Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 June 2023 Revelation 3:19.

30 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Revelation 3:19.      As many as I LOVE, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Well friends, sorry that we’re somewhat late today, but I had some time sensitive errands to run out the street this morning. And the truth be told, they only became time sensitive because I’ve been putting them off all week and couldn’t put them off any longer. I believe that’s called procrastination. And the errands took me longer than I expected, then, when I finally got home, I had to rest a spell before getting to the Bit, which I hope will be short and sweet. (smile) 

And believe me, the shout of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ was especially loud across Canada today, because it’s not only the end of the work week and the end of June, but that means it’s also the Canada Day long weekend when we celebrate Canada’s illustrious birth and history! Wow! On July 1 we commemorate the anniversary of the Constitution Act, which consolidated three territories into the single nation of Canada, way back in 1867. And yes, our history is comparatively short in contrast to other countries, but it’s been a colorful, turbulent, exciting and fulfilling one. 

Not many other countries can boast of the peace, the diversity and kind-heartedness that underlies its turbulence. Even to this day, we’re more prone to peace than war, and though we’re not free of serious problems, we choose to handle them in a less rambunctious and aggressive manner than many other countries today. Anyway, enough of singing the praises of Canada. We’re far from perfect, but we’re still one of the best big countries in the world! Glory Be! 

And since I had nothing specific to talk about today, I opened the Good Library, looking for guidance, and it didn’t disappoint me. It never does! It opened unto the Book of Job to chapter 5; where Job’s friend Eliphaz is speaking these immortal words: ‘Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.’ (Job 5:17-18) 

And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! Our God LOVES us too much to allow us to get away with all the shenanigans that we indulge in. It’s just like we parents correct our children when they do wrong. There are various methods of correcting, but the aim is always to bring them to heel with LOVE! We oftentimes call that Tough LOVE. Well, it’s the same way our God looks at our behaviour and decides how to correct our ungodly or disobedient behaviour. As the ole people so nicely put it: if you don’t hear, you will feel. That’s a godly metaphor. (smile) 

And the sad part is that too many parents of our generation didn’t use that tough LOVE on our children, that’s why so many of them are so ungodly and disobedient now. And we only have ourselves to blame for all the nonsense they are carrying on with now. Our children don’t like us correcting them, neither do we like it when the Lord corrects us in a manner that hurts either our pride or physical person, but it’s ever so necessary to keep us on the straight and narrow path, so we don’t veer on to the wide and winding one that leads to hellfire and damnation. 

And there are several scriptures in the Good Library that tell us basically the same thing. So, let’s look at a few of them. This first one comes from Psalm 94, titled, ‘Vengeance Belongs to the Lord, and says: ‘The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity (futile). Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest (instructeth), O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. That thou mayest give him rest (relief) from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.’ (Ps. 94:11-13) 

Yes friends, the Lord looks out for us. He knows our sinful and futile thoughts and instead of letting us go down that wrong road, pulls us back, and guides us safely to His word. We might not like it, but it’s in our best interest. (smile) Then there are these monumental words of Cousin Sol in that monumental Chapter 3 of Proverbs. ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his corrections: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) 

Words of indisputable truth and wisdom, my people! Words we should take to heart and remember every time the Lord corrects us, it’s because He LOVES us! And the author of Hebrews must have known those words, for many years later He reminds his readers of them in his own way. ‘And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children (sons), My son, despise not thou the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord LOVETH, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.’ (Heb. 12:5-6) 

And I hope hearing it once more in an even tougher manner, will set it deep in our hearts, so that we won’t rebel when the Lord disciplines us. And the last word on the subject comes quite appropriately from Jesus in His message to the church at Laodicea. He warns: ‘As many as I LOVE, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.’ (Rev. 3:19) Now we couldn’t conclude with a more appropriate scripture. So let’s do exactly what Jesus said and repent. Let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant and release all our heartfelt pain, while asking for divine help. 

Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so 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 the simmering unrest in our land. 

So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to return backsliders to your fold, show them the error of their ways. 

And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

Now let’s get busy and do what we know we have to do to entail heavenly help! Much LOVE!

…if you don’t correct me when I do wrong…it means you don’t LOVE me… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ     

Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 June 2023   1 Corinthians 10:10.

29 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 10:10.      Neither murmur ye (grumble, complain), as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

And then it was Thursday, our penultimate day of the work week, with promises of it being mostly sunny…and hopefully no smoke like yesterday. It’s amazing the way the smoke from those wild forest fires is spreading all over the continent and causing so much inhalation and sight problems. But what to do eh, we are suffering from our own lack of foresight in the climate change arena. So we’ve just got to grin and bear it, while doing our best to make what changes we can to improve the situation. 

And as promised, today, since the Lord gave us life (smile) we’ll continue looking at that human phenomenon we term complaining. And whatever the reason(s) for it, complaining has become a serious cancer in our society, causing much controversy, negativity and heartache. Now, yesterday we saw what continuous complaining did for the Israelites; all those who came out of Egypt, except Joshua and Caleb never made it into the Promised Land, and furthermore, they wandered forty years in the wilderness until they all died. 

Now, I’m sure that our constant complaining is also causing us problems that we can’t even define. And throughout the Bible we find scriptures warning against gossip (Rom. 1:29, 2 Cor. 12:20) and slander, busybodies and those who won’t work (1 Tim. 5:13, 2 Thess. 3:11). It’s all a part of the same problem; we do and say what we should not, words and behaviour that are unfitting for Christians. James tells us right up front. ‘Grudge (grumble) not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned, behold the judge standeth before the door.’ (James 4:9) 

Yes friends, the Lord’s right there listening, no wonder Bruh Paul warned the Corinthians in his first letter, using Israel’s History as an example of complaining and ungodly behaviour when they came out of Egypt and were making their way through the wilderness. He writes: ‘But with many (most) of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown (strewn) in the wilderness. Now these things were (became) our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication (sexual immorality), as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt (test) Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye (grumble, complain), as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.’ (1 Cor. 10:5-10) 

Oh my fellow believers, all the misfortune that happened to the Israelites in the wilderness was because of their infidelity and complaining against the merciful God who had brought them out of four hundred and odd years of slavery in Egypt. They were so accustomed to the comparatively easy life in Egypt that they couldn’t handle the trials of the wilderness, which is the exact reason that the Lord took them the long way, so that they could build some belly and backbone. 

But the old folks fumbled the ball, died in the desert, and only the young ones walked through the Promised Land. And I’d encourage us to pay close attention to this next verse, because it is of the utmost importance to us today. Bruh Paul writes: ‘Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (examples): and they are written for our admonition (instruction), upon whom the ends of the world (ages) are come.’ (1 Cor. 10:11) 

Ah mih people, please understand that all that’s written in the Bible is for our instruction and understanding, to give us wisdom and knowledge in every possible circumstance. The Bible wasn’t just written because God wanted something to do, but so that His wonderful creation could know about Him and how He desires them to live in close and familial communication with Him.  

Now let’s look at a couple of other facts about complaining. And this first one contemplates why we should not complain. The commentary suggests that  ‘A focus on not complaining creates a happier and more positive environment. This leads to everyone being a bit more fulfilled with every day of their lives, not needing to or being tempted to engage in negative discussion around any given topic.’ And that’s certainly true, for if we don’t complain and thus revel in negativity, then our lives will obviously be less stressful and more pleasant. 

Then there’s this treatise on how and why we complain and the physical effects it causes. ‘Some factors that play a role in complaining: Emotional regulation: Sometimes people complain as a way to manage their emotions. By venting their feelings, they hope to lessen the severity of these distressing emotions. Mood: People may be more likely to complain when they are experiencing negative moods. Complaining Rewires your Brain for Negativity, Pessimism, and Unhappiness. 

The human brain loves familiarity and efficiency – so what you feed your brain it will settle for it and seek more of it. In other words, the more you complain, the more you make this the default mode of your brain’s operation. Complaining is a way they have learned to attempt to get this. They use complaining as a form of control, hoping to guilt others into giving them the attention, caring and compassion they seek. Complaining is a “pull” on other people.’ And I’m sure we’ve all experienced some of those things, either as the complainer or the one being complained to. (smile) 

But here’s the best part of the whole program; ‘7 ways to stop complaining: Learn to accept changes. …Think about how you affect others. …Remind yourself to be grateful. …Don’t associate with negative people. …Exercise. …Stop being judgmental. …Lead by example.’ Voila! There we have it! The end to complaining! But unfortunately, some of us will keep complaining because we just like it, and it’s useful for our nefarious purposes. But please remember the fate of the Israelites and too much complaining. Eventually it will come back to bite you in the rump. 

And we’ll end with this magnificent and immortal scripture on the subject, from Bruh Paul to the church at Ephesus. ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph. 4:29-32) 

There could be no better end to complaining than that my brethren! Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Thursday Blessings that have been generously bestowed on us to do Christ’s earthly work. 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!’ 

It’s now our bounden duty to take those blessings and go out and share them generously with those we meet, so that they can come to know the LOVE of Christ and His marvellous free gift of salvation! Much LOVE!

…complaining will only get you so far…before it brings negative consequences… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ          

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 June 2023 Philippians 2:14.

28 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 2:14.        Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings:

Oh boy, are these days ever moving along swiftly. Can you believe it’s already Wednesday, not to mention the last few days of June. And to make matters even worse, today there’s a smoke alert in our area from the wildfires up north that apparently are still spewing out their pollution. And the real summer weather hasn’t even truly arrived. Yes, we have gotten a few hot days along the way, but not consistently, the air conditioners have hardly been on. (smile) It’s been more like springtime weather. 

Let’s hope that July brings some consistently warm weather, so that we can complain that it’s ever so hot. Yuh know how we just LOVE to complain, especially when we get what we ask for and discover it’s not what we really want. And on that note, I think we are being guided to look at complaining in a more serious and biblical sense, because the Bible tells us in several scriptures about the negative consequences of complaining. And there seems to be so much relevant stuff on complaining that this might just have to run for two days. (smile) 

Now, I guess the best place to begin is right at the beginning, where complaining first reared its ugly head with serious consequences. And that’s when the Israelites having seen all the miracles that the Lord had done for them on the way out of Egypt, once in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land began murmuring and grumbling and about their situation. They complained about the lack of water, the lack of proper food, the lack of meat, etc. etc.  Things got bad and the Lord threatened: ‘I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.’ (Num. 14:12) 

Yes friends, the Lord was so tired with the ugly griping and complaining after all the wonderful things He’d done for them, that He was willing to destroy them and make a greater second nation for Moses. But Moses interceded on their behalf, pointing out how it would look if He destroyed them, when He was supposed to be their God and looking after them. And the Egyptians would have a field day spreading all kinds of nasty rumours. So the Lord listened to Moses’ wise words and relented, and instead of destroying Israel, He pardoned them. (Num. 14:1-20) 

But they kept on complaining. And finally, the Lord’s patience wore thin. ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur (grumble) against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you. Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole (entire) number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me. 

Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware (solemnly promised) to make you dwell therein, save Caleb of Jephunneh, and Joshua of Nun. But your little ones which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know (be acquainted with) the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcasses, they shall fall (die) in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness (be shepherds) forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness. 

After the number of days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities (guilt), even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise (rejection or opposition). I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. And the men, which Moses sent to search (spy out) the land, who returned and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander (bad report) upon the land. Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the Lord, died by the plague before the Lord.’ (Num. 14:26-37) 

Oh my people, yuh see what the evil of complaining accomplished. And how what you wish for can be used against you, for in verse 2, they had complained: ‘Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God that we had died in this wilderness.’ And they eventually got their wish after refusing to go into the Promised Land because of the negative report of ten of the twelve spies who went in and checked it out. That was a terrible slap in the face to God, because ‘Grumbling complaints directly or indirectly declare that God is not sufficiently good, faithful, loving, wise, powerful, or competent.’ 

So, none of them who came out of Egypt, except Caleb and Joshua, entered the Promised Land, but died in the wilderness. That’s because they were the only two spies who had positive reports on the land. Now you might say that was in the Old Testament and it doesn’t apply today. But you’ll be oh so wrong, for there’s this prominent scripture from Bruh Paul to the Philippians that refutes your contention. It quite clearly says: ‘Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless (innocent), the sons (children) of God, without rebuke (fault), in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (generation), among whom ye shine as the lights of the world.’ (Phil. 2:14-15) 

Yes, my fellow believers, we are warned not to grumble and complain as we go through this tough life, but to be strong and steadfast, blameless, innocent and shining as the lights of the world that Jesus desires of us. And as we saw above, when we grumble and complain against God, it means we don’t consider Him good or strong enough to handle our problems. And believe me, if God could destroy His chosen people, the Israelites for constant complaining and disobedience, why wouldn’t He do likewise to us? No reason whatsoever! 

And I know God claims to be patient and longsuffering, but what with all the sin and disobedience that’s running rampant in our world, I’m sure His patience is growing thin with us, just like it was with the Israelites way back then. And yuh see the lethal punishment that He can mete out. So please, as they say, a word to the wise is sufficient. Let’s be wise then and cut down on our complaining. That’s enough for today. More tomorrow, if God spares life. Let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. 

Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And let’s remember, that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, that glorious future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…when believers complain incessantly…it upsets God…gives Him and inferiority complex… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ         

Today’s Scrip-Bit   27 June 2023 Hebrews 12:2a.

27 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 12:2a.        Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith;

And it seems like Tuesday is going to be just like Monday, drizzly and cloudy. (smile) But let’s not quibble over a little rain and cloud, for in many other parts of our troubled world, our fellow humans are facing dire seasons of drought and famine and would be overjoyed to receive even a drizzle of heavenly blessings. So, let’s be thankful for what we have. Amen! 

And to show our thankfulness, let’s pray this Fragrance Prayer that Mother Teresa of Calcutta adapted from one by St, Therese of Lisieux, better known as the Little Flower, and had her Sisters of Charity pray each day after communion. Please pray with me. ‘Dear Jesus, help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go. Flood our souls with your Spirit and Life. Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly, that our lives may only be a radiance of yours. Shine through us, and be so in us, that every person we should come in contact with may feel your presence in our soul. Let them look up and see no longer us, but only Jesus. 

Stay with us, and then we shall begin to shine as you shine; so to shine as to be a light to others; the light, Jesus, will be all from you. None of it will be ours. It will be you shining on others through us. Let us thus praise you in the way you LOVE best, by shining on those around us. Let us preach you without preaching: not by words, but by our example, by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the LOVE our hearts bear for you. Amen!’ 

Mama Mia! What a beautiful prayer my people! And it says all that needs to be said! Let Jesus flood our souls with His radiant light, so that we can reflect that awesome light to all we meet! So that others can see only Jesus in us, and thus wish to follow Him. And I certainly like the part about preaching without words, but by our compassionate and caring example, the ‘sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the LOVE our hearts bear for Jesus!’ 

Yes friends, that’s the most important aspect of our discipleship; letting others see the LOVE of Christ showing out in us, shining out of us, through the caring deeds we do! There’s no stronger influence in discipleship than that my faithful brethren!  And that’s why Jesus said it so simply but powerfully and radically: ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour (flavour) wherewith (by what) shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men. 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle (lamp), and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick (lampstand); and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:13-16) 

Oh my fellow believers, salt of the earth and light of the world, are two of the most important aspects of walking with and living for Jesus! We must have integrity and compassion like Jesus did, and even more so, show it to the whole wide world, also like He did. Remember He is our great example, the one we ought to look to and try to copy, to emulate. As the Bible tells us: Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:2) 

And yes, it’s not easy to emulate Jesus, in fact we will never become as faithful and trustworthy as He was to his Father, because we don’t have the godly parts that He had, but we certainly do have enough of Him to give it a good and worthy try and to make a significant difference, a most positive one, in our world if we so desire. 

But I believe that’s where we most often falter, in the effort, the giving of ourselves, the sacrificial aspect of living for Jesus, because as our society has grown prosperous and laid back, we believers have also become fat and lazy, and are no longer willing to give up any of our good life to serve Jesus and the many others who still need serving and saving. 

And that’s why our world is becoming mucky, dark and distasteful; there’s not enough salt and light from Christ’s followers in it to make it tasty and bright! Satan’s negative influences are shrouding it over in darkness and evil, because we are not standing up strong and fighting him mano a mano, since we are either scared, terrified of our own shadow, or just selfish and couldn’t care less about what happens to our world and our fellow human beings. 

