Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 January 2023 Hebrews 10:23.

05 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 10:23.        Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Well, although my computer tells me it’s going to be above freezing again, and partly sunny, I have my doubts, because the day’s opened wet and cloudy and ugly. It’s been constant rain for the last couple of days. Makes you want to sing that old ditty; ‘Rain, rain, go away, and come back some other day.’ But you know what, although the last few days have been dark and ugly, once we have Jesus dwelling in us, everything seems beautiful! That’s the awesome reaction His presence gives us. We can just go about singing and dancing and giving thanks and praise despite our prevailing circumstances. 

Awright, so that might be laying it on a bit too thick, (smile) we do have concerns, and every day is not a walk in the park, but when we hold on tightly to Jesus, we do have peace, our hearts are lightened and our souls gush with joy, simply because He’s with us. The One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, The Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Mighty Warrior, Wonderful Counsellor, The Prince of Peace, who’s kingdom shall never end. The One who’s name is above every other, that all knees must bow to and acknowledge God’s glory in and through Him! 

Wow! Can One body really be all those wonderful things? Oh Yes! Our Jesus can…and He is, because He is the Son of God, our Lord and Saviour: the One who sacrificed His sinless life for us on the cross of Calvary, so that our sins could be forgiven, and we be reconciled to God the Father. The One who’s blood flowed from His side, His hands, His feet and washed our sins clean, washed them white as snow. How could He not be our ALL in ALL eh? Especially now that He’s also our High Priest and heavenly Intercessor, sitting at the right hand of the Father pleading our cases, being able to empathize with our earthly problems because He too experienced them while here on earth. 

That’s possibly one of the greatest reasons why we can place our trust in Jesus; He understands from personal experience! As the author of Hebrews puts it so elegantly: ‘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. 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 as 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) 

Oh my fellow believers, that says it all! Or, you might say it puts the icing on the cake! (smile) For there’s no better place to seek help than in one who’s already experienced our kind of problems. When we are sick, we go a doctor; to build a house, to a carpenter; to fix our teeth, to a dentist, to help us with prayer, to a pastor, because they are more informed and experienced in those fields. We won’t go to a pastor to help us build our house, or a carpenter to help us when we’re sick. 

However, the beauty of Jesus is that He’s experienced in EVERYTHING! That’s why He should always be the FIRST ONE we go to when we encounter problems, and not the last, like so many of us supposed believers do. He might send us to other mortals for help, but His ear, through sincere prayer, should be the first one to hear of our predicament, or our praise and thanksgiving. And yuh know what amuses, surprises but mostly saddens me, is that we talk so much about Jesus and all the marvellous things He is, has done and can do, but we don’t truly believe them, otherwise we’d revere and worship Him so much more, place every trust in Him, surrender our lives to Him without a doubt in our souls. 

It’s all a lot of blarney, deceptive and misleading talk, because we don’t live out our faith, we don’t hold fast to our profession (confession) of faith like the author of Hebrews advised in that passage above. But that holding fast to our faith is the most important thing we possess, for without our faith we are lost, lost in the darkness and doubt of this evil and ungodly world 

And the author of Hebrews revisits the problem in greater detail later on in his writings, where he admonishes: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:23-25) 

And believe me my brethren, that day is fast approaching, the signs are there, and can, or rather, will come upon us like a thief in the night, unexpectedly, so we had better be ready. And that can only happen if we get serious about our faith in Christ Jesus and do the things we know we ought to do; like prayer, praise, thanksgiving, assembling with each other in holy fellowship, encouraging each other, and above all, LOVING each other like Jesus LOVED us. 

And that’s not merely my admonishment, but His. His own words were: ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) The question now my fellow saints is whether or not the world, the unbeliever recognizes us as disciples of Christ? And the general consensus is NO! Because we do not LOVE each other as Jesus LOVED us! 

Can we call what’s happening in Christ’s church LOVE? All the petty bickering, backbiting, resentment, cliques, false teaching, divisions and scandalous behaviour that’s corrupted it, is not LOVE by any stretch of the imagination. His satanic majesty is overjoyed when he looks at the church and sees it so weak and ineffective. He knows then that he has divided and conquered it. But not forever, if we faithful are willing to get serious, to rise up, put on God’s armour and fight tooth and nail to save it. 

And please don’t say we can’t, for remember with Jesus in and with us, everything is possible; we just have to believe and live out that belief. And our God is so wonderful and generous that He’s bestowed many powerful blessings on us, blessings we don’t deserve but are needed to fight the good fight. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So let’s activate them now by sincerely declaring (yesss!!!) them. 

Altogether now: ‘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!’ 

Now, having activated those blessings, let’s go out and use them nuh, put them to work, as the Lord desires, as we fight the good fight in Jesus’ name! Much LOVE!

…2023 must be the year Christ’s church…like the phoenix…triumphantly rises from its ashes…and once again…makes a worthwhile difference… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 January 2023 Ephesians 5:2a.

04 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 5:2a.       And walk in LOVE, as Christ also hath LOVED us…

‘It’s raining, it’s raining… on this Wednesday morning in early January of this new year.’ And that’s so much better to sing than ‘It’s snowing, it’s snowing…on this Wednesday morning in early January of this new year.’ Ah mih people, I don’t know if we’re truly blessed or our time has just not arrived, but rain and wind are all we’ve been getting in my neighbourhood over the last couple of weeks, while others have been bombarded, inundated with snow and all sorts of negative happenings due to the snow fall. 

But we’ll certainly say, ‘Thank You Lord for the rain!’ As the old people would advise, never look a gift horse in the mouth. It’s bad manners. Yes, just say thanks and move on. And that’s exactly what we’ll do today, (smile) move on to more practical aspects of living the new life found in Christ. 

Now, in chapter 5 of Colossians, Bruh Paul continues his admonitions. ‘Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children: And walk in LOVE, as Christ also hath LOVED us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweetsmelling savour (aroma.)’ (Col. 5:1-2) Yes my faithful brethren, that is one of the most powerful, wise and sensible admonitions in the Bible! If we want to walk like Christ did, be a real Christian, a true disciple and ambassador of His, the first thing we need to do is to learn to walk in LOVE! 

And it can be learned, so there are no excuses about I don’t know how, I wasn’t born that way, and all the other foolish excuses we tend to dredge up when we don’t want to do something that’s somewhat difficult. No, we don’t have to like everybody, but we need to treat everybody decently, with kindness and compassion.

 Bruh Paul strongly advised the Roman church: ‘Recompense to (repay) no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (have regard for good things). If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire (shame) on his head. Be not overcome of evil; but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12: 17-21) 

And that’s basically what walking in LOVE means. Giving of ourselves without too many complaints, doing like Jesus did, going about and doing good! Do you think He really wanted to leave His comfortable position in heaven and come to earth as a human being and experience the terrible ‘sufferation’ He did on the cross of Calvary? Obviously not! But His Father desired it because of His great LOVE for us. The Scriptures say: ‘But God commendeth (showed) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) 

And Jesus was ever obedient and wanted to please the Father because He LOVED Him. As the scriptures recall: ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant (emptied himself of his privileges), and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil. 2:5-8) 

And that’s the way we believers in Christ also ought to be; willing to do anything for and in Jesus’ name, because we are obedient and LOVE Him very dearly! Ah friends, the mark of true LOVE is doing stuff sacrificially, doing it when you don’t want to, and even when it costs you in terms of pain, money and time. That means we are also expected to give ourselves as ‘an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour (aroma).’ 

And please remember that all these things can be learned though listening to and following the lead and guidance of the Holy Spirit which indwells us. That’s why He was ensconced there; to lead and guide us so we could become the sweet smelling aroma of sacrifice to Almighty God. And Bruh Paul, as always, breaks it right down to the nitty gritty. (smile) 

‘But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor (coarse) jesting , which are not convenient (fitting): but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain (empty) words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.’ (Eph. 5:3-7) 

Now, in conjunction with the Bits of the last two days, I believe that gives us a good grasp on how we ought to conduct our lives as children of God, as sons and daughters, and joint heirs with Christ. Remember, if we want to receive that inheritance set aside for the joint heirs with Christ, we have to live up to a certain standard of behaviour and conduct. We cannot behave like the world. Or as too many of us do, behave righteous on Sundays, then like the rest of the world during the week. 

No my fellow saints, living for Christ is a twenty-four seven programme. And though we may fall off several times, with His help we can always get back up and ride again! That’s the beauty of living for Christ…you never fail, He always helps you, if you are sincerely doing your best! And for those of us who are trying our best to live for him, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our most excellent 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!’ 

Now friends, there’s this li’l bit of encouragement: if we endure to the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! Living for Jesus gets better all the time. So, let’s plan to endure right down to the end nuh, so that we can experience that more than glorious future! Much LOVE!

…living for Jesus is ofttimes difficult…but it’s always wonderful and very rewarding… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 January 2023 Ephesians 4:23.

03 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 4:23.       And be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind:

And this Tuesday morning, the third day of 2023, the first working day of the year for many of us, has opened somewhat damp and cloudy in my area. But as always, the joy in our hearts over a new year is usually enough to compensate for that, especially since we still have some of the recent balmy above freezing weather with us. (smile) However, the important question today is what New Year’s resolutions have we made, and have we made keepable ones? Undoubtedly, like years past, in the first couple of weeks, we’ll be strong on those resolutions, but then as everyday life begins to take us over again, we will begin falling off of those lofty heights that we promised ourselves to journey on in this new year. 

But yuh know friends, we can all avoid that falling off by simply making ONE resolution each and every year, that of desiring, and therefore, trying, doing everything we can, to live for and with Jesus! Now that just makes everything so simple and uncomplicated. You don’t have to remember a whole lot of stuff. For Jesus said it so clearly: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Wow! How easy that is my people! All we do is seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all our needs, everything else will fall into place. that’s Jesus’ promise. 

The problem though is that we don’t fully believe it as we should, so we keep on trying to live life on our own terms, which sometimes turns out fairly well, but never reaches its full capacity because it doesn’t have the anointing of God on it. And I’m chuckling here because I was just ready to go off on a different tangent when the Holy Spirit reminded me that I’d promised that if God spared us today, we’d continue looking at practical aspects of the new life in Christ, as Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. Thank You Holy Spirit! Otherwise, I would have begun the new year with a most inauspicious mark of not keeping my promise, and we just cannot have that!  (smile) 

Anyhow, enough talk, let’s get to our subject. And Bruh Paul expatiates on the new life in Christ thus: ‘That ye put off the concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ (Eph. (4:22-24) 

Ah friends, that’s exactly what we need to do at the beginning of this new year; throw off all the baggage we’re still carrying around from our old way of life and move into the new way that’s promoted by Christ.  And here are some practical and easy ways…well they might not be so easy for some of us who are addicted to the old ways, but with the help of Jesus, they are indeed possible to change, if we are serious about invoking the new man. 

So, Bruh Paul advises: ‘Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man the truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.’ (Eph. 4:25) And speaking the truth to each other is about as good a place to begin as any, my fellow believers, for this world is so polluted with lies, deceits and distrust that it’s indeed difficult to know what’s true from what’s not. And remember one of the essential parts of God’s spiritual armour is the belt of truth ‘having your loins girt about with truth.’ (Eph. 6:14) 

Then what about these practical aspects of living the new life eh? ‘Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.’ (Eph. 4:26-28) 

Ah mih bredrin, doesn’t that sound interesting? And most of us will say yes, but it’s the changing and then the keeping of those directives that cause the problems. However, if we are basically good people, they really shouldn’t cause us that many problems nuh, because good people don’t lie and steal, get angry easily and refuse to work. And with Jesus’ help, it’s all possible. That’s what we need to always remember: living for Christ automatically includes His help. And remember that we can do all things with His amazing and powerful help. (Phil 4:13) 

Neither forget we this tidbit from Bruh Paul to the Thessalonians. ‘For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.’ (2 Thess. 3:10-11) Now can you imagine if we actually imposed that rule in our society, the amount of starvation we’d have added to the great amount we already have, because there are so many who work very little or not at all, but are causing all sorts of problems. 

They are doing exactly what Bruh Paul recommends we don’t do. ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.’ (Eph. 4:29) Oh my people, my people, we desperately need to put that advice into action, because this society is so filled with corrupt communication, especially with the current prevalence of social media, that it just boggles the imagination. And sadly, very little of it is indeed worthy of edifying and ministering grace to us. 

Then Bruh Paul makes this solemn plea: ‘And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.’ (Eph. 4:30) Now that is something we should all try to avoid. And you ask how can we grieve the Holy Spirit? By simply doing the things we know we should not do, by not listening to His guidance and leading! Remember the Holy Spirit is a person, and thus has feelings and those feelings can be aggrieved like ours, cause Him pain, when the right things are not done in His sight. 

But thankfully we won’t have to worry about grieving the Holy Spirit because from now on we’ll be concentrating on doing the right things in His sight. We’ll do what Bruh Paul further advises. ‘Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph. 4;31-32) Now those are some of the practical aspects of putting on the new man and living for Christ! And can you imagine the great difference it would make to our world if we believers should sincerely try to adopt them. 

So please, let’s make sincerely living for Christ our New Year’s resolution nuh. That is if we sincerely want to change our world for the better. And for those of us who are doing our best to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one 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 the addendum to that is 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 see positive change…one has to take off the old and put on the new…which is found only in Christ Jesus… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   2 January 2023   1 Corinthians 15:57.

02 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 15:57.       But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

           So it’s another holiday Monday for many working folks because the official New Year’s Day fell on the Sunday! What a way there’s been lots of time to celebrate this Christmas and New Year’s seasons. Let’s hope though that we don’t get too accustomed to these long weekends and completely forget the work ethic that we already don’t have much of. (smile) 

           Ah friends this new year of 2023 must be one of exceeding diligence if we truly want to make some headway against the evil enemy and his iniquity cohorts. Their army is vast and they are serious about taking over and ruling the world. And their methods of warfare are lowdown and inhumane…and that’s putting it nicely. 

           Therefore, if we hope to make any positive changes, we have to be serious, disciplined, work hard and requite evil with good, because the enemy won’t give us an easy break. We’ll have to fight for every bit of ground we conquer. But the good news is that we have Jesus in our corner, and if we use His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us then our victory will be assured, because ‘In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.’ (Rom. 8:37) 

            Please note though, that victory will only come through our following the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, for we cannot defeat the enemy in our own strength. As Bruh Paul wrote in his first missive to the church at Corinth: ‘The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor. 15:56-57) Yes friends, only when we are working with and through Jesus is victory possible. 

            So Bruh Paul continues with the practical application: ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain (futile) in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 15:58) And we can only do that if we follow Peter’s advice: ‘But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To hm be glory both now and for ever.’ (2 Pet. 3:18) 

           Oh my fellow believers, we can’t ever work properly and consistently with Jesus until we know what He’s truly about, which necessitates spending time in His Word, and in prayer, then putting those things we learn into practical use. And that’s one of Bruh Paul’s strengths; after giving you the theory, he usually gives you the practical application, like he did with the Ephesians, when he explained some of the practical aspects of living the new life in Christ. 

            Listen up as he exhorts them and us. ‘This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind.’ (Eph. 4:17) And the scholars explain that ‘since each Christian is divinely enabled with some spiritual gift, he must walk not as other Gentiles walk, lest his much-needed contribution to the church’s growth be sorely missed. Unbelieving Gentiles live in the vanity (futility) of their mind, without proper purpose, causing all their efforts to obtain happiness to end in failure.’ 

           And Bruh Paul delves further into the theory. (smile) ‘Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through (because of) the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness (hardening) of their heart.’ (Eph. 4:18) Now the scholars tell us that ‘The blindness of their heart refers to the hardness of their will. Gentiles’ obstinacy against the divine will has caused them to be separated from God’s life.’ 

            And all of us know this to be true! When your heart stubbornly refuses to do God’s will, then you become separated from Him. As Bruh Paul further explains: ‘Who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness (licentiousness), to work all uncleanness with greediness.’ (Eph.4:19) That means those unbelievers have become so calloused, have gone so deep in sin that they are insensitive to moral right and wrong. 

            And unfortunately, that can apply to many of us, though as Bruh Paul maintains: ‘But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.’ (Eph. 4:20-21) Yes my fellow saints, we have not learned Christ or Christian teaching like that. Our Christian doctrine has instructed us NOT to live like the unbelievers portrayed in verses 17-19 above.  And that’s the basic theory of living the new life in Christ. 

           Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll tackle the practical aspects of that theory. Trying to do that today with our short attention span will just get us all confused and also make the Bit too long. (smile) Now let’s go to our ever faithful and merciful God, in confidence, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn sincerely seeking His grace and mercy. 

           As one voice: ‘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. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

            Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that 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. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.  

           And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land 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 to receive a positive answer, the solution is obvious: humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek God’s face. Much LOVE!

           … it’s all about living for Christ…in a Christ-like manner…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 January 2023   2 Corinthians 5:21.

01 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2 Corinthians 5:21.        For he (God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

And then it was New Year’s Day! Wow! Christmas of 2022 is in the books and the new year of 2023 has begun with the same rush as the old one went out in! (smile) Anyway, we’re wishing a Happy New Year of 2023 to all our Scrip-Bit friends and families all over God’s great earth! And we hope and pray that this year will be better than the last, but let’s remember that any improvement must begin with each of us first improving our individual selves, then getting together in sincere fellowship and building Christ’s body, His church! 

Now let’s also hope that we did not party too much in the New Year’s Eve celebrations last night, to remember that today is Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and we needs must get up and go to His sanctuary and praise and worship Him with other believers for His wonderful deeds to the children of men. And as always, we’ll begin with a song of praise, but for this New Year’s Day I wanted something special, a song that would give us some encouragement and hope for this upcoming year, which won’t be an easy one. 

Let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that 2023 will be a banner year for peace and LOVE. Much as I desire it to be so, the current worldwide situation doesn’t promise it. Yes friends, with all the anger, strife, greed, selfishness, hunger for power and jealousy currently permeating our world, it only portends, is a sign of tougher times. But then again, we have Jesus, so there’s no need to be overly concerned. If we do our best, He’s promised to do the rest. And He is a faithful keeper of His promises. 

Anyhow, getting back to today’s song, I believe it’s a perfect fit for all that we’re going through on this first day of 2023. It’s one of our favourites, aptly titled Blessed Assurance; one of the many beautiful hymns written by blind American hymn-writer Fanny Crosby. The story goes that ‘One evening in 1873, Fanny’s friend and composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp was visiting and played a tune on the piano, asking Fanny what it sounded like. Fanny responded, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!” Phoebe and Fanny then continued to sing the melody and write the lyrics together.’ 

Isn’t ‘it awesome how songs of worship come together so quickly and unexpectedly. The hand of God is definitely involved in the writing of each one. But enough talk, (smile) it’s time to offer up our sacrificial praises to God and heaven, this New year’s day of 2023. So, in loud, but sweet harmony, in an up tempo beat, because we’re joyful in the Lord’s strength and promises, let’s offer up a rousing, heartfelt rendition of Blessed Assurance. 

Singing: ‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood (Chorus: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.) Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of LOVE. 

(Chorus…) Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His LOVE. (Chorus: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long…. Yes, This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long )’ 

Oh friends, that was a marvellous rendition! And heaven just LOVED it! (smile) And does the song ever ring out with truth, for every day we sing praises to Jesus, thankful for all the undeserved blessings He so generously and mercifully bestows on us. And all we can say is ’Thank You Jesus! Thank You for coming to earth to save us as the baby born in the manger, then dying for us on that old wooden cross of Calvary on Good Friday, taking all of our sins upon you and giving us your righteousness!’ 

Like Bruh Paul says: ‘For he (God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Cor. 5:21) And Peter reiterated it thus: ‘(Jesus) Who in his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes (wounds) ye were healed.’ (1 Pet. 2:24) 

Oh my fellow believers, that is the ultimate in selflessness! Christ died so that our sins could be forgiven! What more can we ask eh? NOTHING! What greater gift could He have bestowed eh? NONE! And all He asks of us is to be appropriately grateful and live in the righteousness that He died for us to have! 

But that’s exactly where we are falling down in our Christian walk; we’re not living in sufficient righteousness. We still have too much of the old sinful, worldly man in us. We’re still too intimidated and persuaded by the secular and unrighteous ways of the world. And understandably, since we’re only humans, it’s not easy to overlook the beautiful baubles and bangles that the world dangles in front of us, but with Christ living within us through His Holy Spirit, ostensibly to lead and guide us in righteous ways, we should be doing much better than we are. 

And any true believer who is worth his salt, on self-examination, will tell you that! The negativity that’s currently flooding our world is largely because we supposed Christians have not done the job we were given; we have not fulfilled the Great Commission enough, so that Christ’s church could have the upper hand. We have sat on our laurels way too much, enjoying the good and easy material life the world promotes, foolishly and fearfully forsaking the righteousness of Christ’s kingdom. 

Oh friends, in this year of 2023, let’s promise ourselves to do much better nuh. For our children’s sake, so much better that we will reverse some of the negativity in our world by promoting the righteousness of Christ. This year, please let our motto be truthfully the words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;’ so that all the things we truly need will be added to us by our heavenly Father. That’s the ONLY way to turn things around! Much LOVE!

…if you can’t accept and believe Jesus’ words and promises…then whose can you accept eh… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   31 December 2022 Philippians 4:13.

31 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 4:13.         I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Now, it’s a wet, drizzly and cloudy New Year’s Eve in my neighbourhood, but I definitely prefer that to the white stuff some people are getting, and others have not dug themselves out of since the big snowfall on Christmas weekend. It’s been a rough time for many North Americans, thankfully though, my area didn’t get the snow others got, we just got rain and howling winds for a couple of days. 

And though the rain will no doubt dampen some of the New Year’s Eve excitement, I’m sure it won’t curtail the basic exuberance of many partygoers, who will party on, come rain, snow or shine. (smile) But since it’s Saturday, let’s take a look at the quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. 

And the first one says: ‘Belief creates the actual fact.’ Now that’s something that’s spouted by the world, but it certainly isn’t true. Yes, what you believe might become a fact to you, but that doesn’t mean it’s actually a truthful fact. For example, many people, believe there is no God, does that make it a fact that there is no God! Absolutely not! It’s the same way back in time when they believed that the world was flat, but that didn’t mean it was flat, although some still argue that fact today. (smile). 

And in today’s confused society there are so many truths that you will trip over them if you’re not careful. Whatever you believe nowadays is considered truth; that’s your truth, but that doesn’t make it factual or even true. The only things we can believe that are true and also factual are the words of God written in His venerable library, the Bible. Why? Because it is a collection of ‘divine instruction.’ 

As Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy. ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ (2 Tim. 3:16-17) Now that’s where belief meets truth and facts! 

Then there’s this quote: ‘I’m not going to continue knocking on that old door that doesn’t open for me. I’m going to create my own door and walk through that.’ Now the first part of that statement makes sense, why bother knocking on a door that’s no longer opening for you. However, the next part of the statement is somewhat tricky, especially if you are a believer in Christ Jesus. The world says that you must press ahead and open doors for yourself, but Almighty God desires that you wait and let Him open doors for you. 

In His divine plan for our lives, He closes them and also opens them as He sees fit. And the worst mistake we can ever make is to try and open doors for ourselves that the Lord doesn’t want us to go through, or He’s not ready for us to go through. I can speak on that from personal experience. You’ll just keep bouncing your head until you wake up and realize your mistake, or He thinks it’s time to open that door. 

Now that doesn’t mean you just sit and do nothing while waiting for God to open the next door. No! You prepare yourself through prayer and study of His word and whatever is behind the door that will be opened. For lots of time the door doesn’t open because you’re not ready, knowledgeable and experienced enough to manage the promotion that opened door will bring. 

And the next quote advises: ‘Wake up determined, go to bed satisfied.’ Yes, that’s certainly an interesting quote, one to which we should all aspire! We should be determined every day to do God’s will, whatever it might be! After giving thanks for seeing another morn, then we ask for His purpose and guidance, our daily bread, so that we can fulfill His desires for that day. Then we get moving and are obedient to His will. That way, we can go to bed at night satisfied! 

And in the process of doing God’s will, the next quote tells us: ‘Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put some sunglasses on.’ Now is that ever so true, since in our daily journey the enemy will send naysayers to belittle or lessen us in the eyes of the world. But once we know we are doing God’s will, let’s not allow them to do that! 

Yes, if they think we’re shining too brightly, then they ought to put on sunglasses, because Jesus said that we’re the light of the world, and we should shine, shine bright and sparkling all over the world! On the other hand, if they would just accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, they would be able to shine bright and sparkling like us! (smile) 

And the last quote says: ‘Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation is the key to happiness.’ That certainly has some truth to it. It’s a proven fact that our attitude towards our situations always affects our reactions to them. And it’s definitely the key to our response. A negative attitude will engender or produce doubt, fear and an inability to deal successfully with the situation. However, a positive attitude, though it might not change the circumstances, will allow you to think clearly and find a way out without the added baggage of fear and doubt. 

But overall, that consistent kind of positive attitude is only possible when Jesus is your Guide and Leader, since He is the One who empowers us to have that attitude. Remember these words of Bruh Paul: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:13) Yes, it’s through His power that we are able to stand strong and steadfast through whatever circumstances we encounter. It’s through belief in His goodness and mercy, like Bruh Paul says later on: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) 

Oh my fellow believers, we’re living in a tough, cruel and evil world, but if we believe the words of Jesus, like these enlightening and encouraging ones: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) And He has definitely done that through His death and resurrection. 

So, if we allow words like those to continually simmer and bubble in our hearts and souls, ready to be used at an instant’s notice, then we will be able to overcome the hard knocks of life and enjoy the abundant life that He’s promised. But it all depends on us: on our sincere belief, trust and surrender to Him! Much LOVE!

…until you really get to know Jesus…you won’t really know how wonderful He is… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 December 2022 Colossians 3:14.

30 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

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

Colossians 3:14.       And above all these things put on charity (LOVE), which is the bond of perfectness.

And so we come to Friday…and the shouts of TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ are even louder than usual, because this is another long weekend, and a more party going one too; New Year’s Eve! What a time of celebration the end of 2022 will be! It’s been a tough, unexpected, uncontrollable year, but we’ll make sure and close it off with joyful expectations for 2023. (smile) But please my people, don’t expect 2023 to be any better than 2022 unless we work to make it better. It’s going to be another tough year, but hopefully not as tough as this past one. 

And it’s only going to improve if we believers do as Bruh Paul warned the Colossians way back when. As we said yesterday, we have to actively put on the new man, leave all our old behaviour behind and put our sincere trust in Christ Jesus: ‘Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond (slave) nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.’ (Col. 3:11) Yes friends, that’s the attitude we believers need to adopt in this new year. 

And as always, after giving us the theory, Bruh Paul gives us the practical lessons. (smile) In this case, he says: ‘Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies (tender mercies), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering (patience); Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.’ (Col. 3:12-13) 

Oh my people, that is the only way our lives and that of Christ’s church will ever improve, regardless of what kind of year we have! We absolutely need to take on those virtues and qualities that lead to peace and ‘bowels of mercies’ or heartfelt compassion. None of us has arrived, or become so mature that we don’t need these lessons. 

And thus, the scholars explain: ‘As the believer is developing these virtues, he must be forbearing and forgiving toward his fellow church member. For his Christian brother is also in the process of acquiring the virtues of verse 12 and therefore retains some flaws, deficiencies, and weaknesses. Hence the need of forbearance and forgiveness.’ 

And that’s all so true my brethren! We all still have flaws and some residue from the old man; therefore we all need to have patience and forgiveness towards each other as we all are in the growing and maturing process of Christian living. Without that forbearance and forgiveness, it will all fall back into the shambles it currently is! And please remember how Christ forgave us! That alone should encourage us to be patient with and forgiving to others! Now that’s not all, for Bruh Paul continues the lesson in putting on the new man. (smile) ‘And above all these things put on charity (LOVE), which is the bond of perfectness.’ (Col. 3:14) 

And is it ever! Here’s how the scholars explain that verse. ‘Charity is LOVE, here called the bond of perfectness. LOVE is the crowning grace completing the list of virtues required for perfectness or spiritual maturity. As a “bond” it binds all other virtues together in harmony and unity.’ Wow! And it’s the gospel truth! No wonder we say that LOVE makes the world go round! And the lack of LOVE in our world today is what’s making it not go round as smoothly as it ought. 

Therefore, in Bruh Paul’s words: ‘And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.’ (Col. 3:15) Yes friends, ‘the peace of God is the harmony and concord created by God among His people. And when that rules in our hearts, it means that whatever course of action that brings peace and harmony is the course to be taken by disagreeing believers.’ Then too, Bruh Paul highly recommends: ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.’ (Col. 3:16) 

Oh what wonderful advice my faithful brethren! And the scholars tell us that ‘When believers are forbearing, forgiving (vs. 13), and LOVING (vs. 14) toward one another, when peace reigns among God’s people (vs. 15), then the church is fertile soil for the blessings produced by the word of Christ.’ There’s so much truth in that my people! And it’s one of the main reasons why today’s church is so infertile; too much petty bickering, envy and jealousy, which makes for a divided and therefore weak church! 

Meanwhile, Bruh Paul closes this section with these words. ‘And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Col. 3:17) That’s the clincher my fellow saints! Doing all we do in Christ’s name, with thanks to our heavenly Father! Without that, nothing will work! And the scholars reinforce that by saying: ‘The beneficial influence produced by the indwelling word of Christ is not only to affect public and private worship (v.16), but it is also to control all areas of Christian life.’ 

Glory be my people! That tells us that the Christian life is a complete entity in itself. It does have different parts, but all must be lived out before one can claim perfectness or spiritual maturity. And that’s what we’re aiming for in the upcoming year of 2023 my fellow saints; a heightened maturity! We might not get to be perfect, but we must improve our level of Christ-like behaviour, if our world is to become any better than it currently is. Matter fix! 

Now, let’s go home declaring (yeah!!!) our Friday Chant asking the Lord for His divine help to do all that we said needs to be done. As one voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so we desperately need 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. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. 

And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to 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. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, 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!’ 

And all our pleading will be useless, unless we get serious and do what we know we need to do! Much LOVE!

…one can only be a new man…by divesting oneself of the old…and putting on the new… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 December 2022 Luke 9:23.

29 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

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

Luke 9:23.       If any man will (desires to) come after me (be my disciple), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Well, here’s another ‘Can you believe it’: On Thursday 29th December 2022, the sun is shining and the weather is fine! The temperature is about 8 degrees Celsius. That’s in the middle of winter. Rain is expected not snow! As the old people would say, what  en’t reach you, en’t pass you! In other words, you won’t believe it until you see it! So it’s obvious that times are a changing; both in weather and the nature of man, and thus in our society. Mankind is certainly becoming like Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy so long ago. 

‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be loves of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers (irreconcilable), false accusers (slanderers), incontinent (without self-control), fierce (brutal), despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady (reckless), highminded (haughty), lovers of pleasures more (rather) than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (mere religion without the power of a spiritual life): from such turn away.’ (2 Tim. 3:1-5) 

Oh friends, it seems that Bruh Paul is in our midst today writing about the sorry state of our world. For, unless you are blind, deaf, dumb and totally not involved, you have surely noticed the decline of our society, debased to the level of all the things Bruh Paul spoke to Timothy about. I don’t know if there’s ever been an angrier and more strife-filled time in mankind’s history across the whole known world at the same time, like we’re now experiencing, where everybody is in an uproar over something, and nobody’s satisfied about anything. 

I daresay the last days can’t be far ahead. But until that time, it is the bounden duty of we believers to fight tooth and nail to keep the world for Christ! This is the time for which we were created. We have all we need to change things, but we are just fearful and lazy, preferring to enjoy the pleasures of the world rather than do the world-changing work of God. 

Yes my people, please, let’s remember Jesus’ parting desire, His Great Commission. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:19-20) 

Now my fellow believers, please tell me what aspect of that is rocket science eh, that’s so high that we don’t understand it? It’s simple and clear forward like everything else Jesus says! We just don’t want to make the sacrifice it entails to do His work. But please remember these words of Jesus also; the requirements for being His disciple. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me (be my disciple), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) 

Oh my brethren, the life of a follower of Jesus involves daily sacrifice if necessary. It is a good, abundant and prosperous but also sacrificial life, like Jesus’ was. He never asks us to do what He never did, or will not empower us to do. The problem is that we need to raise the level of our faith, the level of our trust and surrender to His faithfulness. We can’t just lie down and play dead before the evil doings of the world. No! We need to put on the armour of God that we recently spoke about and join the spiritual battle that’s taking place for the soul and spirit of our world, our children and our families! 

Unfortunately though, most of that fight is being conducted by a handful of believers. And when Christ’s church should be so deeply involved in this fight, it’s not, because it’s divided, disunited and torn apart by selfish, petty disagreements. The enemy has successfully divided and conquered it. Yesterday we saw where Bruh Paul spoke to the Colossians about putting off the old man.  Today though is a different day, one where we desperately need to listen and do as he exhorts: ‘And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.’ (Col. 3:10) 

Oh friends, that’s what we need in our world today; the new man, the new person we are supposed to become after accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour. And to paraphrase the scholars, that’s a man with a new nature, a Christ-like one, ‘with new values, aspirations and a new lifestyle. And that new man needs to be constantly renewed or developed until he attains a mature knowledge of the God who (re)created him. The more a believer knows and understands God, the more he will be like God in character and conduct.’ 

And isn’t that the living truth! It surely is! That means to improve our Christ-like mettle, improve our faith and desire to do Christ’s bidding, our first priority is to learn more about God, that’s read, study and meditate on His awesome Word. And a dusty Bible, sitting unopened and unused in a corner is not the way to learn about God. Rather, as they say, the Bible is for everyday living, not only for weekends. So you need to open, read and study it, EVERY DAY, if you truly want to know more about your heavenly Father. That’s the long and short of the story! 

And what I LOVE about our great God is His faithfulness and generosity, where He showers us with undeserved blessings so that we can do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings, but we have to declare them before they can be activated. So let’s do that right now nuh. As one strong and sincere 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!’ 

So now that those blessings have been activated, let’s get out there and enthusiastically share them faithfully and generously, and thus put and keep the devil in his rightful place…that’s in hell. Much LOVE!

…we believers need a resurgence of faith and courage…which can only come from serious study of the Bible…and a time of serious gospel revival…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 December 2022 Colossians 3:2.

28 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

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

Colossians 3:2.       Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.

Can you believe it’s already Wednesday, the middle of the work week! And today is the first day some people are going out to work! It’s sure good to have Christmas fall on the weekend. But I wonder how much work is going to get done this week, with the Christmas celebrations still holding us in grip, and all the exciting and wonderful memories we have to share. Then, adding the upcoming New Year’s Eve excitement, with all the amazing plans in store, I’m sure not much work will be done in next the few days. (smile) 

You can’t do much about it, because that’s just the nature of the human animal. But as followers of Christ Jesus, we are expected to always put our best foot forward and do what we’re getting paid to do, for though our employer might not be watching us, the Lord is certainly watching and evaluating us. Remember the words of Bruh Paul to the church at Colossae. ‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance (salvation): for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ (Col. 3:23-24) 

And though Bruh Paul was referring there particularly to the slaves of men, it also applies to us, possibly even more, because we are servants of the Living God. So, generally speaking we should not abuse our privileges at work, but do our best all the time, not only when our employer is watching. And since the year is coming to an end, and we’re talking about always doing our best for Christ’s sake, I guess it’s apropos for us to consider a couple of things that we should endeavour to accomplish in 2023. 

Like seeking the things that are above, as Bruh Paul explains to the Colossians. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ (Col. 3:1-3) 

And the scholars explain that situation thus. ‘As all wisdom and knowledge reside in Christ (2:3) (In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.) So, the believer’s new life is stored up in Him. This means that the Christian life belongs to the spiritual or heavenly realm. Jesus is in intimate relation with God; so are his followers. And since the Colossians (and us) now belong to the heavenly realm and are intimate with God, they (we) should seek those matters and interests pertaining to heaven and not to earth.’ 

Yes my fellow believers, as followers of Christ, it’s essential that we concentrate on heavenly things and not all the ungodly things of the earth. Stuff like ‘current heretical philosophies, legalistic practices, and vices, nor should we dwell on things that are not wrong in themselves, (houses, jobs, careers, ambitions etc.) but can be wrong should they become priorities over Christ.’ And it’s ever so easy for us to make things of this world take priority over Christ, which makes whatever it is an idol! 

It’s therefore important in this coming year to have our priorities in proper order. Which, as Christ so plainly declared: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Now that’s been our proverbial problem. We say we believe it, but we don’t act like we do. We still go out and try to make all the things we want happen in our own way and time, and only when we are unsuccessful, do we remember to turn to God. 

That brings us back to Bruh Paul’s advice to the Colossians, where he says: ‘When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore (put to death) your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry.’ (Col. 2:5) That means ‘put to death all the various sins that exist, and seek to express themselves through different “members” of the human body. Inasmuch as they “are dead” to sin (vs. 3), they are to make this death to the old life a reality in daily living.’ Now that should be one of our major goals for this new year; being truly dead to sin in our daily lives. 

And Bruh Paul continues: ‘For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.’ (Col. 3:6-9) 

And what a wonderful world we would have if just we believers would do as directed and give up the things of our old lives, before salvation, before receiving Christ as Saviour! That’s because we still do too much of that stuff; too much worldly thinking and sinful acts. We still engage in too much anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and evil communication. If we just stopped or even lessened those five things, there would be such a great improvement in our individual lives, the church and the world at large. 

Now it’s not that difficult to do, if we concentrate on Christ’s direction: ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye have LOVE one to another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) And why can’t we have LOVE to each other eh my fellow saints? If we would just do what we are supposed to, then there’d be no cause for all the negative stuff that’s currently taking place among believers. 

And Peter puts it this way: ‘And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover the multitude of sins.’ (1 Pet. 4:8) Oh my people, LOVING each other is not always easy, but with God’s help we can certainly do much better than we’re now doing. And that’s what is expected of us in this new year of 2023. Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ. 

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 we like to add this l’il bit of encouragement. If we endure right down to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, let’s hang in there right to the very end nuh! Much LOVE!

…our world can be made better…if we believers make ourselves better…  

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   27 December 2022 Psalm 119:169.

27 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 119:169.       Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.

And then it was Tuesday…and the Christmas celebrations are winding down. But just until the weekend, when the big New Year’s bash takes place! Ah, what a difference a year makes! And let’s hope that we will do a better job of living and LOVING in 2023, a better job of safeguarding our wonderful planet, and lessening the considerable strife, anger and hate that presently has it coloured in human blood. Let’s hope that it’s the redeeming blood of Jesus that will engulf us, and not the blood of our fellow human beings. 

So, in light of all the sad happenings in ourselves and our world, let’s listen to this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, which describes a lot of what we’re currently going through. It’s titled ‘Unexplainable Mystery.’ Please read with me. ‘Mysterious God Today I am desolate I am puzzled I am heartsick That I must wait so long When you have promised so much. At the same time I am conscience-stricken That I should feel such bitter rebellion. 

Yet, to try to hide my emotions Would only build up a pretense That would eventually be exposed. I suppose, O God In the great perplexities Of my unpredictable life One of two things will always happen: Either I will crowd You out (Slowly but surely) Or I will acknowledge Your sovereignty In every area of my bewildered life. To offer myself to You Regardless of the circumstances May always bring unexplainable mystery. But rejecting You totally Brings the depth of despair.’ 

And isn’t that the gospel truth my brethren! Rejecting God totally, can only drive us to the depths of despair! Accepting Him and His sovereignty takes some getting used to and sometimes drives us crazy when we can’t find answers. But deep down, we know that total rejection of Almighty God is the biggest mistake we can ever make, because then we have no one or nothing to fall back on, to lean on when the circumstances of life rear up and come against us, as they most definitely will! That’s why so many of us who have crowded God out of our lives are suffering so much affliction we can hardly breathe! 

Yes, living for God isn’t easy, there will be trials and tribulations, but living without Him is unbearable! And why is that? The answer’s simple. When the Lord created us, He built in a special algorithm that causes us to yearn for Him. He left this empty space in our souls that ONLY He can fill. And until He fills it, we will always yearn for something more, something greater than ourselves, although we try to do life on our own. It’s not rocket science friends. It’s just the wisdom and common sense with which our Lord created us; He gave us free will, but also to always feel the need of and for Him, despite, or in spite of all our rebellious actions. 

And yuh know what friends, that hunger for God that’s buried deep within us, usually manifests itself when we are at the lowest point, the very ebb of our lives, and it forces us to cry out like the Bible Promise for our poem from Psalm 119. ‘Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word. Let my (prayer of) supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word (promise).’ (Ps. 119:169-170) Oh my people, there is no sense in fighting against Almighty God since He is our Creator. He is the Potter and we are simply the clay which He can form or mold in whatever shape He desires. 

It’s like fighting against a raging sea or a wind of hurricane proportions. You just can’t do it on your own. And have you ever noticed how, the first words that come out of the mouths of even the biggest atheists and unbelievers in their time of misery or dire circumstances are: ‘Oh God!’ Closely followed by ‘Help me!’ That’s because of the built-in algorithm to seek for our heavenly Father when all else fails, so He can fill His reserved space in our souls! And those words of the psalmist are ever so important in a believer’s life; ‘give me understanding according to thy word.’ 

All through the Good Book, or rather the Good Library, (smile) it’s continually echoed as the way, the lifeline for earthly living. The psalmist himself wrote earlier on: ‘The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.’ (Ps. 119:144) Wow! Understanding of God’s word is essential for righteous earthly living! 

And Cousin Sol puts it so nicely in Proverbs 2. ‘My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee (treasure them); So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thy heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear (reverential awe) of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.’ (Prov. 2:1-6) 

Yes friends, wisdom and understanding are ours for the asking, but we have to diligently seek them, like a prospector searches for gold. James, Jesus’ brother writes in his epistle. ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:5-8) 

That says it all my fellow saints; there must be no doubt in our minds and spirits when we go to God seeking wisdom and understanding. But what are these things called wisdom and understanding, you ask, and why are they essential? Well, because they enable you to live a wise, godly and righteous life! Wisdom is basically ‘skill in living, wise behaviour, good sense, or wise dealing’ in one’s affairs. And understanding is the ability, or ‘capability to distinguish between true and false, good and bad, what matters most and what does not matter at all.’ In other words, discernment, that’s being able to grasp, to comprehend what’s not totally spelt out. 

So, if we desire to live a wise and sensible life, we have to seek wisdom and understanding, and since it only comes from Almighty God, it’s reasonable to assume we need to connect with Him to get it. (smile) And if you haven’t yet made that essential connection with the Father, please do so asap. Believe me, it will greatly help in living life. But for those of us who have already formed that connection and are doing our best to live in wisdom and understanding, 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 both my immediate neighbours and the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, it’s time for us to go out and share Jesus’ amazing LOVE and friendship, so others can come to know and LOVE Him, the way we do! Much LOVE!

…in Jesus…we have all that we will ever need… 

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

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