Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 February 2008 Hebrews 12:5-7‏

16 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Hebrews 12:5-7    And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children. My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons, for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
 
Those words surely bring back some painful memories of chastening at our parents hands. I got mine from my mother. At the time, most of us considered it unnecessary and/or unfair. But as Bruh Paul points out, it was necessary since we’d either forgotten, or simply chose to disobey our parents rules. The same thing goes for our Heavenly Father: When we disobey His rules, we set ourselves up for punishment. However, Bruh Paul advises that we should not curl up in a ball and whimper and moan when He rebukes or punishes us for our disobedience. Remember, we thought we were punished because our parents didn’t like us. But they thought differently; it was because they cared about us, they tried to keep us on the straight and narrow. And after the punishment wore off , we usually realized it was deserved, though we would not admit it in public (smile) There were also times when we deserved it, but got off scot free. Friends, it’s just like that with our God. We call Him, Father, and He considers us His children. So there is a parental relationship between Him and us. And what does such a relationship entail? LOVE, nurturing and guidance, from the parent to the child, because the young are usually not developed enough to handle life on their own. From there it progresses logically: Our Father in Heaven gave us rules to live by. If we disobey, then, in His Infinite Wisdom, He’ll mete out the required punishment. Usually it’s not as much as we deserve, and sometimes He even let’s us off scot free like our earthly parents, because He’s a merciful and forgiving Father. He does all of this for us because He LOVES us, and doesn’t want to see us go down the sinful road to eternal damnation, but rather walk the path of LOVE, that leads to Him and His Son Jesus; the path to everlasting salvation. That’s why Bruh Paul said, ‘For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth.’ And the same way our earthly fathers acknowledged us as sons, if we took our just desserts like a man, that’s exactly how the Most High operates. As Bruh Paul declares, ‘If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons, for what son is he, whom the father chasteneth not?’ Good question my Friends. I guess it’s called tough LOVE nowadays, but in my time it was simply, ‘if yuh doh hear, yuh feel’ That says it all. Much LOVE! …remember…if you can’t do the time..then don’t do the crime…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 February 2008 Joshua 1:5-7‏

15 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Joshua 1:5-7    There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee: I will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
 
What a huge responsibility the Lord gave Joshua after Moses death, elevating him to the leadership position over the Israelites. I don’t know if Joshua really wanted the job, since he was there when Moses discovered, much to his chagrin, that the Israelites were a very intractable people; without patience or tolerance. They wanted what they wanted now, but, weren’t prepared to pay the price. A major problem that’s also besetting our society. That’s why the Lord had them wandering in the wilderness for forty years. But now that a new generation had grown up outside of Egypt, without the slavery mentality, He decided that they were ready to go in and possess the land He promised their fathers. Note, none of those fathers ever saw it. I believe it’s only two people, Joshua and Caleb, who came out of Egypt that ever saw it. Although it seemed an overwhelming task, I’m sure Joshua knew that the Lord never gives us more than we can bear, and also provides the tools to do the job He desires. And so He did. Listen to the awesome promise He made Joshua: That for the rest of his life, nobody would ever confront him successfully; and just as He was with Moses, He would be with him, Joshua; neither would He fail nor forsake him. Wow! And all He asked of Joshua was to be strong and very courageous. Poor Joshua would certainly need to be, if he was going to lead the Israelites and divide the land amongst the twelve tribes. We all know what happens when land is divided; the ugly side of the human animal really comes out. Joshua also needed immense tenacity and perseverance to ensure the people kept the laws Moses gave them. The Most High gave him explicit instructions on that matter: ‘Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left.’ Failure to follow the Lord’s dictates had been one of the Israelites problems, just as it is with us today. But God’s reason to Joshua for ensuring obedience was ‘that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.’ Yes Friends, regardless of what the world says, it’s only by being obedient to the Father that true, lasting success is ever achieved. That’s an undisputable fact. And though it’s not an easy task, we are assured of the same promise that the Most High made to Joshua: ‘As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee: I will not fail thee or forsake thee.’ Gospel truth! ‘Only be thou strong and very courageous.’ A matter in which He also helps, if He sees that we’re sincerely trying. So Friends, let’s take the Lord at His word nuh, let’s be strong and courageous, be obedient, that we can go out and battle the enemy successfully. Much LOVE!…walking in His will takes courage…but once we set out in faith…He steps in to help…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 February 2008 Ruth 4:14-15‏

14 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ruth 4:14-15     And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
 
Happy Valentines Day Friends! To celebrate this day, I wanted a story of real love, and after some thought, the Most High led me to Ruth. It tells how a Jewish family, Naomi, her husband Elimelech and their two sons moved  to the land of the Moabites during a famine in Bethlehem, where the sons married Moab women. However, within ten years, the three males died, leaving three widows. Now in that intensely patriarchal society a widow’s life was extremely rough, especially if she had no men folk to turn to. So, having neither kit nor kin in a strange land, Naomi decided to return to her own people, and Ruth, in spite of Naomi’s protestations, decided to go with her, while her other daughter in law, Orpah, stayed at home. However, they were so poor when they returned to Bethlehem, that Ruth had to go out in the fields behind the harvesters of the barley crop and collect whatever dropped from them. But little did they know that the Good Lord was already on the case. He led Ruth to the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s husband. And the rest is history. Boaz saw Ruth, was smitten, and through Naomi’s skilful handling of the situation, the couple eventually got married and Ruth bore a son. The women were so happy for Naomi, that they blessed the Lord who had at last given her a close male relative, who would be famous and look after her in her old age. But what touches me most, is their saying that Ruth’s LOVE for her was better than seven sons. Imagine that nuh; in that male dominated society, women saying that a woman’s LOVE for another was better than seven male children. It must have been a real strong, unselfish LOVE. But strangely, the female neighbours said, ‘There’s a son born to Naomi,’ not Ruth, ‘and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.’ Oh thank you so much Ruth sugar! If it wasn’t for your perseverance, your love and kindness to Naomi, we would never have those wonderful, inspirational words of Bruh David to turn to in times of need. Yuh see people, how our God himself, delights in a good LOVE story with plenty drama. He could just as easily have caused Boaz to marry one of his own, but no, he decided that Israel’s greatest, statesman, warrior King, writer and musician would be a descendant of a poor Moabitess, a woman from an entirely different culture. I was taken aback this evening, when I realized that Ruth was Bruh David’s great grandmother. I guess that’s why Ruth is one of only two Books in the Bible that bears a woman’s name. The other is Esther. Anyway Friends, although our modern world is going to be more taken up with the commercialism of the day; how much money was spent on chocolates, flowers etc. let’s try and focus more on the LOVE aspect nuh. It’s a chance for us to spread some real LOVE: ‘agape’; the kind that Ruth bore her mother in law. Hn! But how many daughters in law would react that way today eh? Not too many. As always, Much LOVE! …it’s a day for celebrating LOVE…so let’s do it in a manner our God would appreciate…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 February 2008 Psalm 146: 1-2 & 5‏

13 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 146:1,2,5.    Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
 
All Thanks and Praise be to the Most High God; Our Creator, Judge and Saviour! Yes my Friends, it’s only meet and right that we give our Heavenly Father the honour and glory that’s His rightful due. It’s one of those days when the ole fella’s soul was simply hungry and crying out for some hope, joy and inspiration. And when I feel that way, I naturally turn to Bruh David and his powerful, self effacing, enlightening writings in the Book of Psalms. I wish all of us could be so enamoured of Bruh David’s words, cause then we’d all be walking and talking more with the Lord. He was constantly in touch with God, whether it be crying, pleading, extolling, rejoicing, praising or thanking Him. He’s my favourite Bible writer because his writings cover the whole gamut of emotions. You can find something in his work to satisfy any feeling or situation. As I keep saying, Bruh David certainly knew on which side his bread was buttered; on the Lord’s side. That’s why he could confidently declare; ‘Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live I will praise the Lord: I will sing praises to my God while I have any being.’  Friends, our bread is also buttered on the Lord’s side, and the sooner we realize that fact and act on it, the better off we’ll be. We need to acquire that strength, confidence and wisdom, the faith and belief to comfortably delight ourselves in our God, so like Bruh Dave, we can joyfully shout up to the high heavens and far across the blessed earth, our thanks, praise and everlasting loyalty to Him. That’s what we need to live successfully in the Lord people; that joy and passion for His Word to come alive in us, to keep bubbling in our souls, so that we don’t even need to consciously think about anything that comes against us, we just react automatically in His direction. Bruh David seems to have mastered that attitude. His life was no bed of roses, but through all of his ups and downs, his good deeds and his evil ones, his anointing and his fall from grace, he kept his focus on his God, and at the end, could claim from hard experience: ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.’ Oh Friends, my wish is that someday soon, we, meaning all of God’s children, created in His own wonderful image, will have that joyful, praise worthy attitude to our ever loving and merciful Father in Heaven. Amen! As always people, plenty, plenty LOVE! …it’s the greatest and most fruitful emotion…so let’s spread it far and wide nuh…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 February 2008 Deuteronomy 6:4-7‏

12 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Deuteronomy 6:4-7    Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one God. And thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
 
Oh Friends, we who claim to be followers of the Most High God, are we following the dictates of Moses?  Though he said them many moons ago, Jesus reiterated them, which means they’re still our abiding standard. But how many of us professed believers actually sit and consider what our God is really like eh; His power and majesty, His mercy and loving kindness? Going one step further; how many of us really and truly LOVE Him with all our heart, all our soul and all our might? No doubt all of us will take great umbrage and consider my questions impertinent, (smile) and unequivocally insist that we do. For all our sakes, I hope it’s true. But as the ole people say, ‘is two people yuh can’t fool; yuhself and God.’ And do we bear these words deeply in our hearts; that means live by them? Not good enough, judging by our topsy turvy lives and the conflicted state of our world. But the most important question though People, is, are we teaching our children to LOVE the Lord? Note, I did not even say diligently, as Moses commanded, just simply teaching. If we’re honest with ourselves, I think we’ll grade ourselves with a big ‘F’, cause we are sadly deficient in that area. Granted, it’s difficult to get today’s youth  interested in God, when they’ve been constantly bombarded with the world’s hype and glitz from a tender age. But we’re to blame, since we use the t.v as a cheap, convenient baby sitter, without checking to see what’s been directed into their simple, impressionable minds. Then when they throw tantrums for the nonsensical things the greedy, manipulative advertisers and manufactures claim they must have, we give in and buy them, even when we can’t afford it. Just check out the ugly shoes and clothes, the quickly outdated technology  that cost so much, but peer pressure says they must have to be trendy. I don’t think it’s right to force God down their throats, but it’s not right either to give in to their every whim and fancy, especially with their short attention spans. We’ve got to draw the line somewhere. Let them know that there are good things in the world, but the best things come from knowing God. We have to instil the word, plant the seed in them from the moment they are born, and keep watering and lovingly tending it as it grows. We’ve got to teach them to pray from young, and let them hear us pray too. They must also hear us talking reverently about God when we’re sitting alone at home or with friends; lying down, getting up, or just aimlessly wandering around. Hopefully, as they mature, the Word will act as a balancing fulcrum and keep them level headed. There must also be discipline, not too rigid, and standards at high levels, not the dumbness and anything goes attitude currently prevalent, since prosperity is tightly linked to discipline and high standards. But Friends, that discipline and those standards must start with us. Another old saying goes, ‘monkey see, monkey do.’ And that’s exactly what happens. Our children usually follow our example, and if we push the do as I say, not as I do message too much, then it’s likely to backfire, they’ll consider us hypocrites, which we all are to some extent. But by the same token, you’ve got to put your foot down on some things; it’s either my way or the highway. In general though, we should try to teach by example. Hn, hn! I did not plan this slant to the Bit, but that’s where our Wise and Wonderful God, who moves in mysterious ways, guided me. And whom am I, a poor, sinful mortal, to argue with Him eh? Much LOVE!…remember the best way… preach the right things…like J.C…then joyfully practice them…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 February 2008 Matthew 5: 43-46‏

11 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 5:43-46.    Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, LOVE  your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye LOVE  them which LOVE you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans do the same?
 
