Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 February 2024 Psalm 121:2.

09 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 121:2.       My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

And as the glorious sunshine floods the land, the shouts of joy rise up to heaven! ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ Yes friends, the weekend is here at long last. And there’s not only beautiful sunshine to enjoy it with, but also spring-like temperatures. Yes, temps in double-digits. Imagine that nuh. Having springlike temps and it’s not even the middle of February! Wow! Strange things do happen in this life oui!  And believe me, we’re not complaining. I guess you’ll see people out and about without winter coats and such like because of the fairly warm temperatures, but we have to be very careful, for it’s in this kind of weather that we tend to get sick, believing it’s so warm and not dressing properly, then getting caught in a sudden cold front. So please don’t be fooled by the non-winter temp and dress appropriately. Sermon done! (smile) 

And on this glorious spring-like Friday my people, we’ll look at the very popular and very relevant Psalm 121, titled ‘God Neither Slumbers Nor Sleeps.’ It’s one of those Songs of Degrees or Accents that the pilgrims sang on their way up to Jerusalem to participate in the big feasts. And the psalm begins in a very interesting manner. So please read with me: ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (mountains), from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.’ (Ps. 121:1-2) 

Now isn’t that interesting? It certainly is! The psalmist declares (yesss!!!) that he will lift up his eyes to the mountains, while wandering where his help is going to come from. The last part of that first verse should probably be in question form, and that’s why so many of us believe that the writer is looking to the hills and mountains for his divine help. But not so. He sees them more as harmful or threatening. And in the second verse he answers that question very clearly. ‘My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.’ (Ps. 121:2) And that’s exactly what we believers ought to believe and expect; that the Lord God Jehovah was, is and will always be our help, both in the good and the bad times! 

Then he goes on to tell us all about how God will look after us. ‘He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper (protector): the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve (keep) thee from all evil. He shall preserve (keep) thy soul. The Lord shall preserve (keep) thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and ever for evermore.’ (Ps. 121:3-8) Ah my fellow believers, that’s the promise of our great God! And if by chance we don’t believe it, then let’s bring up some other scriptures that assure us of God’s help in our lives, if we put our sincere trust in Him. 

Listen to how Cousin Sol puts it in Proverbs, when he asserts that the wisdom of God, His knowledge and understanding are oh so precious. ‘My son, let them not (knowledge and understanding) depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace (favour) to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (caught).’ (Prov. 3:21-26) There you have it again, my fellow saints; the confidence that the Lord our God will keep us safe if we worship and obey Him. 

Now hear Bruh David in this contemplation, Psalm 16, titled ‘God Preserves His People.’ He writes with the utmost confidence: ‘The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest (uphold) my lot. The lines (my circumstances) are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage (inheritance). I will bless the Lord , who hath given me council: my reins (heart) also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh shall also rest (dwell securely) in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (the abode of the dead); neither wilt thou suffer (allow) thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’ (Ps. 16:5-11) 

Oh my people, what wonderful words of confident assurance of God’s goodness and mercy to those who sincerely believe in and trust Him! Yes, and as the scholars remind us: ‘David’s confidence in his ultimate destiny is valid for him (and for all believers) only because Christ has travelled down that path and paved the way for all who believe in Him.’ Glory Hallelujah! And you can check the reference in Acts 2:25-28, where Peter, in his big Pentecost sermon, quotes the words of Bruh David from Ps. 16:8-11. 

Now, let’s go to the throne of grace with confident humility, asking for divine help in these times of worldwide distress and anxiety. Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…   because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for 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. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. 

And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. 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. 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 friends, if we really desire divine help, then it’s time to show our trusting faith and be good Christian examples, so that others can see what we have and want it too. Much LOVE!

…if you truly believe…then there’s no need to worry…

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   8 February 2024 Ecclesiastes 4:9.

08 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Ecclesiastes 4:9.       Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

It’s a rather foggy Thursday morning in my part of town, and I’m ever so glad that I don’t have to go out on the crowed, foggy streets today. I’ve been out everyday so far this week, for one reason or another, and thus couldn’t get to do much of anything in my own domain. (smile) But the rest of the week is mine, to do whatever my heart so desires. Hopefully some music and some writing, desires of my heart that I’ve not paid much attention to in the last few months. But when you’ve been sick and busy and lazy, (smile) those things which require a lot of quiet, focused time, are always placed on the back burner, for when we have more time. 

But the fact of the matter is, we will never have more time until and unless WE make more time. It’s the same silly excuse so many of us give for not spending quiet, intimate time with our heavenly Father; we’re just too busy! But what happens if and when we call on Him and He’s too busy to attend to our needs eh? Then we lambaste and blaspheme Him, with all kinds of unprintable accusations. But, please remember it takes two to tango, two hands so they could wash each other. That means we need the Lord very badly in this evil world, for He is the END ALL and BE ALL of our very existence, and therefore we MUST make time to commune with Him on a regular basis. 

That recalls these  wise words of Cousin Sol in Ecclesiastes, where he convinces us that being alone is unfruitful, for there is strength in company. He writes: ‘Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow (companion): but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.’  (Eccl. 4:9-12) 

Yes friends, that’s all so true! Yuh think the Lord didn’t know what He was doing when He endorsed marriage? No! He knew exactly why He said: ‘Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave (be joined) unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.’ (Gen. 2:24) Now that’s exactly why we also need to have the Lord in our corner through constant communion with Him; we cannot do much without Him. As Jesus so rightly says: ‘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 15:5) It couldn’t be put any clearer than that my fellow believers. 

But getting back to the subject that two are better than one, I like how this commentary explains it. ‘Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells God’s people that the Lord has a “labour” for us to do (or a race for us to run), and it is better done together rather than alone. God designed us to thrive in healthy community. This community is intended to strive toward a common goal–to glorify Him.’ And we all know that our main purpose on this earth is to glorify God. God said through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.’ (Is. 43:7) 

And Bruh Paul wrote thus to the church at Corinth: ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’ (1 Cor. 10:31) And God not only made us for His personal glory, but He also bought us back from the master of sin, with the precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Bruh Paul made it quite clear: ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.’ (1 Cor. 6:19-20) 

Oh friends, we owe EVERYTHING to our great God! First creation with His breath of life, then salvation through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. So please, let’s be wise and honour and glorify Him while that breath of life is still flowing through our bodies nuh. And please accept my humble apology, I didn’t mean to stray from the topic of two being better than one, but that’s what happens when you get excited by the scriptures. (smile) Then there’s this also most important scripture on the subject. Wise words again from Cousin Sol, but this time from Proverbs. ‘Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.’ (Prov. 27:17) 

Gospel truth that my brethren! The scholars explain it thus. ‘As the proper tool shapes and sharpens iron for its desired use, so a man sharpens his friend morally and intellectually by their personal friendship.’ That’s why we’re told to be careful whom we have as friends, make sure to befriend those who would lift us up, not drag us  down. And this commentary adds: ‘Iron sharpeneth iron: A sword or knife made of iron is sharpened by it; so butchers sharpen their knives; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend; by conversation with him; thus learned men sharpen one another’s minds, and excite each other to learned studies; Christians sharpen one another’s graces, or stir up each other to the exercise of them, and the gifts which are bestowed on them, and to LOVE and to good works.’ 

Now that’s how we ought to be interacting with each other! And we all know it, but for whatever reason aren’t doing it. But that’s enough for today. Let’s go home now declaring (chuhhh!!!) our Thursday Blessings, activating those undeserved blessings the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. As one 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!’ 

And having activated those blessings, it’s time to go out and use them in the support of others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us. Much LOVE!

… a man without a friend…is like one lost in the vastness of the desert without a drop of water……

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   7 February 2024 Psalm 46:10a.

07 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 46:10a.       Be still and know that I am God:

A blessed Wednesday my people, as we rise and greet this new day, and assert with faith and thanksgiving: ‘This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) And if we’re wise, we’ll do just that because it’s our heritage, our gift of God. I like how Cousin Sol says it in Ecclesiastes. ‘There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour (his soul should enjoy good). This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.’ (Eccl. 2:24) 

And the scholars explain: ‘When a man toils in his own strength, he is bound to suffer pain and grief. The answer then is to enjoy his work by receiving it as a gift from God.’ And isn’t that the awesome truth! When we look at what we have and do as gifts from God, a sense of peace and rightness comes over us and we labour in a much more joyful spirit than otherwise. So, on this middle day of our workweek, when we catch our second wind, please, let’s listen to the voice of the Spirit of our great God, and allow Him to bring us that joy of the Lord that’s our strength, that we might do His work with sincerity and truth, and be good examples of salt and light in this dark and evil world. 

And I believe that this piece from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin will help us do just that. It’s titled ‘A Listening Heart,’ and I’m sure that I’ve shared it already, but it’s good enough to share again. (smile) So please read with me: ‘I remember vividly the lesson I learned from my husband one day as he came home from his office weary and depleted. It had been a difficult day. He needed to talk. My day had been difficult too. Countless interruptions, phone calls, guests coming for brunch the next day. I wanted to listen, so I suggested that he follow me from room to room while I dusted furniture. 

We tried it. while I dusted the piano, he talked. When I cleaned the clanging piano keys he continued, but with a trace of impatience. Next the stereo, then the tables. When I moved, he moved. Suddenly he grabbed my shoulders. ‘Please listen to me!’ Frankly I was shocked. “Honey, I heard every word you said.’ ‘I mean listen with your heart!’ I dropped the dust cloth. We sat down, and I gave my full attention. No body signals, no folded arms, no finger tapping. I was again aware of the tremendous responsibilities my husband carried. He needed my understanding. He thanked me profusely for listening. 

That night I remembered how often God had said to the children of Israel. ‘If my people would only listen.’ I thought of God’s yearning for an intimate relationship with us. He waits for our response to his still small voice. He longs for our listening hearts, How we must grieve him when we don’t listen.’ And is that ever the gospel truth my fellow believers! It certainly grieves the heart of our wonderful and ever-LOVING God when we don’t listen to Him, because He knows that the good He has in store for us will bypass us, and we’ll suffer the pangs of this world unnecessarily. 

Now, here are a few scriptures that prove the point. The Bible tells us of the Lord’s warning to the Israelites: ‘And Moses went up unto God and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare (sustained) you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar (special) treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.’ (Ex. 19:3-6) 

What a blessed message friends! Straight from the mouth of the Lord their supposed God! But did they listen and obey His voice? No! And you’re asking why the Israelites didn’t listen to God? This commentary gives us some idea of the basic reason. ‘Why did the Israelites continue to disobey God, even when they always would be punished for their actions? Disobedience comes from lack of faith and lack of faithfulness. Their mentality was often that of a weak God, a God who couldn’t do much for them or who they didn’t want to serve.’ 

And, unfortunately that is the basic reason why so many of us today still refuse to listen to the voice of God; our faith is small, and we don’t consider God to be the true omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present Deity that He is. And we refuse to serve Him too because we like the evil lusts and pleasures of the world rather than the things of God. Then there’s this marvellous invitation from God to the Israelites again, this time through the prophet Isaiah. 

‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me (listen closely), and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness (abundance). Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.’ (Is. 55:1-3) 

Yes friends, another instance where the Lord invited the Israelites to listen to Him, and they again refused. And He also pleads with us in the New Testament. That day on the Mount of Transfiguration, where ‘Jesus’ face did shine as the sun and His raiment (clothes) was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them (Peter, James, John) Moses and Elias (Elijah) talking with him (Jesus). Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias (Elijah). While yet he spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye (listen) to him.’  (Matt. 17:2-5) 

But yet we still don’t listen, because we find the discipleship of Jesus, the narrow path, is too onerous, compared to the wide open, but very destructive path of the world. But please my faithful brethren, it’s to our benefit to listen. And as the psalmists, the Sons of Korah so wisely advised in the Bible Promise for our reading: ‘Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in all the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’ (Ps. 46:10-11) Please, let’s remember that and listen to the still small voice of God speaking to us through His messenger, the Holy Spirit. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. Altogether: ‘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 if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, see you there! Much LOVE!

…to spend eternity in heaven rather than hell…one must listen and obey…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 February 2024 Psalm 150:6.

06 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 150:6.       Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

And there’s an awesome outpouring of bright sunshine in my area, this first Tuesday in February! Exactly like it ended up being yesterday! And who says that light isn’t greater than darkness eh? That the sun won’t find a way to dissipate the dark clouds? No way Jose! Not if Jesus has anything to say about it. And He does have something to say about it. In fact He has something to say about EVERYTHING, for the universe belongs to Him, and He rules it as he sees fit! Glory to God, our Creator and Controller; our Saviour and our Heavenly Father!  Give Him some thanks and praise my fellow believers, for all the wonderful things He’s done, is doing, and has promised to do for us underserving children of men! 

And all God’s children offered up this loud and grateful thanks: ‘Praise ye the Lord, (shout Hallelujah!) Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power (His mighty expanse of power). Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet (cornet): praise him with the psaltery (lute or lyre) and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah to the glory of His holy and precious name!)’ (Ps. 150. 1-6) 

Oh friends, if you didn’t realize it, we were just praying, giving praise to our great God from Psalm 150, the last one in the Psalter, that advises us to praise God for His mighty acts. And as you can see the last verse so rightly and wisely admonishes: ‘Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.’ (Ps. 150:6) That means all of God’s creatures, creations, whatever you choose to call them, ought to give much praise and thanks to their most wonderful Creator. Unfortunately though, that’s a command that too many of us either disobey completely or do in a half-hearted manner, with little, if any sincerity. 

But, on the other hand, when we cry out to God for help, we expect Him to rush to our rescue, although when life’s good with us, we don’t have any time for Him, don’t even remember that He exists. However friends, let’s get one thing straight; God isn’t there for our selfish and personal benefit, neither is He a doting grandfather who will succumb to our every selfish desire. No! He’s the Creator of the universe and all therein! That means we are His to do with as He pleases. We are the ones to be doing His will, rather than He doing ours. So, in blatant layman’s terms; the Lord is the Boss and we are the workers, and if we don’t do what He says, there will be serious consequences to our disobedience and rebellion. 

And we all talk a big talk, but like the whiney ingrates that we really are, when those consequences arise, we’re quick to hold our heads and bawl, forgetting the pride and arrogance we displayed when the Lord tried to direct our steps in a godly manner. And we’re quick to beg for forgiveness and make all sorts of promises that we don’t intend to keep, but in the heat of the moment all sorts of stuff quickly flows from our vile and evil hearts through our lying lips, and we unwisely tell the Lord that we’ll pull up our bootstraps if He helps us. 

But please note these words of wisdom from Cousin Sol as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes. ‘When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer (delay) not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.’ (Eccl. 5:4-5) Yes friends, let’s not go about making hasty and rash promises to God nor man, for there are always consequences, sometimes dire ones, to unkept promises. 

And sadly, in these evil  and ungodly times, unkept promises litter our world like never before. It seems the adage of ‘promises are made to be broken,’ has taken on a whole new meaning in these last days. We all desire that others keep their promises to us, but cannot stand the sacrifice needed to keep ours to others. What a selfish and unchristian-like thing to do. Remember what Christ said in the Sermon on the Mount: ‘Judge (condemn) not, that ye might not be judged (condemned). For with what judgement (condemnation) ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete (use) it shall be measured to you again.’ (Matt. 7:1-2) 

Now all that means basically is what you sow you’ll reap. Whatever you say or do to or about someone else, the same will come back to you. And as Uncle Charles (Dr. Charles Stanley) would say: ‘You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people! Whatever you do, either for good or bad, like a boomerang, tends to accumulate back to you, sooner or later. Thus the wisdom in closely watching what we say and do. 

As Jesus simply puts it: ‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.’ (Matt. 7:12) In other words, my fellow saints, our Lord and Saviour, our Leader, is simply telling us to follow the Golden Rule:  ‘Do unto others as you would have them do to you.’ And there’s no better way to live, even if you’re not a believer in Christ Jesus. But if you are, then that’s the ONLY way to live! End of Sermon! (smile) 

Now let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one 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!’ 

And, having made that serious proclamation, it’s our duty now to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with all we meet, so that they too can come to know and LOVE him like we do! Much LOVE!

…praise God without ceasing…for that is the wise and comely thing to do…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 February 2024 John 3:16.

05 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 3:16.       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.

Welcome to Monday friends… and sadly, we don’t have the beautiful sunshine like we had yesterday to open this new work week, but there’s a shadow of sunshine under the cloudiness. (smile)  And just for your information, all the groundhog prognosticators, I believe it’s four of them, three in Canada and one in the U.S. came out of their lairs this past week to check on the status of our upcoming weather forecast. Now, the good news is that none of them saw their shadows, so the consensus is an early spring, and not another six weeks of winter, if they had seen their shadows. 

What beautiful weather forecasting. Can you imagine it? In these ultra scientific times, such simple-minded folklore is still such a big deal. But I guess it’s okay to get back to some of our old ways, remember the simpler times when nature played a much bigger part in our lives, before the world was overwhelmed with scientific knowledge and logic. But yuh know what friends, there is some natural, or rather supernatural knowledge that the scientific community cannot disprove with their supercomputers and whatever instruments they use to measure their data. 

That is that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour! That He came into the world from heaven above to sacrifice His sinless life, taking the sins of sinful man on His worthy shoulders, so that sinful man could be reconciled back to God, be saved through God’s grace and have the option of spending eternity with Him! Now let me see the scientists disprove that nuh! And the smart ones know that it is quite okay and wise to be a scientist and a Christian, for one does not negate the other. 

Yes, it’s been proven that a man named Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem in Judea some two thousand years ago, was crucified on a Roman cross to save us from Satan and his evil lies and wiles. And He proclaimed to all and sundry, these marvellous words of encouragement and life. ‘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) Now that’s possibly the most important words ever spoken on this planet earth! Words for all mankind to live by! 

But foolishly, a majority of us are not living by them, but by the deceits, the treacherous plans that Satan has rolled out in this evil world. Remember what James, Jesus’ brother said in his epistle. ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be (wants to be) a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God.’ (James 4:4) That says it all friends: you cannot be a friend of God and a friend of Satan. Or as Jesus so wisely said: ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon (material wealth.)’ (Matt. 6:24) 

And we all know that we cannot sincerely and loyally serve two masters at the same time, so I don’t know why so many of us are trying to serve God and Satan too, trying to straddle the fence, having one foot in hell and one in heaven, hoping to enjoy the benefits of both camps at the same time. But that’s not going to work my fellow believers. You are either wholly in one camp or the other. This jumping back and forth is useless and will only get you more confused and in more trouble than you’re in already. 

The wise money is on Jesus all the way! For He will win…in fact He’s already won, by rising from the dead and thus defeating hell, death and the grave, (1 Cor. 15:55) and all authority has been given to Him both in heaven and earth, which makes Him the Number One power in the universe, (Matt. 28:18) to whom all knees must bow, and all tongues confess that He is Christ the Lord indeed. (Phil. 2:9-11) So why be foolish and put your money on a dead horse like Satan eh? 

Now listen to Jesus make His case, then tell me if Satan can do better. ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:17) And we’ve already seen how that will be accomplished, through belief. But let’s clarify it, just in case you did not get it the first time. (smile) Jesus warns: ‘He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’ (John 3:18) 

It’s simple friends; you just have to believe in Jesus, that He’s the Son of God and that He died to save you from your sins. What’s so hard about that eh? Nothing, unless you fall into the category Jesus further talks about. ‘And this is the condemnation, that light (the light – Jesus) has come into the world, and men LOVED darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth (practices) evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved (exposed). But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.’ (John 3:19-20) 

There it is friends, sweet and simple, not rocket science. If your deeds are evil, then you’ll certainly shy away from Jesus, because you don’t want your evil deeds exposed to the light. However, if they are wrapped in truth, goodness and LOVE, then you will gladly come to the cross of Christ and receive redemption! And since in some form and fashion, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and our world is in such a woeful state, let’s go to His throne of grace right now, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, confidently, but humbly asking for divine help to handle our many problems. 

As one voice: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. 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!’ 

The next move friends is to turn from our evil ways…if we expect to receive divine help. Much LOVE!

…ONLY BELIEVE…that’s all Christ is asking…ONLY BELIEVE…

                                        

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 February 2024 Proverbs 18:10.

04 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 18:10.        The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and are safe.

Sunday blessings my fellow believers in Christ Jesus! It’s the day the Lord God Jehovah rested from creating the universe. We call it the Sabbath, wherein we also rest from conventional toil and instead gather in the Lord’s sanctuary to offer up praise and worship with thanksgiving and receive spiritual strength and confidence in return. And as always, we open with a song of praise. Today’s hymn is an old and very popular one titled, ‘How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.’ It was written in the 18th century by John Newton (1725-1807). He of the famous background of slave trading, then abolition and ministry. And also the writer of many hymns, including that other famous one called ‘Amazing Grace.’ 

However, today, the limelight shines on ‘How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.’ So let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, mid-tempo version, sincerely meaning every word we sing. Singing: ‘How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear! It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear. It makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast; ’tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary, rest. Dear name! the rock on which I build, 

My shield and hiding place, My never-failing treasury, filled, With boundless stores of grace. O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, my Prophet, Priest, and King, my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring. How weak the effort of my heart, how cold my warmest thought; but when I see you as you are, I’ll praise you as I ought. Till then I would your LOVE proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of your name refresh my soul in death.’ 

Wonderful friends, wonderful! And believe me, the name of Jesus does sound mighty good in a true believer’s ear. And what does that really mean? One commentary says: ‘“How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” describes the power of the name by likening faith in Jesus to listening to music.” And the last line of the song exemplifies it. ‘Till then I would your LOVE proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of your name refresh my soul in death.’  

Now, according to the hymnary.org website ‘This hymn was based on Song of Solomon 1:3, “Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.” (NIV). Following a long tradition of reading the Church as the Bride and Christ as the Bridegroom in Song of Solomon, John Newton elaborated on the theme of the bride adoring her bridegroom’s name.’ And Christ is certainly referred to as the bridegroom of the church in several scriptures. But let’s see what scriptures we can find to relate to some of the sentiments Newton wrote in the song. 

For the first verse, I guess we can quote Psalm 147, which says: ‘The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds (sorrows). (Ps. 147:2-3) And then we have these great verses of scripture that Jesus read in the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19) but which originally come from Isaiah 61. ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek (poor); he hath sent me to bind up (heal) the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.’ (Is. 61:1-2) 

What a powerful scripture, but Jesus in reading to His home towners stopped after ‘the acceptable year of the Lord.’ And the scholars ponder if that was done because ‘the day of vengeance of our God’ relates not to Jesus’ first, but second coming. They feel though that what Jesus read sufficiently made His point, per the promise-laden context of Isaiah 61. 

And when we start talking about the Lord being our rock and shield and hiding place, we can’t think of a better scripture than those words of Bruh David from Psalm 18. ‘I will LOVE thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength (rock), in whom I will trust; my buckler (small shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower (stronghold).’ (Ps. 18:1-2) Meanwhile, Moses said it thus in his song: ‘He (God) is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgement: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.’ (Deut. 32:4) 

Now, Moses, like Bruh David was speaking from personal experience. And it’s great too when we can talk about the things of God from personal experience, but it doesn’t come cheaply, and in this world of amenities and entitlement, not many of us are willing to make sacrifices to get that experience. But as Cousin Sol says in Proverbs: ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and are safe.’ (Prov. 18:10) 

And per the Lord being our shepherd, Bruh David takes care of that very nicely in Psalm 23: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ (Ps. 23:1) And Jesus also refers to Himself thus: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) Then as regards Jesus being our High Priest, listen to Hebrews. ‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into (through) the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (confession). For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (our weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ (Heb. 4:14-5) 

And per being King and Lord, Jesus declared it after His resurrection, when He said to the disciples: ‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth.’ (Matt. 28:18) Then in 1 Timothy, when Bruh Paul tells Timothy about fighting the good fight, he says of Jesus: ‘Which in his times he shall shew (manifest), who is the blessed Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.’ (1 Tim. 6:15) 

Then Revelation settles the matter with these prophetic words. ‘These (the beast with ten horns, representing ten kings) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is the Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.’ (Rev. 17:14) Meanwhile, later on in Revelation it speaks of Jesu thus: ‘And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’ (Rev. 19:16) I guess that settles that question. (smile) 

And we’ll end with one more scripture, per Jesus being the Life, the Way and the End. He said it Himself: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) And friends, on this first Sunday in February of 2024, I’m strongly exhorting us, to take Jesus’ words very seriously…that is, if we expect to see heaven’s pearly gates and commune in person with the Father through eternity. Much LOVE!

… looking for answers…look to Jesus…for He is the answer…to EVERYTHING…

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 February 2024 Isaiah 40:25.

03 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 40:25.       To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

Oh boy, when I opened my bedroom blinds on this first lazy-day Saturday morning in February, was I ever glad to see bright sunshine! But the best part is when I came down to the living area and opened the shutters at the eastern side of the house, I couldn’t see outside because I was blinded by the bright sunshine. The sun was shining directly in my eyes, blocking my vision of the area out there. And although it seemed somewhat chilly, I couldn’t help but say, ‘Thank You Lord!’ Yes, I was oh so thankful to see another day, especially one filled with glorious sunshine, to drive away the steady diet of damp and cloudy days we’ve recently been having and brighten up our winter doldrums and melancholies. 

Now, let’s truly open up our hearts and souls to the Lord, as we offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer. As one 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!’ 

And if you were sincere, then I’m sure that your spirit was lightened and lifted through God’s overwhelming, all-consuming presence. That’s the beauty of prayer; the Lord reasserts Himself in our souls and eases the pain, or whatever negative circumstance we’re going through. And NO other supposed deity can do that, because they are all false, inanimate, dead gods. The ONLY true and living God is the One of Abraham Isaac and Jacob! That’s why the psalmist could proclaim in Psalm 146:

 ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgement (justice) for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth (gives freedom to) the prisoners: The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed: The Lord LOVETH the righteous: The Lord preserveth (watches over) the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down (makes crooked). The Lord shall reign for ever. Even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.’ (Ps. 146:5-10) 

Yes friends, for all that the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is in Himself, and what He does for those who worship Him in sincerity and truth, it is indeed imperative that we praise his holy name. As the last verse of Psalm 145 declares (yesss!!!) ‘My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.’ (Ps. 145:21) Therefore, let’s  shout ‘Praise ye the Lord! Hallelujah! How great is our God! The One who created the universe and all therein! There’s NONE other like Him!’ And that’s the glorious truth my fellow believers, there’s no other god like our God! 

And if you don’t believe me, then listen to the prophet Isaiah tell it like it is, as he speaks of the Majesty and Power of God. ‘Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out (measured) with the span (a span of His hand), and comprehended (calculated) the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgement (justice), and taught him knowledge, and shewed him the way of understanding? 

Behold, the nations are as a drop of (in) a bucket, and are counted as the small (fine) dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up (lifteth) the isles as a very little thing. and Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before him are as nothing: and they counted to him less than nothing, and vanity (worthless).’ (Is. 40:12-17) Oh my people, that certainly tells us of God’s might and majesty, and how small, puny and insufficient we really are when compared to Him. 

That’s why Isiah could continue: ‘To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? The workman melteth (moulds) a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and (the silversmith) casteth silver chains. He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation (no such offering) chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning (skillful) workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved (totter). Have ye not known? have ye not heard? Hath it not been told unto you from the beginning ? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? 

It is he that sitteth upon (above) the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: That bringeth (reduces) the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity (useless). Yea, they shall not (scarcely) be planted; yea, they shall not (scarcely) be sown: yea, their stock shall not (scarcely) take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.’ (Is. 40:18-24) 

Yes mih bredrin, manmade idols are certainly no comparison to our great God! Note His omnipotence, His omniscience and His omnipresence! Consequently the Lord asks, through Isaiah: ‘To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might. For that he is strong in power, not one faileth (is missing). Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgement (justice) is passed over from my God? 

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (grow weak).’ (Is. 40:25-31) 

Now tell me, can any other supposed god do those things? Absolutely not! The Holy One of Israel has no equal, and only He has such omnipotence; that’s power to create, to take away and to regenerate! Oh my fellow believers, it’s time for us to wake up from the slumber induced in us by the evil and ungodly world and recognize that Almighty God rules, and that time is fast slipping away from us and we desperately need to appreciate His sovereignty, constantly praise Him and sincerely do His work, if we expect to live with Him for eternity! Much LOVE!

…the Lord God Jehovah created the universe…and He still sits upon His throne and rules it as He sees fit…remember that…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   2 February 2024 Psalm 127:1a.

02 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 127:1a.        Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:

Then it was Friday, and the shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ went up all over the world. And in my area, a cloudy sunshine hovers over the land, but it’s sunshine enough to raise one’s spirit and decrease the winter blahs. (smile) And today, I want to look at a short psalm, but one nonetheless filled with several things of great concern to us in these evil and ungodly times. It’s Psalm 127, titled ‘Labouring in Vain.’  

It’s one of the fifteen Psalms, called ‘A Song of Degrees, or A Song of Accents,’ songs that the pilgrims of Israel sang on their thrice yearly visits up to Jerusalem to celebrate the three great Jewish feasts of Pentecost, Passover and Tabernacles. Now, it seems like this psalm was written by Cousin Sol, for it says, ‘A song of Degrees for (of) Solomon.’ And if one think backs to Cousin Sol’s preaching in Ecclesiastes, about all is vanity and futility, this psalm fits in very nicely to that mould. 

However, enough talk, (smile) let’s read it together. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but (stays awake) in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man (warrior); so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.’ (Ps. 127:1-5) 

There it is friends, short but sweet and informative! And the scholars explain it very well. They say: ‘The principle of this psalm is that all human efforts are in vain unless they have God’s blessing. This principle is applied to four areas: building a house (vs. 1a), guarding a city (vs. 1b), working long hours (vs. 2), and having children (vs. 3-5). It is possible to accomplish all of these things without God’s blessing, but it is not possible to accomplish them purposefully and with eternal value without God’s blessing. The psalm includes, incidentally, two practical reasons for having children: they bring you joy and they protect you (vs.5).’ 

And that’s certainly two good reasons for having children, although, unfortunately, in these tragic times, many children don’t bring their parents joy, or protect them. Instead they make their lives a living hell with their devilish, diabolical scenarios, and sometimes even fight them, both physically and emotionally. In the last little while there’s even been an upsurge in children killing their parents. 

These are indeed sad times, so much so that many couples don’t want children because they find them a hindrance and a burden they are not willing to bear. Thus negating the words of God when He created man and woman. The Bible tells us, ‘And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth…’ (Gen. 1:28) And obviously there are all sorts of contention about those words, between religions, denominations, sects, etc. etc. But one thing is abundantly clear, if we don’t have children, the human race will eventually die out, become like the dodo bird; that’s extinct. 

But getting back to the original scenario, that’s doing things purposefully and with lasting values without God’s blessing. It’s oh so true. Doing stuff in this world is not easy, never was, and never will be, and to have the energy, courage, peace of mind and all the other things necessary to do stuff like build a house, work successfully at a job and have a LOVING family requires the strong and solid input of Almighty God. Otherwise, we’ll be plagued with setbacks and problems that will produce so much doubt and worry, that we won’t be able to accomplish our goal(s). 

Yes friends, without the Lord’s involvement in our plans, they will all be futile. So, working yourself to the bone to amass earthly wealth is not advisable because more likely than not you will eventually get sick and drop down, or miss the growth of your children, lose your spouse through neglect and end up alone, broken and lonely. And I believe these words of Cousin Sol’s from Ecclesiastes, where he talks about rejoicing in your labour, cover the whole situation very nicely. 

He writes: ‘Behold, that which I have seen: it is good and comely (fitting) for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour (his toil) that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion (heritage). Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion (receive his heritage), and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.’ (Eccl. 5:18-20) 

And do I ever like that last statement, because it’s exactly where God answers us: in the joy of our hearts. When we do His will, He gives us heartfelt joy! And what could be better than that eh? Nothing! All the trials and tribulations of the world fade away when the joy of God fills our hearts. And as the scholars say: ‘Enjoyment is a gift of God, and man should be motivated by the brevity of his own life to experience it.’ Yes, my fellow believers, it’s a tough world to live and labour in, but when we do it in God’s name and faithfulness, then we don’t particularly notice the difficulties, because with God in our lives, they are minimized and soon forgotten. 

Therefore it only makes sense not to ty to do anything in this world without God’s help. Consequently, let’s go to Him right now, through our Friday Chant, asking for divine help in these ungodly and turbulent times. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…  because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for 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. 

We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. 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. 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 it’s somewhat amusing to note that the answer to our problems begin with words from our own prayer, meaning we will see divine help when we begin setting a good Christian example for the unbelievers around us. Nuff said! Much LOVE!

…without God in our lives…all we do is vain and futile…  

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 February 2024 Luke 18:8b.

01 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:8b.       Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

And then it was February first, 2024! Yes friends, January of 2024 is already in the dustbin of history, and February, no doubt will be hot on its heels. The days are not waiting for us, so we have to get up and get while the going and the getting are good. That means doing whatever task(s) that Jesus has delegated to us without fear and in an acceptable time frame, which usually means right away. (smile) Ah mih people, too many of us are prone to put off the Lord’s work for when we have time, or when we feel like doing it, but that doesn’t sit well with the Father, for He considers it disobedience when we don’t do what He asks when He asks. And please remember that disobedience carries serious consequences, so it would certainly be in our best interest to do God’s work when He desires it be done. End of Sermon. (smile) 

And what shall we talk about on this wet, cloudy first day of February eh? Well I just opened the Good Library and it opened unto the Book of Luke, chapter 18, that begins thus: ‘And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart);’ (Luke 18:1) Now that is not the verse I really want to talk about, but it’s so important, and there are so many scriptures that encourage us to keep on praying, that I want to stop and quote a couple before we move on. 

This first one comes from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Roman church where he’s writing about overcoming evil with good. He reminds them to keep ‘Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation (perseverance); continuing instant (steadfast) in prayer.’ (Rom. 12:12)  And those actions , especially steadfastness in prayer, should always be at the top of a believer’s list, for prayer is how we connect with our great God Jehovah. Yes, communication with Almighty God is the greatest privilege we have as believers. Therefore we need to keep a constant and direct communication line open with Him. That’s why Bruh Paul told the Thessalonians to ‘Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:17) 

It’s something that ALL serious believers ought to embrace, especially in what seems like the end times. And the scholars add: ‘Precisely when tempted to give up, men ought to be strong in their resolve to pray.’ Now, having reestablished the overwhelming importance of prayer in a believer’s life, (smile) let’s get to the heart of what we truly want to talk about today. That means listening to Jesus’ parable, re God avenges His own. ‘There was in a (certain) city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded (respected) man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of  (vindicate me against) mine adversary. 

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard (respect) man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge (vindicate) her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge (vindicate) his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge (vindicate) them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18: 2-8) 

Now, that last question is what we want to talk about on this damp and cloudy Thursday my brethren! Whether or not Jesus will find any faith when He returns to earth to get His church? And believe me, the question is a very viable one, for considering how people are leaving the church in droves, while newcomers are merely trickling into it, there is strong concern that the faithful will be few and far between when Jesus returns. And that will be a very sad reality. It won’t speak very highly of us at all. It would mean that the great ‘sufferation’ Jesus endured on our behalf was all a waste, of no value whatsoever. Now, can we, as true believers abide that situation? I sincerely hope not! 

But here are some explanations on the subject from the scholars. They say: ‘If an unjust judge acts in this way, how much more hope may God’s children place in God? However, the issue is not God’s faithfulness. It is whether believers will persist in supplication, or whether their patience and perseverance will give out by the time Christ finally returns’ Now that’s the billion dollar question my fellow saints! Are we going to continue steadfast in prayer and faith until whenever Jesus comes back to get us? Or will we lose that patience, perseverance, longsuffering and faith under the barrage, the bombardment of temptation and distraction from the devil and his evil cohorts? 

I would sincerely like to say we won’t, but the way things are going in Christ’s church today; the many divisions, dissensions, petty rivalries and jealousies, and the poor teaching of the real truth of God’s Word, anything is possible. And Bruh Paul’s words to Timothy are certainly coming true. He admonishes him to:  ‘Preach the word, be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.’ (2 Tim. 4:2-4) 

Yes friends, that’s certainly happening to day on a fairly large scale. Believers don’t want to hear the real truth, they want to hear what they want to hear, stuff that will make them feel good, and there are certainly many teachers who are willing to appeal to those ‘itching ears’ and tell them exactly what they want to hear. Consequently, those teachers, their slanted and/or untrue words, as well as the supposed believers, will turn into myths and legends, that will even further dissipate the truth of God’s Word. 

Now, it’s up to the true ambassadors, the true disciples of Christ to turn this scary situation around. And we can certainly do it if we get up off of our lazy, comfortable fannies and use the tools, the blessings which the Lord has already bestowed on us to do His earthly work. What we call our Thursday Blessings. It’s time declare them out loud and thus activate them. So 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!’ 

And having activated those blessings, we are now required to go out and use them to the benefit of mankind, just as generously as God bestowed them to us! Much LOVE!

…steadfast prayer and perseverance is absolutely necessary…if Jesus is to come back and find strong faith…

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