Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 October 2009 Matthew 3:11‏

13 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 3:11     I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
 
Well Friends, the day for the giving of communal thanks is over. I surely hope we all made a satisfactory…sorry, an excellent showing and did not overdo the eating, drinking and partying. Unfortunately, it’s time to begin the cycle all over again; clear the land, plough it, and sow fruitful seed, so that we can reap another bumper crop at next year’s harvest, obviously with the Lord’s blessings and mercies. However, that doesn’t mean we should stop giving individual thanks, for remember Bruh Paul’s advice: ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Eph.5:20) And remember too that we only sow the seed, it’s God who gives the increase. That means to have a good harvest we’ve got to be faithful all year round. And those terms don’t only apply to the actual sowing of the land, but to all and any endeavours on which we embark. They will only be as successful as we are faithful. And now that I’ve gotten you in the mood, (smile) let’s embark on Today’s Bit; check out those momentous words of John the Baptist. John had been going around the Judean countryside preaching repentance to all and sundry, crying out: ‘Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. for this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ (Mat.3:2-3) Isaiah did prophecy of one crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Messiah. (Is.40:3) And now that prophecy was coming through with John; this man dressed in camel hair clothes and a leather belt, with a reputed diet of wild locusts and honey, whom all the people of the area were going out to see. No doubt many went out expecting a spectacle, the way we still behave when there’s an eccentric person amongst us. However, when they got there and heard his powerful teaching and testimony, many of them ‘were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.’ (Mat.3:6) The power of God mih people! They were unable to resist it. They went seeking entertainment, a freak show, but thankfully ended up believing and baptized. And just like Jesus did later on, when John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees come to be baptized, he taunted them. ‘O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for (worthy of) repentance…for every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.’ (Mat.3:7-8,10) Oh Friends, those words still apply to us today. If we don’t do useful works and be steadfast in the faith, hellfire and damnation will also engulf us. Luke’s gospel relates that John also gave, practical, worthwhile advice to those who came to be baptized, as many asked how they should live after repentance and baptism. To the ordinary folk he said: ‘He that hath two coats, let him impart (give) to him that hath none; and he that hath meat (food), let him do likewise.’ To the publicans (tax collectors), he said: ‘Exact no more than that which is appointed of you.’ His advice to the soldiers was: ‘Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.’ (Luke 3:10-14) Yes people, John was doing an excellent job setting up the Messiah’s coming, and in the early stages his ministry was very successful. But Luke also tells; ‘And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused (reasoned) in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ or not.’ (Luke 3:15) That’s when John uttered those memorable words that have so greatly impacted our faith even to this day. ‘I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.’ Yes mih breddren, John certainly knew his place in the scheme of things; he was the just the messenger, just the harbinger of the good news; the Messiah is coming. We should note though that, per the scholars, John’s baptism wasn’t the Christian baptism that we now know, since Christ’s death and resurrection hadn’t yet taken place. Only after those monumental occurrences did Christian baptism begin. They classify it with ‘the Old Testament offerings (washings) that symbolized a cleansing of personal repentance on the part of a believer.’ I guess a lot of the listeners must have either been scared or considered John mad, or even both, for his concluding statement; ‘he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.’ Today we all know that he was referring to the spiritual rebirth of the person who repents and sincerely receives Jesus as His Lord and Saviour, as Bruh Paul declares: ‘For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.’ (1 Cor.12:13) And that’s the Holy Spirit of Jesus which all believers now receive when they are born again. We all have that same Spirit. It’s no different from person to person, because we’re all one in the body, the church of Christ. We also know that the first anointing of the Holy Spirit blessed the disciples on the first day of the feast of Pentecost. Let’s listen to Luke tell it. ‘And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they (the disciples) were all with one accord (one purpose in mind) in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ (Acts 2:1-4) Yes my Friends, that first blessing of the Holy Spirit on the disciples was such a strong anointing that it even enabled them to speak in languages they were not accustomed to, and it certainly seized everybody’s attention, especially those foreigners who later heard the disciples speak to them in their own tongue. Ah my people, so mighty is our God, that He can do untold wonders as He did on that Day of Pentecost, when the mighty wind, which the Jews associated with the Spirit, and the tongues of fire that divided and rested on each disciple proclaimed that the Spirit’s baptism was all inclusive, lacked nothing. That’s the same Spirit which also dwells in us my Friends and gives us wisdom, guidance, protection and many other good things, so please, let’s use it wisely, for good, and not for ill. Much LOVE!…oh what a beautiful feeling…when we believe…and are born again…through the Holy Spirit…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 October 2009 1 John 1:1‏

12 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  DAY  CANADA!

 1 John 1:1.    That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and which our hands have handled, of the Word of life.

