Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 December 2009 Malachi 3:15‏

24 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Malachi 3:15     And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
 
It’s Christmas Eve Friends; the day before the biggest celebration in our world! And all over the planet craziness will abound with last minute preparations for celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let’s not get too caught up though in the secular aspect of the event and forget the spiritual and most meaningful part of the whole situation; the fact that it heralded the start of a new and exciting relationship of man with His Creator. Our society already resembles that of ancient Israel when they stopped worshipping the God of their fathers. ‘Your words have been stout (harsh) against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully (as mourners) before the Lord of hosts.’ (Mal.3:13-14) Friends, those were the words of our God to His people back then. Sadly, He is saying the same thing to us now, for that’s the kind of behaviour we’ve adopted. Only a small minority seek to serve the Lord. The vast majority bow to Beelzebub and his evil, negative undertakings because they believe through him they can acquire more earthly power and possessions. But that’s not true. It only seems that way because Lucifer is quick and eager to satisfy our lustful desires of the flesh so he can put his mark on us, beat his chest in boastful pride and gleefully declare: ‘One more for me; one less for God.’ However, in reality, the Most High God Jehovah is able to bless us with more material possessions, if He desires, since He’s much more powerful than Lucifer. But that’s not our God’s style. He doesn’t want us running after the destructive things of the world, but the constructive things of heaven. So obviously when we go to Him with those worldly and lustful passions, He’s going to turn us down, cause it’s not in our best interests. Therefore, the weak of heart, timid of spirit and lustful of eye hook up with Lucifer to acquire the earthly treasures that they so greatly desire and feel they can’t do without. Oh my people, it’s reached such a ridiculous stage now, that as Malachi states; ‘now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up.’ Yes Friends, our once godly society has dropped to such an evil, immoral, sinful, violent, greedy level that we consider those proud, arrogant, ungodly people blessed, by nature of their wealth and power. The workers of iniquity are raised up, exalted in their iniquity. How sad my people. But that’s nothing new. It is inevitable when a society moves away from the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Under those circumstances, it’s only natural for evil, wickedness and negative behaviour to become glorified. Way back in time, the Psalmist Asaph also experienced the same kind of problem. He almost fell into the enemy’s trap. ‘But as for me, my feet were almost gone (stumbled); my steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious of the foolish (boastful), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper (always at ease) in the world; they increase in riches.’ (Ps.73:2-3,12) Oh my people, I beg of us, please, please don’t be envious of the evildoers, for though they seem to prosper now, they’ll eventually get their comeuppance when the Lord is ready. I know all the baubles, bangles and bright, shining things are beautiful to look at and very enticing, but as true believers we have to resist that temptation to worldly possessions and stick with the plan laid out by our all-wise, omniscient and most competent leader Jesus. Friends…Yeah! Got one right at last! (smile) It’s at a point now where ‘they that tempt God are even delivered.’ Yes, those who go a step further and bad-talk, mock and belittle our God are now allowed to do it freely, and are even encouraged by the enemy. But my brethren, please remember the words of Psalm 95: ‘O come let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation (rebellion), and as in the day of temptation (trial, testing) in the wilderness: When your father’s tempted (tried) me, and saw my work.’ (Ps.95:6-9) Now that’s the correct attitude to adopt, my wise  people, not the foolish, ugly, hard heartedness of the enemy. As I’ve said before, if Lucifer was so smart, he’d still be the chief angel in heaven. Whoever tries to topple, to oust the God who made the universe and all therein, gets and A+++ for stupidity. So let’s do the wise thing nuh, don’t look to the wicked and their prosperity for true  guidance or right direction. It’s both sad and unfortunate that many have already sold their souls to the keeper of eternal darkness and damnation. But rather, in wisdom, let’s look to Jesus, His Word, and His Spirit for true guidance and right direction, which, at the end time, will see our souls revel in light and eternal life. Much LOVE!…in all things…Jesus is more than enough…for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life…trust Him and live…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 December 2009 1 John 5:1‏

23 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 John 5:1     Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and everyone that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
 
Oh Friends, that most memorable day is drawing nigh! The day the greatest miracle ever was performed; that’s two thousand odd years ago, when the Lord put His awesome plan into motion to bring His lost, disobedient, sinful children back into His everlasting, ever-LOVING fold. Just two more days to that day we call Christmas, and the joyous celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And Friends this ties in nicely to our Bit where John is proclaiming; ‘Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and everyone that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.’ I know it sounds somewhat confusing, but when broken down into its basic elements, we discover that John’s making several important statements in those few words, my people. The first part of the statement has to do with belief; the belief that ‘Jesus is the Christ.’ Now this is of utmost importance to our faith. In fact it’s the bedrock, the very foundation on which our Christian faith is built; that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Messiah, the innocent One who atoned for our sins and sits at the right hand of the Father doing due diligence for us. John makes several adamant, inflexible statements re our belief in Jesus. Let’s check out a few. ‘Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.’ (1 John 2:22-23) That sounds fairly logical. If the Father and the Son are One, like two peas in a pod, then if you deny any one of them, most likely you’ll also deny the other. Then, in talking about trying the spirits, John vociferously declares: ‘Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.’ (1 John 4:1-3) And that’s the living truth Friends! The purveyors of the antichrist movement are rampant in our society today, and we need to be very careful of what we believe, and whom we believe it from. John is adamant and unrelenting in his belief that if the Spirit doesn’t acknowledge that Jesus is God, or of the triune Godhead, then it’s false and should be cast aside. And finally, he declares that ‘Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.’ (1 John 4:15) So my Friends, the first thing our faith calls for is the strong, unrelenting belief that Jesus is Christ, the Messiah, and anyone who says otherwise is a liar and antichrist, and doesn’t truly have God in him, because only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, truly have God in them. It’s an unbroken circle my people: believe that Jesus is Christ, then you have God in you. And to have God in you, you must believe in Jesus. You can’t have one without the other. And when you sincerely believe that Jesus is the Christ, then you’re born of God. ‘But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ (John 1:12-13) Yes Friends, all those who receive and believe in Christ, are born again; not of flesh and blood, but of God, of the Spirit of God. Then we become new people in Christ. Our lives change for the better. We move up to a higher level, a more spiritual plane. We’re not as concerned with the things of the world, of the flesh, but of the Spirit and of heaven. The last part of John’s statement is also significant re our faith; ‘and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.’ When he says ‘begat,’ he means a father. In this particular case, God. And ‘begotten of him’ is the child of the father, here meaning Jesus. The point he’s making is that generally, if we care for a father or parent, then we’ll most often also care for their children too. So in effect, if we truly LOVE God, then we’ll also LOVE His Son Jesus, and pay Him due respect. That makes sense, doesn’t it my people? And, per the scholars, there could also be another twist to John’s statement. ‘Begotten of him’ could also refer to us, the children of God, those born again through accepting Christ and His Holy Spirit. Then it means that to truly LOVE God, we also have to LOVE all His other born again children. Which certainly makes a lot of sense. For remember Friends, God is LOVE, and LOVE is of God. They’re inseparable. Again, you can’t have one without the other. And the complete cycle my people is: Belief that Jesus is the Christ, also the Son of God, gives us rebirth on a spiritual level, and brings the eternal emotion of God, LOVE, into our hearts and souls, and causes us to LOVE Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Father, our neighbours and ourselves. If that cycle doesn’t operate within us, then we’re not true believers, not sons of God, but antichrist. So let’s do some diligent soul-searching asap, and quickly reconnect the cycle if it’s broken. Much LOVE!… may the circle be unbroken…in the sweet bye and bye…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 December 2009 Psalm 102:26‏

22 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 102:26     They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.
 
Okay Friends, it seems like I’ll keep my promise and dig right into the Bit today, as the Spirit doesn’t appear to be leading me down any other path. And, fortunately, or unfortunately, you might not hear much of my opinion today, (smile) cause this Bit concerns some real powerful scriptures of powerful men of faith. Let’s begin by saying that the author of this Psalm is anonymous. It’s titled, ‘A cry in distress: A prayer of the afflicted when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord.’ The psalmist cries out: ‘Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.’ (Ps.102:1-2) That’s nothing strange or new, since it’s the way we all want the Lord to handle our problems. Then the author goes on to list his woes. (vs.3-11) But after that, his spirit is reinvigorated and he begins to glorify his God instead. ‘But thou O Lord, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.’ (vs.12) The verse of immediate concern though is; ‘Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.’ (vs.25) That my Friends is the subject of the Bit; the changing nature, the destruction of the heavens and the earth by the Lord God in His chosen time. ‘They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak, garment) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.’ It’s a significant piece of scripture people because it not only magnifies the Lord’s longevity, but also His awesome power. He made the earth and the heaven, and like a garment, they will grow old, but just as simply and easily as we change our clothes, the Lord will change the heavens and the earth. The psalmist statement is sure, with no doubt implied. Even more importantly, it ties in to some significant prophecy re the eventual end of the world as we know it, to which several men of great faith have also testified. Let’s start with that man of outstanding vision, Isaiah. In talking about the Lord’s wrath on the nations, he declares: ‘And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all the host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold it shall come down upon Idumea (Edom), an upon the people of my curse, to judgement.’ (Isa.34:4-5) Later on, in saying that the faithful are called to courage, Isaiah is even more graphic. ‘Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.’ (Isa.51:6) But note Friends, though the heavens and earth are destroyed in whatever manner, the righteousness of the Lord shall endure for ever, and so shall all those who embrace Him in faith and trust, surrendering themselves to His good and faithful will. And if you don’t believe Isaiah, then listen to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus. ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only…Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come…Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.’ (Mat.24:35-36,42,44) Oh my people, how much plainer, more explicit can our Saviour be eh? Not much at all. I therefore implore us to get ready, set our houses in order RIGHT NOW, for anything is possible at anytime, and we definitely don’t want to be caught napping if the big moment suddenly comes in our time. Meanwhile, the apostle John, in his visions in exile on the island of Patmos claims: ‘And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.’ (Rev.20:11) Friends, another man of great faith testifying to the ultimate destruction of the heavens and the earth as we know them. I like John’s way of putting it though; ‘from whose face the heaven and earth fled away, and there was no place found for them.’ He doesn’t paint all the fearful drama of fire and brimstone. Then there’s Peter, who corroborates it all. He’s talking first about the great flood. ‘Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against (until) the day of judgement and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men.’ (2 Pet.3:6-7) He follows that up with: ‘But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.’ (2 Pet.3:10-12) That says it all my people. At the last day, which can be anytime, our world will disappear, but the righteous will be saved. So we should be always prepared; trusting, believing, living in righteousness and LOVE. Once you’ve heard the Word my Friends, there’s no excuse for missing that last train to glory, so please get a move on. Don’t you hear the whistle blowing and the wheels a clanking down the track?  Much LOVE!…NOW…is the right time…to start planning for eternity…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 December 2009 Psalm 102:26‏

21 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 102:26     They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.
 
Oh Friends, another Monday morning has arrived, and a terrible one too, in that there are only four more shopping days till Christmas. Steups! That means the workers of iniquity will be out in full force, enticing us to buy what we can’t afford or really need, then the pushing and shoving in the malls and stores, plus the road rage from the traffic jams in the parking lots and highways, resulting in many negative situations, all disputing and negating what is supposed to be a season of peace, goodwill and good cheer in joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Now if you add to that, the extremely bad weather along the East coast of North America on the past weekend, the next few days certainly don’t lend themselves to much goodwill and good cheer. However, there’s not much we can do about that kind of negativity since it’s an aggressive, violent and selfish society in which we live. But as believers, we sure can monitor our own behaviour and not get caught up in the frantic last minute rush. It’s absolutely necessary to put on your full suit of spiritual armour before venturing forth to shop in this crazy time. Anyway, there’s a quote I want to share, re change. It’s attributed to Prince Phillip. ‘Change does not change tradition. It strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an opportunity not a threat.’ Now I don’t totally agree with Phil, for in some cases change does change or kill tradition. And what’s the first one that comes to mind? Hn! The crass kind of commercialism that now surrounds the major holidays, whereby many people have weakly bowed to the enemy and thrown out the traditional reasons for and manner of celebrating them. That means many young people have no clue as to their history of traditions, of what went on before their time. And as the adage says, ‘if you don’t know from whence you’ve come, you won’t know whither you’re going. To the young people, celebrations like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are basically times to eat, drink, be merry and spend lots of money on inane, mostly useless or unnecessary gifts. In that way I think it does change tradition, for the real meaning of the celebrations are lost in the change. Using the same logic, change, at times does pose a threat, especially change of a negative variety, but overall it does provide challenges and opportunities to improve in a positive manner. Oh mih people, lemme tell all yuh about one little change that occurred today nuh, that actually bore out the truth of Prince Phillip’s words. And it happened in church too. I practiced what I preached! Glory Hallelujah! Now, I go to the early morning service at 8.30, that has none of the traditional bells and whistles, just a plain Eucharist, with no singing and stuff, unlike the main one at 10.30. That early service, which is more convenient for me, averages about a dozen people. Today though, we began with two. A third person came in a few minutes later. This created a serious change in my seating plans too, for while I’m usually at the back, today I was up front, not wholly comfortable to say the least. I’m like an old cowboy; I like my back to the door, to see what’s happening in the whole picture. Oh, there was also one other significant factor; I was the only male. The other four participants, including the priest and altar person were all female. That wasn’t a change for me though, because from my earliest days, I’ve always been the lone male amongst a household of women. Hn! Now I guess that explains many things eh. (smile) Anyway, during the peace greeting, I mentioned to Rev. Ann that I liked the small congregation, because it felt more intimate. Well then, says she, we can make it even more intimate if we all gathered around the altar during the lead in to the Eucharist. And that’s what we did: five of us, four women and one man on the raised dais, surrounding the altar, celebrating the Eucharist. Wow! I personally enjoyed it due to the more intimate setting, where you’re closer to the action, like she was preaching to me personally, unlike the sort of impersonal atmosphere where several people are spread throughout the church. It raises thoughts of my days as an acolyte back in the large, old Anglican Church many moons ago, in Scarborough, Tobago, when I was an integral part of the action. It also brings to mind the saying that an empty, silent church has more room for God. It certainly did seem so on Sunday morning. Remember too, that Jesus said wherever two or three were gathered in His name, He would be there. Well, with only five people in the church, He was there, and with definitely much more room than normal to envelope us with His mercy and LOVING-kindness. (smile) Now that small change, I certainly consider no threat to tradition since the congregation is seldom that sparse for it to become habitual. It was nonetheless a pleasant challenge and an opportunity to do something different, while staying within the parameters of tradition. In that sense it also strengthened the traditional way of celebrating the Eucharist. Ah Friends, that’s my testimony for today. And having said that, it doesn’t make sense to get into the heart of the Bit now, cause time and space are at a minimum. But we have talked about change, which was our theme for today, and if the Good Lord is willing, then tomorrow we’ll attempt to dissect it and come up with a meaning we can all understand, provided the Spirit doesn’t lead me in a different direction. (smile) Enjoy this short Bit. Hn, hn! Till then, Much LOVE!…please remember…that JESUS…not commercialism…is the reason for the season…and conduct ourselves and our affairs appropriately…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 December 2009 Proverbs 15:24‏

20 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 15:24     The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
 
Oh Friends, our God is a winner yes! Yuh know, the last few weeks I’ve been encouraging us to really observe and celebrate the Sabbath with worship and fellowship, well some Sundays I mihself  don’t feel like going to church, but the Lord works on me and makes me feel guilty. In effect, He’s asking how I can encourage others to go to church and not do the same? Then I would be like the hypocrite Pharisees and them. So I force myself to go, even though I don’t feel like it since we’re not suppose to live by our emotions and feelings, but by what is right. One Sunday I didn’t go, and would you believe I felt guilty and miserable all day. (smile) It’s the old adage of  ‘do as I say, but not as I do.’ Like so many of us, who give good advice, but don’t heed it ourselves. Now here is one bit of wisdom I want us all to heed.  ‘The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.’ Those are Cousin Sol’s words, so there must be some truth to them.’ What does he mean? In the first place, it means that in all our endeavours we should always seek to rise up higher, aspire to standards of excellence, because that’s what our leader Jesus desires of us. In all our doings we must look for the right and understanding way, otherwise we’re not following Jesus. We will make mistakes occasionally because we’re human, and therefore not perfect, but the important thing is to be always searching for the uplifting, meaningful way; the manner in which Jesus would have handled the situation. Then, as Bruh Paul declares to the Philippians: ‘For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.’ (Phil.3:20-21) Bruh Paul had just told them to follow his example in their Christian walk and to be careful not to follow ‘the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is their destruction (eternal punishment), whose god is their belly (surrendering to their sensual desires of greed, gluttony, immorality etc.), and whose glory is in their shame (a shameful reputation), who mind earthly things (more concerned with earthly than heavenly things). (Phil.3:17-19) Yes friends, we the followers of Christ are citizens of heaven, and thus it’s to heavenly things we must look and aspire, not the matters of this sinful world. Look to Jesus the author of our faith, who, when He returns shall change, transform us, both in body and soul, inside and out, to be a perfect replica of Himself, through the same power by which God is able to subdue and control everything. So, in the traditional manner of seeing heaven above and hell beneath, all believers, the wise of the earth, ought to look heavenwards, for only good, wholesome, godly things flow from there. In this manner, we ‘may depart from hell beneath.’ My people, looking at life from an earthly perspective lowers our expectations and aspirations, doesn’t inspire us to excel. We fall into the trap of being like the majority, lost sheep, caught up in mediocrity, for that is what Lucifer wants and encourages; dumb, dumber, dumbest. He just wants you to go with the ordinary flow, and not think for yourself. That’s why his domain is pictured as hot and disgusting, of eternal darkness and damnation; no peace, no joy, no LOVE, mercy or forgiveness, for Lucifer is indeed a hard taskmaster. Meanwhile, Jesus’ yoke is easy, and His domain, heaven, is the exact opposite of Lucifer’s hell. Whether they’re real places or not mih Friends, I’m surely aiming and aspiring to go wherever Jesus is, because I know that HE is REAL. And besides, as Cousin Sol also said: ‘A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident (arrogant, self-confident). (Prov.14:16) Yes my people, this is one time I’m encouraging us to do just as I say; follow Jesus’ way cause it’s the right one. Whoever doesn’t, is either a madman or a fool, and I don’t want us to be either. Oh Friends, just for argument sake, even if all the things we believe in turn out to be untrue, then we’ve certainly led a decent, peaceful, LOVING life here on earth, the way it’s supposed to be lived. However, if it’s all true, and you don’t adhere to Jesus’ will here on earth, then Lucifer will be your master forever. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t want that to happen to me. However, we all must make our individual choices. I’m pleading with us, let’s make the wise and sensible choice; place your bets on a winner, Jesus; someone who’s already shown His great LOVE for us by giving His innocent life as a ransom for our terrible sins. Rest assured it will be to your great benefit, ending in salvation and eternal life with the Saviour. Much LOVE!…in life and death…there’s no need to hedge…cause Jesus is the sure winner…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

19 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
 
Friends, would you believe that another weekend has rolled around? These last few weeks have surely passed by quickly! And we all know what the weekend means? Time to rest, relax, rejuvenate, fellowship and worship on whatever day we celebrate the Sabbath. It’s very important that we get in some serious time with the Lord and fellow believers, after being tossed and buffeted all week by the evil antics of the enemy and his supporters. Here’s a quote that shines some light on the subject. ‘The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith.’ Those are the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one time President of the U.S. Do you think he’d be pleased by the way we’ve moved forward? I doubt it, cause we certainly haven’t moved forward with a strong and active faith. We’ve regressed, by kowtowing to the enemy more than our God and are now reaping the negative consequences of that unwise behaviour. Like the Israelites of long ago, we’ve ‘mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.’ That’s for sure my Friends. We’ve embraced Lucifer’s evil ways so readily and so much that though our God is patient and long suffering, there came a time our aberrant behaviour was intolerable. Obviously His pleas to us, through His messengers and His Word, to stop the foolishness and listen to reason didn’t work. We just kept going further and further down the broad highway of sin and disobedience. He had to act or lose us completely. And the only things we understand, that bring us to our knees are pain and hurt, suffering and hardship. The Lord doesn’t delight in those things, but He’s a God of justice and righteousness so He couldn’t allow the extreme disobedience we’ve been practicing to continue without intervening. Oh Friends, we don’t want to feel or witness the real anger of our God nuh, cause it would just totally devastate us. Yuh see what happened to His chosen people, Israel, after they went a whoring after other gods and the worldly lusts of the flesh? The prophetess Huldah declared: ‘Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil (calamity) upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.’ (Jer.34:24-25) Eventually, the peace and prosperity they had enjoyed in obedience to the God of their fathers disappeared, only to be replaced by enemy invasion, the destruction of their homeland, exile and bondage again, this time in Babylon. Oh Friends, there are way too many similarities between those times and our current circumstances to just completely ignore the misfortunes that have suddenly befallen us. When we were at the zenith of our prosperity, with Beelzebub’s boys riding high and wild, the rug was pulled right out from under us, with no warning, by the worldwide economic meltdown, displaying the false foundation on which our prosperity had been created. Then check out all the unusual, unlikely disasters that have been occurring, the rise in worldwide conflicts, both external and internal, and also the ecological changes that are wreaking havoc in so many parts of our world. It’s too much, too widespread and devastating to be mere coincidence my people. And as believers, we know there’s no such thing as mere chance, it’s just another way of saying God’s moving behind the scenes. The Bit declares; ’till there was no remedy.’ Hn! Friends, if there’s no remedy for the Lord’s anger against us, then we’re really in bad shape. The psalmist Asaph bewailed his people’s sad plight: ‘How long Lord? Wilt thou be angry for ever? Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?…O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent (meet) us; for we are brought very low.’ (Ps.79:5,8) We certainly have been brought very low my people, but please remember that the Most High God Jehovah is in control and there’s always a remedy to still His anger. The Israelites were eventually repatriated to their homeland after some seventy years in Babylonian exile because they finally saw the error of their ways and repented of their sins. Bit by bit, they returned to Jerusalem as promised by the Father, (Neh.1:8-9) and rebuilt it with the Lord’s help. So too Friends, if we repent and renew our association with our heavenly Father, He’ll help us to rebuild our lives and societies on a strong foundation; the Rock that’s His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But before He raises a hand to help, He must see some changes in our behaviour, some improvement society-wide in reverence to Him. We have to put aside the idols and the fleshly lusts we’ve been running after and wisely return to the safety and sanctity of His fold. My people, we have to plead on bended knees, with wounded but hungry for righteousness hearts, like Asaph did. ‘Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away (provide atonement for) our sins, for thy name’s sake.’ (Ps.79:9) Friends, when we sincerely come to Him in that state of mind and soul, and begin to live it through renewed faith and actions, then our Lord will begin showing us mercy and forgiveness and making our world a better place. I implore us to begin a repentance movement in our area RIGHT NOW, if we want our children’s children to see a brighter day. Much LOVE!…the Lord giveth,,,and the Lord taketh…on His terms…that’s His rightful prerogative…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

18 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. 
 
Ah my Friends, it’s another day of apparently unceasing warfare. But luckily, we know that eventually we’ll be victorious, for we have the Creator of the Universe on our side, and the greatest leader and field marshal ever, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, riding shotgun, directing the proceedings. Now that doesn’t mean we’ll win every battle. We’ll surely lose some along the way, but since we know the final outcome, we must persevere and not let the intermittent losses cause us to lose faith. Today we’re talking about how the ungodly ‘misused his prophets.’ And Friends, unfortunately, believers of all ilk have been misused and abused for their beliefs. For some reason the ungodly are afraid of the godly and are unable to adopt a live and let live attitude towards us. Is it because they know deep down that we’re right, and they can’t handle righteousness? But Jesus said it plainly: ‘Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city. That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel unto the blood of Zechariah son of Barachias, who ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.’ (Mat.23:34-36) And if Jesus said it, my people, then we know it’s gospel. The unrighteous will eventually pay for all the innocent blood of the Lord’s people they’ve shed. And we have a great example of prophet abuse in the unholy treatment meted out to Jeremiah. When he prophesied that the Chaldeans would invade Israel and burn Jerusalem, he was imprisoned for his apparent defection to the enemy. And when he continued declaring that Babylon would conquer the nation; ‘Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hamelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords (ropes). And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.’ (Jer. 38:6) Yes Friends, that’s the kind of disgusting treatment that Jeremiah received at the hands of his own people, for speaking God’s truth, which obviously did not jive with the lies of the princes and city fathers. Most of us will never find ourselves in that desperate a situation, but we’ll all, at some stage of our Christian walk, suffer some abuse, indignity or resentment simply because of our belief in a holy and righteous God, who does not tolerate sinful, worldly lusts. However my people, that should in no way, shape or form deter us from pursuing and performing our Christian duties to the best of our ability. Remember Jesus desires excellence of all His followers, and He’s given us all the tools we need to do whatever He’s called us to do. If we happen to suffer persecution for His sake, then through His indwelling Spirit, He will enable us to bear it, and /or find a way out. Just like Jeremiah did not stay long in the mire of the dungeon, so will we be rescued from innocent persecution. And yuh see God’s mysterious workings, in that it was an Ethiopian, Ebed-melech, a eunuch (officer) in the king’s guard who entreated king Zedekiah: ‘My Lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.’ (Jer.38:9) The king relented and Ebed-melech got some men, rope, old clothes and rags, padding for Jeremiah’s armpits, let it down into the dungeon and pulled Jeremiah up. Glory Hallelujah! He didn’t get out of prison, but out of the mire where he was sure to die of hunger and cold. (Jer.38:11-13)Yes my people, the Lord sends strange, unfamiliar, unexpected people and/or circumstances to test and also to help us. And who was persecuted more than Bruh Paul eh? As he wrote to Timothy: ‘Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.’ (2 Tim.3:11-12) Very true words my Friends. Nonetheless he advises: ‘But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of…the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ (2 Tim.3:14-17) Yes mih people, encouraging words from possibly the most abused believer ever. We’ll all suffer some, but we just got to believe and remember that the Lord will help us. So let’s keep on doing our duties, while reading and studying the scriptures, for it’s in there we’ll find strength to rise above anything that comes against us. It’s the Book of Life. Please hang in there my Friends. When life gets difficult, just remember that we are guaranteed to win in the end, and sincerely turn to the uplifting, encouraging tome that has answers to all our questions on the many machinations of life. Much LOVE!…our faith in Jesus…shall overcome all persecution…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

17 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
 
Oh Friends, these days I often wonder why I read the papers or listen to the news, for what’s considered news is always so negative. It’s so sad that everyday there’s a new conflict in a new arena, or the worsening of one(s) already in play. Very few, if any, ever seem to be settled constructively, and a volatile undercurrent always remains. However, that’s the only way to get some idea, some insight into what’s happening in our messed up world. The old timers didn’t have the media that we do, but they still did okay, through the prophets regaling them with God’s Word. Unfortunately God’s people were not interested, so instead of listening and paying heed, they instead  ‘mocked his messengers, and despised his words.’ Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Yesterday we saw how they mocked the messengers, let’s look now at how they despised His words. Proverbs Chapter 1 provides an excellent example; where wisdom speaks, cries out in the streets; ‘How long, ye simple (naive) ones, will ye love simplicity (naïveté)? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought (disdained) all my counsel, and would (have) none of my reproof.’ (Prov.1:22-25) Yes Friends, the Lord offered His people wisdom and knowledge through the medium of His Word, but they naively and foolishly refused it, proudly thinking that they knew better than the One who created them. How is that possible eh? I don’t know, because I’m still trying to overcome my naïveté (smile) and gain some useful wisdom and knowledge through His Word. But sadly Friends, that same situation exists today. Wherever there’s rampant, unchecked sin, there will always be despising of the Lord’s Word, since it does not hold well with, or encourage the enemy’s evil ways, but teaches us how to eradicate them. Unfortunately, in our current ungodly society, the Word is not held in high esteem. In many circles it’s not even esteemed period, but considered passé, out of date and of no use in these supposed modern times. However my people, that’s a rather short sighted, foolish judgement, for the Word is a very appropriate guide for each and every age. That’s the way the Lord planned it. And what we don’t seem to realize is that the more things seem to change, the more they remain the same. It’s still birth, life, and death we must deal with, plus the complexities of making a living, raising and feeding our families. The overall way we do it might change, but the basics are always constant. And why would the Word last so long, stand the test of time, if it wasn’t applicable eh? It’s been the most controversial manuscript from the day the first words were written, and will most likely still be, come the judgement day. Now if we can see similarities between our current evil, disgusting situation and that of the Hebrews thousands of years ago, highlighted in its pages, that means it might also contain the answer to our situation, as it did to theirs. Friends, it sure does! And all of the good, self-help books published today are based on the everlasting principles of God’s Word. Note, I said the good ones, because whatever good way there is to live life, the Creator of the universe defined it from the very start. What do all those books teach about success eh? Things like dreaming big dreams, then harnessing them with discipline, study, focus, positivity, self-confidence. Steups! All of that and more is found in the Lord’s Word. So Friends, let’s stop this nonsense, stop this foolishness of despising God’s counsel, for just like the ignorant, stiff-necked Jews of old, we’ll suffer untold damage if we continue. As the Lord declares: ‘I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.’ (Prov.1:26) Don’t you think He’s doing that right now my people? The majority of us turned against His Word and look where it landed us; right smack dab in a world gone mad, a world filled with unbelievable tension, conflict, hatred and every negative thing imaginable. ‘For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. Therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away (waywardness) of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity (complacency) of fools shall destroy them.’ (Prov.1:29-32) Bingo! Isn’t that exactly what’s happening to us today, my people? Our waywardness and complacency has wrought much grief in our lives. But unlike the news media, I bring Good News, from the Good Book to boot! ‘But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet (secure, at ease) from fear of evil.’ (Prov.1:33) Oh Friends, only the Lord’s Word provides that kind of encouragement, freedom and security from fear and evil. Let’s wake up, wise up and take it to heart nuh, so that our lives, and those of future generations will be vastly improved. Much LOVE!…the Word…the Lord’s Word… providing solace from grief and sorrow today…strength and wisdom for tomorrow… 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 December 2009 2 Chronicles 36:16‏

16 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Chronicles 36:16     But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
 
Ah Friends, it’s cold outside, and winter isn’t even officially due for another four days. Chuhhh! Oh for some hot, tropical weather! Don’t laugh. I’ll just have to keep on hoping and praying, and in God’s good time, He’ll grant me that request, although it might just be Canada in July. (smile) Anyway mih people, yuh see from the Bit, what the Lord’s chosen in Judah did under the evil king Zedekiah. ‘But they mocked the messengers of God.’ Hn! Israel had already fallen by the wayside, now Judah too had become spiritually bankrupt. A good example of that is when Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 30, wrote to all the Jewish people inviting them to come to Jerusalem to observe the Passover. He warned them not to be stiff-necked like their fathers: ‘For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.’ (2 Chr.30:9) Hezekiah was speaking the awesome truth about our wonderful God being gracious, merciful and ever welcoming to those who sincerely turn to Him. But what was the response? ‘So the posts (runners) passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.’ (2 Chr.30:10) How sad mih Friends. Even in the hope, that their turning back to the God of their fathers might allow those who held their children and brethren captive to let them return, many of the Lord’s chosen still rejected Him. I’m sure that hurt Him terribly. It’s like when we make overtures to our children or people we admire to join us in some good cause and they simply turn us down, or laugh at us and refuse our entreaties. It hurts because we don’t expect that uncouth reaction from those people. But yuh know Friends, is the same thing we doing to the Lord today. They’re a whole host of people, including me, inviting us to repent and turn back to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so that He will save us from the many troubles that now afflict us, but it’s the same cold, mocking reception being received as in the days of Judah and Israel. And I can’t understand why? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Lucifer’s people are ruling the roost right now, and look at the mess they’ve made of the world with their evil shenanigans. Meanwhile, we have a most merciful, gracious, LOVING, forgiving God, the Creator of the universe and all therein, who will gladly accept us back into His fold, even after all the wrong we’ve done, and will also improve the mess the enemy’s made, yet we still refuse to do so. Why? Are the sinful, evil, worldly lusts that surround us so important? Are those things we can’t take with us when we return to the dust from whence we came, and which will also rust, decay, become useless and worthless, more important than our eternal soul, than the salvation and eternal life promised by Jesus? Oh mih people, I certainly hope not! But unfortunately I don’t see us flocking, gathering in droves to hear God’s Word like we do to hear Beelzebub’s. And what was God’s reaction to Israel’s impiety, her ungodliness? ‘Go ye upon her walls and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements (branches); for they are not the Lord’s. For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the Lord. They have belied (lied about) the Lord and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine. And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.’ (Jer.5:10-13) Now Friends, after reading that, look around our world and tell me you don’t see any similarities to that decree of God to Jeremiah. We have rejected the Lord, but our world has not been totally destroyed. But in the last little while it has seen, and is still currently seeing much evil, much war, much hunger, drought, famine, homelessness and poverty like never before. All that in the most advanced society ever! What does that tell us eh people? We’re obviously doing something wrong, if in spite of all the affluence in the world, there’s still so much negative affliction. And the only logical reason for it my Friends is a lack of godliness amongst the world’s people. If we had the Most High God Jehovah reigning supreme in our hearts we would gladly share our worldly possessions with the less fortunate. Then a few us might not be so rich in worldly terms, but Friends, neither would many, many be so poor and destitute. That is what the LOVE of God does to those who revere and trust in Him. Let’s see if we can’t do better than we’re doing nuh. Those of us with wealthy friends and associates, who have more than they or their families can ever use, please plead with them to give a little of their worldly substance to the great mass of unfortunate. Let them know they’ll be rewarded more than they can ever ask or imagine. Friends, the fate of our world depends upon us, the believers, cause we’re the only ones theoretically minded or programmed to SAVE, GIVE, HELP and LOVE. So please, I beg of us, to set our hearts, minds and goals to doing those things that will make our God happy. If we do, He’ll bless us and our land abundantly. We’ll continue this tomorrow, obviously if the Good Lord is willing. Till then, Much LOVE!…what the world needs now…is LOVE, sweet LOVE…it’s the only thing…we can never have too much of…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 December 2009 Jeremiah 2:17‏

15 Dec 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 2:17     Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the way?
 
Morning mih Friends in Christ! What a way Jeremiah’s words have come back to haunt us eons later! Truer words were never spoken mih people. All our recent ‘sufferation’ is our own fault. We brought it on ourselves by turning away from the One True God Jehovah. What a crying shame! Jeremiah plainly states it. ‘Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth into thine heart.’ (Jer.4:18) And does it ever reach into our hearts! Our consciences no longer recognize sin. Morality is no longer important in our society. Now anything and everything goes. We can always find a convenient reason to support our misdeeds. Oh my people, hear this foundation-building bit of scripture nuh. ‘For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye…So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange God with him.’ (Deut.32:10,12) Yes Friends, that was Israel’s blessed relationship to the ONE God of their fathers. Our land was also founded on the Christian faith and ethic, and while we obeyed the Lord God Jehovah, it too prospered. But unfortunately we behaved as Israel did back then. ‘But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.’ (Deut.32:15) Yes mih breddren, we also got prosperous, fat and lazy, played the harlot, became proud and mistakenly believed we did it all from our own strength. Oh how soon we forget! As the Lord asked Israel, and is surely asking us today: ‘Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?’ (Jer.2:21) Now that’s a very good question mih Friends. How did we move from a godly, principled society, to a most degenerate, sinful, wicked, ungodly people eh? Even out fathers of a mere fifty years ago wouldn’t recognize or like their land, it’s deteriorated so much into ungodliness. Lucifer always had a toehold, but certainly not the stronghold he now possesses. Right now he’s the dominant character in the society, that’s why it’s falling apart. Oh mih people, it’s not rocket science to realize that a healthy, prosperous society cannot be built, much less maintained on a negative, sinful foundation. A society that’s focused on things like greed, envy, violence, oppression, immorality, suppression and man-made gods never lasts, since they only breed destruction and anarchy. But Friends, this thing about man-made gods just struck me as being contrary. You originally have an omnipotent, omniscient, all-powerful God, who leads you from servile bondage into a land of milk and honey. But after you’re settled and become prosperous, you simply desert Him. Now that doesn’t sound too smart. And like the Lord was confounded by His people’s desertion. ‘Thus saith the Lord, What iniquity have your father’s found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?’ (Jer.2:5) The same question applies to us today? I can only suppose that mankind, having freedom of choice, wanted to be free of what he considered the Lord’s shackles. What boggles my mind though, is why get man-made gods to worship after that? ‘They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.’ (Ps.106:19) Isn’t that going to put shackles on you too, take away your freedom to do as you please? And then, if you make it yourself, how can you worship it? It should be the other way around, like it is with our Creator and us? I believe the maker always has the upper hand over the ‘makee.’ The logic in that evades me. But whoever said that man was a logical creature eh, we’re ruled more by our emotions than anything else, that’s why we’re in the current worldwide mess we’re in, just like Israel, when they threw off what they considered the Lord’s heavy yoke and began doing their own thing. Friends, I’ll make a poor excuse here for them; they didn’t know Jesus, because he had not yet come to earth. However, we can’t use that same excuse. We know Jesus, and we also know that He said: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Mat.11:28-30) And all God’s people joyously sang; ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Yes my Friends, that’s the best offer there is, and I would strongly advise us all to grab it while it’s available, for it can be repealed, at any time, with no warning whatsoever. That’s why we have to accept it NOW! Just like we run to the sales, even line up long before time, afraid they’ll soon be sold out, even so my people, I implore us to run to Jesus and accept His offer of salvation and eternal life cause we don’t know when it will end, and if we put it off, we might just end up on the outside, in eternal darkness, looking into the bright light of salvation and eternal life. Much LOVE!…the only way to make our world right again…is to embrace Jesus…
 

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries