Today’s Scrip-Bit    14 September 2023 Genesis 41:38.

14 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 41:38.       Can we find such a man as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Well, it’s a beautiful Thursday morning with lots of sunshine, though it’s somewhat cool. But that’s the normal temperature for these times, so everything seems hunky-dory. (smile) However, we know that things are never completely hunky-dory, for the evil one always tries to insert some kind of problem in our good times. He’s just jealous of us being one with Jesus and enjoying the abundant life that He died for us to have. But then again, with our strong faith in Christ and the amazing power of His indwelling Holy Spirit, we can successfully thwart the evil schemes and wiles of the enemy. 

So, please let’s not concentrate on what’s wrong with our lives, but what’s right, and neither strive to obtain what we don’t have, but be contented with what we do have. For our merciful and compassionate God will give us whatever we need, as Bruh Paul says in Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) 

And remember too, as Bruh Paul said earlier on to the church at Philippi: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) That means when God begins a good work in us, He will not stop until Jesus returns. So, we have promises that all our needs will be fulfilled and God will not stop His main desire and job of making us as Christ-like as possible. And that’s the uplifting word for today. (smile) 

Now let’s get back to that riveting saga of Bruh Joseph, where we left him yesterday, telling Pharoah how to successfully handle the upcoming years of plenty and those of famine. And wonder of wonders, referring to Bruh Joseph’s plan that he outlined to Pharoah, the Bible tells us: ‘And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.’ (Gen. 41:37) 

Wow! Imagine the great Pharaoh listening to the advice of a jailed Hebrew! But our God does wondrous things even through pagan kings and princes to satisfy the needs of His servants. And this Pharaoh was indeed a wise and teachable ruler, unlike the one that Moses dealt with, whom the Bible says: ‘Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.’ (Ex. I:8) But that is nigh impossible, for it’s through Joseph’s wise handling of the famine under the first Pharaoh that Egypt truly became great and wealthy. So, it’s either he did not know the history of his people, or he was just not concerned. I believe it was the latter. 

But anyhow, the wise Pharaoh was impressed with Bruh Joseph’s method of handling the upcoming situation. And please note too that that Pharaoh did not doubt for one moment Bruh Joseph’s interpretation of his dreams, like the one with Moses foolishly doubted that the Lord would do what He said and rain down plague after plague on Egypt until He set His people free. The Good Library then continues: ‘And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a man as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?’ (Gen. 41:38) 

Now isn’t it surprising that a pagan king is talking about a man with the Spirit of God? Yes, it is, but that’s how our great God operates. It’s just like when He had the great Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, praise God’s wonders in the time of the prophet Daniel. After his prideful boast about his greatness, Neb became mentally unhinged for seven years. Then at the end of the seven years, his mind was restored to him, and he joyfully proclaimed: ‘Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the king of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgement (justice): and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.’ (Dan. 4:37) 

That’s for certain sure my brethren, as so many prideful people have discovered down through the ages, and the many foolish ones nowadays are still discovering! But getting back to our story, the Bible continues: ‘And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet (as discerning) and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over (in charge of) my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, see, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.’ (Gen. 41:39-41) 

Mama oh Mama! That was none other than the working of our omnipotent God! For how else would a great ruler hand over all his power to a young man not of his people, of no great repute, whom he had met for the first time a short while before? That was the culmination of all the unfair and unjust situations Bruh Joseph had gone through and borne with a good attitude. It was just what the Lord had planned from day one. Remember Bruh Joseph’s first dream, where people were bowing down to him, and the scorn and dislike his brothers threw at him on hearing it? (Gen. 37:5-8) 

But that’s how our great God works. And He will do the same for each one of us whom He tasks with building His kingdom, and we faithfully and obediently follow His directives. It’s a great lesson in faithfulness, obedience and keeping a good and godly attitude through all our trials and tribulations, until the Lord blesses us with the destiny He has planned for us. 

And He never asks us to do his bidding without giving us the wherewithal, the anointing to do it, just like He gave Bruh Joseph the strength, the anointing to bear up under all the injustice he suffered. And today the Lord has most generously bestowed blessings upon us that we do not deserve but are necessary to do His work. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s activate them by declaring (steups!!!) them nuh, for a blessing isn’t a blessing until it’s been declared. (yesss!!!) 

As one voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And as always, it’s now our bounden duty to take those blessings and go out and use them just as generously in the service of others as the Lord shared them with us, so that we can fulfill our destiny! Much LOVE!

…though trials and tribulation come in working for Christ…the amazing rewards are certainly worth standing strong in His faithfulness…                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ   

Today’s Scrip-Bit    13 September 2023 Genesis 41:28.

13 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 41:28.       This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharoah: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh.

And Wednesday has opened somewhat cool and cloudy, but the sun is valiantly fighting for survival, and who knows how it will turn out? We just have to hope for the best and believe that whatever comes our way, we will be able to handle it with the grace of our great God. And all God’s people said a loud ‘Hallelujah! Amen!’ 

That’s the beauty of living with and for Jesus; nothing that happens will steal our peace or bring us to the point where we lose interest and thus faith in Him. For once He is in our life, we are surely more than conquerors, and can do all things that He desires, through the awesome power of His Holy Spirit. So, one thing believers ought not to fall prey to is the satanic encouraged emotion of fear. For as Bruh Paul so rightly writes to Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7) 

And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Our omnipotent God has certainly not given us a spirit of fear! Why would He when He is the supreme ruler of the universe and all therein? Surely, He would not want His followers to be afraid, but rather to be strong and unflappable like Him. (smile) Anyway, with that li’l pep talk for this Wednesday morning, let’s get back to the drama that is Bruh Joseph’s story. Yesterday, we left off where Pharaoh told Bruh Joseph his dream. Today, we’ll pick it up where Bruh Joseph interprets Pharoah’s dream. 

