Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 September 2008 Psalm 94:11-12‏

12 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 94:11-12    The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law.
 
Of a truth Friends, the Lord knows all about us for we are His original creation, from start to finish. He designed and moulded us in His image, then breathed life into the mould. Everything we do revolves around His sovereignty. But since Adam’s fall from grace, man’s become rather uppity and self-centered, choosing to go his own way, guided by his own counsel, believing that he can handle his affairs without any help from his Creator. But Friends, man is ever so wrong. In reality, he’s only dirt; thus can do nothing without the Lord. That’s why he’s fallen into the pit of wickedness, living in lust, greed, envy and sinful pride; why so many of his reputed important decisions backfire; because they do not involve or include God. Friends, why are we so stupid eh, that we continually resist and reject the Lord’s efforts to bring us into compliance with His dictates? As Bruh David reminds us, ‘The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man.’ He certainly does. And ‘that they are vanity.’ Of course our thoughts are vain and futile; a mere breath, and the Lord knows it. ‘For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he then not consider it?’ (Job 11:11) He surely will. Bruh Paul shouts it loud and clear. ‘For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God; for it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in man…’  Amen! ( Cor.3:19-21) Oh Friends, instead of trying to do things from our piddling, insignificant strength, we should take everything to God first; whether it be in solemn prayer or casual conversation. For ‘Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teaches him out of thy law.’ Best advice going people. The believer who seeks and follows the Lord’s instructions, or accepts His discipline without raising a fuss, is the most blessed and favoured in His eyes. That’s the gospel truth people, and there are so many bits of scripture that says so, that I’ll quote a few, hoping they’ll be more persuasive than me. Moses told the Israelites. ‘Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God, chasteneth thee.’ (Deut.8:5) Eliphaz reminded Job with this rebuke. ‘Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty.’ (Job 5:17) Bruh David said it in Today’s Bit, and emphasized it later. ‘It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.’ (Ps.119:71) Solomon, the wisest man ever, said: ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction.’ (Prov.3:11) And though Bruh Paul basically quotes the other scriptures, (Heb.12:5-11) he also addresses the essence of the problem. ‘Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them which are exercised thereby.’ (Heb.5:11) That’s the truth? Discipline always seems harsh and unfair at first, but later brings spiritual contentment to those who receive it. Oh Friends, I hope all this talk on discipline and correction has some tangible, positive effect on us, and we’ll allow the Lord to teach us, for as Bruh David declares: ‘The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.’ (Ps.119:72) Please remember that Friends. Much LOVE!…teaching discipline and administering correction…are integral parts of a parent’s responsibility…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 September 2008 2 Corinthians 1:7‏

11 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Corinthians 1:7    And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing that as ye are partakers of the suffering, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
 
Ah Friends, trust Bruh Paul to find a way to bolster our spirits before sharing the mixed news. After he suffered a near death experience in Ephesus, as we discussed last week, it brought him to such an emotional low, that he cancelled his visit to Corinth, not wanting to burden them with his sadness. ‘And our hope of you is steadfast.’ It’s firmly grounded in truth. He believes it with all his heart, and goes on to reassure them of the firm balance of a believer’s life. ‘Knowing that as ye are partakers of the suffering, so shall ye be also of the consolation.’ Yes Friends, that’s an undisputable fact. If we share in the suffering, we’ll also share in the comfort. ‘For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.’ (vs.5) Another undeniable fact people: As the problems increase, so does the consolation. When we suffer much for Christ, we’ll be consoled much through Christ. And the reason for the suffering? ‘Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.’ (1 Pet.4:1) Christ suffered for us, and we’re expected to do the same for Him. We don’t go seeking it, but if and when it comes, we’re expected to bear it, to stand up strong and fight, like sturdy, obedient soldiers. I keep reminding us that the Christian walk is not easy, since we’re surrounded by a legion of enemies. ‘For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.’ (Phil.1:29) And that Friends is what separates the men from the boys, the sheep from the goats, the true followers of Christ, from just the talkers. It’s very easy to talk Christ, especially in our fairly free environment in the West. But when it comes to walking the talk, many of us give up at the first sign of trouble. An excellent example is Iran, a Muslim country, where believers are apparently being singled out for cruel, unfair persecution, but they’re still solidly holding on to their faith. Not too many of us out here would be willing to undergo that, judging from the way we too often turn tail and run when others put down or ridicule our faith. Friends, that attitude certainly doesn’t jive with being a follower of Christ. Remember the hymn, the believer’s battle cry states: ‘Onward Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the Cross of Jesus, Going on before!’ The Christian life is not a charade Friends. It’s serious business. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the faint of heart can become strong, be energized by it, believing that Jesus died for us and washed our sins clean, and He’s always around to protect and guide us through His Holy Spirit. Now that doesn’t mean we’re not going to suffer hardship, rather you’re guaranteed to have problems just by being a believer. But people, the promises of Jesus embolden and make us confident. ‘Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ (Mat.5:10) ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Mat.10:22) Oh Friends, let’s march to war with the cross as our banner nuh! Let’s go out and endure! For the promise of the kingdom of heaven, is greater than any other. Much LOVE!…Christ’s work entails suffering…but the rewards are phenomenal…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 September 2008 Isaiah 46:4‏

10 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 46:4    And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
 
Oh Friends, we can stake our very lives on those promises! Isaiah 46 deals with the power of the Lord and the weakness of idols. ‘To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? ‘ the Lord asks in vs.5. ‘Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth…they are burden to the weary beast.’ (vs.1) The gods of the Babylonians are cast in metal and weigh down the animals that transport them. Jeremiah explains; ‘They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.’  (Jer.10:5) That’s obvious Friends. These molten idols are lifeless and powerless, so can do nothing; neither good nor evil. Isaiah further declares, ‘but themselves are gone into captivity.’ (vs.2) He’s prophesying that the Babylonian gods themselves will one day fall victim to the Lord’s power. And it came to pass, as all prophecy does, starting in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, when he was restored from his madness by the Lord. ‘ I Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.’ (Dan.4:34) Wow Friends! What a moving testimony from the pagan king after he experienced the mighty power of our God. And the end of pagan worship in Babylon finally arrives when King Darius proclaims: ‘I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.’ (Dan.6:26) Oh people, what’s left to say eh? Two of the most powerful men ever, personally experienced the Lord’s awesome power and mercy in their lives, changed their evil ways and bowed down to the One and Only True, Living God, and also decreed it to their subjects. Why are we so reluctant to do the same? What more proof of His might and majesty do we need before we’re convinced that He’s the Only One?  He must LOVE us a great deal, cause hear how He pleads? ‘Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb.’ (vs.3) Friends, He’s the one who’s upheld us from the time of our very birth. And Bruh David acknowledges this: ‘By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.’ (Ps.71:6) Yes people, the Lord’s the one who creates, guides and protects us from birth. ‘And even to your old age, I am he: and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.’ Oh Friends, what greater words of encouragement and assurance do we need before we accept the undeniable fact that the Lord is the One and Only?  He formed us in our mother’s womb, upheld us at birth, walked with us during our spring and summer, and even in our winter, with our grey hair, He’s still the one looking out for us. ‘For I am the Lord, I change not.’ (Mal.3:6) He’s the same from the beginning to the end. And Bruh David concludes: ‘For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.’ (Ps.48:14) Believe it Friends! It’s the gospel truth! Place your lives and complete trust in Him right now, and feel the power of His spirit work wonders in you. Much LOVE!…who is our one, true help…the Lord God Jehovah is His Name…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 September 2008 Ezekiel 2:8‏

09 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ezekiel 2:8    But thou son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth and eat that I give thee.’
 