But friends, there are two things we should be very cognizant of, or keep uppermost in our minds. The first is that whatever happens down here on earth is liable to have some adverse effect on you too; like wars and all the hate that’s currently inflaming our universe, and being quickly spread by the demonic tool of social media. Yes, social media, although it has some good uses, it’s being used as a tool for the devil and his evil cronies way too much. So if you just sit around and do nothing to improve the state of our world, the negativity it now spurns will very likely come back and bite you, where and when you don’t want it to. 

And the next important thing for us to remember is the day of judgement, when we will ALL be called to stand before God and give an account of our lives. And when He asks why we didn’t do much more with what He had gifted us, what’s going to be our answer? We were afraid. That won’t hold any water, because He’s going to say that He gave us faith and strength enough to do our duty. And if we’re boldfaced enough to tell Him that we simply didn’t care. Then He’s going to shoot back that He cared enough to send His ONLY Son to die for ingrates like us, so we should have cared enough to make the effort to improve our world. 

Oh my fellow saints, please, let’s admit that there are no good reasons, excuses or lies for our not doing better with what God has given us. And let’s stop fooling ourselves that we will get away with our lack of effort and discipleship, because we certainly won’t. Now, for those of us sincerely trying to do our best, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, let’s get out there and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with all we meet, so that they too can come to know, serve and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…there’s absolutely no excuse for Christians…not to show their magnificent salt and light to the needy world… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   26 June 2023 Romans 10:17.

26 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Romans 10:17.       So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Come on friends, let’s do like the early bird that catches the worm, and get out into the turbulent and evil world and begin working for Christ right away. The sooner we get out there, the sooner we can start working for Him, and the better our results will be. Remember how Jesus felt as He went around the cities and villages teaching and healing and preaching the gospel of the kingdom? 

The Good Library tells us: ‘But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted (were weary), and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.’ (Matt. 9:36-38) And that’s also true of today’s harvest my fellow believers. 

Jesus reminds us to pray for labourers, His disciples to go into the world and help the many sick, lost, downtrodden and unfortunate out there to come to Him for refuge and salvation. Like back then, there are not enough people going out to do that, and consequently our world is going to hell in a handbasket. 

The scholars point us to the similarity in Numbers 27, where Moses was taken by the Lord into a mountain and showed the Promised Land, which he was not going to enter because of his earlier disobedience to God’s Word. ‘And Moses spake unto the Lord saying, Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.’ (Num. 27:15-17) That’s when Joshua was anointed to take Moses’ place. 

And sadly friends, just like then, our world today is teeming with sheep that have no shepherd, and there are comparatively few workers to go out and reap the big harvest that’s there for reaping. And I like how the scholars explain it. They say: ‘Verses 37 and 38 constitute one of the great missionary passages of the New Testament. Jesus pictures the world as a great spiritual harvest in need of labourers to gather it into the storehouse.’ 

And that’s how it truly is! Millions of people are suffering; living in sin and darkness, with little or no opportunity to see the light of Jesus. And that’s why some of Jesus last words or directions to the disciples was the Great Commission. He informed them: ‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20) And it’s a message that still resonates today!  

That brings up another instance when Jesus refers to the harvesting of souls and the lack thereof of harvesters. He was at the well of Jacob, outside the city of Sychar, talking to the Samaritan woman, and the disciples came from the village and offered Him food. ‘Jesus saith unto them, My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest. 

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap whereon you bestowed no labour (have not laboured): other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.’ (John 4:34-38) The scholars point out that Jesus might have been referring to the multitudes who came out of Sychar to see Him because of the Samaritan woman’s testimony. And a lot of people there needed saving too. 

That brings us to this last scripture passage, one of my favourites. Bruh Paul in writing to the Romans about Israel’s rejection of Christ states: ‘For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! …So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom. 10:12-15, 17) And the scholars tell us that our Bit means, ‘it is not faith in what is heard, but faith that comes about by what is heard.’ 

I also like how Bruh Paul lays it out so logically; you can’t believe unless you hear the word, and you can’t hear the word unless someone comes and tells you about it, and that someone has to be sent. And it’s surely a wonderful thing when we preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! So let’s try and contrate on doing that today nuh my fellow saints. It’s our job to reap the harvest, but sadly, it’s drying up in the field, spoiling for want of harvesters. 

Now let’s approach the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn and ask for help to fix our broken world. 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. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but 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. 

So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us 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!’ 

Now friends, let’s do our bounden duty, so God can do His nuh! Much LOVE!

…no harvest can be satisfactorily gathered…unless there are enough labourers to do the job… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   25 June 2023 John 15:5b.

25 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

John 15:5b.           …for without me ye can do nothing.

One more Sunday to gather to praise and worship our wonderful God, my fellow believers! Isn’t that just an awesome privilege and pleasure to be able to raise our voices high and glorify and exalt His Holy Name? It surely is! And today we’re going to open with an old favourite, ‘One More River To Cross.’  

Yes friends, today we going to belt out some soulful, down home Southern, hand clapping, bluesy gospel. So, without further ado let’s raise those sacrifices of praise, that sweet savour of praise, heavenward, in a rousing rendition of the song. First, we open with a spoken intro borrowed from the song ‘One More Mountain to Climb,’ which sounded very appropriate for our song too. (smile) 

It says: ‘(Hey Lord, my troubles never seem to end, Tell me, are you still my friend? I got such a heavy load. When will I reach that glory road?) Then we break in to the swinging Chorus: ‘One more river to cross, one more mountain to climb One more valley that I’ve gotta go thru then I’m leaving my troubles behind One more battle with the devil, then I know he’ll understand I’m going thru with Jesus, Hallelujah, Holding to His nail scarred hand, holding to His nail scarred hand.’ 

I’ve had a lot of troubles and trials, in my little life span When I’m standing alone, and the battle gets hard, I always do the best I can I’ve crossed a million valleys, and shed a million tears, But when I come to the River of Jordan, Hallelujah, then I’ll have no fear (repeat) (Chorus One more river to cross, one more mountain to climb One more valley that I’ve gotta go thru then I’m leaving my troubles behind One more battle with the devil, then I know he’ll understand I’m going thru with Jesus, Hallelujah, Holding to His nail scarred hand, holding to His nail scarred hand.) 

Yes, There’s been a lot of people talking ‘bout me since I’ve walked this narrow way But that’s just another little valley, I came thru it when I prayed, I’ve climbed a lot of high mountains and crossed a lot of little streams But when I see ol’ Jordan cold and dark, that’ll be the last for me (repeat)  (Chorus One more river to cross, one more mountain to climb One more valley that I’ve gotta go thru then I’m leaving my troubles behind One more battle with the devil, then I know he’ll understand I’m going thru with Jesus, Hallelujah, Holding to His nail scarred hand, holding to His nail scarred hand.) repeat.’ 

Oh friends, that’s the only wise and sensible way to go through this earthly life; holding on to the nail scarred hands of Christ! Without His assistance, we’d be lost before we even began. Remember His memorable words in John 15. ‘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 I like how Jesus never pulls any punches, always tells it straight out like it is. He says in no uncertain terms; ‘without me ye can do nothing.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people. Without Christ we can never cross those rivers, or climb those mountains or wander through the valleys of life. In fact, we’d never make it to ol’ Jordan and cross over to the Promised Land. But with Jesus’ nail scarred hands in ours. We are safe and secure, not frightened of the defeated devil, who now only has a big bark but no bite, since Christ defeated him in the battle for hell, death and the grave, and rose triumphantly on that Easter Morn, some two thousand years ago! 

And Bruh Paul corroborates Christ’s statement, as if it needed corroboration (smile) when he wrote to the church at Corinth: ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.’ (2 Cor. 3:5) But the thing about the devil is that he refuses to take no for an answer, he’s very stubborn and persevering, wish we could be that stubborn and persevering in our walk with Jesus. And he just keeps coming back, again and again, with every means of temptation known to him. 

And if we’re not careful, and holding tightly to Christ’s nail scarred hands, we’re very liable to fall for his lies and deceptions, because he can be very persuasive, has a nice turn of phrase, when he’s out to get you. Remember how the devil tempted Jesus three times when He fasted in the wilderness, and each time Jesus rebuked him by quoting the word. Then Luke tells us: ‘And when the devil had ended all the temptation (testing), he departed from him for a season (until another opportune time).’ (Luke 4:13) 

Now that’s the way the devil operates my brethren; he comes and tries to lead us into temptation, then, when we refute his lies and deceits, he goes away until another opportune time. That means as long as we are here on planet earth we will be tempted. So we always have to be on our p’s and q’s for it’s when we’re not paying close attention that he strikes.  

And thus, the wisdom of James’ words. ‘Submit yourselves therefor to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye doubleminded.’ (James 4:7-8) Wiser words were never spoken my fellow saints! The only way to resist the devil is by submitting ourselves to God, by being close to Him, so the devil cannot get between us. 

And there’s no better scripture to end on this Sunday morning than this one from the Old Testament; God’s message to King Asa. ‘And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. And he went out to meet (before) Asa, and said unto him, hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.’ (2 Chr. 15:1-2) 

There you have it friends, God’s infallible word from way back when. And nothing has happened to make that change. In fact, it’s grown even stronger and more important with the coming of Jesus. So please let’s get wise, turn seriously and sincerely to Jesus, and hold on tightly to His nail scarred hands, if we want to get to ol’ Jordan and shout Hallelujah, as we cross into the Promised Land! Much LOVE!

…only in the safe and secure company of Jesus…can we resist the devil…long enough to reach ol’ Jordan… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ       

Today’s Scrip-Bit   24 June 2023 Psalm 69:32b.

24 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 69:32b.     …and your heart shall live that seek God.

And after a somewhat drizzly Friday evening, we’ve ended up with a cloudy lazy-day Saturday. But nothing’s wrong with that, because it’s the kind of weather that induces laziness. (smile) Sadly though, I’ve used up my share of laziness, so let’s get to the Father’s business and begin with our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer. 

As one lazy, but sincere voice:  ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

Oh friends, how I do LOVE that prayer! LOVE the eloquence within its simplicity! It doesn’t get hifalutin, but it does say a lot, and a lot of the right things in ordinary everyday language. And that’s how we truly ought to pray; with simple words that come from the very depths of our hearts, for that’s the kind of communication I believe our God favours. And in my search for today’s topic, the Good Library just opened unto the book of Psalms, Psalm 69 in particular, Bruh David’s cry to his God for help. 

And the scholars have a most interesting explanation on it. They say, ‘This psalm gives extensive expression to one of the major themes of the psalms: undeserved suffering. In this case, the suffering has come largely from the psalmist’s steadfastness in his commitment to the Lord. Because of this popular and needed motif, the psalm became a favourite of the New Testament writers who quote it frequently: verse 4 (John 15:25), verse 9 (John 2:17; Rom. 15:3), verses 22-23 (Rom. 11:9-10), verse 25 Acts 1:20).’ 

Wow! It must have been a real popular psalm to be found so often in the New Testament writings. And I’ll suggest you check out those references yourselves, I just did, and they are interesting, showing just how important the Old Testament was to the New Testament. And the scholars continue their explanation thus: ‘The content of the psalm may best be viewed topically. It contains David’s lament (vs. 1-4, 10-12, 19-21), his protestation of innocence (vs, 5-9), his petition (vs. 13-18, 22-29), and his vow of thanksgiving to be offered upon deliverance (vs. 30-36).’ 

And now that we have some idea of what the psalm is about, let’s check out some of Bruh David’s actual words. (smile) And he opens the psalm thus: ‘Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul (neck). I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away (did not steal).’ (Ps. 69:1-4) 

Now that seems like a lament many of us today can make, but whether it’s through our steadfastness to God or because of our own unfaithfulness, that’s another question. Many of us though are in the mire of evil and darkness that’s clouding our world so deep, right up to our very necks, a moment away from drowning, that the only person who can truly help us is Almighty God. But for whatever reason(s), we stubbornly refuse to cry out to Him for help. Why? I don’t really know. But these words of Bruh David ought to wake us up to the reality of the situation. ‘O God, thou knowest my foolishness, and my sins are not hid from thee.’ (Ps. 69:5) 

And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Then why are we still so reluctant to cry out to our heavenly Father for help, when He is the ONLY ONE who has the power, grace and mercy to raise up out of the mire in which we’ve unfortunately found ourselves? It amazes and mystifies me when we refuse to ask for help when our own efforts are insufficient to get us out of our problems. There’s no help to be had from the evil one because his objective is for us to sink deeper and deeper into the morass of sin and darkness. 

So who are we going to cry out to for help eh? ‘Ghostbusters’, as the popular song of yesteryear says. (smile) Definitely not! But to Jehovah God, our Creator and Controller, our Provider and Source of Refuge! That’s whom! But we first have to swallow our foolish pride and realize that without Jesus Christ, we’re at Satan’s mercy, and that’s not a very good place to be. And these words of Bruh David when he petitions the Lord to draw nigh and redeem his soul, ought to be helpful in our predicament. 

‘But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters….Hear me, O Lord; for thy LOVING-kindness is good: turn unto me according to thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily (quickly). Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.’ (Ps. 69:13-14, 16-18) 

Oh friends, those are words that ought to resonate powerfully within our souls and bodies in these difficult and dangerous times! And we’ll bypass Bruh David’s petition for the fate of his enemies, and go straight to his promise of thanksgiving and praise. 

‘But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed (descendants) also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that LOVE his name shall dwell therein.’ (Ps. 69:29-36) 

And there we go from lamentation to triumph, when we call upon the Lord our God! And possibly the most important phrase in that whole psalm are these few words of our Bit: ‘…and your heart shall live that seek God.’ Please friends, let’s not forget them, let’s write them indelibly in our hearts, minds, souls and bodies, as they are the very reason for our living, for our earthly existence! Much LOVE!

…only by seeking God…can our souls be saved… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ      

Today’s Scrip-Bit   23 June 2023 Luke 9:23.

23 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 9:23.      If any man will come after me (desires to follow me), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

And our beloved day of Friday has been greeted all over the globe with glorious shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ But I’m wondering, are we truly thankful to Almighty God for the day, or are we just mouthing something that shows up the selfish lusts of our flesh. I tend to believe it’s the latter, since we are only enamoured of Friday because it means that our work week is almost over. We obviously don’t say ‘Thank God it’s Monday!’ because Monday is the beginning of the bane of our existence; work. (smile) 

Ah friends, because of all the amenities that our advanced society has provided us, we have lost the wonderful elements of belly and backbone that our forefathers had so much of, and needed it to survive each and every day of their lives. Nowadays we’ve become so soft and mamby pamby that we complain about every little difficulty that comes our way. Life has become too easy for us, and that ease has made us frail, fragile, whiny and ever complaining. beings. We give up on a problem way too easily. Remember the parable Jesus spoke unto His listeners, that men ought always to pray and not to faint or lose heart. (Luke 18:1) 

But who’s listening to Jesus these days eh? Not too many of us, because His way entails walking on the straight and narrow path, but we, with our sinful flesh, like the broad and winding road that leads to destruction. No wonder so many of us shy away from being true disciples of Christ in these supposed modern times, we just can’t handle the level of difficulty, and self-sacrifice it might entail. For as Jesus said: ‘If any man will come after me (desires to follow me), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) 

And in real life, those few words say quite a lot my people! It’s a big undertaking and we should not determine to follow it until and unless we see exactly what it entails. And as one commentator says: ‘To be a disciple of Jesus, He advises us to sit down and calculate the cost to see if we want to truly follow him. Jesus cannot simply be our Savior. He must also be the Lord of our lives. We must devote ourselves to him fully.’ And isn’t that the gospel truth. 

So, the initial stage is to weigh the pros and cons of following Jesus and see if we have the necessary parts to do so. As Jesus says: ‘For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?’ (Luke 14:28) Therefore, we must first do our due diligence. Then, after weighing all the pros and cons, we must make a sure decision to follow Christ. And the first thing that entails is denying oneself. We have to stop focusing on ourselves and focus on God and what He desires of us. 

For ‘Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self-ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing.’ And Bruh Paul tells us in Romans: ‘For they that are after the flesh do mind (set their minds on) the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God.’ (Rom. 8:5-8) 

That means if we keep on being selfish and think about the things of the flesh that our carnal mind obviously likes, we cannot serve Christ. And so doing, we die daily to ourselves. Which, as John wrote in his first epistle involves having the LOVE of Christ in us. ‘Hereby perceive we the LOVE of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good (goods), and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion (heart) from him, how dwelleth the LOVE of God in him?’ (1 John 3:16-17) 

So we need to show the LOVE of Christ by daily sacrificing where necessary, offering ourselves on our own cross, like Jesus did, for ‘the cross is an agent of death.’ Then it’s absolutely necessary that we follow Jesus, which means let him direct our lives, show us where He wants us to go and what He needs us to do on His behalf. What did He say when He called the first disciples: ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ (Matt. 4:19) That means to do as He says and as He does, to follow in His footsteps. 

As this commentary tells us: ‘Discipleship is a personal, passionate devotion to a person, not to principles or doctrines or cause. It’s a devotion to Christ first, then devotion to His teaching because of an existing personal passionate devotion to the person of Christ. Surrender and dependence on Christ.’ Yes, it’s all about Christ my people! That’s why Jesus said to those who believed in Him. ‘If you continue (abide) in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ (John 8:31-32) 

It’s only when we truly abide in, live by His word are we truly His disciples. As He said again: ‘This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you. Greater LOVE, hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatever I command you.’ (John15:12-14) That means simply doing whatever He commands us to do, which encompasses an overwhelming devotion to Him that shows up in these statements. 

‘If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren (brothers), and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.’ (Luke 14:26-27) Now obviously that doesn’t mean truly hating our family and ourselves, but simply willing to forsake them for His cause. No, following Christ is not easy, but as I keep saying, if you’re sincere, He will help you through the difficult times, and your life will be mucho interesting and adventurous, and worth every bit of the sacrifice. 

And I Hope that gives us a li’l background on what true discipleship in Christ’s ministry entails.(smile) Now let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine help to handle our many earthly problems. As one voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so 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 the simmering unrest in our land. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. 

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

And if we expect to receive divine help, then we’ve got to clean up our act, starting…RIGHT NOW! Much LOVE!

…to be a true disciple of Jesus…takes a lot of belly and backbone… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ         

Today’s Scrip-Bit   22 June 2023 Isaiah 44:18.

22 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 44:18.       They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.

And so, we’ve come to Thursday, somewhat cloudy, but another milestone day in our work week, because it’s the day before our beloved Friday! But have you ever noticed that every day of the week is a milestone day? Yes. Monday is the hard day when we go back to work. Tuesday lets us know that we’ve successfully gotten through the Monday that we dreaded. 

Wednesday is the day we catch our second wind. Thursday lets us know that Friday is near. And blessed Friday, the one we all pray to reach, means that the work week is ending. Meanwhile Saturday is our lazy day, and Sunday the day we gather in fellowship to praise our wonderful God! Wow! Every day serves some purpose, though they might be somewhat simple-minded. (smile) 

So what shall we talk about on a serious note today eh? I don’t have a clue. But the best way to find something is to open the Good Library and see where it leads us. So, here goes! 

And lo, and behold, the good Library opened unto the 44th chapter of the Book of Isaiah. And I was pointed to these verses on the foolishness of worshipping idols. Please read with me. ‘They that make a graven image are all of them vanity (useless); and their delectable (precious) things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not; nor know; that they may be ashamed. Who hath formed a god, or molten (moulded) a graven image that is profitable for nothing?’ (Is. 44:9-10) 

And those are very good questions my faithful brethren. Who can form a god or molten image that is profitable eh? Nobody, because those things have no value, are utterly worthless. They are made by man, for man, so how can they be gods? Then Isaiah lays into the people, the workmen who make those graven images, the smith and the carpenter. 

And the scholars give us a good explanation of the scriptures. ‘44:9-20. This expose of idolatry is the most taunting in all of the Bible. The prophet Isaiah, serving as the spokesman of Yahweh, reveals the utter foolishness of polytheistic pagan idolatry (worshipping more than one god). The graven image (carved idol) is called vanity (nothing). Delectable things refers to the adornment of idols with gold, silver, and precious stones. 

The prophet announces that the idols themselves are their own witnesses. They see not, nor know. Therefore these inanimate objects are profitable for nothing. Isaiah then berates the workmen  (artisans) for designing and constructing their idols in the figure of a man. He exposes the basic fallacy of idolatry, a god made in the image of a man. Thus the prophet’s criticism of one who would worship an idol carved from the same tree that he would use for firewood is that he feedeth on ashes.’  

Oh yes my people, Isaiah does a good job on those workmen. From verse 13-17, he ridicules them about cutting down a tree, using it to make a god-like image of man, then from the same tree, he burns some to keep himself warm, then uses some to bake bread. ‘And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto (before) it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, deliver me; for thou art my god.’ (Is. 44:17) 

Wow! How wise is that eh? The same stuff you use to warm yourself, cook with, you also bow down to! That’s why Isaiah then spoke of a deceived heart. ‘They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part (half) of it in the fire; yea, also I have beaked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?’ (Is. 44:18-20) 

Ah friends, unfortunately that same misfortune has befallen many of us in this supposed enlightened day and age. Many of us have had our hearts deceived by the lying, untrustworthy enemy into turning away from God, our Creator and Provider. We have been so bamboozled that we can’t realize we’re believing a lie, when we say, there is no God. And that’s why our society is steadily falling into the mire of darkness and destruction. We are imploding, destroying ourselves from within. 

The Lord doesn’t need to destroy us for our wicked and ungodly behaviour, we are doing it ourselves. He just has to sit back and watch us foolishly destroy the wonderful planet and all therein that He made and gave to us. Things have gotten so bad that instead of destroying us for our wickedness, the Lord will have to save us again from ourselves, for with each passing day we draw nearer to a nuclear holocaust, with the increase in the manufacture and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the unbridled hate and resentment overflowing in our world. Let’s hope and pray that the Lord intervenes before it’s too late. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Thursday Blessings, generously bestowed on us, so that we can do our part in avoiding the holocaust. Altogether now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

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

Now friends, it’s our bounden duty to take those blessings and go out and use them just as generously with those we meet, so that they can wake up from the enemy induced stupor, come to Christ and stop worshipping Satan and/or foolish man-made idols. Much LOVE!

…how can a man worship the image of a man…when that same man…in the twinkling of an eye… returns to the dust from whence he came… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   21 June 2023 Psalm 65:12b.

21 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 65:12b.       …and the little hills rejoice on every side.

Awright mih people, it’s Wednesday, the day we catch our second wind, and this 21 day of June is also the first day of summer! And it’s turned out to be a warm and sunshiny day with only a few clouds hovering overhead to try and intimidate us, as the enemy is constantly doing. But he just can’t accept the fact that he cannot intimidate true believers in Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. 

And what gets me about Satan is that he knows Jesus’ power, because he was created by Him, and then defeated by Him in the fight for control of heaven, then again in the tussle over hell, death and the grave, but like a young petulant child, still tries to get his way, when his or her parents are adamantly opposed to it. 

But enough about Satan, let’s turn to our wonderful God, who LOVES us so many that He even sent His One Son, Jesus Christ to die for us so that we could be reconciled back to Him. And we’ll do that by saying this prayer in June’s In Touch Devotional that’s based on Psalm 65. 

Please pray with me: ‘Lord, I know You are good, yet some days I doubt Your provision. Today, let me join my prayer with the psalmist’s and say, You make the sunrise and sunset shout for joy – please fill me with Your unchanging light. You settle the earth’s ridges – likewise, settle me with Your perfect peace. You soften the earth with showers – please soften my heart to receive your truth. You have crowned the year with goodness – help me dwell in the abundance of Your LOVE. Amen.’ 

Oh friends, isn’t that a wonderful prayer? It certainly is! And I like how it asks for the basics, the fundamentals of God’s nature; His light, peace, truth and LOVE! With those things flowing through us, we certainly don’t need anything else to live the abundant life that Christ died for us to have! Glory Be! And it’s only right that we should peruse the words of Bruh David from Psalm 65, verses 8-11, that that prayer was based on. 

But before we get into it, here is some info from the scholars re the purpose of the psalm. ‘The psalm has a simple purpose: to express thanksgiving for rain and harvest, an appropriate subject in an agrarian economy. It is addressed to God in its entirety and presents Him as the God who forgives (vs. 1-4), the God who intervenes in history (vs. 5-8) and the God who provides (vs. 9-13)’ Now that gives us some idea of what the psalm is about, so let’s read verses 8 -11. 

Bruh David wrote: ‘They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens (signs): thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice (shout for joy). Thou visitest (gives attention to) the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn (grain), when thou hast so provided for it. 

Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing (growth) thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop down fatness (abundance). They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn (grain); they shout for joy, they also sing.’  (Ps. 65:8-13) 

Wow! What a wonderful and mighty God we serve my brethren! Yuh see how He prepares the earth for seed time and harvest, all out of His abundant majesty! And I couldn’t leave out those last two verses, because they too say a lot. (smile) I particularly like how Bruh David says: ‘the little hills rejoice on every side…and both the flock clothed pastures and corn filled valleys shout for joy and sing.’ You couldn’t find better imagery than that. And it’s what we should also be doing as we enjoy His new compassions and mercies every day. 

And it’s all reminiscent of these two passages from Isaiah. The first one where he’s reminding Israel that the Lord has redeemed them, blotted out their transgressions and would return them to their land which would flourish, therefore they ought to repent and return to Him with joy and gladness. It says: ‘Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.’ (Is. 44:23) 

Yes friends, even the very land will rejoice and shout for joy when the Lord renews it with His abundant grace and mercy. And the second verse is like unto the first (smile). It comes from that magnificent chapter 55, which opens with God inviting all who hunger and thirst to come to Him and eat and drink, buy stuff without money, instead of wasting our money on stuff that doesn’t satisfy. 

In that chapter, God also promises an everlasting covenant with the Gentiles, like the one He’s established with Israel, and abundantly pardons those who sincerely seek His face, and where He lets us know that His thoughts and ways are greater than ours, and His word would not return void but do whatever it was sent out to do. 

And as a glorious end to the chapter, he says: ‘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 (plants with prickly and thorny stems) 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. 55:12-13) 

Oh my people what an important chapter that is, chocked full of all sorts of good things, especially God’s promise of salvation to ALL mankind, and the promise that His word would do exactly what He sends it out to do. We can’t ask for more than that, because it encompasses everything in a nutshell. (smile) 

The kicker in it all though is for us to do our part, because in a covenant relationship both sides have duties and responsibilities to perform, and God has certainly done His part, but unfortunately we haven’t done ours to any worthwhile extent, that’s why we’re still suffering the indignities imposed on us by the enemy. And the ONLY WAY that will ever change is if we repent and return to God, sincerely seek His face and change our evil ways. 

It’s as simple as that my fellow believers. And we all know that, but we’re just so stubborn, arrogant and prideful that we refuse to capitulate to Almighty God, our Creator, Controller and the most powerful Being in the universe! How foolish is that eh? But just remember that there are consequences to every action, for every action, there’s a reaction. And that’s a word to the wise. As Jesus says; ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’ (Matt. 11:15) 

Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to keep the faith, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous 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 let’s remember that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…if we’re in tune with Jesus…then we should be joyful and singing His praises… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ       

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