 Well my Friends, Neighbours and Country-men, it’s time once again for us all to give much glorious praise and joyful, heartfelt thanks to our Father, Lord, Creator and generous Provider for the many wonderful blessings He’s bestowed this past year on our rugged, beautiful and prosperous land of Canada! Wow! Canada; the Queen of the North! Where we have it better than ninety something percent of the world, but still find so many things to gripe and complain about. The problem is that we really don’t know how good we have it, and would be much more appreciative if we could only see and/or experience the poor, unsanitary, unhealthy conditions so much of the world lives in, especially with the many natural disasters recently taking place in the East. I know we have our fair share of poverty, homelessness, joblessness, violence and all those negative things, but compared to much of the world, we’re living in a virtual paradise, so please, let’s appreciate it, and instead of constantly complaining, work to improve it. That’s the end of my Thanksgiving spiel. (smile) And for those of you who wonder if I practice what I preach, the answer is yes, to most things, and I try, to the others, since I’m only human and thus fallible. Possibly that’s why the Most High conscripted me to write this Bit; He must have thought I needed some work. (smile) But as I implored those who celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday to do, I did go to church today and fellowshipped with other believers, and Rev. Ann preached on the same things I mentioned above; being too absorbed in the things of the world and worrying too much about our earthly problems, and not thankful enough for what we do have, or concerned enough with the things of God. And a cartoon in the Bulletin was ever so appropriate. It showed a human sitting with his elbows on a desk littered with bills, his hands covering his ears, his already sparse hair standing on end, his eyes helplessly staring at an adding machine and written around his head in a clockwise circle were the words, expenses, anxieties, bills, debts, worries, with a dollar ($) sign interspersed between each. But the great part is that at an open window, two birds sat on the ledge looking at him. One asked the other,’ What’s eating him?’ His companion replied, ‘I guess God doesn’t take care of him like he does us.’ And underneath were Jesus’ words, which we all know, but still refuse to follow. ”Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?’ (Mat.6:26,27) My Friends, none of us can add to our life span by worrying, but we can certainly shorten it by so doing. Anyway, it’s time to get to our Bit. Yesterday we stopped on the part ‘and our hands have handled,’ where Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples and invited them to touch Him and inspect His hands and feet. He also ate broiled fish and honey to assuage their doubts and fears and show that He was real. But my people, there’s even more evidence to show Jesus’ reality wasn’t virtual. We all know the story of Doubting Thomas, so named because He was the one absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples, and when they told him that they’d seen the Master, he refuted their testimony, saying; ‘Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ (John 20:25) And knowing our Saviour’s penchant to satisfy our doubts, eight days later, He again appeared to the disciples behind closed doors. This time all twelve were there. And after His usual greeting of ‘Peace be unto you. Then saith he unto Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless (unbelieving), but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ (John 20:26-29) Oh Friends, what good news! That certainly includes us, who’ve never seen Jesus in the flesh, yet believe. We are blessed! Praise His Holy Name! Now let’s turn to the last part of the Bit; ‘of the Word of life.’ Here John’s referring to the statement in his gospel: ‘In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.’ (John 1:4-5) According to the scholars, when John talks about life, he’s referring to salvation and deliverance through Christ, and light denotes the revelation of God that Jesus proclaimed, which holds all men accountable. Defined that way, what John’s saying ‘of the Word of life,’ is very true. Through one third of the Trinity, the Son, He has indeed seen, heard, and touched the ultimate ‘I AM,’ that existed from the beginning, and will continue to exist for all time, thus giving absolute verification to our Saviour’s sojourn here on earth. Oh Friends, let me close with two important statements. The first is the major purpose of 1 John. ‘These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.’ (1 John 5:13) The next statement is the secondary purpose: ‘And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.’ (1 John 1:4) Yes Friends, it’s also to enlighten us, to show us the enjoyment and share with us the deep sense of satisfaction and purpose that knowing Christ and walking with Him brings to believers. May we all find that joy, that sense of purpose and satisfaction in our daily walk with Him, I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Much LOVE mih people!…enjoy the day…give much thanks…but don’t overdo it…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 October 2009 1 John 1:1‏

11 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 John 1:1      That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life.
 
Well a pleasant Sunday morning to you my Friends in Christ! I hope that all who celebrate the Sabbath today will go to church and fellowship with others, and those who celebrated it on Friday and Saturday went to church and did the same, because it’s one of the Lord’s most important dictates. It’s a day meant not only to worship and glorify Him, but also to renew and strengthen our faith, our spiritual beings, through mutual encouragement and education. Today we’ll continue looking at 1 John 1:1, where the beloved disciple introduces his testimony re the reality of Christ. And no Friends, He wasn’t in the virtual realm of reality, where we spend so much time today that many of us forget what true reality is all about. And what’s it all about? It’s obviously about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who came in the real flesh and blood realm. He was the real thing; the real McCoy. We’ve already dealt with a couple aspects of the Bit; ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes…’ ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.’ (John 1:1) The Word and God are inseparable. He spoke the world into existence, hence the overwhelming importance of the Word; reading, speaking, hearing and living it, cause then we come into contact, into a serious, most worthwhile and rewarding relationship with the Most High God Jehovah, Creator of the universe and all therein. ‘And the Word was made flesh and came and dwelt among us…’ emphasizes that God came to earth as a real man; was born, suffered the usual human travails, died, and was buried. Then comes the only difference; He rose again. That’s because he was God incarnate. An ordinary man couldn’t have done that. John and the other disciples saw all of this, hence their confident declaration; ‘which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon…’ And here, Peter, the Rock, the foundation on which Christ built His Church weighs in with his own arguments. ‘For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we make known unto you the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.’ (2 Pet. 1:16-18) He’s talking there about the transfiguration of Jesus on the mount where an inner change took place in Him, to which Bruh Paul likens our spiritual rebirth: ‘And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom.12:2) So Friends we see that even Jesus had to go through some kind of inner change before He was fully ready to embark on his earthly ministry. And Peter, James and John all witnessed this transformation; ‘which we have looked upon,’ so it wasn’t a vision or a dream, but the real thing, and according to Mosaic Law they serve as ample witnesses. Now they not only saw Jesus in the flesh and touched Him before He died on the cross, but also claim ‘and our hands have handled,’ Him after He rose from the dead. Yes my people, they both saw and touched Jesus in the flesh when He appeared to eleven of the disciples in Jerusalem after His resurrection. ‘And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted (frightened), and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts (doubts) arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered (marvelled), he said unto them, Have ye here any meat (food) And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And he took it and did eat before them.’ (Luke 24:36-43) Ah mih Friends, what a reunion that must have been eh? After been so scared, disheartened and discouraged by their leader’s horrific death, they must certainly have thought that they’d died and gone to heaven when he reappeared, (smile) not to mention scared. But that’s the way our Lord and Saviour operates, in the supernatural. If He claims to be God, a living one too, He can’t simply behave like ordinary men, and there are enough aspects of His earthly life to prove that He was whom He said; God in the form of man. Oh Friends, time and space constraints are forcing us to stop here for today, but there’s more to come tomorrow, providing the Good Lord gives the a-okay. I’ve got to chuckle yes, cause when I first began writing on this verse I never expected it to take three days, but such is the wisdom, width and depth of the Word, that I keep finding stuff to enhance it. So with all of that in mind, let’s keep on doing what we’re supposed to be doing: LOVING our God, SPREADING His Word, and LIVING that Word by Faith. Much LOVE!…only believe…that’s the first step…only believe…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 October 2009 James 3:18‏

10 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

James 3:18      And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
 
Oh mih Friends and Neighbuhs, all yuh hear the good news, the most excellent news? We modern-day Joshua, Bruh Barrack win the Nobel Peace Prize! To backfoot! Yuh see how we God is a great God, how He rewards trust and faithfulness? Praise His Holy Name mih people! And we got to let that be a lesson to us all, that if we try hard enough, be sincere and don’t quit, then our God could cause anything, even unthinkable, unimaginable miracles to happen to us. And all yuh see how we God does move big, not no li’l mickey-mouse nonsense nuh. Everybody denouncing the brother, claiming he hasn’t done anything worthwhile, hasn’t implemented any of his promises, but they forget that he not in power even a year yet. And all of them who jump on his bandwagon during the election last year, criticising and jumping off now, exactly when he trying to do something good, the Universal Health Care System, for them same ones who don’t have a pot to pee in. Steups! Is always the same ones we trying to help who cause the most trouble and are the least grateful yes! They all forget that it took Bush eight years to screw up the world, but they expect the brother to clean up the mess in two twos. They don’t realize that they have to help him, to work with, rather than against him, if they want to see the promises come true. It’s just like our relationship with the Lord: we have a part to play, and He has one, but if we don’t play ours, He can’t play His. And is true that Bruh Barrack has the Most High God Jehovah behind him, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everything he touches going turn to gold. The Lord doh give out miracles vikey-vie yuh know. Anyway Friends, the moral of the story is this; if yuh stay faithful, work hard under adversity and be patient, the Good Lord going to reward you in His own time. Remember, He’s the Master of Timing! Yuh see when He orchestrate everything in Bruh Barrack favour? When everybody ragging on him. And what I like is that the five member Norwegian Nobel Committee voted unanimously, with the Lord casting His silent vote obviously, to select the brother as the Nobel Laureate for Peace; our earthly Prince of Peace! Now what better earthly recognition can we get in the eyes of the Father eh mih people? None really nuh. For what did Jesus say? ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.’ (Mat.5:9) And though some feel that it was too early to anoint the brother, the people that really mattered, the Father included, thought otherwise. And they are right, for in the short time that he’s been on the international stage, he’s done more than anyone else to further the goal of world peace, trying to bring it together rather than tear it apart, as did his predecessor. Instead of fomenting more discord in already tenuous relationships, at least he’s taking a stab at genuine diplomacy. That doesn’t mean he’s soft, just wiser than many. It’s always better to walk and talk softly but carry a big stick, than to just barge in like the proverbial bull in the china shop. And the chairman of the selecting committee said they expected criticism, but the prize was meant to help ‘strengthen his role and his policy.’ And though he’d not been in the limelight for very long, it was ‘enough time to inspire the world.’ And mih breddren that’s what we all need to make the necessary changes in our lives; somebody or something to inspire us, to inject some get up and go. And Bruh Barrack has certainly done that to many of us. And I just LOVE what the official Citation says: ‘Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future.’ Amen mih people! I know this citation not going to sit well with the warmongers and them, neither amongst many others. Can you imagine the consternation that their military commander was adjudged to have done the most to bring peace to our violent, war-torn world in the past year? Chuh! But tough on them yes! They’ve moved the world towards destruction long enough now, is time to let the pendulum swing towards a little peace. We tired of war and violence and all the negative happenings they been causing. They should be happy because the brother put a different face on the U.S before the world. Instead of a constant scowl, dislike, bitterness and distrust, at least people don’t hate the U.S as much, cause there’s now a smile on its face, with words and attitudes that feature working together rather than the old bully-boy tactics. Oh Friends, I heard that news on the radio this morning before I went to bed, but wasn’t planning to write this. The Lord however felt differently, for a few minutes after I got to bed the idea suddenly flashed into my mind. It’s one of the Lord’s favourite tools; wait until I get into bed, then flash an idea so that I have to get up and write it down. Sometimes I manage to just memorize the salient points and leave the writing until I wake up. At other times though, like this morning, the energy is so intense that I have to get up right away and put pen to paper. Ah boy! And sometimes too, the ideas flow so freely that I have to get up several times to write them down. Luckily this was only a two times get up. (smile) Obviously I can’t use or continue yesterday’s Bit as promised, so I’ve got find one suitable for this good spiel, and I have the most fitting one in mind. Ah Friends, let’s hope this shows Bruh Barrack’s own people how much he is appreciated and held in high esteem by others around the world, and it inspires them to throw out the foolish, ignorant, partisan and greedy lobbying efforts for political and profit motives, and cause them to work with him to make the U.S, and consequently the world, a better place for all of us to dwell in relative peace. Remember, though he’s ‘the world’s leading spokesman,’ he’s still only a man, and can only do so much without plenty help, also, as the U.S goes, so goes the world. In closing, I implore us, please, please pray for Bruh Barrack and all our leaders that the Lord will guide them wisely in all matters. Much LOVE!…depart from evil, and do good…seek peace and pursue it… (Ps.34:14)

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 October 2008 1 John 1:1‏

09 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 John 1:1     That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life.
 
Yes my Friends, it’s another day in the life of this crazy, distressed, violent, evil world, but thankfully, we have the means, the faith to withstand all it brings against us. And where do we get that means, that faith? Obviously from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And how do we know that He’s real, that He once lived here on earth as a man, and now exists within the hearts of all who believe on Him, as a guiding, protecting Spirit? Because honest, godly men who lived and shared life experiences with Him, wrote about it. Moreover, John, who’s writing we’re featuring today, was supposedly Jesus’ favourite, so he had no cause to lie or stretch, slant, or exaggerate the truth. Now this is John’s testimony to Christ. ‘That which was from the beginning…" And what’s that? ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ (John 1:1) Yes mih people, there was always, is now, and will be forever, only One True God, and His Word was at the start of everything. God spoke the world into existence. ‘And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.’ (Gen.1:3) Light came at some 186,000 miles per second. That was eons ago. And Friends, the good news is that it’s still coming today, and at that very same speed. Let’s bless His Holy Name and shout: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Yuh know what too? ‘All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.’ (John 1:3) Amen! Of that my people there is no doubt. And John continues his testimony; ‘which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes.’ Friends, he heard and saw Jesus. Wow! That’s more good news! And the Apostle Luke corroborates his statements. ‘Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration (narrative) of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things (accurately followed) from the very first, to write unto thee, in order (an orderly account), most excellent Theophilus. That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.’ (Luke 1:1-5) There we have it Friends, Luke’s purpose; to supplement, to strengthen Theophilus’ knowledge of the basis of Christian certainty. As he says, other people are already writing down what happened and he’s using his knowledge of other writings, plus the eyewitness testimony of people he knows to write his text. And he feels competent to do this because he has a good understanding of both the historical data and its theological significance. So Friends, it’s not something that only one person, or a handful of people have witnessed. And as per his hearing and seeing, John writes with emphasis: ‘And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:14) What’s he saying there? That the Word, God, became flesh, became a man, and lived amongst us here on earth, and he witnessed all the glorious things He did, which were all full of grace and truth. Jesus himself said it, more than once too. ‘Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in (abide by) my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ (John 8:31-32) Truth was certainly Jesus’ stronghold. ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) And again, when Pilate asked, ‘Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest (rightly) that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?’ (John 18:37-38) Now that’s a good question. Friends, when we talk about truth here with Christ, it’s not so much the difference between true and false, but more in the sense of something that’s genuine or real, as contrasted with the unreal. So Jesus’ truth is the real, genuine article, the truth that everything else should be built on to ensure honesty and godliness. As for grace, John declares: ‘For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.’ (John 1:17) There was grace before Jesus came, but not in the intense nor widespread manner, the largesse that Jesus brought it. And what is grace? Oh Friends, grace is the unmerited favour of our wonderful, merciful, LOVING God towards us sinners, given to us for our salvation. It’s only by His generosity that we can get salvation. Meaning that it’s nothing we can earn, buy, steal or anything within our own power to achieve, but only to accept as a free, undeserved gift from our Heavenly Father. And for that most generous gift Lord, we, your humble servants, all raise our voices in thanks, praise and eternal gratitude, saying; ‘Hallelujah! All Praise and Glory be to your Holy Name! Amen!’ Oh Friends, as believers we’re so lucky, that at times I have to pinch myself to make sure that I’m real and all the good things our God has done are true. (smile) Till tomorrow, when we’ll continue with John’s testimony…Much LOVE!…a believers road is rugged…but his joy is supreme… 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 October 2009 Zechariah 7:11‏

08 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Zechariah 7:11     But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, almost from the day of creation mankind has been disobedient to God’s law. Today’s Bit is just one declaration in a long, long line of disobedience. Zechariah had just instructed the people, on God’s orders: ‘Execute true judgement (justice), and show mercy (LOVING kindness) and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine (plan) evil against his brother in your heart.’ (Zech.7:9-10) Oh mih people, how many times have we heard those directives eh? Too numerous to count! We’ve been hearing them from the beginning of time because those are the basic rules on which our faith is based. It’s what Jesus was born, lived by example, preached and died for: For justice, mercy, compassion, and LOVE towards each other; to help the poor, the widows, the orphans and the strangers in our midst. But foolishly, Israel disobeyed. ‘They refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder (gave a rebellious or stubborn shoulder) and stopped their ears (made their ears heavy), that they would not hear.’ How sad mih breddren. And that wasn’t the first time they’d been disobedient either. And each time they were punished. We’ll just quote one instance here though; after Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and took them away captive. Now Nehemiah is trying to right it all with God, so that they can go back and rebuild Jerusalem. ‘Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed (oppressed) them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver (rescue) them according to thy mercies. And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly (acted presumptuously), and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgements, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.’ (Neh.9:26-29) Oh people it’s obvious something was seriously wrong with the Israelites, else they wouldn’t have made it a cycle of disobeying, suffering, crying out for mercy, only to fall back into the same ungodly mess. But we should be the last ones to pass judgement cause we have their mistakes as prominent and poignant examples and reminders of what not to do, but yet have committed the same foolish disobedience. So now we’re in the throes, and note it’s only early throes, of paying for our sins, and as we’re wont to do when payback time comes; everybody holding deh head and bawling, ‘Woe is me!’ But then it’s too late Friends. Remember the ole people’s words; ‘prevention better than cure.’ But no one pays attention to that nowadays, not in religion or any other walk of life. Look at the Pharmaceutical Industry; spending billions to find cures for illnesses and diseases that wouldn’t exist if we lived a better, more stringent life. The ole people also declared; ‘when yuh doh hear, yuh going to feel.’ And we all know that’s gospel, yet we ignore it at our own peril. We must think that the Lord’s joking cause we behaving just like the Israelites when Jeremiah warned them about keeping the Sabbath. ‘But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff (were stubborn) that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.’ (Jer.17:   23) And it’s not like they didn’t know that disobedience would bring punishment. Moses warned them early on about serving other gods that would bring down the Lord’s wrath. (Deut.29:25-27) Solomon said the same thing: ‘Because they forsook the Lord their God…and have taken hold on other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the Lord brought upon them all this evil.’ (1 Kin.9:9) Again with Jeremiah, when the people asked why such evil had befallen them, the Lord instructed him: ‘Thou shalt say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me…and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law. And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk everyone after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me.’ (Jer.16:11-12) And sadly Friends, that’s the truth. We have done worse than our fathers. Our ungodliness has reached limits they could never have even imagined. And from the way things look, our children seem intent on taking it to a higher level. But people we can’t allow that to happen. It’s already a lot of our fault why they are ungodly, and we’re already seeing signs of dire punishment. We don’t want to be remembered as the generation that let the world slip into terrible ungodliness now, do we? Certainly not! So please, let’s make some serious efforts to turn this thing around, starting at home, with those closest to us. We can’t brow beat them with it now, it’s sorta late for that, but through LOVING-kindness, encouragement and a lifestyle of good example we can at least stop the rot. Oh Friends, the future generations are too important for us to just cede them to Lucifer without making a godly stand. Let’s stand strong for them nuh. Much LOVE!…living by godly example…is the only way to make a real difference…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 October 2009 Psalm 126:5‏

07 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 126:5     They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
 
Oh Friends, thankfully, I’ve learned my lesson, for when I was directed to the Psalms tonight, I didn’t query it one bit. (smile) There was never any doubt that I could exhaust the Word. Hn! Instead I embraced it with joy, cause I LOVE to write about the Psalms; they’re so beautiful, so poetic, and use the language in such exquisite fashion. Moreover, they’re so all embracing, containing a wealth of knowledge on all topics and problems, such that every human emotion is covered. If, for some reason, you were only allowed one Book of the Bible, then the Psalms would be the best choice, cause they would sustain you through any situation, adverse or otherwise. But enough of singing the praises of the Psalms, we all know the riches they offer. It’s time to look at a particular one; # 126. It basically deals with the Lord turning around Israel’s problems from foreign powers on one occasion: ‘When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion (brought back those of the captivity), we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.’ (vs.1-3) But Friends, isn’t that what our God’s about? Doing great things for us in the sight of the heathen to glorify His Holy Name. And we are always glad when He takes us out of dangerous and/or difficult situations. But somehow that gladness seems to lead us to complacency, which in turn causes us to deviate from His dictates and get into more trouble again. This seems to be the Israelites’ plight as they plead; ‘Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. (vs.4) They are imploring the Lord to bring back those that were taken captive. Then comes Today’s Bit. ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.’ Oh my people, that’s a basic tenet of our faith from day one. Those who suffer in the Lord’s name will be well rewarded. Isaiah reminded Israel of that fact after they had done wickedly and were punished through captivity and exile. ‘And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.’ (Isa.35:10) He considered that idea so important that in Chapter 51:11, where the faithful are called to exhibit courage, he repeats it. And in Chapter 61, titled, ‘Good tidings of salvation to Zion,’ Isaiah promises on the Lord’s behalf: ‘For your shame ye shall have double (honour); and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in the land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.’ (Isa.61:7) Then he ends that chapter with another powerful promise: ‘For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.’ (Isa.61:11) Oh Friends, those are promises of our true and faithful God, and if we’re sincere believers we won’t doubt any of them. Unfortunately though, it’s not always easy to stand in faith, for whatever reason, when we’re sowing in tears. At those times joy is usually the furthest thing from our minds. And that’s when the enemy comes on strong too, for he knows that our troubled minds are then fertile soil for his seeds of doubt. But my people, we need to dismiss the enemy’s negativity as quickly as possible by encouraging ourselves in the Lord, and proclaiming instead positive words and thoughts like; ‘He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.’ (Ps.126:6) That brings to mind the old hymn; ‘We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.’ Gospel truth my Friends! Then there’s Bruh Paul’s reminder: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’ (Gal.6:9) And to top it all off my people, let’s remember the words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ‘And ye shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Mat.10:22) And don’t forget this Beatitude either. ‘Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ (Mat.5:10) So let’s try not to worry about the crop of tears and sorrows we’re currently sowing, but rather, let’s look to the future, let’s envision the Lord’s faithful promises. Stop seeing all the times we’ve watered the hard ground with our tears of sorrow, and sowed seed that seemed dead, let’s picture instead a bountiful harvest of joy being reaped through our steadfast faith. For such is the majesty and magnanimity of our God to those who are faithful. Much LOVE!…sowing seed is hard work…but if we endure…the Lord will prosper us in exceeding abundance…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 October 2009 Psalm 107:22‏

06 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 107:22     And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
 
Oh Friends, our Lord is truly something else yes! About forty minutes ago, since I had nothing particular in mind to write about, I asked for His direction. I soon got the idea that rejoicing was the order of the day. And that was fine with me, for recently we’ve been delving into too much negative stuff; a change would be good. However,   there are so many passages on ‘rejoice’ and ‘rejoicing’ in the Good Book that I spent at least half an hour poring over them, purposely staying away from the Psalms. Why? I just felt like I was using them too often and had possibly exhausted all the rejoicing in them. But nothing else I looked at felt right, so I finally turned to them. When I read; ‘And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing,’ I immediately felt a li’l burst of joy in my heart and knew that was the right verse for Today’s Bit. But then I had to check to make sure I hadn’t used it already, cause it sounded too good to have been bypassed. But I should have known better than to doubt the Spirit’s leading. And I was also rather arrogant to think that I could ever exhaust the Word eh. (smile) For that I sincerely apologize Lord, and ask for your forgiveness. Forgiveness granted and accepted. So let’s move on. Ah mih people, there’s so much dread and drudgery in our world today that rejoicing and giving thanks seem to be things of the past. But Psalm 107 is a song of praise and thanks; in part stating various troubles that the Lord rescued His people from, also alluding to Israel’s journey out of Egypt to the Promised Land, having anointed them as His Chosen People, for which they ought to be eternally grateful. The Psalm is titled, ‘God’s wonderful works to the children of men, and is set up like a song with verses that spell out the problems, then a chorus, though this one seems to have two choruses. It obviously begins with a call for thanks and praise. ‘O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.’ (vs.1) Then it goes on to list the first set of problems: Israel’s been lost in the wilderness and scattered all over with no place to call their own. ‘Hungy and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.’ (vs.5) Now Friends, what ought we to do in times of desolation and distress? Cry out to Almighty God! And that’s what they did. ‘Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.’ (vs.6) Yes Friends, that’s our great, marvellous and merciful God! That verse is one of the two choruses. So please remember, whenever we cry out to Him in sincere, heartfelt anguish, He will not only hear our cry, but also answer our pleas with mercy, justice and LOVE. ‘And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.’ (vs.7) That’s why the Psalmist in his wisdom declares: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men!’ (vs.8) And why not my people? We ought to be thankful to anyone who helps us, and when it’s our God, even more so. Now that’s the other chorus. ‘For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (vs.9) The choruses appear after each affliction is mentioned. Those who rebelled and were bound in chains in prison. ‘Therefore he brought down their heart with labour: they fell down, and there was none to help.’ (vs.12) Yes my brethren, that’s what happens when we rebel against the Lord and His dictates; we’re brought low with none to offer us help. But there again when in distress, even by our own doing, what’s the right thing? ‘They cried out unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.’ (vs.13-15) And so it goes my Friends, until the Psalmist declares, ‘Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.’ And what are ‘the sacrifices of thanksgiving?’ Leviticus Chap.7 talks about sacrifices in detail, we’ll just quote verse 12. ‘If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanks-giving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.’ Meanwhile, Psalm 50:14-15 says: ‘Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.’ Not to be outdone, Bruh Paul declares; ‘By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks (confessing) to his name. But to do good and to communicate (share) forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.’ (Heb.13:15-16) So we see Friends, there are all sorts of things we can do that are considered sacrifices of thanksgiving. But in conjunction with thanks we must also ‘declare his works with rejoicing.’ That’s joyful singing my people. As Bruh David said: ‘I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praises to thy name, O thou Most High…Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.’ (Ps.9:2,11) Yes Friends, regardless of what’s happening in our lives, as followers of Jesus, we must give Him the praise and glory to which He’s entitled. Whatever we have, be it little or much, has been graciously provided through His efforts, so we need to be thankful. And yuh know what, it’s strange, but whenever we’re down and sorrowful, even if the cause of our dismay is not solved, just raising our voices, or even humming a prayer of thanks does wonderful things to our souls and spirit. I can attest to that, for many a time I’ve been sad, sometimes for no good reason, but then I begin singing a song of praise, and pretty soon I’m feeling better, my spirits are lifted. So my people, it augurs well for us to give thanks and praise, for whatever reason, even for just being alive. Let’s make it a habit to thank our Creator, cause He’s done a lot for us in the past, He’s doing much now, and He most definitely has good things planned for us in the future. Till tomorrow then…Much LOVE!…voices raised in praise…are the sweetest sounds to God’s ear…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 October 2009 Proverbs 28:5‏

05 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 28:5     Evil men understand not judgement: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
 
Oh Friends, you know how every so often I joke about not seeing our names in the obits, well today while glancing through them I got a bit of a shock. No it wasn’t my own name (smile), but a picture of a long time acquaintance; a fellow by the name of Lance Ingleton, a proud product of Sherwood Forest in Portland, Jamaica. We first met sometime back in the eighties when I had a radio programme on a local radio station, and he was a Reggae promoter. Personally, I’d consider him the best that’s passed through Toronto; in the sense that he was the most gentlemanly and whatever he promised he usually came through with. He was a big part of why Toronto saw so many Reggae name acts in the mid-eighties and early nineties. I would advertise his shows and give away tickets on my programme, thus the strong acquaintanceship. We’d lost contact since I got out of the entertainment business, but I saw him two summers ago (2008) one night at a Reggae Concert at the Phoenix, can’t remember the artist, and he was still the same pleasant, gentlemanly person with his boyish, good-looking charm. He mentioned that he’d been sick for a while, but was then doing well. It sure surprised me when I saw that he’d passed away this past week, and only in his mid-fifties. Obviously, whatever was wrong, finally got the better of him. Thanks a lot Lance for causing us all to see the artists you promoted and hear their wonderful music. Toronto and all who enjoyed it, owe you a big debt of thanks, and I certainly hope that when the story of Reggae in T.O is told, your name will get the prominent mention it certainly deserves. No doubt you’re up there already promoting artists like Bruh Bob, Peter Tosh and the Crown Prince, Dennis Brown, cause although your education was in a different field, I know music was your passion. By now Friends you’ve probably guessed that I was quite impressed by Lance’s honesty and integrity, cause that’s all I ever got from him, unlike many of the other promoters, who would promise big names, or tickets to give away, or some other grandiose scheme, but never come through with them. Many are the nights I went to concerts expecting to see certain big draw acts that never materialised. Later on, you’d hear they knew nothing about coming to T.O. The promoters just used their names to sell tickets. But that was the general attitude back then, with a lot of unscrupulous people only out to make a quick buck off the unsuspecting public. I guess it hasn’t changed much in other walks of life since then either, has it? Greed and getting as much as you can for as little as possible is still the order of the day. However, I believe there was a subtle difference then; we at least covered our greed and wickedness with a touch, a veneer of humanity. Nowadays though, even that’s gone. It’s strictly a no-holds-barred situation. And that’s why Sol’s long ago statement is still so relevant today. ‘Evil men understand not judgement: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.’ And isn’t that the truth mih people! The perpetrators of evil certainly have no inkling of justice and it’s workings, otherwise they’d never commit the atrocities they do. The Psalmist puts it so nicely. ‘O Lord how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish (senseless) man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever. But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.’ (Ps.92:5-8) And all God’s people declared a loud, joyful, ‘Amen!’ Yes Friends, unfortunately the wicked don’t understand that at some stage in their existence, either here on earth or in the spiritual realm, they’ll pay for their wickedness, but pay they will. ‘But they that seek the Lord understand all things.’ And Friends, it’s not so much that we understand everything, but more importantly, we know where to find understanding. As Bruh David so rightly declared: ‘Wherewithall shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.’ Because ‘Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.’ (Ps.119:9,142) And that’s a fact! All believers, and even some sensible non-believers know it. (smile) What did Asaph say? ‘So foolish was I, and ignorant! I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden (held) me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.’ (Ps.73:22-24) Yes my people, there’s absolutely no doubt about that. The Lord will protect and guide us wherever we go, in whatever situation we find ourselves. So please, let us take Sol’s advice. ‘They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.’ (Prov.28:4) Yes mih breddren, it’s essential that we contend with and fight valiantly against the wicked, because their evil tentacles are spreading too far, too fast and too high in our world. For ‘Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness (integrity), than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.’ (Prov.28:6) Another bit of gospel truth Friends! And what better way to end Today’s Bit, or any Bit for that matter, than with the words of our Lord and Saviour. Remember when Jesus prayed to the Father on the disciples’ behalf? ‘I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them (set them apart) through thy truth: thy word is truth.’ (John 17:14-17) And that from the Master’s lips my people, so there’s no doubting its veracity. So Friends, I implore us, let’s aspire to live in truth, by diligently and whole-heartedly LOVING our God, SPREADING His Word and LIVING our Faith. Till tomorrow then, God willing…Much LOVE!…in our search for truth…the ultimate authority is…The GOOD BOOK…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 October 2009 Psalm 13:1‏

04 Oct 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 13:1     How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
 
Oh Friends, that’s a question all believers have asked at one time or another in their walk of faith, when everything in their lives seems to be going wrong, when one trial crops up before the previous one is solved, and/or trials just seemingly continue in a never ending stream. All the great men of faith had moments of doubt and insecurity. In Job’s time of misfortune, when he is trying to understand why such catastrophic tribulation had suddenly befallen him, and defending his integrity, he prayerfully declared: ‘How many are mine iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?’  (Job 13:23-24)  Even the great Elijah ran scared from Jezebel when she promised revenge, after he killed four hundred and fifty of Baal’s prophets by the brook Kishon. ‘Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose and went (ran) for his life, and came to Beer-sheba which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper (broom) tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life: for I am not better than my fathers.’ (1 Kings 19:2-4) Ah Friends, we all feel tired, weary and faint in this crazy life, but it’s not reason enough to give up. All we need to do is call out to our God for help and sustenance, and He will most certainly comfort and refresh us, just like he did with Elijah, who was touched by an angel while he slept under the juniper and advised to: ‘Arise and eat;’ And when he arose, food was under the tree. So he ate, then went back to sleep. And the angel woke him a second time: ‘Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat (food) forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.’ (1 Kings 19:5-8) And there we know he hid in a cave and the Lord asked him what he was doing there and he replied that he was scared because he was the only prophet of the Lord left. And 1 Kings 19:11-18 describes how the Lord caused a violent wind, an earthquake and a fire to pass by him, then in a still small voice, finally convinced him to go back home. Oh my people, Jeremiah was also faced with constant hostility in his walk of faith, even a death plot. ‘But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices (schemes) against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living that his name be no more remembered.’ (Jer.11:19) Oh Friends, when we decide to walk with Jesus, we must be prepared for the great likelihood of suffering for His sake. Later on, poor Jerry had more cause for personal lament; his sorry lot in life and his loneliness. ‘Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife, and a man of contention to the whole earth. I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me….. Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar and as waters that fail?’ (Jer.15:10,18) Strong language indeed to his God, but his pain was also very real. In both cases though, our understanding Lord offered him comforting replies. ‘The Lord said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily will I cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction…Therefore thus saith the lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen (fortified bronze) wall; and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save and deliver thee saith the Lord. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.’ (Jer.15:11,19-21) And then we have Bruh David pleading in Psalm 13: ‘How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.’ (Ps.13:1-4) Even Jesus felt some trepidation when He knew that His time was at hand. In the Garden of Gethsemane He said to Peter, James and John: ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here and watch with me.’ Then He went off by Himself and prayed, ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ Then He goes and finds the trio sleeping and says to Peter: ‘Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ (Mat.26:38,39,41) And right there’s the crux of the matter my people; a willing spirit but weak flesh. Our God didn’t design us to stand alone when the pressures of the world invade our beings. He designed us to walk in consort with Him. That’s why we can’t handle too much adversity on our own. Bruh David understood this principle, that’s why he confidently ended Psalm 13 thus: ‘But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.’ (Ps.13:5-6) Yes my Friends, when we feel unable to handle the hard times, our best bet is to cry out to our LOVING Heavenly Father for mercy, and we will undoubtedly receive a favourable response. As Uncle Charles, Charles Stanley likes to say; ‘Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.’ That’s excellent advice my people. Please, let’s heed it. Much LOVE!…there’s no shame in crying out to God for help… at anytime…
 

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