The Good Library tells it thus: ‘And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good kine (cows) are seven years; and the seven good ears (of corn) are seven years: the dream is one. And the seven thin and ill favoured kine (ugly cows) that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears (of corn) blasted (blighted) with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.’ (Gen. 41:25-27) 

And who says our great God doesn’t move in mysterious ways eh? Who else would have thought to place such a mixed-up dream in Pharaoh’s mind, all to the favour of a young Hebrew man ensconced so unfairly in the Pharoah’s jail? No one but our great and omnipotent God! 

Then Bruh Joseph continued to Pharaoh. ‘This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharoah: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout the land of Egypt: and there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume (deplete the food) of the land. And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following: for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice (repeated); it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.’ (Gen. 41:28-32) 

Wow! Imagine this young Hebrew man expounding to one of the most powerful rulers in the world on what his Hebrew God planned to do in the near future. Poor Pharaoh must certainly have wondered what was really happening. But to his credit, he listened intently to Bruh Joseph’s words. 

And so he continued: ‘Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet (discerning) and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers (overseers) over the land, and take up the fifth part (of the produce) of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn (grain) under the hand (authority) of Pharoah, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store (a reserve) to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through famine.’ (Gen. 41:33-36) 

Bruh Joseph was certainly in his element, telling the great Pharoah how to handle the affairs of his country. No doubt he was buoyed by the grace of God, the spirit that made him not afraid to speak what God was saying to him. Now that’s how we ought also to be my faithful brethren; unafraid to speak God’s word, regardless of how worldly powerful the person or people with whom we are communicating. And sadly, in these trying and fearful times, many of us believers are indeed afraid to voice the truth(s) of our faith, afraid that we will either be rejected and shunned by our peers, or in some cases actually punished for our faith. 

But remember, as we said earlier, God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of LOVE, power and a sound or disciplined mind, which means we have to be like Bruh Joseph and stand up bravely and speak whatever truth the Lord desires us to speak to whomever He directs us to speak. And yes, that’s easier said than done, but that’s all a part of our discipleship in Christ. Remember the tough requirements to become a member of that august and awesome group? ‘Jesus said to them all, If any man will come after me (desires to follow me), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) 

Yes friends, that means every day we draw breath, we’re expected to take up our cross and do like Jesus did, sacrifice ourselves if, when, and where necessary. There can’t be any hemming and hawing or wishy-washy behaviour when it comes to representing Christ to the world at large. And if God decides to spare our lives, tomorrow we’ll continue with the amazing saga of Bruh Joseph, but now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus! 

Altogether: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And my brethren, it’s been promised that if we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s plan to meet at the very end with Jesus and enjoy that future nuh! It’s the wisest decision we can ever make! Much LOVE!

…faithful disciples of Christ…are not afraid to speak their truth… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    12 September 2023 Genesis 41:16.

12 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 41:16. It is not me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace.

Well, at long last the rain which has been promised by the weather forecasters and the intense cloudiness of the last few days, eventually arrived this Tuesday morning! And thankfully, not in humongous showers like some places have been recently receiving, but in a steady drizzle, which hopefully gives the land the opportunity to soak it up and avoid the disastrous flood situations that’s been happening around the world recently. Our world is certainly in disaster mode, but that’s why we’re here, why we’ve been chosen for just such a time like this, because we have the wherewithal from Almighty God to make things better. 

Our job is always to make things better, improve human life. The question is whether we are doing that, and if so, whether it’s to our fullest ability? Remember Christ expects diligence and excellence from His followers. So, hopefully, we’re all doing as best as we can, for come the judgement day, the Lord won’t ask us about anybody else nuh. No, He’ll only ask about what WE did with the talents that He gave us. That means we’ve got to stop looking at, and comparing ourselves with others, and get on with our personal tasks. 

And now it’s time to return to that amazing saga of Bruh Joseph. I wonder, with all the unfair and unjust things that have happened to him so far, how many of us would have lived up to his faithfulness? Not many I believe. Most of us would have been downright annoyed with God, angrily claiming that we’re doing right, and only unfair and unjust things are happening to us. Some of us might have already turned away from Him. 

But thankfully Bruh Joseph stayed the course, as we sincere believers are expected to do. We need to believe God’s promise that eventually He will work all things out for our good. And what a catastrophe it would have been if Bruh Joseph had given up on God’s promises. But he held it all together, despite the trials he faced. And as the Lord would have it, we saw yesterday how Pharaoh dreamed two dreams he did not understand and none of his wise men or magicians could interpret them either. 

And the Word says: ‘Then spake the chief butler unto Pharoah, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was wroth (angry) with his servants, and put me in ward (in custody) in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker: And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.’ (Gen. 41:9-13) 

Ah friends, yuh see how the Lord LOVES to play out His dramatics; slow and long. (smile) But there’s always a good reason behind His situations. In this particular case, Bruh Joseph needed to grow up, to understand the realities of life, after coming from a privileged situation. He also needed to learn how to handle and lead people for the destination and destiny the Lord had in store for him. 