Oh People, it’s indeed an arduous task our leader, Jesus Christ has set us. An unnatural task for the human animal. ‘LOVE  your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;’ I can hear the long, low groan of disbelief, amazement and anger, all wrapped in one, that new believers emit on first hearing those words. It happens to a lot of old believers too, when faced with circumstances that require such action. The natural tendency then is for the mind to revolt against the heart. But Friends, that’s exactly what makes our Christian Faith different. That’s why Jesus sacrificed Himself; to make a difference; to initiate change. And the foundation, the bedrock of Christ’s philosophy is LOVE! If we seriously want to follow Him, then we’ve got to practice that trait, because loving only those who LOVE us has no reward, since even the biggest sinners and avid unbelievers do that too. Jesus said that showing LOVE to our enemies, makes us real children of our Heavenly Father. We all know that at times it’s much harder to LOVE than hate, but Friends, hate is such a wasteful, negative emotion that adds nothing constructive to our lives, just destroys relationships between individuals and societies that then leads to full scale war. And that unleashing of hate and destruction is happening right now like never before, with more dangerous weapons than ever. Although the papers this week had a picture of rival tribes in Kenya lining up to fight with bows and arrows. Oh Friends, our world has never needed practiced LOVE more than it does today. Valentines Day is this week, which means consumerism and the talk of LOVE will flourish. But how much real LOVE will that generate, or how long will it last eh? Not too long, is my guess. What we really need people is a LOVE Revival! A groundswell of real LOVE and appreciation for others, just rising up and taking over our hearts, our lives and our world. Okay, I know it sounds like an impossible dream. But isn’t that what dreams are about; thinking big, shooting for the extraordinary? And remember, with our God, nothing’s impossible. So Friends, let’s start a LOVE Revival Movement nuh, something like we had in the sixties; (smile) though not based on drugs and free sex, but on the words and lifestyle of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let’s get serious people. If we’re to turn the tide, and rescue our world from imminent conflagration, we desperately need Much Much More LOVE! …note…the law of averages dictates…that if more people talk LOVE…more will actually walk LOVE…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 February 2008 Jeremiah 21-22‏

10 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 5:21-22    Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the Lord; will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof  toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?
 
I’m amazed at how often the Israelites, supposedly the Lord’s people rejected Him, and the number of times He punished, but never totally destroyed them, always leaving a way for them to return. And return they did. They really had to be His anointed children, cause no other father would put up with their constant betrayal, then the weeping and wailing on their prodigal return. That ungrateful behaviour must have broken His heart several times over, but it just goes to show how magnanimous He is; highlights His never ending patience, mercy and loving kindness: A totally awesome God! Today’s Bit heralds one of those times when He’s meeting out punishment. As usual, the Israelites had strayed and the Lord was allowing another nation to conquer them. He instructs Jeremiah to use these words. ‘Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears and hear not.’ A rather accurate description, won’t you say? How could they have such a good thing going with the One and Only, True, Most High God and blow it over trivial man made idols and fleshly lusts eh? But Friends, let’s not get too cocky and self assured, because those words aptly apply to us today too. We are blowing our God bestowed opportunities the same way, on inane trivialities. Why? The next question the Lord posed through Jeremiah says it all. ‘Fear ye not me?’ Won’t you tremble at my presence, even though it’s I who set the sand as a boundary for the sea, that it will never overcome? Obviously the answer then was no. The same as it seems to be today. But People, judging by the hefty price the Israelites paid, it’s not a very wise decision. And compared to their rough, nomadic existence, we have it rather easy. And above all, we have JESUS! Those Israelites never had Him. We have the Lord’s only Son, who died to redeem our sins. And all we need to do to receive salvation is believe in Him. It’s the most valuable gift ever given…and it’s free, gratis and for nothing! But are we smart enough to accept it? It doesn’t seem so. Then I’ll ask the same question Jeremiah did: Aren’t we afraid of the Lord? And this is the real physical fear, not reverence or respect. Don’t we tremble and quake in our boots when we consider all the unbelievable and seemingly impossible acts He’s performed over the centuries? And what’s our reaction when we especially consider the mighty juggernaut He’s promised to unleash come Armageddon Time eh? Oh Friends, I beg of us, please listen and pay attention. Let’s use our eyes and ears wisely. Our God does not make idle, empty promises. So please, let’s not give future generations the opportunity to say about us, what we’re saying about those disobedient Israelites. Much LOVE!… please remember…that our earthly pleasures and treasures… pale before those that await us in Heaven…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 February 2008 Matthew 7:3-5‏

