

Yes Friends, it’s all about the bottom line; the moneyed class doesn’t care about the workers and how they fare, they are just interested in profit, at whose demise doesn’t really matter. 

Anyway, enough of my griping. I’m sure some of you reading this are all caught up in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday scenario too. (smile) 

It’s Friday, so let’s chant out Friday Chant as though we truly mean it. As one chanter now: ‘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 that is the kind of perspective we ought to have on Fridays and the weekend, not sales madness or other debauchery and licentiousness. (smile) 

Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.’ 

Oh my brethren, that sentiment comes from an obscure psalm, Psalm114, superscripted; ‘God’s power demonstrated in the Exodus.’ 

Sad to say, but I’ve never noticed it before this morning while looking for a suitable Bit, and I’m sure many of you are the same. That’s because it’s not a well-known psalm, nobody talks about it. But precious people, the Lord God Jehovah obviously wanted to bring it to our attention this Black Friday morning. (smile) 

So, since we don’t know it, let’s hear what it says nuh. ‘When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language (having a foreign language): Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion. The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven (turned) back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. 

What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest (fled)? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back (turneth back)? Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob; Which turned the rock into a standing (pool of) water, the flint into a fountain of waters.’ 

And that’s all there is to Psalm 114. It doesn’t sound as majestic and moving as some of the others that we’re accustomed to, but it is still important, in that it reminds us of the Exodus of the Jewish people out of Egypt and the mighty deeds that the Lord our God did to get them out. 

Now listen to the scholars take on it. ‘Psalm 114. A highly poetic description of the Exodus, this psalm emphasizes both God’s power displayed (vv.3-6) and His provision supplied (v.8). The God of Israel’s deliverance (vv.1-2) is still their God (v.7), the implication being that He can still unfurl His power. The world must therefore take notice.’ 

Oh Friends, the sentiments contained in those last two sentences are of immense importance to us today. The Lord God Jehovah is still our God today, have no doubt about it! And His awesome power is still available and still being put to good use, and the world ought to take suitable notice. 

Unfortunately though, the world is not taking notice of God’s might and power and are simply going their own way. Foolishly, they are not noticing the signs and wonders that are happening all around them, indicating that the Lord still reigns and still has the power to move mountains, seas, and whatever have you. 

Thankfully though my fellow believers, we know better than that. We recognize the One True God; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who created the world and still controls it, contrary to the thinking of the heathen. 

So please, as we go about out business this Black Friday, let’s remember that the Lord of Hosts is still on His throne and still in control, and is still LOVING and caring for us, so we have nothing to fear. That’s wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!

…remember the Lord…when He saved you out of your troubles…and be thankful…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 November 2015 Psalm 118:1

26 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 118:1.   Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; because his mercy (LOVING-kindness) endureth for ever.

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  U.S. OF A !

Well a Happy Thanksgiving Thursday to all you fine folks in the U.S. of A! Let’s hope that it will indeed be a happy one, with lot’s of thanks and giving and LOVING, as there ought to be. 

We are indeed blessed in these challenging times and should truly pay homage to the One who has brought us such prosperity. I know things aren’t all hunky dory, but believe me, we in the West are having it much better than many others in the rest of the world, and that is enough to be thankful for. 

Now here is an interesting and appropriate poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, entitled ‘Thanksgiving Day Dream.’ 

And it says: ‘On this fragrant, frosty Thanksgiving Day The huge turkey browns beautifully In our king-size oven. The tender yams are evenly candied; The corn soufflé is beginning to bubble; The congealed salad is ready to unmold. 

The homemade bread with its crunchy texture Is wrapped in foil for reheating. The ice cubes are bagged in plastic; The relishes are artistically arranged On a round crystal plate. The pumpkin pies are still slightly warm. Fresh yellow chrysanthemums Grace the long, colourful table. The house glistens and shines. My makeup is evenly applied… 

So dear family How about settling down In our favourite chairs For an hour of relaxation Before our guests arrive! Lord I dream of this happening Some ethereal Thanksgiving Day!’ 

Yes Friends, I know that most of you dream that a Thanksgiving Day could play out as simply and efficiently as that. But the truth of the matter is that that seldom happens, because there are always last minute preparations and hustle and bustle to complete before the guests arrive. 

I guess though, that is a part of all that makes the Thanksgiving Day special, especially since this is probably the biggest and most widely celebrated holiday in the U.S. with everybody heading home, or to some where, to meet and greet long lost or long unseen friends and family and enjoy turkey and pumpkin pie, and good relations. 

Oh, it’s never all sugar and spice when families get together, but it doesn’t have to be nasty and ungodly. Now please be careful. Enjoy it, but don’t over do it! Remember to give plenty thanks, because that’s what the holiday is all about. 

Oh, and don’t forget Granny’s words of heavenly wisdom: ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober please mind your business!’ (smile) 

Unfortunately though, many residents of the U.S will not be enjoying such a Thanksgiving Day because of a lack of family or LOVED ones, because of poverty and homelessness, or being sick in the hospital, or incarcerated. So please, as much as is within your means do help those who don’t have as much as you do. 

Remember Nehemiah’s admonition when the Jews returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon and first heard the Word of God read to them. ‘Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Neh.8:10) 

And it is indeed my brethren. So in your joy today, please don’t forget those who have no joy, or anything to celebrate with. 

That brings us very appropriately to the promise to which our earlier poem was linked. ‘Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): 

I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt.25:34-36) 

Yes my fellow believers, that’s what Jesus wants to see from us, especially on such an important, but also one of the loneliest days of the year. So please help whomever and wherever you can, so that the light of Jesus can shine brightly in this too dark world. 

And finally, we come to our Bit. ‘Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; because his mercy (LOVING-kindness) endureth for ever.’ 

Oh what a wonderful scripture my precious people! And it shouldn’t only be followed on Thanksgiving Day, but EVERYDAY, because we have so much to be thankful for EVERYDAY! 

And sadly, somehow or the other we’ve lost that attitude of gratefulness, of thankfulness that our fathers had. I don’t know if that’s because they had to depend so much on Almighty God for their livelihood, or we have just become such an ungrateful, selfish and thankless bunch. 

Now we are just going to end with a couple of scriptures that wisely advise the giving of continual thanks. Listen to Bruh David from his psalm of thanksgiving. ‘Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.’ (1 Chr.16:8-9) 

And Jeremiah reminds us of what will happen when Judah is revived; all the desolation will be removed, and this will occur. ‘The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, 

Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land (cause the captives of the land to return), as at the first saith the Lord.’ (Jer.33:11) 

So Friends, on this glorious day, with the wonderful breath of Jehovah God flowing through our bodies, let’s all offer the sacrifice of praise to Him nuh, because we all have so much to be thankful for. Much LOVE!

…in every thing give thanks…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus…concerning you… (1 Thess.5:18)

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 November 2015 1 John 5:21‏‏

25 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 John 5:21.    Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Oh Friends, I don’t know how I’m going to do this nuh, most likely very slowly, but the Bit has to go out come rain, sleet or snow. (smile) 

The long and short of the story is that I went into the concrete jungle (Toronto) yesterday, on my birthday, no less, to have a procedure done on my ‘arthritically’ challenged right shoulder. 

Now everything went okay, I took the bus and the train like the last time I ventured into the city.There was some pain in the shoulder, but nothing to worry about. 

However later on in the night when the local anesthetic had worn off… oh brother, did that shoulder ever give me beans! The good-looking, young, white female doctor that did the procedure did say that I might have some discomfort. 

Hn! But this was certainly much more than discomfort. I couldn’t move it to do anything without an agonizing pain coursing through my body. Even at rest the shoulder was still pulsing and throbbing. And when I did go to bed, sometime after 2 a.m….Hn!…it was pure agony. 

I just couldn’t find a comfortable place to rest my arm. Every time I thought I’d found one, a couple seconds later, the pain flared up. And believe me Friends, I have a decent pain threshold, but this pain is something else. 

I’m chuckling here now, because when I make a mistake, I just back up and type over again, because going up to the mouse to correct it is not a treat. Surprisingly though, I can move my fingers over the keyboard okay, but moving my arm away from my body is another story. 

Anyway, when I finally realized the enormity of the situation, I took a pain killer, but it obviously wasn’t enough, because a couple hours later I had to come downstairs and get a couple more, and shortly after five the constant throbbing and pulsing eventually eased up. 

But moving my hand was still painful. And believe me, I knew that that too would pass, and that the Lord wouldn’t give me more than I could bare, but it was so agonizing and temperamental that I eventually cried our for solace from our heavenly Father. I guess between Him and the painkillers they finally worked. I couldn’t even walk and allow my arm to swing, I had to keep it anchored to my leg. 

Thankfully, the worse seems to be over now, though I still have a hard time moving the old arm. Glory to God! Ohhh! I just went to the mouse and the pain shook me up. But I can only grin and bear it.So you can see the kind of birthday I had. (smile) 

Anyway, enough about my problems. It’s Wednesday, that means it’s time for our Wednesday Wail. So let’s wail nuh, enthusiastically and convincingly. All together now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! 

I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

Yeh mih people, in spite of the excruciating pain, I am glad to be alive this Wednesday morning, just looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus. I do hope that you are too, because there’s nothing as rewarding as hanging out with Jesus in this earthly life. 

But to do that successfully, we have to do what our Bit says. ‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.’ Now that in general is an enormous task, but even more so in our society of plenty eye candy and sinful stuff, that calls out to our fleshly nature. 

Here’s how Jeremiah said it in his prophecy against Babylon. ‘A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up; for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon (insane with) their idols.’ (Jer.50:38) 

Oh Friends, Jeremiah could have been talking about us, because we are indeed a land of graven images and very insane with our idols. A good example of that is the pedestal on which we’ve put our cell-phones and other new technological toys. 

Too many people just can’t operate without them. They have to be constantly checking this and checking that, from one social media site to another. I doubt the Lord is taking very kindly to this explosion of technological idolatry in which we’re currently engaging. 

Oh yes, they do have a very useful purpose, but when you can’t do or live without them for even a few minutes, then you are crossing the line. 

And we’ll end with some wise words from Bruh David in his psalm of thanksgiving: ‘Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared (held in reverential awe) above all gods. 

For all the gods of the people are idols (worthless things): but the Lord made the heavens. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.’ (1 Chr.16:23-29) 

Yes Friends, that is exactly what we need to do in this godless, extremely sinful and idolatrous society we’re currently living in. And unfortunately, until we return to genuinely worshipping Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of the universe, the society will just keep going downhill. 

So my fellow believers, let’s ramp up our efforts to stop the idolatry and sinfulness in whatever way we can nuh, for it is our bounden duty to do so, and we haven’t been doing such a good job, that’s partly why it’s as bad as it is. Much LOVE!

…only by seriously meditating on God’s word…and obeying His commandments…can our society return to prosperity and success…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 November 2015 1 John 5:21‏

24 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 John 5:21.  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Oh Friends, it’s Tuesday…a brand new day! That means new mercies and blessings soon come! Glory to God! Now that is God’s sincere promise, and if you truly believe in Him then you will believe His word and be waiting expectantly and patiently for the new mercies and blessings to rain down upon you. 

Mama Mia! Oh what a wonderful Lord and Saviour we serve and worship my brethren! Let your spirits be lifted high, because our God is still on the throne and still in control of this great universe that He created, and has promised that nothing, or no one can or will ever come between Him and us. Give Him some thanks and praise my people! 

Yuh know, recently I’ve been thinking that our God is so sweet and we are so stupid, or I believe the politically correct term is mentally challenged, (smile) because we’re not bright and smart enough to walk obediently in His will, even though we’ve seen the huge benefits that come from doing so. 

We know that our God LOVES nothing better than to receive our sincere and heartfelt thanks and praise, because that’s what He made us to do; to glorify Him with thanks and praise. But yet we refuse to give Him His just desserts. 

I don’t know about you all nuh Friends, but I just LOVE to give Him thanks and praise, for there’s nothing sweeter than listening to good music with worshipful lyrics and sending up declarations of sincere LOVE and thanksgiving to the Most High God Jehovah! Oh glory to our wonderful Creator and great Provider! 

If we were really smart, we’d be giving Him constant thanks and praise. As Bruh Paul says to the Ephesians: ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Eph.5:20) 

And again to the Philippians, where he confidently declares: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice.’ (Phil.4:4) 

And the scholars offer this bit of sage advice and explanation. ‘This command to rejoice at all times and in all circumstances is nothing less than a call to faith. For if the Christian believes that his life and all its circumstances are in the hands of a sovereign, wise, and LOVING God who is always working to accomplish good for him, then he can indeed “rejoice always.” 

That is gospel truth Friends! It’s a win-win situation, because God would be enjoying our grateful glorification, and so would we. Glory Hallelujah my people! And that’s the end of my rambling for today. (smile) 

Now let’s turn to our Tuesday Mantra and declare it like we really believe it. As one now: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world.  Amen.’ 

Glory to God my brethren for there’s nothing better in this world, especially in these challenging times than to be LOVED by God, be His child, and be a Friend of Jesus! 

Ah mih people, the ole fella is so worked up that he doesn’t know what to do with himself. (smile) I guess then we’ll finally turn to our Bit. ‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols.’ 

And what part of that don’t we understand eh mih people? For right from the very beginning, in the Ten Commandments, our God warned us about it. If you don’t remember, let me refresh our minds. 

The very first commandment is ‘Thou shalt have no other God’s before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them (worship them), nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that LOVE me, and keep my commandments.’ (Ex.20:3-6) 

Now where does He change that commandment eh Friends? Where does He say that we can put all sorts of other supposed gods, be they graven images or material things before Him eh? Nowhere? So why do we think it’s okay to put all the things we put in our everyday lives before Him eh? 

That’s not wisdom Friends. And the sad part is that Jesus promised, ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33) 

Yes, precious people, all the earthly things that we are running down and placing before Almighty God are available to us if we seek Him and His kingdom FIRST! 

Now doesn’t it seem somewhat foolish to be killing ourselves over stuff when we can have them without any fuss and bother, if we’d just make the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob our first priority? It certainly does my fellow believers! 

So please let’s ‘wisen’ up nuh Friends, and stop running down the things of the world, the very things that are causing us so much stress and strife, that are ruining our lives in our driving and never-ending pursuit of them! That is certainly not the wisdom of heaven…or really any kind of wisdom at all! Much LOVE!

…true allegiance to God… ought to be the believer’s first and main priority…  

P.S. Sadly my people, like LOVE and hate, late nights and early mornings just don’t agree. (smile)

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 November 2015 1 John 5:21

23 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 John 5:21.   Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Oh boy, oh boy, it’s Monday; the day that causes so much topsy-turvy and confusion in our lives! It never ceases to amaze me nuh. We know that Monday is coming and that we have to get out to work, but yet every week so many of us are still unprepared for it, and we moan and groan and complain and say all sorts of bad things about such a lovely day. (smile) 

And I guess unless our society stops operating the way it does – with work Monday to Friday – we’ll continue to be late and miserable on Mondays until Jesus comes back. Oh, I just realized something; Monday itself is not the problem nuh, it just happens to be the first day of the work week. If we made any other day the first day, the same thing would happen. 

Hn, hn! It’s just the nature of the human animal. That means we’ll need our Monday Morning Battle Hymn for a while yet. So let’s sing it out with plenty spunk and vim and vigour. (smile) Remember that Jesus, our choirmaster, requires excellence from us in all our endeavours. 

All together in harmony now: ‘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!’ 

Good job my people, good job! Halfway through you could see the smile slowly appearing on Jesus’ face as He realized that we were going to put down an excellent rendition. Glory Hallelujah! 

There’s no better thing we believers can do than put a smile on Jesus’ face! Now let’s go into the evil world and see if we can walk in a manner that does the same thing nuh. And we should be able to continue lighting up Jesus’ spirit since our motors are now up and running, fuelled by the adrenalin that’s pumping through our system. 

But while we journey through the world my brethren, please remember the wise words of John in our Bit. ‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.’ 

Yes Friends, we need to not allow the things of the world, be they graven images or simply material stuff to take our eyes and hearts off of Christ. And that’s so easy to do with all the wiles and lies and deceptions that the enemy sends against us. It is imperative that at ALL TIMES our focus be on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour! For though we are in the world, we should not be a part of it; meaning taking part in all the idolatry, immorality, etc. that the world presently glorifies.  

Now here are some scholarly comments on our Bit. ‘5:21. Idols here may well have the sense of erroneous conceptions of God. John addressed such false notions throughout the letter. However fervent our LOVE for others and our adherence to God’s commands, such human efforts will come to nothing apart from true understanding of God as revealed in Christ. To know Him as He is causes LOVE and obedience to be the redeeming worshipful responses to God that He intends them to be.’ 

Yeh Friends, I know that’s somewhat cerebral, (smile) and it is true, but our main concern today is simply about not making the things of the world more important than God. And to do that successfully, the first step is to initiate what Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Rome. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Rom.12:2)  

Yes my people, it all begins and ends with the mind. As Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) talks about the book she wrote, ‘The Battlefield of the Mind.’ That’s where the battle first rages for supremacy, for where our mind leads, there shall we go. 

And the scholars define that verse thus. ’12:2. Be not conformed (lit. “stop conforming yourselves”): They are to resist being poured into the mould of the present thinking, value, and conduct of his world. This term is used only here and in 1 Peter 1:14.’ 

Oh we all know that is difficult to do, but if we walk in the Spirit, and not in the flesh, as we are commanded to do, we can do it. And we’ll end most appropriately, with the wisdom of Jesus. 

‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven , where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt.6:19-21) 

And if Jesus says it’s so, then obviously it is so! So my fellow believers, please let’s go out today and not hunger for the things of the world, but for the things of heaven, for that is the ultimate in wisdom. Much LOVE!

…you cannot faithfully serve two masters at the same time…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 November 2015 Psalm 42:5

22 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 42:5.  Why art thou cast down (bowed down), O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence).

And then it was Sunday… the day Christians pray for, so that they can gather in the Lord’s sanctuary and praise and worship Him in all sincerity and truth. Yes Friends, it’s time to get ourselves hither to church. 

The Lord’s waiting for His children to come together to give Him thanks and praise, hear His Word and rejuvenate their spirits, so that they can have the wherewithal to continue walking in His Son’s name on this disgusting and wicked earth.  

So please don’t make any feeble excuses. And if you’re genuinely not able to go, then turn on your television or radio so that you can at least hear the Word. 

What did Bruh Paul write to the church at Rome? ‘So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom.10:17)  Yes my people, faith comes by hearing the word of God; its oral communication. When we hear God’s Word then our faith is raised up, it is strengthened. And we all need to raise our faith this Sunday morning, that’s a fact! 

And we’ll get right into our Bit, because we have a lot of scriptures to share today. ‘Why art thou cast down (bowed down), O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence).’ 

Oh my fellow believers, I know some of you are tired of the same Bit for the last few days, you want to hear something new every day. (smile) But that HOPE it talks about is such an important part of our walk with Jesus that we need to have it written indelibly in our souls, so that we can call upon it at a moment’s notice. 

It needs to come as a natural reaction, not something we have to stop and think about. And the only way that can happen is by constant repetition. So please bear with me, for it’s all for our own good. 

And the first bit of scripture comes from Psalm 16, where Bruh David is seeking preservation and blessing. With his usual self-effacing but confident style, he declares: ‘I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.’ (Ps.16:8-9)  

Oh what encouraging words of scripture my brethren! When we put our trust in God, we feel safe and strong, and our hearts become glad, which leads us to have oodles of hope, which eventually turns into strong faith! 

And all of God’s people declared a loud and proud: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Blessed is the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!’ 

Now listen to these verses from Psalm 119, from the section SAMECH – I hate vain thoughts. ‘Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up (uphold me), and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto (will observe) thy statutes continually.’ (Ps.119:116-117) 

More of the same sentiments Friends! When we put out hope and trust in God, He upholds us. And yuh better believe one thing our God will not do is let us be ashamed of our hope in Him. Definitely not! He takes too much pride in His faithfulness to allow that to happen. 

Meanwhile Peter tells us in his call to Christian dedication: ‘Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind (prepare your mind for action), be sober, and hope to the end for grace (rest your hope fully upon the grace) that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.’ (1 Pet.1:13) 

And the scholars offer these explanations of that verse. ‘1:13. The exhortation to set one’s hope involves an inward resolution. Gird up the loins of your mind: The imagery is that of personal discipline and outward conduct. Be sober (Gr. nephontes): Be free of every sort of mental and spiritual intoxication. The revelation of Jesus Christ is the Second Advent when Jesus returns to earth to set up His kingdom.’ 

Ah Friends, we all need hope, all the time! And I had this passage from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional to share from yesterday, never did though. I guess it was meant for today. (smile) And our God works in such mysterious ways that on the days that I chose to focus on hope, so did Gramps Schuller. 

The day’s devotion was titled You Need Hope. And it ended thus: ‘You need hope…when you’re dying. And you need hope in all your living. There will be no LOVE without it. Hope is what will keep your faith alive. That’s why hope is in the middle of the holy trinity of emotions, “Faith, Hope and LOVE.’  

Now that’s indisputable truth my people! We need hope from birth until death! 

And we’ll close the same way the psalmist closed Psalm 42, from which our Bit is taken. ‘Why art thou cast down (bowed down), O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health (help, lit. salvation) of my countenance, and my God.’ (Ps.42:11) 

Yes Friends, he words it a little differently, but it still means the same thing; in Almighty God is our hope and our help; now and forever! Please never forget that. Much LOVE!

…now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for…the evidence (conviction) of things not seen…  (Heb.11:1)

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 November 2015 Psalm 42:5

21 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 42:5.  Why art thou cast down (bowed down), O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence).

And then it was Saturday Friends! Wow! Another great day to be alive, because we don’t know what wonderful blessings and mercies the Lord has planned for us today. But be sure of this one thing; He does have stuff planned for us, otherwise His fabulous breath of life would not be flowing through our physical bodies right now. 

And all God’s people declared a loud and hearty ‘Praise the Lord for His LOVING-kindness to the undeserving children of men!’ We surely are thankful my people. 

And since we’re continuing our series of messages on HOPE, I thought this quote from Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) a Jewish Dutch philosopher of some renown, would fit right into our plans. Baruch is reputed to have said that ‘There is no hope unmingled with fear, and no fear unmingled with hope.’ 

Yes Friends, we all feel some sort of fear, anxiety and/or doubt, when we’re in a hoping frame of mind. And even when we’re truly fearful, there is always a smattering of hope lurking somewhere in the background, telling us that everything will be all right. So it’s just a normal human reaction to have a touch of fear in hope and hope in fear. 

But my precious people, let’s never forget those memorable words of encouragement that Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy. ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind.’ (2 Tim.1:7) 

So though it’s only natural for a little fear to sometimes creep into our lives, that is not our basic human nature, it is of the enemy. We have been empowered, filled with LOVE and a sound mind by Almighty God to pursue His purposes! 

That brings us to our Bit. ‘Why art thou cast down (bowed down), O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence).’ 

Oh my fellow believers, in this dangerous and difficult world it is normal for us to sometimes feel less than strong and powerful, and thus have our spirits sink to a fraction of their natural buoyancy.  But the important thing to remember when those times befall us is that we must turn to our great God for help. He is the only one who can provide the necessary comfort we seek. 

As the psalmist says in Psalm 130 – My soul waiteth for the Lord: ‘Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy (LOVING-kindness), and with him is plenteous (abundant) redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.’ (Ps.130:7-8) Words of indisputable truth my people! 

Now listen to how Isaiah puts it in chapter 25 – The song of praise by the redeemed. ‘He will swallow up death (forever) in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’ (Is.26:9)  

Oh Friends, now why wouldn’t we hope for that eh? It’s such a wonderful promise! And we know that all of our God’s promises are faithful and true, though they make take a while longer to come than we would like. But as Habakkuk so wisely advises: ‘For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’ (Hab.2:3) 

Yes Friends, ALL of God’s promises will eventually come true, but in HIS OWN TIME. That means we have to hope and pray and wait. What better example can we find that our father Abraham eh? 

Here’s what Bruh Paul wrote to the Roman church about him. ‘Who against (contrary to) hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations. According to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 

He staggered (wavered) not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong (strengthened) in faith, giving glory to God. And being fully persuaded (convinced) that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.’ (Rom.4:18-21) 

My people are we as convinced that our God can perform His promises? I certainly hope so, otherwise we’re fighting a losing battle and we’re not true Christians. How many of us would have packed up all our belongings and moved far away from our families, not having a clue as to where we were going, just because some obscure and so-called God told us to do it? Not many. 

And how many of us would have believed that a woman could bear children at almost a hundred years old? Not many! And how many of us would have believed that we would become the father of many nations when the Lord told us to sacrifice our one and only son, from whom all the mighty lineage was supposed to flow? Again, not many! But Abraham did. That’s why it was ascribed to him as righteousness.  

Ah mih people, sometimes it’s a hard row we have to hoe, but with God’s help we can certainly do it. So please, regardless of the difficult circumstances we might now be undergoing, please don’t ever give up on our God. Abraham did not have to sacrifice his only son, but our heavenly Father did it so that we could be saved, be reconciled to Him, have salvation and eternal life. 

And remember He did not have to do it, but He did it for our sakes. Now if that isn’t LOVE, I don’t know what is. So just hang in there my people and all will be well in the Lord’s time. Much LOVE!

 …to hope…to hope…and yet to hope…that is a Christian’s lot…

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