Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 November 2021 Matthew 6:21.

10 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 6:21.     For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

And then it was Wednesday…and we have our second wind…we pushing on relentlessly in the name and the power of Jesus, knowing that Friday and the weekend are just around the corner, and we’ll soon have another opportunity to gather, worship and praise our great and wonderful God, while He refreshes us for another fateful week in the trenches of life! 

Brother! Is that a great sentence or what? Reminds me of some of the convoluted ones Bruh Paul writes. So I’m not in such bad company then. (smile) But seriously though, Wednesday, the mid-week workday, is one where we should take a moment to take stock of how our week is going and if we need to make any changes or even ramp up our faith. It’s a suitable time to consider if we are actually doing what we planned, or still just talking the talk, without any, or enough of the walk that’s necessary. 

Remember, we are merely human beings with all kinds of frailties and weaknesses and we can easily get sidetracked by the enemy and the ungodly world. That’s why we need to keep a steady check on how we are progressing, if we are truly storing up heavenly treasures though living this earthly life. Jesus said it quite plainly, as He is wont to do. ‘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 treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt (ruin), 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 that’s the gospel truth friends! Wherever our treasure is hidden or laid up, there also will be our heart, because our treasure is ever so important to us. That’s why so many of us think of the banks so often. (smile) And why not eh, if all our money is in there, hopefully readily available to us when we need or want it. 

Now let’s check the explanation the scholars offer of those verses. ‘6:19-21. The attention of the believer is directed toward treasures in heaven. The term ‘treasures’ implies the accumulation of things. The two kinds of treasures are conditioned by their place (either on earth or in heaven). The concept of laying up treasure in heaven is not pictured as one of meritorious benefits but rather of rewards for faithful service, as is illustrated elsewhere in the teaching of Jesus.’ 

And truly, earthly treasures are not bad in and of themselves, it is when we concentrate all our efforts on accumulating them and don’t have time for God in the unwise pursuit of what Cousin Sol calls ‘vanity’ or futile stuff. Furthermore, if we focus on earthly wealth, we stand a good chance of losing it to moth, rust and thieves. And yet furthermore, (smile) when your earthly days are over, you can’t take any of it with you. As Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment (clothes) let us therewith be content.’ (1 Tim. 6:7-8) 

The scholars explain. ‘6:7. And it is certain we can carry nothing out (or, “because we are unable to carry anything out”). Man enters the world at birth possessing nothing. In order to teach him that he will exit the world in the same manner – taking nothing with him. This is a divine means of showing man that since material wealth is relatively insignificant, he should pursue the important things mentioned in verse 11.’ And as per ‘6:8. This verse prevents the wrong understanding of verse 7, that material possessions have no place in the Christian’s life. By figure of speech food and raiment stand for all of life’s basic necessities. These are all the believer needs, and having these he can be content.’ 

And my fellow saints, I would certainly be amiss if I did not point out the important things mentioned in verse 11. (smile) Bruh Paul writes: ‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things (the LOVE of money and striving for other earthly wealth – vs. 9-10): and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness.’ (1 Tim. 6:11) 

Oh, and will I ever be my sweet self and throw in verse 12 for good measure, (smile) because it so desperately applies to us in these very dangerous and desperate times. Bruh Paul continues to Timothy: ‘Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses.’ (1 Tim. 6:12) Now that’s exactly what we need to do in these perilous times my faithful brethren. 

And if you don’t understand it all, let’s allow the scholars to explain. ‘6:12. The good fight concerns the daily struggle with sin in the Christian life, and the hardships and adversities in the ministry. A genuine believer demonstrates the reality of his faith by being engaged in this warfare. Lay hold on eternal life does not negate the fact that a believer now possesses spiritual life (John 3:36); rather, it speaks of fully realizing or appropriating salvation as the believer matures.’ 

And I so like to spoil us, that I’ll quote John 3:36. (smile) John the Baptist, not John the disciple, is testifying of Jesus: ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth (remains) on him.’ Yes friends, we have salvation and are going to heaven, through God’s free gift of grace, but in the meanwhile we have to make use of all the opportunities, benefits and blessings that that salvation brings to us here on earth. We have to live out our faith. As Bruh Paul said to the Philippians: ‘…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.’ (Phil. 2:12b) 

And these two paragraphs from an article on the subject by Ed Elliot on the medium.com website explains that verse much better than I can. Ed writes: ‘Working out our salvation is very different from working for our salvation. When Paul tells believers they need to work out their salvation, he is simply explaining that the wonderful gift they freely received from God is inside of them. We bring out those beautiful attributes and character traits by faith. Faith is a rest, but it is faith that works, not us. So working out what is on the inside of us happens by faith. 

This process can be frightening in the beginning as a new believer discovers how to live and walk by faith. Some strong trepidation may be present at first when a person decides to trust God as his or her source and peace. I remember how scary it was for me to stop trusting in my natural abilities and trust in God’s Word. This is what Paul is referring to when he mentions “fear and trembling.” He isn’t talking about being afraid of God. Rather, he is helping the new believer to know that in the beginning, it will seem scary to walk by faith. However, it is the only way to see our inner salvation manifest on the outside through our character.’ 

But to do that successfully my brethren, means we have to spend serious time in the Word and with the Lord, as well as with other believers, encouraging and teaching each other. Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that very thing, let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. 

As one strong voice: ‘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!’ 

And don’t forget that if we endure to the very end that the future will indeed be even more glorious that we ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…why seek finite earthly treasures…when heavenly ones last till infinity…

P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but I had some important errands to run and as always, the best laid plans of mice and men do tend to go astray. (smile) Much LOVE!                                                                                                                   

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8           

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 November 2021 John 1:1.

09 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 1:1.      In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Morning mih bredrin! And yuh see, just like I was telling you we could do; we ate up big, bad Monday and spit it out like a cherry seed! Glory to God! So, Tuesday should be a cake walk! No problems in facing it at all. That’s what belief in Jesus and the direction of His Holy Spirit can do for us. Praise His holy name my people, for there’s never been, and will never be another majestic figure like our Jesus! 

He’s so marvellous and wonderful that our small minds can’t even truly comprehend the vast extent of His power and glory. But that’s why He is God! If we could fully understand and know all about Him, then He would not deserve to be God. He would just be an ordinary being like you and me. But He is definitely not like us, that’s why we praise, worship and glorify Him! 

No wonder John begins his gospel thus: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ (John 1:1) That’s three different aspects of the Word: it existed in the beginning, and was with God, then it was God! 

Listen to the scholars’ explanation. ‘1:1. One of the most important titles of Christ is ‘Logos’ (Word). The idea behind this title embodied God’s revelation of Himself to humanity. Probably Jesus is called “the Word of God” because the phrase occurs over 1200 times in the Old Testament to refer to the message of God. Jesus is the expression and communication of the Word. He is both the incarnate and the inspired Word. Illustration: Satan is twice recorded in Scripture as tempting someone. On the first occasion he questioned the integrity of the Word of God (Gen. 3:1-5).’ That’s when he deceived Eve about what God really said to them about dying if they ate of the forbidden fruit. 

‘On the second occasion he questioned the integrity of Christ, the Word of God incarnate, by questioning His reality as the Son of God  (Matt. 4:3-6). Those who question the validity of the Scriptures today similarly question the integrity of Christ. Application: Christians need to study the written Word of God to learn more about the incarnate Word of God (First Ref. Gen. 15:1; Primary ref. John 1:1).’ 

That’s good stuff friends, but before we move forward, let’s clear up the meaning of the words ‘incarnate’ and ‘inspired,’ so that we can understand what the scholars are talking about. ‘Incarnate’ basically means ‘embodied in flesh; in human form,’ referring to a deity or spirit being represented in human appearance. That’s why we talk about ‘God incarnate,’ meaning that God, in particular Jesus, incarnated, made Himself a man to come and dwell with us, so that we can better understand what He is all about. That’s because His true nature is spiritual, He exists as a Spirit and dwells in the Spirit realm that we cannot fathom. 

As per ‘inspired,’ it means that God spoke to the hearts of those who wrote the Scriptures, or inspired them to write it. We are talking here about divine inspiration, a supernatural spiritual leading and guidance, that’s divine authority, or as they say ‘God-breathed. In earlier times, that’s before Christ became incarnate and came to earth, the Holy Spirit only appeared to and worked divinely in certain people. It’s not like now, when he dwells in each and every believer. And this passage from an article by Don Stewart on the blueletterbible.org website gives us a bit more insight into the situation. 

He writes: “Inspiration” is a translation of the Greek word theopneustos. Theopneustos literally means “God-breathed.” This translation found in the King James Version was derived from the Latin Vulgate Bible where the word inspiro is used in 2 Timothy 3:16 to translate the word theopneustos. The emphasis, however, is that Scripture has been breathed-out by God. The Bible has been produced by God and hence it should be respected and valued for exactly what it is—God’s Word to humanity. As the prophetic messages of God’s designated spokesmen were spoken revelation, the Bible is God’s written revelation. It is God revealing Himself to us.’ 

That’s why Bruh Paul wrote thus to Timothy, re the scriptures. ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ (2 Tim. 3:16-17) 

Wow! What a magnificent tome that Word of God is my fellow saints! The infidel has tried to destroy it for centuries, but it’s still the bestselling book every year! Why? Because it’s God’s divine word, His revelation to man, and it contains everything we need to live godly lives; it’s good for ALL aspects of earthly living, thoroughly equipping us to do good works in God’s name! Yes friends, ‘God’s inspired Word, properly used and applied, provides all we need for life and ministry.’ 

But my faithful brethren, we need to read and study it, then properly apply it, before it can be of much use to us. That’s where our sincerity, our faith and trust, belief and surrender to Jesus’ Lordship and guidance comes in. And that’s what Christianity is all about; bowing to the will of our Creator and Saviour. As Jesus said so simply but very seriously to the disciples: ‘If any man will come after (follow) me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.’ (Matt. 16:24) It could not be any clearer friends. To sincerely follow Jesus, we must sacrifice our own will and desires and live by His. 

And now that we have a better understanding of what we mean when we talk about the different aspects of ‘God’s Word,’ let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all the world know who and whose we are, that’s to whom we belong, heart, soul, body, spirit and mind! 

As one strong voice: ‘In God’s eyes, 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!’ 

And having given that wonderful testimony (smile) it now behooves us to go out and share that wonderful LOVE and amazing friendship of Jesus with those we meet along life’s journey, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him, like we do! Much LOVE!

…the Living Word of God…physically written by men…but supernaturally authored by God Himself…                                                                                                                   

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8          

Today’s Scrip-Bit   8 November 2021 Ephesians 6:13.

08 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 6:13.     Wherefore take unto you (put on) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Come on down Monday! We are waiting for you with bated breath. You might think you’re big and bad because so many people get intimidated by you…but not this bunch…not this group of Jesus followers. We have the Holy Spirit of Jesus, the most powerful assistant in the universe, dwelling within us, which means we can handily handle anything that you, or anybody else brings against us. 

So come on down today and give it your best shot. We going to eat you up and spit you out like a cherry seed, because that’s the power our Lord and Saviour gives us through His Holy Spirit. That’s why we can confidently declare: ‘We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.’ (Phil. 4:13) That means we are no longer afraid of you. We not tired and frustrated, because we gathered with other believers yesterday on the Lord’s Day and gave grateful thanks and praise and thus renewed our energy and commitment to Him. 