09 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 7:3-5    And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. 
 
Hn,hn! Everyday the Most High springs some sort of surprise on me yes. About ten days ago, I encountered a situation that strongly called for Today’s Bit, but I just could not find it in the Good Book, so I shelved the idea. Today it resurfaced. But this time I found the relevant passage within seconds. Obviously The Lord thought it’s time had come. And not a moment too soon my Friends, because we’ve become a society of harsh judges and hypocrites. We readily see everybody else’s errors and faults but not our own, and constantly criticize others for even small faults while conveniently overlooking our rather large ones. As Jesus asked, how can you see the little mote in another’s eye, and not the large beam in yours? Or how can you offer to take out the mote with a large plank blocking your sight? The mote is so small that without clear vision you can’t take it out, and with a large object in your eyes, your vision must be blurred and consequently unreliable. But harsh, negative criticism is commonplace today. We know what everyone else should be doing, but can’t guide ourselves aright. Lots of times we’re also guilty of the same things we criticize others for. That’s the hypocrisy Jesus was referring to. We can’t pass judgement on others when we don’t know what’s really happening in their lives, and even worse, when we have glaring deficiencies in our own lives that seriously need fixing. And if someone happens to point out our deficiencies; Huh! We get so irate and defensive. How dare they take such liberties? Then we storm off, feeling righteously aggrieved. We’d never tolerate that behaviour from someone we’re criticising though. It would just lead to even more righteous criticism from us. But Friends it comes right back to Jesus saying, judge not, and ye shall not be judged. We’re not here to demean or belittle anyone. We’re here to help, to assist. Negative criticism, or just too much criticism period, doesn’t lead to growth, it stunts it. We must learn that if we perceive a problem in another person, and must criticize, then let it be constructive, with empathy, and not harsh judgement. Remember, all of us, and I repeat, all of us, have some disgusting, disturbing circumstances hidden in our own lives, which, if brought to light would prove us to be the big time hypocrites we pretend not to be  Oh Friends, let us cut out the constant finger pointing and negative criticizing nuh. Only angry rivalries, strife and unhappiness spring from that. It’s time to put the lid on criticism. If you can’t say something good, then don’t say anything.  Much LOVE! ….remember…a little positive reinforcement…. goes a long way….
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 February 2008 Proverbs 19:23‏

08 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 19:23    The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
 
