December | 2021 | SCRIP-BITS

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 December 2021 Mark 14:38.

31 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a means of restoring faith in you, avoid any more serious setbacks, be responsible, bey the example, bring a lot of backsliders, embrace your love and compassion, fight it as one, good intentions don't mean anything, heartfelt matters, in close proximity to each other, introduce a new flock, lest ye enter into temptation, let a deadly foe divide and conquer them, Lord we desperately need your help, loss of a child, LOVE, maskless people, New Year's Eve, refuse to take the necessary precautions, show them the error of their ways, spreading like wildfire, stay safe, the confusion and havoc, the flesh is weak, the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, the Omicron variant, the spirit against the flesh, the spirit truly is ready, the wise guidance, the worst thing that can happen to a parent, they become good actions, to stand before the Son of man, under the trials of the hour, wake up and smell the coffee, walk in the Spirit, watch ye and pray, we your faithful believers set, weighed down with surfeiting, ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things, ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh, your hearts be overcharged

Mark 14:38. Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Ah friends, let me apologize for the Bit being late, but I had some other heartfelt matters to attend to first. You know that saying when you think you have things bad, somebody else has worse problems than you. Now that’s the gospel truth! And life just takes pleasure in playing these little games with us. This morning I came down to write the bit, complaining about my aches and pains, only to open my e-mail and find a note from an old friend, regarding the funeral for the son of another old friend in T&T.

The funeral service was being streamed so I just had to watch it. And though my friend Haydn’s face was masked, I could see the terrible sadness and sorrow in the way he walked and his general deportment, because the worst thing that can ever happen to a parent, unfortunately happened to him, he lost a child to heaven, while he himself was still alive. Now that’s something I’ve always warned my children about; please don’t die before me, because I don’t know if I could handle it, and I don’t want to know either!

Now my friend is a medical doctor, and apparently his son died from Covid. So if a doctor can’t save his son, then who can be saved eh? It’s a rather trying situation my brethren. All over the world hundreds and thousands of people are dying from the virus, but yet, we are not taking the situation as seriously as we ought to. What’s it going to take eh? And today is New Year’s Eve, the night of the biggest parties around the globe. And believe me, there will be many big parties tonight, with maskless people in close proximity to each other, hugging and kissing, ringing in the New Year with joyful abandon.

But how many of those are going to live to see the end of that New Year eh? Definitely not all, if we don’t get our act together, sooner rather than later. The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus is spreading like wildfire and we still refuse to take the necessary precautions to fight the bloody virus. It killed us in 2020, when we didn’t know much about it. It killed us in 2021, when we knew more about it. And it’s going to keep on killing us in 2022, if we don’t smarten up and come together and fight it as one!

And who knows if another more dangerous variant will soon pop up, to muddy the waters even more. Mankind is the most stubborn, foolishly proud, and hard-headed of all God’s creations! Even the wild animals with no sense of reason know better than to let a deadly foe divide and conquer them. But that’s why our world is in such a sad state of deterioration and destruction, with evil and ungodly strife, plus all the other negative emotions currently being so rampant and thus leading the way to our imminent demise.

Oh my people, it’s only through, togetherness; that’s LOVE, compassion and mercy for and to each other, will we ever be able to overcome our deadly enemy, the devil and his evil minions, who want to destroy our world. And it’s ONLY JESUS who can help us to accomplish that immense but not impossible task. But as He told His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane: ‘Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.’ (Mark 14:38)

Yes my fellow believers, it’s ever so important that we don’t allow the carnal lusts of our mortal flesh, the lies and deceits of the enemy, to influence our behaviour. Thus, these immortal words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians, re walking in the Spirit. ‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.’ (Gal. 5:16-18)

Oh friends, when we yield to the Spirit’s leading, we yearn to put sin out of our daily life, and He enables us to do it. And Luke, uniquely in his gospel, further expounds on that theory, when he quotes Jesus, saying: ‘And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged (weighed down) with surfeiting (carousing), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.’ (Luke 21:34-36)

And the scholars offer these interesting and important explanations. ‘21:34. Surfeiting means “to indulge one’s appetites excessively.” No believer is beyond the temptation to fall into sin. Jesus warns against slackness and lack of daily readiness in the Christian walk.’ And yuh better believe that tonight, all around the world there will be lots of ‘surfeiting’, carousing, debauchery and lots of slackness all in the name of ringing in the New Year, with lots of resolutions and good intentions that will fall apart as soon as the year returns to normal, with the drudgery of everyday work and living asserting themselves.

But listen to this explanation from the scholars re verse ‘21:36. Prayer is the better part of valour when persevering for Christ under pressure. Prayer alone will enable one to stand before the returning Son of man when those all around are falling, whether in condemnation before Christ or to the temptation to deny Christ under the trials of the hour.’ Blessed be the holy name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, my people!

And since prayer is so important in our staying godly and righteous, let’s go to God right now in prayer, through our Friday Chant, sincerely seeking His help for our many problems. ‘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!’

And I shouldn’t have to remind us, but I will (smile), that ONLY if we set a good example as faithful believers, will the Lord seriously and sincerely entertain our prayer. Much LOVE!

…good intentions don’t mean a thing…until they become good actions…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 December 2021 John 14:18.

30 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a constant state of readiness, a Sunday evening walk in the park, according to his riches in glory, and lo I am with you always, as for me and my house, be ye also ready, courage, creativity, curse, even unto the end of the world, feel it in every fibre of our being, for in such an hour as ye think not, gain the whole world and lose his soul, good friends, good health, He shall give you another Comforter, I will come to you, I will not leave you comfortless, if any man will come after me, if god be for us who can be against us, let him deny himself, LOVE, my God will supply all your needs, negative word, Omicron variant, one days is with the Lord as a thousand years, prosper, Seasonal Affective disorder, self-control, succeed, take up his cross and follow me, the Only Begotten Son, the Son of man will come, this is the day the Lord has made, through Christ Jesus, Thursday Blessings, to them who are called according to his purpose, to those who love God, watch therefore, we know that all things work together for good, we will rejoice and be glad in it, we will serve the Lord, what is a man profited, whosoever shall lose his life for my sake

John 14:18. I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.

And it’s another one of those SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) inducing days, with a ballooning Omicron virus adding the finishing touches, as if we need any more problems in this already problem filled world! That’s why we need Jesus so badly in these turbulent times! Yes friends, the Only Begotten Son is the ONLY One who can promise us sustenance and succour in these ungodly times, and faithfully keep that promise.

And we need to use His Word, His promises to boost our self-confidence and help us retain our sanity. Words like: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! My God will supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus! If God be for us who can be against us eh? NOBODY! Yes mih bredrin, if the One and Only True Living God is for us, not a single soul can be against us! Consequently, we can then declare: ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!’

But we need to believe it all, to feel it in every fibre of our being! Especially this all-encompassing verse: ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28) Oh, it does sound like a tough verse to believe, but it’s the basis of everything in our faith, knowing that despite the trials and tribulation we will endure in this evil world, that eventually the Lord will work it all out for our good!

Wow! What other deity can make that faithful promise eh? NONE! None whatsoever! Only the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! I know that some of us unwittingly come to Christianity as an easy go, as a Sunday evening walk in the park, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth my people. Did Jesus have an easy walk in the park when He came to earth to save us from our sins and reconcile us to the Father?

Absolutely not! They gave Him a terrible time, ranging from disbelief, to slander, to physical punishment, and finally crucifixion, and anyone, who decides to take up their cross and follow Him will inevitably find struggles and possibly persecution, just like He did. Please remember these fateful words of Jesus, for they are the foundational authority to discipleship.

‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.’ (Matt. 16:24-27)

Yes my fellow believers, that’s what we have to look forward to if we sincerely follow Jesus. And it’s a promise that seems will be soon fulfilled the way our world is showing many of the signs Jesus gave for His second coming. But soon with us and soon with God, are too entirely different things. Peter tells us that ‘one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.’ (2 Pet. 3:8) Now the early church thought that Jesus would soon return, but in our view, two thousand years have passed and He’s still not come back. However, that could simply be because to the Lord that’s only two days. (smile)

But please don’t be fooled, Christ’s return could happen at any time, that’s why He warned: ‘But of that day an hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, But my Father only… Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come…Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:36, 42, 44)

Oh my brethren, regardless of what signs we see or think we see, only the Father knows when the Son is going to return, that means we must be prepared, be ready for His Second Coming at any moment. That’s what those verses above are saying: ‘Be prepared!’ Are we prepared? Now that’s the big question. How many of us have set our house in order and are ready for if Jesus comes back today?

Remember they also say He can come as a thief in the night, (1 Thess. 5:2) that’s unexpectedly, at any time, day or night, today tomorrow or even another two thousand years from now. But the important thing is for believers to be in a constant state of readiness for whenever that marvellous occasion happens, because we know, are very sure, that it will happen eventually, just not exactly when.

And the wonderful thing about Jesus is that just like He promised before He went back to heaven, He has faithfully done: ‘And I shall pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever… I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.’ (John 14:16,18) And at that first Pentecost after His ascension, (Acts 2:1-4) He did indeed send the Holy Ghost to indwell all believers, to keep us safe, to lead and guide us in the direction He desires, that is, provided we are willing to listen and abide by the guiding of the Holy Spirit.

Thus my fellow saints, the ball is now in our court! And our Jesus is ever so wonderful that He’s bestowed all kinds of blessing on those who believe that they can do His earthly work. And what a potent and plentiful set of blessings they are! We call them our Thursday Blessings, and since a blessing is not a blessing until it is declared out loud, let’s declare them right now nuh.

Altogether, in strong and sincere voice. ‘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!’

MamaYo! What a magnificent set of blessings my faithful brethren! It now behooves us to put them to work in our lives and share them with others just as generously as Jesus shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…and, lo…I am with you always…even unto the end of the world… (Matt. 28:20b)

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 December 2021 John 8:12.

29 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a name which is above every other name, a type of depression, All I want is you, all things are become new, became obedient unto death, call in the heavy rollers, Dr. Charles Stanley, endure to the end, every knee should bow, every tongue confess, guiding light, he humbled himself, he is a new creature, he that followeth me, I am the light of the world, I don't want nobody, if any man be in Christ, Jesus christ is Lord, Jesus keeps us calm, lack of sunlight, leave all the consequences to Him, losing interest in once enjoyed activities, LOVE one another, low energy, my burden is light, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my whole life has changed, my yoke is easy, obedience, obey God, old things are passed away, practice what you preach, praise his holy name, problems with sleep, rewards attached to obedience, sad, Seasonal Affective disorder, seasonal bouts of depression, shall have the light of life, shall not walk in darkness, Since I met you Jesus, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the debilitating ways of the world, the number one rule, to a glorious future with Jesus, to tell my troubles to, to the glory of God the Father, Wednesday Wail

John 8:12. I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Well it’s another dark, cloudy, damp winter’s day…just like the past few have been. No wonder so many people are depressed and sad, for that’s what miserable weather can do to you if you don’t have Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. But when you have Yeshua, as your Guiding Light, even the worse weather won’t get you down. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) probably one of the enemy’s new tools, won’t disturb your calm soul. (smile)

And some of you might be wondering what’s SAD? ‘It is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same time every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Some of the common symptoms include having low energy, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having problems with sleep and feeling sluggish or agitated.’

It’s also been associated with the lack of sunlight during the winter months, and one of the treatments is having bright artificial light engulfing you. But when the LIGHT of the world dwells within you, in the form of the Holy Spirit, then you ought not to suffer from those seasonal bouts of depression, because Jesus constantly shines His light in your life and provides enough motivation for you to get on with His earthly tasks. The world tries to drive us crazy with all its busyness and complicated living, but Jesus keeps us calm and unshackled from the annoying and debilitating ways of the world.

Remember His fabulous claim: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12). Now that was no spurious or boastful claim, but the awesome truth! For when Jesus comes into your life, you become a new person. As Bruh Paul wrote to the Corinthians: ‘Therefore if any man be on Christ, he is a new creature (creation); old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:17)

And that’s just the way it is my brethren! You can’t come sincerely to Jesus and not have serious changes in your life, because accepting Jesus, automatically means making some changes, giving up some of the ungodly ways of the world, though not necessarily all at once, but over time. Remember Jesus is not a hard task master, for as He says: ‘My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:30)

So He doesn’t expect you to change all at once, and will probably deal with you, one problem at a time, but deal with you He will. (smile) But in a LOVING and fatherly manner, unless you get stubborn and irascible. Then He can, and won’t be afraid to call in the heavy rollers to deal with your intransigence.

Yuh know friends, when we live for, or claim to live for Jesus, there’s one overriding factor that’s necessary in all our doings, and that’s OBEDIENCE! Like with any organization, you can’t be a true member and not pay obedience to its leader, and its aims and goals. The same holds true for being a part of Christ’s body, His church. Obedience is the Number One Rule!

And it’s not only something that Jesus asks of us, but something He also practiced. He’s not a leader, like the hypocrite Pharisees and them, who don’t practice what they preach. And the Good Book supports that truth by telling us: ‘And (Jesus) being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil. 2:8)

Yes friends, Jesus didn’t want to go to the cross, like nobody really wants to, but because the Father asked, and that was the only way to justly save our sinful souls, He acquiesced to the Father’s wish. And that’s what we need to do as serious and sincere followers of Christ; acquiesce to His every wish, even when it seems difficult or impossible, because He never asks us to do something unless He gives us the wherewithal to do it. That’s the extent of His faithfulness.

Wow! And the good thing about doing Jesus’ will is that there are also rewards attached to them. Just like we read in the Good Book about Jesus’ rewards for being obedient to the Father. ‘Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil. 2:9-11)

Ah mih people, likewise our obedience to Christ’s wishes will bring rewards, both here on earth and eternally. So, it’s ever so important that we obey if we want to be a solid rock of His church. And I believe the words of this old, reworked pop song, personify exactly what we’ve been talking about, and what it means to become a member of Jesus’ team.

It says: ‘Since I met you Jesus, my whole life has changed… And everybody tells me that I’m not the same. Since I met you Jesus, I’m a happy man…I’m going to do my best to please you, In every way I can. I don’t need nobody to tell my troubles to…No, No, No. All I need is Jesus, He makes my life brand new. Oh, since I met you Jesus, all I want is you. Yes, since I met you Jesus, all I want is you.’ Now that’s what meeting Jesus is all about my people!

And for those of us who have already met Him and are happy in His employ, and are doing our best to please Him in every way we can, then let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. So, as one sincere, powerful and confident 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 yuh better believe my fellow saints, that if we endure until the end, that the promised future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask of imagine! Wow! Praise His holy Name! Much LOVE!

…the best way to live this life…obey God and leave all the consequences to Him… (Uncle Charles – Dr. Charles Stanley)

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 December 2021 Isaiah 55:6.

28 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a state of upheaval, a taste of the good life, an everlasting sign, be led forth with peace, between good and evil, bickering over petty stuff, calamity, call ye upon him while he is near, climate change, disaster, go out with joy, God's Sovereignty, he will have mercy upon him, hurry, I am the beloved of god, in god's eyes, incomprehensible God, it shall accomplish that which I please, it shall not return void, Jesus is the life, let the wicked forsake his way, like hot bread from an oven, LOVE, my thoughts are higher than your thoughts, natural and human induced, New Year's celebrations, our God will abundantly pardon, pandemic, partisan poltics, racial tumult, resnetment, seek ye the Lord while he may be found, self-righteousness, selfishness, share His love with the world, so are my ways higher than yours, strife, the battle for supremacy, the call of the Grim Reaper, the journey of salvation, the way the truth and the light, the wisest choice of help, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, worry

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

And then it was Tuesday, and all the partying done for a few days, time to go back to work. But by Friday, the party scene going to start back up in full swing for the New Year’s celebrations. Don’t know how much we have to celebrate this year’s end nuh, with all the disaster and calamity that’s taken place, both natural and human induced. What’s there to celebrate when we can’t get together and solve even a few of our many problems, and some of them are very petty and simple to fix, but ignorance and selfishness and self-righteousness prevent us from doing anything to help our overall cause.

Steups! What can be more foolish eh, than a lack of cooperation when it only makes matters worse in all of our lives. And they call man the smartest of all God’s creations…Hn! I certainly question that after all the unwise and foolish stuff that I’ve seen mankind do in the last couple of years. The resentment, the strife, the enmity between family and friends over unbelievable stuff is unbelievable! Between partisan politics, the pandemic, racial tumult, climate change and a host of other problems, the world is in a state of upheaval that I don’t think it’s ever seen before.

When yuh hear we even want to kick Almighty God out of our society, foolishly thinking that we no longer have any need for Him, then you’ve heard it all! Because He is the ONLY ONE who can bring us together and solve our problems! But like so often before, once we get a taste of the good life, we start believing that it’s our doing, and so we get a tad too big for our britches, and the Lord has to bring us back to reality. Well mih bredrin, this is certainly a time of reality.

But yuh know what? Too many of us are still not waking up to it. Some of us are seeing it in rose-coloured glasses, while others are covered with darkness all round them, but unfortunately the reality is none of those scenarios. The reality is that Jesus is the light, the life, the way, the truth, the Lord and Saviour of this embattled world! And until more of us realize it, and decide to stop the foolish bickering over petty stuff, and sit down and talk seriously about the important things, the battle for supremacy between good and evil, between right and wrong will continue with neither side gaining any useful traction, much less being able to win!

And we go right back to the wise words of the prophet Isaiah, when he declared on the Lord’s behalf: ‘Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.’ (Is. 55:6) Oh my people, that would be the wisest decision we could ever make in this quickly deteriorating and sinking world of ours! And sincerely seeking the Lord is not the complete answer to the problem. Hear Isaiah put it all into proper perspective. ‘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)

Now isn’t that so very encouraging, mih people? It certainly is, but we’re not paying attention, merely continuing in our stubborn, hard-headed ways, which unfortunately will only lead us further down the path to destruction. And if these next two verses don’t smarten us up, make us wake up and take notice, then I don’t know what will nuh. Listen up to Isaiah again, as he delivers the one two knockout punch. ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ (Is. 55:8-9)

Doesn’t that just make you put your finger to your lips and go ‘Hnnnn!’ all lost in thought, as you consider the truth of those words? It ought to, because it is the reality of the situation. When are we going to learn that since we have no say in how long we live, or what condition we live in, means we are not rulers of the universe? All the money and power we possess doesn’t stop us from succumbing to the call of the Grim Reaper, whenever he calls.

