Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 April 2021 Psalm 40:4.

26 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 40:4.     ​Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Ah mih people, Monday has rolled around once more…that’s just a bad habit it has. (smile) But we cannot change the days and times of the Lord, so we are forced to deal with it as best we can. Once upon a time, that’s before the Covid pandemic, Monday was the whipping boy of the week. Many people disliked it because it meant going back out to work after a lazy or partying weekend, and we were usually tired and not very enthusiastic about resuming another week of labour to earn our daily bread. 

However, with the coming of the pandemic and the loss of so many jobs, Monday is not as badly maligned as before because many of us now have nowhere to go on a Monday morning. It’s an amusing though yet a sad occurrence, for now fear, anxiety, sickness, lack of money and worldly goods have become much more problematic than they were before our whole world went into lockdown. But friends, there is no need to worry. 

Oh, there is need for concern…but worry…no. For the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Controller of the universe and all therein, is still on the throne. He’s still running things, and nothing happens in this life unless He allows it. That means there must be a reason, and a good one too, why He’s allowing this pandemic and all our other problems to come upon us at this time. And I believe that’s because He’s feeling hard done by, feeling left out of our society, relegated to an unimportant role in our modern way of life. 

And if that’s the case, we really can’t blame Him, because so many of us have turned away from Him, even to the point of trying to uproot and throw Him completely out of our society. But here’s a li’l secret friends; that will NEVER happen, because the sovereign power of the universe will not allow it. Remember Satan tried to overthrow God when he was the archangel Lucifer, but he got kicked into fiery furnace of hell and eternal damnation? And that’s what will happen to anyone or ones who try to get rid of the Lord God Almighty. 

What we should be doing instead, is getting closer to Him, getting to know Him and His awesome Son, Jesus Christ better, not listening to our fellow man, the minions of Satan, who’s avowed purpose is to stir up rebellion, and get as many of us as he can to be tossed into hell with him. And the scriptures, the Word of God, tells us so often not to trust in man, but in God, but we’re so hard-headed and stubborn, with an inherent sinful nature, that we don’t listen. So today we’re going to play back some of those scriptures which we all know, to help us turn back to the one and only true Living God. 

Listen to these scriptures from the psalms. ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.’ (Ps. 118:8-9) And hear this from Psalm 146. ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man (a human being), in whom there is no help (salvation) His breath goeth forth (his spirit departs), he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is the Lord his God: which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever.’ (Ps. 146:3-6) 

What more do we need to come to our senses eh friends? If the God of Jacob is the most powerful being in the universe, why are we foolishly trying to rebel against Him eh, especially when we have numerous examples of what happens to those who do so? But hopefully a couple more scriptures might help turn us around. (smile) Hear Bruh David from Psalm 60 – A prayer for help against the foe. He pleads to the God of his forefathers: ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps. 60: 11-12) 

And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren, for the help of man is uncertain and deceitful, and like the grass, he’s here one minute, then the next, gone back to the earth from when he originally came. Now here is the last scripture from the psalms. Bruh David’s words again, this time from Psalm 40 – Praise for answered prayer. He joyfully and truthfully proclaims: ‘Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps. 40:4) And remember people, Bruh David and the other psalmists didn’t write these words from hearsay, but from personal experience. Thus, it is certainly in our best interest to believe them and do what they say. 

Now here is one last scripture, but not from the psalms (smile). It’s even more important, because it’s from the Lord Himself, when He made Joshua leader of the Israelites after Moses’ death. He told him, in no uncertain terms: ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8) And whenever Israel complied with the Word of God, thy had good success. When they didn’t, they had serious calamity, like we’re now having. 

So let’s get with some wisdom nuh and turn back to God. And there’s no time like the present time to do so. So right now, let’s go to Him in prayer, pleading for His forgiveness, mercy and grace, without which, we’ll certainly be goners. As one voice, let’s offer up our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You that this Monday morning we’re alive and standing in faith despite the mass confusion that’s currently prevailing in our world. 

We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems; the pandemic of Covid -19, the racial, political, and religious strife that’s ignited worldwide, plus the many natural disasters that now seem more prevalent than ever. Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously come short in obedience and compliance to Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, and You have faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us, ordinary folks, as well as our leaders, employers and medical personnel, wise guidance and direction to bring our problems under control. And for those who are currently suffering from the many negative situations, we pray that You will ease their suffering and heal them. 

Father, please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

Now let’s go out and show that sincere repentance and humility nuh, if we want the Lord to positively answer our prayer. Much LOVE!

…the Lord doesn’t just listen to our words…He looks at the motives of our hearts… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8               

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 April 2021 Matthew 8:26a.

25 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 8:26a.     ​And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?

A blessed Sunday to you, my fellow believers in Christ! The days are rolling by ever so quickly in these turbulent times that we don’t even have time to notice them. Some of us would like to hide from our individual problems, and those that are plaguing our world, but that’s not a wise idea, especially if you’re a follower of Christ Jesus. We believers need to stand up strong in faith and fight our battles courageously with the awesome help of our Lord and Saviour. It’s all a matter of faith my people, how mature we are in our belief in Him. 

But enough talk, today is Sunday and we are gathered, virtually though it might be, to celebrate the Lord’s Day. So let’s do that nuh, beginning as always, with a song of praise and worship, a song that renews our faith and confidence in the true, living God, He of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And today’s song is meant to do just that. It’s titled ‘Ride Out Your Storm.’ 

And the version we are singing today is a reggae version made famous by the Jamaican artist, George Nooks. So, as we are wont to do, let’s raise our voices in harmonious, joyful praise, letting heaven and earth know, without any doubt,where our sympathies and beliefs lie, the true, strong and solid foundation on which our faith is built; none other than Jesus Christ! 

Altogether now, in an up-tempo, reggae riddim: ‘Don’t give up just ride out your storm. You’ve been in the storm and it seems like forever. And your nights of confusion has been too long. Your ship has lost anchor, and the storm’s got you drifting. Just hold on to Jesus And ride out your storm (Chorus: Ride out your storm, God is there with you, you may not feel him, but you’re not alone. You’re hurting now, but your morning is coming…Lord have mercy, just hold on to Jesus and ride out your storm) 

Remember His promise, He said I’ll never forsake you, though the waters are troubled, they’ll do you no harm. Don’t give up the battle for your answer is coming, just hold on to Jesus, hold on to Jesus, and just ride out your storm. Ride out your storm God is still there with you, you may not feel him but you’re not alone. I know you’re hurting now but your morning is coming, Lord have mercy, just hold on to Jesus and ride out your storm. 

Oh Ride out your storm God is there with you, you may not feel him, but you’re not alone. Although you’re hurting now, your morning is coming, just hold on to Jesus and ride out your storm. You know He’ll never leave you, so just hold on to Jesus, and just ride out your storm. Hold on to Jesus, and ride out your storm.’ 

Yes people, our only hope for survival is to hold on tightly to Jesus and ride out our storm, for He is theONLY ONEwho can calm the angry seas. And it’s not like the Lord hasn’t promised never to leave nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5 in the New Testament reminds of us that. But let’s go right back to the Old Testament nuh, and get it first from Moses, then from the Lord himself. When Moses passed the leadership mantle of the Israelites to Joshua, he told him thus: ‘And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ (Deut. 31:8) 

And if that wasn’t sufficient, when the Lord officially enshrined Joshua as the leader, hear His fateful words to him. ‘There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.’ (Josh. 1:5) And a few verses later, the Lord reminded Joshua. ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9) Strong words indeed my brethren, but also ever-faithful ones. 

And before Jesus left us to return to heaven, He made the same promise to the disciples: ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the very end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) So it’s not like we don’t have word promises, but we also have actual situations where those promises were kept. We’ll just look at two situations with Jesus and the disciples, situations that we all know about, but unfortunately don’t take them as seriously as we ought to in these perilous times. The first is when Jesus, after feeding the five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes, sent the disciples across the lake in their boat, while He went up into the mountain to pray. 

But when the boat was in the middle of the lake, a serious storm arose and began tossing the boat to and fro in a wild manner. Obviously, the disciples became fearful, but Jesus knew their plight and came walking to them on the water. The Good Book tells it thus: ‘And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying it is a spirit (ghost); and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer (take courage), it is I, be not afraid.’ (Matt.14:26-27) 

Then we have the episode of Peter going out of the boat and walking on the water towards Jesus. And he was doing very well until he took his eyes off of Jesus, and focused on the wind and the stormy sea, then he became afraid and began to sink and had to implore Jesus to save him, which Jesus did, saying unto him, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.’ (Matt. 14:28-31) Unfortunately though friends, that’s how it is with us to this day. We start out strong and confident in Jesus, but as soon as the storm begins to seriously kick up, we take our eyes off of Jesus, lose our faith, get scared and begin to sink. 

Then we have the granddaddy of all the examples of losing faith, of not staying focused on Jesus. That time when they were going across the sea in their ship. ‘And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he (Jesus) was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea: and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!’ (Matt. 8:23-27) 

What can I say eh friends? After spending so much time with Jesus, and seeing so many miracles, the disciples still showed serious fear, even when He was with them. But here are some interesting words on the subject from commentator, Danielle Bernock, from the Christianity.com website. 

‘The significance of Jesus calming the storm is pertinent to what’s happening in our world today and is evidence of God’s love for us. COVID -19 has had a significant impact on our lives. We’re flooded by numerous types of storms daily. These storms are both internal and external. The intense surges of emotion within us are due to our humanity while the chaotic circumstances around us are beyond our control. Right now, many can relate to the disciples’ emotions when Jesus calmed the storm…

There have been many epidemics and even pandemics throughout history, and now we have many skilled scientists in the world. So, it seemed that we were prepared for COVID-19. But as country after country and state after state go into lockdown, the same fear and panic the disciples experienced looms over us. So, when things come upon us suddenly, we find out what’s in our hearts. Like the disciples, fear is coming out of many people’s hearts. It’s an emotion common to being human. 

One might say that the disciples were just being human. All of us during this pandemic are feeling our humanity deeply as fear sweeps across the world like a dark cloud. But Jesus was human too. He often took time away to refresh. During the storm, Jesus was sleeping because he was exhausted from ministry.… A good question for us to ask ourselves as COVID-19 rages is, where is our faith? The disciples spent a lot of time with Jesus and saw him perform many miracles. You would think that they’d have a lot of faith. But in their humanity, it became evident they had more faith that the storm would destroy them than in Jesus saving them. 

Jesus may have rebuked the disciples for their weak faith, but he didn’t abandon them to let them drown. Instead, he calmed the storm and then continued to teach them who he was and demonstrated what it was to have faith in God. Do we have more faith in the pandemic than in the mercy and grace of God? There is not a disease that Jesus was unable to heal. If the fear in us is stronger than our faith, we can turn to God and he’ll teach us because his mercy endures forever. Feeding on God’s word will build your faith and calm the storm raging within you.’ 

And we’ll end with those wise words my brethren. But please, please, let’s take time today, and in the upcoming ones, to ponder those questions that Mr. Bernock has posed, for they are very important to our current situation.Much LOVE!

…if we truly believe in Jesus…there is NO storm that we can’t ride out… 

P.S.Yes, it’s pretty long (smile), but I think it’s all very worthwhile. Much LOVE! 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8              

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 April 2021 Matthew 6:33.

24 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags:

Matthew 6:33.     ​But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

Greetings and salutations this Saturday morning my blessed friends, believers in Christ Jesus. As the apostle Peter so wisely said in his greeting long ago to the believers spread all over the known world: ‘Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through (in) the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to (by) glory and virtue.’ (2 Pet. 1:2-3) 

Yes friends, this morning I sincerely desire that we be all filed with the grace and peace of Christ Jesus, who has called us to believe in Him and to do His holy bidding. There’s nothing better we can have in these troubled times than the peace, LOVE and grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And having acknowledged that, let’s turn to the quotes that our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us to a better tomorrow. 

And the first quote says: ‘Regardless of how anyone else feels about me, I am going to choose to LOVE myself today.’ And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, for as we all know, we can’t LOVE anyone else until we first LOVE ourselves. Jesus tells us to LOVE our neighbour as ourselves, (Matt. 22:39) but how can we share something that we don’t have for ourselves eh? That’s impossible. So one of the many things we need to do each and every day, is to make sure that we have enough LOVE and compassion for and towards ourselves, so that if and when the situation arises, we can have some to give away. 

Remember LOVE is the number ONE attribute of our great and wonderful God, so if we want to walk in step with Him, we too have to have that most worthy and precious attribute flowing through our bodies and souls. That brings us to this next quote: ‘You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your LOVE and affection.’ Now, from the that way that reads, it seems to be talking about deserving LOVE and affection from yourself. And that’s quite true! We all need to heap LOVE and affection on ourselves, just like we do on others. We’re no different from anyone else in that respect. LOVE and affection is a worldwide need and a must for all God’s creation! 

However, I believe the following quote takes the whole thing a bit too far. ‘Put yourself at the top of your to-do list every single day and the rest will fall into place.’ Oh, you must take a serious interest in yourself every day, but making it the number one requirement on your to do list is going over the top, especially if you are a believer in Christ Jesus. For what did Jesus say? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

Yes friends, when we first seek God and His righteousness every day, then, and only then will everything else fall into place, not putting ourselves at the top of the heap. That’s not the way that Jesus does it in His kingdom. According to Him, the first shall be last and the last first, those who work for Him must consider servanthood a noble calling, like He did when He came to the earth the first time. But unfortunately, self-LOVE, and its associates – celebrity status, self-aggrandizement, lust for power and big egos are causing untold problems in our current society, for everybody wants to be number one, to be the served and not the servant, because that’s what our world glorifies! 

But friends, God’s kingdom works on the opposite principles. The Good Book puts it thus: ‘Likewise ye younger, subject yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.’ (1 Pet. 5:5-6) I couldn’t put it any better my people. And if we want to be sincere and successful believers in Christ, that’s just what we need to do. 

That brings us to the last quote. ‘You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.’ And that’s the gospel truth! We are ALL masterpieces, as well as works in progress. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to the scriptures which prove it. Bruh David first tell us in Psalm 139 about out miraculous and marvellous genesis in our mother’s womb. ‘For thou hast possessed my reins (formed my inward parts): thou hast covered (weaved) me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right (very) well.’ (Ps. 139:13-14) 

Oh my brethren, just sit and consider for a moment the awesome process by which we are conceived in our mother’s womb nuh! Our physical creation is indeed a masterpiece! However, once we are born, the rigours of sin and temptation set in, and we are unfortunately led down that wide and attractive, but oh so destructive path that leads to Hades. And that’s when Jesus steps in with His renewing presence and puts us on the straight and narrow path that leads to salvation and eternal life! Glory be mih bredrin! As Bruh Paul says: we are new creations! ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:17) 

Yeh mih people! Thanks be to God for the heartwarming presence of Christ and His saving grace! However, we do not change from one thing to the other all in one fell swoop. It’s a gradual process, it takes time. As we saw yesterday when Bruh Paul told us that we were being led from ‘glory to glory,’ (2 Cor. 3:18) being daily transformed into the image of Christ, as the Father had long ago decided for us to eventually become. 

So you can see that though our physical creation is worthy of masterpiece status, our spiritual self is a work in progress that will continue until necessary, as Bruh Paul informed the church at Philippi. ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) 

Wow friends! What eternal security we Christians have! For God will continue to move us from glory to glory until the Second Coming of Jesus, when His work will then be completed. God has a purpose for doing the saving work in believers, and nothing will stop Him from completing it. Let’s remember that and consequently give our all to that awesome programme. It’s not rocket science, just basic common sense! Much LOVE!

…we are born a masterpiece…and will die in glory…what more can we ask… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8             

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 April 2021 James 5:16b.

23 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living

James 5:16b.     ​The effectual (effective) fervent prayer (supplication) of a righteous man availeth much.

Get with it friends; get with the programme this Friday morning, the programme of Christ Jesus! Yeh mih people, there is nothing better than the programme designed by Jesus for this earthly life! And if you follow it sincerely and diligently, you’ll find such unexpected excitement and adventure in this life to last more than one lifetime! Brother! Who doesn’t like excitement and adventure eh? And believe me, ah not talking from hearsay nuh, but from personal experience. 

And if you don’t believe me, then read God’s Word, the Bible, the Good Book, the one they always trying to discredit and burn and throw out, but haven’t been able to since it was first written! That means it must have something grand in it to share to all and sundry, otherwise mankind would have been able to make it extinct, like so many other things and artifacts down through the ages. And the good thing about reading about Christ and believing in Him is that your ending will be even greater than your beginning. We talking about eternal life in heaven with Him! So how can you beat that eh friends? No way! No way Jose! 

And in these times of serious problems, covid and all them other things that plaguing we world, it’s only Jesus Christ that can help us to overcome them. Satan and his evil doers can’t, because that’s what they want to see; evil and sickness in the land. But we got to look to Jesus and plead with Him to put a hand, a hand of mercy, ofLOVEAnd healing. We got to cry out to Him…JESUS…Oh Jesus…we need you badly down here on earth right now, for the enemy is making it real rough and tough for us! So please Jesus, please come back now and help us, help those who have surrendered their lives to You. 

Yes friends, from way back, right now and for evermore, prayer is the answer! Remember what happened when Peter was locked up in prison. The Good Book tells us: ‘Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.’ (Acts 12:5) And we all know what happened in response to that prayer, the Lord sent His angel and released Peter from the prison. From right down in the innermost part of the prison, the angel of the Lord brought him out without any of the numerous guards and soldiers seeing him. 

The Good Book describes it thus: ‘When they were past the first and second ward (guard posts), they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety (for certain), that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.’ (Acts 12:10-11) Yes my brethren, the Lord had put a hand in the situation in response to the prayer that was made by the church on Peter’s behalf. 

And on the subject of prayer, James tells us that we need to express our dependence on God through it. ‘Is any among you afflicted (suffering)? let him pray. Is any merry (cheerful)? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. 

The effectual (effective) fervent prayer (supplication) of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are (with a nature like ours), and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by (for) the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.’ (James 5:13-18) 

Oh my people, the most powerful tool on this earth is sincere prayer, but it doesn’t mean that every prayer will be heard and positively acted upon, but the potential for that is certainly there. And Christians ought to be talking to each other, praying for each other, and depending on God’s mercy to get us going in this earthly and evil life. And the prayer of faith isn’t just a ritual like in verse 14 above. But as the scholars explain: ‘The prayer of faith discerns God’s will and perseveres until it is accomplished. God’s will, however, is not to heal in every case, and true faith can discern and accept that (Rom. 8:26-27).’ 

And since I like to spoon feed you all so much, (smile) I’ll quote those two verses. ‘Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities (weaknesses): for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.’ (Rom. 8:26-27) 

Yes, my fellow saints, when you accept Christ as Lord and Saviour and His Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you, one of the jobs the Spirit performs is to intercede for us, when we don’t how or what to pray for, presenting our innermost feelings and problems which we cannot put into words, to the omniscient God we serve and worship. And having said all of that, it’s only right and wise that we should turn to God to help us, plead with Him sincerely to put a healing hand in our affairs, which are currently in a very sad state. 

So let’s do that right now through our Friday Chant nuh. As one prayerful voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 

So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the sure and wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. 

It’s also a good opportunity to introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion because of the way we, your faithful believers, handle the situation. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’  

Now my fellow believers, let’s get to sincere repentance and obedience and show our trusting faith, if we truly want the Lord to help us and heal our land. Much LOVE!

…prayer…the wonderful method of communication…between man and God… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8            

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 April 2021 2 Corinthians 2:18.

22 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Corinthians 3:18.     ​But we all, with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed (transformed) into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

So now it’s Thursday, what we going to do today eh? Hopefully, it’s more of what we did yesterday. And what’s that you ask? We talking about working for Jesus! What else could it be eh? If you call yourself a Christian then that’s your obvious life’s work, regardless of what other position(s) you might hold in society. And hopefully, we’ll do a better job today than we did yesterday, as we grow in faith, becoming more mature a li’l every day, as the Lord moves us from glory to glory! 

Oh friends, that’s such a wonderful journey to look forward to! As Bruh Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his second missive: ‘But we all, with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed (transformed) into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ (2 Cor. 3:18) And what can be more desirous than reflecting the glory of God eh? Nothing my brethren! 

Now here’s how the scholars explain that verse in simple terms. ‘3:18. Beholding as in a glass: The term beholding can have the sense of “reflecting.” The believer himself “reflects” the glory of the Lord just as the face of Moses reflected the glory of the Lord. For Moses, the glory eventually faded away, but under the New Covenant the believer is changed into the same image. This transformation takes place by the abiding presence of the Spirit of God.’ 

And as a commentator from the website GotQuestions.org, describes it. ‘With those few words – “from glory to glory”—Paul sums up our entire Christian life, from redemption and sanctification on earth, to our glorious eternal welcome into heaven.’ Yes friends,that journey from one glory, the Old Mosaic Law to the other, the New Covenant, the gospel of Christ, is so wonderful to behold, words cannot fully describe it. 

Remember back in the old days, when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai the second time, with the stone tablets on which the Lord had written the Ten Commandments, after the Lord had shown him His goodness and glory by passing before him, (Ex. 33:12-23), his face shone so brightly that the children of Israel were afraid to look at him, so he veiled his face when talking to them. 

As the Good Book recalls: ‘And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not (did not know) that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him (the Lord). And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh (near to) him.’ (Ex. 34:29-30) But Moses called the elders, and eventually all the people, unto him and spoke with them. 

And the Good Book reports: ‘And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.’ (Ex. 34:33). Yes people, that was indeed a momentous occasion in the time of the believer, for everybody could see the glow of God’s Spirit in Moses’ face, unfortunately though, the glow did not last, it eventually faded away. However, with the new and better, more glorious covenant of Jesus, the law was not written on stone tablets, but on the soft and yielding hearts of followers. 

As the Lord promised through the words of the prophet Jeremiah: ‘But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts (mind), and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ (Jer. 31:33) And as Bruh Paul writes earlier on about that: ‘Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered (cared for) by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables (tablets) of stone, but in fleshy tables (tablets) of the heart.’ (2 Cor. 3:3) 

So we know that promise made by Jeremiah was carried out with the coming of Jesus and His New Covenant. This is so much better than the Old one, for it forgives us of our sins, and with the Holy Spirit now entrenched within us, gives us new life. Here’s how Christ puts it: ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10b) And that life is thus enabled: ‘It is the spirit that quickeneth (gives life); the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’ (John 16:63) 

And with this New Covenant, only the believer’s spiritual eyes can behold the glory of God, of Christ’s gospel. As Bruh Paul writes: ‘For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Cor. 4:6) 

And these words from the commentator on GotQuestions.org complete our discussion very nicely. ‘But, as we move from glory to glory, there’s something even more important about the glory of the New Covenant that Christians must understand: its supernatural power to transform us. And that brings us to God’s ultimate purpose and destination for every believer, to transform us into the image of his own beloved Son (2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:28-30; Phil. 3:20-21). 

Before he finishes with the topic of being transformed from glory to glory, Paul presents yet one more astonishing claim: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17). This is the invitation the Lord makes to all Christians, to have our lives radically transformed here and now, by opening our eyes to see the glorious journey He is taking us on “from glory to glory.” 

Oh friends, that is definitely an invitation we cannot afford to refuse, because it deals with our eternal security! So please let’s get serious about walking with Christ nuh, for it’s the ONLY way to salvation and eternal life. Now, for those of us who have already made that decision, let’s go home declaring (chuh man!) our Thursday Blessings, the tools which our God has so generously bestowed on us, so that we can do His earthly work. 

Altogether now:‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! 

I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that has ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’  

And our bounden duty is to now go out and share those blessings just as generously with others, as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…only a fool…would refuse to see…the glory of the Living God… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8                      

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 April 2021 James 2:17.

21 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

James 2:17.     ​Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Oh, how lovely it looks out there my people; white and virginal! (smile) Yes friends, there’s snow on the rooftops and the hitherto blossoming green trees. Was I ever surprised when I saw it this morning, but apparently it was predicted by the weather department. I don’t expect it to cause any serious problems though, because the roads seem bereft of the white stuff, and most likely it will all melt by this afternoon. Let’s hope so anyway. (smile) 

But that’s one of the exciting and adventurous things about living in the northern climes; you’re never sure when Mother Nature will surprise you with something that’s supposedly out of season. And that’s exactly how our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ surprises us with good things when we walk sincerely with Him. So, although this earthly life provides many trials and much tribulation, let’s not lose faith and give up, because those are the times when the Lord acknowledges our trust in Him and sends deliverance. 

Oh yes, He sees all of our struggles and helps us get through them all. Even when He’s testing our faith and commitment to Him. And in these turbulent and controversial times, we need to hang on to Jesus even tighter than before, because no other system or faith, or whatever, appears to have the power to answer all the questions and problems we are now facing worldwide. And believe me, if you stick close to Jesus, it will all be worth it in the end. That’s His promise: ‘But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ (Matt.24:13) And we know that all His promises are true and faithful, though probably not in our timing. (smile) 

And yes, sometimes it feels like He will never show up, and I can personally tell you about that, for many times, He’s taken me right to the brink of the precipice, but He’s NEVER allowed me to go over. So I can also testify that Jesus is NEVER late! It might seem so to us, but He always catches the crisis before it drags us under. The problem is that we like to be relieved of our problems right away, but Jesus likes to test our faith, to see us walk our talk, and that’s what He is expecting of us right now in this unusual time of pandemic, strife and natural disasters. 

So it’s a matter of digging deeper into the word of God, more prayer…and the sincere kind at that, and living good with our friends, families and neighbours. This is a time when Christians and the church of Christ are expected to come to the forefront and help our world understand that Christ is the answer to ALL of our many problems. As we said yesterday, we desperately need to be good and worthwhile ambassadors for Christ. That means we have to set a good example, and we can only do that when we are well grounded in the faith.

 And there are several instances in the Good Book where Bruh Paul admonishes the brethren to be go deep in the faith. Listen to this verse to the Colossians as he talks about his service for Christ. ‘If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled (steadfast), and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; wherefore I Paul am made a minister;’ (Col. 1:23) 

And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘1:23. If ye continue in the faith (or “since you will persevere in the faith”): the Colossians future entrance into God’s heavenly presence depends on whether they remain in the Christian faith. The words “since you will persevere” indicate that they will remain loyal to Christ. Perseverance in the Christian’s faith is a test of the reality of one’s trust in Christ. This verse implies that true believers will persevere.’ 

And isn’t that the living truth friends! We are expected to walk out our trust in the reality of the way we live our lives. And never more so than in these critical times of our world! And as true believers we WILL persevere unto the end! That’s also an indisputable fact! Glory be my people! It certainly warms the cockles of Jesus’ heart to hear us say that so definitely and confidently! 

But it’s more than talk friends, it’s even more walk! Faith is indeed necessary, but that faith ought to show out in our works. As James says: ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed, and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ (James 2:14-16) 

Now that’s the gospel truth friends. We can talk all the talk we want, but if we have the wherewithal to help another and don’t, then our faith is worthless. That’s why Jesus showed it was ever so important to help the poor and downtrodden as He spoke the parable of the talents (Matt. 25) and ended with these words. ‘For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36) 

Then, when the righteous look at Him in astonishment and ask when they did these things? ‘And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch, as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) Yes, my fellow saints, in as much as we help the poor, downtrodden and needy, we’re helping Jesus; that’s what He desires of us, which means we need to take our responsibilities as a Christian very seriously. 

And as one commentator questions? ‘Are you enriching that (Christian) relationship every day through your communication with God? Listen to His voice as He gets your attention while reading His Word. Talk back to Him in prayer. Communicate with Him! Do you truly know Him friend? Will He recognize your voice when you call out to Him?’ 

Oh my people, I believe those are all important questions that we need to seriously ponder and then do our best to live up to the desires of Jesus in these sinful, godless and evil times! And for those of us who have already decided to work for Jesus, despite the trials and tribulations, let’s go home declaring (awright!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! 

So as one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And as we all know, if we endure to the end, that future will be even more glorious than we can think or imagine! So let’s keep on working diligently and efficiently for Jesus my fellow saints, for it will all be worth it, when He comes into His kingdom! Much LOVE!

…on earth with Christ…unknown adventures await…but for sure…eternal life with Him in heaven… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8                     

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 April 2021 2 Corinthians 5:20a.

20 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Corinthians 5:20a.     Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

Another wonderful day to enjoy on God’s great earth my people! Wow! He’s so good to us that we can never really appreciate all that He’s done for us! Especially for that most excellent, indescribable, unsurpassable gift of His precious, sinless Son, Jesus! Glory be mih bredrin! What an awesome blessing and advantage it is to know Jesus! 

As the song says: Who can bring you joy, who can bring you LOVE, who can heal your body, who can help you to hold out a little longer? Nobody but Jesus! He won’t ever let you down, He’s promised to be with you right to the very end, unto the end of the world, and His promises are never broken. His LOVE’S the power and the glory of this life, both earthly and heavenly! He’s the one who can turn your life around, who can pick you up when you fall, who’s always beside you! 

Yes friends, none other but JESUS, can do all of those wonderful things! That’s why He’s the ONLY ONE we need! Once we’re under His mighty protection, no one, or nothing, can ever touch us, for He’s conquered the evil one, the world and all its lusts and temptations. But we still have a part to play my brethren. That’s the part of sincerely believing in Him and doing the work He desires of us, which is basically being a good example of His LOVE, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, all of which will eventually lead others to Him, to also accept him as their Lord and Saviour, and thus enjoy those wonderful benefits we already enjoy. 

Oh my faithful brethren, as Bruh Paul explained to the church at Corinth: ‘Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God.’ (2 Cor. 5:20) Those fateful words still apply today friends! We need to be reconciled to God. And once we do that, then we become His ambassadors here on earth. That means we represent Him and His heavenly kingdom here on earth. And it’s through us, that others will come to know and accept Him. 

So we have to show the world what the kingdom of God has to offer, and that it’s better than what they can get in Satan’s kingdom. But that also means we have to know what the kingdom offers, which further means we have to learn and grow, by reading the word, praying and getting closer to Christ. That’s the only way we can represent Him properly. 

And I like how this message from the Worship Centre Website explains it. ‘When you give your life to God, you become a member of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible says that we are at that moment “translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son.” So, the rest of your time here on earth, you’re not just here for your own plans or interests, but you’re representing Heaven to those around you. Matter of fact, you’re the only real sample of Heaven most people will ever see. What they’ll know about God’s working in peoples’ lives, they’ll get from watching YOUR life. Pretty scary? Maybe. 

On the other hand, it means you’re not limited to YOUR resources, because you’re not out there representing yourself. Since you’re representing God’s government, and HIS abilities, you have access to all the best that He has to offer. Remember, your whole mission is to give people a sample of what it is to have God at work in a person’s life. That’s what will make them want to get to know Him for themselves. They HAVE to be able to tell that something different is going on in your life. Something that just isn’t the way it happens for the average person. 

How do they know? For one, you TELL them! You let them know what’s going on inside you and in your life! That’s right, you let people into your life! You bring your family, friends and co-workers into your inner circle, and let them share your experiences, your hopes, dreams, successes and failures. You tell them about answers to prayer, and God’s goodness to you. That’s part of being an ambassador for Christ. Being an ambassador for Christ means there’s learning and growing – getting to know the One you’re representing, and learning His ways. You’re called on to do something unique, and something incredibly hard; to represent someone to people in a way that they want to get to know Him for themselves. 

They HAVE to be able to tell that something different is going on in your life. Something that just isn’t the way it happens for the average person. How do they know? For one, you TELL them! You let them know what’s going on inside you and in your life! That’s why they keep looking at your life, and checking you out to see if you’re really what you say you are. But, guess what? That’s good for you! It challenges you to keep prayed up and full of the Spirit. When you’re prayed up and full of the Spirit, you become a person who’s not afraid to feel, and not afraid to express what’s going on inside. 

Most people try so hard to keep from hurting, and to harden their hearts so that nothing hurts. They do it so well, that not only does nothing hurt, but nothing helps anymore! By avoiding being hurt, they also can’t feel hope, joy or love. They become stiff and zombie-like, emotionally. That’s where you come in, you’ve been healed of that. You’re not deadened to your friends, co-workers and family. You’re no longer caught up on the fast track that you take people for granted. No, you’re incredibly alive, aware, caring and full of joy. Jesus gave us His words, as He said, “that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).’ 

Oh my fellow saints in Christ, I certainly could not have done a better job of explaining our ambassadorial role for Jesus! So let’s allow those fateful words and noble dreams and ideas to sink into our hearts, minds and souls nuh, and be our joyful guide as we go out to represent our Lord and Saviour, Jesus! 

Now, let’s go home declaring (steups!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know who and whose we are. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’ 

So, as true ambassadors, we must now go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Jesus with others. Much LOVE!

…you can call on Jesus…at any time…in the morning, the evening, even the midnight hour…and He’ll come to your rescue without question… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8                    

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 April 2021 Matthew 10:22.

19 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 10:22.​     And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

What a bizarre time we’re going through my people! One day we hear that the police are authorized to make random stops to find out where you’re going, but the police refuse to do it. So, next day, we hear that authority has been rescinded. The government and the medical people don’t seem to be on the same wavelength at all, as there are too many conflicting statements on how to best handle the pandemic situation. But there’s no way to fix it without a fair amount of consensus among all parties. And when you add all the controversy surrounding the vaccines the whole scene is one chaotic mess. 

But let me remind us, that as sincere believers in Christ Jesus, we always have Him to turn to in times of doubt and despair. Life will never be easy or comfortable, especially when we’re living for Jesus, but He has faithfully promised that whatever negative stuff we are experiencing in the world, we can always turn to Him and receive His awesome peace and comfort that are way better than what the world offers. So, with all the bickering and dispute that’s currently going on, now is definitely a time to turn to Him for solace, comfort and wise guidance. 

A time to remember His amazing words of promise, like these. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) Yes friends, that’s sometimes hard to understand and accept when our whole world seems to be falling apart. But we need to keep speaking it, keep believing it, until it sinks into our very soul and becomes a natural tool for us to handle unpleasant situations. 

And what about this other warning of persecution. ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent) as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues…And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Matt. 10:17-18, 22). And as the scholars explain: ‘In the ancient Near East the serpent was commonly regarded as the wisest of beasts. A cautious wisdom was necessary in order to deal with the fierce opposition that the disciples would face.’ 

And up to this day, the situation has remained the same: believers have to be wise and cautious in their dealings with the world. In some places today, the persecution is just as bad as in the days of the early church, but you see what a huge difference the perseverance and strong belief of the disciples made in the world, despite the terrible odds they faced. 

And in our western world, we don’t even have an ounce of the persecution they faced, yet we’re whining and crying. That ought not to be so friends. We are supposed to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The ones to lead others to Christ and all the good benefits He has to offer. And please remember that nothing worthwhile is ever easy to accomplish. 

Now listen to some more inspirational words of Jesus nuh. ‘If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would LOVE his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.’ (John 15:18-19) That’s something we too often forget my fellow saints; that we are IN the world, but not OF the world. So let’s stand up strong and face the world mano a mano nuh. Remember Jesus has already overcome it, and we only need to keep the victory going, with His help obviously. 

And in what is known in some circles, as the long version of the Lord’s Prayer (John 17) Jesus didn’t only pray for the disciples but also for us. ‘Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. That they all may be one: as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’ ( John 17:20-21) 

Yuh see that mih bredrin, Jesus knew that His plan would work, and that down through the ages people would believe in Him having not seen Him in person, and He wanted them to be separate, sanctified, living as one, not as the many warring denominations we now have. But as we say, while there is life, there’s always hope, and I believe these difficult times were meant to bring us together and back to God, so let’s do just that nuh, be as one, in sincere prayer, and offer up what we term our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. 

Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You that this Monday morning we’re alive and standing in faith despite the mass confusion that’s currently prevailing in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems; the pandemic of Covid -19, the racial, political, and religious strife that’s ignited worldwide, plus the many natural disasters that now seem more prevalent than ever. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously come short in obedience and compliance to Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, and You have faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us, ordinary folks, as well as our leaders, employers and medical personnel, wise guidance and direction to bring our problems under control. 

And for those who are currently suffering from the many negative situations, we pray that You will ease their suffering and heal them. Father, please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again we say: Amen!’ 

Now, having said all of that, we need to show true humility and sincere repentance, if we want God to affirmatively answer our plea. Much LOVE!

…bear patiently the slings of the world…and your reward will be great…both in heaven and on earth… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8                   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 April 2021 Matthew 7:24.

18 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 7:24.     ​Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a (the) rock.

So here we go again, another Sunday of virtual gathering. But the important thing is that we gather, not the how or where we do it. The Lord just wants us to gather however we can and celebrate His day, to give Him thanks and praise for all that He’s done for us this past week, and renew our confidence that He will keep on looking after us in the upcoming week. So, if the earthly powers that be say we can’t gather in large groups under one roof or mango tree, then, being the ingenious people we are, we will gather virtually. (smile) We can’t hug and kiss and shake hands, but we can do most of the other things necessary for worship. 

As always then, let’s begin with a song of praise, something to lively up both heaven and earth, this cloudy spring morning. (smile) Today’s hymn was written by British Baptist minister, Edward Mote (1797-1874) and it’s one of our favourites. Oh brother, do we have many favourites! And why not eh, since they are all celebrating the goodness and glory of our great God? 

Anyway, enough suspense, our hymn is titled ‘My Hope is built on nothing less.’ And is that ever the awesome truth friends! Our hope is indeed built on Christ Jesus and NO ONE, or nothing else. So let’s sing it like we truly mean it nuh, in harmony, loud and clear, at a nice up-tempo speed. 

Altogether now: ‘My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. (Refrain: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.) When darkness veils his lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil. (Refrain) His oath, his covenant, his blood Supports me in the ‘whelming flood When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay. 

(Refrain) Not earth, nor hell, my soul can move; I rest upon unchanging LOVE. I trust his righteous character, his counsel, promise, and his pow’r. [Refrain] When he shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in him be found, dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.’ 

What a magnificent rendition my people! All heaven was singing along with us, including the Father. He’s usually the first to join in whenever anyone is singing praises to His awesome Son, for He’s a very proud Father! What makes me chuckle though, is how Jesus sits there on His throne, quietly tapping His feet and nodding His head to the music, with that shy, boyish smile on His handsome face, somewhat embarrassed by all the praise. 

But that’s why we LOVE and adore Him so much. Despite all the honour and glory the Father has bestowed on Him, all the accolades He’s received down through the ages, He’s still the same down to earth, unassuming person He’s always been. That doesn’t mean to say He’s a pushover, as the wicked will find out when He comes back the second time, but He’s like the real great men of earth who know their power and don’t need to flaunt it. 

And what was Brother Mote trying to tell or instill in us when he wrote those wonderful words so long ago eh? I think it’s basically that Jesus is the everlasting hope, the assurance, the refuge, the best place to find solace and comfort in this crazy, sinful world. And that’s the indisputable truth friends! Jesus is the ONLY ONE who can sincerely offer us the comfort that we so desperately need in these rather trying and difficult times. Remember His Great Invitation? ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matt. 11:28) Well He can truly do that! 

Furthermore, His selfless sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, paid the price for our sins, and thus puts us in His eternal debt. Oh friends, the blood of Jesus is ever so powerful, it enacted the New Covenant and made blood sacrifices obsolete. His death stopped us from being slaves to sin and Satan, and His resurrection caused us to have new life in the family of God. Yes friends, Jesus is the best foundation on which to build one’s life. Brother Mote said it nicely in our song: ‘Not earth, nor hell, my soul can move; I rest upon unchanging LOVE. I trust his righteous character, his counsel, promise, and his pow’r.’ What better foundation to build on eh my brethren? NONE! 

Jesus said it this way, when He spoke about the two foundations on which we can build our lives. ‘Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a (the) rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.’ (Matt. 7:24-27) 

And the scholars offer this explanation on those verses. ‘7:24-27. In drawing His concluding illustration of the two foundations, Jesus begins with the word Therefore. On the basis of all that He has taught and illustrated, He concluded that all who both hear and do His sayings shall be saved. As a great Master Counselor, Jesus reminded His listener that hearing this message alone will not change his life. He must both hear and do what Jesus has said. 

The elements of the closing illustration are drawn from the simplicity of nature itself, the rock, the rain, and the winds. The man whose house collapsed was at fault, not because he failed to labour, but because he did not lay the proper foundation. The shifting sand represents human opinion and the doctrines of men as opposed to “these sayings.” 

Now, we all know that the most important aspect of building anything is the foundation. If the foundation is strong, whatever edifice we erect will stand the test of time and nature. But if the foundation is not up to scratch, then the edifice will eventually tumble down when it comes up against powerful forces. Likewise, in life, there is no doubt that Christ is the best foundation for us to build our lives on, for He is strong and steady, steadfast and solid, impenetrable and immovable, like a rock; the rock of all ages! Much LOVE!

…what’s your foundation built on…the rock…or the shifting sand…  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8                  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 April 2021 Psalm 139:14a.

17 Apr 2021 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 139:14a.     ​I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

Saturday, Saturday! Thank God that lazy day called Saturday is here! Yes friends, Saturday has arrived…and we’re happy, despite the tighter lockdown restrictions we were handed in our province of Ontario yesterday. Ah Lord eh! When will it all end? The vaccines don’t seem to me making much of a difference, because every day we’re hitting record highs in new cases of the covid virus, be they the regular one or the variants. And no one seems to understand why this is happening. So, the only recourse is to lock down tighter. 

But again, that will only work if people responsibly adhere to the rules, which they have not been doing in the past, and why the virus has been proliferating for so long, until it had a chance to rework itself and become even more dangerous. But friends, the one constant in it all is the amazing presence of Christ Jesus in our lives! That has not changed, so as the song says, let’s keep Jesus shining through us, and together with Him, we’ll shine over the whole world, and let His glory fill the land. 

And since it’s Saturday, we need to check out the quotes that our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. Now they all seem to be centred around personal image and improvement, so obviously they will have some overlap. And the first one says: ‘Be yourself. An original is so much better than a copy.’ And is that ever the awesome truth! Have you ever noticed when you make a copy of something, it’s never as good as the original? 

Well that also applies to our lives. We come off much better when we let our real selves show and not try to be a copy of someone else. And that’s all the Lord is asking of us – to be who He created us to be, not try to be someone else. That’s why He made each of as a unique specimen and not copies or clones. As Bruh David says in Psalm 139: ‘I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right (very) well.’ (Ps. 139:14) 

Consequently, this next quote speaks very well to the first. ‘Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.’ Truer words were never spoken my people! We must be true to what God made us, and whatever we do, make sure we put our very heart and soul in it, because our heavenly Father always expects the best of us. And if we find that we can’t put our hearts sincerely in something, then we should not get involved in it. As Bruh Paul told the church at Colossae, re Christian virtues and advice for domestic life. ‘And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Col. 3:17) 

And the scholars offer this explanation on that verse. ‘3:17. The beneficial influence produced by the indwelling word of Christ is not only to affect public and private worship (vs. 16), (where he admonishes them to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with grace in their hearts to the Lord), but it is also to control all areas of a Christian’s life.’ 

And later on, Bruh Paul advises the slaves and servants thus: ‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ (Col. 3:23-24) Yes friends, even slaves and servants were to perform their menial tasks wholeheartedly, doing their best, because they were not doing it so much for their earthly master but for the heavenly One, who promised them the reward of salvation in their Christian faith. 

That brings us to this quote: ‘If you’re searching for that one person that will change your life, take a look in the mirror.’ Now that’s something we should do everyday friends. Take a good look in the mirror and try to discern who or whom we really are! Everything in our lives begins and ends with us. We can’t expect others to improve our lives if we don’t first put in the effort and energy to do it. As the old saying goes; no one can make you happy but yourself. 

Just look at all the toys and conveniences we have in today’s modern world, but so many of us are still bored and miserable. That’s partly because we are expecting, looking for other things and people to make and/or keep us happy. But if we can’t first find happiness within ourselves, then we’ll never find it anywhere else. 

And the next quote fits nicely into the framework. ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.’ That should be obvious my brethren. We can’t give away something we don’t have, be it money, time, talent or LOVE! That means we first have look after ourselves, to grow in us, or our lives, whatever it is we want to share with others. So if it’s money; then we have to work to get some. With time, we must arrange our schedule so that we have some to spare. And for talent, we have to learn, or improve ourselves in whatever area we desire to help others. 

But you know the amazing thing about wanting to share LOVE: you need to do all of the above, especially spending time with the Master of LOVE, Jesus, and learning from Him and His word! Oh glory be mih people! As Jesus says, the two most important things in this world are to LOVE God with everything you have, and to LOVE your neighbour as yourself. (Matt. 22:37-40) And as we were just saying, if you don’t have LOVE for yourself, how can you give it to anybody else? But Jesus can teach us! 

And the last quote tells us: ‘Be proud of who you are, and not ashamed of how someone else sees you.’ Now that’s the gospel truth friends! Far too many of us are ashamed of ourselves for stupid, worldly reasons! God might be disappointed in us, but He’s never ashamed of us. So why do we allow mortal men like ourselves, to make us feel ashamed eh? Granted, some of us may be down on our luck, for whatever reason, but that’s no reason to be ashamed. Remember what Bruh David said; we’re ALL fearfully and wonderfully made, unique creatures of God’s sophisticated engineering, so there’s no need to be ashamed. 

We can always turn to God for His faithful help. Just look at Bruh Paul’s life, how he turned from destroying believers to lifting them up, with Christ’s help obviously, to the point where he could boast. ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.’ (Rom. 1:16) 

And what better scripture to close with than this one from Christ Himself. ‘For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.’ (Luke 9:26). Yes friends, Jesus, as always, puts it in plain language. If we refuse to stand up for Him now, then, when He comes in all His glory, He won’t bother with us either. That just seems fair, doesn’t it?Much LOVE!

…human beings are God’s greatest creation…let’s truly reflect it in our earthly lives nuh…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8                

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries