Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 October 2010 Jeremiah 1:5‏

25 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 1:5.    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Ah Friends, it’s Monday, the dreariest and most dreaded day in many of our lives. It’s the day when we have to leave the warm, comfortable cocoons of our homes and go out to battle the forces of iniquity so that we can earn a tolerable living. But all equations have two sides, and here’s the other side to this one: Instead of going out to work, would you rather be one of the thousands in impoverished, unfortunate, disaster prone, corrupt Haiti suffering from the recent outbreak of cholera, an illness supposedly eradicated from most of the known world? And today’s your lucky day; you get three choices: The third is being one of almost fifty million refugees around the world; people uprooted from their ancestral homes through war, famine or natural disaster, and now have no place to really call home? Oh Friends, there’s no need to respond, because I already know the answer. The questions were merely rhetorical; to stir up the realization and remind us of the good lives we live. Therefore, with fire and passion blazing in our hearts and souls, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with even more gusto than normal nuh. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But Heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective, spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that your Holy Spirit lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now let’s go out and do as promised, and as our Bit today declares. ‘Before I formed thee in the belly (womb) I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee (set thee apart), and I ordained (appointed) thee a prophet unto the nations’ Oh my people, that was the Lord’s call to Jeremiah to take up his duties as the Lord’s spokesman, and though most of us will say that we’re not prophets, and rightly so, however, the Lord has appointed, ordained, called each one of Christ’s followers to perform some task in His name. So trying to wiggle out of whatever the Lord has set as your earthly endeavour will be of no use. All it will do is disappoint the Saviour, lessen any rewards you might receive for doing your assigned task, and generally speaking, help to further Lucifer’s kingdom instead of the Lords. The Most High will still LOVE you, but pain and sadness will burden His heart for your sake. My brethren, please don’t let us be like Jeremiah, who at first was afraid and felt incompetent and consequently replied: ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold I cannot speak: for I am a child (youth). But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down (tear down), to build, and to plant’ (Jer.1:6-10) Oh Friends, that’s the way our magnificent God operates. He won’t give us a task to do without giving us the tools to do it. And I’m chuckling here because it reminds me of when the Lord first broached the idea of the Bit, my response was somewhat like Jerry’s, only mine had some laughter in it. ‘Oh Lord I don’t know the scriptures well enough to do that!’ But Friends, here I am, over three years later, doing what he asked me to do, fairly successfully too. It just goes to show that when the Lord comes a calling, we ought to listen carefully, with an open mind, and simply say; ‘Yes Lord, I’ll do anything you ask, because I know you won’t let me do it alone. You’ll be right there to lead and guide me.’ Ah Friends, the task might not be easy, it might also be long, but rest assured, if we do it in the right spirit, the right attitude and frame of mind, we’ll be successful. That’s because the Lord has a plan for all of us that He’s established even before we were formed in our mother’s womb. In my particular case, I guess He knew, had planned that nearing my three score years, He would call me to work more seriously for Him. And though writing was in my nature, seemed to be one of my callings, I had no inkling whatsoever that writing on the Good Book would one day be my role. But that’s how it’s ended up…because that’s how the Most High planned it long, long ago. Anyway Friends, time’s up for today, but tomorrow, God willing, we’ll continue with this topic, for we’ve only scratched the surface so far. (smile) Till then walk safely with the Lord. Much LOVE! …whenever the Lord says, jump…don’t resist…don’t hesitate…simply say…how high Lord…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 October 2010 Psalm 86:8‏

24 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 86:8.    Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

Oh Friends, it’s a rainy Sunday morning in my area of this northern paradise, but hopefully, wherever we are, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions and our individual circumstances, our hearts are full and brimming over with joy! And not only are they delirious with joy, but also bursting with LOVE and adoration for our heavenly Father! Yes my people, that should be the constant state of a true believer’s heart; unceasingly filled with joy and LOVE! Unfortunately, it’s not always an easy state to maintain, what with the manifold frustrations of life in this cruel and evil world. But if we’re a born again, redeemed child of the Most High, whose Leader and Saviour is Jesus, then we ought to have that joyful, LOVING heart as our goal, because that’s the very nature of our wonderful God. And we do have a wonderful God, as declared by Bruh David in Psalm 86: ‘Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.’ Now yesterday we looked at some examples of great men of faith extolling the might, wisdom and power of the Lord God Jehovah, as well as His wondrous works on man’s behalf. Today we’ll check out some more, beginning with the marvellous contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite, upon God’s sure promises to Bruh David, better known as Psalm 89. ‘And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had (held) in reverence of all them that are about him. O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? Or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. Thou hast broken Rahab (Egypt) in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fullness thereof, thou hast founded them.’ (Ps.89:5-11) Yes mih people, Ethan’s words are gospel! For who else is there like our God eh? NOBODY! There’s also none as worthy of reverence and adoration as Him! And the words of King Hezekiah, on hearing of the approaching Assyrian army, only serve to further prove that fact. ‘And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubim, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.’ (Is.37:15-16) That steadfast man of faith, Jeremiah, also gave forth on the subject when talking about God and idols. ‘Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? For to thee doth it appertain (it is fitting): forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. But they are altogether brutish (dull-hearted) and foolish: the stock (wooden idol) is a doctrine of vanities (worthless teaching). Silver spread (beaten) into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman (craftsman), and of the hands of the founder (metal smith): blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning (skilful) men. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.’ (Jer.10:6-10) True and faithful words my brethren! The idols we so glaringly and joyously worship today are all made by man, thus they shall eventually rot and rust, but the ONE, TRUE, LIVING God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, shall live and reign forever, as Jesus proclaimed in Mark 12:26-27. Then, when asked which is the greatest commandment, Jesus further enlightened them: ‘The first (foremost) of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.’ (Mark 12:29-30) Oh my Friends, I sincerely hope that at some time in all of our lives we have encountered, caught a glimpse, both a startling and long lasting glimpse of that mighty Deity we refer to as God, either though His awesome work in our lives, or His magnificent creations, for His wonder is truly amazing, truly something to behold. And if you have never experienced it personally, then an essential element of your life is missing. Please get alone with Him, open your heart and pour out your soul to Him. Then watch the wondrous work He’ll do in you. Hn, hn! Then life won’t be able to contain you, to keep you down, you’ll be high stepping with a heart full of joy and a soul ecstatically rocking and rolling in peace and LOVE! That’s what our God does for those who come to Him in sincere repentance, seeking to lighten their earthly yoke and burdens. And please remember Friends, that He, the Most High God Jehovah, is the only one who can bring long lasting peace, LOVE and joy to our beings. Everyone and everything else are mere shams, charlatans and pretenders, working under Lucifer’s evil guise. So please, let’s keep looking to our mighty and merciful God for lasting and LOVING guidance, wherein He shall grant all our hearts desires, both in this life and the next. He definitely will not disappoint us since he’s promised to do just that, and he faithfully keeps His promises. Till we talk again, God willing, take care and walk safely with Him. Much LOVE! …only when we know Jesus…will our heavy burdens be lifted…our restrictive yoke eased… and our souls filled with true LOVE…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 October 2010 Psalm 86:8‏

23 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 86:8.    Among the Gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

Oh Friends, I’m tired talking about evil forebodings and negative possibilities that are either occurring or can occur in our world, so I’ve decided, or rather, the Spirit has led me to deal with a more positive topic, one on which there’s absolutely no doubt; the uniqueness and omnipotence of our God. However Friends, please don’t think for one moment that true Christianity is all about the feel good church or feel good spiritual environment because it isn’t. Of course we all need to feel strong, safe and reassured in our faith, but Christianity is a reality based movement, based on the real life happenings in our world; health, wealth, good, evil and all the elements contained therein. That means we can’t run and hide from calamities, which are a natural part of all life. But ultimately, our earthly reality is surrounded by and raised to a higher level by a spiritual capacity and capability derived from an omnipotent, omniscient, forgiving, merciful and ever-LOVING God, who made the world and all therein, and whom we sincerely worship, revere and gladly magnify. Yes Friends, the Spirit is definitely at work! (smile) So with that glowing, Bruh Paul like intro, let’s look at our Bit and some other scriptures that laud and magnify our great God. The Bit comes from Psalm 86, a prayer of Bruh David, titled, ‘Teach me thy way, O Lord,’ which is something we all ought to continually ask of our omnipotent God, since we can only do His bidding, be obedient to His will, if we know what He desires of us. Anyway, within this prayer, as was the custom, Bruh David gratefully acknowledges, in loud proclamation, the unique position of the Lord God Jehovah: ‘Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.’ (Ps.86:8-10) And all God’s people exclaimed, Wow! Why? Because those words are as full of gospel truth as any words could ever be. Our God is certainly the ONE and ONLY TRUE God! His attributes run the whole gamut; from all powerful, all knowing, all seeing, to kind, merciful, forgiving and ever LOVING! Oh mih people, there is none other like Him in existence, for it’s He who created creation as we know it. Now hear Bruh Paul provide corroboration on the matter. ‘As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there may be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but ONE God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we (live) by him.’ (1 Cor.8:4-6) Oh Friends, who else but a most kind, considerate, caring and LOVING God would have sent His only Son to this wicked and terrible earth to die for a bunch of ungrateful sinners eh? Only the magnificent and all caring God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! And the beauty, power and glory of our God is nothing new my brethren. It’s been on display from man’s earliest days. Listen to Moses in his song, talking about the momentous occasion when the Lord parted the Red Sea, allowing His Chosen People to cross it on dry land, then returned the water to its natural state, swallowing up the entire Egyptian army that was pursuing them. ‘Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods (the mighty ones)? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?…The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.’ (Ex.15:11,18) And here’s what Bruh David said when he communed with God, after they made their famous covenant. ‘Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.’ (2 Sam.7:22) Now that’s an undisputable fact my people! And just like we ought to do today Friends, but are sadly botching the job, Bruh David taught his offspring about true faith in the God of his fathers. Consequently, Cousin Sol was strong, sure, and bold enough, when the Ark of the Covenant was moved in to the temple, to stand before the Lord’s altar in the presence of all Israel, spread forth his hands to heaven and say: ‘Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on the earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart. Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.’ (1 Kin.8:23-24) Oh mih people, how many of our children will be able to stand strong and proud before the Lord and utter such grateful and praising words eh? Unfortunately, not too many. But there’s still time for us to work on it, so please let’s begin RIGHT NOW to teach them about the ONE, TRUE GOD. However, in terms of the Bit, space and time have run out on us today. Fear not though my Friends, for tomorrow, our Heavenly Father willing, we’ll continue to laud and magnify Him. Till then, please walk safely in peace and LOVE, under His protection. Much LOVE!…and God said…Let there be light…and there was light…only a most powerful and supernatural Deity can do that…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 October 2010 Amos 5:24‏

22 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Amos 5:24.    But let judgement run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
 
Well hello there my beautiful Friends in Christ! It’s Friday! But you must know, for that’s what all the ruckus is about; everybody’s mouthing ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ That means it’s time to chant our Friday Chant: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! Wow! It sure hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Thank you Lord! Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.’ Ah mih people, it’s so good to be alive! Let’s give our God some more glory nuh, for He certainly deserves it. ‘Thank you Lord for all you’re doing for your disobedient children. We don’t always show it, but deep down we do appreciate your mercy and LOVING kindness. For that we laud and magnify your glorious name. Amen!’ But wouldn’t it be nice if we could do all the things the Lord asks of us? Things like He desires in our Bit: ‘But let judgement (justice) run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.’ Oh Friends, what a wonderful world we’d inhabit if attributes like justice, righteousness, mercy, truth, kindness and LOVE to all humanity were the dominant players in our world, instead of their basic opposites; injustice, ungodliness, corruption, vengeance, lies, inhumanity, hatred, violence and oppression. Unfortunately though my brethren, the evil part of our nature currently rules our world. As the Lord said of the Israelites: ‘For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty (many) sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right (from justice at the gate). Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil and LOVE the good, and establish judgement in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. Therefore the Lord, the God of host, the Lord, saith thus: Wailing shall be in all the streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman (farmer) to mourning, and such as are skillful of lamentation to wailing. And in all the vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the Lord. Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you (for what good is it to you)? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.’ (Amos 5:12-18) Oh my people, we’re just like those Israelites now; corrupt and oppressive. But you noticed what the Lord advised? To seek good and not evil, so that we may live; establish justice and truth, so that He will be gracious to us. Otherwise, there’ll be wailing and mourning in the streets, lamentation evermore, people just holding their heads and bawling. For it will surely be a sad, dark and destructive day when the true wrath of Almighty God falls on us. There’s already more wailing and mourning in our society than normal, and this is just the edge of it. Can you imagine when the full force bursts? Hn! I sincerely hope I’m not around here on earth to witness it. As Micah asked his people, in the Lord’s name, and I’m asking us now: ‘O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.’ (Mic.6:3) But in truth Friends, we can’t answer that since the Lord’s done us nothing. We’ve turned against Him because of the sinful pride and arrogance that’s flooded our hearts over the great advances in living made in our generation. Mistakenly, we think we’ve made them in our own strength, but it’s really the Lord’s mercy and kindness that have inspired us to reach the great heights we’ve attained. Sadly though, because of that same pride and arrogance, plus our great lust for worldly things, our society is now going backwards, receding like the ebb tide. Because of our rampant ungodliness, as He warned, the Lord has withheld His mercy and kindness, and now we’re spiralling out of control to the bottom of the abyss, in close association with Lucifer. Oh Friends, it’s a crying shame, the way we’ve disassociated ourselves from the Living God to keep company with the evil prince of darkness! But while there’s life, there’s always hope! And if anybody is filled with hope, it’s us, the true believers in Christ. And all it takes to get back into the Lord’s good graces is sincere repentance and faithful obedience. Listen to the Lord’s requirements, as stated by Micah: ‘Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body (my own child) for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to LOVE mercy (LOVING kindness), and to walk humbly with thy God?’ (Mic.6:6-8)Yes my people, our God doesn’t want material possessions or sacrifices. All He wants from us is obedience, justice, truth, reverence and the glory He so richly deserves. Is that asking so much? I don’t think so, especially when the pros and cons of each line of action is considered. Please, I’m imploring us to work seriously and sincerely on those things, so that our children’s children will see the light of day. The world’s fate is truly in our hands. Let’s not disappoint our Saviour nuh. Much LOVE!…to turn our world around…we have to first turn our souls…back to God…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 October 2010 Amos 5:24‏

21 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Amos 5:24.    But let judgement run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
 
Ah mih Friends, another day has dawned, with more tough rows to hoe. But thankfully, once we live under the protective umbrella of the Most High God Jehovah, then there’s no need to be unduly worried. We must be concerned, but not anguished or fearful, for He’s faithfully promised to look after all those who sincerely turn to Him for sustenance. Oh thank you Lord for being so merciful and forgiving to the sinful, undeserving children of men! And here’s a quote that should get our energy flowing. It’s attributed to Joshua J. Marine, born Stephen Joshua Solarz, a former U.S. Congress Rep. from New York. It says: ‘Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.’ And if you have a 2010 Arthritis Soc. Calendar, when you turn to November, in a week’s time, you’ll see it very appropriately and symbolically printed above a challenging mountain range. But it is the truth Friends, for without challenges, life would be flat, uninteresting and boring. And the second half is particularly true, because when we overcome those challenges, especially the hard, impossible looking ones, we derive a great sense of achievement, of pride, of pleasure in having tackled a hard job and overcome it. And that’s exactly what our Bit today throws at us; a hard, impossible looking challenge: ‘But let judgement (justice) run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.’ But Friends, can you imagine that happening in the evil, greedy, selfish, violence prone place our world has now become? Doubtful…but not impossible, if we have the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob on our side, and we the believers are seriously ready to throw down the gauntlet to Lucifer and his iniquity workers, and solemnly declare: ‘Enough is enough! We’re not going to stand for this ungodly wickedness no more! We’re turning our society back to the Living God, from whence you turned it with your evil influence, lustful idols and worldly desires!’ Wow mih people! Now that would sure make Lucifer and his cronies sit up and take notice! But only if we carried out the promise with alacrity and steadfastness. Our Bit comes from the prophet Amos, calling his people, Israel, to repentance in one of their evil, idol worshipping, depraved spells. And it’s no different to our society now, except that we beat and outdo them in all areas of evil and depravity. Hn! But isn’t it strange Friends, how throughout the Good Book there are so many resemblances to our current society? It sure is. However, as they say, though things change, basically, they remain much the same. Israel’s unfaithfulness to the Lord is widely known, but my brethren, if we survive this catastrophic time we’re now experiencing, so will our unfaithfulness to the Most High God also be widely noised abroad. Oh my people, we’re in a very delicate, sensitive and crucial time, because the Lord is saying the same things to us that Amos and his fellow prophets said to Israel. Hear Jeremiah: ‘Thus saith the Lord; Execute ye judgement (dispense justice) and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled (plundered) out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place. for if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people. But if ye will not hear (obey) these words, I swear by myself, saith the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.’ (Jer.22:3-5) Now listen to Ezekiel’s message: ‘Thus saith the Lord God; Let it suffice you (enough), O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil (plunder), and execute judgement and justice (justice and righteousness), take away your exactions from (stop dispossessing) my people, saith the Lord God. Ye shall have just balances, and a just epaph, and a just bath.’ (Ezek.45:9-10) And the prophet Hosea bewailed: ‘Oh Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness (faithfulness) is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets (hewn them in pieces); I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgements (the judgements on you) are as the light that goeth forth. For I desired mercy (faithfulness), and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. But they like men (like Adam) have transgressed the covenant: there they have dealt treacherously against me.’ (Hos.6:4-7) Oh Friends, the Lord’s calling out for us to stop dealing treacherously with Him like the old Jewish kingdoms were. He’s crying out for mercy, justice, truth, human rights and an end to the inhumane oppression and the sadistic evil that’s currently holding our world hostage. I’m sure we don’t want to go through the same destruction that the Israelites went through, because it won’t be very pleasant. The Lord is very LOVING and patient, but His wrath is as terrible in its intensity. Oh my people, please look at our disaster plagued world and understand there’s much more going on than meets the eye. Look at France right now, all in an uproar over increasing the retirement age from 60-62. They’re in the grip of strikes, walk outs and curtailed economic activity which isn’t going to prove anything, except dig them deeper in the debt from which they’re unsuccessfully trying to climb out. Unfortunately we all want numerous benefits but aren’t willing to pay for them. Just like so many of us individuals are way over our heads in debt, so are many nations, and as the individuals need to curtail their spending and become more productive to get out of that debt, the nations have to do the same. Oh Friends, the economic problems that we think have subsided or are over, might possibly have only begun because of the closely knit global economy. That means when one large economy is beset by disaster, it sends tremendous shock waves and repercussions across the whole spectrum, unlike it’s ever done before. But Friends, there’s a safe and sure way to fight the impending doom. Listen to Hosea’s message: ‘Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten (stricken), and he will bind (bandage) us up. After two days he will revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.’ (Hos.6:1-2) Yes Friends, turning back to our God is the only sure way to avoid much of the disaster that’s forecasted for us, if we continue along the same evil, idolatrous road that we’re now heading down. So let’s consider our options seriously and do something about them nuh, because it’s only we, the true believers who can make it happen. Till tomorrow, God willing, when we’ll continue this topic, go safely with God. Much LOVE!…only by putting God back into our world…can we avoid His wrath…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 October 2010 Luke 11:28‏

20 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 11:28.    But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
 
Oh Friends, life certainly is strange and amusing yes! Remember the Peter Morgan song, ‘I’m so lost,’ that I mentioned yesterday? Well I’ve been singing and humming it all day long, in particular, the line, ‘Without you in my world.’ It’s a nice song. I like it a lot, and though I’ve only heard it two or three times, it’s stuck with me. And those who know me, know that once I really like a song, I keep humming or singing it for sometime, even if it’s only one line. Oh Friends, there’s nothing that warms the cockles of the ole fella’s heart like a sweet piece of music, because that’s really the big dream the Lord’s placed in my heart; making sweet music in His honour. And there’s so much music that’s currently percolating in my mind, heart and soul, plus a whole lot simply sitting down in various stages of composition and production, but unfortunately none being released to His glory. And everyday I pass by my open studio door, without entering to do anything, I plead and cry out to Him: ‘Oh Lord, when is the music time going to come eh?’ But like the kind and understanding Father that He is, He just smiles and says: ‘Be patient son. Bide your time. When the time’s right, it will happen.’ And deep down I know that, but sometimes the music is bubbling so powerfully in me, that impatience involuntarily rises to the top. I guess now is the Bit’s time, so I’m concentrating on that, trying my best to practice what I preach; not only hearing the Word, but also doing it. Ah mih people, everyday I put pen to paper to write the Bit, I chuckle at how something or things happen that I never planned. Today it was the intro. As usual, when I sat down to write, I asked for guidance. I’d just been singing the ‘I’m so lost’ song, and it just flowed naturally. ‘Thank you Lord for guiding the ole fella! I surely could not do it without your help.’ Oh Friends, I don’t know if you all really realize how true that is nuh. But if I ever doubted the saying that the Lord never gives you more than you can handle, or doesn’t provide the wherewithal for whatever He asks us to do, now I’m certainly a big believer, and can testify to that truth with great confidence. So please my brethren, if the Lord ever calls you to do something, a task that undoubtedly comes from Him, please don’t doubt, just confidently and enthusiastically pipe up and say: ‘Yes Lord. I will!’ because He’ll surely enable and empower you to do His bidding. And if anybody can tell me how I got to this rambling, I’d be very happy to hear it. (smile) But it all falls into line with our Bit: ‘Yea rather (but more than that), blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’ Many of us hear it, but only a relatively small portion actually keeps it. And here Jesus is sombrely pointing out that the most important part of it all is doing the Word. Remember Friends, Christianity is an action based movement; visit the sick, help the poor, welcome the stranger, take care of the widows and orphans, not a stand still, turgid set of written beliefs. Jesus came and taught us His way because He wanted us to put it into practice, not simply mouth it. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Jesus, hopefully you’ll believe Him. Hear His reasoning on the seriousness of our Bit. ‘Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils (demons)? and in thy name done many wonderful works (miracles)? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.’ (Matt.7:21-24) Then He went on to tell the story which we all know about men building houses on stone and on sand, and when the rains came the one built on sand obviously was washed away because it didn’t have a solid foundation, wasn’t securely anchored. And if we hear His words and don’t do as He asks, then we’re likened to the fool who built his castle on the sinking sand. Now my brethren, would we want to be considered foolish by our Leader and Saviour? Of course not! So why then are we so reluctant to obey His will and do His work eh? I guess only the Lord knows for sure. But in the meanwhile, I’ll try to encourage us to change our wicked ways, with some wise and sensible words of help from James. ‘But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding (observing) his natural face in a glass (mirror): For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (what he does).’ (James 2:22-25) Oh my people, truer words were never spoken! So please, let’s get up off our fat, lazy, comfortable rear ends and do what we’re supposed to do as believers nuh; walk the talk of God’s Word, further His kingdom through the way we live our lives, and not merely spout a whole setta words that don’t mean anything unless backed up by action. Remember, if we do the deed, then we’ll be blessed indeed. All I can do is try to encourage us Friends, the actual doing is up to each and every individual, to share what they truly feel in their hearts, which is where the Lord looks. Till tomorrow then, if the Lord so desires, please, let’s all go safely talking and doing the Lord’s work. Much LOVE!…we can only further Christ’s kingdom…if we sincerely…LOVE our God…LIVE our Faith…and SPREAD His Word…  P.S. As I got up from writing this, the first words out of my mouth were: ‘Without you in my world…’ (smile). Oh my people, let’s put the Lord FRONT and CENTRE in our world nuh, because as our Creator, our God, our Strong Provider and Protector, that’s His rightful place. Much LOVE!
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 October 2010 Luke 11:28‏

19 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 11:28.    But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
 
Oh Friends, I was just inspired to offer a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to see another day. So let’s say it together: ‘Oh Lord, we give you grateful thanks for the wonderful blessing of seeing another day, and for all the other blessings you’ll kindly and mercifully pour down on us today. Please keep us safe and help us to walk worthy of you. We praise and bless your Holy Name. In Jesus, we pray. Amen’ Yes Friends, remember it’s always right and proper to give thanks, and we have more than most to be thankful for. Now yesterday we began looking at our current Bit, which occurred after Jesus preached on the frailty of a divided house and a woman in the crowd audibly blessed His mother’s womb and the breasts that nourished Him. In reply though, Jesus said: ‘Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’ That’s something we all know is very true, but yet have trouble complying with it. So we’re picking out some scriptures that deal with the subject, in the hope that they will shame and bring us to heel and make us do better in obeying the Lord’s Word. Today we’ll begin with some meaningful words from Jesus Himself. At one of His revival meetings (smile) the place was so packed that Jesus’ mother and family couldn’t gain access to Him, and when someone told Him: ‘Thy mother and thy brethren stand without (outside) desiring to see thee. And he answered and said, My mother and my brethren are those which hear the word of God, and do it.’ (Luke 8:20-21) Yes Friends, as we noted yesterday, our relationship with God is even more important than that with our earthly family, and the most important aspects of our lives are to worship and be obedient to God. And that great Psalm, 119, the longest chapter in the Good Book, begins thus: Blessed are the undefiled (blameless) in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with their whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto (look into) all thy commandments.’ (Ps.119:1-6) Oh my people, it truthfully exalts all those who sincerely seek the Lord and obey His will! That great seer Isaiah, also touches on the subject when talking of Israel’s unfaithfulness being rebuked: ‘Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to (heeded) my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels (body) like the gravel (grains of sand) thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.’  (Is.48:17-19) That too is plain and simple my brethren: I am your God, who prospers you and shows you the right path. If you had listened to me, then you’d have had exceeding peace; ‘peace like a river,’ and godliness ‘as the waves of the sea.’ Wow! That sure is plenty of both things my Friends! Both of which we could surely use in abundance right now, in our crazy, confused, violent and evil world. That brings to mind a Peter Morgan song I recently heard. He’s one of the Morgan Heritage brothers. The song’s titled ‘I’m so lost.’ And the chorus goes: ‘Without you in my world, I’m so lost, Since you’re gone I’m living a life that’s so lonely. Without you in my world.’ Oh mih people, that’s exactly how we’re living these days without the Most High God Jehovah in our lives and our world; lost and lonely! And isn’t it a crying shame, that with the availability of such an omnipotent, LOVING, merciful, gracious and forgiving Deity, we choose to be enamoured of Lucifer and his worthless trinkets, plus his evil, inhumane, oppressive attitudes? It surely is my Friends! Our Saviour Jesus must be sorely disappointed in us, having sacrificed His innocent, sinless life so unselfishly, so that we could have a means of escaping the ultimate penalty for our abominable sins; that of everlasting death and damnation. But instead we’re rooting for the foolish fallen angel, Lucifer. Hn! Don’t tell me that we don’t have a screw missing mih breddren, just like Lucifer did, when he tried to overthrow the omnipotent God, his Lord and Master! Oh mih people, the Spirit’s surely got the ole fella on a roll. (smile) But it’s just simple logic. If two persons are offering two items; one looks pretty now, but soon loses it’s lustre and shine, and then becomes useless, while the other offering isn’t as glittering and glamorous now, but it certainly has great built in rewards, both now and in the future, which would the wise and sensible person choose eh? Obviously the one with the better long tem benefits! Only a fool would choose the glossy but soon defunct and destroyed benefit. But unfortunately Friends, that’s exactly what too many of us are choosing right now! However, for those of us who’ve chosen the right path, it’s our bounden duty to try and show the right way to those lost and lonely ones going down Lucifer’s evil path to sure death and destruction. My people, our Lord and Saviour Jesus, is depending on us to do our duty. Remember His last words to the disciples: ‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt.28:18-20) Oh Friends, if we sincerely LOVE Jesus, and believe He is who and what He claims to be, then let’s go out and do our very best for Him nuh. More tomorrow on this topic, God willing. Till then, go safely with God. Much LOVE!…only by diligently talking the talk…and walking the walk…will we show our true LOVE for Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 October 2010 Luke 11:28‏

18 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 11:28.    But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

I’m sorry Friends, but it’s Monday morning, time to rise and shine and be about the Lord’s business. That means it’s also time to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But Heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective, spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that your Holy Spirit lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now let’s go out and do as promised, as our Saviour Jesus strongly advised: ‘But he said, Yea rather (more than that), blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.’  Ah my people, we all know that as an eternal and universal truth, yet we don’t follow it nearly as much as we should. Jesus made this statement after teaching about a divided house being unable to stand, more gospel truth. (Luke 11:14-26) ‘And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company (crowd) lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps (breasts) which thou hast sucked.’ (Luke 11:27) And Jesus replied to her with our Bit. Oh Friends, from day one we’ve been taught that to truly believe in God, one must not only hear the Word and accept it, but more importantly do, or keep it. We’ve also been told, seen and experienced the repercussions that flow from not complying with the Word. So why are we still so stubborn, reluctant, ignorant and downright foolish when coming to obeying God eh? Furthermore, those last two verses, the woman blessing Jesus and our Bit don’t only show that we’re most blessed when we both hear and do God’s word, but also that our spiritual relationship with Jesus is the most important of our lives, even more so than with earthly family. My people, it’s of the utmost importance that we both believe in God and obey His Word; one without the other is useless. And there are numerous passages throughout the Good Book that recommend, warn and advise us on the necessity for obedience to Almighty God. Let’s look at a few, which hopefully will touch our souls and help us to raise our level of obedience. First up is Psalm 1, Blessed are the righteous: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.’ (Ps.1:1-4) Oh my people what’s there not to understand? The happy and blessed man is the righteous one who obeys God’s laws, whose way is made prosperous because of his obedience. On the other hand, the ungodly, evil man is worth nothing; he’s like the chaff, the outer shell of wheat, which is easily blown away by the wind, and he eventually suffers God’s judgement. Oh my brethren, I simply don’t understand why, knowing all that, we still bow so much to the lustful idols of Beelzebub and his evil cronies of this world. Sometimes I’m tempted to think that the Lord left out an important screw in our mental make up, else we wouldn’t be so stubborn and hard-headed. And if Psalm 1 didn’t do anything for us, let’s turn to Psalm 112: ‘Praise ye the Lord (Hallelujah). Blessed is the man that feareth (reveres) the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth (stands) forever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man showeth favour (is gracious), and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion (justice)…The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.’ (Ps.112:1-5,10) Ah Friends, I know from personal experience that it’s not as easy as it sounds, but if we’re to be true representatives, true ambassadors of Jesus here on earth and further His kingdom, then we must do better than we’re currently doing. Too many of us are falling under Lucifer’s spell, which is often difficult to resist, especially in rough times like we’re now experiencing. But then again that’s exactly what Jesus teaches; that in the rough times we’ve got to stand strong and steadfast with Him, for He is the only one who can safely see us through the dark and dreary moments in our lives, and bring us out even better. Oh Friends, please, I implore us to get diligent re the Word and let’s all promise to do better in the future, starting RIGHT NOW! Till we meet again tomorrow, God willing, when we’ll continue this topic, go in peace with the Lord. Much LOVE!…oh…to be happy in Jesus…trust and obey…for there’s no better way…to be happy in Jesus…than to trust and obey…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 October 2010 Deuteronomy 32:35‏

17 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Deuteronomy 32:35.   To me belongeth vengeance and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. 
 
Oh Friends, I spelled October right today! Praise the Lord! Don’t know how many of you noticed, but yesterday I simply wrote Octer at the very top. And was I mad at myself for that oversight when I noticed it later on. But since there was nothing I could do about it then, I had to eventually calm my spirit. Anyway, here’s an interesting story. Earlier on today, I had an argument, a discussion really, with an acquaintance about the value of prayer, and teaching his children to pray. He was adamant that he would teach them maths and science, since so many religions existed, with each claiming to be the right one. I kept telling him that it wasn’t about religion per se, but a belief in a Higher Power, a Higher Being, who created and kept us going. A power that satisfied the spiritual side of man, another avenue for man to turn to, in both good times and bad, especially when we’re lost, confused and disappointed by our fellow man. I don’t know if he was just egging me on, because he’s very capable of that, and it’s a discussion we’ve had before. I know that he’s turned to prayer when times were rough, and believe me, at one stage they were very rough, so I don’t see how he could justifiably deny his children that wonderful source of succour when they have grown up in a broken, seriously dysfunctional family, where the parents have been at odds, and in the courts, for years. No doubt they desperately need a safe and secure place to turn to when the constant acrimony they live with overburdens their young, innocent souls. But unfortunately Friends, that’s the kind of attitude we’re experiencing more and more everyday, where the parents have acrimonious relationships and the poor children have to exist in a virtual tug of war between them both. How can they ever grow up emotionally stable without something concrete to keep them properly focused eh? It saddens me to see so many emotionally unstable young people without proper direction, just drifting aimlessly along, or jumping from one idol-like fad to another, seeking some kind of safe harbour, a lot of it caused by their parents selfishness, because that’s what it boils down to in many cases; pure unadulterated, adult selfishness. But again Friends, that’s what happens when we remove God from our lives. Moses’ song was a reminder of just that; turn away from God and you’ll pay a stiff penalty. But nonetheless, several times they did reject the God of their fathers for pagan idols. Can you believe it people, they actually turned away from the great, merciful and LOVING God who brought them out of slavery in Egypt and settled them in a land of milk and honey that they never worked for or deserved. I guess we can, because it’s the same thing we’re doing now. But as our Bit says: ‘To me belongeth vengeance and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.’ I like how Moses puts it: ‘their foot shall slide in due time.’ Yes my people, if and when we walk the wrong paths of life; the rough, muddy and/or stony ones, we do stumble and fall eventually. Our God is very patient, but there comes a time when He has to stand firm and mete out punishment for disobedience to His edicts. Moses warned them that their day of payment would soon come, and the stuff that happened would happen quickly. They wouldn’t have time to contemplate their calamity. Now doesn’t that sound very familiar Friends? Doesn’t it sound like what’s happening to us now? We’ve removed God from our society and our lives, now everyday it’s one calamity after the other; earthquakes, hurricanes, long dormant volcanoes erupting without warning, floods, and serious brush fires, famines all over the world. You name it, we’ve recently experienced it. And, per the scholars, the Lord would use the same nations, enemies of Israel, to bring judgement upon His chosen people. Now He’s doing the same with us. ‘For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself (have compassion) for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted (sought refuge), Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live forever.’ (Deut.32:36:40) Oh Friends that scripture needs no explanation, for it’s crystal clear. The Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD; the Head Honcho, El Numero Uno, and will eventually bring disaster and calamity upon those who bow down and worship pagan gods instead of Him. Peter echoed those same sentiments centuries later when speaking of false prophets and teachers. ‘And many shall follow their pernicious (destructive) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of (blasphemed). And through covetousness shall they with feigned (deceptive) words make merchandise of (exploit) you: whose judgement now of a long time lingereth not (has not been idle), and their damnation (destruction) slumbereth not.’ (2 Pet.2:2-3) Ah my people, those aren’t my words, but the Good Book’s, so you can doubt me, but please NEVER doubt the Good Book, for whatever it says, will come to pass in God’s good time. So let’s wake up and begin the long, arduous task of bringing the Lord God Jehovah back into our lives, for continuing our pagan idol worship will only bring us unmitigated disaster. Much LOVE!…don’t walk the slippery path…for you’ll surely fall…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 October 2010 Deuteronomy 32:35‏

16 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Deuteronomy 32:35.    To me belongeth vengeance and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Oh Friends, I don’t have a rousing introduction for today, but like our Bit, I have a quote that should have us all seriously thinking, searching our souls to see how much it applies to us. The quote is attributed to Thomas Fuller, and simply says: ‘Nothing sharpens our sight like envy.’ Now isn’t that gospel mih people? It surely is! For there’s nothing that makes us bright eyed and inquisitive, ‘farse and bold face’ like envy. Then we notice everything that’s going on around us; everything that everybody has, is wearing or doing. That’s just the nature of the beast called envy. It takes evil pleasure in us comparing ourselves to others; their looks, their dress, possessions, talents and gifts, be they material, physical or even spiritual. And don’t be surprised at spiritual envy, because it does exist, obviously in the church setting. Some of us are simply envious of those who have a spiritual gift that we don’t. Get over it Friends! We can’t all talk in tongues or do miracles, and doing some lowly sort of work in God’s name is nothing to be ashamed of, for we shall be well rewarded in the end. Ah my people, the enemy does some of his best work through that little word envy, encouraging us to go out and get what others have, live the same as them although we can’t afford it. That to a large extent, together with easy credit, has led to our current economic demise. The credit cards and mortgages with criminally inflated interest rates eventually took their toll, spawning numerous bankruptcies and foreclosures. Trying to keep up with the Jones, or when our eyes are larger than our pockets, will eventually bring disaster. It’s therefore advisable my people, to check ourselves on the envy thermometer, to see how hot or high we are and bring down our envy level as quickly as possible, before it gets us into more hot water than we’re already in. It’s like our Bit, which comes from Moses’ Song to the Israelites before his death, recounting their history with the Lord. ‘To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.’ Oh Friends, that first part of the Bit, that revenge is the Lord’s has been hammered into our heads since Adam was a boy. Let’s highlight a few scriptures where it’s been echoed. We see it in the laying down of the Lord’s laws of holiness and justice, where Moses informed the Israelites: ‘Thou shalt not avenge (take vengeance), nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord thy God.’ (Lev.19:18) Then in Psalm 94, ‘How long shall the wicked triumph,’ the psalmist cries out: ‘O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, show thyself (shine forth) Lift up thyself (rise up), thou judge of the earth: render a reward (repay with punishment) to the proud.’ (Ps.94:1-2) In the first verse the psalmist was so moved that he had to say it twice. Isaiah also commented on it when talking of Israel’s restoration to Zion. ‘Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.’ (Is.35:4)  Meanwhile, the prophet Nahum, in referring to God’s majesty in mercy and judgement, puts it thus: ‘God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; The Lord revengeth (avenges), and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.’ (Nah.1:2) Bruh Paul also wrote to the Romans on it. ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Have regard for good things)…Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ (Rom.12:17,19) There he quotes Jesus on not returning evil for evil, and turning the other cheek, (Matt.5:39) as well as Lev.19:18 and our Bit. The author of Hebrews also quotes our Bit and verse 36, when he declares: ‘For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.’ (Heb.10:30) So my people, there’s no excuse for us not being familiar with the Lord’s edict of us not exacting vengeance and repaying wrongs because that is His department; His and His alone. But unfortunately what kind of world do we live in today? A world filled with violence, wars, anger, hatred, greed and all the negative things we can imagine. And sadly, a lot of it stems from our disobeying God’s command to not take vengeance in our own hands. Most of the strife in the Middle East, in Africa, Eastern Europe and South America is based on that small but very apocalyptic word, revenge. Some of these grudges and consequent strife have been ongoing for centuries, with no apparent end to them, because neither side is willing to compromise for the greater good of all concerned, but insist on holding on to the short-sighted mentality of retribution, when that only wreaks havoc and destruction on all concerned. Oh Friends, it’s a negative cocktail of greed, stupidity, selfishness, lust for power and worldly possessions, plus a severe lack of foresight, attitudes that are so prevalent now in the current, supposedly most enlightened age of mankind, that it boggles the imagination. My people, my people, when are we going to learn that war and strife and violence solve nothing, but only lead to further negative consequences? I certainly hope it’s very soon, else at the rate we’re going, we’ll quickly end up destroying the world and all therein. That means it’s time for all concerned to sit down and seriously consider the repercussions of our foolish, ungodly ways; what’s befallen us already, what is now taking place and what’s to come. Yes Friends, there’s only one way for it all to end if we continue along the negative path we’re travelling at breakneck speed; that’s total destruction of all we hold dear. Now that certainly isn’t something we want to happen, but if we don’t reign in the warmongers and the power hungry, then it’s inevitable. We can’t just sit back and allow it to happen, meaning we have to take some positive action, beginning in our homes and our own backyards. Oh Friends, it’s up to us believers to engineer peaceful, positive change, if it’s ever going to happen, because the current crop of leaders seem to have a different agenda, apparently one based on Lucifer’s values and not those of the Most High. So let’s start doing something concrete nuh, no matter how small it is. Remember the longest journey begins with the first step, and if we seriously throw off our lethargy and do God’s work, He’ll surely help us. Till tomorrow then, God willing, go safely in LOVE and peace. Much LOVE!…only a LOVE Revolution…can turn our sinful, ungodly world…back to God…

 

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