Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 February 2010 Psalm 69:20‏

22 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 69:20     Reproach hath  broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
 
‘Stand up, stand up for Jesus. The trumpet calls obey. Till every foe is vanquished. And Christ is Lord indeed!’ Yes Friends, it’s Monday morning, another beautiful day in some part of the universe, but in our rat race society the start of another work week, one of hostilities. Remember to give thanks, ask for guidance and to dress in all your spiritual armour, for without it you don’t stand a chance against the evil enemy. He takes no prisoners, and shows no pity. And on that topic, here’s a quote for our edification. ‘Self-pity is our worst enemy, and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.’ Those are supposedly words of Helen Keller, and she speaks the truth. Having others pity us is bad enough, but self-pity, when we’re both the giver and the ‘givee’ (smile) that only brings us to a rather low state of self-confidence and self-esteem, and only serves to bog us down in a mire of quick sand. And with each passing day that we wallow in it, our depression and self-loathing becomes worse. I know that it’s easy to ridicule self-pity, but Friends it happens to all and sundry; king, beggar and thief. The human spirit, our souls need a constant stream of positive affirmation from others to boost them. But when our inner being doesn’t get that rush of positive affirmation, or if we’re lambasted with negative action, whether fairly or unfairly, then it doesn’t take much to turn into ourselves and miserably bewail our misfortune. ‘Poor me. I’ve been misunderstood and treated so badly. No one cares about me.’ Then we let sadness and sorrow overwhelm us. Now all our claims might be true, but like anger and resentment, we can’t let self-pity thrive in our souls, for it only grows, hardens and turns to bitterness. In Psalm 69, Bruh David cries out with pleas of underserved suffering: ‘Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children.’ (Ps.69:7-8) That was very fertile ground for self-pity. He also despairs: ‘They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away (did not steal).’ (Ps.69:4) Oh Friends, what great reasons to wallow in the funk of self-pity? Your enemies are plentiful and powerful, wrongfully accuse you, and though you returned what you didn’t take, they still want to eliminate you. And I doubt that any of us have been plagued by the many serious problems that befell Bruh David in his topsy-turvy life. But what was his attitude, what was his answer? Instead of turning inward to bemoan his misfortune, he turned outwardly and cried out to his Creator, his God. Right from the get go, he pleads: ‘Save me, O God, for the waters are come in unto my soul (quickly): I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.’ (Ps.69:1-3) Oh my people, all of us can identify with Bruh David’s plight at least once in our lives, where we’re so overwhelmed by misfortune that it just drives us crazy. But instead of letting it fester like a cancer within him, he turned to the God of his fathers, who’d seen him through many other rough and disastrous times. Even so should we my Friends. When problems drive us low, instead of bemoaning and bewailing our sorry plight with a ‘poor me one,’ attitude and sinking into a state of depression, we ought to cry out to our God, who’s promised to help us in and through all our calamities. This reminds me of a personal instance not too long ago, when an incident occurred that was not my fault, but unfortunately I ended up bearing the brunt of the blame and suffering the most reversal. Obviously I was sad, angry and disappointed, but fortunately realized in a short time that those negative sentiments would not help, but rather hurt and hinder my progress, so I did like Bruh David and prayed them down. It wasn’t easy, for the enemy always ramps up his attacks when you’re low down, but if you seriously set out on the right course of action, the Lord will eventually intervene and bring you through it. You might come out unscathed, or somewhat scathed, depending on whether His original purpose for allowing the misfortune was to teach you a valuable lesson. But you’ll certainly learn something from the situation. Hopefully I did. (smile) Anyway, in a few days I’d put the unfair situation behind me and moved on. As our Bit laments: ‘Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness (sickness): and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.’ Take solace Friends, others mightier than us also had problems in that respect. Even the mighty Lord, our God, suffered that fate, as He declared through Isaiah, talking about the day of vengeance: ‘I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me.’ (Is.63:3) The same thing happened to Job. When he complained of God’s seemingly unfair dealings with him, all his supposed friends reproved him. ‘Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.’ (Job 16:1-2) Yes Friends, often it’s those closest to us who put us down the hardest and desert us when we’re in greatest need. And there’s no better example than Jesus after He explained to the disciples what was to happen and they claimed that they understood and believed. (John 16:25-30) But then Jesus said to them; ‘Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own (place), and shall leave me alone:’ (John 16:32) And so said so done, people. When the time came for him to be tried and crucified, none of His disciples were around, all disappeared for fear of being associated with Him and suffering some dreadful fate.  But as He had also said to them: ‘and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.’ (John 16:32) And that is the gospel truth of all gospel truths my people! We may be alone in terms of human companionship, but we’re never truly alone, for our heavenly Father is always with us wherever we go and whatever we’re going through. Please hold on to that tightly, because it’s possibly the most essential part of our faith. For some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples were: ‘lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ (Mat.28:20)  Stand strong my brethren in the promise of Jesus! Much LOVE!…to any who believes…Jesus will NEVER leave…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 February 2010 2 Corinthians 4:3‏

21 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Corinthians 4:3     But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
 
Oh Friends, we’ve been again granted that cherished and exquisite privilege of seeing another unique, exciting day! No other day has even been like this one, and none will ever be like it again. Why? Because each day is like a new brush stroke of God on His canvas of the world. And we all know that no two brush strokes are ever identical. Just as it with humans, each new day has its own distinct DNA structure, with it’s own unique properties, both subtle and vocal, that create changes, differences and variety in our earthly lives. And it’s all beholden to the amazing and powerful talents of our Creator; the Most High God Jehovah. Consequently, it is most essential that we honour, praise and glorify His Holy Name for the sights, sounds and all the other sensual treasures He’s allowed us to experience down through the ages. And if we’re not in tune with the Creator and Ruler of the universe, then we’re definitely on the wrong wave length. As Bruh Paul says in the Bit: ‘If our gospel be hid (veiled), it is hid to them that are lost.’ That’s the living truth Friends! Whosoever isn’t in tune with Almighty God is lost. Bruh Paul is here talking of God’s power in the ministry. He opens the chapter by declaring: ‘Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.’ (2 Cor.4:1) My people, that’s another truth we have to accept and hold dear, for because we have received God’s free gift of mercy, of forgiveness, we do not lose heart in our endeavours on His behalf. It also works the other way; we will lose heart and faint, give up, if we do not receive the awesome, strengthening, soul stirring, inspiring and nurturing mercy that He offers free to every one who repents and believes in His Son Jesus Christ. And that awe inspiring gift of mercy causes us not to faint, ‘But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty (shame), not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully (not adulterating the word of God); but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.’ (2 Cor.4:2) Yes my people, that’s the wholesome effect the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God ought to have on us. We ought to become new people, spiritually born again, changed from the sinful, evil ways of the flesh and the world, and then actually LIVE our faith, not merely talk it, as so many of us do. We can’t commend ourselves to others in Jesus’ name if we don’t live out the truth we claim to speak. And if we sincerely do that, then those who don’t receive it, from whom it’s hidden, then they will be truly lost. But why is it hidden, and why are they lost when the gospel is broadcast out in the open? Bruh Paul explains it thus: ‘In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.’ (2 Cor.4:4) Ah Friends, Bruh Paul’s saying to the Corinthians that those who are criticizing his ministry are not even saved. They are lost, unbelievers whom Lucifer controls so strongly, that he effectively blinds them, shields them from the wonderful news of Christ’s gospel. Oh Friends, the same thing is possible in our ministry today, for many are lost, Lucifer has them under such tight, blanket control that they can’t see anything beside the lustful, sinful pleasures of our wicked world. They refuse to believe that anything besides their evil path exists, or is even possible. But thankfully my brethren, that does not apply to us, because we listen to Bruh Paul and believe what he says. ‘For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.’ (2 Cor.4:5) That is also the approach we believers must take to the unbelieving, ungodly world; teach the good news of Jesus and be servants on His behalf. Why? ‘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.4:6) Wow mih people! Isn’t that a powerful bit of scripture! The same omnipotent Being that said at the beginning of Creation; ‘Let there be light: and there was light;’ (Gen.1:3) light coming at umpteen thousand miles per second, is the same one who’s shone His brilliant, mind altering, life changing light into the darkness of our hearts to bring the revelation, the truth and knowledge of His awesome glory through the LOVE of His Son Jesus Christ. Isn’t it wonderful Friends? For sure! That’s why we have to go and do likewise; cause that life altering light to shine in the darkness of the hearts of the many lost, of the many unbelievers still holding on to Lucifer’s evil ways, so that they too can believe, know the wonderful God we serve, and receive mercy, salvation and eternal life through His LOVING  Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That is the sacred duty with which our Leader has entrusted us. So Friends, I implore us to not disappoint our Saviour. Let’s put our hearts, minds, souls and bodies into it nuh, like the true believers we are. Much LOVE!…hide not your light under a bushel…but let it shine brightly in the darkness of the world…for Jesus…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 February 2010 Proverbs 15:1‏

20 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 15:1     A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
 
Oh Friends, it’s the weekend! Time to play and party, in moderation though, to fellowship, worship and rejuvenate our spirits after a hard week of spiritual warfare. We need that refreshing break so we can be ready to face the rigours of the workweek on Monday again. Hn! What a hard scrabble life! But that’s how the Lord ordained it, so we’ll just have to grin and bear it till whenever He chooses to call us home. Today we look to Cousin Sol for some words of wisdom to help us carry our crosses. And he does give us something wise to keep us on the straight and narrow. ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (harsh) words stir up anger.’ (Prov.15:1) And isn’t that the truth my Friends? Anger is curtailed by a calm and gentle response, while a comparatively heated response just fans the flames. So in the heat of the proceedings, when tempers flare, it is wise for at least one of the participants to know that saying and adhere to it, else things can get quickly out of hand. When all the participants get hot and bothered, then the road will most likely lead all downhill from there, with the escalation of verbal hostilities, which can easily progress to physical confrontation, to injuries and medical assistance, even to police presence and judicial proceedings. And it’s so easy for small disagreements to escalate into major problems, all because of insensitive words. That’s why James made the important declaration: ‘If any man among you seem to be (thinks he is) religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain (useless).’ (James 1:26) The sad part my people is that many of us believers today are too often guilty of that failing. We can’t, or have much trouble controlling our tongues, especially if we think we’re right. And as James went on to say about big ships being turned around by small helms and rudders, ‘Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter (forest) a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature (existence); and it is set on fire of hell…But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.’ (James 3:5-6,8) Yes Friends, we all know what a powerful tool or weapon out little tongue can be. It can start wars or bring peace. It all depends on who’s using it, and for what purpose. So Bruh David advises: ‘Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (deceit).’ (Ps.34:13) Oh my people, the Good Book warns against the evil of the tongue, one of the smallest organs of the body, more than any other part. Let’s hear some. Sol himself offers more. ‘There is that (one who) speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is (promotes) health.’ (Prov.12:18) ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that LOVE it shall eat the fruit thereof.’ (Prov.18:21) The sad fact is that too many of us fall under those last two admonishments. A lot of us just have a harsh, unforgiving manner that only breeds anger and contempt in others. Our words always have an edge to them, which makes others more often than not, feel offended, criticized and/or put down by them. This doesn’t help the situation at all, consequently anger is currently running rampant in our world. Everybody is angry at somebody or something. But hear Sol again: ‘By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft (gentle) tongue breaketh the bone.’ (Prov.25:15) Yes mih breddren, patience is usually more persuasive than impatience, and a gentle answer more often than not, gets the desired response. As they say, you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. So we’ve got to learn to first bridle our tongue, then to curb our haste to get angry, because those hasty words spoken in anger can have dire consequences which sometimes cannot be undone. ‘He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty (impulsive) of spirit exalteth folly.’ (Prov.14:29) It’s all well and good to say you’re sorry afterwards, but as the old people maintain, ‘sorry doh make it cool.’ It doesn’t take away the hurt. We have to learn instead to be proactive, not reactive, learn that ‘prevention is better than cure.’ And having said all that, let’s check an example of the hasty tongue and angry spirit that almost brought a very sad backlash. It concerns Bruh David, who, after Samuel died, went down to the wilderness of Paran to get away from Saul. Now there were shepherds in the area looking after the flocks of a rich man, Nabal, but Bruh David and his men did them no harm. Sometime later, when food was possibly running short, Bruh David sent ten men to Nabal’s home to ask for some supplies. Here’s how the Good Book describes Nabal and his wife Abigail. ‘…and she was a woman of good understanding and of a beautiful countenance; but the man was churlish (harsh) and evil in his doings…’ (1 Sam.25:3) That sets the tone for the proceedings right there. Obviously when Bruh David’s men approached Nabal, his churlish attitude surfaced as he asked: ‘Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants nowadays that break away every man from their master. Shall I take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?’ (1 Sam. 25: 10-11) Friends, we all know the rest of the story (1 Sam.25) where Bruh David’s men go back and tell him of Nabal’s rude, unkind reply, which angers him and he sets out to pay back Nabal. But the Lord was, and still is in His heaven, and caused one of Nabal’s men to go and tell his wife Abigail what had transpired. She being a sensible woman, got some victuals together, rushed down the road and fell before Bruh David, entreating him to hear her. ‘Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he: Nabal (fool) is his name, and folly is with him:’ (1Sam.25:25) Abigail realized the tragic results that could come of Nabal’s hasty and foolish actions, and she managed to talk Bruh David out of doing further wrong. But the Lord, in his wisdom, eventually got rid of Nabal and Bruh David married Abigail. Wow! What a good piece of drama for Hollywood from the Master Dramatist. Oh Friends, let’s learn from all of this nuh. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus, though harassed and threatened and beaten and scourged did not retaliate in anger, but in peace and LOVE. ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’ (Luke 23:34) I know it’s often difficult to reciprocate with LOVE and not anger, but that’s what Jesus would have us do. So let’s try and do it for His sake, so we can truly be called His followers. Much LOVE!…to return anger for anger is foolish…stop…think…and listen to the Spirit’s guidance first…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 February 2010 Matthew 24:3‏

19 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 24:3     And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday already! Wow! It seems like only two days ago I wrote that it was Monday, time to go out and renew hostilities with the ever present, ever hungry enemy. Time sure passes quickly! Now I’ve got to say that Sabbath time is upon us once again. Anyway, ours is not to wonder why, just to do and hopefully not to die until we reach a ripe, old age. (smile) And though old age does have it’s drawbacks like aches and pains and other degenerative illnesses, at least then we don’t need signs to help us in the abundance of life, for we’ve already been there, we know where we’re going, if we can see. (smile) Yes Friends, signs are a very important part of life, whether they are physical, emotional, mental or otherwise. They guide and show us the way, provided we follow them. The problem though is that there can be good and bad, as well as right and wrong signs, and if we follow the bad or wrong ones we usually end up in trouble. But sometimes the signs are so well disguised and we only realize they are wrong or bad when we reach the end of the line. That’s why we need to pay very careful attention to whatever signs pop up in our lives, for often when we follow the wrong ones, there’s just no turning back, or we hit a high stone wall, then have numerous regrets. We saw yesterday where Jesus refused to give the Pharisees, ‘the adulterous generation,’ any signs beyond His death and resurrection, re the judgement day and His coming again, this time in glory. But He did give some hints to His disciples in private. This was after they came out of the temple and they showed Him the temple buildings and He told them: ‘See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’ (Mat. 24:2) So later, while sitting on the Mount of Olives they ask Him; ‘Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?’ And what was Jesus’ answer? ‘Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.’ (Mat.24:4-5) Oh Friends, notice Jesus’ first warning was against false prophets, the antichrist. We have to be so very careful of whom we listen to and believe, because there are many wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing, who will gladly relieve us of our material possessions, our joy in the Lord and anything else they can, while leading us down the ungodly road to hellfire and damnation. Believe me brethren, there are many of them out there in this wicked world just waiting to pounce on some unsuspecting or naive person. As a believer, the only way to combat this is to fill your hearts, souls and minds with the Word, and screen all comers with the words of John. ‘Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is Christ? He is the antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye shall also continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.’ (1 John 2:22-25) Yes Friends, we must pay great heed to what others preach to us, using what we were originally thought as our guideline, for the spirit of the antichrist is fully alive and kicking, grinning with bared teeth, ready to devour us. Jesus then continued giving them more warning signals. ‘And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers (various) places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.’ (Mat.24:6-8) Oh my people, it surely seems like Jesus could be referring to our time, for we have all those things in unusual abundance: wars and rumours of wars, nations rising against nations, earthquakes, famines and much sickness all over the world. But Friends, according to Jesus, that’s just the start of our misery. Can you imagine our world getting any worse? Jesus seems to think so, for He says of  His followers: ‘Then they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then many shall be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the LOVE of many shall wax (grow) cold.’ (Mat. 24:9-12) All of that is already here Friends. But the great thing about our Saviour is that in spite of the dark and utterly terrifying pictures He paints of abounding sin and martyrdom, He provides a way out for His followers, He always gives us hope. And here is that hope: ‘But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’  (Mat.24:13) Shout ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Friends. For if we stand strong and fight the good fight, encouraging and helping each other, in tune with the Holy Spirit, then at the end we’ll be joyous in salvation and eternal life. One more sign Friends. ‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.’ (Mat.24:14) So there’s still a long way to go because we haven’t yet spread the gospel through missionary expansion all over the world. It seems the church age will last until we spread the good news of the gospel all over the inhabited world. So let’s get with it please people: LOVE your God, LIVE your Faith, and SPREAD His Word. Much LOVE!…obey the signs…and you’ll be fine…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 February 2010 Mark 8:12‏