Oh Friends, our God is really something else yes! There’s truly none else like Him. We’re continuing from yesterday, where He anointed  Ezekiel His spokesman. After assuring Ezekiel of His guidance and protection, the Lord stuck out that awesome forefinger and warned; ‘But thou son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house:’ I’m sure Zeke got the message loud and clear. But the drama had just begun, for in the next breath, the Lord commands him to ‘open thy mouth and eat that I give thee.’ Poor Zeke. ‘And when I looked, behold, a hand was sent unto me; and lo, a roll of a book was therein.’ (vs.9) Yes Friends, when Zeke looked up, a hand bearing a scroll was stretched out towards him, then the hand opened the scroll to show writing on both sides, ‘and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning and woe.’  (vs.10) And the drama heightens: ‘Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go and speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.’  (Eze.3:1-2) Wow people! Our Lord is indeed serious about His Word. He makes Zeke eat the scroll containing His message to the Israelites. It sounds like overkill, but logically it makes sense. If Zeke was to deliver God’s message, he needed to know, understand and absorb it. And what quicker way to do that than by ingesting it eh? It’s simply saying that anyone who wants to communicate God’s Word must first know and assimilate it. The writing on both sides shows the Lord wanted to convey plenty information. But it gets better. ‘And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it, and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.’ (Eze.3:3) People, that rates another Wow! Our God doesn’t make joke at all sir! Here are two more instances of prophets eating words. ‘Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart;’  (Jer.15:16) That was Jeremiah’s personal lament when the Lord promised to destroy Judah for their continual disobedience. Then there’s John’s interaction with the mighty angel that came from heaven with the little book. ‘And I went unto the angel and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again, before many peoples, and nations, and tongues and kings.’  (Rev.10:9-11) So Friends, it seems the best way to learn the Word is by eating it, (smile) especially if we want to prophesy. It’ll cause a stomach ache, but it’ll be as sweet as honey in our mouths, and the Lord’s message will just come pouring out. But seriously people, these instances of eating the Word, shows the great importance our God attaches to His dictates. He takes an earnest, no nonsense approach to it. And so should we. It’s not a trifling matter, as Zeke found out. So let’s all do our best to get versed in the Word, it will certainly serve us in good stead. And as Bruh David so rightly declares; ‘How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.’ (Ps.119:103) Much LOVE!…the Word…looks…sounds..and tastes good too…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 September 2008 Ezekiel 2:6‏

08 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ezekiel 2:6    And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
 
Oh Friends, that’s the Lord speaking to Ezekiel when he appointed him prophet to Israel. It sounds rough; talk of briers, thorns and scorpions, but if it’s the Lord’s bidding, then there’s nothing to be really afraid of. Ezekiel was so overawed though by the spectacle the Lord put on, when He came calling , that he fell flat on his face. The whirlwind, the cloud, the fire, the four beasts that resembled men; each with four faces – man, lion, ox,eagle – each with four wings and four hands, all joined together by the wings, running up and down creating flashes of lightning, making noises like a great wash of water with their wings, and then a voice from the heavens and the appearance of a sapphire like throne with the likeness of a man sitting on it, surrounded by fire and shining brightly like a rainbow. Wow! No wonder Ezekiel fell down! Then he heard this voice that said; ‘Son of man stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when he spoke unto me, and set me upon my feet…’  (vs.1-2) And the Lord gave him the good news; (smile) he was to speak on the Lord’s behalf to the rebellious, stiff-necked Israelites, who, whether or not they listened, would know that a prophet was now in their midst. No doubt Ezekiel was leary of the sudden elevation to the role of prophet. But the Lord assured him: ‘be not afraid of them, neither of their words.’ He said the same to Jeremiah when he complained that he could not speak cause he was only a child. ‘Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee saith the Lord.’ (Jer.1:8) Later on, when Jeremiah was still hesitant, the Lord warned him; ‘ therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee; be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.’ Mama Mia! The Lord laid down the law to him in no uncertain terms. Friends, that’s what happens when our God tells us to do something and we don’t comply. Shortly after though, He told Jeremiah that He had set him up like a strong city, a pillar of iron, brasen walls, and they’d  fight against him unsuccessfully, ‘for I am with thee, saith the Lord to deliver thee.’  (Jer.1:18-19) Yes people, that’s the way our Lord operates; always gives us the parts  to do what He asks. He told Ezekiel not to worry about the apparent negatives. But how could he not, when ‘the best of them is a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge.’  (Mic.7:4) If that’s the best, imagine the worst; and the Lord adds scorpions. But Friends, though the odds seem insurmountable, fear not, cause the Lord is in control. As He later told Ezekiel, ‘for I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint, I have made thy forehead.’ (vs.9) Wow! What a most excellent God! People, it’s not easy, but  nothing worthwhile in this life is easy. Besides, ‘the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers….And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good…if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.’ (1 Pet.3:12-14). Friends, just look at what Jesus has done for us. From day one, and even now, believers have been persecuted for His sake. The least we can do is suffer a few bumps and bruises in His name. Much LOVE!…unless there’s pain…there’s seldom gain…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 September 2008 Psalm 138:1-2‏

07 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 138:1-2    I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
 
Ah Friends, I’m calling a time-out from the lusts and vanities of this troubled world. It’s been a frustrating week, with lots of little things rearing their annoying heads, and now the soul is crying out for peace, rest and comfort. And where does that rejuvenation of the soul come from? From the Most High; from offering Him thanks and praise for His goodness and mercy to His disobedient children. We don’t always get what we ask for, or when we ask for it, but it’s a surety that the Lord in His own time, but certainly before we reach the breaking point, and in His own way, will give us respite from our sorrows. What with hurricanes Gustav and Hanna pounding our lands, and Ike in the offing, plus all the other calamities already engulfing our world, let’s all say with Bruh David, ‘I will praise thee with my whole heart.’ And Friends, it must be with all you possess, with your entire being, not a half-hearted, so so effort. ‘Before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.’ There is only One, True God, but whatever false ones are brought to me, they will hear me sing your praises. And not only before the false gods, but ‘I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.’ (Ps.119:46) Oh people, it’s so important that we be not ashamed of our God, as some of us are, and only speak of Him in secret, in hushed tones. We cannot be too timid or scared to shout it from the mountain tops that our Lord God, Jehovah, is the One and Only True God! Consequently we can say with boldness, ‘I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth.’ Yes my Friends, we ought to be proud of our God and praise Him with a fiery passion, and not be ashamed or afraid to cry out to Him when necessary, for He’s stood by all His promises and comforted us in our sorrows. Like Solomon, when he dedicated the temple, we should be bold to approach His throne, but with proper reverence, and plead: ‘Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant; and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee today: That thine eyes may be open towards this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.’ (1 Kings 8:28-29) Oh Friends, throughout the ages our God has done much for us, but above all, He’s been true to His word; ‘for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.’ Bruh David could certainly vouch for that. Isaiah also found truth in the Lord. ‘The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.’ (Is.42:21) Yes People, giving thanks and praise to the Lord is the lifeblood of our soul. So when the cares of this world bruise and batter us, let’s not fall prey to the enemy’s wiles. Let’s look to our Father on high for succour. He will certainly refresh our souls and return joy to our lives. And I almost forgot to give thanks for the one who has played the most important role in my life, my ole mother Molly. Happy Birthday Molls! And her age: mature. (smile) Much LOVE!…nothing uplifts the human spirit…like heartfelt thanks and praise…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 September 2008 Romans 8:28‏

06 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Romans 8:28    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
 
Oh  Friends, what wonderful words of faith and encouragement from Bruh Paul! ‘All things work together for good to them that love God.’  Hallelujah! Sing His Praises People! It’s the backbone of our Faith; Jesus’ first commandment; To LOVE God. And God is always working all things together for good because that’s His very nature. However, those of us who LOVE Him can appreciate this fact more than others since we love Him unconditionally, regardless of what happens, we will always LOVE Him. As Cousin Job staunchly declares; ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before him.’ (Job 13:15-16) Yes people! That’s how we ought to LOVE and revere our God; putting no one else before Him. We can trust Him to take the bad things of life and turn them to good, cause that’s what He’s promised, and we know for a fact, that He who promised is ever faithful. Now in Today’s Bit, Bruh Paul made two distinctions. The first is a generalization re the body of humans that simply LOVE God. That’s fine and wonderful, for we all do. But the second part, ‘to them who are the called according to his purpose,’ denotes a higher, more spiritual relationship, as he outlines to Timothy. ‘But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.’ (2 Tim.1:8-9) Yes Friends, we are all called to be God’s children; to LOVE, honour and obey Him, but some, like the priests and prophets, have been specially chosen by Him to work on a higher spiritual level than us mere mortals. Their responsibility is to convey God’s messages to and from the people, teaching the Word, guiding the lost, empathizing with the lonely and mournful, uplifting the weak of faith and generally looking after God’s affairs on earth. That requires somewhat more fortitude and knowledge than just being an ordinary member of the family. But people, that doesn’t let us off the hook, it doesn’t allow us to say; ‘Ah well, we don’t have a higher calling, so we don’t need to worry. We’ll just live our lives, simply rolling along with the tumbling tumbleweed.’ Wrong Friends! We all have a higher calling, even as an ordinary foot soldier, for the Lord has placed, in each of our hearts, a special job that He wants us to do right here on Mother Earth. All the tasks aren’t glamorous, but all are important, else He would not ask us to do them. Recall the story of how all the body parts wanted to be the boss, even the rear end, and the pretty parts laughed him to scorn. But when he closed off his pathway, all the pretty parts got sick and faltered. So don’t judge by outward appearances, all that glitters is not gold. Everybody can’t be the leader, and everything God’s made has it’s purpose, even us humble foot soldiers. Yes Friends, the leaders give directions, but it’s the ordinary foot soldiers who do the actual fighting in the muddy, bloody trenches. And believe me, it’s down in those trenches that the battles are won. So whatever our calling, be it foot soldier or spiritual leader, let’s go out there and do it to the best of our ability. Much LOVE!…be it humble or glamorous…God’s calling…must be taken seriously…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 September 2008 Philippians 2:21‏

