Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 June 2009 Romans 14:7‏

06 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Romans 14:7     For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
 
Ah my friends, it promises to be another paradise-like day, for which we should be giving grateful thanks, but many won’t enjoy it, cause we’ll be too busy resenting and fighting each other. The confusion in the church has not changed in the two thousand years of its existence, ever since the Jews and Gentiles were first brought together under the umbrella of Christ’s body. Each of them brought their own traditions, cultures and attitudes that could not fit comfortably together. They had different foods, different religious observances, different morals, hence Bruh Paul’s intervention. ‘Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.’ (Rom.14:1) According to the scholars, Bruh Paul is saying that the weak person in the faith should not be turned away, but received with grace and not belligerence. For example, someone who considers certain practices immoral, and from which he should abstain, but which practices are in truth morally indifferent; like the eating of meat to some, or holding inviolably sacred the Sabbath to others. The strong brother should accept the weak one with LOVING kindness, and not get into useless arguments that won’t change anyone’s minds, but just raise more contention and strife. We ought to receive people with diverse convictions in questionable areas with Christ-like gentleness, recognizing their differences, and not try to brow beat them into our way of thinking. We should not judge them hastily or harshly, for what does it really matter if they have different dietary standards, or one esteems a particular day, while the other considers all days alike? ‘For God hath received him…for God is able to make him stand…Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. (Rom.14:3,4,5,) Once everybody is giving sincere thanks to God, we should learn to live together with the mostly superficial differences in our lifestyles. Why? ‘For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.’ And that’s the gospel truth. For, ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor.5:17) That means, once we become a believer, we can’t hold on to our old ideology, but have to conform to Christ’s rules, which basically means giving up our selfish attitudes and desires, and acquiring His selfless lifestyle. Or as Bruh Paul explains to the Galatians: ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who LOVED me, and gave himself for me.’ (Gal.2:20) Ah my Friends, most of us tend to take man made laws and traditions more seriously than the laws of God, but it’s the latter that will enable us to live a life worthy of God, as believers ought. As Jesus said: ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ (Mark 12:17) And Bruh Paul continues: ‘For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.’ (Rom.14:8) End of argument people! Once we claim to be believers, then all our actions, dead or alive, (smile) resonate through Christ. ‘For to this end Christ died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living.’ (Rom.14:9)  Oh my people, Jesus is the common denominator for all believers, and we desperately need to bring all our differences down to His level, else the wrangling over the petty stuff will never cease and just cause more harm than good. Can you imagine the powerful movement Christ would be leading if, from the beginning, we weren’t so small minded, stubborn and constantly seeking our own way? Wow! The enemy certainly wouldn’t have such a stranglehold on the world. And why would an unbeliever ever want to join a group who constantly fight over petty, immaterial concerns, though professing to be so interested in the greater glory of God? That’s why the Church is so fragmented and getting worse everyday. We’re foolishly allowing  Lucifer and his evil cohorts to infiltrate Christ’s church and have us fight amongst ourselves rather than against his wicked minions. Oh Friends, some differences are harder than others to put aside, but we simply have to put aside the majority, which are petty, when considering the bigger scheme of things, and that’s spreading God’s Word through both talk and our daily lives. Our lives should be a mirror image of what we preach, so that others will see, hear and understand the Good News of Christ, His free offer of salvation and gladly accept Him. Oh my people, they should see the sincere, moving example of His light and LOVE shining so brightly in us that they can’t wait to get what we have. And since the best advertisement is word of mouth coupled with a living example, if we seriously desire to live for Christ, then it’s absolutely necessary we come to grips with our differences, talk to each other, agree to disagree on some, but then resolutely obey God, by spreading His Word, living a life that’s a shining example of that Word and leaving all the other consequences to Him. Oh Friends, let’s stop allowing the wily enemy to divide and conquer us as he’s been doing for so long, and instead focus on building the understanding Church that Jesus desires. I pray this over us all, in Jesus’ Name. Amen! Much LOVE!..in unity there’s strength..we need both to do Jesus’ work successfully…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 June 2009 2 Thessalonians 3:3‏

05 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Thessalonians 3:3    But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
 
To all my beautiful Friends in Christ, let me say a hearty, ‘Mornin’ Neighbuh Mornin’!’ in Rapso stylee. (smile) Yes Friends, it’s shaping up to be another beautiful day of bright sunshine and cool breezes; in effect a situation akin to paradise, and I certainly hope that each of us will go out into our crazy, evil world, dressed in our Christian armour, with the Word ever ready on our lips, and put our best foot forward in the Lord’s name. Amen! As Bruh Paul told the Thessalonians; ‘Finally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.’ (2 Thess.3:1) Oh my people, that is something we should all be praying for today; that the Word should run free all over the universe. It should have free rein wherever it is invoked; that all those who hear it shall be uplifted emotionally and spiritually, that they will accept the Lord, rejoice in His goodness and mercy, thereby glorifying Him. Why? ‘That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.’ (2 Thess.3:2) Yes Friends, it’s essential that the servants of Christ be protected from the ravages of wicked and unreasonable people, of which there are far too many in our world. It just means that not everybody is as LOVING, kind hearted, humble, forgiving, merciful and faithful like us who believe in Jesus. Hn! I plead poetic licence! For ‘Some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.’ (Acts 28:24) And my brethren it’s such a great honour and wonderful privilege to be numbered amongst those who believed. Why? Because the omnipotent Deity in whom we believe, ‘the Lord, is faithful.’ Whatever He says is gospel Friends. Whatever He promises to do, bet yuh bottom dollar He’s going to do it! Bruh Paul is trying to show the confused Thessalonians the great difference between the promises of men and their unfaithfulness, as opposed to that of our God. According to the scholars it’s one of his favourite topics. ‘God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (1 Cor.1:9) And in Chap.10, he again claims; ‘but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ (1 Cor.10:13) Here’s another example of His endorsing God’s faithfulness. ‘Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.’ (1 Thess.5:24) And one more: ‘If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim.2:13) Yuh see that Friends? We have a choice to be or not be faithful, but our God has none because His very nature is created in faithfulness, and He cannot go against it. Oh my people, this concern about God’s faithfulness is very important to us believers since that is the very essence of our faith. Note that our belief system is called ‘faith.’ That entails trust, assurance, reliance, credence, certainty, credibility, as well as honesty and truth. And if our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is asking us to place our faith, our trust, our belief, and our lives in His hands, then we need to be able to do that without any worry or doubt. And that’s what His Word does; shows us His faithfulness; from the day He unveiled His marvellous creation, Planet Earth and all therein, to the present time, even unto eternity. Now we need to believe that with absolute certainty, like Jesus did in His time on earth, if we’re really going to be a force of good in His Name. Friends, forgive me if I ramble, but that’s when the Spirit is really working in me. (smile) And as Bruh Paul points out in Today’s Bit, the Lord shows His faithfulness in two promises: ‘who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.’ Wow! What lofty promises! But the problem here Friends is not with God being able to bring them to pass, but with our believing that He can and will. Since we walk by faith (there’s that word ‘faith’ again) and not by sight, they’re useless to us if we don’t believe what we can’t see. That’s the kind of trust the Lord’s trying to build in us. Now if we believe, have faith and trust in Him, then in His time, He will, ‘perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us,’ and also keep us from falling into the hands of the evil enemy. Jesus expressed that exact desire to His Father. ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil.’  (John 17:15) And if Jesus prayed that, because He’s always been a good and faithful Son, it’s obvious His Father, being of the same nature, would hear His earnest plea and acquiesce to His desire. Oh Friends, I certainly hope that I have not further muddied the already muddy waters. (smile) Instead, with the Spirit’s guidance, I hope I’ve successfully driven home to us, the serious impact those three words, ‘faith, faithful and faithfulness,’ have on our lives as believers. It’s of the utmost importance that we recognize their foundation and the principle behind them, for without them, we cannot come to, or serve Jehovah God. That also involves waiting patiently on Him, and being of good courage. I know it’s not an easy exercise my people, but it’s the best gig in town and the rewards are magnificent. Much LOVE!…faith is the act of being faithful…which ultimately…brings rewards of faithfulness… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 June 2009 Matthew 8:29‏

04 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 8:29     And behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
 

Oh my Friends, it’s going to be a lovely, sunny day, with Jesus out and about in our hearts, doing the town with us. What a beautiful experience! Now let’s recognize and acknowledge Him like the demons that possessed those two naked, lost souls, living in caves and tombs, who accosted Jesus after He sailed across the Sea of Galilee and was walking through the Gergesenes (Gadarenes) countryside. On first reading it might seem strange that demons would recognize Jesus, when His friends, followers and family couldn’t. But on further consideration, if these demons were a part of the spirit world, Lucifer’s minions, then they would surely recognize the Saviour. As they asked, ‘what have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God?’ Plus, knowing Jesus’ awesome powers, they sure weren’t thrilled by Him coming into their territory. And I like how they specifically identified Him: ‘Jesus, thou Son of God.’ Note, there was no doubt or hesitation in their recognition. I was wondering if His companions heard the discourse between Jesus and the evil spirits, but they must have, else they could not have reported it as clearly as they did. Why then did they still have such a hard time believing that He was indeed the Messiah? If I’m with someone who claims to be something, and a totally unknown entity refers to Him the same way, that would surely cement my belief, especially with all the other stuff He did. But who can fathom the mind of man? Only God; its designer and creator! According to the scholars, their question, ‘Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?’ indicates that the evil spirits knew exactly why Jesus had donned a human form and come to earth; to cleanse the sinful souls of men, to drive out evil spirits like them, from our weak, frail bodies. In light of that, they must have known that Jesus would cast them out of the possessed men, so they took in front before in front took them. ‘So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (Mat.8: 31)swine.’ Some distance away, a herd of pigs were feeding. Oh my people, Jesus’ goodness knows no bounds! He even grants the wish of the demons. We would probably have gotten angry, abused them, and wanted to destroy them right away. But Jesus was smarter and cooler than that. His concern was centred on the unfortunate men. And all it took was one word; ‘Go.’ That further demonstrated His incredible power over both the physical and spiritual realms. ‘And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.’ (Mat.8: 32) Yuh see Friends, instead of carrying on like we might have done, Jesus employed a far better strategy; granting the demons wish to be transferred to the swine, then letting the whole herd run down the hill and drown in the sea. Matter finished! No more demons and negative emotions. Only on Jesus’ part though, for ‘they that kept them,   (the swine) fled, and went their way into the city, and told everything, and what was befallen to them possessed of the devils.’ (Mat.8:33) I suppose that’s a natural reaction for us to run from things we don’t understand. And the scholars bring up an interesting point concerning the herd of swine. They believe that the swine was being illegally kept by Jews living in the Gentile region, and since pigs were considered unclean under Mosaic law, we can say Jesus killed two birds with one stone; getting rid of the both the devils and the illegal swine in one fell swoop. Now Mark (5:1-20) and Luke (8:26-40) have slightly different versions of the story. Per the scholars, they only talk about one man, the more predominant convert, who claimed his name was ‘Legion: for we are many.’   (Mark 5:9) Both disciples relate that when the city heard what had happened, they came out to the tombs, ‘and found the man out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind: and they were afraid.’ (Luke 8:37) But when they heard how the man was healed, ‘the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.’ (Luke 8:37) But the good thing Friends, is that the man who sincerely appreciated Jesus’ healing wanted to follow Him, but was told instead; ‘Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published through- out the whole city how great things Jesus had done onto him.’ (Luke 8:39) Oh Friends, I wish we had such a strong testimony, or we declared it far and wide as that man. But the moral of the story is when we disobey God deliberately, we lose the heavenly providence, deprive ourselves of divine protection, placing ourselves at the very mercy of the forces of evil, of Lucifer and his wicked minions. Now that’s not a very wise or sensible thing to do. It’s hard enough when we’re under divine protection; imagine what it’s like without it. That’s why those two men were running around naked, living like wild animals, even chains couldn’t hold them, cause the evil forces within them were so strong. Please Friends, I beg us, don’t let Beelzebub get his hooks into us. Let’s try our very best to give him no place in our lives, especially our souls, for all he’ll do is wreak havoc and drive us crazy. Much LOVE!…resist the devil at all costs…fight him valiantly with the WORD…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 June 2009 Psalm 42:1‏

03 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 42:1    As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee O God.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s in a sour, morose sort of mood, and I don’t know why. So I’m asking; ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me?’ (Ps.42:5) Nothing’s wrong as such, and I was fine shortly before I came to write the Bit. I have two suppositions though: I remember about an hour ago, taking a quick inventory of all that I’m doing, or rather want to do, but seeing no real improvement, not even the two steps forward, one backward movement. Now I know there’s improvement, but simply not the kind I can plainly see or touch. Everything just seems to be in a state of hold, of suspended animation, of impending catharsis, pending change, but there are no outward signs of anything really happening. Yuh know, like a volcano gurgling and bubbling, just biding time before it erupts, or like a caterpillar whose skin is becoming uncomfortably tight, but it’s just not the right time to metamorphose into a beautiful butterfly. I guess I’m there too working like crazy behind the scenes, only like crazy won’t be the truth. I’m working, but certainly not like crazy. Could that be the problem? That I’m feeling guilty because I don’t think I’m doing enough of my God given tasks? I know some areas are definitely suffering, and I keep promising to get to them, but somehow never do. Now the next supposition is that it was the Lord’s doing; having me a bit down, so I can truly encourage myself in Him and write the Bit from a real personal, heartfelt experience, not just as a mental exercise. And Friends, I wouldn’t put it past Him, (smile) for He’s been known to do weird, stranger   things. But whatever the reason, the purpose has been served, and truly, ‘As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee O God.’ Yeh people, it’s at times like these, times of uncertainty, where you don’t know whether you’re coming or going, like you’re simply marking time, that your spirit, if you’re a serious believer, just hungers, just gets an intense longing for the Lord. I don’t know if it’s so that he can clarify, explain or help us understand, but there’s this greater awareness of God in those moments of indecision and indecisiveness. And it’s not that you’re afraid, or even losing faith, your faith might even be getting stronger, for you sincerely believe, but your spirit’s simply in the doldrums, like a sailing ship becalmed on the wide open ocean, waiting for even a whisper of a breeze to spring up and move it ever so slowly towards its destination. Wow! Bruh Paul would be proud of that sentence. (smile) And it’s not a matter of wanting to die or anything morbid, but merely a case of seeking some answers and some reassurance. As the Psalmist sadly pleaded: ‘My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?’ (Ps.42:2) In at least two other psalms, the same basic sentiment is declared: ‘O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where there is no water.’ (Ps.63:1) And again; ‘My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.’ (Ps.84:2) Oh my people, it’s a constant struggle to keep the faith in a land of evil. But note the common theme; it’s always a cry to a LIVING God! A God that lives and breathes and moves! Oh my people, that means our God is alive and kicking, watching like a sharp sentinel over each of us! He is capable of doing all the things of a living, breathing being; hugging, kissing, comforting, fixing, sowing, reaping, tending, etc. etc. He’s most certainly a God of life and movement. He’s also bigger and more powerful than anything in the universe. He made it, and He is the chief caretaker. That’s our God; the Most High God Jehovah. And it’s at times when our souls seem empty, or just not fulfilled, that we need to turn to Him in sincere faith and try to find some answers, or if we don’t get answers, just some reassurance that everything will be okay; it’s all on track. Now, since ‘we walk by faith and not by sight,’ (2 Cor.5:7) it’s not always easy or humanly possible to just accept that things will turn out right. But people, the Lord’s on the throne and has us in the palm of His hand, guiding and directing our every step. Oh Friends, it’s only human to feel bleh and blah sometimes, for no apparent reason. But the important thing to do then is run to God, not Lucifer, for that wily ole fox will only increase your despair with his lying, evil spirit. Instead Friends, we need to pant after God like the thirsty deer does after water. We need to pour out our hearts, our hurts, our fears, our failings and whatever that’s bothering us to Him. He will certainly listen and give us some kind of feedback. Now it might not be exactly what we want to hear, but it will surely appease the hunger in our souls. And most of all, whatever happens, good or bad, please remember to stand strong in the faith. Tell yourself and your disquieted soul; ‘Look here self and soul, ‘Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.’ (Ps.42:11) And that’s the gospel truth my people! Oh Friends, I’m still not sure whether I’m coming or going, but having gone to the oasis of God, and having drunk like a thirsty hart, my soul is satisfied, my faith renewed, even strengthened, and I can carry on to live again; by faith, not by sight. Much LOVE!…to beat blues and blahs…talk sincerely to God…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 June 2009 Isaiah 32:17‏

02 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 32:17     And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s mentally tired, having just finished my tax accounting. Hallelujah! Yes, I know it’s late and all that, but that’s how the life played out; procrastination and contrived busyness. (smile) And then I didn’t have anything to write on, so I appealed to the Most High and He led me to the passage on righteousness. Now since He led me there, I guess, rather hope, NO! I know, I have the utmost faith that He will guide my pen and cause me to write sense, uplifting sense that is. He’s been doing it all along, no reason for Him to stop now. And the best way to begin anything is with a common definition. Now the dictionary defines ‘righteous’ as being just, upright, virtuous, and law-abiding. Oh my Friends, doesn’t that sound like a perfect definition of us believers! It should be what we aspire to, and what others see in us, since it’s what Jesus desires in His followers; a sense of righteousness, works that uplift, virtue, law keeping, justice and simple decency. What did He say about it in the Beatitudes? ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ (Mat. 5:6)What a wonderful promise! Those of us who recognize our paucity or lack of righteousness, and knowing that we badly need it, then genuinely seek after it, shall be filled to overflowing with it by Almighty God. That’s just His way; anything in His good books that we sincerely desire and seek after, He usually grants us. And the Psalmist attests to that. ‘He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Ps. 107:9) So my people, now that we have a basic definition of ‘righteousness’, let’s turn to the Bit. It declares, ‘the work of righteousness shall be peace.’ Oh isn’t that ever a great declaration! If we work righteously, then peace shall be the blessing that’s bestowed on us. Isaiah agrees, and explains: In the Lord’s day, ‘He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.’ (Isa.2:4) Glory Hallelujah! But why do we have to wit till the Lord’s day my people? Who knows when that will be? Why can’t we begin transforming all those swords and spears, melting all those guns and other weapons RIGHT NOW eh? But judging from all the strife, hate, anger, oppression etc. that’s plaguing and dehumanizing our world, not too many, surely not enough people are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. The Psalmist says; ‘Great peace have they which LOVE thy law: and nothing shall offend them.’ (Ps.119:165) But if we use that as a measuring rod, then obviously, today there aren’t too many, or again, not sufficient people who LOVE the Lord’s law, cause these days we’re all so easily offended, and finding true peace is probably like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. Our world is so strife and violence torn that it might be easier to count the theatres of war than those of peace. I recently read that there are over two hundred places of violent dissension on our planet. That sure is a lot, which means my people, if we want to live in peace, then as followers of Christ, it’s out job to try and turn this violence around, try and get our fellow man to hunger and thirst for the righteous way that only comes from Jehovah God. Then the bit talks about the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.’ Wow! There we have the answer to all our personal problems my Friends! The effect, result, consequences of righteousness is a reduction in tension; a soothing, calm, tranquil nature, being free from disturbances, not anxious or remorseful. The important thing though people, is that we must first bring righteousness to our individual lives before we can spread it around. For as James says; ‘And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.’   (James 3:18) That’s an undisputable fact Friends! It’s only by promoting peace that righteousness is born. And Bruh Paul weighs in thus: ‘For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.’ (Rom.14:17 -18) Yuh see mih people, when we live righteously we’re acceptable to both God and man. What more can we ask eh? Not much. Now hear Sol’s take on the matter. ‘In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.’ (Prov.12:28) That’s for sure! Righteousness brings peace, contentment, joy and favour with God through salvation; so our lives on earth will be peaceful and contented, then blessed spiritually, forever after with Christ. It’s the best gig going my Friends, so I implore us to gladly accept it. Let us genuinely seek after righteousness nuh, so that even if we don’t have peace in our time, the future generations will have a better chance to do so. As Bruh Paul exhorts us: ‘Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.’ (Rom.14:19) Oh Friends, I certainly hope this edifies us. Much LOVE!...the best legacy we can leave our children…one of righteousness…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 June 2009 Psalm 116:9‏

01 Jun 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 116:9        I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living
 
Oh Friends, last evening the ole fella had a rather invigorating and exhilarating experience; walking in the rain with the one I LOVE! No, it wasn’t a human companion, but the Most High God Jehovah. Human wise I was alone, but as always our God was certainly with me. I don’t know if it was stubbornness, ignorance or what, but like the day before when I finally came out to go for my walk, the sun had gone under the clouds and the rain began a light sprinkle. But the ole fella was adamant. He was going for a walk even if he got soaked in so doing. And I was lucky, for most of the way down to the park I usually go to, it was just a few drops. At the park, I rounded the baseball diamond with no problems, but just as I got around the soccer field the heavens opened. The wind blew, the trees shimmied and ‘shaked’ in it, the lightning flashed, the thunder cracked, and the old fella burst out laughing, pulling my old hat down around my ears so it would not blow away in the gale-like wind. And the ole fella laughed all the way home, tears of joy mixed with the heavenly blessing, cascading down my face. The day before I was so unconcerned about getting wet, complaining that I hadn’t had a walk in the rain for some time, so the Lord in His infinite wisdom finally obliged. And I’m sure He was chuckling too, while mouthing; ‘You asked for it son, so you got it!’ I was sorely tempted to stop at the fellow’s house where I spent   over two hours the night before, to show him my drenched state, but didn’t. And yuh know what? Shortly after I got home, all heavenly activity ceased and the sun came back out again. Oh Friends, that’s what a walk with God means; through the good times and the bad times. Bruh David didn’t specify when he’d walk with God, he just said, ‘I’ll walk before the Lord in the land of the living.’ That means at all times during his earthly life. The same goes for us, cause our God is with us at all times; in our moments of joy, sorrow, anguish and pain. Though He allows them to beset us, He’s always there looking over, safeguarding us, so that things don’t get out of hand. It’s that sense of His spiritual presence we need to get in tune with, else we’re selling ourselves short of pain killers and problem solvers, for it’s in His presence that we find the strength to overcome the pain and solve the problems. What did He tell Bruh Paul? ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Cor.12:9) Remember, He never gives us more than we can bear, and furthermore, always gives us the wherewithal to perform the tasks He assigns us. So my people, it’s very important that we get in tune with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, since it’s the channel through which the Lord guides and directs our hearts and footsteps. Remember too, it’s ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.’ (Zech. 4:6) There is nothing more important to a believer than to be open to and aware of that still, small voice operating within them, cause it’s the source of all our righteousness. And until we’re good for ourselves, we really can’t be good for anybody else. Our spiritual health must be amongst our priorities, or else we won’t be able to accomplish our work for God. And people, that spiritual health is not something we can turn on and off like a light switch, or check today and then ignore for a week. NO! It’s something we have to work on EVERYDAY. Just like our physical bodies need good food and nourishment everyday, so too does our spiritual selves. We need to nourish it and keep it in good shape every day. Like we run, or go to the gym to build our physical torso, in the same way we have to pray, read the Word, and fellowship with other believers to keep our spiritual selves in shape, so we can successfully battle the ever present, ever challenging enemy. Oh Friends, it’s an ongoing war that won’t end until Jesus comes again. It makes no difference which side you’re on, the enemy’s or Jesus; the war’s already enjoined and is constantly unfolding. I would strongly suggest though that we join the Lord’s army, cause that’s the eventual winner. The enemy might win a few skirmishes along the way, but in the overall picture, when the trumpet is sounded up yonder, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will most definitely be the winner! So Friends, I exhort us to get seriously involved with Jesus and the Father: Let them into the innermost sanctum of your being, your soul. Let them lead, guide and direct your earthly life. Let them walk in step with you here on this uncertain earth, so that at the last day, you will be welcomed to their heavenly home with opened arms. Oh Friends, it’s the wisest decision we can ever make. Much LOVE!…though I walk through the shadow of death…I will fear no evil…for thou art with me…thy rod and thy staff…they comfort me…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 May 2009 Proverbs 31:26‏

31 May 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 31:26   She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
 
Oh my beautiful Friends in Christ, the word today is ‘Kindness.’ Yes, it’s the simple word that if really put into action, would create such an abundance of hope and happiness in our world that our God would bubble over with joy. But right now it’s sadly lacking in our daily dealings with each other, thus causing much of the tension and strife on planet earth. And the sad part is it doesn’t have to be a big, or go far out of our way kindness to have a noticeable impact, just basic decency in our everyday lives, treating each other the way we want to be treated. We’re talking about actions like a kind word, a genuine smile, a nod of the head in acknowledgement, a sincere thanks or sorry, holding a door open, letting the other person go before you in the checkout line, a hug, a heartfelt ‘morning neighbour,’ a blown kiss across a crowded room, a handshake, helping a disabled or older person, visiting the sick and lonely, a phone call just to say, hi, how yuh doing. Oh my people, that’s basically what Jesus meant when He talked about LOVING your neighbour. He didn’t mean that you have to LOVE all man-kind with that deep feeling, cause it’s just impossible, given the nature of the human animal, but it does mean we can show basic good manners and decency to all. Although the word manners and what it entails doesn’t seem to exist in our society any more. But the writer of Today’s Bit knew its importance when he claimed that a virtuous woman ‘openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.’ She is both wise and kind. That’s because wisdom shows us the dire need for kindness. Many of the old fogies will remember this quote of William Penn that was drilled into us as children, but sadly we have not done the same with our offspring. ‘I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now.’ Amen my people! That’s what Jesus desires of us; simple kindness NOW. He wants us to stop talking, to stop making idle promises to do, and instead do it right here and now, cause we just revel in procrastination. Oh Friends, as we said recently, one of the things that come not back is the lost opportunity, so let’s the make the most of those that come our way nuh. And kindness is like a boomerang; it always comes back to you in some way. It’s the same what you sow, you reap theory. My people, if we want to grow, to mature in the faith, become more like Christ, then we have to make it a habit of grabbing each opportunity that comes along and doing something constructive with it. Note that whenever an opportunity arose, Jesus dealt with it in a positive manner, right then and there. We should try to do likewise. And it doesn’t necessarily require great effort on our part; just simple LOVE will do. Whatever brings a smile to a sad face, lessens the pain of a hurting heart, or quiets the worms in a hungry stomach, those are the things Jesus wants us to concentrate on. The things that help us all live everyday life a little easier. A good example is two evenings ago, I decided to go for a walk around the block, but by the time I was ready, the sunny skies had turned to dark, ominous clouds and the rain began drizzling. But I just felt like a refreshing walk in the rain, plus a letter had been mistakenly delivered to my address because of the same house number. Now I could have easily thrown it back in the mailbox, but as I was passing right by the house, I decided to just drop it off instead. Wonder of wonders Friends, soon after delivering the letter to the slim, medium height, white gentleman, about my age, the rain really came down. So we stood on his porch talking for a bit, me obstinately refusing a ride back home. Next thing we’re sitting down on the porch. He invited me inside, but I declined, claiming I had stuff to go home and do. But it was two hours later I finally left, after we two old geezers had righted all the wrongs in the world. (smile) I still don’t know his name, and I doubt he knows mine, but we now know that we’re kindred spirits, because I did a small kindness. Now if we can do big deeds of kindness, then that’s wonderful, but we have to start with the little things, and those right in our own backyard, with our immediate friends, families and neighbours. It makes no sense going across town to do it, when it’s badly needed right at home. And it doesn’t always entail actually doing good, for sometimes simply cutting out the negative makes a great improvement. You’d be surprised how cutting out the gossiping, the petty hurts, jealousy and resentment can improve your life as well as others by lessening the strife and tension. Oh Friends, like one one cocoa fills a basket, and the pennies add up to dollars, so do all these little things add up and eventually improve our lives. Yuh know people, we constantly talk about God’s LOVING-kindness, but what about ours eh? As believers, others should be talking about our LOVING-kindness too. Are they? Oh Friends, remember that Jesus was a simple, down to earth man, who cared about the sick and suffering, the unfortunate and unhappy, the oppressed and suppressed. Those were the ones to whom He naturally gravitated. And we all know there’s an inordinate amount of sickness, suffering, unhappiness, oppression and suppression in our world, so we need to desperately ramp up our kindness meter and actively, consciously, reach out and help our unfortunate brothers and sisters in Christ. So Friends, I implore, beg, plead, beseech and exhort us to get up off our comfortable derrières and do some act of kindness today, NOW. Let’s warm the cockles of Jesus’ heart by showing the world what Christian LOVING-KINDNESS is really all about nuh. Much LOVE!…reach out and touch someone…today…make our world a better place…in Jesus’ name…Amen!
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 May 2009 Ezekiel 34:31‏

30 May 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ezekiel 34:31    And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.
 
Let’s say ‘Glory Hallelujah’ and ‘Amen’ to that my Friends! Why? Cause it’s the most wonderful group to belong to in this whole wide world! Oh how excited that scripture makes me! I was looking at some other stuff on the same page, but every time my eyes beheld it, it energized me. Finally I got the message that it was meant to be Today’s Bit. Oh people, you have to excuse the ole fella, for in his advanced age, it does take a little longer to read these signs and signals. (smile) But the important thing is that I do get them eventually. And what better gift can we ask than being men in God’s flock eh? None really my brethren! But please remember, it’s all a gift. It’s nothing that we did, or could ever do to earn it. It’s just the goodness and mercy of our ever-LOVING God that blesses us with being numbered amongst His people. We only need to believe what He says, and live obedient to His rules. As Bruh David declares in Psalm 100: ‘Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.’ Hallelujah! ‘Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.’ Praise His Holy Name my people! ‘For the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth for all generations.’ (Ps.100:3-5) Selah! Oh my Friends, if those few words of Bruh David don’t touch your heart, and just fill it full of joy, praise, thanksgiving, LOVE, peace and all the other good emotions, then I don’t know what will. It’s certainly a moving testimony to our God, but also puts forth things we should make habit forming; entering His gates with thanks, his courts with praise, just being thankful to Him, and blessing His Holy Name. It’s that attitude of gratitude we’re always talking about, which sadly, a lot of us believers either don’t have, or don’t display. But Friends, how can we not have or display a thankful attitude when our main purpose is to praise, worship and revere Him, then spread His Word? So if we’re not being properly grateful, can we call ourselves true believers? I don’t think so. After becoming a believer, our first task is to be sincerely thankful for what the Lord and His Son Jesus, our Saviour, has done for us poor, undeserving sinners. Now let’s turn back to Ezekiel, Chap.34, which begins with the Lord instructing Zeke to prophesy against the shepherds, the leaders of Israel. ‘Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherd feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe ye with wool, ye kill them that are fed: (fatlings) but ye feed not the flock.’ (Ezek.34:2-3) What does that indictment say of those leaders Friends? That they’re no good, only in it for themselves, have no real interest in the flock they’re supposed to lead, guide and care for. What did Jesus say? ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) Now that’s how a shepherd should behave my people; protecting his sheep, even if it means losing his life on their behalf. But did any of Israel’s leaders, or do our own today, really give a hoot about the people placed under their leadership? No sir! They were, and are more concerned with consuming the sheep, rather than nurturing them. We see it all over the world Friends, where the leaders think they rule in their own right, and not as servants of the people. And we the people, like the proverbial lambs led quietly to the slaughter, let them get away with that disgusting attitude. Nowadays the political forum is no longer about the people, but about the politicians and their parties, about being re-elected and staying in power. Isn’t it strange that we claim not to trust them, yet we believe their empty, hypocritical promises come election time? I guess right now they’re even more distrusted than lawyers, (keep quiet daughter) and that’s saying a lot. But my people, I exhort you, hn, a favourite word of Bruh Paul, I exhort you to remember that our God Jehovah is still on the throne, and once He is there, there is always hope. Moreover, He’s declared: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.’ (Ezek.34:10) Oh happy day my people! Then hear this astonishing promise of our wonderful, magnanimous God: ‘I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and strong; I will feed them with judgement.’ (Ezek.34:15-16) Beware, you fat and strong, for justice is forthcoming! Oh Friends, under what other ruler can we find such heartening and encouraging promises eh? None, my people, none! So I again exhort us to put our sincere trust and faith in the Lord and His Son, Jesus, who did what a shepherd should do for his sheep; die to protect them. No other wannabe shepherd has ever done that, only Jesus Christ! He walked His talk and died that ugly, unjust, innocent death for us on Calvary. Even though we didn’t deserve it, He redeemed out lost, sinful souls, and made us right with the Father. There can be no greater gift than that my Friends. So let’s give much heartfelt thanks and praise, let’s bless His Holy name forever, for He is indeed the One and Only, the True Good Shepherd, and we’re unbelievably fortunate, blessed and grateful to be in is flock. Much LOVE!….only in Jesus’ flock….are the sheep…. safe, secure, assured of salvation and eternal life…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 May 2009 Psalm 80:1‏

29 May 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 80:1    Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth.
 
Oh glorious Friends of mine, it’s another rainy day! More blessings? Hopefully! But too much of anything is good for nothing. Just like rain can water the land and make it fruitful, too much can cause flooding and great disaster. And talking about flooding, I read an article in Thursday’s Toronto Star that just sickened me. In a certain city park, there’s a play structure that features the story of Noah and the Ark. It talks about the 40 days and nights of rain, with pictures of animals in male-female pairings. Now Friends, this structure has apparently been in the park between ten and fifteen years. Now one fool has complained to the city officials: ‘It bothered me, this religious story is in our public park. I’ve noticed that people have scratched out (the word) ‘God’ in them. So this has probably bothered some other people as well. We’re supposed to be the most multicultural city in the world, and it doesn’t seem terribly inclusive.’ Oh Friends, I had to shake my head in disbelief. But it doesn’t stop there. Some chairwoman from some group of friends of the park agrees that the equipment should be yanked. But she also notes that only people with young children are liable to notice it, as well as the length of time between its installation and the original complaint; some ten years or more. But the worst part of the story is that the City Councillor responsible for the area also agrees, cause it goes against the city’s general policy of inclusiveness. Well blow me down! Is taking God out of our lives, out of a supposedly Christian culture inclusive? Hn! They must have changed the meaning of the word recently. He also mouths about ‘Toronto’s motto is Diversity is our strength.’ Doesn’t he realize that anything too diverse can never be strong? That’s why the city is going to hell in a hand basket. The fools running it are trying to please everybody but God. They haven’t realized that the much- ballyhooed idea of multiculturalism is just that. It doesn’t work. It just creates little enclaves of immigrants bringing their own traditions and cultures and expecting to live exactly how they did back where they came from. No, they expect to live better, because many are running from disgusting situations, but want to keep all their old traditions. That’s why the Sikhs come here and want to walk around with their supposedly ceremonial swords and daggers, but let Babylon catch a little black boy with a pocket-knife nuh. He done get lock up for a dangerous or prohibited weapon. The turbaned people come and don’t want to wear hard hats on construction sites, or helmets on motorcycles, but still want to sue when they get injured. The Sri-Lankans just come here, bringing their ugly ethnic, civil war, but they thought it right to disrupt the city for several days recently. Now where did they get the right to breach my freedom of movement eh? Everybody fleeing from some war torn or impoverished country comes here and wants it their way, or to obliterate the Christian traditions on which the country was founded. And what’s the Christian response? Nothing! We just let them erase or eradicate our God from our country. But getting back to the foolish councillor. Although he doesn’t think that a religious artefact should be in public display, he doesn’t want to take it down until it’s worn out, which could be another ten years. Hurrah! Hallelujah! On top of that there are budget constraints and nobody is calling for them to be removed immediately. In other words, petty politics and the almighty dollar rule again, because they couldn’t take it out and not replace it, votes would be lost. He also claims that the city’s new policy only came into being after the structure was erected, but something like that would never be put in place today, because it’s inappropriate. Oh my people, please explain to me how God can be inappropriate in a supposedly godly country eh? The sad thing is, if we Christians go to the original countries of these complainers, we couldn’t even open our mouths and whisper ‘God’, much less complain about their religious artefacts. In some, if you even try to talk about Christianity you’re immediately rubbed out. Oh Canada, Oh Canada! What will become of you eh? Oh Friends, the melting pot idea that the U.S. supports isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly better suited to good relations than the multicultural nonsense we claim to embrace. At least with the melting pot, theoretically you bring something and add it to the communal pot, so at the end of the day, you can truly say, this is a reflection of all of us. But when we bring culture and tradition and keep them separate, which multiculturalism tends to do, paying little or no regard to that of the host nation, it only creates tension and eventually strife. Just look at Toronto now, with all the separate cultures in their separate neighbour-hoods. Oh Friends, diversity is an admirable ideal, but like everything else, too much of it is no good, it just causes too much friction. Everybody wants their way, but the pie can only be split in so many ways, so no one ends up satisfied, and right there the flames of dissension are lit. Oh my people, please remember that if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything. Please, let’s stand up for our God and our country, and don’t let them demean Him any further. Don’t they realize that it’s because we’ve moved away from God, that our world is in such turmoil? And yuh know, it’s the same ones who don’t want God displayed in public, but where else yuh going to display Him eh, when hard times hit, they are the first to cry out, Oh God!’ for help. Friends, excuse the ole fella’s outburst, but the symbolism of the article and all it stands for just riled me up. I hope it riled you all up too, cause, as believers, we have to stand strong and don’t let them destroy all aspects of God in our lives. They’ve already taken Him out of the schools, the courts, the legislature and many homes. But we have to start turning this thing around NOW, later might just be too late, when there’s no trace of God left in the public domain. Like Asaph, we pilgrims got to cry out; ‘Turn us again O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.’ (Ps.80:3) Much LOVE!…stand up…stand up for Jesus…the trumpet call obey…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 May 2009 1 Samuel 16:7‏

28 May 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Samuel 16:7    But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
 
Oh my wonderful, fellowshipping Friends in Christ, it’s a rainy spring day! But don’t worry, it’s just our Lord Jehovah pouring His blessings on the earth so that it can be fruitful for us, like He had Samuel pour the anointing oil on Bruh David; ‘and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.’ (1 Sam.16:13)  Our God sure doesn’t think like us, and Today’s Bit certainly highlights that. When the Lord rejected Saul as king, He called on a dejected, disappointed Samuel. I like how the Lord confronts him: ‘How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing that I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take a heifer with thee, and say I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. and call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shall anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.’   (1 Sam.16:1-3) Oh Friends, a glorious example of the Lord providing the tools to do His work, making a way, when there seems to be no safe way! The situation seems contradictory though, for Samuel was scared of Saul, but the people of Bethlehem were afraid of Samuel, for when he got there; ‘the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ (1 Sam.16:4-5) So Samuel invited them all, including Jesse and his sons, to sanctify themselves and come to the sacrifice. Then the confusion begins. When Samuel, saw Jesse’s son, Eliab, he said, ‘surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.’ (1 Sam. 16:6) I guess Eliab had the stature; the strapping build, the looks and confidence that men think a king should have. But the Lord wagged His finger and said, no Sam, not that one, while gently scolding him: ‘Look not on his countenance, or the height of his stature; because I have refused him.’ That’s the big difference between God and us, my people; we take pleasure in, and judge by outward show and conformation; but not so our God. As Bruh David was later to write: ‘He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.’  (Ps.147:10-11) As I keep saying   Friends; ‘for the Lord seeth not as man seeth.’ And isn’t that the sad truth, which gets us into so much trouble? ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ (Isa.55:8-9) That’s why He is God and we are mere mortals. ‘For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.’  Unfortunately, judging by what we see on the outside, and not the real truth on the inside, can make substantial and significant differences in the outcome of a situation. Bruh Paul questioned the Corinthians. ‘Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?’ (2 Cor.10:7) And Jesus, after He had healed on the Sabbath, and they wanted to kill him, wisely advised: ‘Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement.’ (John 7:24) And that should stick a pin in most of us my people, since that’s our style; we judge by what we see on the outside, what others want us to see. Granted it’s difficult to know people’s real mind set, or what’s truly in their hearts, but that just means we should not be as quick to judge, or accept others, as we tend to do, for usually we never have all the facts, or even the important ones. Our news media is famous for that, and these days they seem to fashion our thinking. But Friends, our thinking should be fashioned by the Good Book, not the unrighteous ways of men. That’s why all of Jesse’s sons, those considered worthwhile by man, passed before Samuel, but the Lord rejected every one. So Samuel had to ask if those were all his children. Jesse replied that the youngest was out in the field keeping the sheep. Yuh see mih people! Nobody even considered Bruh David worthy, because he was young and possibly a day-dreamer and didn’t look like what we would consider king material. But the Lord saw differently, and when Bruh David was brought in to Samuel’s presence, the Good Book declares; ‘Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to.’ (1 Sam.16:12) But isn’t that at least partial king material; rosy cheeks, good looking, and he must have been strong and wiry from being out in the wild with the sheep? The important thing here Friends, is that when Bruh David walked in, there was no hesitation on the Lord’s part. He must have smiled at last, stabbed the air with His right hand, and said a glorious, ‘Yes! That’s my man!’ And He immediately instructed Samuel; ‘Arise, anoint him: for this is he.’ (1 Sam.16:12) That’s because people, the Lord saw what no human could see, what was sincerely beating in his heart: A true LOVE for the Lord! As Sol said in his great prayer when he dedicated the temple: ‘Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men.’ (1 Kng.8:39) Oh Friends, having a right heart is possibly the most important part of our walk with Jesus. For if we call ourselves believers and don’t have that, then we’re just a bunch of ole hypocrites, only fooling ourselves and those around us, but certainly not God. And eventually we’ll pay for it. So let’s all look to our hearts and make them right nuh, so when the Lord looks down on us, He’ll unleash a big smile, and won’t hesitate to anoint us. Much LOVE!…oh, a heart that’s right…a heart that’s right…that’s the heralding call of Jesus… 
 

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