Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 July 2008 Matthew 6:1‏

16 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 6:1    Take heed that ye do not alms before men to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
 
Another serious warning from Jesus, Friends. Yesterday we dealt with His teaching on prayer, today it’s alms giving or charitable deeds. Again, just like with prayer, we should not be charitable to mainly gain recognition for ourselves, to be considered important, or generous, or wonderful philanthropists. It’s not about us, but about pleasing God. And if we do it simply to impress or please men, then God offers us no reward. What a loss! For we all know the great rewards the Father has in store for those obedient to His will. ‘Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily, I say unto you, they have their reward’ (vs.2) There it is again; that ominous note in Jesus’ voice about the rewards of the hypocrites. I doubt it will be a good reward. So to avoid that unpleasant return people, we should not be publicizing, making a big deal of our charitable efforts. No boasting and beating of our chests, informing the whole world of how charitable we are. ‘But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.’ (vs.3) We should give so freely, cheerfully and spontaneously, hopefully giving with both hands, keeping each too busy to notice the other. ‘That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.’ (vs.4) Yes Friends, that’s the way our Lord operates; do your deeds quietly, and He’ll reward you openly, and have the hypocrites stammering about injustice. ‘But..huh..how come they get all that eh, and doh seem to do no charitable work? While we, yes we,’ pointing to themselves, ‘who everybody knows, do so much and give so much, yet only get this little bit?’ Hn,hn! I think the Lord gets a kick out of the hypocrites incomprehension of their measly rewards for plenty work. But as we said yesterday people, and will keep on saying, it all comes right back to the state of our hearts; our motives and reasons for our actions. If our motives aren’t right, the Lord will ignore us. The hypocrites motives are completely wrong, they give to please, to impress, and receive recognition from men; ‘everybody knows’  that’s their trump card. But those who receive great rewards, do it quietly, without a lot of hoopla and fanfare; to please God, not to gain human recognition. That’s the whole crux of the matter people; pleasing God or pleasing man. Remember Friends, God despises pride more than most sins. He dislikes them all, but apparently the proud, arrogant, overconfident person, just seems to get His dander up rather fiercely. There’s nothing wrong with doing charitable deeds publicly, in fact, we’re commanded to give generously and cheerfully of our time, talents and resources, it’s just when we adopt the wrong attitude and wrong motive, that it becomes ugly and does us more harm than good. So Friends, let’s give generously in faith, and do good unceasingly to those in need. If others find out, fine, acknowledge it, but don’t keep score and beam it to the whole world. Our God doesn’t take kindly to that. And we want to displease Him as little as possible. And when we pray, ask Him to help us increase our giving, so that we may have more to unselfishly offer the needy. Much LOVE!…our giving…should be…to please God…not man…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 July 2008 Matthew 6:8‏

15 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 6:8   Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask.
 
Now that’s an irrefutable fact Friends! Our Creator and guide laid out the plans for each of our lives, so He must know what we need to live successfully. Jesus is teaching here on prayer. When He says, ‘Be not ye therefore like unto them,’ He’s referring to the crowd pleasers, the publicity seekers, those who want to be seen praying and considered righteous. ‘And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They shall have their reward.’ (vs.5) Lord forbid people, that we should pray like the hypocrites! And Jesus’ tone on that last sentence, about they getting their reward. Hn! It sounds a little too ominous for my liking. Don’t think I want to partake nuh. Anyway Friends, praying is to be done seriously to the Lord, not merely for seeking the attention of men. We need to have the right attitude, the right reason, which is approaching God for a worthwhile purpose, with reverence and faith, not just to look righteous in the eyes of men. ‘But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.’ (vs.6) Now note here people, Jesus is not saying that we should only pray behind closed doors. He’s not condemning public prayer, just its improper use. There’s certainly need for us to pray in church and other public gatherings. What He’s talking about is making a show of it. Just do our personal praying quietly with no attention seeking, or selfish and vain glorious motives. Not to please men, but to please God. And when we please God quietly, He’ll reward us openly, and have the hypocrites confused and angrily stammering: ‘Buh..but how come a bunch of sinners like them getting so much eh? An..and me..me who so righteous…always praying..praying here there and everywhere, only getting this small amount eh? But that not right nuh!’ Hn,hn! We all know the kind. But Friends, it always comes right back to the state of our hearts. Motive is God’s number one priority. Regardless of how religious, righteous and prayerful we think we are, if it’s not for the right reasons, but just for show and attention seeking, then the Lord will look on us with utter disdain. He’s certainly not into ego tripping or plenty talk. Jesus warned: ‘But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.’ (vs.7) Ah people, in the Lord’s eyes, a simple, heartfelt plea for ‘Help!’ is much better than a long rambling, repetitive spiel of woe and want. We only have to tell Him what’s in our hearts. For prayer is not supposed to be a means of changing God’s mind, or even getting Him to answer you, but for enlisting His great desire and inclination to help us. As believers, prayer should flow forth from our faith; the trust and confidence that the Lord knows what’s best for us, and will always act in our best interest. Realizing this Friends, nowadays I seldom pray for anything for myself, cause He knows all the big things I desire. Now I try to sit patiently and wait till He’s ready, for I’ve learned from hard experience, that I’ll get the desires of my heart, but only when He’s ready. So there’s no use in fighting it, but I do work towards them. We’ve got to make the necessary preparations, before He can do His part. Ah Friends, life can be very uncertain and confusing, but through the power of faithful and sincere prayer, to a most merciful and understanding God, we can get relief from the cruel pangs of this wicked world. Please remember, that between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, help is just a prayer away. Much LOVE!…three for the price of one…Wow!…the best deal in town…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 July 2008 Colossians 4:5-6‏

14 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Colossians 4:5-6    Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
 
Ah Friends, Bruh Paul’s advice is even more important to us today, than it was to the Colossians two millennia ago, for though the world seems to have changed so much over the years, it really hasn’t. Everything has just increased in size, operating on a larger scale now. Though the Church is bigger and more influential, it’s still divisive, possibly more so, and the enemy is also more powerful, so we’re still fighting on two fronts; from within, against ourselves, and also against the powers of darkness and evil. But before we can gain ground on either front, we first need a good strategy to faithfully follow. And there’s none better than Bruh Paul’s for the Colossians. It shows his knowledge, excellent grasp and adept use of the scriptures. He first advocates that we ‘Walk in wisdom towards them that are without…’ Be sensible and above board in our dealings with unbelievers. The Ephesians got the same advice. ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.’ (Eph.5:15) Friends, that’s of the utmost importance. To do Jesus’ work properly, we must have our heads on right and set a good example. Jesus emphasized that in Mat.10:16. ‘Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.’ And while we’re walking in wisdom, we must also be ‘redeeming the time.’ The Ephesians got that message too. ‘Redeem the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16) That means making the most of every opportunity, seizing every chance to witness to unbelievers; telling them the good news of Christ dying to pay for our sins and provide salvation; free, gratis and for nothing. Wow! All they have to do is believe. No gift can be greater than that Friends, so we must spread that news with joy and enthusiasm. Secondly, Bruh Paul stipulates: ‘Let your speech be always with grace,’ Wise conduct includes graciousness in daily speech; not brash and arrogant, but positive and self confident. ‘The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.’ (Eccl.10:12) Oh yes people, the Preacher certainly got that right. Chatting foolishness does irreparable harm. And that gracious speech of ours, must be ‘seasoned with salt;’ have strength and power and flavour to move the unbelievers; like good, spicy West Indian food. Just had some, and Friends, it sure moved me! (smile) Now it’s fine to be pleasant and gracious, but if our words lack the ability to create change, then it’s all for nought. ‘Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.’ (Mark 9:50) Absolute wisdom from our Saviour, people! And the result of all this? ‘That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.’ Yes, engaging in wise, gracious conversation, suitably seasoned with salt, enables us to competently answer questions on the gospel of Christ. And it’s ever so important for us to get it right. ‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ye ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.’ (1Pet.3:15) Please Friends, let’s adhere to that basic strategy for spreading the gospel, witnessing with joy, winning numerous souls for Christ. Much LOVE!…your results…are only as good as…your plan…and your following it…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 July 2008 Exodus 15:2‏

13 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Exodus 15:2    The Lord is my strength and my song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.   
 
Friends, today the soul just called for, in fact, cried out for thanks and praise. And I never even checked Bruh David to seek suitable words. Got you there eh? (smile) But it’s still his style. Today I decided to look elsewhere, and in two two’s, the Most High led me to one of the greatest events in man’s history; the parting of the Red Sea, that allowed the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptians. ‘Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians…and Israel saw the great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.’  (Ex.14:30-31) Oh Friends, are we following suit? Everyday the Lord does some great work amongst us, helping us live this crazy, troublesome life in peace and LOVE. Do we acknowledge it with reverence and increased faith? We should. Like our forefathers, we ought to be bold and praise His Holy Name. ‘Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously:’ (Ex.15:1) And He was most victorious that day Friends; showing His awesome might and power to a stubborn, unbelieving people, who finally accepted Him for what He was; a powerful, merciful, promise keeping and loving God. And in respect and awe, they sang: ‘The Lord is my strength and my song.’  That He is for sure people! The One who gives us backbone and belly, enables us to stand strong against the forces of evil that’s dominating and destroying  Mother Earth. Yes Friends, He’s the One whom we cry out to in song, that hears our prayers and looks down on us with favour and mercy. And because He’s so merciful and mighty, ‘he’s become my salvation.’ Now isn’t that just wonderful? For all our needs, from dust to dust, we only have to deal with One Almighty Being, who’s Infinitely Everything to us. There’s only one name, Jehovah, we need to remember and call on. That’s why ‘he is my God.’ Of course people, He is our God! ‘And I will prepare him an habitation.’ Though He really doesn’t need it, but in gratitude and reverence, we’ll prepare a place of honour for Him, a central place where all can come and worship and praise Him. Cause, ‘Who is like unto thee O Lord, among the Gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?’  (Ex.15:11) Nobody Friends! Nobody can even come close. Wow! What a most magnificent Being! He’s ‘my father’s God, and I will exalt him.’ Oh people, that’s our raison d’être, our reason for being; to sing thanks and praises, to exalt the Most High. So let’s just get up and do that nuh Friends. It boosts our spirits, and also puts a great big smile of pride and joy on our Father’s face. Let’s raise our hearts, hands and voices in thanks and praise today, knowing that ‘The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.’  (Ex.15:18) Oh, I just love writing these Bits where no research is necessary; laziness…? (smile) It just flows so much easier and smoother, sounds  more sincere, less contrived, when it comes straight from the heart. Much LOVE!… our motto should be… give thanks and praise to God…always…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 July 2008 1 John 2:15‏

12 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 John 2:15    Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
 
Now that’s the gospel truth Friends. If we love the world, the LOVE of God is not in us. The world being the evil, the sin, the wickedness and ungodliness that makes up so much of human existence. ‘For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.’ (vs.16) James also warns; ‘know ye not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.’ (4:4) And Friends, we definitely don’t want to be God’s enemy, for that means certain death and eternal damnation. But because of our inherent sinful nature, it’s difficult to forego those temptations that the world offers; ‘the lust of the flesh,’ physical desires; ‘the lust of the eyes,’ personal desires; and ‘the pride of life,’ self-interests. All of these add up to immorality, greed, envy, selfishness, strife, anger and the host of negatives that are not a part of God’s arsenal, which is based on that magic formula called LOVE. Logically then, one cannot in fact LOVE the world, because the things of the world are not found in the process termed LOVE. But one can wish for and aspire to these things. Or as Bruh Paul says in Romans 12:2; ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed, by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ Yes Friends, we can conform or be transformed, but it all boils down to a mind thing; we have to make a conscious decision to follow the dictates of God, rather than the tempting temptations of the world. Resisting the world is not easy people, but if we want to be in right standing with God, we’ve just got to buckle down and do it. I heard a song by the Jamaica group, Morgan Heritage, last night, which says what we need is LOVE, so that we can grow more LOVE. And it’s true. The only way to increase the LOVE in the world is to get more, so that we can grow even more. But it’s like the chicken and the egg controversy: Where do we get it from to begin with, so that we can grow and increase it? Only by more of us being transformed, my people, by the renewing of our minds and souls in faith, and adhering to the Lord’s principles. If we want to experience and increase the miracle that’s LOVE, we’ve got to get more in tune with God, who is the embodiment of LOVE. Wow! What words of wisdom! (smile) But seriously though Friends, we need to reduce our dependence on, and lust for the wicked things of our world. Even those who don’t necessarily want to get right with the Lord (not wise) should withdraw from too much involvement in the affairs of the enemy, for it’s fraught with danger, death and eternal darkness. It’s like been in a spider’s web or a maze; after a while you lose all sense of direction, don’t know which way to turn, you’re lost. Or else you’re tied up so skilfully in knots, unless you’re Houdini, it’s almost impossible to escape. But Friends, with the help of Jesus, anything is possible, that’s why we need Him so desperately in our lives. One last word of caution; remember ‘the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God, abideth forever.’ (vs.17). So I’d strongly suggest, if we want to experience eternity, to stop loving…no, stop conforming to the wicked ways of man, and start basking in the light of God’s LOVE. Till next time. Much LOVE!…the world dies…but Jesus lives forever…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 July 2008 Isaiah 64:8-9‏

11 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 64:8-9    But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.
 
Oh Friends, our world’s in such a sorry state, that we might do well to pray like Isaiah for the Lord to come down from His high heaven and intervene in man’s affairs. ‘O that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence.’ (Is.64:1-2) Yes Friends, that seems to be the surest solution to the ungodliness and wickedness permeating our world today. Isaiah continues to set the stage, declaring that when the Lord did awesome things we didn’t expect, He came down and the mountains quaked at His presence. (vs.3) Who knows if He’s not already doing that, cause recently many fires are burning, the earth is quaking something terrible, and water is certainly boiling in all the hurricanes, tsunamis, cyclones etc. But is anybody paying attention? And Isaiah goes on, that since the beginning of time, there’s been no other God like Him; one who acts on behalf of those who wait on Him, and meets those who rejoice in doing right and obeying Him. (vs.4-5) And having acknowledged God’s glory and mercy, halfway through verse 5, he gets to the point; ‘behold thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.’ He admits that the Lord is angry for the people have sinned a long time, and wants to know if they will still be saved? Then he pitches the reasons for our sinfulness. ‘But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away.’ (vs.6) That’s so true Friends: mankind has fallen to depths of sinful depravity as never seen before. If Isaiah thought his people were bad, he would hold his head and bawl at the extent of our ungodliness. ‘And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.’ (vs.7) What else do we expect if we don’t call on God with enthusiasm and zeal eh? Can we blame Him if He’s hidden His face from us, and left us to rot in our sinful state? Surely not. But it’s a well laid out prayer by Isaiah; for after giving God His glory, and explaining why we’re sinful, as if God doesn’t already know that, he comes to the crucial part. ‘But now O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter, and we all are the work of thy hand.’ Hn, hn! Isaiah is trying to sweet talk the Lord, butter Him up, a bit late though. Then, in climax, he pleads: ‘Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.’ Yes Friends, we’re all His people, but too many of us don’t act that way, so how can we in good conscience plead for mercy? It’s time for us to give God some reasons to be merciful to us. Don’t we ever get tired of begging and pleading? If we come to Him with a right heart, we’ll get it automatically. But Friends, it’s got to start with us renouncing our evil ways, and sincerely trying to develop a right heart, through calling on His Holy name and being obedient to His Word. That’s the only way to avoid His wrath and enjoy His mercy. Much LOVE!…no sincere repentance…no mercy..

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 July 2008 Daniel 12:2-3‏

10 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Daniel 12:2-3    And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
 
Yes my Friends, the Great Tribulation will come; we just don’t know when. Jesus said only the Father knows that. Meaning, we’ve always got to be prepared, for it can come today, tomorrow, or eons from now. Our job is just to be ready, because after the Tribulation comes the Resurrection, when ‘many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…’ But note people, they shall awake to different things; ‘some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.’ And Friends, not because Daniel prophesied this some twenty five hundred years ago, it won’t come true. He prophesied other seemingly impossible things that did come to pass. The Lord also likes to inform us of things long before they happen; give us enough time to correct our lives, or enough rope to hang ourselves; our choice. Look how long the Messiah was spoken of before He actually came. And people, this same Messiah confirmed Daniel’s words. ‘Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.’ (John.5:28-29) Friends, those were the words of Jesus, our Leader, Saviour and Redeemer, and as His followers, we ought to believe Him. So if we want to awaken to everlasting life on that resurrection morn, then we’d better start preparing now, by truly accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, by truly living for Him, and being obedient to His Holy Word. It’s sad but true, only those who put their trust and faith in Him will rise to eternal life. Also the ‘wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament.’ Solomon made it quite clear: ‘The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.’ (Prov.3:35) Jesus authenticated it. ‘Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.’ (Mat.13:43) And people there’s more; ‘they that turn many to righteousness,’ shall be ‘as the stars for ever and ever.’ Oh Friends, that means if we bring any lost souls to Christ, our rewards will be even greater. Sol said it too. ‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise.’ (Prov.11:30) James also touched on it; ‘…he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death…’ (Jam.5:20) And Bruh Paul declared: ‘There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.’ (1 Cor.15:41) There we have it Friends; short and sweet.(smile) Good reasons to live for Jesus in this earthly life, so that we can awake with Him to everlasting salvation on the Resurrection Day. And the harder we work, the greater our rewards. What can be better than that eh? Not much. So what are we waiting for eh Friends? Let’s grab the bull by the horns, start working enthusiastically for Jesus, who wants everybody to awaken to everlasting life. Much LOVE!…Jesus warned…who hath ears to hear…let him hear…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 July 2008 Jude 20-21‏

09 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jude 20-21    But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ into eternal life.
 
Yes Friends, though written long ago, that message still applies to us today, for just as people tried to dilute the faith and demoralize the early believers, the same thing’s happening to us. Jude, identifies himself as James’ brother, (vs.1) making him Jesus’ half brother. See Mat.13:55, which lists his family. Anyway, scholarly thought has it that though Jesus’ family did not take kindly to His earthly ministry, ‘For neither did his brethren believe in him.’ (John.7:5) later on, several had preaching ministries, including Jude. Here, he’s writing to Christians beset by false teachers, moving stealthily amongst them, stirring up confusion regarding doctrine and behaviour. ‘Certain men crept in unawares… ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (vs.4) Friends, we’re also experiencing that. Many false preachers and teacher’s exist out there today, only sowing confusion and division, preying on the gullible. But Jude says to stand strong, ‘and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith…’ (vs.3) He goes on to remind them of the Israelites deliverance from Egypt, but how the Lord destroyed the unbelievers. Also about Satan and his angels fall from grace, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (vs.5-7) ‘Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion and speak evil of dignities.’ (vs.8) Yes people, we too are surrounded by many of those, who pervert the Word, inserting their own visions and dreams, becoming immoral, insubordinate and openly critical of authority. Jude strenuously warns his readers to be wary of them, for they have forsaken God, instead seeking personal profit and stirring up strife. The same ones who attend the LOVE feasts, occasions to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, but do so in a selfish, ostentatious manner, not showing the proper respect and reverence due to such a touching ceremony, who, in reality are barren and dead, with nothing good to offer. (vs.11-12) ‘These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage,’ (vs.16) Oh Friends, we know them: The pompous, arrogant ones, using hifalutin language to impress and gain their own ends. But remember the warnings of the apostles about false prophets in the last days. Jesus himself said it. ‘And many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many.’ (Mat.24:11) ‘But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ into eternal life.’ Oh people, therein also lies our prescription for these troublesome times. As beloved followers of Christ, we need to build ourselves up in our faith; raise it to new, higher levels, through praying and communing with the Holy spirit, our helper. Above all, we should keep ourselves in the LOVE of God; let His LOVE shine in, through and out of us, to others, while waiting with bated breath, for the mercy of Jesus, for eternal life, at His second coming. As Jesus said, ‘He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’  (Mat.24:13) Much LOVE!…it’s not about us…but all about Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 July 2008 Job 2:9-10‏

08 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Job 2:9-10    Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God and die. But he said unto her. Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not we receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
 
Ah Friends, Job surely was a man of integrity. Imagine all his misfortune nuh, then to top it off, his wife telling him to ‘curse God and die.’ Hn! Who needs spouses like that eh? Spouses are supposed to be empathetic, understanding and positively encouraging, not trying to drive one more nail into our coffins. Many of us are undergoing adversity for which there seems to be no good reason; we’re dwelling in faith, doing our best to be obedient, but yet the enemy is constantly knocking on our door, and we simply can’t understand why. But take heart people, for He who promised is faithful, and won’t let us undergo trials for no good purpose. Whatever affliction He allows us to experience, He will use for our good in some way. Remember He created the master plan, and has total control. Few of us possess Job’s fortitude and wisdom, so in times of unbelievable hardship, our faith will tend to waiver, and the enemy is always on the prowl, ready to jump into any chink in our armour and buffet us with even more negative vibrations than usual. But Friends, that’s exactly when we need to stand strong. Sometimes it’s the Lord’s way of testing to see if we’re ready for promotion to the next level of success, ready for greater responsibility. I’m talking from personal experience here, because, in my naivety, I once asked the Lord to give me the patience of Job. Hn! Since then, He’s surely been trying my patience. (smile) I belatedly realized, that patience can’t be given or granted; it must be earned, and only through trials and tribulation. Sometimes, like cream, I rise to the top, at others, I fail miserably; like a few days ago when I abused the phone. But I never follow Job’s wife suggestion; curse God, though it can be tempting at times. As Job reasoned, the world is finely balanced, for every positive there’s a negative, so if we receive good, we must expect to receive bad too, hopefully much less. I know that doesn’t help when we’re undergoing constant trials, but we have to learn to grin and bear it. And Friends, most importantly, we also have to learn to support our spouses in crises. That’s why God created them; so we’d have an earthly partner to lean on, to help, to talk things over with. Jesus emphasized, that a house divided, cannot stand. It’s precisely what we’re creating when we ridicule, brush aside or denigrate our spouse’s feelings or concerns. We won’t always agree, or attach the same importance to everything, but there’s no reason to treat their misgivings with disdain or contempt, simply because we don’t see eye to eye. It’s unacceptable treatment. Friends, downplaying or disrespecting our partner’s concerns is a sure way to poison the relationship, and possibly the most difficult problem to rectify, since we’re beating down their psyche, trampling on their self confidence, making them feel unimportant and of no account. A constant dose of that eventually wrecks their whole self image. And note carefully, it also negatively affects the person doing it, and eventually, the relationship. Friends, no one’s perfect, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, but we all need someone by our sides, whom we can trust to not shower us with negative criticism but listen to and empathize with us. Isn’t that why we chose those partners in the first place? So please, let’s be less critical of our spouses when they’re undergoing rough times, and instead help them to stand strong. It will benefit the relationship and all therein. Much LOVE!…our spousal role also includes…understanding…encouragement…and empathy…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2008 Psalm 68:32‏

07 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 68:32    Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord. Selah.
 
Oh Friends, how I wish that reality existed in our world: That all the kingdoms of the earth were singing praises unto our God, Jehovah. But sadly, it doesn’t. Most are too busy with the evils of Mammon; greed, jealousy, idolatry, immorality, fighting amongst themselves and with their neighbours, to even notice that there’s a God who created and guides us. I wonder if Mammon’s followers ever take time out to consider how they got here, how they survive, and what’s going to happen to them after their fleshly body returns to the dust from whence it came? I guess not; else some, if not all, would surely conclude that everything couldn’t just appear from nowhere, then disappear, back into thin air again; that there must be some all powerful, supreme Being orchestrating the wonders of nature and the movements of man. Thankfully Friends, we know, esteem and worship that omnipotent Being called the Lord, who ‘rideth upon the heavens of heavens…he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.’ (vs.33) Yes people, that’s our God, merciful and mighty! And if anyone knew about His might and mercy, it was certainly Bruh David, cause He raised him up from a lowly shepherd boy to become a mighty warrior King, an extraordinary poet, and a wise patriarch, extricating him from many follies, troubles and dangers along the way. So he was eminently qualified to testify about His greatness and emphatically declare, ‘Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.’ (vs.34) And Friends, that’s no lie! The Lord looks after His own; guards and girds them with His awesome power wherever they might be. ‘Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.’ (vs.19) So if we trust in Him, the way Bruh Dave did, we too have no reason to fear the powers of darkness, for we’ll always be safeguarded in the circle of His strong, ever-loving arms. Consequently Friends, in appreciation for this unselfish expression of LOVE, all who fall under His wonderful spell, ought to shower Him with thanks and praise, ought to acknowledge His glory and majesty. As Bruh David advised: ‘Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord.’ Unfortunately too few people, and even fewer nations are doing this, my Friends. But as I keep reminding us, it’s our earthly job to reduce that number to zero; so that none of the Saviour’s precious lambs will be lost on His return. Now since we don’t know when He’s coming back, it’s imperative we get a move on, if we hope to accomplish our God-given task of winning all the earth’s souls to Him. It’s no easy task, cause the enemy will fight us tooth and nail. But Friends, fortunately, the advantage lies with us, for we have the Lord in our corner, and as Bruh David testifies, ‘the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.’  (vs.35) Please remember that Friends, and act confidently on it. Much LOVE!…to make gains… sometimes we must suffer pain…
 

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