18 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Mark 8:12     And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a beautiful morning, let’s be up and at ’em! (smile) Okay, so it’s not a beautiful day in your neck of the woods, and truthfully, neither is it in mine. However, I’m sure that in some part of God’s wonderful planet Earth, a beautiful day has dawned with sparkling sunshine and will continue that way, until it ends in a fiery blaze of orange, gold and crimson, as the sun sets behind the horizon. I’m therefore telling the truth, since I didn’t say exactly where the day was beautiful. In fact though my people, each and every day that we’re alive is a beautiful day, whether or not it’s reflected in Mother Nature. Please get that salted away in your hearts, souls and minds. As the song says, the Promised Land is not Africa, America, Europe, Asia or anywhere physical; ‘The Promised Land is a state of mind.’ And that’s quite true, for there’s nowhere in this world that actually reflects or matches our writings and thoughts on the subject. The Promised Land is a vision; a vision of faith we hold before us, a Utopian place we visualize as the ultimate venue for good living. It takes faith and hope to envision it. Note Bruh Paul’s words: ‘For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance) wait (eagerly) for it.’ (Rom.8:24-25) Exactly Friends! Unlike the Pharisees of Jesus’ time, we have hope and faith, but they came to Jesus ‘and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.’ (Mark 8:11) But those supposedly learned people were as Jesus said, truly blind, because after seeing all the miracles He did and His familiarity with the scriptures, you’d think they would at least be inclined to look seriously at His claims. But so taken up were they with their own egos, social and political positions, fearing they would lose that good life they enjoyed, they refused to even consider Jesus as the long awaited Messiah, especially since the scriptures envisioned their Saviour as being more of a warrior king, certainly not a poor, itinerant preacher. The scholars though claim that this particular group of Pharisees weren’t really interested in Jesus’ message, but were either out to satisfy their own curiosity, or gather evidence against Him, to prove He was one of Lucifer’s minions. Remember when ‘the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.’ (Mark 3:22) The Jewish rulers were so intent on getting rid of Jesus, they would stop at nothing to do so. They were so blinded by their hate, anger and fear that they did not even consider it possible that having done all He’d done, Jesus could read their minds or at least discern the reasoning behind their questions. Oh Friends, there’s really none so blind as he who refuses to see! But anyway, Jesus was on to them, and it’s noteworthy that the Good Book says, ‘he sighed deeply in his spirit,’ before answering them. This ‘sigh or groaning’ of Jesus is reflected in other places too. For example when He opened the ears and loosened the tongue of the deaf, speech impaired man. ‘And looking up to heaven, he sighed…’ (Mark 7:34) Also when He came to deal with Lazarus’ death, He ‘groaned in the spirit and was troubled…again groaning in himself.’ (John 11: 33,38) The scholars claim that this signifies Jesus’ inner emotional and spiritual fervour as He entreats the Father to undo the wrong. Hn! I don’t know if the sigh in our Bit would fall under that explanation nuh. I think Jesus was more fed up and tired, exasperated with the foolish games the Pharisees were playing. (smile) He might’ve been more asking the Father to give Him the patience to answer them sensibly and not just strike them down dead where they stood. And if so, the Father granted Him that desire, for He calmly replied: ‘Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.’ Then He left them, got into a boat and went over to the other side. Oh Friends, don’t you just LOVE how Jesus could rag on the stupid, hypocrite Pharisees an’ dem! He was being derogatory because they refused to accept Him as the Messiah in spite of all the solid evidence He provided. According to Matthew, others apparently also asked Jesus for a sign, and His answer was: ‘An evil and adulterous (unfaithful to God) generation asketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’ (Mat.12:39-41) Jesus was obviously referring to His death and resurrection. Then He further rebuked them by saying that the people of Nineveh would judge them harshly ‘because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in judgement with this generation; and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon: and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.’ (Mat.12:41-42) Jesus was simply pointing out that the Ninevites repented after a lowly prophet like Jonah warned them of coming tribulations for their ungodliness, and how the queen of Sheba travelled a great distance to hear Sol and marvelled at his riches and wisdom and believed on the Lord. (1 Kin.10:1-13) Yet they, in their ungodly wisdom and great arrogance refused to listen to and believe Him, who was much greater than both Jonah and Sol. Ah Friends, do we feel as the Pharisees did? Are we also looking for signs before we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour? Unfortunately, Jesus doesn’t do signs for signs sake. He deals in truth and faith, and expects those who follow Him to do the same. But enough for now. More tomorrow, God willing. Till then: LOVE your God, LIVE your Faith, and SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…signs are for those who don’t know where they’re going…believers do…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 February 2010 Isaiah 64:1‏

17 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 64:1      Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence.
 
Oh Glory be Friends, it’s a new day! Sing out a joyous song of eternal gratitude to out God for His enduring mercy and our continuing privilege of life! And though we have the same old problems, we have another chance, another opportunity to come at them from a different angle, with a different attitude. We need a new and more powerful perspective to attack those insidious problems that keep making our lives a hell on earth. That new perspective though must include the Most High God Jehovah, who still sits on His throne high in the heavens, monitoring all we do and don’t do. One of those new and powerful perspectives could be like that of Isaiah, when he cried out to the Lord in a prayer for help. When our earthly problems become unsolvable, that’s the best thing to do. And sadly Friends, some of the utter nonsense that’s happening in our world today does seem to call for God to come down and fix them, for man certainly can’t seem to do it. Look at all the sick and unhealthy societies in our world. Consider the recent worldwide economic meltdown that unbridled greed and avarice caused, with innumerable loss of jobs, homes and businesses. From which we still haven’t learned, for we are still moving along the same old road. Think of the breakdown of the family unit. We no longer eat or play together, or even watch t.v together. Everybody has their own t.v, their computer and all the other technological toys. Some of those things might be useful, but unfortunately they steal the personal dimension from our lives, they don’t encourage, but rather discourage togetherness. Sure, you can correspond with others all over the world, but there’s nothing like face-to-face meeting, talking, greeting, hugging and kissing. You can text, blog and whatever till thy kingdom come, but Friends, those toys cannot, and will never replace that special feeling that’s inherent in actually meeting and greeting someone in person. Good interaction is becoming increasingly hard to find anywhere. It’s gone from the family where there’s more infighting and disrespect than ever before. The workplace doesn’t lend itself much to that either for too many people are still scared for their jobs and their livelihood. That doesn’t build harmony and friendship. And don’t talk about the society at large…Hn! That’s just a dog eat dog world with all the crime, violence, fear and ungodliness that’s now running rampant. Within most nations there’s either much turmoil or serious unrest due to poverty, oppression, corruption, racial and religious disagreement to name a few causes. Then between nations, there are constant wars and rumours of wars and the cowardly threat of terrorism that recently reared its ugly, ungodly head. Oh Friends, it’s certainly not a pretty picture, and though we try to stay positive and manage to encircle ourselves in our little cocoons, we can’t ignore forever the fact that mankind is on the cusp, the brink of serious catastrophe in our relationships with each other. If we don’t hurry up and get it under control, then who knows what’s next? And it’s not the many unexpected natural disasters that are driving us apart. Surprisingly, they bring us together for a time to help each other. Maybe we should just have them all the time. It’s the unbridled greed, lust for power and wealth, the anger, hatred, resentment, jealousy and those negative things that keep driving a wedge in our relationships. We talk a whole lot about fixing and making things better, but despite all the meetings between the major countries and their proclamations, when they can agree on a watered down version, nothing worthwhile happens. It all boils down to mostly highbrow rhetoric, simply talk, for there is always someone or some group stirring the pot of strife and dissension for their own evil purposes. Friends, I don’t know about all yuh nuh, but I’m sure tired of all the unnecessary, small minded, petty foolishness that’s making a mess of our world, so I’m calling on the Lord to come down and help us, for it’s reached the stage where only He can fix it. Therefore, we pray, Lord, ‘Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. As when the melting fire burneth (burns brushwood), the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence. When thou didst terrible (awesome) things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down (shook) at thy presence.’ (Isa.64:1-3) Yes Friends, it’s probably time for Him to tear open the heavens, shake up the mountains, to come down and intervene in the affairs of men for we just can’t seem to make it work. Possibly like when Moses brought his people out to meet their God. ‘And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. (Ex.19:18) Or it could even be like when Bruh David cried out in his distress and the Lord heard him. ‘Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.’ (Ps.18:7-8) My people, there’s no doubt the Lord is displeased at the way His most wonderful and unique creation is behaving and laying waste their inheritance. Who knows, all the recent, unexpected, improbable disasters might just be a warning? But are we even considering that? No, cause we’re being led by an ungodly majority. Friends, we don’t know what’s going to happen when, but be sure of one thing, if the Lord is unhappy, then at some stage we will pay for our ungodliness. We can’t fix the world, but we can each fix ourselves first, then our families. That’s our immediate responsibility. We can then try our best in our workplaces and our neighbourhoods. If each believer does that, then for sure some godly improvement will come about, and hopefully the Lord will not have cause to vent His anger on us. I can guarantee we won’t like it. So my people, please, let’s begin that godly improvement RIGHT NOW! Much LOVE!…if the Lord’s wrath comes upon us…what a sad day that will be…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 February 2010 Psalm 62:10‏

16 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 62:10     Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a new day! Wow! We’ve been granted a new lease on life, so let’s thank our Heavenly Father for His LOVING kindness. ‘Thank you Lord, for allowing me to see another day. I pray that you’ll keep me, and all those who trust in you, safe, and guide us in paths of righteousness, so that we can do your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’ And since the Lord was willing for us to get together again, (smile) then, as promised, we’ll continue on the topic of; ‘if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.’ Yesterday we saw Jesus’ response to earthly wealth, but before going on, I want to point out one important thing. After Jesus told the rich, young ruler to go and obey the commandments if he wanted to obtain eternal life, and the fellow said he’d been doing that from young, the Good Book notes; ‘Then Jesus beholding him, LOVED him…’ (Mark 10:21) That means He felt sorry for him, felt badly, felt sad, had compassion, because He knew that what He was about to tell him; sell what he owned, give to the poor, then come and take up his cross and follow him, would create great sadness and conflict in the youngster’s heart and soul, since he genuinely seemed to want to do good. My point here Friends is that in cases where we’re about to give others news they might not like or appreciate, especially if they seem genuine, we must consider our words and actions carefully, don’t be too harsh, unforgiving or belittling. Let’s be like Jesus, show some compassion, for often when we’re right, we tend to get up on our high horse and talk down to people, expound without any thought for the other person’s feelings. That wasn’t our Saviour’s style. Even when He gave bad news, He always tried to soften the blow. So too should we. Now yesterday we ended where Jesus astounded the disciples with talk of how hard it is for the rich to go to heaven, it being easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, and how men couldn’t do that, but with God all things were possible. (Mark 10:23-27) Today we’ll continue that conversation. ‘Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.’ (Mark 10:28-31) That, my people, puts the whole thing in the right perspective. It’s not always easy to give up material things, but if we do it on Jesus’ behalf, then we will be rewarded later on, either here on earth, or when He comes to rule in glory. And it’s not just a one for one payback, but ‘an hundredfold.’ That’s how our God rewards us for putting out on His behalf; with more than we can ask or imagine. And as we said yesterday, nothing’s wrong with being rich, but it all depends on how and why we acquire the wealth and what we do with it. Obviously if we acquire it through false, unethical, ungodly means, like stealing, killing robbing, usury etc, then it will be considered ill gotten gain, wealth that we’re really not entitled to. However if we get it through fair and honest means then that’s fine. Then we come to the why, the motive for acquiring that wealth. If it’s just to boost your ego, make you feel good and powerful and live the high life, then I doubt the Lord will look kindly on it. But if you seek riches not to glorify yourself but God, then He will safeguard your earthly treasure, for riches are given to us to enable us to do God’s work, to further His kingdom, cause we’re only stewards of that wealth. Remember, regardless of what good we do, the Lord always looks at our motive, the true purpose and intent of our hearts as the judging factor. Oh Friends, contrary to what many think, wealth itself causes many problems; we’ve got to keep it safe, know whom to trust with it, can’t let too many people know we have it for fear of them wanting to hurt us or our families to get some of it etc. Being wealthy is nice, but it’s no picnic. Most importantly, we have to ensure it doesn’t change us into worldly, self-seeking ogres and just live for it. As Job said when he spoke of his integrity. ‘If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much…This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.’ (Job 31:24-25,28) So Friends, even way back then, wise people realized that life was not only about earthly wealth and the amassing of or serving it. Jesus’ famous warning should always ring in our ears too when we consider material possessions. ‘Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.’ (Luke 12:15) And finally Friends, no talk, lecture, dialogue, diatribe, whatever, on riches is ever complete without these wise words of Bruh Paul. ‘For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds of) evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, (for which some in their greediness have strayed from the faith) and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’ (1 Tim.6:10) Seldom were truer words spoken Friends. So let that warning also stay in our consciousness when we consider the wealth of the world. Nothing’s basically wrong with money, for we all need it to live. It’s when we worship, LOVE, bow down to it like an idol, that it gets us in trouble. Please be careful and not let it lead us astray. Much LOVE!…remember…earthly possessions can’t buy LOVE…salvation…or eternal life…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 February 2010 Psalm 62:10‏

15 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 62:10     Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
 
Oh Friends, the weekend’s over! Like time these days, it passes rather quickly. Now it’s Monday, and we need to put on all the protection available from Almighty God before heading out to the crazy workday world, to again engage the enemy in hostilities to the death. Make no mistake Friends, the enemy is intent on taking us down with him to eternal death and damnation, and it’s only if we stand strong in the faith granted us by the risen and living Christ, our Lord and Saviour, can we defeat him and live to receive salvation and eternal life. Wow! What a mouthful! (smile) But a true mouthful. Bruh David knew this when he penned Psalm 62, ‘God only is my rock and my salvation.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people! If you believe nothing else, please believe that. All that we are, depends entirely on our Creator and our God, as Bruh David acknowledges in the opening verses. ‘Truly my soul waiteth (waits silently) upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense (strong tower); I shall not be greatly moved (shaken). (Ps.62:1-2) To that my people, let’s all offer a thankful shout of ‘Glory Hallelujah! All praise and thanks be to the Living God for His never ending and impenetrable protection of those who sincerely believe in and worship Him!’ However Friends, there are a significant number of people who don’t believe that; Lucifer’s workers of iniquity. And sadly, these days they greatly outnumber us who consider those words of Bruh David gospel. They also attempt to pressure us into being like them, using all sorts of evil and ungodly means and methods to do so. Their arsenal includes harsh means like oppression, suppression, greed, anger, torture, even outright warfare. And if these negative methods don’t work, then they can also be nice and sweet and entice us with worldly things that our fleshly lusts adore, but our spiritual side abhors. So my brethren, the enemy is not only brutal and ruthless, he is also cunning and charismatic, and not afraid to use any means, devious or otherwise, to achieve his wicked, godless ends. But Friends, I’m here to convey Bruh David’s soul and mind changing message to us all: ‘Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery.’ In other words, don’t depend on oppressing and suppressing others to build yourself up, for what goes around comes around. Every dictator’s been ousted by another power hungry fool. Neither should we vainly hope in robbing or stealing from others to enrich ourselves, like so many of us do today. Robbery is probably the number one crime in our society, and too often it’s accompanied by violence. But we also have the legalized kind of robbery, synonymous with the word business. Steups! In too many cases the words greed and robbery can be substituted for business, since the number one end or motivation in those endeavours is to enrich, to make ever larger profits. We therefore stoop to whatever unconscionable levels we need to, in order to attain those unjustifiable ends. Please remember my people that the enemy has no conscience. He lives by the mottos; kill or be killed, the ends justifies the means, grab whatever and as much you can, live for today and forget about tomorrow. But as believers, we know that all those things are wrong, and thankfully, the Spirit of Christ which dwells in us, our conscience, will not allow us to participate in them. And we have one more everlastingly important caution from Bruh David on the subject: ‘if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.’ Oh Friends, that is the enemy’s biggest ploy, most prominent enticement; to have us set all our hearts, minds, souls and goals on becoming rich; in money, material possessions, social prominence and political power. He makes us believe that success is based on being on top of the heap; wealthy and well known. But mih breddren, nothing can be further from the truth. You just have to look around our world today and see the vast number of wealthy, powerful, well known but unhappy people. Oh I know some of us will say it’s better to be rich and unhappy than poor and happy, but that’s all a matter of personal preference and it’s not the determining factor in this debate. And what is? It’s the opinion of Jesus, our Leader, our Lord and Saviour. Listen as He enlightens His disciples and a young, rich, ruler who comes asking how he can obtain eternal life. Jesus first tells him to go and obey the commandments. ‘And he answered and said unto him, Master (Teacher), all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him, LOVED him, and said unto him: One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and take up the cross, and follow me.’ (Mark 10:20-21) Obviously Jesus’ words saddened the youngster, as it would have any of us with much wealth, and he went away unhappy. And Jesus, always adept at using drama in His teaching, turned to His disciples and said: ‘How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ (Mark 10:23) The disciples were astonished at Jesus’ words, but He continued unperturbed. ‘Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’ (Mark 10:24-25) Now the disciples were truly astonished and began muttering amongst themselves, ‘Who then can be saved? And Jesus  looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.’ (Mark 10:26-27) And if we are true believers we know that. Oh Friends, there’s basically nothing wrong with being rich, but it boils down to how and why we acquire the wealth, then what we do with it? We’ve run out of space and time today, so we’ll delve into these things tomorrow, as there’s much more to talk about, for this is a very important aspect of the believer’s life. Oh, I forgot to mention, provided God is willing. But then why shouldn’t He eh? All we’re doing is glorifying Him, Spreading His Word and Living Our Faith. So till then, Much LOVE!…be wary of riches…for they are one of Lucifer’s calling cards…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 February 2010 2 Corinthians 6:14‏

14 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

HAPPY  VALENTINE’S  DAY

2 Corinthians 6:14     Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
 
Oh Friends, it’s Valentine’s Day! A day for a special outpouring of LOVE to those we consider worthy of our LOVE and/or Friendship. It’s also another one of those days designed to bolster the coffers of the merchants at our expense, with gifts of chocolates, cards and all sorts of unusual doodads. (smile) However, I guess if it does boost the outpouring of good and sincere sentiments, then we have to acknowledge its importance, for anything in these evil, ungodly and hard times that produces or enhances a feeling of peace and LOVE amongst humans is worthy to be noted and supported. But having said that, we still need to be very careful in our relationships, because as Bruh Paul said to the immature Corinthian congregation: ‘Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.’ Now it doesn’t mean we can’t be friends with unbelievers, but we have to be very particular whom we associate with outside of God’s circles of believers, and also how we interact with them. In truth though, some unbelievers behave better than some supposed believers. Anyway,the important words in his statement are ‘unequally yoked,’ meaning the unbeliever must never be the one who controls the relationship, nor their ideas be the dominant topics of conversation. Instead, our ideas and beliefs concerning Jesus and all that He stands for, should dominate the relationship, obviously in a kind and godly manner reminiscent of Jesus’ style. We can’t say to have no relationships whatsoever with unbelievers for we meet them in all walks of life. Furthermore, how else are we going to tell them of our wonderful Saviour and all the good things He’s done and is still doing for us and get them on track to become believers? How are they going to see and judge the beautiful Christ like examples we set, having told them all those great tidings re our omnipotent, omniscient and ever-LOVING God, if we don’t interact with them on some level? Remember, examples speak more forcibly than words. The important thing here Friends, is to keep our wits about us, use some common sense, try to keep control of the interactions so that their unbelief doesn’t dim or wither our faith in the One True God, Jehovah. This is not always easy to do, for some unbelievers can be very aggressive, assertive and convincing too, and if our faith is not solidly entrenched in the blood and the cross of Jesus, then they can turn the tables on us, cause doubts to enter our minds and to eventually backslide. Consequently, Bruh Paul warned: ‘I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company (associate) with fornicators.’ (1 Cor.5:9) Now according to the scholars, that was an earlier epistle which was lost, but we’re sure that’s one thing he told them in it. ‘Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.’ (1 Cor.5:10) It’s the same thing we were saying people, you can’t help but meet the ungodly in this world. To not come upon them, you would have to go out of the world. But listen to Jesus praying to the Father for His own people: ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one)…As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.’ (John 17:15,18) It sure is a tricky situation my people: we’re not to associate with those of excessive ungodliness; ‘for what fellowship (in common) hath righteousness with unrighteousness (lawlessness)? and what communion (fellowship) hath light with darkness?’ But Friends, it’s some of those very people; the unrighteous and those in the dark, that Jesus befriended. It’s also those who need to hear the good news of the gospel of Christ the most. For when the scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus: ‘Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ (Luke 5:30-32) Yes my people, we are called to do a seemingly impossible task, but as we all know, with those who LOVE and obey God, all things are possible. Nevertheless, let’s close with some more warning words of Bruh Paul, this time to the church at Ephesus. ‘Let no man deceive you with vain (empty) words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children (sons) of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them…And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.’ (Eph.5:6-7,11) Yes Friends, in all our associations and relationships, we must be led by the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and ensure that Jesus and His Good News Gospel is the primary topic that permeates the atmosphere. May the Good Lord through His Spirit strengthen and guide us in this matter. We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Much LOVE!…saving lost souls is our duty…but we can’t do it without heavenly help…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 February 2010 Psalm 104:24‏

13 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 104:24     O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
 
Oh Friends, it’s the weekend; Sabbath time again! So be sure to get your spiritual fix. (smile) Join others in praise and worship, refill your spiritual tank with God’s assurances and mercy, for without this renewal we cannot battle the enemy successfully. Today’s Bit comes from Psalm 104, a song dedicated to God’s marvellous handiwork in nature, and the way He looks after it. It states: ‘O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.’ And isn’t that the truth my people? The Lord’s work in Mother Nature is certainly plentiful: its contents are at once simple and complicated, practical, awe inspiring and mind boggling. Bruh David extols it in Psalm 40. ‘Many O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.’ (Ps.40:5) That’s an amazing fact Friends. We can never count the number of good things that the Lord has done for us, or His thoughts towards us, which are always for good and not evil. That man of patience, Job, agrees. When speaking of the Lord, he exclaims: ‘Which doeth great things past finding out: yea, and wonders without number.’ (Job 9:10) Meanwhile, Sol, in his own inimitable style declares: ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken, and the clouds drop down the dew.’ (Prov.3:19) And Jeremiah proclaimed: ‘He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.’ (Jer.10:12) Jerry found it so nice that he had to say it twice. (Jer.51:15) (smile) So Friends, we all agree that our God did a most marvellous and amazing job when He made the earth, the heavens, the seas and all therein. Now some of us may be familiar with Psalm 104 through the following verses that Peter Tosh used to help pen the song; ‘Igzabier, Let Jah be praised.’ ‘He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb (vegetation) for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth. And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengetheneth man’s heart.’ (Ps.104:13-15) Ah Friends, does our God ever deserve to be praised! Remember, He made nature and all its workings before He ever made man. He made Paradise first, then placed man in it. He made Mother Nature both pleasant to the senses; sight, smell, taste and touch, and fruitful for man’s existence. But the question is do we appreciate it? Do we take proper care of it? The resounding answer is NO! Definitely not as well as we should. Just consider how we exploit and abuse the land with pesticides and over use, not giving it time to lie fallow so it can be naturally replenished. Also the deep scarring from mines, where all the trees are removed and the land left bare so the soil can all be washed away in the rains. Now we’ve moved from burrowing into the earth to removing the whole hill, extracting what we want, then leaving the ugly, harmful sludge behind. But it’s easier and cheaper and what happens to the earth and people who have to live there is not that important. We also pollute the seas and rivers, consequently destroying the sources of food God provided. The same goes for the heavens, with the smog and acid rain caused by our belching smokestacks, and the carbon dioxide filled smoke from our car exhausts, all contributing to the constant erosion of the protective ozone layer. The Lord made everything to work in delicate precision, like the famed Swiss watches, but mankind has just royally screwed up everything. Then we wonder why there are terrible snow and rain storms in places that usually have none, while there’s none in places that are supposed to have plenty. Why there are floods and famines in places that by human reasoning and past experience should not have them? Where once productive land abounded, now it’s dry and arid? There’s only one answer to all those changes Friends, man’s atrocities, which in our earthly wisdom, read greed and ignorance, we refuse to take seriously or acknowledge. The atrocities, the constant rape and pillage that man has wrought on the planet over the years, are now taking their toll. Even the moon is subject to our destructive habits, because every time we go there, we leave junk and garbage. The whole eco system is out of sync with God’s careful planning and consideration, due in large part to our misuse and abuse. It’s so bad that many plants, animals, birds and other living organisms are becoming extinct, either by being pushed out of their natural habitat or killed off for profit and/or fun. Oh people, the only things we haven’t crossed up yet are the workings of the sun and moon. ‘He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.’ (Ps. 104:19) But don’t worry, we’re trying to tamper with those too. Ah Friends, I don’t know what to say, except that we all are responsible for taking care of God’s great gift, and we’re sadly falling behind more everyday, by allowing our leaders and captains of industry to adopt the greedy, short-sighted, short term plans that are wreaking havoc on the planet. If we don’t step up and hold them accountable soon, and try to reverse it, then we’ll also be complicit in the degradation. And I don’t want to play the devils advocate, but if it continues the way it’s going, then the logical conclusion is that one day man will also become extinct, having destroyed his natural habitat. For the sake of our children and future generations, let’s come together and make saving our beautiful but ill-treated planet a priority nuh. It’s our gift from God, we ought to take proper care of it, for like our money and material possessions we’re only stewards, caretakers of it for future generations. Much LOVE!…take care of the planet…and the planet will take care of you…
 

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