Thank you Lord! Wise words indeed from Solomon, but an obvious truth to its seekers, for when we fear the Lord, we do tend to live better lives. It’s not fear in the physical sense, but more a feeling of reverence and respect, of awe at His all embracing power and magnificence, an incredulous sense of who He really is. When we accept the Lord as our guide and protector, a particular kind of peace enters our heart and souls; a peace no other source provides. It’s like coming home after a long, arduous journey. ‘At last !’ we grumpily mutter as we come through the front door. But we soon relax, give a heartfelt thanks and release a long sigh of satisfaction, because we’re safely home, and nothing else really matters. It’s that same sense of serenity, of comfort and security, that overcomes us when we trust in the Lord and let Him guide us. Knowing that we are safe in His loving embrace dispels our worries, and we breathe a soft sigh of thanks. Yes, we remain concerned, but not fearful and agitated, since we’re partners with the Most High. And even when our part is difficult, we know that He’ll help us. Oh Friends, trusting in the Lord and leaning on Him in all aspects of our lives brings such a peaceful, easy feeling; it’s so overwhelming that sometimes we’ve got to shake our heads to make sure we’re not dreaming. A joyful tranquility enters our spirit and keeps us calm and unafraid; like a ripple free lake on a sunny day. That’s how our souls become when we walk in reverence with the Lord. Stress and tension disappear, and we go about our business in a calm, relaxed, contented manner. As Solo says, ‘he that hath it, shall abide satisfied.’ And that’s the gospel truth people. Fearing the Lord triggers a satisfaction that causes you to stop rushing and fretting, for He’s assured us that if we hang tight with Him, He will, in His time, prosper us in more ways than we can ask or imagine. Friends, it’s very important we acquire that sense of serenity and satisfaction in our lives. Too many of us run around like headless chickens, stressed out and going nowhere, because that’s today’s world. It’s all the enemy has to offer; a stressful, unsatisfied, discontented life of running fast to get to nowhere. But abiding with the Most High God; Wow! that injects an awesome sense of peace and tranquility; a calm contentment in this crazy world, that allows us to flourish right where we’re planted, until He decides we’re ready for increase. And as Solomon concludes, ‘he shall not be visited by evil.’ Even though we are tempted, no evil shall befall us. What a wonderful, awesome God we worship eh Friends! Much LOVE!…remember….reverence to the Father…enriches us in every way…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 February 2008 1 Peter 1:7-9‏

07 Feb 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Peter 1: 7-9    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye LOVE, in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
 
All Praise and Thanks to the Most High God! Today’s Bit was handed to me on a silver platter. I just asked for guidance and opened the Good Book, right on 1st Peter, and there it was underlined in green. These are encouraging words of Peter on Faith: That substance of things not seen, but which we hope and with patience wait for. Without it, we cannot enjoy the many benefits of following Christ. It’s the most important aspect of the Christian religion. For as Peter says, referring to Jesus, ‘whom having not seen, ye LOVE, in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.’ Friends,that’s what Faith is all about: Not having seen Jesus in the flesh, but being told about His marvellous and miraculous doings for us, believing it, then trying to live obedient to His will, while spreading His Word, so that others may also come to know Him and enjoy the glorious salvation that He gave His sinless life for. Wow! Like the passion’s been stirred up in the ole fella these last two days. But be warned people. Faith is not easy to accept or walk in: Having  never seen Jesus, only reading and hearing about Him. Also, to obey His will, means a lifestyle that goes against the very grain of what the world offers; like greed, envy, jealousy, hate, immorality and lust for material things. Meanwhile, Jesus expects us to live in LOVE, peace and harmony, with forgiveness, patience and true fellowship. That’s why Bruh Peter talks about the trial of our faith, cause it’s indeed an uphill battle, a very hard row to hoe. But he also says that it’s much more precious than gold, which perishes, and prays that though our faith be tried to the utmost, even with fire that melts gold, it will hold up strong; ‘might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.’ Yes people, our path of faith is difficult, but bears many rewards. Going against the grain of the world is tough, but not impossible. We just need to remember that He who is within us, is greater than he that’s in the world. Matter fixed! Nuff said! The indwelling Spirit of Jesus is much more powerful than the enemy that lurks in the world. But the enemy has one aspect of note; his perseverance. Although he knows the Holy Spirit is stronger than him, he never gives up, simply switches to guerrilla tactics if he seems to be losing. That’s the attitude we need to adopt my Friends. The never give up, never say die, bend but don’t break spirit. That’s what true Faith is all about. And as Bruh Peter says, if we stand the test of faith, come that judgement day, we’ll be ‘Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.’ So stand strong in Jesus, People!  Much LOVE! …remember…Faith is not Faith…until it’s been tried and tested…
 

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