Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 February 2012 Luke 1:46‏

28 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Luke 1:46.       And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.

Ah mih breddren, I’m sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings, but it’s Monday. Yes, the day we all love to hate is here. Isn’t it surprising how it seems to come around so quickly, much quicker than Fridays and the weekend? Anyway, instead of getting all worked up or sad and blue over it, let’s just put forth a valiant effort and sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, as loudly and enthusiastically as we can. As one earthly 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 doesn’t that make you feel better able to deal with the evil, ungodly world waiting out there to pounce on you? Yeh Friends, it’s not an easy row we’ve chosen to hoe, for this Christian faith of ours not only demands a lot, but also expects excellent quality work too from its adherents. But don’t worry, once we keep in close, sincere contact with Jesus, He will safely see us through the problems we encounter on our earthly pilgrimage. Just look at people like Hannah, Elisabeth and Mary, who had bigger problems and uncertainties than most of us, but who sincerely went to God with them and were eventually rewarded for their faith. All of them mouthed such immortal words of faith that they’ve been enshrined in the Lord’s Word as excellent examples for us to follow. Then there’s Bruh David, who was possibly the human who most magnified and glorified the Lord throughout his life. Listen to his words re the Lord hears the righteous: ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall be continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.‘ (Ps.34:1-3) Then there’s the prayer of the prophet Habakkuk, exalting the Lord’s guidance of His people out of Egypt, through the wilderness and finally into the Promised Land. And he ends by saying, though life may be pretty rough, ‘Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hind’s (deer) feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.’ (Hab.3:18-19) Yes my people, that’s how we believers in these rough and dangerous modern times ought also to behave! Let’s remember that Christ has already won the victory, and we’ll participate in it if we stand steadfast and strong in faith with Him. And quite appropriately, we’ll let Mary’s moving Magnificat take us home this beautiful Monday morning. (smile) ‘And Mary said, My soul doth magnify (exalt, glorify, big up) the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate (lowly, humble state) of his handmaiden (maidservant): for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things: and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats (thrones) and exalted them of low degree (the lowly and humble). He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen (helped) his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.’ (Luke 1:46-55) Wonderful sentiments for us to ponder today Friends! Much LOVE!…give to Him who deserves glory and exaltation…His rightful glory and exaltation…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 February 2012 Luke 1:46.

26 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Luke 1:46.    And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.

Oh Friends, the dawn’s breaking on a new day, bringing with it the bright light of the sun rising majestically over the distant horizon, just like the brilliant light of the Son came to earth two millennia ago and totally lit up the spiritual darkness of our souls. Yes Friends, that’s our Jesus! But He’s also much more than that. Listen to this declaration of His attributes from the book, ‘My Jesus is Everything,’ by Anne Graham Lotz. ‘He is enduringly strong. He is entirely sincere. He is eternally steadfast. He is immortally gracious. He is imperially powerful. He is impartially merciful. He is the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizons of the globe. He is God’s Son. He is the sinner’s Saviour. He is the captive’s Ransom. He is the breath of Life. He is the centrepiece of civilization. He stands in the solitude of Himself. He is august and He is unique. He is unparalleled and He is unprecedented. He is undisputed and undefiled. He is unsurpassed and He is unshakable. He is the lofty idea in philosophy. He is the highest personality in psychology. He is the supreme subject in literature. He is the unavoidable problem in higher criticism. He is the fundamental doctrine of theology. He is the Cornerstone, the Capstone, and the stumbling Stone of all religion. He is the miracle of the ages. My Jesus is…Everything!’ And that’s an indisputable fact my people. Is there any God to compare to Him? Absolutely not! No wonder Mary had no problem in being His earthly mother! Who wouldn’t want to bear such a wonderful specimen eh? And for such a privilege she was indeed grateful as she shows when she declares in our Bit: ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord.’ Oh my people, when our most kind and LOVING God looks upon us personally with heart-felt compassion or great favour, it ought to move our souls to soaring heights, especially in terms of being thankful.  Here’s an excellent example of what we’re talking about. Hannah was a barren wife, scorned by all and sundry; ‘And she was in bitterness of soul (great anguish), and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore (a lot).’ (1 Sam.1:10) Hannah also promised the Lord that if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. And the Lord being the gracious Deity that He is, granted Hannah’s wish in the form of the prophet Samuel, whom she apprenticed to Eli the chief priest at an early age, thus keeping her promise. But listen to the outpouring of praise and gratitude that emanated from her soul in song:‘And Hannah prayed and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn (strength) is exalted in the Lord; my mouth is enlarged over (smiles at) mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none besides thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy (arrogance) come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.’ (1 Sam.2:1-4) Yes my brethren, that was the kind of joy that sprang up in her soul, and all she could think of was magnifying, glorifying, lifting up and exalting the Lord God Jehovah who had so graciously granted her heart-felt plea for a son. Please read the rest of her song in 1 Sam.2:5-11. Now the interesting and important question here Friends, is whether we praise and glorify the Lord when He grants our prayer requests, or is just generous to us, and do we keep any promises we make when we ask His favour? Though they may seem insignificant, they are in fact two very important aspects of our walk with God, for as the Preacher tells us, re keeping promises: ‘When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer (delay) not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than thou shouldest vow and not pay.’ (Eccl.5:4-5) And re God’s glory, He says through Isaiah: ‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.’(Is.42:8) And that shouldn’t surprise us, for He unequivocally stated the same thing when He gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments. (Ex.20:1-8) So my people, two of the worst mistakes we can ever make in dealing with our God, is firstly not keeping our promise(s) to Him; and secondly, not giving Him His rightful glory. Unfortunately though, I believe that many of us, fine believers that we are (smile) make those two mistakes much more often than necessary, that’s why a lot of our prayers and requests go unanswered and/or awry. Anyway Friends, that’s enough for us to think on today. We’ll continue this topic tomorrow, if we’re alive and kicking. Till then, let’s faithfully LOVE and magnify our God, proudly LIVE our Faith, while diligently and joyfully SPREADING His Word to all the world as He asked. Much LOVE!…give to the rightful owners…what belongs to them…or as the old people would say…give Jim his gym boots…and Jack his jacket… (smile)

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 February 2012 Luke 1:46‏

25 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

 Luke 1:46.    And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.

Oh Friends, morning has broken, just like that first morning many many moons ago! Likewise, blessings, mercies and manna are pouring forth from heaven, just like that first day back in Eden! Can we see and appreciate all that the Lord is doing for us? Do we with grateful heart appreciate it and give Him praise, thanks, honour and glory? I sure hope so for all our sakes. Unfortunately though, a large proportion of earth’s population don’t know, and/or don’t recognize and accept the Lord God Jehovah as the Creator of the universe. Consequently, He’s not intimately involved in their lives. That only makes them fretful and frustrated, jealous and envious, angry and resentful, bitter and filled with hatred towards mankind. All these negative emotions have led to the tangled and troubled mess that has befallen our world. Oh Friends, it’s only when the majority of the world knows and accepts the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as the ONE TRUE GOD, with His Son Jesus, as their Lord and Saviour, and His Holy Spirit as Guide, Comforter and Teacher, will our world ever know peace. And that’s the true believer’s calling, our great commission; to spread the Word to the whole world. (Matt.28:19-20) But sadly, too many a believer behaves like the heathen, though the Spirit is supposed to live in them. There is no passion, no excitement in their reading of the Word, or in their faith walk. That brings us to our Bit: ‘And Mary said, My soul doth magnify (exalt, glorify, big up) the Lord.’ Note I used some of the new fangled slang there (big up), although I don’t like it, but that’s because I want the younger folks to get the real meaning, the true gist of the word ‘magnify’ and most likely they might not understand ‘exalt’or ‘glorify’ either.  But Friends, those words play a very crucial and significant aspect in our faith and not enough of us really use them when connecting with our God. How many of us can truly stand up and boast about magnifying the Lord eh? Certainly not enough! And just consider the unnatural circumstances under which Mary made that awesome and immortal statement. She had recently been told by the Angel Gabriel that she would become a mother without knowing a man, and also that her cousin Elisabeth, hitherto barren, was now with child (John the Baptist): ‘For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid (maidservant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.’(Luke 1:37-38) Oh my people, how would we have reacted under those circumstances eh? Would we have had enough faith, like Mary, to say? ‘Okay Lord, whatever’s your will.’ Or would we be so scared and confused that we’d become emotionally distraught? That’s where faith, walking by it, really comes in Friends. Mary was just a simple, young, country girl, but the Lord saw  the strong seeds of faith that were growing in her soul.  Now, soon after hearing all this exciting but scary and unconventional news from Gabriel, Mary goes to visit her cousin Liz. And what happens? As soon as Liz hears Mary’s greeting, John the Baptist leaps in her womb ‘and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.’ (Luke 1:41) Oh my brethren, our God is the original Master Dramatist!  Nobody can frame a scene like Him! Sometime before that He’d made John’s father, Zechariah dumb, because he didn’t believe that his wife would not only bear a son, but a prophet, the harbinger of the Messiah. Now when the two women come together, He ramps up the drama by having John jump for joy in Liz’s womb, and also opening her eyes to Mary’s significant role through the presence of the Holy Spirit. So much so that Liz waxes poetic and prophetic: ‘And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence (why) is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that (who) believed: for (that) there shall be a performance (fulfillment) of those things which were told her from the Lord.’ (Luke 1:42-45) And that’s when Mary declared those first words of the wonderful song of praise we know today as the Magnificat! ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord.’ Oh Friends, it seems like I also got so caught up in the drama and excitement of the Lord’s miraculous and mysterious workings that I completely lost count of time and space. That’s what happens when the Spirit stirs you up. (smile) I haven’t even used one of the scriptures that I’d planned to. So like we’ll have to continue this drama tomorrow, provided of course that God’s breath of life still flows through our bodies. Till then, please let’s stay steadfast and strong under the umbrella of God’s mighty protection, and ponder the true state of our faith, contemplating how we would react to a situation like Elisabeth’s and Mary’s. Much LOVE!…the Lord made us to glorify, magnify, exalt and big Him up…so let’s put some more effort into doing that nuh…  Selah.

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 February 2012 Job 11:6b

24 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Job 11:6b.    Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday! And all the party people whispered a tired ‘Thank God.’ Yes Friends, the enthusiasm is lost because they’re still tired from all the revelry that ended late Tuesday night, then having to go to work on Ash Wednesday. So now they’re just dying for Friday to come so they can rest their weary bones and spirits. But whatever our state my people, the weekend has its duties, so let’s chant our Friday Chant that will enable us to gain the right perspective . All together now, in whatever voice you can manage (smile): ‘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.’ Ah mih people, it’s a rough life, but if it’s lived with and for Jesus, and we keep our hearts focused steadfastly on Him, we will make it safely through the storms of this evil, ungodly world. For one thing, as spoken by Job’s supposed friend, Zophar, our Bit very rightly declares: ‘Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth (He forgets some of your iniquity).’ And that my brethren is the gospel, gospel truth! Because if the Most High God Jehovah ever decided to give us our just and full desserts, none would survive, we’d all be cast into the pit of eternal fire. Jeremiah so kindly reminds us: ‘This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:21-23) Yes Friends, it’s only because our God is such a forgiving and LOVING Deity that we are able to avoid the hell fires of the damned. And though most of us claim to known that, yet we still let Lucifer rum amok in our lives, we still don’t pay proper obeisance to our Creator, Provider and Protector. What does that say about us eh? Nothing very worthwhile. The thing I find amazing though is that we have the benefit of the Good Book with all the stuff that went on in the past, all of God’s dictates, His punishments and rewards, yet for some unfathomable reason, we ignore them, foolishly thinking that what happened to the other nations and societies who disobeyed God, won’t happen to us. Oh Friends, that’s a grave fallacy! That’s Lucifer curdling our hearts and minds with lies and wicked innuendoes, for the Lord nor His Word ever changes. And Lucifer knows this quite well, but he’s simply playing on our inherently lustful and sinful nature. My people, please hear and fully believe that whatever our God says in His Word, will come to pass in the fullness of time. And though He is a very merciful, forgiving and LOVING God, if we continue in our sinful disobedience, at some stage He’s going to get fed up and unleash real punishment. Hear these words of the prophet Ezra, when he confessed Israel’s sins before the Lord: ‘And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass (guilt), seeing thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity (marriage) with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed (destroyed) us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped , as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.’ (Ezra 9:13-15) Those are words of righteous truth Friends! We definitely can’t stand before our God in the hideous wicked state that we’re currently in! And I think we’re pushing the envelope some, for we’re being punished somewhat right now for our misdeeds by the troubled, confused, uncontrollable state of our world. But even so my brethren, the Lord in His LOVING kindness has not given us our just desserts, otherwise our world would be dust and ashes now. Listen to these enlightening words of Bruh David from Psalm 103, Thanksgiving for God’s mercy: ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING kindness). He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING kindness) toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.’ (Ps.103:8-12)  Oh Friends, the Lord’s still being kind and merciful to us, but we definitely can’t continue wallowing in evil and ungodliness for much longer, or He’s going to pull the plug on us. Please, let’s wake up, especially we believers, and get out there and diligently try to change our world if we want it to last for at least one more generation, because at the rate we’re spiralling into ungodliness and evil, I doubt the Lord’s patience will last that long. Oh my people, only a LOVE Revolution, sooner rather than later can save our world. Much LOVE!…to him that hath ears…let him hear…or else…he will certainly feel.
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 February 2012 Proverbs 5:22‏

23 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Proverbs 5:22.    His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Oh Friends, another beautiful day filled with blessings, mercies and forgiveness is in the offing! Please let’s thank the Lord for all He’s done for us in the past, is doing right now, and has promised to do in the future. Let’s acknowledge the fact that we’d be entirely lost if we tried to live life on our own, like so many of those who bow down to Beelzebub and live in darkness, involved in evil machinations. ‘For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth (observes, weighs) all his goings.’ (Prov.5:21) That my people is gospel truth! Our God sees all in His omniscience. Nothing gets by Him. And as our Bit so wisely declares: ‘His own iniquities shall take (entrap) the wicked himself, and he shall be holden (caught) with the cords of his sins.’ More gospel truth my people! We will be brought down by the same evil works we use to entrap others. Listen to the next verse: ‘He shall die without (for lack of) instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.’ (Prov.5:23) Oh Friends and fellow believers is that the way we want to live, or the way we want to die? Surely not! Therefore let us look to the Lord in faith, for strength and steadfastness, fortitude and LOVE, so that we can live the way He desires. Yuh know mih breddren, all God’s laws are really based on a single one; what you sow, you shall reap. If we truly understand that, write it indelibly in our hearts, souls and minds, then use it as a universal guide for all our behaviour and actions, we’d do very well. Now let’s check out some scriptures that send that awesome and true message, beginning way back when, with Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. Moses had just finished telling them about being strong and going over the Jordan to fight their enemies, and if they did so faithfully, the Lord would grant them possession of the Land He’d promised. ‘But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sins will find you out.’ (Num.32:23) And that’s no joke Friends, as I’m sure many of us can testify to, since many are our wrongs which have come back to haunt us. And the truth of it lies in the many clichés that have cropped over time to describe its basic logic. Sayings like: Whatever is done in darkness will surely come to light. Life is like a boomerang; whatever we give out, good, bad or indifferent, we can expect to get back, if we live long enough. Now listen to these Proverbs which back up that contention: ‘The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness (deceit) of transgressors shall destroy them…The righteousness of the perfect (blameless) shall direct his way (make his way smooth or straight); but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.’ (Prov.11:3,5) And also: ‘Righteousness keepeth him that is upright (whose way is blameless) in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.’ (Prov.13:6) Meanwhile Bruh David confidently declares in Psalm 9, praise for God’s justice: ‘For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest (you sat) in the throne judging right (in righteousness). Thou hast rebuked the heathen (gentiles, nations), thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out (blotted) their name for ever and ever.’ (Ps.9:4-5) The Lord however doesn’t mince words when He commands Isaiah, He lays it down without any niceties: ‘Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given (done to) him.’ (Is.3:10-11) Oh Friends, I don’t know what’s wrong with our brains nuh, or what invisible hold Beelzebub has on us, that though we know our wrong doings will certainly rebound on us, yet we still embrace the foolishness and evil actions of the enemy. Is it that the bright, glittering and lustful earthly treasures the enemy offers are so enticing, we can’t say no? Or is it just our sinful nature passed down from our forefather Adam? I suspect it’s a combination of both. But whatever it is my people, I assure us that we can do better by doing right, by following Jesus. The same glittering earthly treasures are available through Jesus, because many of them are useful and He wants us to enjoy a good life here on earth, it’s partly why He died. It’s just that as believers, we don’t hold the earthly treasures in such idolized positions. There are many Christians who are filthy rich  and have become so by hanging with Jesus, not Lucifer. But they don’t bow to their earthly wealth, they bow to Jesus and use the wealth to further His kingdom. That’s the big difference. And furthermore, as the old people would say; easy come, easy go. Anything gotten through quick, evil means, can be lost just as quickly, while if it comes through Jesus, it will last a lifetime. So my brethren, I ask each of us today, to take time and ponder all our doings, past, present and future, and make sure that there’s nothing in them that will eventually come back to bite us, for truly, whatever we sow, we shall surely reap. Much LOVE!…your harvest will come as evil or good…depending on which one you planted…  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 February 2012 John 8:12‏

