Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 June 2022 Colossians 3:2.

10 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

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

And then, finally, it was Friday… and numerous shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ rise to heaven. Sadly, many of us don’t acknowledge God or His presence except on Fridays when our work week is winding down. But that’s just why our lives are in such a sad state, for without our Creator guiding our lives, in total control of them, we can never have real prosperous, peaceful and LOVING earthly sojourns. That’s why Bruh Paul wrote thus to the Colossians about the new life in Christ. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ (Col. 3:1) 

Yes friends, if we have found Jesus, have suffered, died and risen with him, then our lives ought to be headed in a different direction than that of the world. If we’ve been freed from sin, through His sacrificial payment of our sin debt, then a new life must be in our future, with all the old ways, habits, values, vices, interests and sins left behind. And it’s also the reason Bruh Paul said to the church at Corinth: ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:17) 

And the scholars explain ‘that when a man comes into vital union with the risen and glorified Lord, he is a “new creation” (cf. John 3:3; 15:5; Rom. 8:1,9; Gal. 6:14-15) and perceives Christ in a new way.’ And that new way ought to be a continual way until one sees Jesus in person, because if we continually abide in Him, He will continually abide in us. As Jesus so plainly said to the disciples. ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:4-5) 

And that’s the indisputable truth my people! Without Christ playing a significant part in our lives, we are unable to do very much. But with Him in our lives, ALL things are possible through His omnipotent power and strength! Yes my brethren, we can conquer sin when, and because Christ lives in us. But first, there are a few things we need to do. Like Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Colossae. ‘Set you affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col. 3:2-3) 

That means, as the scholars tell us, ‘not to be preoccupied with things on the earth, such as current heretical philosophies (2:8), legalistic practices (2:16, 21-23), and vices (3:5); nor are they to dwell on things that are not wrong in themselves (houses, jobs, careers, ambitions, etc.), but can be wrong should they become priorities above Christ.’ 

Ah mih people, anything or anyone that takes priority over Christ in our lives causes problems. And believe me, we are being bombarded with so much stuff right now, that it’s not very difficult for something or things to rise up and replace Christ as NUMBER ONE in our lives. The sad part is that it can happen unconsciously too, that’s why we have to be very careful of what we think on and what we do. And since our life now belongs to Christ, having bought us with His precious blood shed on the cross of Calvary, and who now sits in heavenly places, our concerns should be more about heavenly than earthly things. 

That doesn’t mean earthly things are not important, but we are not to put greater emphasis on them than the things that relate to Christ and heaven. As Jesus said: ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt. 6:16-21) 

And that’s the gospel truth friends! As an article on the subject on the website gotquestions.org rightly explains. ‘Whatever we focus on dictates our actions. When we focus on earthly success and wealth, we will expend our energies on earthly matters. However, when we focus on God’s priorities, our actions will reflect different priorities—and our reward in heaven will last forever.’ 

That’s more gospel truth! And no wonder our world is in such a confused and strife-filled state; our priorities have been out of focus, with a greater concentration on the things of earth rather than those of heaven. So let’s see if we can correct some of that poor focus nuh, by going to God in prayer through our Friday Chant, asking for divine help to get twenty-twenty vision. 

As one confident 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 up to us to keep our promises so that God will help us to change our focus. Much LOVE!

…focus on earthly treasure means total eventual loss…focus on heavenly things…means treasure safely stored up for eternal life.. 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 June 2022 Hebrews 11:3.

09 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 11:3.      Through faith we understand that the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible).

And just as I queried, yesterday’s bright sunshine did not last, for by the afternoon the clouds came rolling in, then by evening time, the rain began and drizzled through most of the night. Now, today, Thursday has opened cloudy and wet, but the rain has stopped and hopefully by lunchtime the sun will have come out bright and warm. (smile) And isn’t that what hope and faith are all about? For sure; the evidence of things not seen, but eagerly and expectantly hoped and waiting for! 

As Chapter 11 in Hebrews, that great chapter on faith tells us: ‘For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible).’ (Heb. 11:2-3) Yes friends, in this life, we need to believe a lot of things we can’t see or conceive of, meaning that everything we do depends to some extent on faith. Even when we sit in a chair or lie on a bed, it’s faith that makes us believe they won’t crumble under us. 

But it’s even more important for us to have a strong and bubbling faith when we come before God. Cain’s faith was not as righteous as Abel’s, that’s why God refused his sacrificial offering. Abel’s offering was of a sacrificial nature, the first and best of his flock, and apparently his heart motives were right, while Cain’s were not. (Gen. 4:3-7) And again, we cannot please God unless we truly believe that He is who He says He is, and does all that He says He can do. 

Please note these scriptures on some of our fellow believers who wrought much because of their faith. ‘By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear (reverence), prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.’ (Heb. 11:7) Now that was something else, because it took exceptionally great faith and trust to do what Noah did. 

