Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 May 2012 Isaiah 40:28

07 May 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Isaiah40:28.    Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

And it was Monday! Yes Friends, it’s Monday, a glorious day when all the worker bees come back out to labour. (smile) However, please remember that we’re no longer slaves to the world, but the eminent children of the Most High God Jehovah, and as such are worthy of respect and deference. So please, let’s hold our heads up high as we go out to work today, and don’t consider ourselves working for earthly, mortal man, but for our heavenly Father, to bring His righteous and godly kingdom to fruition. This will ease some of the difficulty and pain we suffer during the work day. And to help us do that, let’s come before the Father with confidence and proper humility and sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn as loudly, enthusiastically and sincerely as we can. As one voice now! ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now that ought to set us on the right track Friends! So let’s turn to our Bit, one of the most encouraging pieces of scripture found in the Good Book: ‘Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.’ That’s an undeniable fact my people! The words, tired and faint don’t exist in our God’s vocabulary. Instead He rejuvenates the faint and weary, giving them strength to carry on. We saw a perfect example of that yesterday in that my ebbed spirit was soon lifted up when I cried out for help and also persevered in my task. Now today I want us to look at some scriptures that pertain to the last part of our Bit: ‘there is no searching of his understanding.’ That’s also an undeniable fact my fellow believers! Try as we can, none of us mortals can unlock the secrets, the wisdom and understanding of our omnipotent Creator, because He is immortal, with ways and thoughts much higher than ours. (Is.55:8-9) From that we can rightly discern that we’re like in kindergarten, while the Lord already has His doctorate. That’s how far superior His intelligence is to ours. So it’s not surprising when Psalm 147, solemnly proclaims: ‘Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite (innumerable).’ (Ps.147:5) And trust the Preacher to hit the nail on the head: ‘As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit (wind), nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.’ (Eccl.11:5)  And that my brethren is a gospel truth, if ever there was one! Meanwhile the prophet Nahum dispenses this bit of wisdom: ‘The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked; the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet…The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. (Nah.1:3,7-8) More gospel truth mih breddren! And we’ll end with wise words from Bruh Paul: ‘O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed (repaid) unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.’ (Rom.11:33-36) Oh Friends, none of those statements are open to argument, for they are all the unadulterated, unalterable truth! And we also see Bruh Paul’s brilliance with words, where in verses 34-35, he combines the words of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Job to further his argument. Oh that all believers could be so wise and learned in the scriptures! But that will come eventually my people as we read, study and meditate on the infallible Word of our God. Now that’s our task for today. Please carry it out without any murmuring or complaints, for it’s in our best interest to do so. Much LOVE!…can the clay tell the potter what to make…or how to make it…likewise we can’t tell our Creator what to do…or how to do it…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 May 2012 Isaiah 40:28

06 May 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Isaiah 40:28.     Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Ah Friends, the ole fella’s feeling a bit down in the dumps this morning. Yuh know sometimes yuh just feel blah; yuh get the blahs. (smile) Well that’s my unfortunate position today. Why? I really don’t know, because there’s no good reason for me to be feeling less than enthusiastic. I guess my spirit is a tad tired from the constant merry-go-round that’s life. Obviously I asked the Lord to boost my spirit, to rejuvenate me so that I could write something worthy of His Name. Therefore it wasn’t so strange or surprising that in my search for a Bit, I was guided to this particular scripture verse. ‘Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.’ Yes Friends, I have heard, and I do know that the Lord our God, Creator of this vast, diverse, beautiful universe and all therein doesn’t faint or get tired, and there’s no understanding of His great wisdom, power, mercy, forgiveness and LOVE by mere mortals like myself. That’s why in my time of need I turned to Him without hesitation. And He has boosted my spirit, has rejuvenated my enthusiasm that was faltering, for I’m once again in fighting mode. Praise Him my brethren! Oh Friends, I’m chuckling here now as I write, but some twenty minutes ago, I certainly wasn’t chuckling. Instead I was dreading having to write the Bit in that blah state of mind. But our God is such a wonderful God, uplifting and comforting those who believe and trust in Him! As Isaiah so eloquently and truthfully continues: ‘He giveth power to the faint (weak), and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Is.40:29-31) And I can testify right now Friends, that that’s the gospel truth, because he just did it for me! Give Him some thanks and praise! So it is for real when I keep saying that we must turn to the Lord, especially in the rough and tough times, for the fortitude and strength to renew our faith and keep us keeping on. Our world is so filled today with all kinds of faith breaking and energy sapping stuff, that being only human, frail and fragile, at some time or other we will get tired and frustrated by the energy and focus required for successful living. But fortunately my brethren, when either or both our physical and spiritual energy ebb to low tide, that’s the time we need to use our faith by turning to Almighty God for help and succour. It won’t always come easily, or right away, or even the way you want and expect it, but rest assured, it will come, and in a way that’s best for you. My ‘blahness’ today is a good example of that. I asked for a boosting of my spiritual energy, but it wasn’t just simply boosted, or even the way I expected it. It came through my act of faith. I knew I had to write the Bit, regardless of how I felt, so I went seeking one, and through the Spirit’s guidance, I was led to one that rejuvenated me. I could easily have moaned and groaned and pleaded without getting up off my fanny and doing my part and most likely nothing would have happened, or it would have taken much longer. But because I persevered some, in spite of my less than enthusiastic feelings, the Lord worked more quickly on my behalf. That’s one of the secrets to unlocking God’s mercy; doing what we need to do, in spite of how we feel! When we persevere regardless, in due time the Lord will bring our feelings around to line up with whatever we’re doing. Ah friends, I don’t know what else to say nuh, except that I’m quite bright and bubbly now! Praise the Lord for His goodness to the undeserving children of men! I guess He figured that I needed to provide some testimony today; some faith strengthening act of true reality, that I could pass along which would uplift and encourage others. And I sure hope that my little episode does provide some encouragement to you my fellow believers, for we all need encouragement at some time or another. But whatever the reason Friends, let me encourage and exhort us to stand strong in our God, for He has the most wonderful action going on in this crazy, troubled world. And if we stay close to and faithful to Him, we’ll never lack for nurture or anything else in our earthly pilgrimage. That’s the living truth….and don’t you forget it! Much LOVE!…our God…He is the GREATEST THING…before…since…and after sliced bread…(smile)

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 May 2012 Psalm 41:9

05 May 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 41:9.       Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Well hello there mih LOVELIES! How goes it on this bright, beautiful, bounteous day, so LOVINGLY created for our enjoyment by our heavenly Father? I sure hope it goes well with all of us believers in Christ Jesus. But just in case all’s not going too well, I want to remind us not to fall apart, not to give up, because we have an Advocate with the Father, namely Jesus, to plead our case. So whatever’s wrong, let’s stand strong in faith, do our best, while looking to Him for guidance and help. Remember He either personally experienced or saw the stuff we’re going through, during His sojourn here on earth in human form. So He knows and understands the human problems and frailties from both sides now; as God, as well as man. That brings us to our Bit: ‘Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against (has betrayed) me. ‘ And amongst those human problems that Jesus faced and experienced was the most hurtful one of betrayal by a close friend. In fact several people close to Him betrayed Him. So although He was the Son of God, He wasn’t immune to human disappointment. And though He knew beforehand what the script called for, since He had a hand in writing it, those betrayals still inflicted hurt, pain and disappointment on His human sensibilities, like it does on ours. Over the last couple days we’ve discussed the betrayals of Bruh David, Job and Jeremiah, today we’ll look at some Jesus suffered. Now we said that Jesus knew the betrayals would come and after washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus told them about it. ‘I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.’ (John 13:18-19) Jesus quoted our Bit there, knowing that many who had been with Him during the good times would desert Him, when things got rough, but it had to happen to fulfill the scripture. After that ‘he was troubled in sprit, and testified and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.’ (John 13:21) Obviously all the disciples wanted to know who it was. Then Simon Peter looked at John, who was leaning back against Jesus, and motioned him to ask about the betrayer. ‘Jesus answered, He it is to whom I shall give a sop (piece of bread), when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.’ (John 13:26-27) The scholars state that during Jesus’ time, a host would often distinguish an honoured guest by giving him a choice morsel dipped in the sauce and placing it on his tongue. And according to the rest of that passage, (John 13:28-30) it seems only John and Judas heard or understood Jesus last words to Judas. Then Judas went out and plotted with the chief priests to betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. (Matt.26:14-16) And that night in Gethsemane, Judas showed up with soldiers of the chief priests and a lynching mob, just as Jesus was telling the three who had gone apart to pray with Him: ‘Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.’ (Matt.26:46) And Judas was so boldfaced, that after telling the soldiers; ‘Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he, hold him fast (seize him) (Matt.26:48) he approached Jesus and said: ‘Hail, master; and kissed him.’ (Matt.26:49) That possibly began the since oft used scheme of betrayal with a kiss.  But notice Jesus’ cool and somewhat sarcastic response: ‘Friend, wherefore art thou come?’ (Matt.26:50) Yes people, though Jesus was well aware of the betrayal, He still called Judas ‘friend.’ What a wonderful man Jesus was!  And still is! And will always be wonderful! Oh Friends, we don’t have time to talk about how most of the disciples forsook Jesus and fled, when He was arrested (Matt.26:56) or when  Peter betrayed Jesus by denying three times that he knew Him. (John 18:15-27)  But no doubt those things hurt Jesus a lot, even though he knew beforehand that they’d happen, for betrayals always hurt regardless of how or when we know of them. Anyway, we’ll end with some very wise words of Micah when he spoke of the moral sin of Israel, which, compared to ours today, is like a small lake to the ocean, so terrible is the immorality in our society. ‘Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide (companion): keep (guard) the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.’ (Mic.7:5-6) And far too often that is the gospel truth my people! Let us try to undo that nuh, cause if we don’t, we’ll just continue on the downward slide to destruction, to Hades and Lucifer, a rather unpleasant thought. Much LOVE!…therefore I will look unto the Lord…I will wait for the God of my salvation…my God will hear me… (Mic.7:7)

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 May 2012 Psalm 41:9

04 May 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 41:9.    Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
 
Aye mih Friends, can you hear the posse coming down the road happily chanting to the accompaniment of a lone banjo? ‘Oh people is Friday…Thank God is Friday! Yes is Friday! The weekend is here. Labour done for two days! Is we time now! Thank God is Friday!’ And soon the whole street is singing the chorus. Some are looking out their windows, some standing at the doors of their work places, possibly with uptight employers in the background, unable to stop it, while others are just hanging out on the corner. But a beautiful chorus of thanks is floating up to heaven from all the disparate voices. Now let us do the same with our Friday Chant. Let’s chant up a storm of praise and thanks to heaven. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Yes Friends, there’s nothing like thanks and praise to our great and wonderful God! It brings a feeling of joy and peace to our worried souls, and also helps us to better deal with the troubles of this world, like betrayal, which our Bit highlights. ‘Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against (has betrayed) me.’ Yesterday we saw how friends, family and close working associates betrayed Bruh David and Job. Now that’s really the worst betrayal of all! As Bruh David laments in Psalm 55, if it was his enemy, he could handle it, by hiding from him, but when it’s your bosom buddy, it just hurts terribly. Today, let’s look at someone else of great faith who was also betrayed; poor Jeremiah. He really had it rough yes! First of all the Lord called him to speak on His behalf at a tender age, and despite his valid arguments, the Lord refused to take no for an answer. Ah mih breddren, that’s what happens when the Lord calls us. I can speak on that from personal experience, because when He first approached me about writing this Bit, I laughed and said I wasn’t capable, then hem and hawed until He wore me down with His persistence. So any time He calls you, it’s best to just accept His call right away, because He won’t stop until you do accept it. Regardless of your arguments and your running away or hiding, note Jonah, He will eventually get you to do His bidding. And so it was with Jeremiah. He spoke the Lord’s words to the people of Judah, but they didn’t believe him. They plotted against him and finally imprisoned him, simply for speaking what God had put in his heart. ‘Then Pashur smote (struck) Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the Lord.’ (Jer.20:2) Oh Friends, do you see the irony there? They locked up poor Jerry right close to God’s house. It became so rough that he considered not speaking God’s Word anymore. ‘But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing (of holding back), and I could not stay (endure it).’ (Jer.20:9) Yuh see people, how powerful the Word can be when the Lord puts His anointing on us? Try as we can, we can’t get away from it. And Jeremiah continues: ‘For I heard the defaming of many (mocking or slander), fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars (acquaintances) watched for my halting (stumbling), saying, Peradventure (perhaps) he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible (awesome) one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.’ (Jer.20:10-11) Yes Friends, though others defame, betray and/or seek revenge on us, for speaking the Lord’s Word, we need not be afraid of them, for the Lord our ever-faithful God, will stand strong and steadfast beside us through our calamity. Remember that whatever He brings us to, He will also bring us through. It won’t always be easy, but with His ever-present help, we will come through it with flying colours. Note how Bruh David, Job and Jeremiah all suffered serious betrayals and calamities, but all three came out better than before. That’s the Lord rewarding them for their faithfulness, and He will do likewise for us. That I can also testify to through personal experience. So please let’s be careful with whom or what we associate ourselves, for the evil Beelzebub is out there constantly scouring the land for any bodies he can take advantage of. But just in case things do go wrong, we make a mistake or are betrayed, let’s not get too down on ourselves, simply turn to God, admit our problems and ask for His help. He will help us. If you don’t believe, try it, and you’ll see. More on this tomorrow, if the Lord feels so inclined. Till then, please walk safely with Him. Much LOVE!…though betrayals bring hurt and pain…the Lord’s LOVING-kindness and mercy…will surely help to salve them…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 May 2012 Psalm 41:9

03 May 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 41:9.    Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Well top o’ the morn to all you beautiful believers in Christ! I sure hope this missive – more like an epistle – (smile) finds you all in good health and close relationship with Almighty God, for that’s the most important relationship we can ever cultivate. And having said that, here’s another prayer I found in the flyleaves of my mother’s Bible. It says: ‘Lord, help me to see my hidden sins. Those secret wrongs that lock (lurk) within. I will confess them all to thee. Transparent I will always be.’ Ah mih people, we all have sins hidden deep inside us, some that we don’t even know about, but they invariably affect our relationship with God, and often with man too. But as the prayer states, we need to ask God to help us discover them, then quickly confess them, because anything less than total transparency with the Father, negatively affects our relationship with Him, which we certainly don’t want to happen. So let’s get on that right away, that our conscience can be clear and unblemished before the Lord. And turning to our Bit: ‘Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, had lifted up his heel against (has betrayed) me.’ Now that’s a real awful truth, which many of us can attest to! Yuh know brethren, there’s nothing worse than the betrayal of a friend, someone whom you trusted with your innermost secrets. And sadly, those are the very ones who betray us in most cases. It’s logical though for that kind of person to betray us, since those who don’t know us have little or nothing to betray us with. It still hurts badly though. No Doubt Bruh David had several betrayals, given his position and lifestyle, but the first one that comes to mind is that of his counselor, Ahithophel. ‘And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.’ (2 Sam.15:12) Can you imagine how it feels Friends, for one of your trusted advisers to join with your son in rebellion against you?  It’s like when Lucifer, the head angel, foolishly plotted to overthrow God. God must have been hurt by it. Lucifer was then banished to ingloriously walk the earth and suffer the rigours of Hades. Meanwhile Bruh David fled from Jerusalem because the people were in favour of Absalom. And as he lamented in Psalm 55, A cry against deceitful Friends: ‘For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne (bear) it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide (companion), and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company (in the throng of people).’ (Ps.55:12-14) Yes Friends, it really destroys you when someone you ate and drank and went to church with betrays you. But that seems to have been the lot of some men of great faith. Job, for instance, also was betrayed.  Not only did God allow Lucifer to totally humble him, bring him one step removed from death, but his friends and family turned against him too. His learned buddies, Zophar, Eliphaz, and Bildad, even claimed that his hidden sins caused his calamity. Job says it thus: ‘’He (God) hath put my brethren (removed my brothers) far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily (completely) estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar (close) friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight…All my inward (close) friends abhorred me: and they whom I LOVED are turned against me.’ (Job 19:13-15,19) Yes mih people, it’s so true that when we’re riding high, everyone’s our friend, but when calamity comes, hn, we end up alone. Those same ones that enjoyed our largesse in the good times, then turn around and kick us in our time of need. What a selfish ingrate man is! That’s why, especially in these seriously troubled times, when fraud is possibly the most popular crime, we have to be extremely careful whom we associate with, or let into our confidence and inner circle, for even close family are betraying and defrauding each other these days. Oh Friends, there’s only ONE person who’s really worthy of our complete trust; that’s Jesus, our Lord and Saviour! After sacrificing His sinless life for us, what reason would He have to betray us eh? None whatsoever, my fellow believers! So let’s turn to Him nuh, in all seriousness, and sincerely ask for His help before we make any important decisions, decisions that could affect our entire lives, either negatively or positively. That my Friends, is true wisdom! More on this tomorrow, if we’re alive, for it’s a rather important topic. Much LOVE!…to trust, or not to trust…that’s the question…ask Jesus…before making a decision…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 May 2012 Galatians 5:22-23

02 May 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Galatians 5:22-23.     But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Oh Friends, tomorrow has become today, and wonder of wonders, we’re still alive! Wow! Through the tender mercies of our God we’ve been allowed to witness another brilliant sunrise on this beautiful planet Earth! And all God’s people declared a grateful and enthusiastic: ‘Thank you Lord!’ And what are we going to do with that wonderful blessing eh Friends? How are we going to show the Lord that we’re truly thankful for His undying generosity? By first talking about our Bit in some detail, then going out and faithfully living it. That’s the only thing that will truly please the Father. Here goes: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness), Meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.’ Everlasting words of truth and wisdom, my people! Now let’s get some groundings from the scholars: ‘The word fruit is significant for three reasons. (1) It means the result, product, outcome, or effect produced by the Spirit in the believer’s life. (2) Unlike “the gifts of the Spirit” (plural), only some of which are given to a Christian, each believer is to have all nine virtues composing “the fruit of the Spirit” (singular). (3) As fruit on a tree takes time to grow and mature, so the Spirit does not cultivate these virtues in the believer’s life overnight.’ There are two things to realize here Friends, the difference between ‘the gifts of the Spirit’ which are given to us individually by the Lord according to His plan for our lives, like prophecy, ministry, exhortation, philanthropy, etc. (Rom.12:4-8) Then there’s the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ which is a singular thing, with nine different fruits or virtues, that must be produced by us, must come from within us, through our Christ-like efforts.  And we need all nine items growing well within us to truthfully bear the ‘fruit of the Spirit.’ And the second important aspect is, as the scholars point out, this fruit of the Spirit doesn’t mature overnight. It’s often a long, arduous process, and unless we understand that, we’re liable to rush off in our enthusiasm trying to produce spiritual fruit as quickly as possible, only to find it doesn’t work that way. Then we’ll probably get discouraged and lose faith. So please realize Friends, that we’ll be learning, maturing, improving every day, right up until we go to be with Jesus. It’s a process, like the aging of fine wine, and it also takes a lot of fortitude and faith to accomplish without dropping out of the race. Hear how Jesus describes the process: ‘I Am the true (genuine) vine, and my Father is the husbandman (vinedresser). Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (prunes) it, that it may bring forth more fruit….I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:1-2, 5) So my people, you can see it’s not a short or easy process. Just like the grape vine, we need pruning and purging every so often, that we can be renewed, rejuvenated and produce more and better quality fruit. And here we’ll turn to the scholars once again to get some info on the individual fruit of the Spirit. ‘LOVE is the willing, sacrificial giving of oneself for the benefit of another without thought of return. Joy is gladness of heart. Peace is tranquility of mind, freeing one from worry and fear. Long-suffering is patience with others, the opposite of a short temper, a disposition quietly bearing injury. Gentleness is kindness. Goodness is generosity. Faith here is dependability. Meekness is gentleness, that is, courtesy and consideration in one’s relations with others. Temperance is self-control, that is, the ability to harness and control one’s passions and lusts.’ Yuh think it easy Friends? Not at all! Bearing the fruit of the Spirit is an involved, complicated, lifetime battle. But the good news is that with the Holy Spirit living and working in us we can, will and shall produce all nine aspects in our lives, because we’re true believers living each day in, with and for Jesus. We don’t want to let Him down or disappoint Him, so we’ve got to up the ante in our Christian walk, so that all those Christ-like features will shine out from us and make others want to know Jesus too. That’s the whole idea behind it my brethren, for people will only come to Jesus when they see some useful and beautiful stuff coming out of His followers. Otherwise, why bother? Remember, we’re Jesus’ representatives, ambassadors here on earth, and as we go, so will His kingdom. It’s just like any earthly ambassador; you have a certain reputation and standard to uphold, so that your country doesn’t get a bad reputation. And we surely don’t want to give Jesus a bad name now, do we? And all Jesus’ people gave a mighty shout: ‘Of course not! Well then Friends, let’s take what ever ‘gift of the Spirit’ with which we’ve been endowed, and go out into the evil, unfriendly world and show them that Jesus’ people are strong and steadfast and can bear the ‘fruit of the Spirit,’ as expected of them, in fact have it flourish, become exceedingly abundant. Let’s put that plan into action today please my people! Especially since it’s not against the law, as Bruh Paul told Timothy: ‘But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners…’ (1Tim.1:8-9) So let’s also seek to be righteous, as we ought, my fellow brethren in Christ. Much LOVE!…when given gifts…believers must use them to bear good fruit…to further Christ’s kingdom…that’s our bounden duty…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 May 2012 Galatians 5:22-23

01 May 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Galatians 5:22-23.     But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
 
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! Yes Friends, it’s May Day, the first of May already. Imagine that nuh! The year’s really moving along at a fast clip, though the first sentence doesn’t refer to the month of May, but an ice-hockey player, Brad May, who scored a winning goal for the Buffalo Sabres some years ago, and the announcer got so excited that that was his call. May 1st is a day of celebration all over the world, with Maypole dancing and such. It seems to have originated from a pagan celebration. But it is also an important day in the Labour field, called International Workers Day, with marches and such, commemorating and celebrating some of the hard fought victories won by dedicated workers and unions against a rigid, greedy, inhumane employer class in the last century. Unfortunately though, a lot of those rights and the power of workers are now being systematically eroded by governments and employers, trying to take us back to feudal times. Oh my people, we can’t afford to let that happen! Our world is already in a serious recession, many call it a depression, but whatever it is, we can’t afford to sink any lower. And as you well know it’s always the poor, the suffering, the ordinary workingman who suffers the most, bears the brunt of misfortune in those desperate and trying times. We all have to stand up as best we can and fight again, keep on fighting for those benefits so many fought and died for, because the employers are getting greedier and more inhumane and selfish, if that’s possible. They keep on paying themselves huge, unwarranted sums while cutting back the wages and benefits of the ordinary man, or simply laying him off, all in the name of the most important capitalist principle; boosting the bottom line. However Friends, there is one person who can help us in all our trials and tribulations; His name is Jesus, before whom all heads and knees will eventually bow. So don’t worry too much about the wicked, they will get their comeuppance in due time. Now here’s the last quote from the book, My Jesus is…Everything, by Anne Graham Lotz. It says: ‘Jesus – the only One – makes: God visible And change possible And happiness attainable And resources ample And suffering understandable And sin forgivable And heaven available! My Jesus is…EVERYTHING!’ And we all know that as gospel truth Friends, like money in the bank, so let’s take it to heart nuh and put it into action, the way Jesus desires, for truly He is the only way that we can inherit God’s kingdom. And our Bit tells us exactly what attributes we need to successfully walk with Jesus: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness), Meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.’ But before delving into them individually, let’s get a general overview from the scholars: ‘In contrast to the works (plural) of the flesh, which any individual is capable of performing, the fruit (singular) of the Holy Spirit can be produced only by God. Christian character thus results from ‘Christ living in me.’ For this fruit to develop, all nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit must mature. Illustration: The character of Christ is the fullest manifestation of this fruit in the New Testament. Though Jesus did not recognize the traditions of men, His enemies were unable to prove any charge against Him. Application: So today Christians should allow the Holy Spirit to develop this character within them, so they might be blameless before others and not hinder the testimony of Christ.’ And we’ll end with two scriptural references the scholars point out, both from Exodus, when the Israelites were about to build God’s tabernacle. ‘And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship…And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work….’ (Ex.35:30-31, 34-35) ‘And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred (lifted) him up to come unto the work to do it.’ (Ex.36:2) Yes Friends, the Holy Spirit, can, and will do wonders within us, if we’ll only allow it to. So let’s pray and ask the Father for tender, malleable hearts that will listen and bear plenty, beautiful fruits of His Holy Spirit. More on this tomorrow, if we wake up alive. (smile) Sadly Friends, many of us are only alive in body, but certifiable dead in spirit. Much LOVE!…being saved is fine…but then we need to show it…by our works…by our actions…by the fruit of our spirit…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 April 2012 Psalm 146:5

30 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 146:5.     Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

Oh Friends, we’ve been mightily blessed to see the light of another glorious day on Planet Earth! Praise, the Lord, send joyful shouts up to heaven, thank Him for all His wonderful blessings and mercies! And some of you are looking askance at me, as though I’m crazy. No I’m not. I’m just happy in the Lord! Remember the joy of the Lord is our strength, (Neh.8:10) which means if we’re not joyful in the Lord, then we’ll be just a bunch of weaklings, unable to fight Lucifer. And it doesn’t matter either that it’s Monday and we’ve got to go and slave for Massa. That’s all part of God’s glorious plan for our lives, which we know will eventually turn out fine, because He’s promised it. (Rom.8:28) And for those of us who are still miserable and joyless, for whatever reason, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, which should put joy in our hearts, strength in our spirits and a smile on our faces, which in turn will have the enemy frustrated when we respond with LOVE and peace, rather than anger and resentment to their evil works. All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Wow Friends, what a powerful anointing! Now let’s ride that Jesus high all the way to work and back, while thanking God for all the trials that come our way, with each one bringing us more like Jesus. Ah mih people, the ole fella’s on a roll this morning! That’s because I’m enthused and joyful, even though I’m being harassed by a cough and some asthma problems, for as our Bit so truthfully declares: ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.’ The God of Jacob has become my help, and I’ve placed all my hope and trust in Him. So why shouldn’t I be happy eh? If you’ve claimed the Bit as yours and you’re not happy, then something’s wrong somewhere, and you need to evaluate your situation again. Now don’t think you’re alone in that respect, because many Christians are sad, joyless people, who unfortunately feel that’s the way believers ought to behave. But that mindset just makes these words of Jesus useless and of no account. ‘These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.’ (John 15:11) And also: ‘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) Words to live and die by Friends! And please note, when we talk of joy here, it’s not necessarily being happy with our outward circumstances, but about an inner peace and contentment, knowing that our lives are in the faithful, trustworthy hands of Jesus. That therefore means our whole world could be crumbling around us, but we’ll still manage a smile and a kind word to someone else, putting our plight in the background. And coincidentally, there’s no better way to forget your problems than by helping someone else with theirs. Now enough of me, let’s listen to some scriptures that back up my contention and our Bit’s words. Psalm 125, with the superscription, God surrounds his people, is as good a place as any to begin. ‘They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed (moved), but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about (surround) Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.’ (Ps.125:1-2) What more can we ask eh mih breddren? Nothing really. It’s left up to us to accept His tender mercies and providence. And Isaiah, in his appeal to Israel to turn to the Lord for help, solemnly declares: ‘And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgement (justice): blessed are all they that wait for him.’ (Is.30:18) Oh my people, like Isaiah, I’m appealing to us, right now, to turn to the Lord God Jehovah for help, because our world is in a sorry state and only He can help us. Now hear God’s promise of deliverance to Ebed-melech through Jeremiah, in the face of Babylon’s attack. ‘But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey (as a prize) unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.39:17-18) And finally Friends, listen to Bruh David’s simple but eloquent declaration: ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want (lack) to them that fear him.’ (Ps.34:8-9) Oh fellow believers, it’s my sincere hope that all we’ve read and said here today will light a fire in and under us; will create such enthusiasm, such passion for Christ in our souls that we’ll just go out into the evil, ungodly world and overrun the enemy with LOVE! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Much LOVE mih people!… no contest is ever won without…fervour, enthusiasm and passion…and that’s what’s sadly lacking in today’s believers…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 April 2012 Psalm 146:5

29 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 146:5.      Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

Ah Friends, it’s our weekly fellowship time again with other believers! And all God’s people said a loud and hearty ‘Amen!’ Now getting together with others to praise and worship our omnipotent Creator is a very important part of our Christian journey.  It’s a decree from our God that we set aside one day a week to spend time with Him as a holy family. And as all His other decrees, it should not be taken lightly since it brings all parts of the body of Christ’s church together to make a powerful whole. This is one of those times when the whole is indeed greater than the mere sum of the parts. Not to mention the fact that there’s power in numbers. And remember Jesus specifically said: ‘For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.’ (Matt.18:20) So you can imagine the power of the Holy Spirit moving and working in a bigger congregation; the joy, praise, thanksgiving, faith, trust and LOVE that emanates from a crowd of Christians in true worship mode! Wow! No wonder Psalm 146, from which our Bit comes, is called, The blessedness of trusting God. And after the psalmist has opened by praising the Lord, and committing that praise for his lifetime, and also warning us not to put our trust in man whose breath, body and thoughts perish, he blesses us with our Bit: ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.’ Oh my people, that’s a wonderful bit of advice, as well as an undeniable fact! So why can’t others, especially those who so badly need some peace and joy in their lives discover that fact too eh? Maybe it’s because we who have found joy and happiness in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob aren’t doing a good enough job of passing on the message? Maybe we’re not living it out in our everyday lives, so that others can see how Christ affects us as we walk with Him? We obviously are doing something wrong, or simply not doing enough, because there are too many lost souls out there, who either never heard of Jesus, or did and refuse to embrace His glorious LOVE because of our inability or lack of showing a true sense of joy in living for Him. Yes mih people, there’s nobody to blame but us, if others don’t see the joy we claim to have, because we don’t show it. We can’t be selfish and just keep Jesus to ourselves. We have to share the good news with all the world as He requested, that’s our bounden duty.’ (Matt.28:19-20) Another problem is whether we truly believe the words of our Bit. Yuh know we say plenty stuff, but a lot of it is merely talk for talk sake, and it really doesn’t come from the depths of our soul. However Friends, the facts that our Bit state should be indelibly imprinted in our whole being, if we’re true believers and expect to enjoy the fruits of a relationship with Christ. That means we obviously have to do a better job of portraying real Christian living in our daily walk, as well as telling Christ’s story to more people, spreading the wonderful news of what He’s so selflessly and sacrificially done for us undeserving sinners.  Remember too Friends, that live examples work better than mere spoken words. And now that I’ve harangued and tongue lashed us (smile) for not doing enough to spread Jesus’ LOVE Revolution, let’s look at some scriptures that corroborate the gospel truth of our Bit. First off is a wise word of warning from the psalmist: ‘Kiss the Son (an act of homage and submission), lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.’ (Ps.2:12) Yes brethren, we need to be in tight with the Son, if we want to lie in pastures green with Him. Now hear Cousin Sol’s take on the matter. ‘He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.’ (Prov.16:20) And we’ll give Jeremiah the last word: ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see (fear) when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful (anxious) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.’ (Jer.17:7-8) That my Friends, is the total, unalterable, living truth of the Word of God, which doesn’t change or lie! Therefore, let’s take it to heart and then put it into action nuh, for the times they are a troubled. Our world is seriously hurting and in need of the peace, joy, calm and LOVE that only living with, in and for Jesus can bring. Nuff said mih breddren! More on this tomorrow if we see the blessed light of day. Much LOVE!…only by truly LOVING our God…LIVING our Faith…and SPREADING God’s Word…can believers positively influence non-believers…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 April 2012 Matthew 5:6

28 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 5:6.    Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Oh Friends, our God is indeed a great God, but more importantly He’s also a kind and merciful Deity. Point in question; just now when I came to write the Bit I wasn’t feeling up to scratch, seems as though the flu wants to take hold of me, but with God’s help and some man made stuff, I’m fighting it. I therefore was having a hard time finding something I could get my head around, and after some futile search, frustration set in and I cried out to the Lord, asking why in my weakest moment He was letting me struggle to find a Bit? And would you know a couple minutes later, I was guided to our Bit. Praise the Lord! Ah Friends, I’ve learned, both from the testimony of others and from my own personal experience, that when you try your best to walk with the Lord, He will bless you. How else could I be writing these Bits everyday for over five years now eh? And it hasn’t always been easy, but He’s always seen me through. And here’s today’s Bit: ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ It comes from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount and addresses one of the many spiritual characteristics He expects to find in His followers. In fact, that’s what the Beatitudes are about; characteristics of Jesus that He wants us to reflect in our earthly journey, just like He did in His. Now what does it all mean? Let’s invoke some scholarly help here: ‘These future possessors of the earth are its presently installed rightful heirs, and even now they hunger and thirst after righteousness. They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself is a proof of their spiritual rebirth. Those who are poor and empty in their own spiritual poverty recognize the depth of their need, and they hunger and thirst for that which only God can give them. They shall be filled refers to a complete satisfaction.’ To end their discourse, the scholars quote a piece of Psalm 107:9, God’s wonderful works to the children of men, but I’ll quote it in the full context. ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Ps.107:8-9) And that’s no lie Friends! Anytime we hunger and thirst for God, have no fear, He will fill us with whatever we need! As Mary said in the Magnificat, her wonderful song of praise: ‘He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent away empty.’ (Luke 1:53) Isaiah, in telling Israel that the rebellious will surely be punished, also commented: ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed. Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl (wail) for vexation of spirit (grief of spirit).’ (Is.65:13-14) And here’s the crowning glory people, also from Isaiah. ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness (abundance). Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.’ (Is.55:1-3) The scholars also explain this nicely: ‘God’s free gift of salvation is offered to all who will receive it. Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty may come to eat and drink without money (or freely). He promises an everlasting covenant to the Gentiles like the one He established with Israel. His invitation to all men is clearly stated by the appeal, Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, and call ye upon him while he is near.’ (Is.55:6) Oh my people, please don’t lose faith in our God! We won’t always agree with His doings, but neither does He often agree with ours, just remember who is the Master, and who is the servant. He is omnipotent, while we are mere grunts in comparison. His ways and understanding are also higher than ours, thus we must bow to His decrees. That doesn’t mean we can’t come to Him in confidence, with a true and trusting heart. And when we do, He will hear our plea and comfort us. Again, it might not be how or what we want, but it will always be in our best interest, for as He’s so faithfully promised: ‘that all things work together for good to those that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom.8:28) And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! It’s a very crucial scripture, and one that you must sincerely believe and act upon, if you want to be a successful believer, since a lot of unfortunate stuff happens to us, and only when we believe that everything will work out right in the end, can we handle our misfortune and disappointment. So please hang in there Friends, sincerely seek the Lord for whatever you lack, and He will fill you with whatever you need. He is faithful that promised! Much LOVE!…a successful believer…must first believe…then clothe that belief with the utmost faith and trust in Almighty God…

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