05 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Philippians 2:21    For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
 
Now isn’t that the sad truth my Friends? The majority of us are more taken up in seeking our own interests than the Lord’s. Some of us don’t even have any business of our own, so we interfere in other people’s. But as 3 Canal say’s, ‘If yuh don’t have no business, then yuh better find a business and stop minding other people’s business.’ Amen! But seriously people, we tend to put the Lord’s affairs on the back burner, if and until we’ve taken care of our own, though we know full well that we ought to put the Lord’s work first, and everything else second. But the selfish, small minded cult of ‘I’ that currently permeates our society doesn’t lend itself to that. You’ve got to make a conscious effort to live unselfishly. Like Bruh Paul said, writing from prison in Rome to the Philippians, he had to send Timothy, his right hand man to check on them. ‘For I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your state.’ (vs.20) Now isn’t that a crying shame Friends? Only Timothy had the same mental and spiritual disposition as Bruh Paul, that would allow them to care for the plight of other faraway believers. None of the Roman Christians were willing to undertake the journey. As he states, they were too busy pursuing their own interests, not Christ’s. Although they witnessed zealously around Rome, they refused to do missionary work further afield. Hn! That sounds familiar. Many of us are quite content to do what we can in our little neck of the woods, but we certainly don’t want to venture outside our familiar confines. But Friends, how is the word going to be spread if we don’t step outside our limited, self drawn boundaries eh? Remember Jesus confidently proclaimed, ‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations;’ (Mat.24:14) So if everyone just stuck to their little area, no one outside of these small enclaves would ever hear the Word and would be denied the opportunity to accept Christ and the wonderful gift of salvation that He offers. We’d be shirking our Christian duty and selling Christ short, making Him sound like just an ordinary loudmouth, pure hype and no substance; talking about the gospel being proclaimed to all the world, but who’s doing it? Friends, we’re forgetting that our priority on this earth is to spread the Word. Jesus’ last instruction, just before His ascension, was, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’ (Mark 16:15) People, are we doing that? Not as zealously as we should. The enemy and his cohorts seem to be more energized than us. We need to step up our missionary witness. Step up and step out People! That’s the only way the Word will be spread. And in this era of modern technology and communication, there are so many different ways of disseminating the gospel, that there’s no real excuse, but our own inactivity and lack of enthusiasm, for why it’s not being spread faster and wider. Oh people, if we’re serious about being followers of Christ, then we’ve got to get up off our comfortable rear ends, now, put our selfish agendas on hold, and do whatever it takes to disseminate the good news of Jesus far and wide. Friends, the world needs it more desperately than at any other time in its existence. It’s the only thing that can save us from ourselves and the hungry, lurking, evil enemy. Much LOVE!…Christ can’t save anyone…if they don’t know of Him…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 September 2008 Psalm 103:17‏

04 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 103:17    But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.
 
