Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 February 2012 Psalm 29:11

04 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 29:11.    The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Oh Friends, it’s a new day, and we’re still alive and kicking! Wow! The breath of life God breathed into us so long ago still sustains us. And to make it even better, most of us have decent health, homes, and children, plus sufficient food, clothes and many other blessings. We lack for nothing essential. Therefore, to show that we’re truly grateful and thankful for all the good things we have, let’s take a moment and offer our wonderful God a prayer of thanks nuh. ‘Oh Father in heaven, You are so LOVING, kind, merciful and forgiving of Your earthly children, although we don’t deserve most of Your blessings. We know that You LOVE us unconditionally because You sent Your only Son, Jesus to die on the cross, to sacrifice His precious, sinless blood in atonement for our terrible wrongs, so that we could be reunited with You. For that we thank and praise You much more than words can ever say, and ask that You allow Your Holy Spirit to continue working in us, leading and guiding us in the direction You want us to go. Please keep on blessing us Father, and also bless those unfortunate ones who don’t have as much as us. Please give them more, while helping us to bless them from what You give us. And for the many that are being unfairly persecuted around the world in Your Name, we humbly ask that You give them the strength and faith to withstand that unfair persecution, and if it falls within your wise plans, please alleviate their suffering. We faithfully promise to LOVE You as we should, to LIVE our Faith with enthusiasm and steadfastness, and to SPREAD Your Word all over Your glorious world. All this we pray on the precious shed blood of Your Son, and our Saviour Jesus. Amen.’ Yes mih people, we are indeed a blessed lot! I sure hope we realize it and are eternally grateful. But that is what happens when we diligently seek, serve and worship the Lord God Jehovah! Our Bit declares that with utmost certainty: ‘The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.’ The Good Book doesn’t lie because it’s the Word of God, who cannot lie. And today we’ll continue looking at some scriptures that reinforce those reassuring words of our Bit, starting with a declaration of Bruh David. Now Friends, please don’t think that I orchestrated this, for though I am biased towards Bruh David and his writings, (smile) they are so widespread that you can find a commentary of his on almost any topic. This particular scripture comes from Psalm 68; God has gone before his people. And it confidently declares: ‘Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. O God, thou art terrible (awesome) out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.’ (Ps.68:34-35) Oh my brethren, true believers certainly can’t argue with or dispute those sentiments!  Turning now to Psalm 107, titled God’s wonderful works to the children of men. Here, the psalmist most assuredly proclaims: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Ps.107:8-9) There again Friends, that’s just gospel truth! And finally, for the piece de resistance; the scripture which most of us know and quote, but don’t seem to actually let it lift our hearts and spirits. It comes from Isaiah Chapter 40; headed; Comfort through trust in God. A true and most fitting heading!  Now let’s listen to the these wonderful words of inspiration and allow them to lift our hearts and souls, brighten our lives, and give lots of thanks for the day Christ redeemed our sinful souls; the greatest day in mankind’s history. Oh my people, ‘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.’ (Is.40:28-31)  That says it all Friends! Now I only have to wish us peace, health, happiness and Much LOVE!…it doesn’t make sense to believe in a God…who cannot, strengthen, empower and lift you up…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 February 2012 Psalm 29:11‏

03 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 29:11.    The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday, it’s Friday! Thank God it’s Friday! At last the weekend’s come and the week of drudgery and slaving for massa for two measly pennies is almost done. Thank the Lord! Yes Friends, it often feels like the week will never finish, what with fighting the traffic two ways everyday, and fighting with all sorts of people otherwise. Then comes Friday, and our spirits soar like a rocket on it’s fiery way to Mars or some extra terrestrial destination. (smile) But a word of caution is necessary here, for the weekend is not supposed to be only for fun and games, some serious stuff still has to go on if the kingdom is to be kept alert and safe. And to remind us of that, let’s chant our Friday Chant, with as much, if not more verve than we did ‘Thank God, it’s Friday!’ As one voice 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 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.’ That brings us to our Bit: ‘The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.’ Oh my brethren, those are words of undeniable and infallible truth! The Lord God Jehovah does indeed strengthen His people and also blesses them with peace. Why do you think our world is in such turmoil eh? Because the majority of its inhabitants are not in partnership with God, they’re not His people. They are Beelzebub’s people, for they worship, idolize and greedily seek after the things of this world, rather than the things of heaven. Remember Jesus’ warning on that topic? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33) It’s only logical Friends, that if we’re in partnership with the Creator of the universe, the great Provider, Protector and the most powerful Being there is, that strength, LOVE, peace and prosperity will govern our lives. If we’re in cahoots with some lesser light, like Lucifer, then what do you expect but strife and turmoil, hatred and anger, greed and envy, and all sorts of backbiting, with feeding frenzies like piranhas let loose. Obviously those involved with the Most High God Jehovah do not behave in such negative fashion. That’s the beauty of harnessing your wagon to God’s powerful and peaceful engine! Now let’s hear some scriptures that corroborate our Bit, beginning of course with words of Bruh David, (smile) from Psalm 28; a prayer for God’s help: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed (Messiah, commissioned one.’ (Ps.28:7-8) If anybody knew about God’s strengths and mercies, it was certainly Bruh David. Meanwhile, the teary eyed prophet, Jeremiah, in spite of his tears, was able to confidently declare in the Lord’s name: ‘For I have satiated (satisfied) the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.’ (Jer.31:25-26) Both Bruh David and Jeremiah knew without a doubt that their bread was buttered on the Lord’s side, so they had no problems in serving and worshipping Him. I only wish that the majority of earth’s inhabitants were as sure my Friends. And we’ll end fittingly with the words of the greatest of men, Jesus, who though He was God incarnate, still bowed and was obedient to His heavenly Father in all things while He sojourned here on earth. And these words are taken from His most famous sermon, that on the Mount: ‘Blessed are they which do thirst and hunger after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ (Matt.5:6) What more can we ask of our God eh Friends? If we seek after Him and His kingdom, we will want for nothing. So let’s be wise and sincerely, actively and diligently do that nuh. More on this tomorrow, if we’re still alive and kicking. Much LOVE!…to seek…to strive…but never to faint or give up…in Jesus name…Amen!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 February 2012 Job 33:15-16‏

02 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Job 33:15-16.    In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction.
 
Oh Friends, I guess I went to bed yesterday morning with the thought of God’s people coming together heavy on my mind. Consequently, I believe I dreamed that it happened. Now I’m not a hundred percent sure, but yuh know when you have those feelings that something significant happened in your dreams, but you’re not really sure exactly what took place. Well that’s the feeling I experienced when I got up. At first I thought it might be the enemy filling my mind with what seems like a pipe dream, given the truly disappointing witness today amongst God’s people. What with the great disparity between churches, the venomous dissension and total disrespect for each other currently being exhibited. But then I realized that Lucifer wouldn’t even want me to think such traitorous thoughts, much less put them on paper and spread them around the world. So the idea had to come from Almighty God. That lifted my sprits considerably, and caused me to continue with the dream. Wow! I excitedly thought. What a wondrous moment, what a wondrous miracle that would be if all God’s people actually came together to work for the good of His kingdom! It would surely be something to shout from the rooftops to all the world: ‘God’s people are coming together! God’s people are coming together! Glory Hallelujah!’ You’d hear millions of people just crying that out in utter amazement, faith and joy. And all of a sudden, the pace of kingdom building would just miraculously pick up. Now Friends, I know to some of us, God’s people seriously coming together really sounds like a pipe dream, a thoroughly preposterous idea, given the way we’re living at the moment, but is it really such a huge undertaking? I don’t think so. Not if we all got seriously interested, put aside our selfish, petty desires, and began diligently working at it. If Lucifer’s cronies can come together to further the cause of evil, why can’t God’s children do the same to further His purpose of peace and LOVE eh? I think Beelzebub would take a fit, have a veritable heart attack if that was to happen. And our God would certainly bend over backwards to help us make that awesome dream of His come true, where he doesn’t even lose one of His children to the enemy. What a day of rejoicing that would be in both heaven and on earth! The rafters of the world would certainly shake with the deafening, thundering roar of praise and worship that would ensue! Wow Friends! What power there is in our dreams! That’s why our Bit and the verses around it are so important. It’s Job’s supposed friend Elihu reasoning with him. ‘For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction. That he may withdraw man from his purpose (turn man from his deed), and hide pride from man.’ (Job 33:14-17) Yes Friends, many times it’s in our deepest sleep that our God connects with us and puts His desires in our hearts. Hear what He said when Miriam and Aaron complained against Moses: ‘Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.’ (Num.12:6) That was way back then when the Holy Spirit was not entrenched in all believers, but with the coming of Christ things changed somewhat, and now all believers have the Holy Spirit living in them. And what’s the purpose of the Holy Spirit? To lead and guide God’s children. That means nowadays He speaks to each of us individually, not only prophets, which by the way I am not. (smile) So please my brethren, I beg of us, let’s keep dreaming that dream nuh, that marvellous dream where all God’s people finally come together and chase Lucifer to Hades by his lonesome self, where he belongs. Thus allowing the wonder of God’s kingdom to envelop the whole earth, and the wonder of His majesty to fill the universe with His glory. I know that if we keep dreaming it in sincere faith, and doing our best to make it happen, then not only simple logic, but also God’s great promise will eventually cause it to happen. So Friends, in this year of 2012, one of such positive and tremendous promise, let’s all say like Martin Luther King, ‘I have a dream; a dream of God’s people coming together and making a monumental difference.’ If we sincerely believe that and work towards it, it will surely happen. Remember God’s promise, that whatever we ask for in faith and then see through the eyes of faith, He will grant. Much LOVE!…the LOVE train carrying the LOVE Revolution…is getting longer and longer…with each passing day…Oh give praise and thanks to Almighty God!
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 February 2012 2 Corinthians 13:11‏

01 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

2 Corinthians 13:11.    Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of LOVE and peace shall be with you.
 
Oh Friends, it’s February, imagine that nuh! The first month of 2012 has certainly passed rather quickly, and I sure hope that you’ve paid off your Christmas debts, because the greedy commercial money making machine is about to start on us with the Valentine’s Day spiel. Ah Lord eh! There’s always something every few weeks to try and relieve us of the funds we don’t have, thus we end up constantly in debt. And I guess that’s good for the ones who hold our debt, but definitely not for us, the debtors. Anyway people, as believers we have to be wise and be good stewards with God’s money, cause it’s not really ours, we’re just here on earth to manage it for a short time in His name. So please, let’s be prudent and try to pay down our considerable debt this year. Every so often we do need to buy gifts, but don’t allow the world to browbeat us into buying what we cannot afford. And if someone feels slighted that we didn’t buy them gifts, especially if they know of our reduced circumstances, then simply pass on them. Like Jesus said: ‘shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.’ (Mark 6:11) For they don’t really care about your well-being, just what you can give them. And the sad part is that if we would live like our Bit says, we wouldn’t have these selfish and petty confrontations or disagreements. ‘Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect (complete), be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of LOVE and peace shall be with you.’ Now Bruh Paul wrote our Bit as a conclusion and benediction to his second letter to the Corinthians, but believers today would be wise to use it as our opening parameters rather than closing ones. Instead of saying finally, we should possibly say: ‘Greetings, brethren. Here’s how we ought to live: First and foremost be perfect…’ then go on and name the other parts that he highlights. Oh Friends, if we lived just one iota of the way Bruh Paul specifies here, life on this troubled and directionless planet would be so great. As Bruh Paul said to the Romans: ‘Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not (do not set your mind on) high things, but condescend to men of low estate (associate with the humble). Be not wise in your own conceits (estimation). Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom.12:14-18) That Friends, in a nutshell, is how we ought to live here on earth: in peace, harmony, LOVE and understanding with each other. For if we are one body in and of Christ, then all the parts of that body should be treated with respect and honour, working together for Christ’s good, not the tearing apart and destruction, the strife and selfishness that’s actually taking place in Christ’s church today. Oh my people, we all know that living for Jesus is not easy in this sinful, ungodly world, but we also ought to know that if we sincerely turn to Him and stick steadfastly with Him, He will enable us to live a life that’s pleasing to Him. We just need to build up our faith and stay the course, even when trials and tribulations want to knock us down. Don’t despair, Jesus promised that He’ll never leave or forsake us, and if you believe His promise, then He will faithfully keep it. The problem is that we need to rise above the ordinary world and all the distractions that it brings. Our focus should constantly be on Jesus, through prayer, through reading and meditating on His Word, then putting it into practice through helping, building up and encouraging each other, rather than tearing down and demoralizing, as we tend to do. Oh Friends, without us being of the same basic mind set and travelling in the same general direction – towards Jesus – we can never be unified and thus do a good job in Jesus’ name. That’s because for any organization to be successful, the builders must have the same basic principles and be going along the same basic paths. Therefore, I’m imploring us today, to start setting our sights on unity within Christ’s church, for that’s the only way it will survive and eventually grow. It’s simple common sense Friends, as Jesus so wisely pointed out: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.’ (Matt.12:25) So if we’re serious about furthering God’s kingdom, let’s begin by uniting, making peace amongst all the different parts of the church, living in LOVE and contentment, helping and encouraging each other, so that the God of LOVE and peace will be with us. So till next time, my people, as Bruh Paul said to the Ephesians: ‘Peace be to the brethren, and LOVE with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that LOVE our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.’ (Eph.6:23-24) Much LOVE!…only as believers sincerely and diligently work towards unity…will Christ’s church stand strong and evolve…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 January 2012 Mark 1:15‏

31 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

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

Mark 1:15.    The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
 
Oh Friends, this is one of those days when I have a Bit, but no introduction. But yuh know what, those vibrant words of Jesus don’t need any intro, cause they are the intro themselves, for that’s how He began His ministry. Having been baptized by John in the Jordan, then driven by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Lucifer, with only the angels to minister to Him, He comes back to civilization refreshed and full of energy, ready at last to do His thing. So John the Baptist is now in jail, and Jesus comes into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. And what’s His first pronouncement? The words of our Bit: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand (near): repent ye, and believe the gospel.’ And before going any further, let’s hear some of the scholars’ thoughts on these words of infallible truth that have stood the test of time, and are today still as fresh and relevant as they were some two thousand years ago, when Jesus spoke them. Now according to the scholars: ‘Jesus’ proclamation stresses the importance of that present time. The sphere of God’s sovereign rule is extending into humanity with new intensity. All, even Israel, are to repent, by God’s grace, turning from sin and to righteousness, not just outwardly but with the heart. Along with repenting must come believing, putting trust in Jesus’ message (and thus right from the start, to some extent, in Jesus Himself).’ Oh Friends, those opinions of the scholars are absolutely true. Jesus brought a new intensity and urgency to God’s message, which required everyone to sincerely repent, then truly believe and trust in His message. But yuh know my people, those poignant and thought provoking words of Jesus are probably more important and pertinent today than when he uttered them, as our world has grown much larger since His time and consequently sin and unbelief are more rampant and widespread. Therefore there are also many more opportunities for Lucifer to get his evil claws into God’s children. That means we have to be oh so careful in all we do and say, because the enemy is just waiting for us to make the smallest error before he gleefully pounces on us. And paradoxically, the only antidote for Lucifer’s poison is to believe and trust in Jesus. What a wise and formidable God we serve and worship Friends! For with the coming of Jesus, He made known to us that things were being stirred up, the time for His kingdom was drawing nigh, and we needed to get serious about cleansing our hearts and souls of the sin in which we were wallowing, if we were to have any chance of spending eternity with Him. And that awesome message still stands today my brethren, with even more urgency, for we don’t know when Jesus will return, but we know that we cannot be found wanting when He does. Two thousand years have passed since He came, but it could be two day, or even two hours before He comes again, that’s why repenting, believing and trusting in Him RIGHT NOW is so important. For once He comes, in whatever state we’re found, that’s how it’s going to be with us for eternity. As Bruh Paul said to the Galatians: ‘But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made (born) under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.’ (Gal.4:4-5) So when the Father was ready, He caused His Son to be born in human form, of a woman, as a Jew, under the law, so that He could die for those who were living under the curse of the law. That was the only way He could die for our sins. But Friends, that was just the first ‘fullness of time,’ when Jesus opened a whole new world for us with the Father. The next ‘fullness of time’ though won’t be as pleasant, because we’ve been warned and given lots of time to get our houses in order. Bruh Paul also warned the Ephesians about that time, saying of God: ‘Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (understanding); Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him.’ (Eph.1:8-10) Friends, that ‘fullness of time’ refers to Jesus coming back to reign in the Millennial Kingdom, when he cleans up the world, when both sin and righteousness will receive their just rewards. The question here is, are we ready for that most momentous occasion? What if it happens today? Will be in the righteous, believing and trusting group, or the sinful, evil group that will see eternal separation from God? Hopefully we’ll all be in the first group, but not unless we clean up our act and get our houses in order ASAP, preferably today, RIGHT NOW! Please, let’s not take foolish chances with our eternal destiny, for it’s the most important decision we’ll ever make in this earthly life. Let’s not be penny wise and pound foolish. Trust in Jesus TODAY! Much LOVE!…to repent, believe and trust in God…is the ultimate act of every human being…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 January 2012 Jeremiah 3:21‏

30 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

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

Jeremiah 3:21.     A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.
 
Spahnananananah! Spahnananananah! Oh Friends, it’s Monday, and the trumpet’s calling us to battle once again in this new workweek. Our world’s hurting, desperately crying out for peace and LOVE, and only we believers can grant that heartfelt desire, by riding out to battle, many millions strong, with our formidable General, Jesus at our helm. So please, let’s be up and at the evil minions of Lucifer. There’s no time to tarry, for the iniquity workers are already lining up for battle. And to help us get those lukewarm battle juices flowing, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with such verve and gusto, that just hearing our loud voices pouring forth in prayer and praise to Almighty God, will drive a wedge of fear into the enemy’s evil heart. As we all know from the example of Jericho, (Josh.6) songs of praise and worship can be just as powerful as man made weapons of war, when the battle is the Lord’s. So let’s sing. 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!’ Yes Friends, I’m sure that awesome entreaty to our God has the enemy shaking in their boots, so come on, let’s be up and at ’em, let’s put them to full flight, while taking many prisoners, who will thankfully bow before the cross of Christ, and tearfully accept Him as Lord and Saviour, so that there’ll be much joy in heaven today, over the many souls that have been saved. Hopefully Friends, at some stage of the game, and sooner rather than later, our world will wake up and emulate our Bit: ‘A voice was heard upon the high places (bare heights), weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.’ And isn’t that the awful truth! Our society has perverted all God’s statutes and commandments, and have turned away from Him, seeking to bow down to our own man made idols and evil schemes. Many have forgotten our God, who helped us to prosper, but an even sadder tale is that many of our young people don’t know God, have never heard of Him, because we have erased Him so successfully from our lives and our society. And for that Friends, we are paying a hefty price with the current state of confusion and troubles in our world. Remember what the Lord told Moses: ‘And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.’ (Deut.11:19) But have we done that? Not really. No wonder the Lord accuses us: ‘Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband (companion), so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.3:20) But yuh know what my brethren? Our God does not desire or take delight in our sufferings and death. He wants us all to live a life worthy of Him. So instead of totally wiping us out for our immeasurable iniquity, He gives us a second chance. As Jeremiah so ardently declares: ‘Return, ye backsliding children; and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.’ (Jer.3:22) My people, there’s ONLY One True God in the universe; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and luckily for us, He’s also a God of second chances, which He’s presenting to us right now. So please, I implore us, let’s grab whole of it nuh, so that our children and future generations will not have just cause to blame us for their misfortune, because we turned away from the Living God to follow our own evil dictates. And we’ll end with some words of truth, which we all know, but keep resisting, because we’re too taken up with the ways of the world. Hear Jeremiah tell it like it is: ‘Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.’ (Jer.3:23) Oh Friends, truer words were never spoken! Let’s take them to heart and keep on fighting the good fight here on earth to further Jesus’ kingdom, or else we’ll all end up in Hades with Lucifer. And I can assure us, that’s not a very pleasant or encouraging thought, but by then it will be too late to change our minds and our evil ways. So let’s be wise now, while there’s still time, take the evil bull by the horns and wrestle it to the ground. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Much LOVE!…the time to turn to God…is NOW…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 January 2012 Psalm 89:1‏

29 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Psalm 89:1.    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a new day! Praise the Lord! I’m still caught in the grip of the cold, but thankfully I can see signs of the bright morning sun coming up over the horizon, and I know deep down that like everything else in this world, this cold too shall pass, because the Lord God Jehovah promised it. In the meanwhile though it’s making my life somewhat miserable, just like Lucifer and his evil cronies try to make our lives everyday. But with that same obstinacy and determination we use against things like the common cold, we have to keep on fighting the evil in this world, until Jesus comes again and eliminates it all. I have to chuckle here when I consider how the Holy Spirit has me using the same cold that’s causing me grief, as a metaphor for evil. Only our Lord God could weave some form of suffering into some form of righteousness. Oh Friends, please praise His Holy name! And remember that the number one rule in a believer’s life should be to NEVER GIVE UP! Yes, regardless of how bad things might seem, once we’re alive, there is always hope. And looking back over my own life, I can see several instances where things were real bad, in more than one area too, but though my faith was not as strong and mature as it is now, something inside just kept me plodding on. I had no idea what was going to happen, whether things would right themselves or just fall apart. But yuh know what, though several of those situations caused tempestuous times and occurrences in my life, each situation eventually worked itself out to a better than expected ending. Much of it was my fault for doing wrong and unwise stuff. But I understand now that in a sense, it was God putting me through my paces, to see what I was made of, if I could stand my bounce. But that’s one thing I’m proud of Friends; I always take my lumps whenever I mess up. And though I didn’t understand all the ramifications at the time, I nonetheless kept trying to do what was right, while hanging on to whatever glimmer of hope I could find. Sometimes though Friends, there was no glimmer of hope, but I still never gave up. And though my life is still far from perfect, the Lord, in His great and wonderful mercy, has touched my life with a peace and contentment I never imagined possible. As I keep saying, during the last two years the Lord has opened my eyes so much that now everyday I stand in awe and wonder of His amazing LOVE! Through all my sickness and the unexpected death of my mother, I experienced such a feeling of peace and calm that even I was quite surprised by it. But it didn’t happen by magic or miracles, and it wasn’t very easy either. I first had to sincerely believe that the Lord was in control and knew what He was doing, and as He promised, always makes a way where there seems to be none, and in the long run always works things out for the good of those who LOVE and revere Him. And don’t think I didn’t cry out to the Lord, loud and often, cause I certainly did, when the pain, both physical and emotional, wracked my body and soul. But the good thing my people is that the Lord always answered me in some form and fashion; either by easing the pain or giving me the strength to bear it. If nothing else, the years 2010 and 2011 saw my faith blossom and mature, soar to greater heights than I ever expected or thought possible. I guess the lesson here is that we can listen to others tell us all about God, His goodness, mercy, LOVE, forgiveness and otherwise, but until we go through the fire, where He actually and seriously begins to mould us into the image of His perfect Son Jesus, we can never fully understand or appreciate the true value and benefit of a strong, secure and everlasting faith in Almighty God. Ah Friends, regardless of what you might hear or see, please believe that our God is a great and wonderful God, who stands faithfully behind all those who truly believe in and try their best to follow Him. He knows that we’re imperfect, because He made us, but as He faithfully promised, He’ll never leave nor forsake those who come to Him in humble prayer, with hurting heart and seeking spirit. And it’s very sad that so many people in our troubled world don’t know the LOVE and friendship that Jesus provides, and His great desire to ease their burdens. But that’s our job my brethren. Our duty is to spread the good news of Jesus and His LOVE all over the world, as He announced in His great commission to us. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt.28:19-20) And that’s the everlasting truth Friends! So let’s energize ourselves this year of 2012 and seriously and diligently concentrate on carrying out that commission nuh. Oh my people, I’m chuckling here because this is one of those Bits where I had nothing planned. I got an intro, then the words just kept flowing from my pen and my heart. I guess the Holy Spirit decided that today we needed a testimony on faith from me. And yuh know what, I like these spontaneous, from the heart Bits. Anyhow, enough talk, lemme go and find an appropriate scripture to head this up. (smile) Soon Come. I’m back people, less than two minutes later. Who says our God isn’t a good God eh! And we’ll end with our Bit, from Psalm 89, a Maschil (contemplation) of Ethan the Ezrahite, talking about God’s sure mercies to Bruh David. And it gloriously proclaims: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.’ Please Friends, let’s do that today and everyday that we’re alive, for it’s God’s desire. Much LOVE!…it’s of the utmost importance for us believers…to LOVE our God…LIVE our Faith…and SPREAD His Word…so that others can also believe…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 January 2012 Psalm 60:11‏

28 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Psalm 60:11.     Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s under the weather this morning. A stubborn cold seems to have me in its grip. But only total incapacity or death can stop the Bit from going out. Ah better shut mih mouth here though, before the Lord decides to take me up on my boast, (smile) for He does delight in testing our bluster. Sadly, or rather luckily, I haven’t had a real cold for so long now that I’ve forgotten how lousy it can make you feel, as it drains, just saps the very energy from your lifeblood. And despite all the stuff I’m taking, it still has to run its course. It’s like fear in its workings, which saps the faith out of our souls and makes us wimpy, anxious and prone to worry. Unlike the normal cold though people, we cannot allow fear to run it’s course, otherwise it will stay with us permanently, and we’ll live a constantly fearful life. Fear has no natural stop time like the cold. We have to seriously and diligently work at eliminating it as soon as possible, nip it in the bud if we can. And how do we do that? By turning to Almighty God in faith, trust and total surrender! Note Bruh David’s plea in our Bit: ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.’ Yes mih people, man’s help is very unreliable. Look at all the gated communities that have sprung up because of fear, with men guarding them. Unfortunately they are still liable to the evil that men do, because man is a finite, incomplete source of help and protection. Anything man-made can be unlocked or broken into by man. Look at all the security systems, dogs and otherwise that are supposed to protect our homes and businesses, yet they are still vandalized. The security guards with weapons on armoured trucks, they too have been robbed. So there’s no real help in man and his means. Oh Friends, it’s only in the presence of Almighty God, or His presence in our lives that a man can feel safe, and be guaranteed serious and sincere help in times of trouble. Bruh David ended Psalm 60, a prayer for help against the foe, with these words of assurance and comfort: ‘Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps.60:12) And that’s the undeniable truth my people! It is only with God’s help that we can overcome our enemies in this evil, oppressive world. Listen to what Bruh David says in Psalm 34, the Lord hears the righteous: ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want (lack) to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want (lack) any good thing.’ (Ps.34:8-10) Then in Psalm 40, praise for answered prayer, he boldly proclaims: ‘Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust; and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps.40:4) Oh Friends, I do hope we’re getting the picture here, that it’s absolutely necessary to have faith and trust in the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob if we’re to live a fruitful, successful and prosperous earthly life. And if those scriptures haven’t convinced you, (smile) let’s try a few more, starting with Psalm 84, titled, blessed are they that dwell in thy house: The psalmist at the end, confidently declares: ‘For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.’ (Ps.84:11-12) Moving on to Psalm 118, where the psalmist is giving thanks for the Lord’s salvation, he also stoutly declares: ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.’ (Ps.118:8-9) And we’ll end with some inspiring and uplifting words from Psalm 146, the blessedness of trusting God. The psalmist truthfully states: ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man (human being), in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth (spirit departs), he returneth to his earth: in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.’ (Ps.146:3-5) And that Friends is the gospel truth! No ifs, ands or buts about it. The only being it makes sense to trust completely is the Most High God Jehovah, who made the universe and everything in it, and still controls what happens therein. Man’s help can indeed be useful at times, but in the long run, it will inevitably let you down. So let’s be wise nuh and trust in the one true source of help – Almighty God! Much LOVE!…man is quick to promise help…but when push comes to shove…it’s only God…who will not disappoint you…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 January 2012 Psalm 18:3

27 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 18:3.    I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s Friday! The weekend is here at last! And all God’s hard working people boldly declared: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ Yes my brethren, we know you’re tired and all that, but the weekend is not simply a time to laze around and vegetate, we still need to keep in touch with Jehovah God and do His will, keep His earthly kingdom functioning properly. And to help us do that, to give us the motivation to keep on keeping on, let’s chant our Friday Chant in loud voice, with much enthusiasm. On three; one, two, three: ‘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.’ Yeh mih people, though there’s a time for rest and relaxation, we can never afford to shut down God’s kingdom work, it has to be kept going 24/7, because the enemy never sleeps, never let’s up. As Peter so rightly declares: ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith…’ (1 Pet.5:8-9) And that’s the gospel truth Friends, for Beelzebub is always on the prowl, looking for innocent prey. And the best way to resist and/ or defeat the evil one is doing like Bruh David says in our Bit: ‘I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ That’s because our God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He sees everything, is everywhere and can do anything. What a mighty God! So why do we refuse to sincerely call on Him in time of trouble eh? In Psalm 18, a prayer of thanksgiving and deliverance from all his enemies, especially the wicked, jealous Saul, Bruh David boldly and truthfully declares: ‘It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect…It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.’ (Ps.18:32,47) The writer of Psalm 91 also staunchly proclaimed: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’ (Ps.91:2) Yes Friends, we need to remember that without Jehovah God in our corner, we can do nothing much for ourselves. And right here, let’s note Jesus’ words to His disciples: ‘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) Also Bruh Paul’s statement to the Philippians, where he humbly, but confidently proclaims: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil.4:13) Yes my people, it is our great, wonderful. LOVING, and merciful God who gives us the wherewithal to do anything and everything. The sad fact though is that too many of us, believers included, pass it over, don’t take it seriously enough, thus the high state of fear, tension, worry and anxiety that exists in our world. Oh Friends, we have seen how fickle and faithless the souls and promises of our fellow man can be, so why do we still in many cases, turn to him first, rather than the most powerful and faithful Being in existence, Almighty God? I really don’t understand it. Theoretically it should be a no-brainer. Logic should dictate that we always go to the mightiest and most helpful when we need or seek help. The problem though is that we can’t just go to Almighty God for help without believing and trusting in Him, in His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit. and we have to believe with strong faith too, not just a wishy-washy attitude, with no real heart motive, for remember that’s where the Lord looks before considering our pleas. So Friends, as of today, let’s promise ourselves to faithfully work on increasing our faith in God, so that there’ll be absolutely no doubt in our hearts and minds as to our real Provider and Protector, and no hesitation to approach Him first, always, for help. And to end, let’s hear what the angels and elders, thousands of thousands, are saying in heaven with loud voices: ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing.’ (Rev.5:12) Oh Friends, we couldn’t find a better person to build a personal relationship with than Jesus. Please, I implore us to write that deep in our hearts, minds and souls, for it’s wisdom at its highest. Much LOVE!…in both good times and bad…my strong faith will keep my attention focused on Jesus…from who my life and my strength come…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 January 2012 Isaiah 43:13

26 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 43:13.      Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Oh Friends, as I keep saying our Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways! And what made me say that this time? Well I’ve been reading this Devotional by Dr. Robert Schuller, Hours of Power, for a few years now, and most of the devotionals strike some familiar chord as I read them year after year, but this one, hn! Truthfully this is the first time I really noticed this one. Today it just jumped out at me, and I realized that I had to share it. The title is Begin Each Day With A Positive Seed Thought. And it says: ‘Dress your mind when you dress your body. No discreet person would go into the world half dressed. No wise person will consider himself well dressed unless his mind is wearing a “positive idea” as a shield against the negative forces that will strike him before his workday begins. Make a hobby of collecting “shields for the spirit” that can fortify your mind as you move into the workaday world. Try these spirit shields.’ Then he goes on to give a few uplifting scriptures that can be used as shields. I won’t include them because we can all find the ones that are most appropriate and helpful to us personally. But Friends, I daresay that’s a jolly good idea! It could be immensely helpful when we get dressed in the body in the morning to also dress our minds and souls with affirmations of scripture. It will surely boost our spirits, filling us with pride and courage to go out and further the Saviour’s kingdom. Now turning to our Bit, which I had no trouble finding today, for as I opened the Good Book, that was the first passage my eyes fell on. Oh thank you Lord! And our Bit says: ‘Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it (reverse it)?’ And the simple, obvious, truthful answer to that Friends is ‘NOBODY!’ For there’s nobody greater or higher than our God! He created the universe and all therein, and still controls it. He says, ‘before the day was I am he.’ And Moses concurs in Psalm 90 by enthusiastically declaring: ‘Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place (refuge) in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed (gave birth to) the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.’ (Ps.90:1-2) And Moses should really know about our God, for he had so many miraculous dealings with Him. It therefore follows that if the first part of our Bit is true, then the next part ‘and there is none that can deliver out of my hand,’ must needs be also true, for if our God is the greatest and existed before the universe was created, then who can overpower Him? And the same answer applies: ‘NOBODY!’ Hear again what the Lord says through His prophet Isaiah: ‘Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord God, and his Spirit hath sent me.’ (Is.48:16) Yes my people, our God has never spoken in secret, He’s always told it like it is right from the beginning with our forefather Adam. According to the scholars, many people have seen a reference to the Holy Trinity in that verse. It does sound plausible, if one asks the question, who is it that the Lord and His Spirit have sent? The last line of our Bit is also a powerful acclamation of our omnipotent God. He calmly but with great confidence says: ‘I will work, and who shall let it be (reverse it)?’ And that answer once again Friends is a resounding, ‘NOBODY!’ Job, who underwent a mighty test from God, said it this way: ‘He (God) is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?…Behold he taketh away, who can hinder him (turn him back)? Who will say unto him, What doest thou?’ (Job 9:4,12) And Isaiah concurs with: ‘This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?’ (Is.14:26-27) Ah Friends, as believers in the Most High God Jehovah, and followers of His most precious Son Jesus Christ, we know without a doubt that nobody or nothing in this universe is greater than, stronger, wiser, more LOVING, kind, merciful and forgiving than our heavenly Father. So let’s allow that to eliminate the fear in our souls nuh, the fear that this crazy, confused, unjust, evil world has caused to seep in there. Faith in the omnipotence of the Holy Trinity should make us unafraid of what the world can do. As Jesus warned: ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt.10:28) And that’s how we ought to operate Friends! In this auspicious year then of 2012, please let it be said that believers in Jesus Christ threw fear out of their souls and increased their faith so much, that they made a meaningful difference in the ongoing LOVE Revolution, and thus brought a greater modicum of peace to God’s wonderful world. Much LOVE!…fear restricts true LOVE…but faith empowers it…

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