So today, this Monday morning, we bright and bold, just chafing at the bit, ready and eager to get out into the evil world and live for Jesus! We are going let out lives talk for us. Yes, we going to walk the walk! Let our lights shine brightly, like that city set on a hill with lights blazing for all to see, so that they can glorify our heavenly Father! That’s what Jesus expects of us, and that’s exactly what we going to do today! Glory Hallelujah! 

Oh mih people, what a mighty boast! But yuh know what? We can do it, because, as we said above, the Holy Spirit of Jesus dwells within us, and through Him we can do anything since He directs the mighty power of Jesus into our souls and spirits. And remember what Jesus said, if you have faith even as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains, and nothing shall be impossible to you. (Matt. 17:20) Well, I’m sure all of us have more faith that a mere grain of mustard seed, which means we can do anything that Jesus desires us to do! Bless His Holy name my fellow saints! 

And what a bam bam it’s going to be out there in that dark and ungodly world today when Jesus’ saints are unleased on it! It won’t know what’s hit it! The evildoers will be so shocked and petrified that they will just beg to embrace Jesus, to have Him come into their hearts and set them free from their evil lives. Wow! What a glorious time that will be. (smile) 

Now I know some of you are putting down my dream, like it’s a mere fable by Aesop or a fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson. But friends, that’s why God gave us an imagination and the power to dream. And remember we recently agreed that whatever we focused our minds and our imaginations on that it usually comes true. Well, that’s all I’m trying to do here now; get us to focus on living more seriously for Jesus, to stop being afraid and ashamed, and to start walking our talk. 

Please remember that our great and wonderful God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound and disciplined mind. (2 Tim. 1:7) Meaning we don’t have to be afraid of anybody or anything, and we have the endurance and the ability to stand and fight mano-a-mano against the evil principalities, the powers of darkness and spiritual wickedness when we are also dressed in His magnificent protective armour. That’s why Bruh Paul advised each believer in his letter to the church at Ephesus. ‘Wherefore take unto you (put on) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph. 6:13) 

Yes friends, we face a formidable foe in the powers of darkness and evil, but as the scholars so wisely tell us, we ‘must avail ourselves of God’s provision lest the enemy destroy our Christian witness and ministry.’ Unfortunately though, that’s what he’s been doing so far, because we have not availed ourselves of God’s protective armour and power. That’s His belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the mighty sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, (Eph. 6:14-17) 

And what a mighty sword indeed is the Word of God! The author of Hebrews describes as ‘quick (that’s alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrows, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12) So you see the kind of marvellous protection and weapons we have to fight the evil foe. 

But there is one last thing that’s necessary in that fight to the death friends. Bruh Paul explains it thus to the Ephesians. ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph. 6:18) Yes mih brethren, prayer is ever important, both individually and corporately, for without it you can’t win the battle even if you have all the other protection. So, since prayer is that important, what better time to indulge in it than right now, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. 

As one voice: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.  

And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

But don’t forget my people, that the results of our prayer depends on the sincerity of our hearts and the keeping of our promises. Much LOVE!

…if eleven men can cause millions to come to Christ…why can’t we…those millions…with our marvellous technology…bring billions to Him eh…                                                                                                                     

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8         

Today’s Scrip-Bit   7 November 2021 Matthew 5:14.

07 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:14.     Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

Oh my fellow saints in Christ, may grace and peace be multiplied unto you through (in) the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord this November Sunday morning, in this unprecedented year of 2021! Yes friends, it’s another Sabbath Day for us to keep holy, gathering, by whatever means possible, to worship, give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for the wonderful things He’s done, is doing and has promised to do in our lives. And all of God’s children said a loud, proud and grateful: ‘Thank You Lord! Amen!’ 

It’s time to throw off the blanket of tiredness and frustration that’s come over us this past work week and rejuvenate our souls and spirits with the Lord’s Word so that we can have the energy and faith to go back out next week and continue living strong for Jesus. And the best way to begin, like we always do, is with a song of praise. Today’s song of praise is titled ‘Go Light Your World,’ written and performed by Christopher Rice in the early years of this century, but since then performed by numerous others. 

The most popular version I believe is one done by Kathy Troccoli. But today we’ll do our own version; a soulful, up-tempo, harmonious, gut-wrenching, heart touching, encouraging, uplifting rendition. (smile)  So, without further ado, let’s raise our beautiful voices in sacrificial praise to heaven. ‘There is a candle in every soul Some brightly burning, some dark and cold There is a Spirit who brings a fire Ignites a candle and makes His home. (Chorus: So carry your candle, run to the darkness Seek out the helpless, confused and torn Hold out your candle for all to see it Take your candle, and go light your world Take your candle, and go light your world.) 

Frustrated brother, see how he’s tried to Light his own candle some other way See now your sister, she’s been robbed and lied to Still holds a candle without a flame (Chorus:…Carry your candle…) ‘Cause we are a family whose hearts are blazing So let’s raise our candles and light up the sky Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus Make us a beacon in darkest times. (Chorus: So carry your candle, run to the darkness Seek out the hopeless, deceived and poor Hold out your candle for all to see it Take your candle, and go light your world… Repeat… Take your candle, and go light your world…Take your candle, and go light your world.’ 

Ah mih bredrin, that last line there says it all. It’s the call that Jesus gave to us when He declared: ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.’ (Matt. 5:14) That’s what He wants us to be, what He expects of His followers: to be light in this darkened world, be shining brightly like a city that is set on a hill, whose light can be seen for miles around. It’s the Christian’s duty to shine bright for Jesus. Something we obviously are not doing to the best of our ability, otherwise our world would not be so covered in darkness and bright lights so difficult to find. 

And Jesus continued His light metaphor by saying: ‘Neither do men light a candle (lamp), and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick (lampstand); and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.’ (Matt. 5:15) And that’s the purpose of light, to shine in the darkness so that one can see what’s happening around you, and where you are going. So, it makes no sense whatsoever to have a light and hide it, because that would be defeating the very purpose of the light. 

And we don’t only need to be a light shining in the darkness for others, but we also need a light to show us where to go. And our guiding light, as the psalmist so wisely tells us, is the Word of God. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) So, once we know the Lord’s Word we’ll know how and where to walk. But Jesus wasn’t finished with us, for He went even further and said: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:16) 

And some of you might be wondering where you are supposed to get this light so that you can shine. Well, the song tells us very graphically. ‘There is a Spirit who brings fire Ignites a candle and makes His home.’ That’s the Holy Spirit of Christ my people, which came on Pentecost Day two thousand years ago, as the Good Book informs us: ‘And there appeared unto them (120 believers in a room) cloven (divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Sprit gave them utterance.’ (Act 2:3-4) 

That’s where the fire comes from to light us up friends; from the Holy Spirit of Christ, which comes to indwell each believer and set them on fire for the Saviour. But I guess the fire has dimmed considerably, or even gone out in some of us, because our lights are not shining as they should. That’s why there are so many frustrated brothers and abused sisters out there who are unsuccessfully trying to light candles on their own, which is an impossibility without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. 

And most importantly, let’s remember, as the song says, that we are a family, the church of Christ, whose hearts are supposed to be blazing with the fire of the Holy Spirit. However, with the sad state of darkness and evil in which our world is currently enveloped, we therefore desperately need to ‘raise our candles and light up the sky Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus to Make us a beacon in these darkest of times.’ 

Oh my people, what more can I say to encourage us to live for Jesus eh? Just the heartfelt plea of our song. ‘So carry your candle, run to the darkness Seek out the hopeless, deceived and poor Hold out your candle for all to see it Take your candle, and go light your world…Hold out your candle for all to see Take your candle and go light your world.’ 

It’s what Jesus desires and expects of His loyal followers. So please, after all He’s done for us, none of which we can ever repay, let’s not disappoint Him nuh. Much LOVE!

…to Jesus…be all the glory…and all the praise…for He richly deserves them…                                                                                                                   

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 November 2021 Ephesians 4:23.

06 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 4:23.     And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Welcome to Saturday friends, another great day in the life! And obviously, some of us will ask what’s so great about it? And the answer is the same as for every other day we live: we’re alive, we’re drawing God’s magnificent breath of life, and the Spirit of Jesus dwells within us to lead, guide and comfort us in all our endeavours! 

Wow! Now isn’t that good, no, great reason to be glad, joyful and give thanks? It most certainly is! So stop with the moping and complaining, the anger and the strife, because somewhere out there, someone has it much worse than we do. (smile) Now let’s see what interesting quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. 

And the first one says: ‘Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.’ And to a certain extent, that is certainly true, for our imagination generally causes us to go in the directions that we hold up to it, or focus on. But thankfully, for many of us we don’t always go where our imagination leads us or to what it focuses on, because we would find ourselves in a heap of trouble, both physically and spiritually. 

Our imagination is a good tool, but like all other tools we must use it wisely and appropriately for us to get the most benefit out of it. A lot of the good things and inventions of our society have been born out man’s imagination, but also a lot of the evil and ungodly things, because as the next quote says: ‘You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth. The thoughts you focus most on will be the ones that usually come true, be they good or bad. We are irrevocably drawn to the things we consistently think on. So, if we want to believe in Jesus, have faith in Him and live for Him, then we must concentrate a lot on Him and His teachings, and do what He says, otherwise we will never live the good and abundant life He died for us to have. 

Oh my people, it all begins and ends in our minds. That’s the battlefield where all our fights are fought, won and lost. That’s why Bruh Paul wrote these wise words of advice on the matter 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 perfect will of God.’ (Rom. 12:2) We can only think God-like thoughts when we transform our minds from thinking worldly thoughts which do not lead to godliness, in fact are the antithesis, the opposite of what Jesus wants us to think. 

Meanwhile, on the same topic, Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus: ‘That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) in the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ (Eph. 4:22-24) 

Yes friends, we can only sincerely come to Christ with a renewal of our minds and the thoughts that fill them. We need to put off our old conduct or behaviour and put on the new man, or new conduct that’s more in line with God’s viewpoint. Meaning, if you think evil, you will attract evil, and if you think good thoughts, you will attract good things. 

We only have two options my brethren; good and evil, and as Bruh Paul also noted in the letter to the Roman church: ‘Recompense to (repay) no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men… Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:17, 21) However, we can only do those things when our minds have been renewed or transformed with God’s viewpoint and not the devil’s or the world’s way of doing things. 

That brings us to this next quote. ‘Sometimes beautiful things come into our lives out of nowhere. We can’t always understand them, but we have to trust in them. I know you want to question everything, but sometimes it pays to just have a little faith.’ And I believe that’s quite true. Ofttimes good things unexpectedly happen to us, as though from out of the blue, and we can’t figure them out. But sometimes we are not meant to figure out the whys and the wherefores, just to accept our blessedness. 

It’s like when Jesus comes into our lives. Usually we are not expecting Him, we are on some other track a million miles away. But when He’s ready for us, He finds a way to cover those million miles of separation and come right to the door of our hearts and offer His unbelievable benefits. And all He’s asking of us is to believe, to have a li’l faith. Like He said to the disciples when they asked why they could not cure a mentally challenged child. ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’ (Matt. 17:20) 

Yuh see friends, all we need is a li’l faith in Jesus and we can do wonders on God’s great earth. So, can you imagine what’s possible to us when we have great faith? Anything and everything! That ought to excite us and cause us to believe ever so strongly in Jesus! And that segues very nicely into this last quote: ‘Nurture great thoughts, for you will never go higher than your thoughts.’ 

You can’t beat that my fellow saints! Only great thoughts in and of Jesus will enable you to climb to the very heights of your destiny! So please, let’s think on, ponder, meditate on Jesus, each and every day nuh, so that we can reach our God-given destiny! Much LOVE!

…only with God’s help…can we be triumphant on the battlefield of the mind… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8       

Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 November 2021 Proverbs 15:16.

05 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 15:16.     Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Well, like it’s finally begun friends. I’m talking about the season of frost. That’s when you awaken in the mornings and see your car windshields frozen with ice. And before you go to work or leave work to go home, you have to scrape off the annoying ice, which can ofttimes be very thick and most frustrating to remove. And the presence of frost only means one thing, we’re getting closer to winter and that beautiful white fluffy stuff we so adorably label snow, but which can be ever so dangerous, like the devil, if it gets its claws into you. (smile)  

Like day follows night, the seasons follow each other, another one of God’s many awesome mystical set ups in His amazing universe. But that’s all a part of living in the cold, northern climes. So, you just grin and bear it, and move on with your life. And as always, the Lord does give you the wherewithal to handle whatever He allows to come against you. And though you never really get accustomed to it, or even like it, except you are a skier or someone who likes snow sports, with the joy of Jesus living within you, you can even enjoy it some of the times. 

Take me, for example. When I first came here, I went all over the cold, snowy land with an ice-hockey team from my workplace, and that got me acclimatized to the situation much quicker than if I had just shied away from it. Fast forward some forty something years later, I still find it’s beautiful when it’s nice and clean, but do my best to stay away from it, especially when other human beings are also plowing through it. Anyhow, enough on the snow scene, let’s not encourage it to come any sooner than it will. (smile) 

What I am guided to talk about today is an ungodly and distasteful matter that leads too many of us believers around by the nose, like a chained animal. And Cousin Sol put’s it very nicely in Proverbs, when he declares: ‘Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs (vegetables) where LOVE is, than a stalled ox (fatted calf) and hatred therewith.’ (Prov. 15:16-17) 

And if that isn’t the God-awesome truth, I don’t know what is! For the presence of the Lord within a home, is so wonderful and refreshing, even when there isn’t a whole lot to eat, while hatred within a home where plenty exists, substantially detracts from the very satisfaction that having plenty ought to bring. As the scholars so wisely remind us: ‘15:16. Spiritual riches are better than material riches.’ 

And Cousin Sol touches on the subject again in Proverbs 16 and 17, where he claims: ‘Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right (justice).’ (Prov. 16:8) ‘Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices (sacrificial meals) with strife.’ (Prov. 17:1) And we see it all around us in this world full of plenty. Many of those households are unhappy despite their plentiful material riches, while the poorer households that have a reverential awe of the Lord dwell together much better. 

As Bruh David says in Psalm 133 – The joy of brotherhood. ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.’ (Ps. 133:1) But that can only be accomplished if there is a strong connection with the Lord God Jehovah, and thus the absence of negative things like hatred and envy. Bruh David himself also talks about the value of spiritual over material wealth in that famous Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked. There he proclaims: ‘A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of the many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.’ (Ps. 37:16-17) 

And that’s no lie friends, for within the same psalm, Bruh David sincerely advises us to: ‘Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:8-9) That’s a faithful promise of God, so we know that it will eventually come to pass. 

That means we ought to be careful how we live on this ungodly, evil earth and not run down the material wealth it seeks to compromise us with. Instead, we ought to do like Jesus advised: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) That’s wisdom in spades my brethren! It’s the wisest decision we can ever make on this earth. 

Let us not forget these marvellous words of Bruh Paul to Timothy either. ‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment (clothing) let us therewith be content. But they that will be (desire to be) rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful (harmful) lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (ruin and destruction). For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds of) evil; which while some coveted after, have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (for which some in their greediness have strayed from the faith).’ (1 Tim. 6:6-10) 

And we all know that’s the gospel truth, because the LOVE of money (greed) is all around us, especially in these troubled and frustrating times, and everyday it’s leading somebody to ruin and destruction. So please, let’s wake up nuh mih people, and stop selling our souls to Beelzebub for a few worthless baubles and bangles that we cannot take with us when our bodies return to the dust from whence it came. We need to be more concerned about our spiritual self which will live on after the body turns to dust. And we can only do that if we have a right relationship with Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of the universe and all therein. 

Consequently, as Jesus has enabled us to do, let’s take this marvellous opportunity and go to Him in prayer, through our Friday Chant, humbly, but confidently asking for His divine help. As one strong and sincere voice. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and our many other problems are causing. We can’t seem to fix it on our own Lord, that means we desperately need your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, and avoid any more serious setbacks. 

And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

But please remember, to get that divine help, we need to keep our earthly promises. Much LOVE!

…it’s useless…to have plenty earthly wealth…but no peace of mind… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8      

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 November 2021 Psalm 50:14.

04 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 50:14.     Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High:

Well hello there my beautiful Scrip-Bit Family! The grace, peace and LOVE of our great God be upon us this new and exciting day! And it is exciting simply because we are alive and kicking! Could you imagine what we’d be saying if we hadn’t woken up this morning… (smile) I don’t know. But I do know that many of us would not have been happy. Yes, it is good to go to heaven and meet our Saviour, but many of us are just not ready yet, and obviously the Lord isn’t ready for us either, otherwise He would have taken us home. That means He still has important work down here on earth for us to do. 

Therefore, let us declare as the psalmist so appropriately and joyfully did a long time ago…shout it out loud: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!’ (Ps. 118:24) And that should be our motto for each and every day that we draw breath on God’s great and wonderful, though evil and ungodly earth! Yes, friends, with Jesus leading our lives, we ought to be in a joyful mood for most of the day, despite our earthly problems, since He is the Giver and Comforter of our lives. 

And I like how Asaph the psalmist puts it on God’s behalf in Psalm 50 – titled God is the judge. He writes: ‘Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.’ (Ps. 50:14-15) Oh my people those are two of the basic foundational rules of our faith: Praise God and ask Him for help. One leads to the other. We can’t ask for help unless we give Him thanks and praise, adoration and reverence, acknowledging that He’s the Mightiest of the Mighty! 

Now, it won’t do any harm to look at a few scriptures that uphold that contention, would it? (smile) The prophet Hosea said it thus to his people Israel. ‘O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.’ (Hos. 14:2) 

And what does all of that mean. Listen to the scholars. ‘14:1-3. Calves of our lips: The word ‘calves’ (Heb. par, “a young bull or produce”) is best understood metaphorically, referring to the words that lips produce – in this context praise to the Lord. The nation had used its lips to praise the idolatrous calves; now it will use its lips in praise to the Lord God.’ 

But yuh know what? Sadly, that exact same iniquity can be placed at our feet. In the last thirty or so years we have indeed turned from the God of our fathers to idolatrous worship. Nowadays we worship everything from money to men, and yet we expect our society to flourish and prosper. We obviously have forgotten these most important words of Moses to the Israelites. ‘But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish (confirm) his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.’ (Deut. 8:18) 

And since the Lord our God does not change, it means that that condition still applies to all societies. Yes, societies can seem to get wealthy and opulent, but they never last, because the Good Book tells us in Psalm 127:1. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh (stays awake) but in vain.’ 

It doesn’t take a genius to understand that. Unless a society stands sincerely and securely on the Word of God, whatever it builds doesn’t last. And we are currently experiencing that awesome truth my brethren. Our society is crumbling fast, and the only thing that can stop it from going to hell in a handbasket is our turning back to the Lord our God. Or, as the author of Hebrews so wisely puts it: ‘By him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.’ (Heb. 13:15) 

Oh my people, that’s the wisest move we can make in these deeply troubled and sorrowful times. And it doesn’t take a lot of wisdom to realize it either, for we have tried everything else and nothing’s working for us, the strife, hatred, anger, sickness and misery are becoming worse every day. The only thing we haven’t yet tried is a return to our roots, to the God we used to reverence, adore and worship not so long ago. And these words of Eliphaz, Job’s supposed friend, when he mistakenly implored Job to repent do serve as a wonderful reminder to us today of what’s to be gained in serving the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

Eliphaz said: ‘Acquaint now thyself with him (God), and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles (tents, homes). Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. 

Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defense (gold), and thou shalt have plenty of silver. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.’ (Job 22:21-28) 

Oh friends, it’s same basic advice that the Lord gave Joshua and every other prophet to speak unto the people: Honour me and I will make thy way safe and prosperous. But instead, we have chosen to dishonour God, even going so far as to try to get rid of Him from our society. But that‘s only a fool’s pipe dream! The Creator of the universe will never allow His foolish, prideful and arrogant creation to kick Him out of what He created, just like He did not allow that other fool, Lucifer, now known as Satan, the evil one, to kick Him out of heaven. 

So please, let’s wake up, be the wise creation that the Lord boasts of, and realize that our ONLY HOPE is God Almighty. And He is still so good to us, despite our terrible iniquity, because He so dearly LOVES us, that He showers those of us who want to work for Him with magnificent blessings to do that work. But since a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken out loud, let’s declare what we call our Thursday Blessings in loud voice to put them into effect. 

Altogether now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! 

I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And the corollary to that, is we now must go out and share all those blessings as generously with others as the Lord shared them with us. Much LOVE!

…the fear (reverential awe) of the Lord…is the beginning of knowledge…but fools despise wisdom and instruction… (Prov. 1:7) 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8           

Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 November 2021 Isaiah 55:6.

03 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 55:6.     Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.

Another bright and sunshiny but windy and chilly day in my neighbourhood! And added to that is the brilliance of the light that Jesus shines in my soul! Wow! And yuh better believe I need them both right now, as I did one of those extra late nights and early mornings and the body is retaliating against me, crying out for sleep. But it has to learn that the work of God comes first, even though it’s my fault. 

We must suffer and sacrifice when we make a mess of things. So here I am suffering and sacrificing this Wednesday morning, (smile) because I refused to listen to Christ’s Spirit and go to bed at a reasonable time, so that I could get up at a reasonable time, refreshed enough to do a respectable job for Him. But I’m not worried friends, the Lord is a wonderful God, and He will forgive and help me, because He knows that my heart is in the right place, and I’m only human, thus liable to make mistakes. 

And furthermore, He will help me just so that I don’t write nonsense and spoil His business. (smile) Remember what He said after Bruh Paul asked three times to have the ‘thorn in his flesh’ removed, some unknown impediment placed there so he would not become too big for his britches, with all the revelations the Lord was giving him. ‘And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength (power) is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Cor. 12:9 a)  And that’s the promise I am counting on this morning! (smile) That His divine strength will show up and help me in my human weakness. 

And remember too Bruh Paul’s reaction to that divine decree. ‘Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.’ (2 Cor. 12:9b-10) 

No my friends, I am nowhere near to Bruh Paul’s taking pleasures in all those negative things, but I have stopped asking to have all the aches and pains removed from my ole body, because I’ve had them long enough, and I’ve asked often enough, that if He was going to remove them, He would have done it already. So, I just do my best to grin and bear them, releasing my faith, that He will enable me to manage them. And so far I have been doing reasonably well, with His help of course. 

Now that’s what I’ve been trying to say for so long my people: our God is a wonderful God! And though He will not put up with our shenanigans forever, and there will often be consequences to pay for them, He will help us if we come to Him with sincerity and repentance. Which other supposed deity has a free offer of mercy to all eh? None whatsoever! 

Listen to Isaiah offer it on behalf of the Lord. ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness (abundance). Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David… Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.’ (Is. 55:1-3, 6) 

Oh my fellow saints, what joyful words of inspiration and comfort the Lord promised so long ago, and made come true in the fullness of time, with the advent and ministry of Jesus! And I like how the scholars explain it. ‘55:1-7. God’s free gift of salvation is offered to all who will receive it. Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty may come to eat and drink without money (or freely). He promises an everlasting covenant to the Gentiles like the one He established with Israel. His invitation to al men is clearly stated by the appeal, Seek ye the Lord and call upon him.’ 

And yes, as faithful as always, the Lord made the covenant with the Gentiles through Jesus, where we also have the opportunity to come to Him for salvation, just like the Jewish people did. And friends, that clarion call of God’s, to seek Him while He can be found and to call upon Him when He is near is still in existence today. So please, please, let’s heed it nuh! It’s not for God’s benefit, but for ours! And it never ceases to amaze me when we turn up our noses in stubborn pride and foolishness at God’s wonderful offers, as though they were for His benefit. 

Steups! We’ve gotten so big for our britches that we have conveniently forgotten who created the universe and who still owns and controls it – God Almighty! And we only exist because of His great LOVE and divine mercy. But one day it will all end. Yes, it will. God has promised it. And there again, we don’t ever seem to take His promises seriously, although they always come true. So, if He promises that one day, all those who don’t believe in Him will end up in hell fire with the foolish Satan, then why don’t we believe it eh? 

But as they say, you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. The same way you can have the good news of Christ’s gospel explained to you, and there’s no guarantee that you will accept it and believe. However, there will come a day, when all those who have heard it, but not accepted or believed it, will pay the most exorbitant price possible for a human being; the loss of his soul. Remember, man can only kill the body, but the Lord can kill both body and soul, which He will do eventually, if you do not accept His son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. End of sermon! 

Now, for those of us who sincerely believe, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. Altogether 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!’ 

And lest we forget my brethren, if we endure unto the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…if you sincerely seek God…and sincerely call on Him for help…He will sincerely help you…just like He sincerely did for me this morning… (smile)  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8          

Today’s Scrip-Bit   2 November 2021 Matthew 5:16.

02 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:16.     Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Oh my people, on this bright and sunny but chilly Tuesday morning, let me greet you as Bruh Paul liked to greet his fellow believers. ‘Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.’ And I believe that’s one of the best greetings we can ever get, for what’s greater, more important and soul-satisfying than grace, mercy and peace from our Creator and our Saviour eh? Nothing! Absolutely nothing…well except for salvation and a place in heaven with them. (smile) But then, we only get that through His free gift of grace anyway. 

Oh what a wonderful God we serve my faithful brethren! And with His marvellous breath of life still flowing through us on another brand new day, means that He expects big things from His marvellous children! Ah friends, I think I’m getting excited here, and likely to be carried away on the wings of that excitement, so I guess had better handle it with a modicum of circumspection. (smile) But that’s what happens when the goodness and grace of God gets into your spirit. 

And that’s as it should be too, otherwise, what’s the use of those goodies eh, if not for us to live the abundant, excited life in Christ? Like He so faithfully promised in that famous verse. ‘The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10) And that doesn’t mean only eternal life when we die and go to heaven, but a good life right here on earth too. And we ought to be excited about it, otherwise Christ’s death was in vain. 

And I believe that this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, appropriately expresses how our excitement in living for Christ, ought to show out. It’s aptly titled ‘You Cannot Be Hid.’ Please read with me: ‘Lord, I’ve discovered that it’s never a secret When You live in a home For You simply cannot be hid. The neighbours soon know You are there Even strangers learn of Your presence. 

When You are the Great First in a home There is a radiance that speaks of joy There is gentleness, kindness Laughter and LOVE. There is commotion mixed with contentment There are problems mixed with prayer. Lord, Your own Word says it so vividly: ‘It was known that He was in the house.’ 

And that’s how every Christian home should be reflecting Christ! People shouldn’t have to ask if we’re believers in Christ Jesus, they should be able to see it from our behaviour, from the acts of LOVE, prayer and kindness that exist in our homes. Unfortunately though, too many supposed Christian homes do not show these attributes, so others don’t know that Christ lives there. Remember what Christ said, that those who reject Him before humans, He would reject before His heavenly father. (Matt. 10:33) 

And not being able to see Christ in us, in the way we live our earthly lives, is indeed tantamount to rejecting Him before men. For some of His most important words to us was in the Bible Promise on which our poem above was based. Namely: ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle (a lamp), and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick (a lampstand); and it giveth light unto the whole house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:14-16) 

And right there lies the crux of our problems friends: unbelievers are not seeing our light that comes from having Jesus within us, they are not seeing our good works, meaning that we are not doing enough of them to make a difference in this evil and ungodly world, otherwise it would not be so evil and ungodly. There’s no way for us to dispute the less than satisfactory Christ-like walk that we supposed Christians are taking in the world. Too many of us are either ashamed or afraid of showing out to others that Christ is a major, if not the most important person in our lives. 

Therefore, if our light isn’t shining in Jesus’ name, then it’s obvious we cannot do a good job for Him down here on earth. However, that’s our essential mission as believers in Christ. As the scholars explain. ‘The Christian is the condition (salt) to meet the world’s needs and he has a mission (light) to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity. He is to set his light upon a candlestick, not hide it under a bushel, that is, a basket. Darkness is the absence of light, and darkness alone cannot dispel the light, but the smallest light can dispel the greatest darkness.’ 

Glory to God my people! And that last sentence says a lot about our incompetence and lack of shown excitement for Jesus. I mean that if we had shown even a little light, there would not be as much darkness in the world today as it is. And please note the recently completed Halloween celebrations, where it was all about darkness and ugliness and evil accoutrements! That ought not to be in a world full of Christ’s light. 

Anyway, we will all answer individually for our actions and non-actions come the judgement day, but please, it is not too late for us to step up our Christian activities and try to do better in whatever time is left to us down here on this troubled earth. And I’m asking that we do just that. Remember that we don’t have a spirit of fear, but of power, LOVE and a sound or disciplined mind, so let’s put them to work in God’s behalf, like we are supposed to nuh! It would be to the benefit of all mankind. 

Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to do our best for Christ, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, blissfully letting the whole world know who and whose we are, to whom we most definitely belong. As one, strong voice: ‘In God’s eyes, 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!’ 

And having said that so vociferously, (smile) it is now our bounden duty to go out and actively and joyfully share that awesome LOVE and amazing friendship of Christ with all those we meet. Much LOVE!

…Christ gave up everything for us…why can’t we shine a little for Him eh… that isn’t too much to ask…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8         

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 November 2021   2 Timothy 1:7.

01 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

2 Timothy 1:7.     For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind (that’s common sense and self-control).

And as the world turns…it turns into Monday, the day that constantly riles our spirits because we have to leave the safe cocoon of our homes and go out into the evil and dangerous world to make a living. Some of us are lucky to be still working from home because of the pandemic, but we must still work, if we want to eat, as Bruh Paul suggested to the Thessalonians. 

‘For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.’ (2 Thess. 3:10) And there are a lot of us in the society who don’t want to work but desire to eat, and to eat heartily too. But it’s a given in any society that lazy, no-good members will exist, what we need to do is to minimize their numbers. 

Anyway, what we really want to talk about today, is not allowing Monday to rile our spirits as much as it does, since we cannot get away from it. Every seven days, it will come around, whether we like it or not. And after the first blossom of dissatisfaction passes, we usually handle it successfully. So why do we let it get to us at all eh, since we know it’s coming regardless of what we think or desire? As they say, when you expect something, or know that it will surely come, then you’ve already won half the battle, because you can then prepare for it. 

And I believe that’s our major problem with Mondays; we are not prepared for it. We party and carry on so much during the weekend that instead of being rested on Monday morning, we’re still tired and exhausted from our weekend activities, therefore we become disgruntled and unsavoury when the alarms go off on a Monday. That means we must make better decisions on how we spend our weekends, possibly spending Sundays in rest after going to church, so that we can be bright and cheerful on Mondays to get out into the world and live for Jesus. 

Remember, one of the reasons we go to church on Sunday is to renew our spiritual strength and stamina so we can handle the new week with kid gloves, not let it rattle us right at the start. And I believe that the following scripture is one that we should learn and inwardly digest, because it is a very powerful tool in the arsenal of Christ’s followers. And it’s one that we all know and often quote, but don’t sufficiently put into action, because we either don’t really believe it, or haven’t digested it enough for it to make a serious difference in our Christian lives. 

We are talking about these magnificent words that Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter. ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind (that’s common sense and self-control).’ (2 Tim. 1:7) Yes friends, we ought to use that spirit of a sound mind, common sense and self-control to adjust our lives so that fear, disgruntlement or irritableness don’t come into the equation whenever a Monday morning rolls around. 

We have to be prepared for it, else it will always cause us problems, and that means possibly not too much partying on a Sunday evening, (smile) although that’s when a lot of the parties happen, like it did yesterday with the Halloween celebrations. I’m sure today, the work scene will be muddled, dreary and sick-filled because of yesterday’s ghoulish celebrations, and much money will be lost since a lot of work will not get done, or get done properly. But that’s how the society rolls along. 

However, we believers need to remember that we are supposed to be in the world, but not of the world. Thus, we don’t have to do everything that the world or the unbelievers do. We’re living for Christ, not for the prince of darkness who controls this evil, God-forsaken world. And as Jesus said to the disciples, and consequently to us: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) That says it all friends. If you want to live for Jesus, then you need to do what He says, else you’re not His follower. 

And I know that some of us like to sit on the fence and try to live both in the world and of the world, but as Jesus warned: ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other, or else he will hold to (be loyal) to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (earthly riches).’ (Matt. 6:24) And that’s the gospel truth my fellow saints in Christ! We cannot claim to LOVE and be living for Jesus, but simultaneously running down the riches of the world, clandestinely selling our soul to Beelzebub for things that rot, can be moth eaten and stolen. But unfortunately it’s happening, right in Christ’s church, more than we suspect or know. 

Anyhow, Jesus knows who is truly for Him, and who is just playing games, trying to play both ends against the middle, and will set things straight when He comes into His kingdom and begins to separate the sheep from the goats (Matt. 25:31-33) And believe me, many of us will be mightily surprised when we find ourselves herded to the left with the goats, to whom he says: ‘Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (Matt. 25:41) 

The only way to stave off that terrible happening is by going to the Lord in prayer, right now, in sincere repentance, truly seeking forgiveness and asking for help to change our ungodly ways. So as one voice, let’s raise our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in heartfelt prayer. ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.  

And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And again, let’s remember that the Lord will only answer our prayers if we keep the promises we’ve just made, and He’ll search our hearts to see if our motives are right. So it’s all up to us now. Much LOVE!

…God has given us all we need to live righteously…why don’t we use the gifts wisely eh…instead of making a mockery of ourselves…  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8               

Next Newer Entries