And maybe that’s the same thing he’s doing in many of our lives right now; preparing us for our eventual destination and destiny, and all the tough stuff we’re currently going through are merely learning and growing pains. But despite whatever is happening with us right now, we need to stand strong and steadfast and believe the faithful promises of our wonderful God! That’s the only way we’ll ever be successful in this evil and ungodly world. 

Oh, and there’s a most important scripture early on in those verses above. When the chief butler says to Pharaoh: ‘I do remember my faults this day.’ Perchance, or perhaps, some of us might also remember our faults this day. Things we’ve promised to do or not to do and never kept those promises. Like the chief butler, now is as good a time as any to correct those faults. (smile) Yes friends, we’re all guilty of something, and the sooner we repent and fix them, the better off we’ll be. 

But getting back to Bruh Joseph’s story. The Bible tells us: ‘Then Pharoah sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment (clothes), and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharoah said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharoah saying, It is not me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace.’ (Gen. 41:14-16) 

Please note again, that Bruh Joseph is not assigning any of his talent to himself, but always to God. Oh, how I wish that more of us believers could do that, instead of thinking and/or claiming that our successes come solely from our own energy. (smile) And please note too that Bruh Joseph did not merely say that God will give Pharaoh an answer, but an answer of peace, which must have quieted some of Pharoah’s sorrow and lifted his spirits. Then Pharaoh told Bruh Joseph his dream, ending with the sorrowful words: ‘but there was none that could declare (yes!!!) it to me.’ (Gen. 41:24) 

And in keeping with good drama procedures, we’ll stop there for today, leaving you hanging, in suspense, thinking about what comes next, titivating and titillating your imaginations. (smile) But seriously though my brethren, this story of Bruh Joseph is indeed one of God’s best drama pieces, and it definitely set the stage for most of what came after. Now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And now it’s our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…to truly experience the faithfulness of God…we truly need to be faithful to Him… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    11 September 2023 Genesis 40:23.

11 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 40:23.       Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

One more time around on the merry-go-round of life we call the work week my people! That means it’s Monday, and the old annoying, banal, same old cycle of going to and from work in the never-ending traffic jams, rears its ugly head again. But as some man once famously said: ‘That’s life!’ And so it is. That’s the way our society is built, so we just have to get accustomed to the forty or fifty-something years of getting up most of those days and going to work, so we can put bread on our table and keep a roof over our heads. 

Hn! Hn! The problem there is that we have to make our lives interesting with other interests, beside our work. And the best way to do that is by inviting Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Saviour! Yes friends, I can guarantee when you do that, you’ll never again have a bland, banal day in your life, because Jesus will keep you positively occupied. And if you don’t believe me, then please check Him out and see for yourself. (smile) 

And I’m chuckling here, because just now, as I was coming to write the Bit, I kept wondering what we should write on today, and could not come up with anything…that is until I got the heavenly zeppo that we hadn’t finished talking about Bruh Joseph’s amazing story! And that’s how Christ will keep you busy; He will always find something useful for you to do. 

So, since I’ve got my marching orders, (smile) let’s return to the colorful and faithful story of Bruh Joseph. The last time we left him, he had just finished interpreting the dream of Pharoah’s butler, where he would be restored to his position in three days. And for the first time Bruh Joseph cried out for help, asking the butler to remember him to Pharaoh when he got out. 

And the Good Library continues: ‘When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and behold I had three white baskets (three baskets of white bread) on my head: And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats (baked goods) for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.’ (Gen. 40:16-19) 

Now can you imagine the consternation and chagrin of the baker! After hearing the good news of the butler’s dream, only to hear the terrible outcome of his. But that’s exactly how it happened. Three days later Pharaoh celebrated his birthday and gave a feast for all his servants, and at that time he restored the butler to his position but hanged the baker as Bruh Joseph had interpreted. And this is the most hurtful part of the story. The Bible says: ‘Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.’ (Gen. 40:23) 

And isn’t that the unfortunate way things happen, especially in these unfaithful, greedy, selfish and evil days? Those we help in time of need, immediately forget us when their lives improve. But that should not be the way of the believer in Christ. However, the devil has us so worried and anxious about ourselves and our circumstances in these trying times, that we often can’t be bothered to concern ourselves with the problems of others. And unfortunately, that was Bruh Joseph’s fate. He languished in the prison for two more years, until Pharaoh had a dream, where he stood by the river. 

‘And behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed (fine looking, fat cows); and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other kine (cows) came up after them out of the river, ill-favored and lean fleshed (ugly and gaunt); and stood by the other kine (cows) upon the brink (bank) of the river. And the illfavoured and leanfleshed kine (the ugly and gaunt cows) did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine (cows). So Pharaoh awoke.’ (Gen. 41:1-4) 

Ah Lord eh! I wish my dreams could be as simple and seldom as Pharoah’s! Unfortunately though, one of the medications I’m on, has this side effect of producing nightmares, and sometimes I wake up even more tired than when I went to bed because of the intensity of the dreams. But hopefully the positive effect of the medication carries greater weight than the negative effects of the dreams. (smile) 

Anyway, the Bible continues: ‘And he (Pharoah) slept and dreamed the second time: and behold, seven ears of corn came upon one stalk, rank (plump) and good. And, behold, seven thin ears and (blasted) blighted with the east wind sprung up after them. And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank (plump) and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold it was a dream.’ (Gen. 41:5-7) 

Now can you imagine yourself dreaming such dreams my brethren, where the blighted and ugly are eating up the fat and good looking? No wonder the Bible tells us: ‘And it came to pass in the morning that his (Pharaoh’s) spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.’ (Gen, 41:8) No doubt Pharaoh was disappointed, and possibly enraged that none of his people could interpret his dream. And we’ll stop there for today in the mouth-watering saga of Bruh Joseph. 

It’s time to take our problems to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, so that we can get divine help to solve them. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And if we expect to get divine help, then we had better come through with our promises of obedience and faithfulness. Much LOVE!

… selfishness and greed…the bane…the plague of today’s society…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    10 September 2023 Hebrews 4:16.

10 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 4:16.       Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

And then it was Sunday once again; the day of the Lord, where believers flock to His sanctuary to participate in fellowship and worship with others of the same beliefs. And what a joyful time that usually is; with singing and praise, thanksgiving, and an overall renewal of the spirit and confidence of God’s people, so that they can go boldly into the world in the upcoming work week and make Jesus known to whomever they meet. And it just so happens that today’s opening song is one which also speaks of going boldly. 

It’s most appropriately titled ‘Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace.’ And that’s exactly how we should go to the Father; boldly, that’s confidently, not afraid or cowed, but also with humility and reverence. So, let’s offer up our voices of sacrificial praise in a soulful, heartfelt, mid-tempo version of the song, written by Daniel Herbert (1751 – 1833), a congregational minister who served at Sudbury in Suffolk. It is a passionate and comforting call to all who feel the weight of their sin to come and find mercy at the feet of Christ. 

Singing: ‘Come boldly to the throne of grace, Ye wretched sinners come, and lay your load at Jesus feet, And plead what He has done. How can I come? Some soul may say, I’m lame and cannot walk; My guilt and sin have stopped my mouth, I sigh, but dare not talk. Come boldly to the throne of grace, Though lost, and blind, and lame; Jehovah is the sinner’s friend, And ever was the same. He makes the dead to hear His voice; He makes the blind to see, The sinner lost, He came to save, And set the prisoner free. 

Come boldly to the throne of grace, For Jesus fills the throne; and those He kills, He makes alive; He hears the sigh or groan; Poor bankrupt souls, Who feel and know, the hell of sin within; Come Boldly to the throne of grace; The Lord will take you in. Come Boldly to the throne of grace; The Lord will take you in…the Lord will take you in…Yes the Lord will take you in…take you in’ And if you come with a sincere heart, He certainly will take you in my brethren. 

Now what is all this talk about coming boldly to the throne of grace, and where does it come from eh? The author of Hebrews stirs it up when he talks about Jesus, our great High Priest. He writes: ‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into (through) the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (confession of faith). For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (our weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:14-16) 

And is that ever a most important scripture, my people! Why? Because first it highlights, the similarities between us and Jesus our great High Priest in heaven. Just like we are tempted, so was He down here on earth, but He was without sin. That therefore allows Him to sympathize, or better yet empathize with our weaknesses. You know that we can all sympathize better with others if we’ve been through, or experienced tough situations like theirs. 

A lot of times we claim to understand the heartaches and problems of others, but we truly don’t, because we have never experienced their kind of negative circumstance. But Jesus surely experienced our temptations, that’s why He’s qualified to handle our cries for help and succour. And the author of Hebrews tells us that earlier on: ‘For in that he (Jesus) himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour (aid) them that are tempted.’ (Heb. 2:18) 

As the song so rightly proclaims: ‘Though lost, and blind, and lame; Jehovah is the sinner’s friend, And ever was the same. He makes the dead to hear His voice; He makes the blind to see, The sinner lost, He came to save, And set the prisoner free.’ And that is the gospel truth my brethren! Jesus Himself said so in John’s gospel. ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:17) 

Yes friends, that was Jesus’ major purpose for coming to earth: to save poor, lost sinners like you and I. And if you don’t accept His free offer of saving grace then, unfortunately, you are not blessed with godly wisdom. For without Jesus in your heart, and you in His, your eternal destination will undeniably be hellfire and damnation, in cozy companionship with Satan and his evil cronies. Now, if that’s the kind of eternal ending you desire, then go right ahead and refuse Christ’s free offer of saving grace. 

It’s like Bruh David writes in Psalm 14: ‘The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.’ (Ps. 14:1a) And believe me, there is an overwhelming abundance of fools on the earth right now! But as for me and my house, we will gladly accept God’s free saving grace, and serve the Lord, now and forever more! 

And if you still don’t believe that we can go to God’s throne with confidence, then listen to Bruh Paul, as he explains to the Ephesians about the Unsearchable Riches in Christ. He writes: ‘According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of (in) him.’ (Eph. 3:11-12) 

And the scholars offer this explanation of the last verse. ‘This verse affirms that Christians have boldness (freedom of speech before God) and access (the right of entering his presence) with confidence (assurance of being heard by God) by the faith of him (through relying upon Christ to gain God’s ear).’ 

Yes my fellow saints, ALL that we have from Jehovah God is based on what Christ has done, for without Him, we are NOTHING! Please, let’s never forget that, and thus live accordingly! Much LOVE!

…through Christ’s great sacrificial work on earth…the Father has opened up heaven to all who believe in His Son…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    9 September 2023 Genesis 39:21a.

09 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 39:21a.         But the Lord was with Joseph,

Oh friends, unfortunately there’s no bright sun shining outside, just a mess of threatening dark clouds. But the day is still young, and who knows what can happen; the mighty sun can still win the battle against those dreary clouds and shine forth valiantly. That’s the attitude, we believers ought to have, one of constant hope and positivity. 

And I guess some of you are wondering what I’m doing up so early on a lazy-day Saturday morning? Well, the truth is, by my standards, I went to bed early, and thus after a certain amount of time in bed, the various parts of my anatomy took umbrage that we were still lying there, and they began to act up negatively. And if it wasn’t for my absolute refusal to get up at such an early hour, despite the pain, we would have been up even earlier. 

Brother! What a life when you can’t lie in your warm, comfortable bed for more than four hours at a time without having your aches and pains act up and drive you out of that wonderful cocoon. (smile) But as we say, them’s the breaks, we just have to grin and bear it! Anyway, enough of my griping, let’s say our Lazy-Day Saturday prayer with all sincerity and truth. 

As one voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

And as always, that simple, heartfelt prayer touches my soul and calms me, makes me feel like I’m truly in God’s presence. Now, let’s get to that wonderful, God-engineered saga of Bruh Joseph. Yesterday we left him wrongfully cast into prison for sexual assault on his master Potiphar’s wife, but friends, when the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob writes your story, then you can be sure it’s unlike any other. So, let’s hear how the Bible reveals the story after Bruh Joseph was cast into prison. 

It says: ‘But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy (LOVING-kindness), and gave him favour (caused him to be viewed with favour) in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison, and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it (it was his doing). The keeper of the prison looked not to anything (did not look into anything) that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.’ (Gen. 39:21-23) 

Oh what a mighty and faithful God we serve my brethren! Yuh see, although Bruh Joseph was innocently undergoing some tough times, the Lord still made his life somewhat easier by causing him to experience the favour of those above him. And you’ll notice that in each instance, he was given power over others, so that he could learn the leadership skills he needed if he was to handle his God-given role properly. 

And who says our God isn’t a great dramatist eh? He’s the greatest of the great! In fact, He is the Creator of the genre! Just look at His book, the Bible, there’s no other tome in all of history that has so much drama, from Genesis right down to Revelation, thousands of years of history, it’s filled with pure drama, drama like no man can pen! And if yuh think you’d seen drama in Bruh Joseph’s story, believe me, the best is yet to come. 

The Lord writes it that Pharoah’s butler (cup-bearer) and baker offend him, and he places them in the same prison with Bruh Joseph. ‘And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward (were in custody for a while.’ (Gen. 40:4) Now the plot thickens. And the scholars explain that ‘when the captain charged Joseph with them, he gave Joseph control over administrative affairs in the prison, not merely over high-ranking prisoners (cf. 41:12).’ 

So, we know that Bruh Joseph was literally running the prison, while the captain of the guard merely enjoyed the title and perks that came with the position. But then, as the Lord would have it, both the butler and baker dream a dream the same night about Pharaoh. And when Bruh Joseph came in the next morning, they were totally sad and downcast. And he asked them ‘Wherefore look ye so sadly today? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.’ (Gen. 40:7-8) 

Now the scholars make a significant point here, when in response to the dreams of the perplexed baker and butler, they say that ‘Joseph’s immediate response was do not interpretations belong to God?’ And they point out that God was always the immediate response of his mind and give these references to prove it. (Gen. 39:9; 41:16, 51-52; 45:8) And if you look them up, you’ll see that yes, God was always uppermost in Bruh Joseph’s mind, just like it ought to be uppermost in ours. 

Now, let’s take a gander at the dreams of the butler and the baker. The butler dreamed that there was a vine before him: ‘And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes. And Pharoah’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand. And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: yet within three days shall Pharoah lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place (position): and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.’ (Gen. 40:10-13)  

Now that was certainly good news for the butler, and after interpreting the dream, Bruh Joseph made this request of him. ‘But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.’ (Gen. 40:14:15) 

And finally, we have the first recorded complaint of Bruh Joseph in all of his misfortunes. No doubt the unfair situation was eating away at his soul like a venomous cancer, but he never appears to complain about it before. How many of us would have borne such unfair misfortune so doggedly eh? Not many. We would have been up in arms crying out about the unfairness and injustice, the unfair restriction of our rights, and whatever other complaint that came to our minds. 

But my fellow saints, sometimes when we’re doing God’s will and the going gets tough, He expects us to hang in there with a good attitude, trusting in His faithfulness, in His promises that he will never leave nor forsake us, and always make a way for us where there seems to be no way. That’s what it means to walk faithfully with God! Much LOVE!

…our faith walk will always have bumps and potholes along the way…but we must be trusting enough…to know that God will see us through those rough periods… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    8 September 2023 Genesis 39:9b.

08 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 39:9b.       how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God.

And without fail, the exclamation ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! has gone up around the world. But though the day is somewhat bright and shiny, there’s a threatening cloud cover hovering in the background. And the recent heatwave seems to be over, with a return to more normal temps for this time of year. 

However, in keeping with the cooler weather, some trees are already beginning to lose the green colour in their leaves, heralding the beautiful, colourful season of autumn, but also a precursor to the cold, dreaded time call winter. (smile) But that’s the way God planned it for these northern climes, and if you don’t like it, then you are free to move somewhere else, where there’s sunshine and hot temps all the year round. 

Yes mih bredrin, in this crazy world of ours, we’re always complaining about something, mostly about what we don’t have and believe we deserve to have. But life doesn’t revolve around complaining, but around praise to Almighty God! As the saying goes: ‘Complain and remain; praise and raise!’ And until we start doing much more of the latter, our circumstances will remain the same. 

But enough philosophizing, let’s get to the dramatic and most interesting and intriguing story of Bruh Joseph. Yesterday we left him in his master Potiphar’s house prospering under the favour of God. But just as bad things must end sometime, I guess all good things must also end sometime, especially when the evil one inserts a hand into the circumstances. And this he did in Bruh Joseph’s case. 

The Bible tells us: ‘And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her (longing) eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in this house (he knows not what is in this house except through me), and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand. There is none greater in this house than I, neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God.’ (Gen. 39:7-9) 

Wow! What self-discipline and loyalty to refuse such a salacious invitation! And please notice what Bruh Joseph called the proposition, not only ‘great wickedness’ but more importantly, ‘a sin against God.’ That shows exactly where his mind and spirit were steadfastly focused. But yuh know when Satan gets the bit in his mouth, he relentlessly keeps pulling at it, and thus Potiphar’s wife kept bugging Bruh Joseph to sleep with her. 

But he kept refusing, until the Bible tells us: ‘And it came to pass, about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business (work); and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment (coat), saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment (coat) in her hand, and fled, and got him out.’ (Gen. 39:11-12) 

Ah friends, what lengths Satan often drives us to eh! The woman refused to give up her goal of having Bruh Joseph lie with her, possibly because her pride was hurt at his constant refusal, and she was even willing to assault him to have her way. As the scholars put it: ‘Her first approach involved flattery (vs. 7), then the drawn-out enticing (vs. 10), and finally the ambush (vs.12).’ And as they say, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. And it’s often the gospel truth too, like it was in this case. 

We read in the Word: ‘And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment (coat) in her hand, and was fled forth (outside), That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock (laugh at) us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment (coat) with me, and fled, and got him out. And she laid up his garment (coat) by her, until his Lord came home.’(Gen 39:11-16) 

Ah Lord eh, the evil games Satan has us play over foolish pride! And as the scholars note, that was the second time Bruh Joseph’s coat was used in deceit about him. Remember how his brothers used his coat of many colours dipped in goat’s blood and torn up, to prove to his father that he was dead. ((cf. 37:31-33). And obviously, when poor Potiphar came home dead tired from a hard day at work, his deceitful wife spun him the same tale. 

‘And it came to pass when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me, that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.’ (Gen. 39: 19-20) 

And who says being a true believer is easy eh! But what else could Potiphar do, except believe his wife. Doubting her would have created even more strife and deceit in the household. But it’s been said, that deep down Potiphar, knowing Bruh Joseph’s loyalty to him and to his God, did not believe Bruh Joseph would commit such a heinous crime. And that’s possibly why he did not have Bruh Joseph put to death asap, as he most certainly was able to do. 

But unfortunately, we see the same deceitful measures being applied on a very large scale today, and whether they are all true is another story. However, it’s having unfortunate consequences for the men, because once the allegations are made, without any questions asked, they are adjudged guilty by our judgemental society. And even if the allegations are later proven to be totally untrue, the men’s reputations and futures are nonetheless indelibly tarnished. 

But that’s another story for another place and time. Now let’s go the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, to seek mercy and grace in our desperate time of need. Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…  because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. 

We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

Now let’s remember that divine help calls for obedience and sincerely doing the Lord’s will. Much LOVE!

…living sincerely for Christ…is very seldom…a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    7 September 2023 Genesis 39:2a.

07 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 39:2a.        And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous (successful) man;

And on this first September Thursday, we’re moving along with the nice summer weather! (smile) I don’t know if it will be as hot as the last few, but it certainly looks bright and beautiful out there! So, let’s give thanks to our heavenly Father for allowing us to see another day on His wonderful but somewhat confused planet, for it’s only through his mercies and compassions, which are new every day, we are not destroyed. Therefore, let’s say it as sincerely as the psalmist did: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) 

Yes friends, it doesn’t make sense to be alive and not enjoy the living, for we don’t know if we’ll wake up tomorrow, or even go to bed alive tonight. (smile) And you know, I believe it’s that attitude that kept Bruh Joseph flourishing in Egypt, despite all the misfortune that unfairly befell him. Now, yesterday we left off Bruh Joseph’s heartfelt and faithful story, when he was sold as a slave by his jealous brothers to a group of Ishmeelite traders, who were going down to Egypt to sell their wares. 

Meanwhile, those envious and despicable older brothers took Bruh Joseph’s coat of many colours, killed a goat’s kid, and dipped the coat in it. Then they rent it, tore it up, and took it to their father Jacob, and brass facedly said, ‘This have we found: know thou (do you know) whether it be thy son’s coat or no.’ (Gen. 37: 32) What gall and deceitfulness of the evil brothers! 

‘And he (Jacob) knew (recognized) it, and said, It is my son’s coat (tunic); an evil (wild) beast hath devoured him: Joseph is without doubt rent (torn) in pieces. And Jacob rent (tore) his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.’ (Gen. 37:33-35) 

Oh my people, when evil gets a hold of us, it does not stop at the first mistake nuh, but it just keeps leading us deeper and deeper into the cesspool of the devil’s delights. And it’s understandable, though repugnant, that the brothers had to lie to their father and keep up the evil façade. But that’s exactly what happens when we embrace the evil of this world. I don’t know if the brothers felt some sort of vengeance against their father for LOVING Bruh Joseph more than them, but in such large, dysfunctional families anything is possible. 

And what’s happening to Bruh Joseph all this time eh? The Bible tells us: ‘And Joseph was brought down into Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.’ (Gen. 39:1) And that’s when Bruh Joseph’s Egyptian sojourn unfurled. And how did it begin? 

Listen up to the Word, which says: ‘And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous (successful) man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper (be a success) in his hand. And Joseph found grace (favour) in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put in his hand (care). 

And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joesph’s hand (care); and he knew not ought (anything) that he had, save (except) the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person (handsome in form and appearance), and well favoured.’ (Gen. 39:2-6) 

Ah mih bredrin, when the Lord is on your side, He can make even the worst of pagans show you favour and mercy. But please note that the Lord didn’t just show Bruh Joseph favour, in a manner of speaking he earned it by his good attitude and behaviour. And it certainly wasn’t easy for a young, hitherto privileged Hebrew boy to be suddenly cast as a slave into an Egyptian household with an entirely different language, customs and culture. But Bruh Joseph knew that the Lord was with him, and believed the Lord to be faithful, so he kept a good attitude. 

And yuh see what happened? Potiphar his Egyptian master made him overseer over his whole house, which then prospered because the Lord was with Bruh Joseph. And that’s the moral of the story right there my fellow believers: although we find ourselves in very difficult situations and circumstances, that is no reason to give up on our great God, because sometimes, like in Bruh Joseph’s case, He’s merely testing us to see the quality and strength of our supposed faith. 

And even if it‘s not a test situation, our God still expects us to have sufficient faith in Him to know that He will never leave nor forsake us like He’s promised, and that in due time, His time, our situations will be improved. Now that’s what faith is all about; standing strong for Christ, even in the midst of the most dire situations, knowing that He’s a faithful rewarder of all those who come to Him in all sincerity and truth! And we’ll stop for today with Bruh Joseph’s story, for there’s lots more to come, and it gets even better as it progresses! 

Oh my fellow saints, what a mighty and magnanimous God we serve! And just like He gave Bruh Joseph the wherewithal to fight his battles, He’s also generously given us the same for ours. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s activate those blessings right now, by sincerely declaring (steups!!!) them. As one voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! 

I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those heavenly blessings, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share them with others, just as generously as the Lord has shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…the Lord God Jehovah…will never turn away…from those who are faithful to Him… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    6 September 2023 Genesis 37:5.

06 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 37:5. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren, and they hated him yet more.

Glory be! Another beautiful bright and sunshiny summer’s day in the first week of September! But unfortunately, it too comes with a heat warning. So please be careful when going out in the sun, make sure you have on your sunscreen, your hat and umbrella, if necessary. Stay well hydrated and in a cool place. That’s the price we pay for another hot summer’s day at this time of year. (smile) 

And right now, I want to offer a li’l tidbit from a ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU’ Poster my young daughter gave me some years back. It simply, but quite rightly says: ‘Dreams come true for those who work while they dream.’ And there’s no denying that my friends! You can dream all you want, but if you don’t convert some of that dreaming energy into action towards the dream, it will never come to pass. That’s because dreams are only mental, while the actuality of them call for physical action and reaction. 

I don’t think we can find a better example of dreams working out in action than the story of Bruh Joseph way back in olden times. And his problems began early in life, around the age of seventeen, through no fault of his own. The scripture says: ‘Now Israel LOVED Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat (tunic) of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father LOVED him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably about him.’ (Gen. 37:3-4) 

Now that’s the unfortunate kind of thing that happens when parents favour one child above the others very overtly. The story continues thus: ‘And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren, and they hated him yet more.’ (Gen. 37:5) That’s another pitfall we often fall into; telling our dreams to people who don’t have our best interests at heart, and sometimes it’s best to just keep our dreams to ourselves and work quietly on them. Especially highfalutin dreams like Bruh Joseph had. 

‘And he said unto them (his brothers), Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance (bowed down) to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.’ (Gen. 37:6-8) Obviously Bruh Joseph didn’t realize how much his brothers hated him, or he was just so full of and cock-sure of himself that he didn’t care.  

And as the luck of the draw would have it; ‘He dreamed another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance (bowed down) to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee in the earth? And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.’ (Gen . 37:9-11) 

Now Bruh Joseph had the whole family against him. But please note that last verse. Israel ‘observed the matter,’ or kept it in his mind. He obviously didn’t relegate it right away to the rubbish heap. It reminds us of Mary, Jesus’ mother’s behaviour, when she heard all the fine things that were said about Jesus both at his at his eight-day presentation in the temple, and also when he was lost, and they found him arguing with the teachers in the temple at twelve years old and He told them: 

‘How is it ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these saying in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with god and man.’ (Luke 2:40-52) 

It’s strange how our parents, though they may not fully believe our spiritual dreams and plans, many of them yet never put them aside completely, knowing, possibly from their own experience the way in which Almighty God operates. And both Jacob and Mary did have significant encounters with God in the spiritual realm, so neither totally wrote of the dreams of their children. The only difference between Bruh Joseph and Jesus, is that the latter did not grow did not grow in favour with both God and man. 