22 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

John 8:12.     Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

 Oh Friends, it’s Ash Wednesday! That means the partying’s over! It’s time to put on your sackcloth and ashes with fasting, to gear you up for Lent, the forty days we observe in humility and abstinence before Jesus’ crucifixion, recalling the forty days He spent in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by Beelzebub. Now we don’t have to fast, but if we do, we should do it with a right heart, observing Jesus teaching on the subject: ‘Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites (pretenders), of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto to men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.’ (Matt.6:16-18) Yes Friends, it’s the same for all we do in Jesus’ name; not for outward show, to broadcast them for men to see and think we’re so righteous. Remember outward show doesn’t cut it with the Father, but He looks at the state of our hearts. So if you intend to fast this Lenten season, please don’t make a big show of it. Now turning to our Bit: ‘Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ That’s one of the most profound statements ever made people, and a very true one!  Jesus even said it more than once too. Before He healed the man born blind, He said to His listeners: ‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ (John 9:5) Then later on, while teaching about His upcoming death and resurrection, the people wanted to know who was the Son of man He said must be lifted up. ‘Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest the darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be (become) the children of light.’ (John 12:35-36) And that’s the awesome truth Friends! When we walk in darkness, we don’t know where we’re going, for the darkness obliterates our sight. But when we walk in the light, our paths are made very clear and we can see where we’re going. Now isn’t it much better to see where we’re going, than to be walking aimlessly and in danger of stumbling and falling? And since Jesus is the light of the world and Lucifer its darkness, it obviously makes more sense to walk with Jesus than with Lucifer. Oh my people, Lucifer’s intentions are evil, that’s why he’s chosen to walk in darkness, and his main intention is to lead God’s children astray. Please don’t allow him to do that my brethren, for he has nothing to lose, since he’s already been condemned to eternal death and darkness in Hades. Now he’s looking for fools to keep him company there by enticing us to walk in darkness with him to stumble and fall. But remember, as a child of the Most High God a place has been prepared for you in heaven, and you’d be real foolish to pass that up for the worthless earthly treasures that Lucifer tempts us with down here. So don’t be fooled, it’s only by following the light, Jesus, that we can walk safely and not stumble and fall. And as Bruh Paul told his protégé Timothy when exhorting him to endurance and passion in his preaching, talking about God: ‘Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.’ (2 Tim.1:9-10) Yes Friends, that’s one of God’s mysterious workings; through the death of His son, He brought eternal life and light to us. And we’ll end with some more wise advice from Bruh Paul, this time to the Thessalonians: ‘But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (self-controlled).’ (1 Thess.5:4-6) Oh my fellow believers, please let us take those words to heart and live them diligently, for they contain the wisdom that we need to see us through and make a positive difference in these evil, ungodly, troubled times. Much LOVE!…caught between the darkness and light…then wisdom says…run towards the light…Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 February 2012 John 8:12‏

21 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , ,

John 8:12.   Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
 
And the Bacchanalian celebrations continue today Friends; the last day of feasting before fasting for Lent. And they are certainly going to let it all hang out! Unfortunately, I’m too broken up to party so heartily again, but I still party when the occasion arises, I just can’t jump and prance like before. As the old people would say; after one time is certainly two yes. (smile) Some of you reading this will no doubt remember those exhilarating times we shared. I look around me here and see a couple pictures of some friends and I partying most heartily on the Lakeshore during Caribana. Oh Friends, those were surely some good, heady days! Now though I have to rely on memories because the old knees won’t allow me to behave like that any longer. And strangely, it doesn’t bother me all that much for I was already disenchanted with the celebrations even before my knees folded. I found that the quality had deteriorated and most of the young people didn’t know how to participate properly in the streets. Their idea of having a good time was pushing and shoving. So though I’ve missed Caribana for the last two years, I’m contented in my spirit. As Bruh Paul says, I’ve learned to be contented in whatever state I am. (Phil.4:11) But enough about me, we here to talk about Jesus, so let’s do that. And one statement He made several times, and was also made often about Him, pertains to Him being the Light of the World. Hear our Bit: ‘Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ Oh my people, I’d like to drive home the fact that those are words of eternal truth! Jesus is indeed the light of the world, and those who follow Him will never walk in darkness, but shall have a blindingly bright life, for His radiance is such that in the new earth, ‘there shall be no night there; and they need no candle (lamp), neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light:’ (Rev.22:5) Yes my brethren, our God is the repository of all things bright and beautiful! We need no one else but Him to live bright, wonderful lives. Now let’s look at some scriptures that talk about Jesus as the light of our lives. And the obvious place to begin is in the first chapter of John, where he expounds on the subject. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended (apprehended) it not.’ (John 1:1-5) More words of eternal truth and wisdom my Friends, for Jesus was involved from the very first moment that our universe was created. When there was only darkness in the void, as part of the Triune God-head, He spoke these  all important, immortal words: ‘Let there be light: and there was light.’ (Gen.1:3) From Him comes both the physical and spiritual light. Then John describes his relationship to Jesus thus: ‘There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ (John 1:6-9) John confirmed that Jesus was the TRUE Light prophesied by Isaiah (Is.9:2) and also the one of whom Malachi spoke when he solemnly declared: ‘For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall (grow fat like stall fed calves). And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.’ (Mal.4:1-3) Oh Friends it ought to make us believers feel so good when we read of prophesies being fulfilled like that after many centuries, cause it just shows the truth and faithfulness and omnipotence of our God. There should be no doubt in our minds as to the authenticity of the scriptures; the Word of the ONE TRUE God! So please, let’s contemplate today on what the scriptures truly mean to us; if we believe them fully, partially or not at all. That is the first step to truly finding Jesus. Much LOVE!…if the Word wasn’t true…then prophesies would not be fulfilled…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 February 2012 John 8:12‏

20 Feb 2012 1 Comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

John 8:12.    Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Oh Friends, it’s Monday; Carnival Monday, Mardi Gras Day! Wow! That means in places like Rio, New Orleans and T&T, the party has now officially spilled into the streets. Can you imagine the bacchanal; the bright, scintillating music, the beautiful costumes and the frenetic dancing? But don’t be too jealous Friends, for our day will come. Let’s just hope and pray that no serious tragedies mar the celebrations in any of those places. Instead, let us plebs, working stiffs (smile) sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with extra energy to wipe away the envy, and raise our adrenalin level to where we’re comfortable, in fact, excited and passionate to go out and labour today on Jesus’ behalf. 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!’ And with that burst of energy to spark our motors, we should be going full speed ahead now Friends, so let’s consider our Bit. ‘Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ Oh my people, those are words of undeniable truth, because it’s only when Jesus came to earth in human form and died for us, sacrificing His sinless blood on our behalf that we acquired anything really worthwhile to fight against Beelzebub and his dark, evil world. Jesus was, and still is the only one able to truly get us out of the clutches of the evil one. Before he came, we had to continually offer sacrifices to keep our sins at bay. But once Jesus offered up His precious, holy blood on our behalf at Calvary, our sins were washed as white as snow for all time, and a new day dawned bright and beautiful for us! And all God’s people loudly declared: ‘Oh everlasting praise and glory be to the Lamb that washed ALL our sins away!’Yes my brethren, Jesus was indeed the bright, shining light of the world, who Isaiah prophesied of centuries before He was born. ‘Nevertheless the dimness (gloom) shall not be such as was in her vexation (upon her who is distressed) when at the first he lightly afflicted (esteemed) the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict (esteemed) her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations (Gentiles). The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ (Is.9:1-2) Now listen to the scholars clarify that some: ‘The dimness of Israel’s rejection was especially prevalent in the northern tribal areas of Zebulun and Naphtali, which would suffer greatly under the Assyrian invasion. Galilee is named and identified with the nations (Gentiles). To those in the darkness of the north, God promises to send a great light, which is quoted in Matthew 4:15-16 as being fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. The prophet sees these events as though they were already happening. Thus hepredicts the future with certainty, as though it had already come to pass.’ And Matthew 4:12-16, corroborates this. Thus was the first great prophecy of light coming to a darkened world through Jesus, the Prince of Peace fulfilled. My people, I implore us to take these words of Jesus very seriously, and get to know Him as best you can, for He is the ONLY light available to guide us out of this dark and evil world in which we’re currently ensconced. Yes, the only way we’ll ever see God’s glorious face is by following the guiding light that’s Jesus. More on this tomorrow if God chooses to imbue us with life. Much LOVE! …a light, a light…cried those shrouded in darkness…and the faraway speck of light got brighter, the closer it came…until it totally bathed them in its splendour…and in sudden recognition, they cried…it’s Jesus, it’s Jesus…Hallelujah, it’s Jesus…!

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 February 2012 Ephesians 4:29‏

19 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , ,

Ephesians 4:29.    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Glory Hallelujah Friends! As you can see the breath of life is still in us, so please let’s make the most of today, for today is all we have. Embrace the wisdom that the past is already gone, and the future is yet to come, so enjoy the present. It’s a gift from God, that’s why it’s called the present. And if we don’t gratefully receive and gladly enjoy it, then we’re not appreciating God’s goodness, and He’s liable not to give us anymore presents. But when we’re appreciative, then presents of blessings, mercies, heavenly manna and forgiveness rain down on us each and every day. And one way of not forfeiting God’s goodness is through serious attention to the words of our Bit: ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.’ Unfortunately though, in this evil, ungodly world, corrupt communication has almost become the backbone, the norm of our society. There’s a lot of vehemence, anger and threatening language that’s constantly being spewed through all the many outlets of communication today. It’s sad that instead of saying something good, or treating silence as truly golden, we find it necessary to fill the air with much vituperative and negative language. Even listening to supposed friends talk nowadays leaves you shaking your head in doubt as to whether they are really friends, because of the rough, rude, aggressive words and manner of communication. Oh my brethren, at this stage let’s invoke Bruh Paul’s advice to the Colossians, when he talks about the new life in Christ: ‘Set your affections (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God…Mortify (put to death) therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him; Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond (slave) nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.’ (Col.3:2-3,5-11) Yes Friends, corrupt communication is a killer of Christianity, thus believers should take it seriously and work diligently with God to eradicate it from our lives. Instead our words should be encouraging and uplifting. And here we’ll quote Bruh Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians: ‘But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and LOVE; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together (encourage each other), and edify (build up) one another, even as also ye do (are doing).’ (1 Thess.5:8-11) That’s the way believers ought to operate my brethren! In sobriety, our communication should embrace things like faith, LOVE, trust, surrender, hope of salvation and eternal life. Those are things believers desperately need so that we can hold on tightly to the promises of God and persevere, especially in stressful and troubled times like these. Oh Friends, the body of Christ needs to share communication that will uplift its members, stuff that will bring grace and truth, peace and encouragement to the rough situation that currently rules. Consequently, if we want to prolong Christ’s Church in a worthwhile manner, then it’s imperative that we heed this wise advice of Bruh Paul to the Colossians, those superb Christian virtues, which though written two millennia ago, are still very applicable today: ‘Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies (tender mercies), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing (bearing with) one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you. And above all these things put on charity (LOVE), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 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.3:12-17) Oh Friends, until Christians truly seek, and eventually attain that style of living, we won’t be worthy of the name. Much LOVE!…Christianity is not the easiest life…but it sure is the most worthwhile one available to mankind…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 February 2012 Ephesians 4:29‏

18 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ephesians 4:29.    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Oh Friends, a brilliant new day has risen, please rise with it and exhibit a sense of joy, wonder, peace and contentment, for there are many who did not rise this morning, and will not rise again until Christ returns, who are envious of your good fortune and will gladly trade places with you. That reminds me of a story about Maya Angelou that I recently read in the Newsletter of Real Estate Agent Gary Sullivan. Now isn’t it amazing that these Newsletters have much more useful information than just properties for sale? The on-the-ball Agents realize that their clients are not only interested in their wares, but also any useful info they can share. These Newsletters show up regularly in my mail-box, and I’m certainly reading them these days, as some of my Bits will attest to. Anyway, it seems that Maya learned a very valuable lesson re complaining at a young age, growing up in rural Arkansas, where her grandmother operated a store. The grandmother would call Maya into the store anytime this particular whiner came in, and would ask him pointed questions so that he could voice his sour opinions, and he would always oblige. One day, after the customer left, the grandmother candidly informed Maya: ‘There are people who went to sleep last night. They may have been poor or rich or white or black, but they will never wake up again. And now those folks would give anything for five minutes of this weather or ten more minutes of ploughing. So you just watch yourself about complaining.’ And all God’s people said a loud and hearty ‘Amen!’ (smile) It seems that Maya learned the lesson re complaining, for she later declared: ‘What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.’ And all God’s people said another loud and hearty ‘Amen!’ Why? Because that’s gospel! Ah mih people, there are lots of things we don’t like, some we can change, but not others. For those we ought to stop complaining about them, which is exceedingly difficult in this day and age since our society is possibly the biggest whiners and complainers ever, where we feel as though we’re entitled to everything without even breaking a sweat, and instead change our thinking about them. – all with God’s help of course, since we can do nothing without Him. That brings us to our Bit: ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.’ Yes Friends, those are also words of gospel truth! If we want others to come to Christ, we can’t afford to be always complaining, whining, bad-mouthing people and generally using negative language for Christianity is a positive, action oriented movement. We can’t say we believe, then in the next breath utter faithless, hopeless comments. According to our Bit, foul language that grieves the Holy Spirit should be replaced by gracious, LOVING, helpful words that will teach and encourage the listener. And on that subject I can testify because I was a ‘cuss-bird’ when I was much younger. Now, not all of my language was foul, but definitely too much of it. Over the years I’ve mellowed, until now I can’t even call it a vice. As I’ve grown in faith and knowledge of the Word, with God’s help, that kind of language has gradually diminished. Unfortunately it hasn’t totally disappeared, for when I get real angry, thankfully that’s not too often these days, I can still let loose some beautiful deleted expletives. (smile) On this topic there’s another important thing that we’ve got to be very careful about; that’s the people we hang out with, our supposed friends, for if they are negative, complaining and foul mouthed, then you will most likely end up the same way. I can also personally testify to that. Growing up in Tobago, I had a friend and when we were together, we’d curse a lot. However, when I went to Trinidad on holiday, the group I hung out with didn’t curse, and neither did I. But on the few occasions when my friend came to Trinidad at the same time, I’d find myself cursing again with him. It makes me recall the many times my old mother Molls warned me about certain friends I hung out with, and sometimes she allowed the leather belt to do the talking. (smile) That’s why the Good Book makes it crystal clear, that if you spare the rod, you’ll spoil the child. (Prov.13:24) And to show how God is so amazing and moves in such mysterious ways, I understand that later on in life, this particular friend became a preacher, and here I am now, writing on the Word of God. Who says He isn’t an awesome and wise God eh, and uses the most unlikely ones to do His best work?  Ah mih people, our God is such a wonderful Deity, but sadly we don’t appreciate Him half as much as we should. Though we know all the excellent points about Him, we still foolishly allow Beelzebub to lead us astray with all the earthly trash that glitters and glows and rots. Remember Friends, just like I paid a price when I didn’t listen to my mother’s warnings, we all going to pay extremely high prices if we continue to disobey God. And it’s not me that says so, but His infallible Word. So please take the warning seriously. More on this tomorrow, if He sees fit to continue the breath of life in us. Till then, please be wise and tread God’s narrow path and not Lucifer’s broad, sinful highway. Much LOVE!…to know what is right…and still do wrong…is one of the most deadly sins…

 

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