Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 March 2010 Luke 14:27‏

07 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 14:27      And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
 
Oh Friends, isn’t it a lovely day out? Oh yes it is! Now I don’t really know that, since it’s still dark outside. (smile) But the weatherman predicted the day in my area would be bright and sunny and somewhere between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. Wow! Spring-like temps in early March! And because I know that weather prediction is an inexact science, if a science at all, I take the weatherman’s view with a grain of salt; hoping it’s true, but not seriously holding my breath. Now that’s akin to faith, but not quite, for with faith there’s no doubt whatsoever. Whatever the Holy Trinity promises or says, it is the truth, and nothing but. So if Jesus says that ‘whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple,’ then we’d better believe it. If we don’t clean up our act and buckle down to His rules and thoughts then we won’t ever be a true follower of His. However, as a quote attributed to the famous English writer, W. Somerset Maugham states; ‘The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones.’ And we all know that’s gospel. But the fact remains that if we truly want to be in with Jesus, we have to give up some of the bad habits that the world glories in and develop more of the good ones that Jesus desires in His people. As we keep saying, it’s not easy, because our flesh naturally leans to the lusts of the world. Consequently, we have to plan very carefully if we intend to become believers. It’s not something to rush into without proper thought, planning and prayer. And I like how Jesus left no stone unturned when He ministered. After speaking Today’s Bit, He also explained it by giving examples. ‘For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply (perhaps), after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ (Luke 14:28-30) Becoming a follower of Jesus is like any other situation, we have to plan and prepare before we jump into it because if we don’t, we’re quite likely to find ourselves in above our heads, and won’t be able to function properly. It’s as Sol advised: ‘Prepare thy work without (work outside) and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterward build thine house,’ (Prov.24:27) Yes Friends, it’s always wise to have good plans for any project we intend to invest time and money in, and if possible make small mock-ups, or have trial runs to iron out any inconsistencies, before we get into the real McCoy. Jesus gave another example of being prepared. ‘Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth (considers) whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a delegation) and desireth (asks for) conditions of peace.’ (Luke 14:31-32) Mih breddren, as the old people always advised, ‘drunk or sober, mind yuh business.’ And is only a fool would hurry to fight twenty thousand with only ten thousand, unless the Most High God Jehovah explicitly says to do it. ‘So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.’ (Luke 14:33) Jesus reiterates His conditions for discipleship. Yes my people, we have to be willing to renounce or give up certain things for the Lord’s sake, and always be in a state of readiness to obey His dictates and do with our physical body, time and material possessions as He demands. And the rewards you ask? Now we should not be in it solely for the rewards, but because we LOVE, appreciate and are grateful that Jesus brokered our sins on the cross, but nonetheless, here’s Jesus’ reply to Peter in answer to that very question. ‘Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.’ (Mat.19:28-29) And all God’s people sang out a mighty: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to be praised!’ Oh Friends, what can be better than that eh? Nothing! And please remember that the Lord never gives us more than we can handle, for He best knows our capacity, and He always provides the tools with which to do His bidding. That’s why I encourage us to truly become  followers of Jesus. And it doesn’t always mean we have to give up our material possessions, for sometimes the Lord even increases them. The whole issue is being willing to sacrifice our earthly and material well-being for our heavenly and spiritual good, if called upon to do so. As always my people, it’s in the motive, the rightness of our hearts that the Lord looks to judge us. So let’s concentrate on making our hearts right nuh, so when He checks them out, He’ll smile and say of each one, ‘Yes, there’s a true, upstanding and faithful servant.’ Much LOVE!…our sacrifices for Jesus…they are trivial…compared to His for us…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 March 2010 Luke 14:27‏

06 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 14:27     And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.   
 
Oh Friends, Sabbath time is here again! Be sure to get your weekly dose of fellowship, fun, physical relaxation and spiritual renewal, else you won’t have the wherewithal to withstand the enemy and do your job as a follower of Jesus. Today I want to share a quote from one of the famous British poets, Percy Bysshe Shelley, which says: ‘Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thoughts.’ And isn’t that the truth Friends? Just consider songs like Amazing Grace and the many other sad but sweet hymns in our arsenal. Also check out the Negro Spirituals, the Blues and Soul tunes that derive their emotion from hurt, pain and sadness, but are very catching to the heart and soul. I guess there’s just something in sadness that brings out a sweet, soulful melody in us. In some ways it’s reminiscent of Jesus’ words: ‘And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.’ Unless we give up what we don’t truly need, or bear the burdens we need to, we can’t be a disciple of Jesus. It’s obviously not easy to give up certain things or to withstand certain hard circumstances and trials, but in the end, as Jesus so faithfully promises, it will all pay off in greater rewards. That’s the sweet part mih people; walking in step with Jesus, using His immense strength to bear our burdens, carrying our crosses like stalwarts, without murmur or regret. Don’t be fooled Friends, even with the Spirit’s help, it’s no easy task. Jesus outlined the requirements in the verse before the Bit: ‘If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.’ (Luke 14:26) Wow! What a price to be Jesus’ disciple! But it’s certainly worth it my people. Jesus obviously never meant for us to literally hate those he referred to, but in relation to one’s devotion to Him, everything else in our lives must take second place. In other words, He must always be Numero UNO, Number ONE! Neither does it negate Jesus’ other teachings re LOVING one’s enemies, honouring your parents and such things. It simply means that your relationship with Jesus must be paramount in your life. Absolute loyalty to Christ is a necessity, although as the scholars wisely point out, in many societies, including ours and that of Jesus, following Him invites an either or situation that our Bit appears to set up, which wasn’t what Jesus really meant. Yes, it does mean having to give up some things and some people that don’t fit into the spiritual lifestyle, but that’s the same with anything on which we are completely focused. So it should not really detract from our LOVING and caring, but just keep us steadfastly focused on the Saviour. And note too Friends, Jesus did not tell the requirements only to his disciples, but to the multitude that followed Him. (Luke 14:25) He’d said almost the same thing privately to the disciples when talking about terms of discipleship. ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whosoever will (desires to) save his life will lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged (benefited), if he gain the whole world, and lose himself (is destroyed), or be cast away (lost)? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.’ (Luke 9:23-26) Ah Friends, a true believer’s life is not an easy one, but it is a good one, and please remember that the eventual rewards in heaven, living with the Holy Triune, do justify the earthly pain. It’s as Bruh Paul proudly declares to his protégé Timothy: ‘Yea, and all that will live godly in Jesus Christ shall suffer persecution.’ (2 Tim.3:12) But please don’t let that turn you off my brethren, for persecution in our society today is negligible, compared to what the early Christians suffered, and what some believers still suffer in heathen lands. Instead, stand tall and strong and do the work for which we’ve been called. Be proud like the apostles were when they were flogged by the Jewish elders for preaching Christ crucified, and were also warned, in no uncertain manner, to stop preaching it. But they paid the elders and their warnings no heed and were back in the temple the next day, preaching the good news of the gospel, ‘rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.’ (Acts 5:41) That’s enough for today Friends. I don’t want to turn you off by making it seem that there is so much hardship inherent in being a follower of Christ, though there is some. (smile) We will continue this topic tomorrow, God willing of course. And why wouldn’t He, since we’re only trying to SPREAD His Word, LIVE our Faith and LOVE Him as his Son, our Saviour directed us. Till then, Much LOVE!…come follow, follow Jesus…it’s the best life…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 March 2010 Judges 2:11‏

05 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Judges 2:11     And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim:
 
Well hello there you beautiful people! Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Yes, my spiritual malaise of yesterday is gone. All I can say is the Lord gives and He also takes. Praise Him my people for His continual goodness to the undeserving children of men. And the best example of that is the period when judges ruled Israel. After the Lord rebuked them at Bochim, they sacrificed and wept: ‘And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel.’ (Judg.2:7) However, when that generation died, another one arose ‘which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.’ (Judg.2:10) So what do you think happened then eh Friends? ‘And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served Baalim.’ But nuh must? They knew nothing about the God of their fathers; His mighty works on their behalf and the exceeding great LOVE He bore them. And if they grew up amongst the heathen, without the proper reinforcement of Almighty God and His precious Word, what else can we expect? That’s exactly why the Lord wanted to keep them separate. At least we have some knowledge of God, but they had none. And my people, it’s for that very reason I keep stressing the need, the urgency for us to teach the young generation about the One, True, Living God; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so that when we die, they will have a strong foundation to hold on to and to build on. But today in our society, godly sentiment is unfortunately being disparaged, ridiculed and diminished, its adherents sadly scorned and demoralized while the evil antics of the enemy are glorified and held in high esteem. Oh my brethren, it should be the other way around; the Lord glorified and Lucifer demonized. But that can only happen if we, the followers of Jesus rise up with a sure, confident, strong hand and spirit and do something about it. Otherwise our children will end up like those of the ancient Israelites. ‘And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers…and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, (plunderers who despoiled them), and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.’ (Judg.2:12-15) Oh Friends, the Israelites paid dearly for their disobedience. Is that what we want for our children? I sincerely hope not. But our God is such a merciful, LOVING, magnanimous, forgiving Deity, that when they cried out to Him in oppression, He raised up judges and guided them to deliver His chosen. ‘And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them.’ (Judg.2:17) Friends, the Israelite situation became a cycle, a revolving door. They would be oppressed, then cry out to the Lord for mercy. He would feel sorry for them and raise up a judge to deliver them. However, ‘it came to pass when the judge was dead, that they returned and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.’ (Judg.2:19) This obviously kindled the Lord’s anger against them, and He refused to drive out the nations around them that were corrupting them. He left the nations there as a test, to see if His chosen people would hearken back to Him. ‘And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.’ (Judg.3:5-6) Then the merry go round began. The Lord caused the king of Mesopotamia to conquer them, and they served him for eight years. But then, in their oppression, they cried out to the Lord, and He raised up Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who delivered them. ‘And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel, the son of Kenaz died. And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord.’ (Judg.3:11-12) This time, the Moabites conquered them, and they served them for eighteen years. Then they cried out to the Lord, and He in his mercy, raised up Ehud, who killed the king of Moab with a double edged knife, then he called Israel out to battle and they defeated the Moabites. ‘And the land had rest fourscore years.’ (Judg.3:30) But after Ehud died, the Israelites regressed again. Now the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan, ‘and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.’ (Judg.4:3) This time the prophetess Deborah, who was then Israel’s judge, orchestrated their deliverance with Barak. But their disobedience continued, with the Midianites oppressing them for seven years until the Lord raised up Gideon to deliver them. That my Friends was a most shameful display by the Lord’s chosen people. But sadly, our society is also headed that way. Oh my people, please, please let us try and put a stop to the foolish ungodliness that’s engulfing our society, else there’ll come a time, if it isn’t here already, when, like Israel, we’ll pay dearly for our disobedience. It’s of dire importance that we get active and start turning our society around, for we’re speedily moving in a wrong and dangerous direction, which will eventually lead to our downfall and demise if we continue. Much LOVE!…teach the children to pray…so they will not disobey…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 March 2010 Judges 2:2‏

04 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Judges 2:2     And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
 
Ah Friends, it’s supposed to be another spring-like day, but for some reason my spirit isn’t feeling it. I’m in a state of malaise that I can’t explain. Nevertheless, I will still give thanks and praise for the wonderful privilege of seeing another beautiful day. And so should all believers who awaken this morning, regardless of their personal feelings or circumstances, for we owe everything that we are and have to the mercy, grace and LOVE of the Most High God Jehovah. Let’s never forget that. And all God’s people said in a mighty voice: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Oh mih people, life is such that we don’t always know why our emotions are low, but in Today’s Bit, we know why the children of Israel lifted up their voices to the Lord and wept. That’s because the Lord, through His angel, came up from Gilgal to Bochim and gave them a thorough dressing down for their wilful and habitual disobedience, thus breaking their sacred covenant with Him. My Friends, please remember that time longer than twine, so if we keep on disobeying God’s dictates, then at some time we will pay dearly for it. On several occasions the Lord had instructed the Israelites: ‘And ye shall make no league (treaty) with the inhabitants of this land.’ Let’s look at a couple instances. ‘Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.’ (Ex.23:32-33) In Deuteronomy too, the Lord demanded separateness from the heathen. ‘And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them.’ (Deut.7:2) He also outlawed inter-marriage because He knew those things would greatly increase the risks of His chosen people turning away and serving the pagan gods, which would certainly kindle His anger. Friends, the Lord knows what He’s doing, that’s why He is the Lord and we are His minions. He knows why He issues certain edicts that might seem a tad harsh to us. And if we are true believers, then we must submit our will to His. Please realize that our God is the Creator of the universe and all therein, thus His comprehension and foresight is much greater than ours, so it would serve us well to simply bow to His dictates. But it seems the Israelites had a problem with that. I guess they felt the Lord was trying to curtail their worldly fun and experience, the same way we often feel when denied some bit of eye candy or worldly trinket, which, contrary to our belief, would only get us in trouble with the Lord. In His rebuke, the Lord also mentions another instruction He’d issued more than once: ‘ye shall throw down their altars.’ In Exodus, He warned them of the idolatry of the Canaanites, whose land they were going to possess. ‘Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves. For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.’ (Ex.34:12-14) Oh my people, the Lord could not have been plainer or more forthright with the Israelites. Then in Deuteronomy He again specified that there should only be one place of worship, and that in His name. ‘Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree. And ye shall overthrow (destroy) their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves (wooden images) with fire; and ye shall hew (cut) down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of the place.’ (Deut.12:2-3) Oh Friends, I don’t know what that sounded like in the language they used back then, but in English it sure sounds simple and to the point. There are no ifs, ands or buts to cloud the meaning. But for whatever reason(s) the Israelites failed to comply. As Judges, chapter 1 shows, they conquered many of the heathen tribes but never utterly destroyed them, instead opted for living together. ‘Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants…but the Canaanites would dwell in that land…they put the Canaanites to tribute (forced labour), and did not utterly drive them out. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites…but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them and became tributaries (forced labourers). Neither did Asher…Neither did Naphtali…’ (Judges 1:27-36) None of the tribes of Israel obeyed the Lord’s command; destroy them utterly, but allowed them to co-habit as forced labour. It possibly served the Israelites well, but was a direct disobedience of God’s command, that He found distasteful. Thus, in His rebuke at Bochim He declared: ‘but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?’ Friends, it’s the same with us today, both as a society and as individuals. There are laws in our society that we break as individuals. Then as a society, and also as individuals, we break the dictates of our God when it’s clearly spelled out not to. But when it’s time to pay for our disobedience, we hold our heads and bawl, begging God and man for forgiveness and mercy, like the Israelites did that day when God called them to account at Bochim (weeping). But sometimes my people it’s too late, the damage cannot be undone and we just have to pay the price. Therefore Friends, I implore us to think before we act or talk, consider the consequences before committing ourselves, for there’s no doubt that wilful, habitual disobedience to man or God will cause us to pay dearly. Just look at our ungodly world and the lawless, violent individuals it contains. We’re no better than the Israelites. Please think on those things my people, because we’ll eventually pay, if we don’t improve. Much LOVE!…if you disobey…sooner or later…you’ll pay… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 March 2010 Acts 28:24‏

03 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 28:24     And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
 
Oh Friends, the days are getting longer and the nights shorter. ‘Hallelujah!’ That means spring is on its way. Thank the Lord for that, and also for allowing you to see another day, plus the many blessings to be bestowed, while guiding you through an evil, decadent world. Now they say that there are three sides to every story; your side, my side and the truth somewhere in the middle. That may be so in many instances, but here, concerning the gospel contained in the believer’s handbook, the Bible, there’s only one side; the truth. And all God’s people said, ‘Amen!’ But given our human nature, some of us just have to be contrary. Today’s Bit; ‘And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not,’ refers to a day long session Bruh Paul had with the Jewish leaders in Rome, after he appealed his case in Jerusalem to Caesar, the Roman emperor. Three days after he got to Rome, he called the leaders together and explained his situation to them; how he had been railroaded by the Jerusalem Jews for preaching Christ crucified, no just cause for the death penalty they sought, thus his appeal to Caesar. What a transformation eh people? That was the same man who harassed, tortured and was very involved in the death of many early believers. But that just shows the power of God’s Word and Spirit. The Roman Jews though had received no word from their Jerusalem counterparts, neither had any travellers spoken of his problems. ‘But we desire to hear what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.’ (Acts 28:22) How sad. The Jewish leaders in Rome lacked any real knowledge of the gospel, just knew that it was doubted, disbelieved and defamed by many. It recalls the Jerusalem leaders case against Bruh Paul to governor Felix. ‘For we have found this man a pestilent fellow (plague), and a mover of sedition (creator of dissension) among all Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Who also hath gone about to profane the temple…’ (Acts24:5-6) It’s worthy to note Friends, that the Jewish leaders refused to call believers Christians, the people of Christ (of the Messiah) since that would have given them, and Jesus too, legitimacy in Jewish eyes. Instead they used other names that dispelled the theory that Jesus was the Christ; names like ‘sect of the Nazarenes,’ derived from Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. And we know that Bruh Paul LOVED nothing more than an audience to whom he could dispense the good news of Christ’s gospel. So he arranged a day for the Jewish leaders to come to his home; ‘to whom he expounded (explained) and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.’ (Acts.28:23) Oh Friends, can you imagine Bruh Paul with such an opportunity to preach to the Jewish elite in Rome? He must have been at his educated and oratorical best. (smile) And as expected, some believed and some didn’t. However, the Jewish elite were not impressed when Bruh Paul quoted Isaiah 6:9-10, re preaching the gospel to the people who would hear but not understand, see and not perceive: ‘For the heart of this people is waxed gross (has grown dull), and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.’ (Acts.28:26-27)  Being arrogant, hypocritical, know it alls, they could not accept that put down. But the straw that really broke the camel’s back was when Bruh Paul informed them: ‘Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.’ (Acts 28:28) Now that sent them into a tizzy. They obviously had not heard or read of Simeon’s pronouncement. Having pleaded with God to keep him alive until he’d seen Christ, on that fateful day when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon took Jesus in his hands, raised Him up to heaven and proudly declared: ‘For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten (bring revelation to) the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.’ (Luke 2:30-32) Yes Friends, what kind of God would the Lord be if He never expanded His salvation and healing grace to all He’d created eh? Not very fair or wise. Anyway, once Bruh Paul told the Jewish leaders that salvation through Christ was also being offered to the Gentiles, ‘the Jews departed, and had great reasoning (dispute) among themselves.’ (Acts 28:29) Oh mih people, yuh see what a whole lot of education, law and overly strict regimen can do to us? It makes us rigid, narrow minded and blinkered, we can’t see the forest for the trees. It makes us blind and deaf to the truth, and hardens our hearts to anything not fixed in our tightly closed box of dogma. As Bruh Paul later reasoned in his Roman epistle. ‘I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid (certainly not): but rather through their fall (trespass) salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.’ (Rom.11:11) And who says the Lord isn’t a great thinker, and knows how to play one side against the other? Since the Jews didn’t want or accept Jesus, He gave His salvation to the Gentiles, who were willing to listen. ‘All praise to the Most High God Jehovah for His absolute and amazing wisdom!’ For if he hadn’t offered salvation to the heathen and just left it with the few Jews that believed, then we would probably not have heard the good news. Oh Friends, please, let us not be like those who did not believe. If the Good Book is the Word of God, then it must be true, for why would a great God like ours, tell untruths and lead us astray eh? Oh my people, the gospel is God’s guide for our earthly walk, so let’s believe and obey it with all our hearts, souls and minds. Let’s LOVE our God, LIVE our Faith, and SPREAD his Word with great enthusiasm. Much LOVE!…Jesus…He is the greatest thing that ever happened to man…believe it…cause it’s true…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 March 2010 Hebrews 4:16‏

02 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Hebrews 4:16     Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
 
Oh Friends, now that the Winter Olympic war is over for another four years, it’s time to return to normalcy, what ever that might be. The strange thing is that those battles brought people together, even though in a strong competitive spirit, pitting friend against friend, and foe against foe, but all in a decent, positive, understanding manner. Why couldn’t that same attitude of cooperation continue now in real life eh? Perhaps because that is not real life, it’s a contrived situation. Well why don’t we contrive real life then? (smile) Anyway, I have a quote, attributed to Eva Rose York, that if followed, can certainly help us to have that contrived kind of Olympic spirit in real life. It says: ‘I shall not pass this way again; Then let me now relieve some pain, Remove some barrier from the road, Or brighten someone’s heavy load.’ Oh Friends, isn’t that a beautiful Christian sentiment! Basically it’s our bounden duty, the work that Christ allotted to His earthly followers, simply put; help others. And how do we find the strength, energy and whatever else we need to accomplish our god-given tasks? By doing as Bruh Paul advises. ‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ Oh my people, the wherewithal to do whatever we need is readily available to us, if we would only approach the Father confidently through the Son and state our desires. Now note, boldly doesn’t mean arrogantly, but with a sense of entitlement since Jesus faithfully promised: ‘And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.’ (John 14:13-14) Yes Friends, we have an Advocate with the Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who sincerely promised to look after those who believe in Him and surrender their personal agenda to His. And since He who promised is eternally faithful, there’s no need to worry about the heavenly response. We just need to rustle up the faith and gumption to come before the throne and humbly state our case to Jesus, and He will plead it before the Father on our behalf. As Bruh Paul told the Ephesians: ‘For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father.’ (Eph.2:18) And all God’s people shouted; ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ That access is very important Friends, in fact it’s a most essential part of our Christian faith. That knowledge, the surety that we can always go to Jesus at any time and place, for any reason for help and succour, is one of the building blocks of our belief system. Without that assurance we’d be lost like lemmings on an ice floe, with no direction or sense of purpose. And that’s what Jesus gave us with His ministry; that sense of focus, purpose and direction. We know who we are, what we’re supposed to do and where we are going. We also know where we came from; ungodly sinners of the past to godly sinners of the present, bound for salvation and eternal glory in the future. Wow! What a great plan the Lord laid out for us Friends! We only have to accept or reject it. And I would suggest that we quickly accept it, for there’s no telling when it might all end. Only the Father knows, and He’s not saying, so we’d better be prepared at all times. I like how the scholars put it, re the throne of grace; that only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before an holy God, made possible only through the efforts, the sacrifices of our High Priest, Jesus. Isn’t that wonderful my people? It sure is! Let’s give Him some praise for that nuh. ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us. Praise His Holy Name!’ Jesus’ advocacy on our behalf brings to mind how some earthly judges will not accept an accused person acting as their own counsel, because they simply don’t know the workings of the law and are liable to make serious errors, implicating themselves although they’re innocent. Well Friends, thankfully that’s one problem we’ll never have in the High Court of Heaven, for our representative is always right there beside the throne to plead our case. And having said all that, it’s still amazing the number of believers who don’t avail themselves of the opportunity to take their problems to Jesus, feeling they’re unworthy, for fear of rejection, or just simply being afraid, overwhelmed by His awesome majesty. But please remember Friends, that though Jesus now sits at the Father’s right hand, He never changes. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. That means He still radiates the same attributes that He did here on earth; He’s still humble, caring and very approachable. So please, mih breddren, whether it’s on our own behalf or someone else’s, don’t be afraid, whatever the problem, big or small, take it to Him in prayer. Go confidently before Him, before the throne of grace, He will definitely listen and help. He’s promised never to turn us away or leave us floundering alone. Oh people that’s like money in the bank! We can count on it to take us right to heaven. So Friends, I implore us to make better use of all the tools at our disposal, so we can further the kingdom, glorify the Father and please our Leader and Saviour. And to help us do that, let’s plant these words of Bruh Paul deep in our hearts, souls and minds: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind.’ (2 Tim.1:7) Please mih people, let’s use them for all they are worth nuh. Much LOVE!…in times of need…you need to talk to Jesus…He will help and comfort you…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 March 2010 Ecclesiastes 9:18‏

01 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ecclesiastes 9:18     Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, all I can say is Wow! The Good Lord proved again today that He’s the greatest purveyor of drama! How, you ask? Well the Winter Olympics held the last two weeks in Vancouver, British Columbia, out on Canada’s West coast, might not have meant anything to many of you, but it sure did to the countries that participate in snow or ice based events. And believe me people, there was no bigger event than the Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament, which many expected Canada to easily win, given its glut of star players. And those expectations were the highest in Canada, especially playing on home ice. The fact is that whenever Canada enters an international hockey tournament, whether it be babies (smile) or big men, the Canadian population expects them to win, because Ice Hockey is OUR game. And Friends over the last few days the country’s been in an uproar; not only has this been the best international tournament ever with all the teams playing good ball, but the hometown favourites lost to the hated Yanks earlier on, then only managed to reach the gold medal game by the skin of their teeth. Hn! Long time I haven’t heard that term. Then today, playing the U.S again, with about half a minute to go and Canada leading 2 to1, the U.S ties the game. Imagine the unbelievable silence in the arena and throughout the entire country. So the game goes into overtime and about seven minutes in, the Canadian Poster Boy, ‘Sid the Kid,’ Sidney Crosby scores, giving Canada the gold medal. The arena crowd goes wild! Joyful pandemonium erupts throughout the entire country! Everything’s right in the Hockey Universe again. Oh Friends, if Canada had lost that game, it would be worse than many wars. The country would have been in such a negative uproar, with recriminations galore, numerous divisions, and twenty twenty hindsight ruling the roost. And although we won, some people still aren’t jubilant because they felt that the best team wasn’t chosen. And poor Sid would have been tarred and feathered, not that he played badly, but because he did not live up to his superstar billing. The U.S would not have allowed us to live it down either, especially with their team coach and G.M. holding the same positions in the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Franchise. But Friends the Most High God Jehovah is sitting on His heavenly throne controlling the show, and in His eternal wisdom decided to unite the country rather than divide it. And don’t think the ole fella wasn’t praying and pleading for Him to do just that. But as usual, His last minute timing drove the hearts of the nation crazy. It was a perfect Hollywood script with the perfect ending. With all the other problems we have, a loss would have severely dented the nation’s pride, plunged the country into a state of depression, disappointment, anger and plummeting self confidence. The record thirteen other gold medals we won would have been inconsequential, what with the Women’s team winning gold over the U.S. a few days ago. That’s the status some sports hold in some countries. The Russians lost badly to the Canadians in the quarter finals, although they were co-favourites to win gold. Do you think that will sit well in the halls of power in Moscow? Certainly not! Heads will roll for sure. It’s like soccer in Brazil, with so many talented players that national teams never satisfy everybody, and a loss brings all sorts of negative consequences. Now a national team, or one person winning international glory is a good way to bring a country together. An excellent example being Usain Bolt bringing Jamaica together with his spectacular success in the last Summer Olympics. People forget their problems, put their animosities aside, even for a short while, and rejoice in their country’s good fortune. But sadly Friends, it’s the same way one person or a small group can destroy a nation, bring it to ruin; ‘one sinner destroyeth much good.’ Look at Joshua Chap.7. ‘But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan…of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel.’ (Josh.7:1) Achan took spoil from Jericho when the Israelites burned it to the ground, despite Joshua’s warning not to take anything for personal gain, with all the precious metals being dedicated to the Lord. (Josh.6:16-19) When found out, Achan confessed. ‘Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted (desired) them, and took them; and behold they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.’ (Josh.7:20-21) Achan, his whole family and all his possessions were then burned and stoned. What a sad end for a few pieces of worldly treasure. But also, for one man’s disobedience, the Lord caused the men of Ai to defeat the Israelites in battle and also thoroughly deflate their courage; ‘for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down (on the descent): wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.’ (Josh.7:5) Another good example of one person spoiling things for a whole nation is Manasseh, king of Judah. ‘And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. For he built up again the high places (places for pagan worship) which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove (wooden image), as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, (the gods of the Assyrians) and served them.’ (2 Kin.21:2-3) Oh Friends, God sent repeated warnings to Manasseh and his people, but to no avail. ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Behold I am bringing such evil (calamity) upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.’ (2 Kin.21:12) My people that’s what happens when we’re disobedient to the Lord; even one person can cause a whole nation to suffer. So from here on in, let’s check our behaviour against the Lord’s dictates nuh, so that we neither suffer the Lord’s wrath personally, nor cause our fellow countrymen to do so. Remember, ‘Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.’ Much LOVE!…obedience and LOVE…that’s all Jesus expects from us…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 February 2010 Ecclesiastes 9:18‏

28 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ecclesiastes 9:18     Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
 
Oh Friends, it’s an 8.8 level earthquake in Chile; tsunami warnings in the Pacific Rim countries, from Hawaii to Australia; labour and economic woes in Europe; floods in the South East, wars and rumours of wars in the Middle East and Mother Africa; famine, terrorism, fear and various stages of unrest in the other parts of our world, featuring rampant poverty, unemployment, sickness and child abuse. Those are the things that are making headlines around our beautiful planet today. I can’t remember a time when so much confusion and negativity reigned in our world in a period of ostensible peace. No one really knows what’s happening, though some say it’s the days before the end, while others say that’s hogwash. But my people, I know two things: the first is that our dreadful situation calls for much praying and soul searching on our part. And the second is that the Most High God Jehovah, the Great God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Infinitely Everything, Yahweh, the Almighty God, He still sits on His heavenly throne, watching and guiding the proceedings. This is one of those times when His superior level of comprehension and understanding certainly dwarfs ours. And for His constancy, faithfulness and LOVING kindness, we believers ought to give everlasting thanks and gratitude, because we’re assured that whatever happens here on earth, a special place in heaven has been reserved for each one of us when our worldly days are done. And all God’s people deliriously shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Blessed is the Lamb who was slain for us! He is indeed worthy to be praised, for He gave His innocent life on that rugged cross so that we, unworthy, undeserving sinners could be saved! Greater LOVE hath no man!’ And that’s the gospel truth my people! Now it’s possible that all the calamity befalling our world is simply happenstance, because as the Preacher says, ‘time and chance happeneth to them all.’ (Eccl.11:9) Hallelujah Friends! I might just have been guided to Today’s Bit, since I’m writing all this ‘Bitless’ for the Spirit just had me begin writing before I even had a chance to look for one. And I’m not worried because I know the Lord will surely provide one when it’s needed. Anyway, all the disaster and negative activity might be pure happenstance or it could also be a serious warning from the Lord. I’m no prophet, so I can’t say which it really is. I can certainly say though that if we’re smart, we can look back at history and see how ungodly realms were devastated and consider it a warning. It won’t do us any harm, but will definitely do us a lot of good. That means we’ll change our attitude towards God, Lucifer and each other; kicking Lucifer to the curb, embracing the Lord in sincere repentance, pleading for forgiveness and mercy, and treating each other the way we want to be treated. And I’m either naive or brain deficient, or even both (smile), but to me those things seem so easy. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no sweetheart, but I don’t go out of my way to abuse or ill treat others, and if I happen to do so, then it’s certainly unintentional. But I see siblings, spouses, friends, abusing and demeaning each other for no good reason, and it just boggles my imagination. Then we wonder why the mainstay, the backbone of our society, the family unit is falling apart. It’s simple Friends; the godly ethic that was once found in the family has withered away, through the serious and often violent encroachment by the enemy’s lust and worldly values. And the only way to change that is by refocusing on the smallest unit, but the foundation, the building block of any stable society, the family. We’ve got to restore God and faith and trust to the family, and start practicing the LOVE we talk so much about. Not the worldly love of things, but the Godly LOVE of people. If Christ can die for us, why can’t we be pleasant to our family members eh? Friends, it’s not rocket science, it doesn’t take a great education, just simple common sense, that if I want you to treat me good, then I ought to treat you that way. Oh sorry, I forgot that that thing termed common sense no longer exists in our society, that selfishness, greed and stupidity now rule the human mind. I guess we’ve lived so long with the situational proverb that man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn, it’s all we’ve come to expect. But Friends, I’m here to tell us of a completely different situation, though not easily implemented, with the grace of God is certainly possible. And that new situation is ‘man’s humanity to man, makes countless thousands weep for joy.’ Doesn’t that sound so much better and more godly? However it’s up to us believers to get the ball rolling since we’re the only ones currently feeding and thriving as the branches of the main Vine of LOVE, Jesus. Friends, it won’t be easy, as most worthwhile things aren’t, but if we seriously want our world to be around for more generations in a fairly decent state, then we’d better wake up and smell the burning and destructive fires, for regardless of our individual situations, we’re currently on a downward, slippery slope of human relations in this world. And my people, if it ever comes to a big conflagration, it will most likely be the last, for our weapons of war are powerful enough to annihilate the entire earth. So fellow believers, let’s grab the bull by the horns, let’s begin cementing relationships wherever we can; in our families, our workplaces, our neighbourhoods, and for those with the power, the entire world. Remember, Jesus is depending on us to preach the gospel to the four ends of the earth, and we don’t want to disappoint Him now, do we? Surely not! Much LOVE!…hate and anger are not the answer…peace and LOVE are…
P.S.  Friends, Faith is such a wonderful thing. You’ll notice that the Lord provided a Bit after I’d finished writing it all. (smile)

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 February 2010 Ecclesiastes 7:16‏

27 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ecclesiastes 7:16     Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s stumped. I can’t come up with a brilliant opening that will just grab you and make you go ‘Wow!’ Then have you straining at your leash to devour the Bit. (smile) But it sure is wonderful to be alive, to be granted another day on earth to enjoy God’s goodness. For that I am eternally grateful and give Him much thanks and praise. And so should all who have the ability, the privilege to read these words. I did read an interesting comic strip where two women are talking about busy signals on phones. One says that was before all the technological junk we have now; blackberries, google, i-phones, twitter, facebook etc. The other retorts with a very telling comment, that people are too busy now to have a busy signal. Steups! But it’s no lie, for everybody is so busy doing what I don’t know. There’s only one friend I can call now whose phone will generate a busy signal if it’s occupied. All the others have call waiting, answering systems or something else, but no busy tones. But are we doing any better? No. Maybe quicker. And I’m not even sure of that for the inefficiency in the workplace these days is staggering, despite all these new fangled gadgets that are supposed to improve efficiency and productivity. We’ve become lazier and more sedentary from constantly sitting in front of a t.v or computer screen with a devastating rise in obesity that lack of physical activity promotes. And sadly, all these things are just leading to a ‘dumbing down’ of the younger generation. They might be technically astute, but very wanting in life skills, and in an age of endless information, not well informed. Anyway, that’s just the ole fella’s opinion, and it’s doubtful if the young uns will agree with me, while they’re running around texting, talking and multi-tasking, but really going nowhere fast. And yuh know what Friends, I will wisely accept the Preacher’s advice: ‘Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?’ Now that’s a very interesting question, but sadly, many of us still destroy ourselves for no apparent reason. Remember yesterday I said that some of us believers consider ourselves so holy and righteous when we’re the exact opposite? Well it’s that kind of excess the writer of Ecclesiastes is warning us about. We shouldn’t be overly righteous, but shun the sin of self-righteousness, where we behave like we’ve actually achieved righteousness or at least reached its apex. Oh my people, this can lead us to be very short-sighted, narrow minded, opinionated and all those pompous attitudes that are definitely not Christian-like. It’s like everything else in life; we should not over do it. The motto should be circumspection and moderation, because if you go around with this holier than thou attitude, turning up your nose at lowly sinners, of which you are really foremost, then all you’re doing is turning others off the gospel and Christ. The most offensive person you can ever meet is a know it all, self-righteous believer of any persuasion. Those who know all the doctrine and religious law and are active in many areas of the church, but quickly avert their eyes or pass by on the other side when they come upon someone truly needing help. As Sol warns: ‘Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.’ (Prov.25:16) Those are priceless words of wisdom Friends. We should not have or display a greedy attitude in anything. That’s like when we go to an all you can eat buffet and gorge ourselves just because we can eat as much as we want, then are terribly sick afterwards. The Preacher also brings up the other extreme, of being too evil. ‘Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?’ (Eccl.7:17) Now this in no way means that a moderate state of wickedness is acceptable. According to the scholars, it’s an accommodation to human weakness. The Preacher is saying to avoid the extreme of self-righteousness, but also restrain your inherently wicked nature so it doesn’t run its natural course and lead you down the broad highway of spiritual and moral ruin. Oh Friends, the whole exercise is just a basic law of not over doing, for there’s seldom any benefit in it, but it often breeds calamity. Bruh Paul puts it nicely when he advises the Romans. ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom.12:3) Yes Friends, arrogance and pomposity in a believer is unworthy of our Saviour. Sol put’s it sweet and short. ‘It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search (seek) their own glory is not glory.’ (Prov.25:27) That leads to another wise scripture: ‘Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.’ (Prov.27:2) That means we shouldn’t blow our own trumpet, though in today’s world that doesn’t seem to cut it, for everybody seems to think they’re the greatest thing around. My people, if we truly want to follow Jesus, then we have to become like Him; humble and not making overly much of ourselves, for nobody likes a braggart or an arrogant person, least of all our Leader. Remember His distaste for the Jewish elite with their holier than thou arrogance? And though He was God incarnate, He never made much of Himself here on earth, but gave all the praise and glory to His Father. Friends, that’s the way we ought to be, if we want to call ourselves true followers of Christ. Much LOVE!…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 February 2010 James 4:8‏

26 Feb 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

James 4:8     Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.
 
Ah my Friends, the weekend is nigh, and many of us can’t wait for it to get here, the uppermost thought in our minds being, TGIF; thank God it’s Friday. No doubt we deserve a break from the strenuous and stressful week of work, but please remember that down time isn’t just for partying and hanging out, but also to draw close to our God, to worship Him in fellowship with other believers, and to renew our spiritual strength without which we’ll be like putty in the enemy’s hands. Yesterday we spoke of the drawing near to God part of our Bit, but before we move on to the next section, I have one more piece of scripture to share on it. It’s a part of Moses’ exhortation to obedience to Israel. He wisely declares in question form: ‘For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them (a God so near to them), as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?’ (Deut.4:7) Friends, nobody else does! Believers are the only ones who have a true and living God always close by to hear our prayers, problems and praise. But remember it’s up to us to keep that close relationship going. And after we’ve made that LOVE connection with Almighty God, then James says: ‘Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.’ That’s oh so true my people! How can we ever consider coming before our most holy and pure Father with dirty, unwashed hands and hearts, in the sense that we’ve done or are doing evil, and also harbouring it in our hearts. To be clean in this spiritual sense, both our outer and inner man must show it through godly thoughts and deeds. Isaiah boldly proclaims it in his call for repentance. ‘Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well, seek judgement (justice), relieve the oppressed, judge (vindicate, defend) the fatherless, plead for the widow.’ (Isa.1:16-17) Yes Friends, that’s basically what it means to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. We have to get godly and righteous, not solely in our own minds, but in conjunction with the Word. And I specify that because every Christian feels that they are so godly and righteous, when in actual fact many of us are far from it. On the outside we present a bold, bright facade of Christianity, but where it matters most, on the inside, Lucifer really reigns. We all have to take serious stock of ourselves this year of 2010 and make sure we don’t fall into that category, for though we may fool fellow believers and ourselves, we certainly won’t fool God. And that’s another serious error some of us make; thinking we can fool the Father who created us and constantly listens to our hearts, where our deepest and darkest secrets abide. Anyway mih breddren, listen to Bruh David as he holds forth on the topic. ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity (an idol), nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek thy face O Jacob. Selah.’ (Ps.24:4-6) Ah mih people, Bruh David also lays it out clearly for us. Only those with clean hands and a pure heart, who have not bowed down to idols of the world, or been deceitful in their walk, will receive the Lord’s blessing. We should all be working diligently towards that goal, so that we can proclaim of our generation, like Bruh David did of his, that we are avidly and sincerely seeking the face of the Most High God Jehovah. Friends, we desperately need to do that, to seriously up the ante in that respect, otherwise our generation will forever be known as the one that lost all the hard fought gains other generations accumulated. We’re just too passive and reactive when it comes to furthering the kingdom. We talk plenty, but don’t walk it nearly enough. Just look at all the setbacks that have happened in our time, the many public places from which our God has been banished, while the church concentrates on petty infighting and denominational supremacy, rather than spreading the Word and safeguarding the victories won through inordinate suffering. Oh Friends, enough preaching for today (smile). I’ll let two more faithful and righteous than me take us home. First up is Bruh David, who from his vast personal experience unequivocally declares that our God satisfies the thirsting soul. ‘O God, thou art my God; early (diligently) will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.’ (Ps.63:1) He was adrift in the wilderness of Judah, but the Lord took care of Him and brought him out stronger than before. And now, hear Peter, the rock on which Christ built His Church. ‘Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned (sincere) LOVE of the brethren, see that ye LOVE one another with a pure heart fervently. Being born again, not of corruptible (perishable) seed, but of incorruptible (imperishable), by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.’ (1 Pet.1-22-23) My people, if we want to be true believers with a spot on God’s holy hill, then I implore us to do what those men of great faith advise. Much LOVE!…a word to the wise…is sufficient…
 

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