According to the scholars, ‘Noah was asked by God to do in faith things that were incongruous (not in harmony) with his former experience. He had never seen rain (Gen. 2:5), and yet God told him to build and ark because of a coming flood (Gen. 6:13-17).’ Now, how many of us would have accepted such a backbreaking and seemingly impossible task eh? Not many. But Noah believed the Lord and did as He asked. And that’s why he was chosen to replenish humanity after the catastrophic flood that destroyed all the other abominably sinful human beings. 

The same thing could be said of Abraham when the Lord suddenly showed up and told him to pack up and leave his pagan gods and family and go wither he knew not. The Good Book tells it thus: ‘By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went (where he was going).’ (Heb. 11:8) 

Once again, how many of us, especially at seventy-five years of age, would have simply packed up and left our families on the promise of a supposed god that we did not know eh? Only a few. But Abraham did. And, ‘By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange (foreign) country, dwelling in tabernacles (tents) with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.’ (Heb. 11:9) Yes, he left his comfortable home and became a nomad, wandering a country he didn’t know, living much less comfortably than if he had stayed at home in Haran. 

So why did he do it eh? The Bible tells us: ‘For he looked for (was waiting for) a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker was God.’ (Heb. 11:10) Wow! What monumental faith! That’s why the Good Book says: ‘And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.’ (Gen. 15:6) Although, as the scholars explain, that happened after the Lord took him outside to look at all the numerous stars in the sky and promised that his descendants would be as numerous. So, it was not his original act of faith, but further evidence of his confidence in God. 

The same thing goes for Sarah. Although she first laughed when God said she would have a son after many barren years and at an old age. ‘Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of (bore) a child when she was past age; because she judged him faithful who had promised.’ (Heb. 11:11) Yes friends, only the miraculous work of our omnipotent God could have allowed Sarah and Abraham to have a child when she was ninety and him a hundred years old! 

And no, Abraham and Sarah did not have it easy, wandering all over the land as a nomadic tribe, but they saw enough faithfulness in God’s promises that made them continue on the route that He had plotted out for them. And that’s why today we talk about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; he and his descendants stood strong in faith with God. 

The Good Book continues: ‘These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded (assured) of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country (homeland). And truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned, But now they desire a better country, that is a heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.’ (Heb. 11:13-16) 

Yes my fellow saints, earth is not our eventual home, but that doesn’t mean we are not meant to enjoy it as much as we can, until we get to the heavenly place that God has created for us, where there are no tears, no pain, no death, no sorrow, just continual communion, praise and worship with our heavenly Father. But it all comes through faith, and unless you sincerely believe, surrender and trust in the promises of God you will never see that heavenly home. 

In the meanwhile, let’s go home today declaring (chuh!) our Thursday Blessings that have been so generously bestowed on us to do God’s work down here on earth. As one 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!’ 

Now, let’s go out and use those marvellous blessings to bring others to Christ, as He desires of us. Much LOVE!

…there is little hope for man…unless he succumbs to faith in Almighty God…the Creator and Controller of this universe… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   8 June 2022 Hebrews 13:8.

08 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 13:8.       Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. 

And so Wednesday has opened bright and sunny, though somewhat cool, because it’s still officially spring. The problem though is will it stay bright and sunshiny all day long? Unfortunately, these days of climate change have the days being very contrary, beginning one way, then changing to something else, sometimes even changing back and forth within the same day. So, you can never trust what you see when you open your eyes on a morning to be the same throughout the day. But praise the Lord that our great God is an unchanging God! 

Yes friends, that’s one thing we’re very sure of! How do we know that? Because it says so in His Word, very often too. And His Word does not lie! Of course not! As explained in this scripture from the Book of Numbers. ‘God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.’ (Num. 23:19-20) And that from the false prophet Balaam, whom Balak, the king of Moab, had hired to curse the Israelites. 

So, let’s look at a few of the scriptures that talk about the unchanging nature of our God nuh. As one commentator says: ‘God does not change. Why would He? God is perfect in all His ways. You can’t get better than perfect! God’s laws don’t change, they are written in stone for a distinct purpose.’ And that’s so His people can have a strong and steadfast way of life, not one like the weather we’re currently having; wishy-washy, and constantly changing. 

As James, Jesus’ brother writes: ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning.’ (James 1:17) And that’s the gospel truth! One translation puts it thus. ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.’ 

And per the Immutability of God, the scholars say: ‘Since all changes are either for the better or for the worse, God is unchanging because He is perfect and cannot get better nor become worse. The Scriptures describe God’s nature, will, and character as immutable or unchanging. Illustration: To be immutable, however, does not mean to be immobile. God also has the qualities of personality and can act, think, create, and make decision. Application: God is unchanging; therefore Christians can depend on His LOVE and power because God has not changed since biblical times. (First Ref. Ps. 9:7; Primary ref. James 1:17; cf. Lev. 19:2.)’ 

Yes my brethren, the Lord’s our Creator, thus He is much more stable than we could ever be. And as Bruh David declares in Psalm 9: ‘But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgement. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgement to the people in uprightness. The Lord also will be a refuge (stronghold) for the oppressed, and a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.’ (Ps. 9:7-10) Now, if our God can be all those things for those who seek Him, then He must be strong, stable, steadfast and just! 

And I like this verse about God’s unchanging nature from the book of Malachi, when he talks about the nonpayment of tithes. He solemnly declares: ‘For I am the Lord, I change not: therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.’ (Mal. 3:6) And nothing has really changed since then, for many of today’s churchgoers are doing the same thing; not giving their tithes to God. We give money to all sorts of other worthless and fraudulent causes without a murmur, but to give a penny to God’s church it’s like pulling teeth without anesthetic. 

As the scholars explain. ‘These Israelites have done what no man should presume to attempt, namely, to defraud God in tithes and offerings. The payment of tithes and heave offerings was a recognition of their subjection to God and that He owned them and all that they had. To withhold the tithe is to renounce the sovereign authority of God and to be guilty of the same sin as Lucifer in the beginning.’ And there’s no doubt that our current society has renounced the sovereignty of God over it, and thus are guilty of the same sin that Lucifer (Satan) was kicked out of heaven for; abominable pride which led to foolish rebellion! 

But I’m getting off course here, (smile) so let’s move on to the next scripture on God’s unchanging nature, which comes from the book of Hebrews. And it simply but quite clearly and confidently states: ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.’ (Heb. 13:8) And if all it says about Jesus in the Good Book is true, then He must be a stalwart, unbreakable, unchanging foundation for us to build on. 

That’s why Jesus characterized Himself as the rock to build on when he told the people. ‘Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a (the) rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock.’ (Matt. 7:24-25) Oh my fellow saints, when we build our houses on the rock, the foundation that’s Jesus, nothing in this whole wide world can ever beat or break it down, for Jesus is the solid, rock-like foundation of the world! Give Him some much deserved thanks and praise! 

And then there’s this marvellous scripture, the last one, we have time and space for. It comes from Psalm 102 – A cry in distress – and it declares: ‘Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure (continue): yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and the years shall have no end.’ (Ps: 102:25-27) Now that’s the indisputable truth: the world will grow old and change, even be destroyed, but our God will last forever, because that’s his name and nature… an Everlasting God! 

And for those of us who sincerely believe and are doing our best to live for Him, let’s go home declaring (yeah!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most wonderful position in Christ Jesus! As one strong and sincere 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 a last word of encouragement and reassurance, (smile) please remember that if we endure to the very end, then that future will indeed be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…there is only one road to glory…that’s through Jesus… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   7 June 2022 Psalm 119:105.

07 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 119:105.        Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Well, a good Tuesday morning to all you my wonderful Scrip-Bit friends and families! And I sincerely hope that all of us have the wonderful light of Jesus shining in us this day, regardless of the weather we are currently experiencing, which, in my case, is wet and cloudy. (smile) But that’s the good thing about the light of Jesus, it shines whatever the actual state of the weather. Bless His Holy name! Consequently, I can’t understand why many more people are not turning to Jesus in these dark, dreary, confused and strife-filled times, when He is the epitome of light shining in the darkness. 

He said it Himself: ‘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) And though the Pharisees didn’t believe Him, because He witnessed to Himself, or blew His own horn, the truth is, He is indeed the ONLY ONE who can light our way when the enemy and his dark and evil schemes come marching, or rather creeping up on us. For let us remember that the deadliest sins don’t leap up on us, but they creep up stealthily like the wily devil, their originator. 

That’s why this magnificent, reassuring and poignant verse of scripture should be written deep in our hearts and thus always be at the tip of our tongues when the forces of darkness try to overcome us. So please say it with me, with strong conviction and confidence: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) And yuh better believe it is my friends! For it is only through the grace and mercy of God’s Word can we ever make it successfully through this earthly life. 

And if by chance God’s Word isn’t currently a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, then you’d better make it so real soon, like today, like right now, if you truly desire to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Bruh David said it in so many words. ‘I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.’ (Ps. 27:13) Yes friends, if we don’t believe in God, His goodness and mercy, His unconditional LOVE and compassionate heart, then there’s little. or no chance, of seeing His goodness in our lives. 

Then Bruh David went on to make another monumental statement: ‘Wait (in faith) on the Lord, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith), I say, on the Lord.’ (Ps. 27:14). That’s the other part to the story my people: first we believe, then we wait patiently, that’s in faith, on the Lord ‘s timing. For remember this other scripture which says so explicitly: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) 

That’s why faith is so important in our Christian walk. In fact, it’s the very basis, the Christ-like foundation on which we ought to build our lives. For as the author of Hebrews says about faith at the beginning of that chapter: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1) And as the scholars tell us, that isn’t so much a definition of faith, but what faith does. It provides substance and also evidence. That’s assurance and a sense of proof that results in conviction. 

And the scholars go on to explain: ‘The difference between assurance and evidence would be minimal were it not for the phrase qualifying each: of things hoped for and of things not seen. The first involves future hope; the second involves present realities that are unseen. The first includes the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints (that’s us). The second involves unseen realities, such as forgiveness of sin through Christ’s sacrifice and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope in faith relating to future conviction is faith relating to the present.’ 

So friends, regardless of whether we’re dealing with, or thinking about the present or the future, hope or great expectations, that lead to faith, is absolutely essential. In fact, in all walks of life, not only Christianity, is hope and faith totally necessary if we are to grow personally, or our organizations are to improve and become successful. And I believe these marvellous words of Bruh Paul in his letter to the Roman church, admirably describes it. ‘For we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance) wait (eagerly wait) for it.’ (Rom. 8:24-25) 

So, life in general, and our Christian walk in particular, calls for certain words and characteristics if they are to be successfully attained. Words like; hope, belief, faith, waiting, patience, perseverance, expectation, and doing them all with a modicum of eagerness even when there seems to be total darkness surrounding us. Life is a challenge friends, and the Christian one even a bigger hill to climb. The Lord didn’t make us to be soft and fragile, spinless and fearful, but full of belly and backbone so we can do His work. 

That brings us to these words of reassurance from Bruh Paul to Timothy, which we all know, but obviously don’t invoke, or use as often and as faithfully as we ought. So please declare with me: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7) And those are words for us to continually live by my fellow saints! That’s because they reinforce the words we earlier spoke of, that God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. 

And with all of that under our belts; that is, written in our hearts, souls, bodies and minds, ready to be put into action at a moment’s notice, there is no chance whatsoever for the powers of darkness to cover us and thus block out the light that’s our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! So please, let’s give Him the ultimate praise and thanks that we can ever give, not that from our mouths, but from the way we live our lives in His mighty name! 

Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world 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!’ 

And having declared that, we must now go out and share that awesome LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, just as generously as He’s shared it with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Why, you ask? Simply because it’s our bounden duty! (smile) Much LOVE!

…come hell or high water…Christ is the answer… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 June 2022 Acts 2:4.

05 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Acts 2:4.      And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.​

​Sunday oh Sunday! The Lord’s Day! A day of praise and worship, rejuvenation and reassurance! What a blessed day! Especially this Pentecost Sunday when we remember the birth of our church, the memorable day when the Holy Spirit descended from on high and entered the souls of the disciples and other followers of Jesus who were celebrating the Feast of Weeks in Jerusalem. That fulfilled Jesus’ promise to the disciples before He ascended into heaven, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, ‘For John (the Baptist) truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.’ (Acts 1:5) 

Then they wanted to know if Jesus would be coming back then to set up His kingdom. ‘And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power (authority). But ye shall receive power after that (when) the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the world.’ (Acts1:7-8) Then He was taken up from them. But some fifty days later, in Jerusalem, on this day, two thousand years ago, Christ’s promises were fulfilled. 

The Good Book describes the amazing happening thus: ‘And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord (one purpose in mind) in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them 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 Spirit gave them utterance.’ (Acts 2:1-4) 

Yes friends, that was the pivotal day when the Holy Spirit began dwelling within each believer. Hitherto, the Spirit acted externally, and was only temporary, and for exceptional circumstances. But after that great show of firepower, where it baptized the followers, it moved to an internal position, and once a person receives Christ as Lord and Saviour, he or she is immediately filled with the Holy Spirt, to lead, guide and comfort them. Glory Hallelujah! And who says we don’t worship a most wonderful God eh? Tell them for me, that they don’t know what they’re talking about, and they shouldn’t knock it until they try it. (smile) 

And I believe that one of the reasons why some people refuse to come to Christ is because they are afraid they’ll discover that everything we say about Him is true, and then they’ll be hooked and can’t go back to their old ungodly lifestyle. So they stay away and talk all sorts of nonsense, about things they really know nothing about. Anyhow, on that memorable day, after the Holy Spirit baptized the believers, they came out speaking of Christ in various languages to the many visitors in Jerusalem celebrating the feast. 

They thought that the believers were drunk, but Peter got up and with a loud voice informed them that they were not drunk, but it was simply the fulfillment of the prophecy of the prophet Joel about the outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit. ‘And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.’ (Joel 2:28) Then Peter went on to preach a mighty sermon, and at the end they had some three thousand converts. Wow! What a day! And you can read all about it in Acts 2:14-42. (smile) 

And like that day, today we doing things different from normal, meaning we usually have the worship first and then the sermon after, but today the Holy Spirit decided to change it up, (smile) in celebration of that great Pentecost Day that He came to begin dwelling in the hearts of believers in Christ. And to celebrate this Pentecost day, our song of worship is very appropriate. It’s done by the Jamaican Gospel singer Jabez, and it’s aptly titled ‘Drinking from My Saucer.’ Yes friends, our cups are so overflowing with Christ’s LOVE and amazing blessings that our cups are overflowing and we have to drink from our saucers. How many of us remember doing that when we were young eh? Drinking from the saucer to cool the tea. But that was when they used saucers. (smile) 

Enough talk though, let’s open with these words of praise. ‘We Worship You Lord, we worship You with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds.’ Now, it’s time to raise our soulful voices in sweet sacrificial praise: ‘I’ve Never Made A Fortune, And It’s Probably Too Late Now, Oh but I Don’t Worry About That Much, Cause I’m Happy Anyhow. And As I Go Along Life’s Journey, I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow. I’m Drinking From My Saucer, Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches, And Sometimes The Going’s Rough, But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus, And That Makes Me Rich Enough. 

I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I Remember Times When Things went Wrong, And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin, But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke, And the Sun Peeped Through Again,’ And right here, there’s a monologue: ‘You know, right now you may be going through some rough times in your life, but I’m here to encourage you today, not to give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! I pronounce a blessing upon your life, upon your family. You must prosper and be in good health in the name of Jesus. I believe it with all my heart.’ 

And we sing: ‘So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living, When The Way Grows Steep And Rough I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings Jesus, For I’m Already Blessed Enough, And May I Never Be Too Busy, To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord, Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes My cup has overflowed…’ 

Mama oh Mama! And isn’t that the gospel truth! Our cups have certainly overflowed since we’ve placed out trust in Christ Jesus! And if yours haven’t overflowed, then you must be doing something wrong! And it doesn’t mean that there are no problems, or will never be any, but there is assurance that the Lord will work them all out for our good, and will eventually bring us through them safe and sound, in better shape than when we began! 

Oh praise His mighty and compassionate name my people! Now let’s go home with a passion and enthusiasm for Christ, with a fire in our bellies, like the fire that came down from heaven on that Pentecost Day, so long ago! (smile) Much LOVE!

…God’s LOVE and promises…never fail… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 June 2022 Matthew 19:26.

04 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 19:26.        With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Oh mih people, our friend, lazy Saturday, is with us again. Thanks be to God! (smile) And Saturdays are important to our way of life because it gives us a chance to wind down from the exhaustive work week that most of us endure, with the endless running around to get to the babysitters and then to work on time, through traffic jams morning and evening. And the rushing about does take a toll on all our faculties; mental, physical and emotional. So, Saturday comes along like a breath of fresh, clean spring air, where we don’t need to rush out, and can mostly relax and ever so gratefully say ‘Thank the Lord! Blessed be His glorious Name!’ 

Now, having raised our hats to Saturday, (smile) let’s see what quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. And the first one says that ‘Positive anything is better than negative nothing.’ And I don’t think we can really find fault with that sentiment because positivity is always better than negativity. For even in times of negativity, in sad or unfortunate circumstances that we don’t cause or control, like the pandemic and unrest in our streets that we’ve been recently experiencing, it’s the positive thoughts and attitudes that help us to get through them in one piece. 

But to be positive about anything means that you must have a strong foundation, and an assured reason for that positive mindset. That’s why doubters are very seldom positive, they are unable to constantly visualize a good outcome. I guess we can liken positivity to our Christian faith, because that’s what it’s based on; the positive, reassuring and encouraging and solid foundation of Christ Jesus. As the Good Book tells us: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1) 

Yes friends, we are positive and have faith in Jesus although we’ve never seen Him in the flesh, but we’ve heard enough about Him and His marvellous works and have enough personal experience to know that He is faithful and true and that we can believe wholeheartedly in Him. So being positive is a good thing, because it usually draws positive stuff to you, but the best positive situation we can ever come into is belief and faith in Jesus Christ. 

Then the next quote solemnly declares: ‘Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.’ And that’s oh so true, because we can never accomplish anything until we take action, get moving with whatever it is we hope to accomplish. It’s like the saying; ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained.’ If you don’t get up off your fanny and begin working on your project, it will never be accomplished. 

The first thought should always be, ‘let’s do this, let me try,’ because it’s only your actual action or trying that will even get it started, much less accomplished. And the second thought should be, ‘I can do this!’ That positive mindset is necessary to stir up your passion and enthusiasm. And if you’re a Christian, then even better, you can say: ‘I can do this through Christ who strengthens me!’ Yes my fellow believers, we can do anything that’s within Christ’s will for us. 

And I think I might have gotten ahead of myself here, (smile) because the next quote deals with exactly what we just said. ‘Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.’ There is one drawback to that quote though, it leaves Jesus out of the situation, and only if Jesus is involved is ALL things possible. There are some things you can put your mind to as much as possible and maintain as much of a positive attitude as you desire, but you still won’t do them, unless you are focused on Jesus, because it’s only through HIM, that ALL things are possible! 

As He said in Matthew 19, in answer to the disciples’ amazement, when talking to them about the difficulty of a rich person entering heaven, comparing it to a camel going through the eye of a needle. ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ (Matt. 19:26) And so it should be if God is the Creator and Controller of the universe! And if He is as omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present as we claim, then nothing should be impossible to Him! 

And just for our info, the prophet Jeremiah said it in his prayer, long before Jesus did. ‘Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard (difficult) for thee.’ (Jer. 32:17) And whether we believe it or not,  that’s the gospel truth my people! (smile) 

That brings us to the last quote for today, which wisely advises: ‘My dear friend, clear your mind of can’t.’ Yes mih bredrin, that’s indeed wise advice, especially if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, for remember what we just said, ‘All things are possible to and through Christ!’ But even if you are not a believer, you definitely don’t need the word ‘can’t’ in your vocabulary because it just wreaks of negativity and automatically introduces that negative tendency, that tendency to doubt, to be anxious and not believe that you can do what you are contemplating, or handle the situation before you. 

And once that negative connection of doubt is introduced, it begins eating up your passion and enthusiasm and your assurance that you are able. And without that positive thought, ‘I am well able,’ your ability to accomplish whatever it is will be compromised, because that terrible word ‘can’t’ has brought in thoughts of possible failure instead of success. 

And just one more thought before we go on this glorious, sunshiny but somewhat cool Saturday morning. (smile) Let’s all remember that failure is never failure, failure is never accomplished until we stop trying. So, the thought for today is to always keep on keeping on, to get back up every time you fall, never stop trying, for when you stop trying, that’s when you die, both spiritually and emotionally, and eventually physically! Much LOVE!

…life was meant to be lived positively…and you can’t get any more positive than…living for Christ…  

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 June 2022   1 John 4:8.

03 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

1 John 4:8.       He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE.

Well check out the bright, sunshiny, cool Friday morning nuh mih people and shout ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! ‘ Yes, let’s give thanks to the Father for allowing us to see another blessed day on this great earth of His. It’s only right and proper to give our Creator His just due for creating us and then when we had gone astray, for LOVING us so much that He sacrificed His only Son, Jesus Christ that we could find our way safely back to Him! 

Oh my faithful brethren in Christ, there’s no bond as strong as that of the bond we term LOVE! And it’s only when we’re directly connected to the Father through the Son and the Holy Spirit that we can ever fully understand and experience the awesome power, majesty and strength that makes up the godly attribute called LOVE! Remember yesterday we saw where Bruh Paul called it the greatest, and regardless of what else we have, if we don’t have LOVE, in essence, we don’t have anything at all! 

And today we’re going to look at a few other scriptures that show us how important LOVE is to the God’s universe and all therein. And there’s no better verse to begin with than this one from the wisdom of Cousin Sol in Proverbs. ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but LOVE covereth all sins.’ (Prov. 10:12) Wow! How truly powerful must that thing called LOVE be eh, if it can cover up all sins! And that’s not only talk because we saw it at work in Christ’s death on the cross for us, where through His awesome LOVE, He took all our sins on His sinless shoulders, so that we could be cleansed, washed white as snow and made righteous with the Father. 

And what did Bruh David say about the Father’s LOVE in Psalm 103: ‘He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING-kindness) toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.’ (Ps. 103:10-12) Oh my people, what a wonderful God we serve! And how can we not sincerely revere and worship Him when He casts aways our sins, as far as the east is from the west, forgets them and never brings them up when we come to Him for help and succour? 

God’s LOVE is unconditional. There are no strings attached to it. He might not like what we do, but He will always LOVE and welcome us when we come to Him, for that’s just who He is; a God of LOVE! Listen to how John puts it in his first epistle. ‘He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE.’ (1 John 4:8) It’s as simple as that friends: God is LOVE! And if you don’t know Him, then you don’t know true LOVE, and if you don’t have LOVE, then it’s impossible for you to truly know Him! 

And I like how John describes LOVE later on. ‘There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casteth out fear: because fear hath (involves) torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in LOVE.’ (1 John 4:18) And the scholars explain that verse thus. Fear hath torment: Abject fear of God is based on dread of punishment. But God’s LOVE, for us renders such dread obsolete. Fear is still part of the Christian walk in the sense of profound reverence, the unwillingness to violate God’s trust in us. (Acts 10:35: 2 Cor. 7:1). Believers need not fear eternal rejection as a result of God’s judgement (John 5:24), but this does not mean a Christian’s approach to God is to be casual and flippant.’  

Definitely not my fellow saints! We might not need to be afraid of the Lord, but that doesn’t mean we can just behave as obnoxious and irreverent as we want to. As Bruh Paul wrote to the Roman church about being under grace, not the law. ‘For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid.’ (Rom. 6:14-15) Certainly not my people. The powerful Spirit of grace that we’re living under, the great LOVE we feel for out heavenly Father, ought to make us be very sensitive to sin and what displeases Him. 

Then Peter gives us his two cents worth on the subject of LOVE. ‘And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover a multitude of sins.’ (1 Pet. 4:8) Yes, he quotes Cousin Sol, from Proverbs. And so too does James, Jesus’ brother, when he writes to the Jewish diaspora. ‘Brethren, if any of you do err (wander) from the truth, and one convert him (turns him back). Let him know, that he which converteth (turns) the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide (cover) a multitude of sins.’ (James 5:20) 

Yes friends, that powerful thing called LOVE can do amazing things! That’s why we say it’s what makes the world go round. And that’s the awesome truth, for without some amount of LOVE in it, our world would be even more chaotic than it currently is, but we do need much much more to improve the situation, to turn it around. And when we need something, what’s the first thing we ought to do? Pray! So, let’s do that right now nuh, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, asking for divine help, because it’s only the Lord’s omnipotence can help us in these terrible times. 

As one sincere voice then. ‘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 after praying, what ought we to do? Keep the promises we made in our prayer and wait in expectant faith for God’s positive answer. So, let’s do just that nuh. Much LOVE!

…if only we had more LOVE…more of God…our world would be such a wonderful place… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   2 June 2022   1 Corinthians 13:13.

02 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 13:13.      And now abideth faith, hope, charity (LOVE), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (LOVE).

Well, it looks like the real hot days are gone for the rest of this week. And, on this Provincial Election Day in Ontario, we are back to barely crossing the twenty degrees mark, with a cool breeze continually blowing. The truth be known, it’s not quite summer as yet, so those past few really hot days are merely a harbinger of the days to come. (smile) 

And just now, while skimming through the Good Book looking for a topic to talk about, I came upon this wonderful chapter, one that is near and dear to all our hearts, and I immediately knew that my search was ended. (smile) It’s the scripture we call the Chapter of LOVE or the Way of LOVE! And believe me friends, do we ever need that thing we call LOVE, true brotherly or ‘agape’ LOVE, in this strife-filled, immoral, evil and ungodly world of ours. A world where everything else but LOVE seems to exist in great proportions. 

And the thought is that if we talk about it today, some will rub off on us and thus help create a better, more Christ-like world (smile) So let’s hear what Bruh Paul had to say to say on the subject, to the church at Corinth in his first letter. ‘Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (LOVE), I am become as sounding brass, or a clanging symbol.’ (2 Cor. 13:1) And do we ever have plenty of those in our society today, who claim to speak in tongues, in the language of God, but are truly only clanging cymbals, only making a setta blooming useless noise because they don’t have any true godly LOVE in their souls. 

Then Bruh Paul continues: ‘And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (LOVE) I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (LOVE), it profiteth me nothing.’ (1 Cor. 13:2-3) 

Oh my people, yuh see the great emphasis that’s put on LOVE? It’s so great that even if you have all of the other supposed attributes of God, but you don’t have that main one of LOVE, then you don’t have anything, you’re nothing, all that other stuff profits you nothing! And sadly, our current world is filled with those kinds of people, who claim to have all the God-given attributes, but lack the most important one, that’s LOVE! And how do we know that eh? Because their actions don’t show it. For LOVE is an action word! It’s all about doing, doing what needs to be done, not talking up a great storm of nothing, making a set of noise but not really doing anything useful or LOVING. 

Now here is how Bruh Paul characterizes true LOVE. ‘Charity (LOVE) suffereth long, and is kind; charity (LOVE) envieth not; charity (LOVE) vaunteth not (does not brag on) itself, is not puffed up (arrogant). Doth not behave itself unseemly (rudely), seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (keeps no account of evil). Rejoiceth not in iniquity,  but rejoiceth in the truth. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity (LOVE) never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail (cease); whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away (cease).’ (1 Cor. 13:4-8) 

Oh friends, it’s true that LOVE like that as described by Bruh Paul is indeed difficult to come by, but as Christians, as faithful believers in Christ Jesus, it is our bounden duty to try and acquire as much of it as possible, because that’s the only way our world and that of our descendants will ever improve. And the only way we can increase our LOVE quotient is by sticking as close to Christ as possible, because He is the reservoir, the fountainhead of LOVE! 

And please note that Jesus didn’t just talk LOVE, but showed it in His everyday actions, especially by His sacrificial death on the cross for a bunch of ungrateful sinners! And sadly, two thousand years later, even with the greater knowledge we have of God and His Word, of His attributes and His desires, so many of His creation are turning away from Him at this crucial time of strife, hatred and the burgeoning of evil. 

I don’t know what else to say or do nuh my people, so that I can impress the importance of God’s agape or brotherly LOVE on the health and future of our world, which Satan now holds in a death-like choke hold. We are going under friends, there’s no doubt about it, and if we keep on following this path of destruction that we are currently on, it’s only a matter of time before our world implodes or explodes. And believe me, the only thing available to turn our situation around before it’s too late is the quick rising, the improvement of our LOVE situation. 

That’s why Bruh Paul closes the chapter with these memorable words of truth. ‘And now abideth faith, hope, charity (LOVE), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (LOVE).’ (1 Cor. 13:13) And that’s the gospel truth my fellow saints, LOVE is the greatest; that’s why God made us and why He sent His Son to save us. Bruh Paul said it thus to the church at Rome. ‘But God commendeth  (demonstrated) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) 

And Jesus made it known to all and sundry: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16) And it’s not like the Lord didn’t give us the necessary tools to do His earthly work. He did, and very generously too. And those tools are encompassed in what we call our Thursday Blessings. 

So, let’s declare them now so that we can activate them. As one 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!’ 

That means we have all we need to go out now and do God’s will. So please let’s do that nuh. Our God, our children and our world deserve our stepping up to the plate and being better people. Much LOVE!

…only a great dose of agape LOVE…provided by Christ’s followers…will ever bring joy to our sad, misguided world… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 June 2022 Mark 4:40.

01 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Mark 4:40.      And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 

Here it is my people, a somewhat cloudy and rainy first day of June, the sixth month of the year! Can you imagine it, May, which just recently begun, is now finished and we are into June? Brother! The days sure are flying past with speedy wings. The good thing though is that it brings us into some good summer weather! Glory be! But we must realize that the summer days fly faster than the winter ones and try to put the brakes on the next couple of months, because if they fly just as fast as the earlier part of the year, then we’ll soon be back to winter again. And that, we surely want to forestall for as long as possible. (smile) 

But come what may, let’s remember, as Bruh Paul so nicely puts it in his letter to the Philippians: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!’ (Phil. 4:13) And that’s the gospel truth my people! Once whatever we need to do is in God’s will, then we will be given the wherewithal to do it. Our part is simply to believe it, then put it into action. Unfortunately though, both believing and activating our belief is not always easy, and it’s only as we go through the tough times of life, which we all face at some time or other, that we are able to understand and acquire the right perspective. 

Now, I do believe that the following passages of scripture, where the Good Book opened this morning, were meant for us to read and ponder upon and bring some measure of reassurance to our weary souls. In it, Isaiah talks about ‘Thanksgiving for God’s mercies,’ something we certainly ought to give on a regular basis. So please read with me. ‘And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedest me. 

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings (deeds, works) among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.’ (Is. 12:1-6) 

And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren! The Holy One of Israel, the Lord God Jehovah is indeed mighty in our midst! Who else is like unto Him eh? NOBODY! That’s why we ought to LOVE and treasure Him, glorify, worship and exalt His Holy Name! Continually sing His praises, for He alone is our salvation and our strength. Yes, He gave us His salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus Christ, which atoned for our sins, paid our sin debt in full! For that alone we ought to bow down and worship Him, glorify Him like there’s no tomorrow. And it’s only because of Jesus’ death that we have the option for a tomorrow, and a glorious one at that! 

So why do so many of us talk one thing and then do another eh? Why do we talk about faith and then when the time comes to put into action, to prove it, we falter and disappoint our Saviour eh? And I’m talking particularly about the last couple of years when the pandemic and much unrest in the streets were plaguing our world. Where was the church, the supposed body of Christ eh? Where were we the supposed faithful believers, the mighty Christians? Definitely not as front and centre as we ought to have been. Too many of us believers were tested and found to be wanting. 

And why was that eh? That’s because we don’t truly believe, we still have too much of the world in us, we don’t fully trust and surrender ourselves to His will, And until we do that, whatever faith we claim to have will be useless. Oh, we do talk a good talk, but when the chips start to fly, and we are required to come up strong, to come up higher for Christ, we run and hide. No wonder one of Jesus’ continual comments was on faith. Some about great faith, some about little faith, some about no faith. But He always homed in on the faith of those around Him. 

And this scripture is possibly one of the best examples of that. We talking about the time Jesus and the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and a terrible storm arose, battering their boat until it even began to take in water. Obviously, the disciples were afraid, but Jesus slept calmly on a pillow in the stern of the boat through all the commotion. 

When they couldn’t stand it anymore, they awakened Him, saying: ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this (who can this be), that even the wind and the sea obey him.’ (Mark 4:38-41) 

Oh my people, it could only be the one who created the winds and the seas in the first place. Who else would they listen and react to so quickly eh? And though we decry the disciples for their lack of faith back then, many of us are no better right now, when we know even more than they did. And I like how the scholars describes the passages of scripture from Mark 4:35 to 5:43. 

They say: ‘Jesus takes His disciples from the classroom to the laboratory. Having just taught them that God’s power will cause His kingdom to grow to worldwide proportions and influence  (4:30-32 – the parable of the mustard seed), Jesus now performs four miracles that demonstrate this divine might. God’s power is seen in overcoming (1) the danger of a storm (4:35-41); (2) demons in a victim possessed (5:1-20); (3) disease in a woman physically ravished (5:21-34); and (4) the death of a little girl (5:35-43).’ 

And that’s exactly what’s been happening to us in these last troublesome years. Jesus has taken us from the classroom to the laboratory to test our book knowledge in real life. Remember friends, we were born for a time such as this; meaning that we were born to shine bright in this particular time. So please let’s pick it up nuh. I truly believe that none of us have yet realized our full potential, which means that even the best of us can do better. And remember, since we’ve been bought with the precious blood of Christ, that we are no longer working for ourselves, but for Him. That ought to stir up some passion and fire in our souls and bellies. (smile) 

Now, for those of us who are indeed trying, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) 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!’ 

Please note too, that if we endure until the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Now, that ought to put a smile on our faces and give us cause to endure right to the end. (smile) Much LOVE!

…a little faith is better than no faith at all…for without faith…it is impossible to please God… 

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