Ah Friends, Psalm 103 is Bruh David at his best. It’s a Thanksgiving for God’s Mercy, and reputedly one of the greatest praise Psalms ever. After blessing the Lord, he thanks Him for the numerous benefits He’s provided; forgiveness, healing, good food, redemption etc. Then Bruh David describes the benevolent attributes of God’s character; slow to anger, plenteous in mercy, gracious, compassionate. And in vs.17 he weighs in particularly on the Lord’s mercy, His loving-kindness; It ‘is from everlasting to everlasting.’ Oh Friends, what a great sentiment and wonderful assurance! The Lord’s goodness will never cease! But there’s one catch, one prerequisite to enjoying that mercy, that loving-kindness till next never. It’s only ‘upon them that fear him.’ Yes people, we need to revere, respect and obey the Lord, if we hope to enjoy His eternal goodness. In this world you never really get something for nothing. And though the Lord’s generous and kind and all that, He does require our attention and obedience before He doles out any favours. And when we show Him that reverence and respect, He’s so magnanimous that He continues to pour out ‘his righteousness unto children’s children.’ Give Him thanks and praise people for that awesome benevolence! Our children, right down to those of the last day, will benefit, if we serve and worship Him with the obeisance He deserves. Bruh David could write this because the Lord promised it to him through the prophet Nathan. ‘And thy house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.’  (2 Sam.7:16) But Friends that’s not promised to Bruh David alone, ‘But to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens.’ (vs.18-19) Wow People! That’s the gospel truth! As Moses acknowledged long before, ‘Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.’  (Deut.7:9) Hallelujah People! The sentiment is so overwhelming that I’m amazed at our disobedience in the face of such generosity and wonderful promise. With such bounty on the line, we should be tripping over each other to do the Lord’s will, instead of running away from Him to do the enemy’s bidding. Oh Friends, please realize that the enemy has nothing that even comes close to the Lord’s goodness to offer us, and that down to the thousandth generation. All he has is evil, deceitful stuff that glitter’s brightly, but is not gold, just brass plated. Note, he was once one of the Lord’s right hand men, so he knows even better than us of the Lord’s goodness. But through disobedience, he fell from grace, so now he’s seeking company to walk the dark corridors of death forever. However Friends, we want no part of that, when the Lord’s offer is so much better. As Bruh David says, and he should know. ‘All the paths of the lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.’ (Ps.25:10) And that’s the living truth people! So please Friends, please, let’s turn to the God of Grace, the God of Hope, who offers us a life free of regrets. It’s the wise way. Much LOVE!…His yoke is easy…and His burden light…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 September 2008 2 Corinthians 1:10‏

03 Sep 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Corinthians 1:10    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.
 
Praise His Holy Name my Friends, cause He is faithful who has promised! Bruh Paul knows of what he speaks, for during his widespread ministry, he was bruised, battered, shipwrecked and imprisoned amongst his many trials, but he never wavered, never faltered in his faith. As he says at the start of this 2nd letter: ‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.’ (vs.3-4) Yes people, God comforts us, believers, so that we can comfort others in their time of need. It seems Bruh Paul intended to visit Corinth, but shortly before, he ran into some problems, so serious that he would write; ‘ For we would not have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired of life.’ (vs.8) Wow! When yuh hear Bruh Paul was so burdened, even beyond his strength, that he feared for his life, yuh must know it was a real rough go. Rough enough to have brought him to an emotional low, and caused him to cancel his visit to Corinth. ‘But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.’ (2 Cor.2:1) This serious confrontation occurred in Ephesus, where the goddess Diana was the mainstay of worship, and the craftsmen prospered from making artefacts for her followers, so when Bruh Paul comes on the scene and begins preaching Christ crucified, the craftsmen realized that their livelihood was in jeopardy and stirred up the people against him. (Acts 19) ‘But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.’ (vs.9)  Yes Friends, though he saw that his life was in serious danger, deep down he knew not to trust to his own devices to escape, but to God. No doubt he recalled Jeremiah’s statement. ‘Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.’ (Jer.17:5) That’s how we need to be people: Do our best with what we have, but trust faithfully in God, ‘Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.’ Oh Friends, those are proven facts! Figuratively God has already delivered us from a great death by sending His Son Jesus to die for us. And literally, many of us have faced situations where it looked like we were goners, but something happened at the last moment and we’re still here. That wasn’t our doing Friends, but the hand of the Most High keeping His promise to always safeguard those who trust in Him. ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is.’ (Jer.17:7) Oh Friends, the Lord has delivered us from many perils in the past, is helping us right now, and for certain sure will continue to help us in the future. Please put your hope, faith and trust in Him. It’s the only way to lead a successful life on this troubled planet earth. Much LOVE!..the best way to live life…through and for Jesus…
 

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries