Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 March 2010 Psalm 112:5‏

15 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 112:5     A good man showeth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Monday morning, therefore to arms, to arms! Clothe yourself in your full suit of spiritual armour before leaving the house so that you can avail yourself of all the protection the Almighty God provides in our daily confrontation with the enemy. As the ad for whatever says, ‘don’t dare leave home without it.’ And just in case you’re wondering, the wind and rain that recently plagued us have both abated, but who knows what will happen next? Only the Lord in His high heaven. That’s why it pays to stay in His good graces. And as the Psalmist rightfully declares: ‘Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth 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 for ever.’ (Ps.112:1-3) Now who wouldn’t want that kind of life on this earth eh? But the only way to get and keep it with a clean conscience is to associate continually with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You can acquire material wealth though Lucifer’s wicked, greedy, violent and unfair means, but as they say, ‘easy come, easy go,’ and you’ll be forever worried and fearful about losing it. However, on the Lord’s plan you won’t have to fret or worry about losing it, for you acquired it legally and righteously, therefore peace will always reign in your soul. My brethren that’s one of the many benefits to be gained by associating with the Lord God Jehovah, rather than with His fallen lieutenant, Lucifer. With the Lord your soul is always peaceful and calm because you know you’re doing the right thing, but with Beelzebub your whole being is always in a confused frenzy, worried about something going wrong to divest you of your earthly wealth and/or health. Even when things go wrong in the Lord’s path, you know that He will eventually make them right for ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.’ (Rom.8:28)  So when walking with the Lord, there is absolutely no need to worry about anything, since He’s promised to bring us out safely, though not necessarily unscathed, from all situations. That’s why ‘A good man showeth favour and lendeth.’ He has nothing to fear so he can afford to be gracious and lend. Bruh David concurs in Psalm 37. ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord….He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.’ (Ps.37:23, 26) And if you don’t believe the Psalmists, then listen to Jesus. ‘But LOVE ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.’ (Luke 6:35-36) That my Friends, as we would say, is straight from the horses mouth, not hearsay, but directly from our Lord and Saviour which makes it gospel to all believers. And there’s also another side to the good man; he’ll not only be gracious and merciful, ‘he will guide his affairs with discretion (justice) That’s obvious, a good man will always work at being just, but I want to deal with the true meaning of the word ‘discretion.’ It’s like a lost or forgotten word in today’s indiscriminate society, where we do and say whatever we feel to anybody without much thought to the consequences. Just check out all the scandal and trouble info sources like twitter, facebook and the internet are causing. People just put things online foolishly, and when they get in trouble, they blame others. Yes Friends, thoughtlessness, indiscretion and blaming everybody but ourselves are hall marks of our current society. In this age of almost instant, worldwide communication we should be playing important stuff much closer to our vest than ever. But then, in Lucifer’s world, notoriety makes you more appealing to many, and sometimes takes you right to the top of the heap. How sad. And we’ll close with two bits of advice on the subject from none other than Bruh Paul. The first is: ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation); but be filled with the Spirit.’ (Eph.5:15-18) And the second is like unto it. ‘Walk in wisdom toward them that are without (outside) redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.’ (Col.4:5-6) Ah my people, I don’t know what else to say to convince you all to walk the righteous, just, LOVING path of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. So I’ll just leave it up to the Lord now to work in your hearts, souls and minds, to either bring you to the faith, or if you’re already there, to keep you strong and steadfast in it. I promise you, you won’t find a better road to trod. Much LOVE!…the Lord’s way…it’s the only wise way…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 March 2010 Zephaniah 1:14‏

14 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Zephaniah 1:14     The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.
 
And the month of March said: ‘I can’t give you snow or freezing winds, but I can surely give you blustery winds and rain; lots of them.’ And so it did. Yes Friends, it’s been raining for two days now, and yesterday the wind blew something fierce. Since we laughed March to scorn for its kindness in giving us plenty sunshine and balmy temps, it retaliated as best it could in this era of global warming with high winds and plenty rain. Oh my people, it’s the same way the Israelites scorning of and ingratitude to Almighty God caused Zephaniah and the other prophets to declare that there’d come a day when the Lord’s anger and vengeance would be unleashed on His chosen people, who’d become ungodly. ‘The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly (hurries), even the voice (noise) of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.’  And what kind of a day will it be? ‘That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation (devastation), a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness. A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced (fortified) cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung (refuse). Neither their silver or gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance (end) of all them that dwell in the land.’ (Zeph.1:15-18) Oh mih breddren, you don’t need me to read and spell for you because what can happen when the Lord’s anger is unleashed against the ungodly is all there in simple terms. No earthly wealth or power will save us. The land will turn red from the blood that’s shed, and the carrion eaters will have a field day with many corpses. And sadly, that kind of society which existed back then in Israel, now exists in our time. I don’t want to be a harbinger of bad tidings, of doom and gloom, but the facts speak for themselves in the Word of the Lord. He will eventually punish those wicked, ungodly societies that exalt Lucifer and not Him. It’s also something we’ve seen happen regularly down through the ages. The societies that got prosperous off the Lord’s goodness and mercy, then turned fat, lazy and idolatrous, all suffered serious setbacks and catastrophes, through natural disasters and disease, attacks from other nations, even internal implosions, like civil war and revolution. The important point Friends, is that they all paid a severe price for deserting the Lord. They forgot who brought them to the dance. And it seems that we’re doing the same thing, headed in the same direction as those other societies. Now that we’ve become wealthy and powerful, in our pride and arrogance we believe that we did it through our own might and power, conveniently forgetting all the Lord’s done for us. But that’s a very wrong attitude Friends, because it’s God, and God alone, who allows us to prosper. As He told Joshua in no uncertain terms: ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh.1:8) Oh mih people, what part of that don’t we understand eh? The same principle applies to us too since our great God doesn’t change. Please note that when we followed the edicts of the Good Book we were very prosperous and successful, but now that we’ve outgrown it, or so we figure, our prosperity and success have hit the skids and we’re sliding downhill fast. If we don’t repent and pull up our socks soon, then we’re liable to slide all the way into the dark abyss of oblivion or be conquered by some other more powerful society. It might therefore be necessary to do like Joel said: ‘Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.’ (Joel 2:1) Oh Friends, I don’t know how close at hand that day of the Lord’s wrath is, but I’m sure that if we continue our ungodly slide into evil, idolatry, excessive immorality and all the other things we revel in that our God despises, then ONE DAY WE WILL PAY FOR IT. As Jesus said so long ago: ‘If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.’ (Mark 4:23) My brethren, all I can do is remind us of what the Good Book says, and encourage us to walk the path it prescribes, but in the long run, each individual has to make a personal choice, then live with it for better or for worse. Let’s hope, for our children and society’s sake, we all choose the option for better. Much LOVE!…you can’t expect good results from evil doings…can’t plant corn and reap peas…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 March 2010 Jeremiah 17:5‏

13 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 17:5     Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.
 
And then there was rain! Yes Friends, in the northern climes, in the middle of the mighty month of March, it’s pouring rain, and is expected to do so all weekend too.  Now I’m not complaining, just somewhat mystified by the unnatural proceedings, for I’ll take the liquid water any day over the frozen stuff. (smile) Anyhow, please remember that the Sabbath is upon us, and we need to rest, to fellowship and get ourselves right with God so we’ll be ready for battle come Monday morning. Let us not be like Judah, whom Jeremiah was prophesying against: ‘Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm…’ Oh Friends, putting our trust in the frail strength of man is certainly not a wise idea, for more reasons than one. The first being as Psalm 146 extols: ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man (a human being), in whom there is no help (salvation). His breath (spirit) goeth forth, he returneth to his earth: in that very day his thoughts perish.’ (Ps.146:3-4) That’s so obvious my people. Every man, regardless of his physical, economic or political power is only here at the Lord’s largesse. He could be gone in the blink of an eye, if the Lord so desires, and none of knows when our time will come. Remember Jesus’ parable about the rich man who figured he had so much earthly possessions he’d tear down his barns and build bigger and better, then take it easy for the rest of his life. But what happened? God called him home that very night. (Luke 12:16-20) And that type of situation was forcefully brought home to me last week, where a friend holidaying in Tobago, eating curry crab and dumpling, had a sudden heart attack and died. As far as I know he’d never had any heart problems, but when your name and number is called up yonder, you have no choice but to go. So why put our serious and very important life trust in those who can go at anytime, without any warning? Isaiah said it too. ‘Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?’ (Is.2:22) Very good question mih people. Why should man be esteemed when he has no control over his own life span or what happens to him afterwards? Job realized the difference when he declared: ‘All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.’ (Job 27:3-4) His human breath was secondary to that of God, which brings us to the second reason that it’s foolish to put our trust in the frail and feeble strength of men; because it takes us away from God, ‘and whose heart departeth from the Lord.’ My people, that’s the biggest mistake we can ever make, because just using simple logic, He is our Creator, Provider, Protector and safe haven, so why should we walk away from all that eh? Why turn away and believe in men who can’t help us in the truly important things that matter both in life and death. Isaiah saw this problem when his people turned to Egypt for help. ‘Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering (devise plans), but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin. That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth (my advice); to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt.’ (Is.30:1-2) And Isaiah follows up the warning by making it quite clear in Chapter 31 that it’s God, not Egypt who will defend Judah. ‘Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay (rely) on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord! Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil (disaster), and will not call back his words; but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen (helped) shall fall down, and they shall all fall (perish) together.’ (Is.31:1-3) Oh Friends, it seems like our society is also headed that way. We have apparently lost faith in God and are now turning to men, who are not only frail but also evil. But this should not be so. Note the Lord’s promises in the passage above; He will bring calamity on both the helped and the helper. My people, the same thing applies to all societies that turn away from God. Now I can’t say for sure that all the unfortunate stuff that’s happening in our world today is because we’ve been cursed for our ungodliness, but it certainly won’t do us any harm to think it, and therefore consider changing our wicked, ungodly ways. Life would be much better anyhow if we followed the Psalmist’s advice. ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever.’ (Ps.146:5-6) My Friends, that is the ultimate wisdom of life; continually seeking our Creator and abiding by His rules, so that in the day of calamity, we will have a strong, steadfast arm to lean on, and when the grave calls, as it surely will, a heavenly home waiting for us. Living any other way is foolish and unwise. So please, let’s wisely turn to the Lord, give Him the honour and glory that He deserves, so we can be blessed and not cursed. Much LOVE!…all men are alike…feeble and limited…only God is different…omnipotent and immortal…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 March 2010 Psalm 119:116‏

12 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 119:116      Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
 
Oh Friends, many of you are exclaiming TGIF, this morning; Thank God it’s Friday! And nothing’s wrong with that because it means we’re about to get a break from the tumultuous activities of the workweek, with rest, fun and spiritual renewal on the horizon. However, it’s also necessary, everyday we open our eyes and realize that we’re alive, to thank Him for that and all the other good things He’s brought about in our lives. Please remember that thanks and praise are an integral part of our belief system, and we should never be ashamed or hesitant to give glory to our God, wherever we are. And here’s the wonderful quote that led me to Today’s Bit. It’s attributed to O.S. Marden, and it says: ‘The hopeful man sees success where others see failure, sunshine where others see shadows and stones.’ Oh my people, he or she was surely talking about us believers, cause that’s exactly how the followers of Jesus think; always in positive terms. Hope that morphs into faith is our watchword. As Bruh David faithfully desired of the Lord: ‘Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.’ Yes Friends, that’s a prayer all of us should raise to heaven; to be granted the wherewithal to lead godly, righteous lives based on God’s Word, and not be placed in situations where our hope in Him seems worthless, so that others can mock our faith. Earlier on in Psalm 25, a prayer for guidance and protection, Bruh David declared: ‘Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee (in faith) be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause (deal treacherously). Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.’ (Ps.25:1-5) Oh my brethren, that’s only one of many places Bruh David acknowledged his hope, trust and faith in the Lord God Jehovah. But as you can see it’s strong, bold and certain, not wishy-washy or hesitant. He knows where his bread is buttered, and insists on continually having a strong connection to Almighty God. Does our hope and faith allow us to have that strong connection? I certainly hope so, for it’s what makes us who we are, ardent followers of Jesus. And then we have that famous passage of Bruh Paul’s in Romans. ‘And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience (produces perseverance); And patience, experience (character); and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed (does not disappoint); because the LOVE of God is shed abroad (has been poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due (at the right) time Christ died for the ungodly.’ (Rom.5:3-6) Praise His Holy Name! For Bruh David’s hope in God was made real by Jesus’ death on the cross, paying for our sins, with the faithful promise of salvation and eternal life, if only we believe. Wow! What hope can we ever have greater than that eh? None really my people, for through Christ’s sacrificial death, the whole world has become our oyster, in terms of things like mercy, blessings, forgiveness, freedom from stored up sins, and grace that enables us to take hold of the awesome promises of salvation and life everlasting with the Holy Trinity. Isn’t that exciting Friends? It sure is! Trust Bruh Paul to get into this topic with gusto. First he quotes Isaiah 8:14; 28:16 when talking about the Jew and the gospel, declaring: ‘As it is written, Behold I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.’ (Rom.9:33) And he later reaffirms it when speaking of  righteousness is by faith in Christ. ‘For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.’ (Rom.10:11) Yes mih people, no one, not a single, solitary soul who puts their trust and faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, shall ever be put to shame. Glory Hallelujah! And we have Jesus’ word for it. ‘Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.’ (Mt.10:32-33) There we have it people in black and white: Accept Christ and live a life worthy of Him before men, and He will also acknowledge us before His Heavenly Father. But if we don’t, then crapaud smoke we pipe. That’s just how it is Friends. And we’ll close today with another of Bruh Paul’s strong declarations, this time to the Philippians. ‘According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ (Phil.1:20-21) My people that’s the attitude all Christians need to adopt and actively manifest in their lives. We must have that feeling, that great desire of never being ashamed of Christ, and doing all in His name boldly and with confidence, so that He will be magnified, whether it’s in our living or dying. So please, let’s work seriously on adopting that principle, so we can be worthy to be called Christians. Much LOVE!…a believer’s duty…to bravely and boldly magnify our Lord…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 March 2010 James 3:1‏

11 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

James 3:1     My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
 
Top o’ the morn to all you far flung Scrip-Bit Friends! It’s a new and glorious day! We’re alive on this beautiful planet Earth, with numerous God-given blessings, privileges, mercies, forgiveness, and above all the promises of salvation and eternal live! Wow! For all that our magnanimous God has done, is doing and will do for us, let’s give Him a round of applause, show Him some gratitude and thanks. ‘Oh Father in heaven, we thank you that we’re alive and kicking, ready to LIVE our Faith and show our great LOVE for you in a world that’s trying to shunt you aside. Thank you for the immense LOVE you showed by sacrificing your Son, Jesus for us. We humbly ask that you keep blessing and guiding us as we seek You and the way You desire us to go. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.’ Ah Friends, our God is so good to us that sometimes it just boggles my imagination, and makes me wonder how and why we can’t LOVE Him more and do a better job of furthering His kingdom. However, there’s a caveat to all that, as James states. ‘My brethren, be not among many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.’ James is warning us not to have too many teachers in the church, as it could easily lead to misuse, through slanted or even wrong information being taught, thereby causing confusion and leading the believers astray, as happened in the early church, and sadly is still happening too much today. Bruh Paul warned Timothy of this. ‘Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions (causes disputes) rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end (purpose) of the commandment is charity (LOVE) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (sincere). From which some having swerved (strayed) have turned aside unto vain jangling (idle chatter); Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.’ (1 Tim.1:4-7) Yes my people, there are many false teachers and preachers out there in our evil world, teaching false or slanted doctrine. Some only talk God, but are rather unscrupulous, are only out to make a quick buck off the unsuspecting public. Fraud artists abound in all areas of life, even in the Lord’s ministry. Bruh Paul also warned us in this regard, when dealing with the Jews and the law, re circumcision and it’s place in the gospel. ‘Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makes thy boast of the law, through breaking the law, dishonourest thou God?’ ( Rom.2:21-23) And he goes on to berate those who laud the practice of circumcision, but don’t practice the law that goes with it. As the scholars claim, ‘the rite without the reality of the personal devotion to God is meaningless and is really unrighteous.’ Put in simple terms; teacher or preacher, teach thyself, practice what you preach, for it’s not right to say one thing then do another. And we all know people like that. But it’s even more important among those who attempt to spread the Word. I’ve never wanted to be a role model, and would often tell others to do as I say and not as I do, for though I give very good advice, I don’t always apply it to my own circumstances. However, since I’ve begun writing this Bit, I’ve realized that there’s a great responsibility to practice what I preach, because in the eyes of the public I’m now a role model for Jesus, and people will expect me to follow the advice I give them if it fits my circumstances. Ah Lord eh! Yuh know Friends, it’s the first time I’ve ever really sat down and contemplated the fact that I’ve become a serious role model, when I never wanted to be one. Our God can be so tricky and underhanded at times. Hn! The thing with being a role model is that you have to live up to whatever ideals you teach, but with our natural sinful and rebellious nature, it’s also easy to deviate from the narrow path, which leads to oodles of criticism and crying out for one’s head. Just look at all the people we’ve put up on pedestals recently as our cult of celebrity widens, and as soon as they err, sometimes it’s only simple human error, we’re quick to drag them down unmercifully and tarnish their name, meanwhile in our own little world, we’re doing even worse. That’s the hypocrisy I can’t stand with being in the public eye: we all want to be forgiven, but cannot forgive. Be it known though Friends, that I take what I write seriously, sometimes too seriously, for if after I send out the Bit, I see even one small, insignificant error, it annoys me. That’s because I keep talking about believers reaching out for excellence like Jesus did, and I’m just trying to do as I say. Hn, hn, hn! I’m chuckling because I don’t know how we got to this point. I guess the Spirit must have felt that I needed to give a personal testimony and clear the air in that regard, for I certainly don’t want to be a purveyor of wrong information on God’s behalf. But please remember, I’m only human too, and though my heart is in the right place, I’m no scholar, just learning as I go along with you, so don’t put me on any pedestal, as I have Achilles heels too. (smile) The old people would say, I’m taking in front before in front takes me. But seriously though Friends, it’s vitally important for anyone who’s teaching anything at all, to have that teaching, where necessary, displayed in their everyday lives. For as James rightly says: ‘knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.’ Yes, teachers will always be held to higher standards and judged more strictly than their students or listeners, for they have an higher responsibility to uphold; to teach the truth, and not lead others astray. Consequently Friends, it is very important that we pay careful attention to whom we listen to and what they say. Don’t take everything for granted, do your homework, study the Word and ask questions if you’re not sure. That’s the only way you can protect yourself and not be led astray. Please guard your hearts, souls and minds carefully for the enemy is always on the lookout for someone to exploit. Much LOVE!…Christ, crucified on the cross for our sins…brought salvation and eternal life…that’s the eternal truth…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 March 2010 Job 10:20‏

10 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Job 10:20    Are not my days few? Cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little.
 
Oh Friends, it’s several down and another one coming up! That’s a warm winter’s day. (smile) But yes, it’s supposed to be warm again in my neck of the woods. Thank you Lord! However, when it does turn back cold, as it surely will, we’re all going to be bemoaning and bewailing our condition like Job, without good reason though. We gleefully enjoy the good things but complain mournfully when the dark days come, as they must do. Job knows this, and so informs his wife, (Job 2:10) but still, with our human intellect, finds it difficult to comprehend his sudden catastrophic situation. Most of us would too, after doing our best, working hard and amassing an earthly fortune and a good family, considering ourselves fairly righteous, treating others decently, then suddenly our whole family and fortune are taken away for no apparent reason, and we’re covered from head to toe with boils and skin diseases. Brudder! That’s certainly enough for a man to hold his head and bawl, wonder why, and bring his complaint before his God who had so promised to look out for him. Then to make matters worse, his so-called friends, instead of comforting and consoling him in his time of loss and grief, gang up on him, remonstrate with him, claiming that he has some terrible hidden sin, why such calamity befell him. Oh my people, this life is certainly not easy, nor one with easy to find explanations. We all wonder why bad things happen to good people and vice versa, and that certainly confuses us. But that’s why we have our faith, to help us cope, especially in those rough times that seem unfair. We have to be like Job, who, when the full extent of his disaster hit him, he tore off his robe, shaved his head, fell down to the ground and worshipped the Lord, saying: ‘Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly (accused Him with wrong) (Job 1: 21-22) Ah mih friends, that’s the right attitude for believers to adopt when calamity befalls us. Hn! However, it’s much easier said than done, especially when we take our concerns to God but can’t get any reasonable answers, and sometimes no answers at all. But as Dr. Schuller (Hour of Power) likes to say, ‘why’ is one question our God doesn’t answer, because it will just cause arguments. We’ll never be satisfied with His reasoning since all we can see is the small, personal picture, while He takes a big, worldwide view. So going to God asking why, is often the wrong question. What we should be asking is, what now Lord? What do you want me to do now? But again Friends, all those things work well in theory, in practice though, too few of us are able to handle them. We bewail our birth, curse the day we were born, and end up questioning God’s purpose for making us, if He’s going to allow such tribulation in our lives. Like Job did: ‘Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war are against me. Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? O that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.’ (Job 10:17-19) Yes my people, that’s often our reaction when adversity strikes us. We question God: ‘Are not my days few?’ As Bruh David declared in his prayer for self-understanding. ‘Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity (vapour). Selah.’ (Ps.39:5) And we continue in our plaintive voice to God: ‘Cease then, and let me be alone, that I may take comfort a little. Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death.’ (Job 10:20-21) Oh mih breddren, we all have experienced those dark, dismal days when we’re in dire straits, don’t know why, can’t see any daylight, and all we can do is beg God to ease up the pressure. Sometimes it gets so awful that like Job, we despairingly declare: ‘So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.’ (Job 7:15) But my people, it’s never good when we choose death over life because it means that our faith is either extinct or at a very low ebb. In times of catastrophe and disaster that’s when out faith needs to be at its highest, at the top of its game, so that we can withstand the enemy’s fiery darts, and take comfort form the Lord’s Word and His many promises of sustenance and guidance. Friends, our beautiful planet, Mother Earth, is currently undergoing a series of inexplicable natural disasters, as well as many evil doings by men, with many of us believers suffering untold burdens and personal tragedy, but please, DON’T GIVE UP. Now is not the time to quit; it’s the time to dig deep down into our souls and find the reserves of faith that we all have buried there, and use it on behalf of our God, use it for His glory. That’s what believers are called on to do: NEVER GIVE UP, for once there is life, there is hope, and we are saved by hope. Therefore, we need to ‘hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.’ (1 Pet.1:13) Yes Friends, remember that our faith is fuelled by hope, for ‘faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb.11:1) And though we have our struggles and go through all sorts of want and deprivation, with feelings of sadness and thoughts of giving up, if we stand strong, steadfast and true, like Job, in the end, the Lord will certainly bless us. ‘Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before…So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.'(Job 42:10,12) It’s not easy Friends, but with the Lord’s help and our strong faith we can pull through. Please remember that. Much LOVE!…though the road be rough and rugged…Jesus will always help us through…if we call on Him…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 March 2010 Judges 5:24‏

09 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Judges 5:10     Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
 
Oh Friends, more sunshine and spring-like weather is in the offing! Wow! It’s been quite a few days now. Let’s be hopeful people, but don’t get our hopes up too high, for it’s highly unlikely that March, the month likened to a lion with its cold, blustery winds and frigid temps will just pass through this year like a lamb. There are still 22 days to go. Anyway, yesterday was International Women’s Day, and I’m a tad late, but having read a wonderful quote attributed to one of Canada’s famous authors, Lucy Maude Montgomery, writer of such books as Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea, I had to write something on the topic. And also because the sad plight of women is perhaps nearest and dearest to my heart. I don’t know if that’s from living most of my life mainly among women, and seeing the unnecessary nonsense they have to put up with. In this supposed forward thinking 21st century, women are still being treated worse than cattle in the Third World and like second class citizens in the First World. Say what you want, but the facts speak for themselves. Look around our modern society and see how many women are really at the top of the big corporations? Not many. The proverbial glass ceiling and the old boy’s network are still there keeping them down. And even when given a glorified title, it’s generally in some inane department like Public or Human Relations, where no real meaningful decisions are made. Have you noticed Friends, that whenever you read or hear of some announcement from the Public Relations section, the majority of times it comes from a woman? In these supposed enlightened times, we still drag out the implausible, stupid excuses about women not being able to have a top notch career and be a good mother at the same time. But a man can do it and be a good father. Rubbish! Women in the lower echelons have been doing it for eons, so why can’t the ones at the top do it too, especially when they will obviously have more perks and advantages? And what about all the technological advancements now in place, can’t those be used to help the female corporate leader? Then we have the unexplained differences in remuneration for females and males doing the same work with the same qualifications. Why is that still rampant eh? Oh Friends, it’s time for all this injustice to cease. It’s time for women to stop bearing the brunt of the dirty work without the proper compensation. Many men still believe that a woman’s place is in the home, making and raising  children, washing, cooking, cleaning, burdened with household duties, living in subjection to the male ego, and being thankful for it too. Steups! If that’s your thing, fine, to each her own. But if you choose to rise to the top of the corporate ladder your path should not be blocked or you shunted aside to some lesser post just because you’re a woman. In our modern society women are still looked upon too much as sexual objects. Check out any rap video, where the men are covered from head to toe while the women are always half naked, and it has nothing to do with the song, just using the sexual flavour to sell it. Consequently, the morals and values of many young women today are sadly very low or non-existent. And the sad part too is that many of these men who have this superior attitude aren’t even worthy to tie the bootlaces of some of the women they abuse or suppress. They are just a setta fool-fool men, but because deh name man, they think it’s their god-given right. Chuh nonsense! And I’ll get to Lucy Maud’s quote now. Her son Chester claims that she once said: ‘I have no desire to be equal to a man. I prefer to maintain my superiority.’ Bravo, Lucy Maud! And it’s no lie Friends; women are superior to men in many aspects. Consider how many men can be pregnant, yet go to work every day and still competently run a family with several small children hanging on to their apron strings? It’s also been proven that women are emotionally stronger than men. This thing about women crying at the drop of a hat is only something they concocted to control men. The same goes for their use of things like sex, clothes and jewellery. A woman can control a man with her little finger if she so desires, and yet allow the man to feel big and macho. And here’s another thought; ‘Behind, before or beside every successful man is a sensible, understanding woman.’ And that’s a fact. Successful men need sensible, understanding women to help them along. But what really annoys me Friends is these backward, paternalistic societies where women are treated like chattel and are still considered totally expendable. I’m talking of societies where they aren’t even allowed an education; are married off to whomever the parents choose, sometimes the highest bidder; where they are blamed and punished for sexual misconduct while the men involved suffer no backlash; where they are aborted as a foetus in preference to men, who are more cherished; where they are easily and knowingly sold and used as sex slaves; burned alive with their dead husbands, or forced to endure terrible poverty as widows. Oh Friends, there are so many ways in which the female of the species is still being abused in our world that it makes one want to hold their head and bawl, ‘Why Lord, Why?’ Men bear much of the blame, but women must bear some too for too readily accepting the status quo and not standing up for their god-given rights. I know it’s not an easy situation to conquer, but unless women of all walks of life, especially those with some authority and power, in tandem with the sensible, true Christian men amongst us, get together and put an end to the systemic abuse of women in all societies, it will continue. And per Today’s Bit: ‘Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent,’ that refers to a woman in the days when judges ruled Israel. In fact Deborah, a woman was the judge at that time. The Lord raised her up to guide Israel, proving that women can be good rulers too. Anyway, at that time the Canaanites had Israel under control, but between Deborah and Barak, the leader of the Israelite forces they regained their independence. The story goes though that while Barak was chasing the Canaanite captain, Sisera, he ended up in Jael’s tent. Sisera asked for water, but she gave him milk and treated him lordly. Then when he fell asleep, she hammered a nail through his temples then cut off his head. (Judg.5:25-27) That’s why she earned a place in the Song of Deborah and Barak. Women of the world, and sensible, Christian men, it’s time for us to unite and rise up against the forces of evil that insist in ill-treating our women folk so that those to come will not suffer the same indignities. I know this will offend some macho men and frivolous women, but that’s okay. I can handle it. I know this Bit might also be a tad disjointed and incoherent, but when writing from the heart, as I’ve done, those things aren’t important. What’s important is that we live up to our talk as true followers of Jesus, and He would never consent to the way we treat our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. So let’s try and improve it nuh.  Much LOVE!…talk is cheap…but walking takes guts…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 March 2010 Proverbs 19:25‏

08 Mar 2010 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 19:25     Smite a scorner and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Monday morning, time to begin anew the work week battle! Please remember to put on your full battle dress, all your spiritual armour, and then some, (smile) before going out to engage the enemy. This way you can withstand his evil slings and arrows and also get in some licks of your own. And yuh know Friends, the power of the Spirit and its unconventional methods never cease to amaze me. I just did a routine task, and for some inexplicable reason a mighty surge of thanks rose within me. It wasn’t anything special or out of the ordinary, but I simply felt overwhelmed to offer much heartfelt thanks to our God. So let’s do that now please. Let’s take a moment to praise and glorify Him. And all God’s people proudly sang: ‘Praise Him, Praise Him, Glory Hallelujah, He is LOVE, Yes, He is LOVE!’ Now didn’t that feel good? It sure did! And I’m sure the Lord appreciated it, for there’s nothing He likes more than thanks, praise and glory from His children. Oh mih breddren, the mighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is certainly LOVE! He embodies the emotion as He’s shown throughout the ages, especially with the sacrificing of His only Son, Jesus, for our sins; the greatest show of LOVE ever. For that we can never give Him enough thanks and praise. But now we come to our Bit which deals with the way different people understand, or come to wisdom through different means and methods. Cousin Sol wisely proclaims: ‘Smite a scorner and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.’ And that tends to be the general rule: The simple, unlearned man oftimes will only learn from corporal or physical punishment. Moses cited this cause and effect when he warned Israel that idolaters who rose up as prophets among them, wanting them to follow other gods, should be unequivocally put to death. ‘And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more (not again do) such wickedness as this is among you.’ (Deut.13:10-11) That’s usually the way the uneducated or simple minded learn. And not surprisingly there are several passages in the Good Book dealing with the subject from men of great faith and wisdom, including Jesus. When talking about not judging others, he advised: ‘Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend (tear) you.’ (Mat.7:6) We should not waste our time telling the truth to those who refuse to hear it because of bias or hypocrisy. As the Jamaican saying goes, ‘doh feel sorry for meagre dog, cause he’ll turn around and bite you.’ And that’s a fact; the ones who need help most, are often the ones who are least appreciative. Sol also warns: ‘Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will LOVE thee.’ (Prov.9:8) Friends, that sounds logical, but Cousin Sol never met the numerous supposed wise we have today, who can’t take any criticism at all. (smile) I guess that simply means they aren’t truly wise. Unlike Bruh David, who unashamedly declares: ‘Let the righteous smite me: it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head (let not my head refuse it): for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities (against their wicked deeds).’ (Ps.141:5) Yes Friends, Bruh David proves Sol’s theory that the wise learn from verbal rebuke, so there’s no need for physical punishment. And the Preacher contends that ‘It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling (sound) of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of a fool: this also is vanity.’  (Eccl.7:5-6) Now my people, you ask what has all this got to do with anything? And I answer, everything. (smile) It just reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we should always seek wisdom and understanding, desire and aspire to excellence, upgrade ourselves with the Word and anything else that will help us do a better job for Jesus. We shouldn’t be strait-laced and narrow minded, argumentative and refuse to accept justified criticism. I know that none of us likes to be told we’re wrong, much less proven wrong, but all the wise men claim that we should not immediately fly off the handle, but first stop and consider the criticism. Neither should we be quick to judge others, especially if our own faults and failings are bigger than those we’re criticising. And if the criticism is unwarranted, then we should do like Jesus, turn the other cheek and move on. Our Saviour never got riled up over the criticism He unjustly received, and that’s the standard we ought to reach for. It’s not easy with quick, harsh criticism being the flavour of our time, where everyone’s a critic. But Friends, please remember that when we walk with the Most High God Jehovah and follow the guidance of His Holy Spirit, all things are possible. Much LOVE!…the wise will learn from words…but the unwise need blows…
 

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…
 

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