Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 February 2012 2 Corinthians 3:18‏

17 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

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

Oh Friends, it’s Friday; Carnival Friday to boot! So you can imagine the confusion and carryings on in that beautiful island nation of T&T, with everybody loudly declaring: ‘TGICF! Thank God is Carnival Friday yes!’ Everybody’s busy preparing for the opening day celebrations of J’ouvert, on Monday morning. Food’s a cooking, costumes are hurriedly being finished, stalls are been set up. It’s a riotous time in T&T. But Friends, please remember the old folks warning; drunk or sober mind yuh business. And that holds true in every aspect of and at each stage of our lives. It’s good to let go, but responsibility must always triumph. So just because is carnival is no reason not to go to church. Yuh party all night then go to work next day, so is the same way you can party all night then go to church and give thanks that you’re alive and able to party and ask for guidance and safety during the celebrations.  And now that I’m finished preaching, (smile) let’s chant our Friday Chant to keep us focused on the ONE TRUE God and His everlasting kingdom. As one 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 daysoff, 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.’ Now let’s turn to our Bit that promises us such fulfillment in the service of Christ. ‘But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ Yesterday we looked at a scripture pertaining to the first part, today, let’s move on to the next one, which is simply, ‘the glory of the Lord.’ And my people, there is no greater purpose for our being, than to show and tell of the Lord’s glory, since that’s why He created us; to worship, magnify and glorify Him. And the Good Book abounds with stories which do just that, but today we’ll focus on just one passage from 2 Cor.4; God’s power in the ministry. ‘But if our gospel be hid (veiled), it is hid to them that are lost (perishing). In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel (gospel of the glory) of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Cor.4:3-6) Ah mih people, Bruh Paul’s saying that if the gospel is hidden from some, it’s because Lucifer, who controls the evil doers of the world has blinded them so that the brilliance of Christ’s good news wouldn’t shine on them, but keep them in darkness and unawareness of the Truth. Meanwhile, in the hearts of believers, that Truth is shining brightly like the midday sun, because God has caused it to shine there, so we could be made aware of His great glory through Christ. And all God’s people gratefully declared: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Thanks oh heavenly Father for the shining light and crowning glory that’s your wonderful and most obedient Son, Jesus!’ Turning to the last part of our Bit; ‘are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ Let’s consider what Bruh Paul told the Roman Church: ‘For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified, them he also glorified. What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:29-31) That’s a fact Friends! If God is in our corner, nobody can overcome us. And He’s always in the corner of those He called to walk in the footsteps of His glorious Son Jesus. So my brethren, all of us who’ve been called to this most worthy and honourable calling, please, let’s walk in those footsteps with confidence, while showing LOVE, humility, kindness, mercy and forgiveness as Jesus did. We are indeed blessed children of God, and God’s children ought only to walk in the manner He dictates. Much LOVE!…obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him…that’s wisdom at its highest…  (Uncle Charles Stanley).

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 February 2012 2 Corinthians 3:18‏

16 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

2 Corinthians 3:18.    But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
 
Oh Friends, by God’s wonderful grace, we’ve been given one more opportunity to experience another exquisite day on planet earth. Let’s thank Him for that nuh. ‘Oh heavenly Father, thank you for allowing your refreshing and fulfilling breath of life to continue flowing through our human bodies on this new day, as always filled with your LOVE, your blessings, mercies and forgiveness. Help us to use all that you’ve given us to live the life you desire, so that we’ll all eventually become mirror images of your wonderful Son and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.’ Yes my people, that’s the overwhelming desire of our God, and here’s an appropriate quote to help us do just that. It’s taken from Real Estate Agent, Rob Kelly’s Newsletter, and is attributed to world-renowned author, poet and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862. It says: ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.’ Yeah Friends, that’s how we believers ought to go in this life we’re living for Jesus; confidently and with a vivid imagination! For that’s what dreams are all about. It’s where we can imagine big and in living colour! I would add one proviso though to that quote: make sure that the dreams we’re pursuing are in concert with Jesus and His word, and that they’re His plans for our lives, otherwise we’re quite liable to get tangled up in all sorts of confusion and eventually have those cherished dreams come to nought. Take my word for it, I’m talking from experience here. (smile) Let us therefore take our Bit seriously. ‘But we all, with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as the Spirit of the Lord.’ Oh my brethren, right there in His Word is our heavenly Father’s greatest wish for His redeemed children! And Bruh Paul puts it so vividly. We’re changed through the working of the Holy Spirit, bit by bit, into the image of Christ. And all God’s people shouted a grateful ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Now here’s a brief take of the scholars’ on the subject. ‘The term ‘beholding’ can have the sense of ‘reflecting.’ The believer himself ‘reflects’ the glory of the Lord just as the face of Moses reflected the glory of the Lord. For Moses the glory eventually faded away, but under the New Covenant, the believer is changed into the same image. This transformation takes place by the abiding presence of the Spirit of God.’ That’s the beauty of the New Covenant with Christ my Friends; His Spirit continually abides in us and never fades. There’s not a single second that we don’t have His awesome, LOVING and guiding presence in and around us, unless we choose to reject Him. Now let’s look at some scriptures that link up with our Bit. Re ‘with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass…’ Bruh Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians told them in the LOVE Chapter: ‘When I was a child, I spake as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass (mirror), darkly (dimly); but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even also as I am known.’ (1 Cor.13:11-12) Yes Friends, as we mature and grow in Jesus’ likeness, we put away our earlier toys and pick up more spiritually adult ones. Like babies, we stop drinking milk and begin eating meat as our metabolism matures. And if we keep walking the path that Jesus has chosen for us, we keep maturing in His ways and understanding them better. Plus every so often, when we look in the mirror, we ought to see a more Christ-like countenance staring back at us; a softer, more humble and LOVING look that speaks loudly that Christ is working His miracle in us. Oh Mama Mia! That will certainly be the day my brethren when all Jesus’ followers look like and behave like Him! The joy in heaven will be non-stop! Now it’s not an easy process to be changed into Christ’s image and adopt His character traits, but Friends, when we begin doing it, we realize that it’s a wonderful metamorphosis, like the lowly, ugly caterpillar changing to a bright and beautiful butterfly. So let’s immerse ourselves in Jesus nuh, so that He can make us like Him, sooner rather than later. More on this tomorrow, if God’s breath still flows through our lives. Much LOVE!…why be ugly and crawl with Lucifer…when we can become beautiful and fly with Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 February 2012 Daniel 4:3‏

15 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 4:3.     How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
 
Oh Friends, Valentine’s Day is over now, at least the commercialized part of it. But let’s hope that the LOVE part will continue unceasingly and abound even more than before, because when we do acts of LOVE, we’re behaving like Jesus, the author of LOVE. Praise the Lord!  For there can be no greater commendation, in both heaven and earth, than to be acting like our Lord and Saviour. So please, let’s all advance our efforts in doing true acts of LOVE, so that Jesus can be glorified. Now you’ll notice our Bit is the one we were using before Valentine’s Day, that’s because we weren’t quite finished with it. At least you got a day’s break from it. (smile) ‘How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.’ We ended that last day where Daniel was placed in the lion’s den, and the king spoke some mighty words that are mighty enough to repeat today. ‘Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.’ (Dan.6:16) Oh my people, when a heathen king speaks those words of absolute faith to a believer, there’s only one place they can originate; from the mouth of God. Darius could only have spoken those words of great faith because the Lord guided his heart thus. I guess it was also the Lord’s way of encouraging Daniel’s faith in his upcoming trial. Anyway, after that, a stone was placed before the opening of the den and sealed with the king and the lords’ signets, so that no cheating could take place. Then the king went home very perturbed and fasted. He couldn’t sleep either because his conscience bothered him, and early next morning he went to the lion’s den and in a lamentable voice, he cried out to Daniel: ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lion’s mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency (innocence) was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt (wrong). Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because HE BELIEVED IN HIS GOD.’ (Dan.6:20-23) Oh Friends, please note these most notable words of king Darius: ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God.’ Now if a heathen king can recognize our God as a ‘living God’ so long ago, why can’t we today eh, especially after having Jesus pay the price for our abominable sins, and also having His Holy, LOVING, Nurturing and Guiding Spirit living with us? That’s why Jesus kept admonishing and accusing His disciples about their little faith. They had seen Him do so many miracles, yet still they doubted, as so many of us still do today. Then the king threw all the plotters and their families into the lion’s den. And all that remained of them later on were meatless bones. That’s why Cousin Sol says that the evil doers shall fall into a pit of their own making. (Prov.28:10) The same thing happened with Haman and Mordecai in the Book of Ruth. Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai, but ended up being hanged on it himself. And what was the outcome of Daniel’s story? The furtherance of God’s kingdom obviously! For the king subsequently wrote to all his subjects: ‘Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men (must) tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power (paw) of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.’ (Dan.6:25:28) A most fitting end to a most moving and memorable story Friends! And it’s not only in Daniel do we find signs and wonders of our great God, but we don’t have the time nor space to tell about things like the plagues the Lord sent on Egypt, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, the parting of the Red Sea, Moses drawing water from a rock, the Israelites being fed manna from heaven during their time in the wilderness, the parting of the Jordan River etc. etc. And the most important of them all; Jesus coming to earth as an incarnate human to save us, bringing salvation and eternal life! Oh Friends, with all of that, how can we ever have one, single, solitary doubt about our wonderful God eh? It’s totally uncalled for and unwarranted! Much LOVE!…and the moral of the story is…the Living God, whom we serve and worship…is alive and well…therefore mind your ps’ and qs’…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 February 2012 1 Corinthians 13:13‏

14 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 13:13.    But the greatest of these is LOVE!
                                                HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Happy Valentine’s Day my beautiful Friends in Christ! It’s the LOVE Day, or Day of LOVE! Whichever way you choose it’s okay, because they both emote the same emotion – LOVE! LOVE, the greatest and most powerful emotion in the world! The one that makes the world go round. And don’t bother about the cliché style phrases, for those things usually become clichéd because they are true. We should indeed talk about and act in LOVE much more than we do. Why? Because the chief proponent of LOVE, in fact it’s originator, is none other than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And all God’s people exclaimed a heartfelt ‘Wow! Jesus sure is the greatest!’ There’s definitely no argument about that truth of that statement either, Friends! And since the ole fella’s been a LOVE man from way back when, (smile) then it’s only logical that I’d get in tight with Jesus, the original LOVE MAN. That’s because it’s only stupid people who don’t want to get in tight with Jesus. The wise are continually flocking around Him, like ants on a piece of meat. It’s the only sensible route to take because Jesus has everything any and every human wants and needs, and more importantly, He’s willing to give it to you, if you sincerely believe in, and faithfully follow Him. So why would you want to follow anybody else, who don’t even have half of what Jesus has to offer eh? I might be a bit crazy, but I’m certainly not stupid. Oh my fellow believers, Jesus is indeed the NUMBER ONE MAN! And if anybody says to the contrary, please tell them that they are lying, or drastically fooling themselves. Cause tell me Friends, who else was ever born of a virgin mother? NOBODY! Who else ever sacrificed them self on an old rugged cross for worthless, undeserving sinners eh? NOBODY! Who else ever died, was buried, then rose from the grave three days later? NOBODY! Who else ever offered mankind salvation and eternal life eh? NOBODY! Who else ever promised to come back and bring a new heaven and earth where there’s no pain, suffering or sorrow, but just peace, comfort and joy forever? NOBODY! Yes mih people, NOBODY but Jesus has ever done those things! So why would I want to go and follow some fool-fool, chupid boy called Lucifer eh? No way Jose! The boy has nothing solid to offer, just a pretty facade and enticing words to deceive you into thinking that there’s something nice behind the false front. And even on the odd occasion when there is something half decent behind the facade, it’s never something lasting or permanent, but stuff that withers and rots, stuff that moths and other insects eat. And besides, if you hang with Jesus, you can also get those non-lasting, perishable things, plus all the other permanent goodies He has to offer. So I ask you again my people, why would you want to follow a flim-flam man, a con artist like Lucifer, when you have the perfect and true gentleman, the author and dispenser of LOVE and everything that’s good and generous, namely Jesus? But all I can do is offer advice yes mih brethren, though for once in my life I’m sure I’m offering the most excellent advice possible. Yuh can’t lose on this one at all, because the only sure bet in this whole wide world is Jesus! Everything else is subject to change. But NEVER Jesus! Cause He’s the FIRST, the LAST, and EVERYTHING in between! Believe me people, that is the gospel truth! And I encourage you to go out and spread that good and great news all over the world, just as Jesus asked us to do. It’s  such wonderful news, and offers such wonderful opportunities for sick, lost, hurting and suffering people. Oh Friends, I forgot to enlighten you of Jesus’ great healing qualities amongst His many other attributes. Yes Friends, He’s also a doctor. The BEST M.D in the whole wide world too! Oh, He’s also the BEST Security Guard and the BEST Provider. in addition to all the other things that He is. In other words, Jesus is MISTER EVERYTHING! With Him in your corner, you don’t need anybody else. He’s the epitome of One Stop Shopping. So please tell Wall Mart and them other big name merchandisers about Him, so that they can try to copy His inimitable style. (smile) But seriously though Friends, it’s absolutely necessary, especially in what looks like the end times, that we all get out there and tell others about Him, advertise His wonderful wares! Yuh know the best advertising is word of mouth, so don’t be afraid or ashamed, be strong and very courageous and tell others about Him! Be happy and proud that you’re one of His followers, and do like He did; walk good, talk good and live good. That’s my wish for all of us this Valentine’s Day of 2012, the year when Jesus is going to make unsurpassable inroads into the evil kingdom of Lucifer and the world will become a much better place as His acolytes further His glorious kingdom. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen. Please have a beautiful Day of LOVE my people! Much LOVE!…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…just to see Him smile…makes my life worthwhile…cause to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…  P.S. Hope you enjoy this light-hearted Valentine’s Day LOVE Bit dedicated to Jesus, cause that’s how the Spirit led me. In any case, everything stated there is nothing but the living truth! Much LOVE!

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 February 2012 Daniel 4:3‏

13 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 4:3.    How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is and everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from  generation to generation.

Ah mih people, it’s that time again; Monday, when we have to get out and do the ‘cursed’ work of fallen man alongside the heathen, so that we can show them the right way and eventually bring them humbly to the footstool of Christ. So with that in mind, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn and thus activate our less than active faith and spirituality. As one loud, praising and thankful 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!’ Yes Friends, regardless of how we feel, we need to get out and make a living, and it’s always easier with Jesus in and beside us. Hopefully this will be the last day of this Bit. Now don’t go thanking God, because if more of us would seek out His signs and wonders in His Word, in the world around us and in our own lives, we’d be more faithful and much happier. ‘How great are his signs! And how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation’ And we going to stick with Daniel because some significant signs and wonders went on his life, under several heathen kings. We know how Darius wanted to elevate him above all his courtiers ‘because an excellent spirit was in him.’ (Dan.6:3)  But as usual, greed and jealousy reared their ugly heads and the lesser lights plotted against Daniel. They knew though that the only place they would ever find occasion to bring him down was through his God. So they deceitfully talked Darius into signing a law, ‘that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save (except) of thee O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.’ (Dan.6:7) Now Daniel knew what was happening, but nonetheless, ‘he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a (that) day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did afore time (he usually did). Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.’ (Dan.6:10-11) That my Friends is how all believers ought to behave in this evil, ungodly day and age! Regardless of what comes against us, we should continue to praise and worship the ONE TRUE God, Jehovah! Obviously the plotters were in their glee and ran to Darius with the news. Poor Darius then realized the trap that he’d been inveigled to set for Daniel and was mad at himself, ‘and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him; (Dan.6:14) But because of the non-rescindable law, Darius had no choice but to put Daniel in the lion’s den. Here again though my brethren, our incomparable and unpredictable Lord, moving in one of His many mysterious ways, put some of the most prophetic words in the Good Book in the mouth of a heathen king. After Daniel was cast in to the den: ‘Now the king spake and said unto Daniel. Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.’ (Dan.6:16) Oh Friends, it would be so wonderful if many of us believers today could have as much faith in our God, as that heathen king had back then. Note, though he didn’t believe, he saw the fruits of righteousness in Daniel. And we’ll end here for today, hoping that this will in some form and fashion excite us and grow our faith in action, so that others will see the good fruits that we are bearing and so come to believe. More on this tomorrow, if we’re not pushing up daisies. I tried to finish it today, but it was just too long, and I didn’t want to exasperate our short attention span. (smile) Much LOVE!…how can one be called a believer…if one doesn’t act faithfully on one’s belief…and the operational word there is ACT…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 February 2012 Daniel 4:3

12 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 4:3.    How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Oh Friends, it’s a beautiful Sunday morning! The sun’s shining, the birds are singing, the flowers are perfuming the atmosphere with their awe inspiring aroma – somewhere in the world, but not in my cold, snow bound area- (smile) and above all, the King of Glory, Jehovah God, is still on His throne controlling things in His universe! And all God’s people gave thanks for that because they know that He’s a most LOVING, kind, generous, merciful, protective and forgiving God – in fact, the ONLY TRUE ONE in existence. Now I know that some of you don’t like it when I stay on a Bit for more than a couple of days, but this one we definitely need to extend because our God has done so many signs and wonders they can’t all be covered in one or two Bits, and moreover because too many of us supposed believers aren’t fired up with enough passion for the Lord. We don’t seem to take Him seriously enough, take Him at His word, when he says He’s going to do this or that. And here I see an opportunity to fire us up by bringing us face to face with some of His wonders and signs, which hopefully will make us take Him more seriously. Our Bit rightly proclaims: ‘How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.’ And over the past two days we’ve seen how the Lord dealt with Bruh David, the Jewish boys in the fiery furnace and king Nebuchadnezzar. Today we’ll continue in the Book of Daniel, because a lot of pertinent stuff happened in his time. A new king is on the throne, Neb’s son, Belshazzar. One day, while feasting with his courtiers, he orders that the golden and silver vessels taken by his father from the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem, be brought in, so that they could drink from them. ‘They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass (bronze), of iron, of wood, and of stone.’ (Dan.5:4) But Friends, as usual when we fool with stuff that pertains to our God, He makes it known, sometimes in very undesirable ways. So it was with Belshazzar. Within the hour of drinking from the Lord’s sacred vessels, a hand appears in the palace and writes on the wall next to a candle and Belshazzar sees a part of the hand. He’s frightened out of his wits: ‘Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins (hips) were loosed, and his knees smote one against the other (knocked).’ (Dan.5:6) Calling in all his magicians and astrologers, he demands an interpretation. But none of his people can do it. Now the queen hearing the commotion comes into the banquet place, and after learning the problem tells the king about Daniel who has done such marvellous work in his father’s time. So Daniel is called and offered gifts of lovely clothes, a golden chain and the position of third ruler in the kingdom. Obviously he refuses them, and gives Belshazzar a lesson in his father’s affairs. ‘O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour…But when his heart was lifted up (made proud), and his mind (spirit) hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. And he was driven from the sons of men…till he knew (recognized) that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointed over it whomsoever he will. And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this. But hast lifted up (exalted) thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house (the temple) before thee, and thou and thy lord, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified. Then was the part of the hand sent from him: and this writing was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. This is the interpretation of the thing (each word): Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balance, and art found wanting. Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.’ (Dan.5:18, 20-28) Then despite his earlier refusal, they dressed up Daniel in royal finery, put a gold chain around his neck and declared him third ruler in the kingdom. But Friends, that made no difference whatsoever to Belshazzar’s demise, for ‘In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. And Darius, the Median (Mede) took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.’ (Dan.5:30-31) Oh my people, I sure hope that this pride and arrogance of the Babylonian kings teaches us a lesson, namely that our God does not make fun with His stuff. He’s indeed a wonderful God, but when coming to His glory, He’s very jealous of others trying to usurp it, and He will deal with them severely. Please, let’s pay serious attention to these signs and wonders, so when we are weighed in the balance, we’ll not be found wanting. Much LOVE!…and I seek not mine own glory…there is one that seeketh and judgeth (John 8:50)…a wise man will follow Jesus’ example…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 February 2012 Daniel 4:3

11 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 4:3.     How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Oh Friends, 2012 is certainly moving along quickly. We’re almost two weeks into February already. That means we have to get our act together asap and do our duty, if we’re to fulfill our promise of making 2012 an exceptional year in the Lord’s sight. We do need to get a move on because the enemy is not standing still, he’s chugging right along doing his evil works, and we have to be at least one step ahead of him if we’re to overcome. So let’s stop making excuses and get on the road to wherever God wants to use us to further His righteous kingdom. And with that little flame lit below us (smile) let’s consider our Bit. ‘How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.’ Yes Friends, those words surely do justice to our Creator and Provider, especially coming from the mouth of the heathen king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. But though Neb spoke those words after seeing the three Jewish youngsters saved from the flaming furnace, I don’t know if truly believed them in his heart. That’s like many of us who talk up the Lord a lot but don’t truly feel Him deep within. Anyhow, soon after that Neb had a dream of a big tree well populated with fruit and fowl being cut down and only a stump left. His astrologers couldn’t decipher the dream so Daniel was called in to do it. He told Neb that the dream referred to his own kingdom, which would shortly be taken away from him, and he would be as a beast for seven years. And I like the end of Daniel’s interpretation: ‘…and seven times (years) shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure (assured) unto thee, after that thou shalt have known (come to know) that the heavens do (God does) rule.’ (Dan.4:25-26) Oh my people, I hope we all do know that and don’t try to take all the credit for what good stuff happens in our lives as Neb would later do. A year later, he was walking around in his palace in Babylon admiring it and saying; ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom (a royal dwelling) by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty.’ (Dan.4:30) Obviously He did not remember all the great exaltations he’d declared of the Lord, nor the interpretation of Daniel’s dream. But Friends, let me instill in us again that out God does not make idle threats or speak words that are not fulfilled. And before the words were out of his mouth he heard a voice telling him that his kingdom was taken away, and he would be driven into the fields to live like a beast for seven years ’…until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.’ (Dan.4:32) And in that same hour was the curse fulfilled; he became insane and was actually put out to pasture and lived like a beast for seven years. ‘And at the end of the days (time) I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed (considered) as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay (restrain) his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?’ (Dan.4:34-35) Yes mih breddren, Neb finally realized who was the real king of glory, the real boss of this world; not him, but Almighty God. Please let’s be wiser than Neb, learn from his foolish example, and don’t let the Lord have to put us through hell on earth for us to fully understand who runs things. Let’s be like Neb afterwards, when his whole thinking changes, and he declares on making his stage exit: ‘Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgement (justice): and those that walk in pride he is able to abase (humble).’ (Dan.4:37) Truer words were never spoken Friends. Let’s take them to heart and live by them, for our own good. Much Love!…knowing all we know…and having seen all we’ve seen…how can we still doubt God’s majesty, power and faithfulness…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 February 2012 Daniel 4:3‏

10 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 4: 3.     How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Oh Friends, it’s Friday! And I realize you know that because I hear you shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ from way down the road. I also see the Carnival preparations underway in the busy mas camps with costumes being put together for the big celebrations two weeks hence. Ah hear the calypsos coming out of the calypso tents, and the sweet pan beating as the pan sides practice for Panorama. Oh Friends, if we could only harvest this Carnival spirit and productivity for everyday life, what a wonderful nation we’d be. And though mas might be an important part of our culture, we can’t afford to let the Bacchanalian atmosphere run roughshod over everything. We need to temper it some, so that God’s work can also continue. To this end then, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much enthusiasm, so that we can gain the right perspective for the weekend. ‘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, the weekend is upon us and we need to use it wisely. As we also need to use our Bit, which was an immortal declaration of the heathen Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, sometime after he’d seen God’s wonderful work in bringing the three Jewish youngsters, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego out of the flaming furnace without even smelling of smoke. King Neb begins his speech thus: ‘Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God had wrought toward me.’ (Dan.4:1-2) Oh my brethren, this should be a perfect place and moment for all of us to consider our own journey with God and contemplate the many wonders and signs that He’s wrought in our own lives. And if you’re a true believer, there will be some that will make us declare like King Neb: ‘How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.’ Now Friends, remember that this was a declaration of God’s power from a heathen king thousands of years ago, long before Christ even came to earth as man. So if this heathen king can accept all the signs and wonders of Almighty God that he claims to have seen and experienced, why can’t we do the same eh, especially since we’ve experienced the biggest sign and wonder ever; the coming of Jesus, his birth, death and resurrection? Too many of us my people still doubt in our hearts that the awesome God we worship is as great and potent as we say, possibly because He does not work great miracles in our lives everyday. But what we seem to be forgetting here is that He’s the Master and we are the servants. It’s our duty to serve Him, not His to bow to our every whim and desire. Now let’s look at one of the most important signs in the Good Book, one of the silver threads upon which its based. And we talking here about the prophet Nathan’s speech to Bruh David, promising that his seed shall reign upon the throne of Israel forever. ‘And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes (strokes) of the children of men. But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever.’ (2 Sam.7:12-16) That Friends was the Davidic covenant, the Lord made with Bruh David, and though it wasn’t as flashy as some other signs, it still is one of the most important signals God ever gave to man, because on and through it, lay the coming of Christ, the Messiah, as a descendant of Bruh David. Oh Friends, what a thoughtful God we worship! And we’ll end with God’s strengthening and comforting words later on through psalm 89, God’s sure promises to David, written by Ethan the Ezrahite: ‘Nevertheless my LOVING-kindness will I not utterly take from him (break off), nor suffer my faithfulness to fail (be false). My covenant will I not break, nor alter (change the word) thing that is gone out of my lips. Once I have sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven (the sky). Selah.’ (Ps.89: 33-37) Yes my people, it’s appropriate that we stop awhile and ponder all that the Lord has done for us, both individually and collectively through His Word. It’s only by so doing that we can really fathom the depths of His care, consideration and LOVE for us! More on this tomorrow if we live to greet the sunrise. Much LOVE!…oh to know, know know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 February 2012 Psalm 125:3‏

09 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , ,

Psalm 125:3.     For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
 
Well hello there mih beautiful breddren in Christ! How we doing this brand new morning eh? I hope we’re all healthy, wealthy and wise (smile) and giving immense thanks to our great and generous Creator for causing us to see another wonderful day! And yuh know how I’m always advising us to not only look for God in the big, once in a while things of life, but more so in the small, everyday things, well here’s a quote that teaches us the same. It’s taken from Real Estate Agent Rob Kelly’s recent Newsletter, and is attributed to Albert Schweitzer -1875-1965, the German born humanitarian, theologian, missionary, organist and medical doctor. It says: ‘In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that bloom at their feet.’ And isn’t that the unfortunate truth my people! Our society is so focused on big things, big happenings, larger than life plans, that we consistently fail to see and appreciate the small things and happenings that swirl around us. And the sad part is that oftimes the small happenings are much more integral to our lives than the big ones. How often can you realistically have big events eh? Not very often. But the small, supposedly insignificant ones happen all the time, and if we don’t see and appreciate them for what they truly are – the LOVING hand of God – then we’ll foolishly deny ourselves a whole lot of His wonderful, amazing and mysterious movements. Oh Friends, only seeking the big things, which are few and far between, keeps our faith stagnant, only growing when the big happenings happen. But looking for and enjoying the small mercies and blessings keeps our faith vibrant and constantly growing since we’re always focused on God and are aware of what He’s doing in our lives every day. And if we do that, then we’ll be able to appreciate our Bit even more, because it deals with the redeeming hand of God constantly hovering over us. ‘For the rod of the wicked (the sceptre of wickedness) shall not rest upon the lot of (the land allotted to) the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands (reach) unto iniquity.’ Yes Friends, that’s the living truth, as is the title of Psalm 125: God surrounds His people! Hear how the psalmist begins the Psalm: ‘They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, 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) Wow! What assurance! If you’re a serious and sincere believer then those words ought to reverberate with peace, joy and great confidence in your heart, soul and mind, because they are gospel! Oh Friends, we can’t only hold these truths intellectually and expect them to truly benefit us, but more so with a great spiritual faith, continually putting them to the test in our everyday lives. That’s why the Lord had them written in the Good Book.  Listen to Cousin Sol’s take on in it Proverbs 22: ‘He that soweth iniquity, shall reap vanity (trouble): and the rod of his anger (wrath) shall fail.’ (Prov.22:8) Now hear Eliphaz, Job’s buddy, tell it like it truly is: ‘Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plough iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils (anger) are they consumed.’ (Job 4:7-9) Oh my brethren, the Word doesn’t lie. That’s why it was given to us, so we can rely and stand on its faithful promises with the greatest confidence and assurance. That means there’s no doubting the words that great man of God, Isaiah spoke concerning the fall of the King of Babylon and Israel’s preservation: ‘The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.’ (Is.14:5) My people, we have to take these words to heart and live our earthly lives based on them, otherwise the works of iniquity that are still being propagated will drive us crazy. Yes, when we live by the strong, rich, heartfelt, LOVING assurances of our omnipotent God, then our souls rest in peace and comfort, and we acquire the strength to fight the wicked enemy, since we know that we’ll eventually be victorious. Oh Friends, it’s only a matter of time -the Lord’s timing- before the wicked are defeated and removed from memory. Please remember that, and live by it. Much LOVE!…what’s the point in having safe, strong assurances…and not living faithfully by them eh…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 February 2012 Psalm 34:15‏

08 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 34:15.     The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s tired this morning because I was up late engrossed in a historical romance novel. Yes it was raunchy and interesting, (smile) but the sad part is that our lives today seem to simply be a reflection of a few hundred years back. There’s still the overwhelming amount of deceit and treachery; of pride and arrogance of those with wealth and power; there are still lots of strife and wars, both internal and external; plus the greed, and backbiting, the corruption, the family disputes, the denial of justice and oppression of those on the lower rungs of the social and economic ladder. We only seem to do it more quickly now with the advent of modern technology and other more refined methods and accoutrements. So though times have changed and the human animal has put on a more humane facade, the basic nature of man and society are still the same. Ah Lord eh! It’s obvious that the modern tools of living life have taught us nothing. We might look different on the outside, because we’re dressed in different clothing, but we still thrive on selfish, greedy, corrupt, evil behaviour. And because society is so much more widespread, those ungodly attributes are also more widespread and thus more difficult to eradicate. But remember Friends, where there’s a will, there’s always a way. And that way is through the Lord God Jehovah, because as our Bit truthfully declares: ‘The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.’ There’s absolutely no doubt about that my people, for the Lord has faithfully promised it! And the corresponding, or reverse verse to our Bit is the next one: ‘The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off (destroy) the remembrance of them from the earth.’ (Ps.34:16) There we have both sides of the coin Friends: Heads, the Lord is hearing and looking after the righteous. Tails, He’s eliminating the memory of the wicked from the earth. What a wonderful God we serve and worship people! And if you don’t believe me, then listen to that man of great faith and patience, Job, as he speaks on the justness of God. ‘Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor (justice to the oppressed). He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.’ (Job 36:5-7) Oh my people, riding under the banner of the Most High God is the only wise and sensible choice we have in this earthly life! Now hear the psalmist declare it, when he offers praise to the Lord for his creation: ‘Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.’ (Ps.33:18-19) And furthermore, remember when Jesus gave sight to the man blind from birth, by mixing clay, anointing his eyes, then telling him: ‘Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash.’ (John 9:11) He believed enough to do as Jesus said and received sight. But then he was hounded and reviled by the Jewish elite, claiming that he was a disciple of Jesus, wanting to know if what he said was true. And as the Lord is wont to do, he used the lowly to confound the wise. ‘The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.’ (John 9:30-31) Ah mih people, I don’t understand why it’s still so hard to accept Jesus after all He’s done, from the time of His birth, two thousand years ago, till now? There are so many examples that justify He is who He says He is, but yet we still refuse to accept Him. And even worse, some who claim to accept Him, only do so half-heartedly; they still put most of their trust and faith in the world, the things and people thereof. Oh Friends, there’s a reason why Peter quoted portions of Psalms 34 and 37 in his speech on the behaviour of wives and husbands. ‘For he that will LOVE life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile (deceit). Let him eschew (turn away from) evil, and do good; let him seek peace and ensue (pursue) it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.’ (1 Pet.3:10-12) My brethren, I implore us to renew our faith and trust in Almighty God today, so that it will go well with our families, our nations, our world and us. Much LOVE!…only as our eyes are steadfastly focused on God…will our lives be steadfast and secure…
 

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries