Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 February 2012 Job 11:6b

24 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Job 11:6b.    Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday! And all the party people whispered a tired ‘Thank God.’ Yes Friends, the enthusiasm is lost because they’re still tired from all the revelry that ended late Tuesday night, then having to go to work on Ash Wednesday. So now they’re just dying for Friday to come so they can rest their weary bones and spirits. But whatever our state my people, the weekend has its duties, so let’s chant our Friday Chant that will enable us to gain the right perspective . All together now, in whatever voice you can manage (smile): ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Ah mih people, it’s a rough life, but if it’s lived with and for Jesus, and we keep our hearts focused steadfastly on Him, we will make it safely through the storms of this evil, ungodly world. For one thing, as spoken by Job’s supposed friend, Zophar, our Bit very rightly declares: ‘Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth (He forgets some of your iniquity).’ And that my brethren is the gospel, gospel truth! Because if the Most High God Jehovah ever decided to give us our just and full desserts, none would survive, we’d all be cast into the pit of eternal fire. Jeremiah so kindly reminds us: ‘This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:21-23) Yes Friends, it’s only because our God is such a forgiving and LOVING Deity that we are able to avoid the hell fires of the damned. And though most of us claim to known that, yet we still let Lucifer rum amok in our lives, we still don’t pay proper obeisance to our Creator, Provider and Protector. What does that say about us eh? Nothing very worthwhile. The thing I find amazing though is that we have the benefit of the Good Book with all the stuff that went on in the past, all of God’s dictates, His punishments and rewards, yet for some unfathomable reason, we ignore them, foolishly thinking that what happened to the other nations and societies who disobeyed God, won’t happen to us. Oh Friends, that’s a grave fallacy! That’s Lucifer curdling our hearts and minds with lies and wicked innuendoes, for the Lord nor His Word ever changes. And Lucifer knows this quite well, but he’s simply playing on our inherently lustful and sinful nature. My people, please hear and fully believe that whatever our God says in His Word, will come to pass in the fullness of time. And though He is a very merciful, forgiving and LOVING God, if we continue in our sinful disobedience, at some stage He’s going to get fed up and unleash real punishment. Hear these words of the prophet Ezra, when he confessed Israel’s sins before the Lord: ‘And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass (guilt), seeing thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity (marriage) with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed (destroyed) us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped , as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.’ (Ezra 9:13-15) Those are words of righteous truth Friends! We definitely can’t stand before our God in the hideous wicked state that we’re currently in! And I think we’re pushing the envelope some, for we’re being punished somewhat right now for our misdeeds by the troubled, confused, uncontrollable state of our world. But even so my brethren, the Lord in His LOVING kindness has not given us our just desserts, otherwise our world would be dust and ashes now. Listen to these enlightening words of Bruh David from Psalm 103, Thanksgiving for God’s mercy: ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING kindness). He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING kindness) toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.’ (Ps.103:8-12)  Oh Friends, the Lord’s still being kind and merciful to us, but we definitely can’t continue wallowing in evil and ungodliness for much longer, or He’s going to pull the plug on us. Please, let’s wake up, especially we believers, and get out there and diligently try to change our world if we want it to last for at least one more generation, because at the rate we’re spiralling into ungodliness and evil, I doubt the Lord’s patience will last that long. Oh my people, only a LOVE Revolution, sooner rather than later can save our world. Much LOVE!…to him that hath ears…let him hear…or else…he will certainly feel.
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 February 2012 Proverbs 5:22‏

23 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Proverbs 5:22.    His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Oh Friends, another beautiful day filled with blessings, mercies and forgiveness is in the offing! Please let’s thank the Lord for all He’s done for us in the past, is doing right now, and has promised to do in the future. Let’s acknowledge the fact that we’d be entirely lost if we tried to live life on our own, like so many of those who bow down to Beelzebub and live in darkness, involved in evil machinations. ‘For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth (observes, weighs) all his goings.’ (Prov.5:21) That my people is gospel truth! Our God sees all in His omniscience. Nothing gets by Him. And as our Bit so wisely declares: ‘His own iniquities shall take (entrap) the wicked himself, and he shall be holden (caught) with the cords of his sins.’ More gospel truth my people! We will be brought down by the same evil works we use to entrap others. Listen to the next verse: ‘He shall die without (for lack of) instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.’ (Prov.5:23) Oh Friends and fellow believers is that the way we want to live, or the way we want to die? Surely not! Therefore let us look to the Lord in faith, for strength and steadfastness, fortitude and LOVE, so that we can live the way He desires. Yuh know mih breddren, all God’s laws are really based on a single one; what you sow, you shall reap. If we truly understand that, write it indelibly in our hearts, souls and minds, then use it as a universal guide for all our behaviour and actions, we’d do very well. Now let’s check out some scriptures that send that awesome and true message, beginning way back when, with Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. Moses had just finished telling them about being strong and going over the Jordan to fight their enemies, and if they did so faithfully, the Lord would grant them possession of the Land He’d promised. ‘But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sins will find you out.’ (Num.32:23) And that’s no joke Friends, as I’m sure many of us can testify to, since many are our wrongs which have come back to haunt us. And the truth of it lies in the many clichés that have cropped over time to describe its basic logic. Sayings like: Whatever is done in darkness will surely come to light. Life is like a boomerang; whatever we give out, good, bad or indifferent, we can expect to get back, if we live long enough. Now listen to these Proverbs which back up that contention: ‘The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness (deceit) of transgressors shall destroy them…The righteousness of the perfect (blameless) shall direct his way (make his way smooth or straight); but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.’ (Prov.11:3,5) And also: ‘Righteousness keepeth him that is upright (whose way is blameless) in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.’ (Prov.13:6) Meanwhile Bruh David confidently declares in Psalm 9, praise for God’s justice: ‘For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest (you sat) in the throne judging right (in righteousness). Thou hast rebuked the heathen (gentiles, nations), thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out (blotted) their name for ever and ever.’ (Ps.9:4-5) The Lord however doesn’t mince words when He commands Isaiah, He lays it down without any niceties: ‘Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given (done to) him.’ (Is.3:10-11) Oh Friends, I don’t know what’s wrong with our brains nuh, or what invisible hold Beelzebub has on us, that though we know our wrong doings will certainly rebound on us, yet we still embrace the foolishness and evil actions of the enemy. Is it that the bright, glittering and lustful earthly treasures the enemy offers are so enticing, we can’t say no? Or is it just our sinful nature passed down from our forefather Adam? I suspect it’s a combination of both. But whatever it is my people, I assure us that we can do better by doing right, by following Jesus. The same glittering earthly treasures are available through Jesus, because many of them are useful and He wants us to enjoy a good life here on earth, it’s partly why He died. It’s just that as believers, we don’t hold the earthly treasures in such idolized positions. There are many Christians who are filthy rich  and have become so by hanging with Jesus, not Lucifer. But they don’t bow to their earthly wealth, they bow to Jesus and use the wealth to further His kingdom. That’s the big difference. And furthermore, as the old people would say; easy come, easy go. Anything gotten through quick, evil means, can be lost just as quickly, while if it comes through Jesus, it will last a lifetime. So my brethren, I ask each of us today, to take time and ponder all our doings, past, present and future, and make sure that there’s nothing in them that will eventually come back to bite us, for truly, whatever we sow, we shall surely reap. Much LOVE!…your harvest will come as evil or good…depending on which one you planted…  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 February 2012 John 8:12‏

22 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , ,

John 8:12.     Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

 Oh Friends, it’s Ash Wednesday! That means the partying’s over! It’s time to put on your sackcloth and ashes with fasting, to gear you up for Lent, the forty days we observe in humility and abstinence before Jesus’ crucifixion, recalling the forty days He spent in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by Beelzebub. Now we don’t have to fast, but if we do, we should do it with a right heart, observing Jesus teaching on the subject: ‘Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites (pretenders), of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto to men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.’ (Matt.6:16-18) Yes Friends, it’s the same for all we do in Jesus’ name; not for outward show, to broadcast them for men to see and think we’re so righteous. Remember outward show doesn’t cut it with the Father, but He looks at the state of our hearts. So if you intend to fast this Lenten season, please don’t make a big show of it. Now turning to our Bit: ‘Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ That’s one of the most profound statements ever made people, and a very true one!  Jesus even said it more than once too. Before He healed the man born blind, He said to His listeners: ‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ (John 9:5) Then later on, while teaching about His upcoming death and resurrection, the people wanted to know who was the Son of man He said must be lifted up. ‘Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest the darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be (become) the children of light.’ (John 12:35-36) And that’s the awesome truth Friends! When we walk in darkness, we don’t know where we’re going, for the darkness obliterates our sight. But when we walk in the light, our paths are made very clear and we can see where we’re going. Now isn’t it much better to see where we’re going, than to be walking aimlessly and in danger of stumbling and falling? And since Jesus is the light of the world and Lucifer its darkness, it obviously makes more sense to walk with Jesus than with Lucifer. Oh my people, Lucifer’s intentions are evil, that’s why he’s chosen to walk in darkness, and his main intention is to lead God’s children astray. Please don’t allow him to do that my brethren, for he has nothing to lose, since he’s already been condemned to eternal death and darkness in Hades. Now he’s looking for fools to keep him company there by enticing us to walk in darkness with him to stumble and fall. But remember, as a child of the Most High God a place has been prepared for you in heaven, and you’d be real foolish to pass that up for the worthless earthly treasures that Lucifer tempts us with down here. So don’t be fooled, it’s only by following the light, Jesus, that we can walk safely and not stumble and fall. And as Bruh Paul told his protégé Timothy when exhorting him to endurance and passion in his preaching, talking about God: ‘Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.’ (2 Tim.1:9-10) Yes Friends, that’s one of God’s mysterious workings; through the death of His son, He brought eternal life and light to us. And we’ll end with some more wise advice from Bruh Paul, this time to the Thessalonians: ‘But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (self-controlled).’ (1 Thess.5:4-6) Oh my fellow believers, please let us take those words to heart and live them diligently, for they contain the wisdom that we need to see us through and make a positive difference in these evil, ungodly, troubled times. Much LOVE!…caught between the darkness and light…then wisdom says…run towards the light…Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 February 2012 John 8:12‏

21 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , ,

John 8:12.   Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
 
And the Bacchanalian celebrations continue today Friends; the last day of feasting before fasting for Lent. And they are certainly going to let it all hang out! Unfortunately, I’m too broken up to party so heartily again, but I still party when the occasion arises, I just can’t jump and prance like before. As the old people would say; after one time is certainly two yes. (smile) Some of you reading this will no doubt remember those exhilarating times we shared. I look around me here and see a couple pictures of some friends and I partying most heartily on the Lakeshore during Caribana. Oh Friends, those were surely some good, heady days! Now though I have to rely on memories because the old knees won’t allow me to behave like that any longer. And strangely, it doesn’t bother me all that much for I was already disenchanted with the celebrations even before my knees folded. I found that the quality had deteriorated and most of the young people didn’t know how to participate properly in the streets. Their idea of having a good time was pushing and shoving. So though I’ve missed Caribana for the last two years, I’m contented in my spirit. As Bruh Paul says, I’ve learned to be contented in whatever state I am. (Phil.4:11) But enough about me, we here to talk about Jesus, so let’s do that. And one statement He made several times, and was also made often about Him, pertains to Him being the Light of the World. Hear our Bit: ‘Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ Oh my people, I’d like to drive home the fact that those are words of eternal truth! Jesus is indeed the light of the world, and those who follow Him will never walk in darkness, but shall have a blindingly bright life, for His radiance is such that in the new earth, ‘there shall be no night there; and they need no candle (lamp), neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light:’ (Rev.22:5) Yes my brethren, our God is the repository of all things bright and beautiful! We need no one else but Him to live bright, wonderful lives. Now let’s look at some scriptures that talk about Jesus as the light of our lives. And the obvious place to begin is in the first chapter of John, where he expounds on the subject. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended (apprehended) it not.’ (John 1:1-5) More words of eternal truth and wisdom my Friends, for Jesus was involved from the very first moment that our universe was created. When there was only darkness in the void, as part of the Triune God-head, He spoke these  all important, immortal words: ‘Let there be light: and there was light.’ (Gen.1:3) From Him comes both the physical and spiritual light. Then John describes his relationship to Jesus thus: ‘There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ (John 1:6-9) John confirmed that Jesus was the TRUE Light prophesied by Isaiah (Is.9:2) and also the one of whom Malachi spoke when he solemnly declared: ‘For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall (grow fat like stall fed calves). And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.’ (Mal.4:1-3) Oh Friends it ought to make us believers feel so good when we read of prophesies being fulfilled like that after many centuries, cause it just shows the truth and faithfulness and omnipotence of our God. There should be no doubt in our minds as to the authenticity of the scriptures; the Word of the ONE TRUE God! So please, let’s contemplate today on what the scriptures truly mean to us; if we believe them fully, partially or not at all. That is the first step to truly finding Jesus. Much LOVE!…if the Word wasn’t true…then prophesies would not be fulfilled…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 February 2012 John 8:12‏

20 Feb 2012 1 Comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

John 8:12.    Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Oh Friends, it’s Monday; Carnival Monday, Mardi Gras Day! Wow! That means in places like Rio, New Orleans and T&T, the party has now officially spilled into the streets. Can you imagine the bacchanal; the bright, scintillating music, the beautiful costumes and the frenetic dancing? But don’t be too jealous Friends, for our day will come. Let’s just hope and pray that no serious tragedies mar the celebrations in any of those places. Instead, let us plebs, working stiffs (smile) sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with extra energy to wipe away the envy, and raise our adrenalin level to where we’re comfortable, in fact, excited and passionate to go out and labour today on Jesus’ behalf. All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And with that burst of energy to spark our motors, we should be going full speed ahead now Friends, so let’s consider our Bit. ‘Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ Oh my people, those are words of undeniable truth, because it’s only when Jesus came to earth in human form and died for us, sacrificing His sinless blood on our behalf that we acquired anything really worthwhile to fight against Beelzebub and his dark, evil world. Jesus was, and still is the only one able to truly get us out of the clutches of the evil one. Before he came, we had to continually offer sacrifices to keep our sins at bay. But once Jesus offered up His precious, holy blood on our behalf at Calvary, our sins were washed as white as snow for all time, and a new day dawned bright and beautiful for us! And all God’s people loudly declared: ‘Oh everlasting praise and glory be to the Lamb that washed ALL our sins away!’Yes my brethren, Jesus was indeed the bright, shining light of the world, who Isaiah prophesied of centuries before He was born. ‘Nevertheless the dimness (gloom) shall not be such as was in her vexation (upon her who is distressed) when at the first he lightly afflicted (esteemed) the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict (esteemed) her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations (Gentiles). The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ (Is.9:1-2) Now listen to the scholars clarify that some: ‘The dimness of Israel’s rejection was especially prevalent in the northern tribal areas of Zebulun and Naphtali, which would suffer greatly under the Assyrian invasion. Galilee is named and identified with the nations (Gentiles). To those in the darkness of the north, God promises to send a great light, which is quoted in Matthew 4:15-16 as being fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. The prophet sees these events as though they were already happening. Thus hepredicts the future with certainty, as though it had already come to pass.’ And Matthew 4:12-16, corroborates this. Thus was the first great prophecy of light coming to a darkened world through Jesus, the Prince of Peace fulfilled. My people, I implore us to take these words of Jesus very seriously, and get to know Him as best you can, for He is the ONLY light available to guide us out of this dark and evil world in which we’re currently ensconced. Yes, the only way we’ll ever see God’s glorious face is by following the guiding light that’s Jesus. More on this tomorrow if God chooses to imbue us with life. Much LOVE! …a light, a light…cried those shrouded in darkness…and the faraway speck of light got brighter, the closer it came…until it totally bathed them in its splendour…and in sudden recognition, they cried…it’s Jesus, it’s Jesus…Hallelujah, it’s Jesus…!

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 February 2012 Ephesians 4:29‏

19 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , ,

Ephesians 4:29.    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.

Glory Hallelujah Friends! As you can see the breath of life is still in us, so please let’s make the most of today, for today is all we have. Embrace the wisdom that the past is already gone, and the future is yet to come, so enjoy the present. It’s a gift from God, that’s why it’s called the present. And if we don’t gratefully receive and gladly enjoy it, then we’re not appreciating God’s goodness, and He’s liable not to give us anymore presents. But when we’re appreciative, then presents of blessings, mercies, heavenly manna and forgiveness rain down on us each and every day. And one way of not forfeiting God’s goodness is through serious attention to the words of our Bit: ‘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.’ Unfortunately though, in this evil, ungodly world, corrupt communication has almost become the backbone, the norm of our society. There’s a lot of vehemence, anger and threatening language that’s constantly being spewed through all the many outlets of communication today. It’s sad that instead of saying something good, or treating silence as truly golden, we find it necessary to fill the air with much vituperative and negative language. Even listening to supposed friends talk nowadays leaves you shaking your head in doubt as to whether they are really friends, because of the rough, rude, aggressive words and manner of communication. Oh my brethren, at this stage let’s invoke Bruh Paul’s advice to the Colossians, when he talks about the new life in Christ: ‘Set your affections (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God…Mortify (put to death) therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him; Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond (slave) nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.’ (Col.3:2-3,5-11) Yes Friends, corrupt communication is a killer of Christianity, thus believers should take it seriously and work diligently with God to eradicate it from our lives. Instead our words should be encouraging and uplifting. And here we’ll quote Bruh Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians: ‘But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and LOVE; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together (encourage each other), and edify (build up) one another, even as also ye do (are doing).’ (1 Thess.5:8-11) That’s the way believers ought to operate my brethren! In sobriety, our communication should embrace things like faith, LOVE, trust, surrender, hope of salvation and eternal life. Those are things believers desperately need so that we can hold on tightly to the promises of God and persevere, especially in stressful and troubled times like these. Oh Friends, the body of Christ needs to share communication that will uplift its members, stuff that will bring grace and truth, peace and encouragement to the rough situation that currently rules. Consequently, if we want to prolong Christ’s Church in a worthwhile manner, then it’s imperative that we heed this wise advice of Bruh Paul to the Colossians, those superb Christian virtues, which though written two millennia ago, are still very applicable today: ‘Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies (tender mercies), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing (bearing with) one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you. And above all these things put on charity (LOVE), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Col.3:12-17) Oh Friends, until Christians truly seek, and eventually attain that style of living, we won’t be worthy of the name. Much LOVE!…Christianity is not the easiest life…but it sure is the most worthwhile one available to mankind…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 February 2012 Ephesians 4:29‏

18 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ephesians 4:29.    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.

Oh Friends, a brilliant new day has risen, please rise with it and exhibit a sense of joy, wonder, peace and contentment, for there are many who did not rise this morning, and will not rise again until Christ returns, who are envious of your good fortune and will gladly trade places with you. That reminds me of a story about Maya Angelou that I recently read in the Newsletter of Real Estate Agent Gary Sullivan. Now isn’t it amazing that these Newsletters have much more useful information than just properties for sale? The on-the-ball Agents realize that their clients are not only interested in their wares, but also any useful info they can share. These Newsletters show up regularly in my mail-box, and I’m certainly reading them these days, as some of my Bits will attest to. Anyway, it seems that Maya learned a very valuable lesson re complaining at a young age, growing up in rural Arkansas, where her grandmother operated a store. The grandmother would call Maya into the store anytime this particular whiner came in, and would ask him pointed questions so that he could voice his sour opinions, and he would always oblige. One day, after the customer left, the grandmother candidly informed Maya: ‘There are people who went to sleep last night. They may have been poor or rich or white or black, but they will never wake up again. And now those folks would give anything for five minutes of this weather or ten more minutes of ploughing. So you just watch yourself about complaining.’ And all God’s people said a loud and hearty ‘Amen!’ (smile) It seems that Maya learned the lesson re complaining, for she later declared: ‘What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.’ And all God’s people said another loud and hearty ‘Amen!’ Why? Because that’s gospel! Ah mih people, there are lots of things we don’t like, some we can change, but not others. For those we ought to stop complaining about them, which is exceedingly difficult in this day and age since our society is possibly the biggest whiners and complainers ever, where we feel as though we’re entitled to everything without even breaking a sweat, and instead change our thinking about them. – all with God’s help of course, since we can do nothing without Him. That brings us to our Bit: ‘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.’ Yes Friends, those are also words of gospel truth! If we want others to come to Christ, we can’t afford to be always complaining, whining, bad-mouthing people and generally using negative language for Christianity is a positive, action oriented movement. We can’t say we believe, then in the next breath utter faithless, hopeless comments. According to our Bit, foul language that grieves the Holy Spirit should be replaced by gracious, LOVING, helpful words that will teach and encourage the listener. And on that subject I can testify because I was a ‘cuss-bird’ when I was much younger. Now, not all of my language was foul, but definitely too much of it. Over the years I’ve mellowed, until now I can’t even call it a vice. As I’ve grown in faith and knowledge of the Word, with God’s help, that kind of language has gradually diminished. Unfortunately it hasn’t totally disappeared, for when I get real angry, thankfully that’s not too often these days, I can still let loose some beautiful deleted expletives. (smile) On this topic there’s another important thing that we’ve got to be very careful about; that’s the people we hang out with, our supposed friends, for if they are negative, complaining and foul mouthed, then you will most likely end up the same way. I can also personally testify to that. Growing up in Tobago, I had a friend and when we were together, we’d curse a lot. However, when I went to Trinidad on holiday, the group I hung out with didn’t curse, and neither did I. But on the few occasions when my friend came to Trinidad at the same time, I’d find myself cursing again with him. It makes me recall the many times my old mother Molls warned me about certain friends I hung out with, and sometimes she allowed the leather belt to do the talking. (smile) That’s why the Good Book makes it crystal clear, that if you spare the rod, you’ll spoil the child. (Prov.13:24) And to show how God is so amazing and moves in such mysterious ways, I understand that later on in life, this particular friend became a preacher, and here I am now, writing on the Word of God. Who says He isn’t an awesome and wise God eh, and uses the most unlikely ones to do His best work?  Ah mih people, our God is such a wonderful Deity, but sadly we don’t appreciate Him half as much as we should. Though we know all the excellent points about Him, we still foolishly allow Beelzebub to lead us astray with all the earthly trash that glitters and glows and rots. Remember Friends, just like I paid a price when I didn’t listen to my mother’s warnings, we all going to pay extremely high prices if we continue to disobey God. And it’s not me that says so, but His infallible Word. So please take the warning seriously. More on this tomorrow, if He sees fit to continue the breath of life in us. Till then, please be wise and tread God’s narrow path and not Lucifer’s broad, sinful highway. Much LOVE!…to know what is right…and still do wrong…is one of the most deadly sins…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 February 2012 2 Corinthians 3:18‏

17 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Corinthians 3:18.    But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Oh Friends, it’s Friday; Carnival Friday to boot! So you can imagine the confusion and carryings on in that beautiful island nation of T&T, with everybody loudly declaring: ‘TGICF! Thank God is Carnival Friday yes!’ Everybody’s busy preparing for the opening day celebrations of J’ouvert, on Monday morning. Food’s a cooking, costumes are hurriedly being finished, stalls are been set up. It’s a riotous time in T&T. But Friends, please remember the old folks warning; drunk or sober mind yuh business. And that holds true in every aspect of and at each stage of our lives. It’s good to let go, but responsibility must always triumph. So just because is carnival is no reason not to go to church. Yuh party all night then go to work next day, so is the same way you can party all night then go to church and give thanks that you’re alive and able to party and ask for guidance and safety during the celebrations.  And now that I’m finished preaching, (smile) let’s chant our Friday Chant to keep us focused on the ONE TRUE God and His everlasting kingdom. As one now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short daysoff, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Now let’s turn to our Bit that promises us such fulfillment in the service of Christ. ‘But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ Yesterday we looked at a scripture pertaining to the first part, today, let’s move on to the next one, which is simply, ‘the glory of the Lord.’ And my people, there is no greater purpose for our being, than to show and tell of the Lord’s glory, since that’s why He created us; to worship, magnify and glorify Him. And the Good Book abounds with stories which do just that, but today we’ll focus on just one passage from 2 Cor.4; God’s power in the ministry. ‘But if our gospel be hid (veiled), it is hid to them that are lost (perishing). In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel (gospel of the glory) of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Cor.4:3-6) Ah mih people, Bruh Paul’s saying that if the gospel is hidden from some, it’s because Lucifer, who controls the evil doers of the world has blinded them so that the brilliance of Christ’s good news wouldn’t shine on them, but keep them in darkness and unawareness of the Truth. Meanwhile, in the hearts of believers, that Truth is shining brightly like the midday sun, because God has caused it to shine there, so we could be made aware of His great glory through Christ. And all God’s people gratefully declared: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Thanks oh heavenly Father for the shining light and crowning glory that’s your wonderful and most obedient Son, Jesus!’ Turning to the last part of our Bit; ‘are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ Let’s consider what Bruh Paul told the Roman Church: ‘For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified, them he also glorified. What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:29-31) That’s a fact Friends! If God is in our corner, nobody can overcome us. And He’s always in the corner of those He called to walk in the footsteps of His glorious Son Jesus. So my brethren, all of us who’ve been called to this most worthy and honourable calling, please, let’s walk in those footsteps with confidence, while showing LOVE, humility, kindness, mercy and forgiveness as Jesus did. We are indeed blessed children of God, and God’s children ought only to walk in the manner He dictates. Much LOVE!…obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him…that’s wisdom at its highest…  (Uncle Charles Stanley).

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 February 2012 2 Corinthians 3:18‏

16 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , ,

2 Corinthians 3:18.    But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
 
Oh Friends, by God’s wonderful grace, we’ve been given one more opportunity to experience another exquisite day on planet earth. Let’s thank Him for that nuh. ‘Oh heavenly Father, thank you for allowing your refreshing and fulfilling breath of life to continue flowing through our human bodies on this new day, as always filled with your LOVE, your blessings, mercies and forgiveness. Help us to use all that you’ve given us to live the life you desire, so that we’ll all eventually become mirror images of your wonderful Son and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.’ Yes my people, that’s the overwhelming desire of our God, and here’s an appropriate quote to help us do just that. It’s taken from Real Estate Agent, Rob Kelly’s Newsletter, and is attributed to world-renowned author, poet and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862. It says: ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.’ Yeah Friends, that’s how we believers ought to go in this life we’re living for Jesus; confidently and with a vivid imagination! For that’s what dreams are all about. It’s where we can imagine big and in living colour! I would add one proviso though to that quote: make sure that the dreams we’re pursuing are in concert with Jesus and His word, and that they’re His plans for our lives, otherwise we’re quite liable to get tangled up in all sorts of confusion and eventually have those cherished dreams come to nought. Take my word for it, I’m talking from experience here. (smile) Let us therefore take our Bit seriously. ‘But we all, with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as the Spirit of the Lord.’ Oh my brethren, right there in His Word is our heavenly Father’s greatest wish for His redeemed children! And Bruh Paul puts it so vividly. We’re changed through the working of the Holy Spirit, bit by bit, into the image of Christ. And all God’s people shouted a grateful ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Now here’s a brief take of the scholars’ on the subject. ‘The term ‘beholding’ can have the sense of ‘reflecting.’ The believer himself ‘reflects’ the glory of the Lord just as the face of Moses reflected the glory of the Lord. For Moses the glory eventually faded away, but under the New Covenant, the believer is changed into the same image. This transformation takes place by the abiding presence of the Spirit of God.’ That’s the beauty of the New Covenant with Christ my Friends; His Spirit continually abides in us and never fades. There’s not a single second that we don’t have His awesome, LOVING and guiding presence in and around us, unless we choose to reject Him. Now let’s look at some scriptures that link up with our Bit. Re ‘with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass…’ Bruh Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians told them in the LOVE Chapter: ‘When I was a child, I spake as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass (mirror), darkly (dimly); but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even also as I am known.’ (1 Cor.13:11-12) Yes Friends, as we mature and grow in Jesus’ likeness, we put away our earlier toys and pick up more spiritually adult ones. Like babies, we stop drinking milk and begin eating meat as our metabolism matures. And if we keep walking the path that Jesus has chosen for us, we keep maturing in His ways and understanding them better. Plus every so often, when we look in the mirror, we ought to see a more Christ-like countenance staring back at us; a softer, more humble and LOVING look that speaks loudly that Christ is working His miracle in us. Oh Mama Mia! That will certainly be the day my brethren when all Jesus’ followers look like and behave like Him! The joy in heaven will be non-stop! Now it’s not an easy process to be changed into Christ’s image and adopt His character traits, but Friends, when we begin doing it, we realize that it’s a wonderful metamorphosis, like the lowly, ugly caterpillar changing to a bright and beautiful butterfly. So let’s immerse ourselves in Jesus nuh, so that He can make us like Him, sooner rather than later. More on this tomorrow, if God’s breath still flows through our lives. Much LOVE!…why be ugly and crawl with Lucifer…when we can become beautiful and fly with Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 February 2012 Daniel 4:3‏

15 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , ,

Daniel 4:3.     How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
 
Oh Friends, Valentine’s Day is over now, at least the commercialized part of it. But let’s hope that the LOVE part will continue unceasingly and abound even more than before, because when we do acts of LOVE, we’re behaving like Jesus, the author of LOVE. Praise the Lord!  For there can be no greater commendation, in both heaven and earth, than to be acting like our Lord and Saviour. So please, let’s all advance our efforts in doing true acts of LOVE, so that Jesus can be glorified. Now you’ll notice our Bit is the one we were using before Valentine’s Day, that’s because we weren’t quite finished with it. At least you got a day’s break from it. (smile) ‘How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.’ We ended that last day where Daniel was placed in the lion’s den, and the king spoke some mighty words that are mighty enough to repeat today. ‘Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.’ (Dan.6:16) Oh my people, when a heathen king speaks those words of absolute faith to a believer, there’s only one place they can originate; from the mouth of God. Darius could only have spoken those words of great faith because the Lord guided his heart thus. I guess it was also the Lord’s way of encouraging Daniel’s faith in his upcoming trial. Anyway, after that, a stone was placed before the opening of the den and sealed with the king and the lords’ signets, so that no cheating could take place. Then the king went home very perturbed and fasted. He couldn’t sleep either because his conscience bothered him, and early next morning he went to the lion’s den and in a lamentable voice, he cried out to Daniel: ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lion’s mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency (innocence) was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt (wrong). Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because HE BELIEVED IN HIS GOD.’ (Dan.6:20-23) Oh Friends, please note these most notable words of king Darius: ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God.’ Now if a heathen king can recognize our God as a ‘living God’ so long ago, why can’t we today eh, especially after having Jesus pay the price for our abominable sins, and also having His Holy, LOVING, Nurturing and Guiding Spirit living with us? That’s why Jesus kept admonishing and accusing His disciples about their little faith. They had seen Him do so many miracles, yet still they doubted, as so many of us still do today. Then the king threw all the plotters and their families into the lion’s den. And all that remained of them later on were meatless bones. That’s why Cousin Sol says that the evil doers shall fall into a pit of their own making. (Prov.28:10) The same thing happened with Haman and Mordecai in the Book of Ruth. Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai, but ended up being hanged on it himself. And what was the outcome of Daniel’s story? The furtherance of God’s kingdom obviously! For the king subsequently wrote to all his subjects: ‘Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men (must) tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power (paw) of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.’ (Dan.6:25:28) A most fitting end to a most moving and memorable story Friends! And it’s not only in Daniel do we find signs and wonders of our great God, but we don’t have the time nor space to tell about things like the plagues the Lord sent on Egypt, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, the parting of the Red Sea, Moses drawing water from a rock, the Israelites being fed manna from heaven during their time in the wilderness, the parting of the Jordan River etc. etc. And the most important of them all; Jesus coming to earth as an incarnate human to save us, bringing salvation and eternal life! Oh Friends, with all of that, how can we ever have one, single, solitary doubt about our wonderful God eh? It’s totally uncalled for and unwarranted! Much LOVE!…and the moral of the story is…the Living God, whom we serve and worship…is alive and well…therefore mind your ps’ and qs’…

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