Bruh Joseph’s brothers had other ideas about his dreams. And one day when his father sent him to check on them in the fields, ‘they conspired to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer (master of dreams) cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil (wild) beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid (deliver) him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father.’ (Gen. 37:18-22)  

But we know that did not happen, for after the brothers stripped Joseph of his robe of many colours and threw him into a pit, they sat down to eat, and just then they saw a group of Ishmeelites (traders) going down to Egypt with their wares to sell. ‘And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him: for he is our brother, and our flesh. And his brethren were content (agreed).’ (Gen. 37:26-27) 

So they drew Bruh Joseph up out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. That certainly didn’t seem like Bruh Joseph was having favour with God and man. But unbeknownst to them all, that was only the beginning of the drama. And if God spares life, tomorrow, we’ll continue looking at Bruh Joseph’s story; a most significant one in the annals of the Jewish people, and consequently in our own Chrisitan faith. 

Now let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And friends, we’ve been further promised that if we stick with Jesus right to the very end, then that promise will be even more glorious than we could ever ask or imagine. Wow! So please, let’s make a date to meet right at the very end with Jesus nuh! Much LOVE!

…the Lord puts dreams in our hearts…so that we can serve His glorious purposes… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 September 2023 Luke 13:34b.

05 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 13:34b.       how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

And this first Tuesday in September 2023 has opened bright and beautiful, but it also contains a heat warning like Labour Day yesterday. Oh, it’s just another abnormality in our weather patterns. (smile) Usually after Labour Day the cold winds begin to blow; however, this week will probably be the hottest one we’ve felt all summer. But those are the consequences you face when you screw up God’s well timed and appointed planet. Remember, to every action there’s a reaction, and we’re now suffering the negative reactions to hundreds of years of polluting the planet. 

And if we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy fairly balanced and pleasant weather patterns in the future, then we’ve got to stop our silly pollution RIGHT NOW and try to bring some sense of wisdom to our hitherto foolish actions. For there’s no doubt that our serious pollution of the earth is causing severe, unfamiliar and rather disastrous weather situations, that’s causing us all sorts of problems with an intensity that we’ve never felt before. 

Look at the heat waves, the strong winds and the lack of rain that’s caused a spate of wildfires all over the world, wildfires that so far, we have been unable to tame. Then there’s drought in so many places where there was once lots of water, and also floods in places that never knew such disastrous conditions. The hurricanes and typhoons and tornadoes have become even more deadly and unpredictable and that’s only the tip of the iceberg; the natural part of the disastrous situations. 

What about the pandemic and all the sickness that the world is undergoing when our medical knowledge is the best it’s ever been? The economic struggles are also terrible, leading more folks than ever to poverty-stricken situations in an era of plenty. The greed, the hatred, the resentment that’s currently running amok in our world and causing immense strife in a time of supposed peace. 

But who knows how long that supposed peace is going to last, when all the major nations are currently flexing their muscles with a whole torrent of nuclear warfare talk accompanied by some initial, preparatory activity. And it’s all so foolish, because we all know that with first nuclear warhead fired at any nation, all the nuclear warmongers will join the fray, and the whole world will be immediately engrossed in a flaming nuclear holocaust, from which we’ll never recover! 

And you tell me that mankind is the smartest of God’s creation? Steups! I beg to differ yes! But all we poor bystanders, those without the power to make any meaningful worldwide decisions, can do is place our trust in Almighty God and embrace His promises that He will never leave nor forsake us, and that He has wonderful thoughts toward us, thoughts to give us a future and a hope. 

We can’t even say let’s appoint or elect new sensible leaders, because all those running for office are so power hungry and seeking their own aggrandizement that once they get in office, they completely forget who put them there and the reason they were placed there. Every leader now wants to be a dictator, and surprisingly so, many of them are becoming just that, because they have a fearful population, who are afraid to rock the boat. 

And if it’s not the leaders who are hogging the reins of power, then it’s the gangs, the cliques and cartels who are leading the show of torrid crime, corruption and violence. Even the church, Christ’s body here on earth that’s supposed to add some sense and wisdom to help our negative situations are not making a worthwhile difference, because it’s so divided that no coherent action is possible. And some of the churches are so tied into the power brokers that we couldn’t raise a contradictory finger or voice, even if we had the desire to do so. 

I know it’s a real negative picture of our world that I’m painting, but it’s the reality of what’s now on tap. And that’s been a problem of mankind for a long time, our inability to see life as it truly is, always hoping that someone else will fix it for us. But friends, the reality of it all is now coming home to roost, and if we don’t wake up and fix things for ourselves, turn to Christ in droves, turn from the abominable evil that’s currently driving our world, and allow the LOVE REVOLUTION to retake our world, then to put it simply and mildly; crapaud smoke we pipe! 

Oh friends, Christ is indeed our ONLY hope! Either He comes very soon and raptures His church, or we do some mighty evangelism, evangelism like the world’s never seen before, to turn things around. That brings us to this lament of Christ over Jerusalem. No doubt, He’s likewise lamenting over our sorry situation right now too. 

‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killeth the prophets, and stonest them that sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.’ (Luke 13:34-35) 

Oh my people, that was Jesus’ heartfelt lament over the sins of Jerusalem, showing His affection for God’s chosen place and the people, but knowing that their sins would eventually drive them to desolation, and that they won’t be saved until He comes again. The same thing might be said of us my fellow saints. Our sins have driven us so far from God that we will have to pay a price of desolation, until Jesus comes again. 

But let’s not give up. Let’s keep ploughing forward to the best of our ability. Let’s live our best lives, and show the world our best face, ones filled with the LOVE of Christ, so that they may know that we are indeed the real deal. And in keeping with those sentiments, let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

It’s now our duty to get out into the evil world and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…only in Christ…is there real hope for a better tomorrow… 

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

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