And until we fully realize that we are just a created being with a limited shelf life, we will always fall prey to the deceit and lies of the foolish enemy Satan, who unfortunately thought that he could wrest power from the Creator of the universe, Almighty God, and suffered an ignominious defeat; that a humiliating, embarrassing, mortifying defeat! Disgracefully cast out to the fires of Hades, he is now seeking revenge by taunting and inducing fear into the lives and hearts of those who want to believe. And seeing that Satan had no power to stop himself from being kicked out of heaven, why do we foolishly believe his lies and deceits that he can do anything worthwhile for us eh?

Now let’s hope that these words of scripture make it clear, once and for all time, who is the King of glory, the Creator and Controller of this wonderful universe, so ruined by man and the devil. Isaiah puts it forth: ‘For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir (cypress) tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.’ (Is. 55:10-13)

Oh my people, can the evil one, the prince of darkness make such a faithful promise? Obviously not, because he doesn’t’ have that kind of power. But the Lord God Jehovah has, and He showed His faithfulness when two thousand years ago, he sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to be sacrificed on the cross of Calvary to save our sinful souls. Now has Beelzebub ever done anything even close to that? And an emphatic ‘NO’ is the answer! So why do we still believe Him over the Lord God Almighty eh? I don’t know nuh.

But listen to the scholars’ explanation of those verses. ‘55:8-13. God’s sovereignty and omniscience are extolled by the statement that His thoughts (i.e. purposes or intentions) and ways (directions) are higher than ours. While God may certainly be known by men, He is still incomprehensible in the totality of His person and purposes. Therefore He reveals Himself to men by His word, which shall not return to Him void (in vain). The Word of God, therefore, accomplishes His purpose in announcing salvation to all mankind.’

Yes friends, we can never fully comprehend the Lord’s purposes and ways because of our inferior intelligence. But through His awesome and faithful Word, He lets us know what’s happening, and it’s in this Christmas season, with the birth of Christ that He began the journey of salvation, of bringing us back into His fold, making us know of His exceeding LOVE and tender care. Now if all of that doesn’t touch a tender spot in your heart and soul, and make you seriously consider seeking Him, then I don’t know what else to do. I can only tell it like I know it.

However, for those of us who already believe and are doing our best to stay connected to Jesus, let’s go home now, sincerely and loudly declaring (steupsss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting everybody know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. Altogether now: ‘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!’

Now let’s take all that LOVE and friendship to market and sell it like hot bread from an oven! (smile) Share it with all we meet, for that’s Jesus’ desire. Much LOVE!

…the wisest choice of help…our Creator and Controller…who else eh…

P.S. I know it’s somewhat long and late, but I think it’s good, (smile) so please take it seriously. Much LOVE!

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 December 2021 Hebrews 9:27.

27 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a great gulf fixed, a merciful forgiving gracious God, after this the judgement, Christ was once offered, Christmas, consequences of not believing in Jesus, cool my tongue, dip the tip of his finger in water, eternally damned, have mercy on me, humble servants, it is appointed unto men, Jehovah Rapha, let them hear them, LOVE, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, negative situations, neither will they be persuaded, once to die, salvation story, save us from our abominable sins, separated from Almighty God, sincere repentance in our hearts, sincerely seek your face, the Birth of Christ, the God who heals, the parable fo the rich man the beggar Lazarus, the repudiation of God's Son, theh have Moses and the prophets, though one rose from the dead, to bear the sins of many

Hebrews 9:27. And as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgement.

You know it’s laughable that many people don’t know Jesus, and don’t want to know Him either, but they are quick to grab on to the public holiday that His birth has fostered, this Monday in late December. Yes friends, because we celebrated Christ’s birthday on the weekend, which is a normal time off, most workers don’t have to go to work today. And if they do, they receive double and triple time pay and all sorts of other benefits they don’t usually get. But they still don’t want to hear of or acknowledge our Lord and Saviour.

That’s okay though, because they will eventually pay a serious price for that repudiation of God’s Son, the One He sent to save us from our abominable sins. Many people laugh and mock us when we talk about the eventual consequences of not believing in Jesus and having Him as your Lord and Saviour, conjuring up all kinds of different endings for this earthly life. But yuh know what? If what Jesus says isn’t true, then it doesn’t matter, you would have lived a good life anyway, refraining from sin and evildoing.

However, supposing, just supposing what Jesus says is true eh, and you don’t accept Him, you will end up eternally damned and separated from Almighty God! What will you do then eh? The sad part is that you won’t be able to do anything, because then it will be too late to change your mind. Once the breath of life has been drained from your earthly body you can’t make any more decisions. And also, if Christ comes back before you die and you haven’t yet accepted Him, then you are also SOL, out of luck.

Remember Jesus’ parable about the rich man and the beggar Lazarus? The rich man lived high on the hog while he was alive, while Lazarus sat at his gate, with dogs licking the sores all over his body, eating the scraps from the rich man’s table. However, when they died, the tables turned, the rich man went to hell, while the beggar was ‘carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom,’ meaning heaven.

‘And in hell he, (the rich man) lift up his eyes, being in torment, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham. Have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he (the rich man) said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.’ (Luke 16:23-31)

And that very fact is borne out by Jesus having risen from the dead, with said news being spread all over the world, and yet so many people are still refusing to believe in Him. Now, that my people, is why we encourage you to accept Christ as soon as possible, like right now, for none of us know exactly when we will depart his earthly life or when Christ will return. Either scenario could happen sooner than we expect, so there’s really no time to lose. The sooner you make that wise decision, the better off you will be.

You have so much to lose, but even so much more to gain! Because, as the author of Hebrews specifies in his writing: ‘And as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgement. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look (eagerly wait) for him shall he appear the second time, without (apart from) sin unto salvation.’ (Heb. 9:27-28) Yes friends, we all must die once, then face God’s severe judgement, reserved for the wicked and unsaved.

However, if we are saved, then we will go to heaven, and face God’s judgement re our earthly works and our motives, and will only lose rewards, not our eternal destiny with Christ. And yuh see how the evil enemy and his fellow evildoers have brought the earth to its knees with all the calamity we’re currently facing? My fellow saints, there is only ONE way to counteract that evil, and that’s by going to God in prayer, seeking divine help and restoration. So let’s do that right now nuh, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.

Altogether now: ‘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!’

So what’s it to be eh friends? Are we going to turn from our evil ways so that God can heal our land and forgive us? The ball’s in our court now my people, let’s use it wisely nuh. Much LOVE!

…Christmas…the birth of Christ…is only the beginning of our wonderful salvation story…we should strive to hear more…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 December 2021 Psalm 150:6.

26 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: be a person of excellence, Joy to the world, let everything that hath breath praise the Lord, shout Hallelujah

Psalm 150:6. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah.)

So, Christmas Day is over… but not the Christmas season. Celebrations over the birth of Christ deserve more than one day. Technically it should be three hundred and sixty-five and a quarter days each year, (smile) but in between there we also have His death and resurrection to celebrate.

In other words, our lives should be just one big celebration of Christ’s coming to earth to bring salvation to those who sat in darkness, in bondage to sin. Yes, that would be the ultimate situation, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep Christ uppermost in our lives, in our hearts, minds and souls, as we make our earthly pilgrimage. That’s what it takes to live the true Christian life, with Christ’s help of course.

But enough talk, let’s sing a joyful song of praise in honour of Christ’s birthday, most appropriately titled, ‘Joy to the World’ a Christian ditty written by one of the great hymn writers of the 18^th century, Isaac Watts 1674-1748. And please, let’s put some spunk in it nuh, make it a li’l bit up-tempo (smile) along with harmony and soul, because it is a song of heartfelt feeling and gratitude. So, let’s open our mouths loud and strong in sacrificial praise as we joyfully declare:

(Chorus: Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let ev’ry heart prepare him room and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.) Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. (Chorus)

No more let sins and sorrows grow nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. (Chorus) He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his LOVE, and wonders of his LOVE, and wonders, wonders of his LOVE.’

Ah friends, what awesome singing. Who ever heard us must know that we were sincere, because our voices just rang true… and why not since they were filled with joy at the birth of our Saviour! (smile) Yes mih people, the Lord has come to save us, no doubt about that…if we would only allow Him to do it. And I like how the songwriter added, ‘Let men their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.’

That just recalls the last verse of the Psalms, Psalm 150:6, which so appropriately declares: ‘Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah.)’ Now that’s sort of obvious, anything that has life ought to praise their Creator, giving Him awesome thanks for that life. But Psalm 148, goes one step further when it directs – All creation to praise the Lord. It says: “Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah). Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him all, all his angels: praise ye him all his hosts.’ (Ps. 148:1-2)

And I guess that second verse there is reminiscent of how the angelic host came to earth on that first Christmas morning and sang: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:14) But then, the psalmist also instructed: ‘Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise ye him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished (established) them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.’ (Ps. 148:3-6)

Yes friends, even the inanimate objects in the heavens ought to praise Him because they too are wonderfully made by His skillful hands. Then the psalmist turned his attention to the things on earth. ‘Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons (sea creatures) and all deeps; Fire, and hail; snow and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent (exalted, worthy of praise); his glory is above the earth and the heaven. He also exalteth the horn (strength, dominion) of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah).’ (Ps. 148:7-14)

Oh mih bredrin, the psalmist didn’t leave out anything from either earth or heaven! And consequently, as the scholars explain: ‘it may appropriately be designated as the psalm of universal praise.’ No doubt about that, for all that God made is wonderful and long lasting. Then we have the last part of the song where the author writes: ‘He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his LOVE, and wonders of his LOVE, and wonders, wonders of his LOVE.’

Now that recalls the words of John as he introduces Christ in his gospel. He says: ‘And the Word was made flesh (became flesh), and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:14) Wow mih people! What amazing attributes Jesus brought with Him! But grace and truth were not the only ones He brought, He also brought the most important one, that of LOVE! As the songwriter says, ‘the wonders of His LOVE!’ How beautiful is that eh? So beautiful that many of us can’t seem to understand or appreciate it.

Anyway my fellow saints in Christ, I do hope we all had a good Christmas day, filled with fun and frolic, with friends and family, as much as the Covid virus and the new regulations would allow, (smile) and that during the day, we all took a few moments to ponder what Christ and this awesome day meant to us. For remember, this Christmas Season is all about Christ’s coming to earth to save us from the fires of hell, to give us the option of obtaining heaven through belief in His Holy Name. And we’ll be really foolish if we did not accept that amazing free gift of salvation. Much LOVE!

…grace, truth, LOVE, joy…without those attributes…believers cannot survive in this evil world…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 December 2021 Luke 2:11.

25 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a Saviour which is christ the Lord, a white Christmas, be it unto me according to thy word, born of a virgin, fear not, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, for unto you is born this day, glorifying and praising God, Glory to god in the highest, go before the face of the Lord, I bring you good tidings of great joy, in the city of David, John the Baptist, Joy to the world, let earth receive her king., Merry Christmas, mighty god, raised up a horn of salvation, repent ye, springtime temps, the action of love, the baptism of repentance, the beauty of life is to give, the fitting conclusion, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, the immaculate conception, the Lord is come, the Prince of Peace, the prophet of the Highest, the remission of sins, the Son of God, the tender mercy of our God, to give knowledge of salvation, with god nothing shall be impossible, Wonderful Counsellor

Luke 2:11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Well, the Big Day, Christmas Day is here at last and there’s lots of joy in the air. Unfortunately, those who were wishing for the traditional white Christmas have been disappointed because the snow has all melted away and it’s a wet, grey morning, with temps expected to reach about 6 or 8 degrees Celsius. And look at me nuh, the great weather forecaster, who thought that those springlike temps were forever behind us, at least until next spring. (smile) But my people, we need to realize one thing, that in God’s great universe, anything is possible, at any time.

And in accordance with that maxim, two thousand years ago, when the time was ripe, the Lord sent His only Son Jesus Christ in to the world, born of a virgin, the immaculate conception, as the angel bringing Mary, Christ’s mother, the good news of her finding favour with God explained to her, when she declared: ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man (I am a virgin)? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest (Most High) shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing (one) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

And, behold, thy cousin (relative) Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid (maidservant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.’ (Luke 1:34 -38)

Oh yes friends, right in that moment the Lord showed that He could do anything; make a barren woman pregnant in her old age, as He did for Sara, Abraham’s wife many centuries back, and make a woman pregnant without knowing a man, so that the child could truly be called the ‘Son of God!’ Glory Hallelujah! The Lord was setting the stage for Christ’s birth on that Christmas day long ago, in addition to the birth of John the Baptist (Elisabeth’s son) who was to be the forerunner of Christ, as his father Zechariah prophesied of God’s goodness and mercy when John was born.

‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath raised up a horn of salvation (a mighty deliverer, Jesus) for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began (from the ages). That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring (the Dawn, the Messiah) from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed (became) strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing (manifestation) unto Israel.’ (Luke 2:67-80)

Oh my brethren, what a mighty dramatist is our God! Who else could set the stage like that for the coming of John the Baptist to preach the coming of Christ. As Luke later states: ‘And he (John the Baptist) came into all the country about Jordan (the surrounding region), preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,’ (Luke 3:3) Meanwhile Matthew, in his gospel, describes John’s entrance in simpler words: ‘And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ (Matt. 3:2)

Now those were not just idle statements of the gospel writers, for John’s coming had been prophesied long before by the prophet Isaiah, when he declared: ‘The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert the highway for our God.’ (Is. 40:3) And we all know that on this first Christmas day that this other prophecy of Isaiah was also fulfilled. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ (Is. 9:6)

And it all climaxed on that cold winter’s night around the town of Bethlehem, another prophecy fulfilled, (Mic. 5:2) where shepherds were watching their flock, when an angel appeared to them and joyfully declared: ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes (bands), lying in a manger (feed trough). And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:11-14)

Oh friends that’s how the first Christmas day was initiated; with joyful shouts of praise from the hosts of heaven! And yuh notice who the angels came to first with the good news of Christ’s birth? Not the rich and powerful, but the poor and powerless, just like the Lord chose to have His Son born into lowly and humble surroundings, because the tenor of His earthly life was going to be lowly and humble, for that’s whom He came predominantly to save.

And I know that we usually look at the quotes of our friend Anselm on a Saturday, but since today is Christmas Day, I thought it would be better to get into a li’l of the Christmas story itself and how it came to be. But there is one quote of Anselm’s that I would like to share. It’s long, but very interesting and encouraging. It says: ‘The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.’

Yes my faithful brethren, all those things are true, and when we cap them with the action of LOVE, like Christ did, and still does, then all heaven and earth will sing praises to the glory of God the Father! Like the lowly shepherds did on that first cold Christmas night after they returned from seeing the Christ child. The Good Book describes it thus: they were ‘glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.’ (Luke 2:20)

So, let’s do like those shepherds this Christmas Day nuh, praise and glorify Almighty God for all the wonderful things He’s done for us through the amazing gift of His most wonderful Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! That’s the only fitting conclusion to this day! Much LOVE!

...joy to the world…the Lord is come…let earth receive her King…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 December 2021 Matthew 2:2.

24 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a calamitous state, a divine manifestation, a jealous fit of rage, all we have achieved comes from God, back to your fold, born king of the Jews, bring a lot of backsliders, by the example, celebrate Christ's birth, christmas eve, Covid-19 virus, embrace your love and compassion, expensive gifts fit for a king, frankincense, Friday chant, God can pull victory from seeming defeat, God moving in mysterious ways, God's divine handiwork, gold, have come to worship him, Herod on the warpath, His wonders to perform, introduce a whole new flock, LOVE, Merry Christmas, myrrh, omnipotent help, Satan blinded our eyes, see the writing on the wall, shack up in the fires of hell, show them the error of their ways, the Birth of Christ, the foolish archangel, the graceful and merciful auspices of Jehovah God, the greatest gift ever given to man, the miraculous moment in time, the ultimate reason for the season, truly living for Him, trying to kick God out, wander the earth in shame and disgrace, warned of God in a dream, we have seen his star in the east, your faithful believers set

Matthew 2:2. Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

So it’s Christmas Eve mih people! Just one more day to the Big One. Imagine nuh, tomorrow this time the celebrations, the Christmas festivities will be in full swing. But please, please, let’s remember the ultimate reason for the season, in fact the one and only reason for the season; that’s the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

And don’t only concentrate on the food and gifts, but spend a few moments considering and contemplating the wonderful present that our heavenly Father gifted us with some two thousand years ago, and how things would have been in an even more disastrous mess, if He hadn’t given us the greatest gift ever, His One Son, Christ Jesus to save us from the bondage of sin!

But it’s sad that the greatest gift ever given to man has been turned into one of the greatest economic and money-making events in today’s world, with the real reason for Christmas totally forgotten, with people even refusing to say Merry Christmas, but talking nonsense about ‘Happy Holidays!’ Where did the blooming happy holidays come from eh? From the birth of Christ! That’s where! So please let’s give Him the accolades He deserves nuh, and stop trying to remove Him from our society. And then we wonder why our world is in such a calamitous state!

The answer begins right there; trying to kick God out, being disobedient and ungodly! Remember what He did to Satan when the foolish archangel, a mere creation, tried to overthrow Him in heaven? He kicked him out of the plush job and comfortable surroundings he had, to wander the earth in shame and disgrace and shack up in the fires of hell! Now we, another creation, are listening to that fool and his evil minions and are trying to rid our society of its Maker and Controller. Why do you think we will suffer a fate any different to Satan’s eh?

And that’s exactly why He sent Jesus to earth, to give us another option beside that offered by his evil highness. But we’re so full of ourselves, figure we’re such hot shots with our high-class civilization, that we no longer need God. What a joke! Can’t we see my brethren, or has Satan blinded our eyes so much to the fact that all we have, all we are and all we have achieved and accomplished have come through the graceful and merciful auspices of Jehovah God Himself? I guess not, otherwise we would not be in such a hurry to move Him out and forget Him.

Remember the birth of Jesus was so important that three wise men (magi) from far off lands made the long journey to see the li’l baby boy born in the stable, wrapped in swaddling bands, lying in a manger (feed trough). And note what they said: ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.’ (Matt. 2:2)

Yes friends, other people also knew about the coming of the Messiah, possibly descendants of the Jews, from their sojourn in distant lands through captivity and migration, and it was so important to them that they travelled a far distance to behold the miraculous moment in time. And to top it all off, they brought gifts, expensive and most appropriate for a king; gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Now, obviously since they were expecting a king to be born, the magi went to Jerusalem, the royal capital of Israel, to Herod the current king to find out His whereabouts. Herod knew nothing about any king being born, but found out through the Jewish leaders where the Messiah was supposed to be born; Bethlehem of Judea. And I like how the Good Book puts it. ‘And he (Herod) sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.’ (Matt. 2:8-12).

Yuh see mih bredrin, that was our God moving in those mysterious ways of His, His wonders to perform. First having a star guide them to the birth place of Jesus, then a divine revelation not to go back to Herod. And as the scholars explain ‘His star’ (vs 2) could not have been merely a natural phenomenon, since it led the wise men to Jerusalem and later to Bethlehem. It almost certainly was a divine manifestation used by God to indicate the fact and place of the Messiah’s birth.’

That’s the gospel truth my people, it was nothing less than our omnipotent God’s divine handiwork! The same way it was shortly after when Joseph, Jesus’ father had a vision to take his family to Egypt because Herod would soon be on the warpath, killing Jewish children under two years of age, in a jealous fit of rage that some uppity Jewish child would want to take his throne away from him and his family. Just like us, Herod didn’t realize that he was just a man, created by a higher being than himself, who could pull victory from seeming defeat.

Oh my fellow saints, this Christmas Eve day, let’s wake up and see the writing on the wall nuh. The Lord is on His throne in the high heavens, controlling things, and unless we come to our senses and refute Satan and all that he stands for, we will end up just like him; in the fires of Hades, with no chance whatsoever of making it to heaven. So, in wisdom and understanding, let’s go to God in prayer, through our Friday Chant, pleading for His divine help.

As one strong, confident, sincere but humble 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!’

Now, it’s the same as it has always been; if we keep our promises and be obedient to God’s will, then He will answer our prayers in a positive manner. Much LOVE!

…to truly celebrate Christ’s birth…means we must be truly living for Him…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 December 2021 Isaiah 32:17.

23 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 32:17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

So now it’s Thursday, and only two more days to the Big Day! Are we joyful my people! I certainly hope so because that day, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ was the beginning of our salvation! Yes, His birth began the whole shebang – that of earthly ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension, of which we are the eventual and hopefully grateful beneficiaries.

Ah mih people, without the birth and other actions of Christ, we would still be wallowing in the bondage of sin, with no other option but hellfire and damnation, eternal separation from our heavenly father and Creator. But Jesus gave us another option, one of spending eternity with Him, in righteousness, LOVE and peace.

And yuh know what? Before Jesus even came to earth in the flesh, the prophet Isaiah made this awesome statement while warning the complacent women of Jerusalem. ‘And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.’ (Is. 32:17)

Oh friends, all of us are searching for peace, quietness and assurance in this dangerous, evil and ungodly world, and there is only one thing that will ever bring us to that seemingly utopian place; that’s righteousness, doing right before the Lord God Jehovah! It’s not rocket science either nuh, just simple truth. Jesus said it plainly and right up front: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33)

Yes my brethren, if we make God our priority, put His will above and before anything else, then all that we ever need on this earth, as well as in the time to come will be granted to us. Now that might sound difficult to believe, but there’s only one way to really find out if it’s true, that’s by stepping out in faith and doing as it says. However, a lot of us talk about faith, but so many of us have even less faith than the proverbial grain of mustard seed, and thus are afraid to take a real chance on Christ and His kingdom, preferring to wallow in the sinful mire that’s the world.

And Cousin Sol in his wisdom, said it thus: ‘Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach (shame or disgrace) to any people.’ (Prov. 14:34). Oh friends, each person is required to do right, but so does a nation or society of people, and as the scholars explain: ‘National righteousness and national sin have opposite effects: exaltation versus reproach.’ And we obviously cannot say that our society is being exalted, but certainly reproached, because of our evil and ungodly deeds. We don’t even follow the laws of our society, which were enacted for our goodness and guidance, enabling us to follow the moral law of God.

As Bruh Paul said to Timothy. ‘But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers (fornicators), for them that defile themselves with mankind (sodomites), for menstealers (kidnappers), for liars, for perjured persons (perjurers), and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.’ (1 Tim. 1:8-11)

Oh my fellow saints, ‘the law properly used, benefits unbelievers in pointing out their sin (Rom. 7:7-9) and leading them to Christ (Gal. 3:24)’ And that verse reads: ‘Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified (declared righteous) by faith.’ So, the law is useful in showing us our faults and leading us to Christ and His gospel work.

Meanwhile, the scholars explain verse 11 thus: ‘The glorious gospel of the blessed God means the gospel about the character of the blessed God. The law reveals man’s sinful character (vs. 9-10), but the gospel discloses God’s salvation from sin and the law’s curse. The blessed God: All blessings and happiness are in God, and He bestows them upon those embracing His gospel.’

And that’s exactly what Isaiah was trying to tell his people way back then, that all goodness and mercy comes from God upon those who revere Him and live the way He desires. And if you don’t believe Isaiah, or Jesus, or Cousin Sol, then listen to these other scriptures that reveal the same sentiments. Hear the psalmist from Psalm 119, that long and powerful treatise on God and His word. ‘Great peace have they which LOVE thy law, and nothing shall offend them (cause them to stumble),’ (Ps. 119:165) You definitely can’t argue with that, because it comes from the long experience of the Jewish people with God.

Now listen to Bruh Paul to the church at Rome, as he talks about Christ being the only judge. ‘Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat (food) and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.’ (Rom. 14:16-17) More corroborating truth! And James, Jesus’ brother, puts it all in a simple nutshell, when he writes: ‘And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.’ (James 3:18) Yes friends, righteousness is not possible unless there is an aura of peace prevailing.

Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to live righteously, and no it’s not easy, but with God’s help, including our Thursday Blessings, we are forging forward seeking the ultimate victory in Christ. And since a blessing is not a blessing unless it’s declared, let’s declare those many blessings which have been generously bestowed on us to do Christ’s work.

As one powerful and sincere voice: ‘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!’

Now, let’s go out and put those blessings to work in the lives of others, as Jesus so greatly desires of us! Much LOVE!

…blessed are they…which do hunger and thirst after righteousness…for they shall be filled… (Matt. 5:8)

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 December 2021 Isaiah 45:5a.

22 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: all hell is breaking loose, appear out of thin air, breed depression, captives in Babylon, created man upon it, Cyrus the Persian king, deliver the Jews from Babylonian bondage, endure to the end, God doesn't change, god moves in mysterious ways, I am halfway home, I am the Lord and there is none else, I form the light and create darkness, I have made the earth, I have stretched out the heavens, I make peace and create evil, jehovah god, liven up our spirits, loose the loins of kings, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, plummet to Hades, praise Your Holy Name, rebuild Jerusalem, repenting of our evil ways, thank you Lord for Jesus, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the gate will not be shut, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, The God of Israel, there is no God beside me, to a glorious future with Jesus, Triune God, we Love you Lord, Wednesday Wail, whose right hand I have holden, worshipping in sincerity and truth

Isaiah 45:5a. I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:

And then it was Wednesday…one of those cold, dreary looking winter days, that only breed depression and disgust! But thankfully it’s now three days before Christmas, so we have something else to liven up our spirits. (smile) What would we do without Jesus eh, especially in the winter season, when the dull grey days just drag down one’s soul and spirit? And all God’s children gave out a loud and grateful shout: ‘Thank You Lord for Jesus yes! We don’t know what we’d do without Him in every aspect of our lives! Thank You Lord! We LOVE You and praise Your Holy Name! Amen!’

Oh friends, how we ought to LOVE and be everlastingly grateful to our Triune God for all that they have done for us, are still doing, and have promised to do in the future! For no other supposed god takes as much interest in, and is as faithful and LOVING to their people like the One, True and ONLY Living God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

All the others are useless, and fall into one or more of these categories; fanciful creations of the human mind, or dead, lifeless objects, which have no power at all, and they usually are creations of Jehovah God anyway, like the human mind. So how can you worship something lifeless, or another created being? It just doesn’t make sense.

And I like how the Lord, through Isaiah, said it to Cyrus, the Persian king who captured Babylon, when He had him return the captured Jews to rebuild Jerusalem. ‘Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden (held), to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins (armour) of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates (double doors); and the gates shall not be shut;

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass (bronze), and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord which call thee by name am the God of Israel. For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.’ (Is. 45:1-4) Oh how our great God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. Here He is, using a Gentile king, who knows Him not, to fulfill His promise to His people Israel, that they will only be in Babylon for seventy years..

The scholars explain. ‘45:1-4. Isaiah continues to emphasize the origin of his message from Chapter 44, stating, Thus saith the Lord. Yahweh Himself has set an open door of conquest before Cyrus. The Persian king is called by the designation anointed ( meshiach, messiah). This is the only place in Scripture where a Gentile is so designated. The term originated with the Israelite custom of anointing kings and leaders. Cyrus is given this title only in the sense that he will deliver the Jews from Babylonian bondage. I have even called thee by name indicates that Cyrus has been deliberately named in advance to reassure the Jews that the God of Israel indeed is still in control of human events.’

But that was not the end of God’s message to Cyrus. He made sure that Cyrus knew the following facts. ‘I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west (to its setting in the west), that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil (calamity): I the Lord do all these things…I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. (Is. 45:5-7, 12)

Ah mih bredrin, the Lord doesn’t make joke with His power and glory nuh. He puts it right out there for you to hear and understand. Oh that many more of us today would hear and understand! And the scholars offer this explanation, re verse 7. ‘The phrase I…create evil refers to physical evil or calamity, rather than moral evil. God is in no way pictured in Scripture as the author of sin.’

Yes friends, our God doesn’t create sin, but He does create calamity when there is too much disobedience, like He’s doing these days, when all hell is breaking loose in our world. I know that some of us have the naïve mindset that our ever-LOVING God will never create calamity or disaster…well just ask the Jews nuh! And since He doesn’t change, why would it be any different today when there is so much sin and ungodliness in the world, and when we supposed believers are committing a lot of it?

My people, the Lord our God is not happy with us. There can be no doubt about that. So anything is possible. Remember He moves in mysterious ways to accomplish His purpose, and unless, and until we return to His fold, repenting of our evil ways, and worshipping Him in sincerity and truth, our world will continue to descend, or rather to plummet to Hades, the only forthcoming relief being the soon, or quick coming of Christ.

Anyway, for those of us who have sincerely accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, and are doing our best to live for Him, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most 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 it helps to remember that if we endure to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than our puny minds can even ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…our world did not appear out of thin air…someone created it…and someone still controls it…His name is Jehovah God…

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

SCRIP-BITS

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 December 2021 Mark 14:38.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 December 2021 John 14:18.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 December 2021 John 8:12.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 December 2021 Hebrews 9:27.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 December 2021 Psalm 150:6.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 December 2021 Luke 2:11.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 December 2021 Matthew 2:2.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 December 2021 Isaiah 32:17.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 December 2021 Isaiah 45:5a.

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