Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 December 2007 James 1:5‏

09 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

James 1:5     If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
 
Oh Friends, those words of James are so true that sometimes they seem hard to believe. We all know that we have a wonderfully generous God, who gives without finding fault, when we ask Him, though He suggests that we ask for what we really need, rather than what we just want. And I think  it pleases Him most when we ask for things like wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and not long life, honour or material possessions. Look at what He did for Solomon, who asked for wisdom and understanding: He ended up being not only the wisest man around town but also the richest in terms of material wealth. The way I see it Friends, is that when we ask for mental and emotional stimulation instead of just material advancement, the Most High recognizes that we’re not in the Faith for only the physical riches He can provide. In other words, we’re not the ‘gimme gimme’ type, but we’re also trying to figure out and understand the spiritual aspect of His show. I always chuckle appreciatively when I think about Solomon asking for wisdom and understanding, because it shows he was one smart dude. Some people are derisive because he did not ask for money or power or such. But he already had power; he was a King and as such had money. He was however lacking in experience and governance mainly because of his youth, so he asked for what he needed. And if we look at the whole thing logically, it seems obvious that if we possess wisdom and understanding, then we possess the very tools necessary to make money and gain power and honour and whatever else we consider important. But it doesn’t necessarily work the other way; money and power doesn’t always translate to wisdom and understanding. So Friends, when we’re coming to the Father in prayer, asking for help, let’s not just ask for the material stuff, but let’s throw in some wisdom and knowledge and understanding too, because with those mental and spiritual gifts, we can always figure out the physical and material part of life. Much LOVE!…remember, when we come to Him in faith…He always gives us more than we can ask or imagine…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 December 2007 Deuteronomy 16:17‏

08 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Deuteronomy 16:17    Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessings of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.
 
Words of Moses to the Israelites before they crossed over Jordan into the Promised Land, concerning certain male celebrations and the giving of thanks. He enjoined them that no man should appear before the Lord empty handed, but everyone should give something within his means. The amount itself does not matter as much as the percentage. We should give a fair portion of whatever the good Lord has blessed us with. If he has blessed us with plenty, then we should give plenty, because it’s written; to him that much is given, much is asked. If we only have a little, then we can only give a little, like the poor woman who offered the last mite she had. The basic theme however, is that we give as we have. This goes for everything we do, not only with gifts to the church. Whether it’s money, time or talents, we need to give, and give generously, to share with others less fortunate than us. And believe me, there is always someone worse off than us. Giving is an essential part of our Christian Faith. It’s an integral part of LOVE in action, which defines the way God wants us to live. It’s obvious that we cannot give all that we have, but a lot of us are stingy with our giving, we give much less than we can comfortably afford. And Friends, it’s also important that we give with a willing heart, not grudgingly. The Lord looks upon us more favourably when we give with joy. But a word of caution people: Beware of the false witnesses. In these predatory times when there are so many fraud artists, uncharitable charities, false churches and leaders, and a host of other unsavoury elements out there, constantly reaching out and pleading for help, it’s very important that we be careful whom we give to. Many of us cannot afford to give a whole lot, so it’s doubly important we be sure, that whatever we give, is actually used to help others in real need, and not to simply fatten the pockets of some ungodly crooks and charlatans. Be careful. Give as you can afford, but do your homework first. Much LOVE!…remember…the Lord loves a cheerful giver…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 December 2007 Nehemiah 9:31‏

07 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Nehemiah 9:31    Nevertheless for thy great mercies sake thou dids’t not utterly consume them, nor forsake them, for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
 
Nehemiah’s doing a bit of sucking up here. He admitted that the Lord had blessed the Israelites on numerous occasions, only for them to reject and turn away from Him once they became prosperous. However, they were once more in distress; returning from captivity in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem, but without as much physical and monetary help as they needed, though they were surrounded by enough strong naysayers and people who wanted to curtail and/or sabotage their efforts. But Nehemiah had an ace up his sleeve. He knew there was yet hope, because the Heavenly Father had not thoroughly forsaken or destroyed his people, although He had very good reason to, and it was certainly within His power to wipe them of the face of the earth, if He so desired. Instead, after every spell of disobedience, when the times became real hard and they came running back to Him, He never ignored them, but in His merciful and loving kindness, He pardoned them and caused them to be bountiful again…until the next time. That’s why Nehemiah was confident enough to ask for help. He knew that the Most High was a gracious and merciful God. Yes Friends, that’s the kind of God we worship; a God with a largesse of heart that’s unmatched; a God so full of mercy and forgiveness that it’s beyond our simple human comprehension. Which other Being is there that keeps on pardoning and forgiving in spite of all our disobedience eh? None! We just have to come to Him with a sincere heart, a heart that’s truly repentant, and He will forgive us, and set us back on the straight and narrow path again. Friends, if we happen to stray, don’t be afraid. We can’t expect to always disobey and not be punished, but the good news is that His punishment is always clothed in mercy, and as many times as we ask Him, respectfully and repentantly, He’ll forgive us, cause He’s a gracious and merciful God. What a wonderful Father! Praise His Name people! Much LOVE!…just take your troubles to Him in prayer…He’ll never turn you away.
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 December 2007 Proverbs 3:5-6‏

06 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 3: 5-6     Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
 
O Friends, as believers in anything at all, trust is the ultimate goal. And if you claim to be a believer in the Christian Faith, under the guidance of the Most High, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, then you’ve got to have the utmost trust in them. Without that trust you are lost, because it’s that trust that manifests itself in your faith. In other words, your faith will only be as strong as your trust. That’s actually a fact of life too; the more you trust someone or something, the more easily you tend to accept whatever they say or do. We constantly see it in our everyday relationships; with parents, friends, siblings, teachers, the law, brand names etc. And Solomon in his wisdom realized that little truth. That’s why, as believers, we should use that same wisdom and put all our trust in the most powerful Being in the universe. Yes people, it’s simple logic; if you believe that He’s all powerful and everlasting, then we’d be foolish not to trust in and lean on Him, since His powers are so much greater than ours. He fashioned and made us, knows what we’re all about, so whom better for us to look to eh? Nobody! Solomon also said that we should acknowledge Him in all our ways, that means keeping in constant communication with Him, talking to Him about everything…and Friends, that really means everything, regardless of whether it’s large or small, important or unimportant. We should always talk to Him about stuff we’re doing. And if we do that, then He’ll gladly guide and direct us in the right way, the way He wants us to go. Oh Friends, it’s so simple: like Sherlock Holmes would say, ‘Elementary, my dear Watson!’ So if we believe that our God is the mightiest and most powerful, then again, simple logic dictates that we join His camp with a tremendous show of zest and excitement, and make Him our Leader. And what’s the point of having a Leader if you don’t put your whole trust, all the desires of your heart in Him and follow His directions eh? None! Much LOVE! …just trust and obey…for there’s no better way…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 December 2007 Jeremiah 29:11‏

05 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 29:11    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
 
Today, I really felt my age. I woke up with all my ailments simultaneously acting up; feeling worse than when I went to bed. Now don’t you hate when that happens? You’re supposedly going to bed to rest and feel refreshed, but instead, you get up feeling lousier. Might as well not gone to bed at all. And the cold, brisk wind, that I could hear outside, did not help matters any. It just brought on a bit more of the winter blues, and there’s still 16 days to the official start of winter. Yes children, I’m definitely ready to be put out to pasture in sweet Tobago (smile). Anyway, I puttered around for a while, had brunch, somewhat reluctantly, took some medication, then went back to bed. Huh! I know I’m crazy, but that just seemed like the best plan. I was just going to moan and groan and complain and not get anything worthwhile accomplished anyway. An hour later I got up, feeling much better this time, had a hot shower and tried starting my day again, by going straight to the Word, immediately drawing strength and consolation from it. Even found the above Bit that spoke to my situation. Hn,hn! Do you think that was the Most High trying to tell me something in His usual unconventional manner? I wouldn’t put it past Him, because in Verse 10, just before the Bit, He has Jeremiah telling the Israelites that after seventy years of captivity in Babylon, He would visit them and perform His good word towards them, and return them to their native land. Then He reassures them by saying He knows the thoughts, the plans, He has for them; thoughts of peace and not evil, which means He intends to prosper and not harm, to give an expected end that provides hope with a bright future. Yes, my Friends, that is what the good Lord has in store for us; kind, loving thoughts with positive plans for a bright, prosperous future. So, although my ailments are still aching, possibly not as much, and I still want to be put out to pasture in sweet Tobago, my emotional being has been quietened, reassured, and I’ve found that inner strength, once again, to keep on keeping on, to keep on doing His will. Much LOVE!…always remember…when the blues strike…turn to Him…He’ll blow them away.
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 December 2007 2 Corinthians 1:3-4‏

04 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Corinthians 1:3-4    Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
 
Poor Corinthians! Can you imagine their impatience with Paul’s long, drawn out speeches? In today’s short attention span society, they would have walked out on him. Now don’t laugh people, I’m nowhere as longwinded as him. I just say what I have to say, possibly I have too much to say. (smile) Anyway, let’s see if we can simplify Today’s Bit. Paul appropriately begins by paying homage to God; blessing Him, acknowledging His supremacy; the Father of Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Now Friends, that’s a very important part of communicating with the Most High: It’s how we should approach Him; with reverence. We’ve got to recognize His status; He’s the First and Foremost, and as such deserves our never ending respect. We approach our fellow men in positions of power, like judges and monarchs with reverence and respect, so why not the most powerful Being in the universe eh? And note people, we don’t do it in either a grovelling or arrogant manner, but in a humble though confident style. That’s the way He likes His followers to behave; approach the throne of grace with confidence. After paying his respects, Bruh Paul then lays it out: He’s the God who comforts us whenever we’re having problems. And that’s not all, but because of the cheer and solace He brings into our lives when we’re hurting, we are then able to reach out to others facing difficult times, with empathy, with that same sympathy and reassurance that God originally bestowed on us. Friends, it’s just like a never ending circle: God comforts us in our times of need, then we turn around and help somebody else in their dark hour, and hopefully, they’ll continue the helping trend, so that we’ll always have somebody helping somebody in difficult times. That’s the way He planned it people! So let’s try and show our appreciation for His comfort and attention by keeping the cycle of empathy and reassurance going nuh. Much LOVE!…each one teach one…each one help one…it makes our Heavenly Father so proud of us…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 December 2007 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14

03 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Corinthians 16:13-14.   Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.
 
Most excellent advice for all believers! With a best by eternity date to boot! It’s the only way to keep anything alive and growing. You’ve first got to use supreme caution and guard whatever it is you value, so that it’s not stolen or destroyed by your enemies. Then you’ve got to have the utmost belief that what you’re doing is right, because without that sense of ‘rightness’ you’ll give up as soon as the first hurdles appear. It’s that ‘Sense of Purpose’ (Third World Song)  that gives you the guts and belly, the fortitude to be brave and strong and keep on keeping on. And people, we need that sense of ‘rightness’ and fortitude more than ever right now, because the infidel is no longer just knocking at the gate, we’ve opened the door wide and let him in. For example, this past week, in this country that was founded on Christian values, a United Church Minister was denied the right to renew her vanity licence plate that read ‘REV JO’ because it might stir up road rage. Guess they figured that our youngsters are so stupid, they’d interpret the rev as gunning their car engines. However, as a good Christian, following the laws of Caesar, she tried changing it to ‘REVR’ND JO’. But that was even worse. It could be misinterpreted to mean that the govt. favoured one faith over the other. So what! This is supposed to be an (expletive deleted) Christian country, isn’t it! Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, in the Sudan, which makes no bones about being a Muslim country, a middle aged teacher, who left her comfortable life back in England, to go to Africa, with good, Christian intent, to teach their underprivileged children, is almost drawn and quartered because she allowed a group of seven year olds to name a teddy bear Mohammad, although millions of Muslims have that name. They found her guilty of intentionally insulting the name of their prophet. What nonsense! She was quickly sentenced to fifteen days in jail and deportation. Originally they wanted more time, plus forty lashes and a fine. Thousands also called for her to be executed. What balderdash! And the British Govt. allowed that farce to go on. But that was partially a smoke screen thrown up by the Sudanese govt. to direct attention away from the real ugly dilemma that’s taking place in the Darfur region of their country, where millions of people are being killed and forced out of their homeland under a thin veil of ethnic cleansing. But Friends, there was one ray of light, of hope though: A small outcry took place here about the licence plate and the Minister of Transportation eventually whitewashed the nonsense and sent it back to the committee that decides those things, and ‘REV JO’ decided to keep her rusty old plates. Praise the Lord! One person even asked if the Minister and the Ministry weren’t afraid of displeasing other faiths by using those terms. I guess not. Ah Friends, being a Christian is not easy. You’re a virtual soldier in a reality army. And believe you me, the battle has already been joined. But then, to a certain extent, our hands are tied, because, as Paul says, we’ve got do everything with charity, with LOVE! That certainly puts us at a disadvantage, since the enemy does not recognize that word, LOVE. But fear not people. If the Most High says to fight them with LOVE, then that’s what we’ll do, and if we guard our hearts and stand strong in our faith, He guarantees victory! Much Much LOVE! ….. remember though…the battle is the Lord’s.
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 December 2007 Proverbs 6: 16-19

02 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 6:16-19    These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations; feet that be swift in running to mischief. A false witness that speaketh lies; and he that soweth discord among brethren.
 
There you have it Friends; 7 things that the Most High dislikes, that He considers abominable. Words penned by wise ole Solomon, so they must have a whole heap a truth to them. Starting with that proud, haughty, arrogant look that so many of us put on at one time or another, or that some wear permanently. Primping and preening as though we’re so much better than those around us. That does not sit well with the Lord. He’s about humility, and He expects a humble spirit from His followers. Chuh! Doh even talk about the lying tongue nuh! Some of us are so prone to lies, that we can’t even recognize the truth  when we do hear it. Neither do we realize that lies have a life of their own, multiplying faster than any living organism: You tell one, then you have to tell another to cover  the first, then one more to cover the one before, and so it goes, until you don’t remember whom you’ve told what to, and you find yourself in a mire of quicksand; the more you struggle to get out, the deeper you sink. Then there’s the shedding of innocent blood and the wicked heart. We all know that He deals primarily with the heart. If it’s right, if our soul, our inner man is genuine and sincere, then he tends to be more merciful. But there’s no room whatsoever in His organization for a wicked, evil heart. Hn,hn! Ah Friends, I was just contemplating what to write about the shedding of innocent blood, when a strange thought suddenly occurred to me and caused that chuckle. I don’t know how legitimate it is, but I’ll share it anyway. None of us likes to see innocent blood shed, but it just struck me that that must really hurt our Heavenly Father more than anything else, strike Him a real, powerful hurt, right down in the very core of His being, since it always reminds Him of the distasteful task He set His only Son, Jesus Christ; to die such a dreadful, unfair death on that rough, wooden cross for our stupid, selfish sins, when He was completely sinless, did absolutely nothing to deserve it. Look at how we react when we hear about innocent people being punished, especially if they are near and dear to us. So you can imagine how He must feel. You know that thought  it …well it just choked me up when I realized it’s potential magnitude. Anyway, we’ve got to move on to those people who are always on hand when something bad happens. We all know some. The ones who just love to be at the forefront, who seem to derive some sick kind of pleasure from evil doings. Just like we know those busybodies, the gossip mongers, who continually go around delightfully spreading hearsay and rumours, sowing seeds of discord and disharmony amongst friends and families. Which brings us to the false witnesses; those who claim to be where they weren’t and saw or did this and that, and vice versa. Our society is filled with those too, especially in our courts of law, making a mockery of out justice system. Friends, it all boils down to falsehood. The Most High simply cannot stand it, which means we’ve got to eradicate the false stuff from our lives, if we want to be obedient to His will. Sorry it’s a bit lengthy, but it’s 7 things to deal with. (smile). As always though, Much LOVE!… and ponder this…it’s only possible to have true believers.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 December 2007 Hebrews 10: 35-36

01 Dec 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Hebrews 10: 35-36    Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
 
In this chapter, Paul’s talking to the Hebrews about their journey of faith; explaining the law of Moses and how it differs from the new covenant with Christ. And that having accepted Him as their Lord and Saviour, they should try to live good with one another, encouraging each other, rather than being angry and malicious. Then he reminds them of the early days of their conversion when they suffered much affliction for the faith. How they befriended him in jail and consequently had their possessions stolen and damaged. But they persevered, soldiered on, because they knew that the rewards later on would be greater than what was lost. And he’s come to the point in Today’s Bit, where he’s exhorting them to stay confident, to stand strong, because that unwavering faith had the potential to be very rewarding. However, it all called for patience on their part. Friends, that’s so important in our Christian faith; the waiting, since that’s what faith really is; believing, and then waiting for that belief to come true. As Paul told the Hebrews, after they’ve been obedient to God, then they have to sit tight until the Most High is ready to reward them. Oh People! All that Paul’s saying also applies to us. Waiting and hoping with unwavering faith is not easy, especially when we’re surrounded by so much evil in this modern world. But that’s exactly what we need to do. We’ve got to be confident in the promises of God. He’s said that if we walk in obedience to Him, He will take care of us. And He will. But all in His own time Friends; all in His own time. That’s what’s called the trying of our faith; living by His rules, then waiting patiently for the promised rewards. Much LOVE!…be confident…stand strong people…the enemy is knocking at the gate…we’ve got to repel them.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 November 2007 Psalm 61:1-4‏

30 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 61:1-4   Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever. I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah!
 
And all God’s people said, Wow! (smile). Just imagine nuh, one of the most powerful men that ever lived, placing such amazing trust in the Most High. Bruh David certainly knew where his help and strength came from, he knew where his bread was buttered. Without the Lord, he was nothing. He knew that when his enemies came against him, his only hope was in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. That’s why he could cry out to his God in prayer with such sincerity. He even shows the extent of his faith: wherever he is, even the ends of the earth, whenever his heart is overwhelmed, he’s going to cry out in prayer. Oh my dear Friends and family in Christ, that’s the attitude we need to have in these rough times. Cry out to our Heavenly Father wherever we are, whenever out hearts are heavy and anguished. That’s exactly what He wants us to do; come to Him in times of need, and, like Bruh David says, He will lead us to a rock that’s higher than us, a place of safety, where the troubles of the world won’t cause us worry and despair. He is a shelter and strong tower for us too, if we let Him. And where else is better to abide than in His tabernacle, or hide, but under the shelter of His all encompassing wings, experiencing  His tender care and loving kindness? Oh Friends, please, let’s Turn to Him; let’s Cry out to Him whenever the cares of this world threaten to get the better of us. Cause He, He only, is our Rock and Strong Tower!  Much LOVE!  ….always remember, when the cares of the world drag us down, the Most High will lift us up….if we ask Him to.
 

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