Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 April 2009 Psalm 131:1‏

07 Apr 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 131:1    Lord my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters or in things too high for me.
 
Welcome once again my Friends, to a new day filled with new mercies from the Most High God Jehovah. And since we did not read our names in the obituaries today, then there should be a rather big smile splaying all over our beautiful faces, and a loud, ‘Thank You Lord!’ issuing from our lips. I have already been a beneficiary of that new mercy; I didn’t have to sweat and search for a Bit, like I sometimes do. I simply opened my Bible at one of the bookmarks; this one bears no special significance, though a couple others do, and my eyes fell on Psalm 131. I read it and it sounded interesting, alive with possibilities, but had I used it before? Fortunately a search of the records said nay, for which I obviously gave much thanks. Friends, I don’t know if you appreciate the difficulty sometimes of finding a meaningful, unused Bit, and they get fewer with each passing day. I guess it’s a combination of my state of mind and the Lord’s purpose for His Word that day; if He’s trying to teach me a lesson or prove a point. But I’m surely thankful when I find one easily, and try to be like Bruh David says; ‘Lord my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty.’ Come to think of it, those are two problems I’ve never really had; a proud heart, or conceited eyes, as some have mistakenly thought. You could possibly make a better case for the exact opposite. As my old Principal in High School, E.C.R Blackett, consistently wrote on my report cards. ‘The boy is lazy; has no ambition.’  Half-truths. (smile) But my people, in this day and age of the self, it’s a problem too many of us exhibit. Lots of us thing we’re the cat’s pajamas, when we’re nowhere even close. However, our society with its busyness and tendency to value so-called importance encourages us to put on this show of being somebody special. Oh we all are special to someone(s) on earth and to Jesus in heaven, but there’s a fine line we walk when we cater to the cult of self-aggrandizement. We all have that need to feel important in varying amounts, it’s human nature, but we have to be very careful and don’t over value our importance, for it’s sure to boomerang on us some day, when we’re suddenly confronted with the fact that we’re not as important as we thought. And Friends, sometimes the shock of that awareness can do great psychological damage to our fragile egos and emotions. It can sometimes be like dreaming you’re in heaven, but awakening to find that you’re really in hell. Oh people, I certainly hope this is making sense and that it will touch someone, somewhere, who’s afflicted with this problem, and cause them to stop and take a critical look at themselves before it’s too late, for we all know that our God despises the proud and haughty. Jeremiah clarifies it well. ‘And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.’ (Jer.45:5) Yes my brethren, those were the words of advice from the Lord, via Jeremiah, to Baruch. Advice all of us should steadfastly heed, for the Lord will not hesitate to bring adversity upon the haughty and arrogant, while giving life as a prize unto those who genuinely honour and glorify His Name, and make of themselves no name, like Jesus did. ‘Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.’ Bruh David’s saying he doesn’t concern himself with great matters, or things that are too profound or difficult for him. We should also be careful of that, because oftimes it’s just a sign of our pride and haughtiness showing up; we just want to be involved in weighty affairs to be recognized as an important person. Note though Friends, this doesn’t mean we should not strive to better or improve ourselves and move up the so-called ladder of success, but as with life itself, and most things therein, there’s a thin red line between what we should and shouldn’t do. Life is a scale of checks and balances, and our success depends on how much we keep it in close harmony, not letting it get too out of tune. And there’s a fitting quote on the bookmark I mentioned earlier, from St. Therese, the Little Flower Of Jesus. She says; ‘Jesus does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the LOVE with which we do them.’ And all God’s people said, ‘Amen!’ And for good measure, I’ll leave us with a quote from one who had education, social standing and also something to say on almost everything, (smile) but rather glorified Jesus, and never made of himself  any name; our good Friend, Bruh Paul. ‘Be of the same mind one to another. Mind not high things, but condescend to (associate with) men of low estate. be not wise in your own conceits (estimation) (Rom.12:16) That’s exactly how Jesus behaved my people. And if we follow that advice, then we can all become more like Him, which is one of our earthly mandates. Much LOVE!…..have pride….but be humble….reach high….but for the right reasons….
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 April 2009 John 2:16‏

06 Apr 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 2:16    And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.
 
Oh my Friends, another day has dawned, bright and sunny in some places, cold and miserable in others, but always bringing the peace, mercy and good tidings of our ever LOVING Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, plus the strength, wisdom and wherewithal to bravely face whatever challenges that may come against us this day. Wow! What an opening! Beat that nuh Bruh Paul! (smile) Anyway Friends, Today’s Bit highlights another cleansing of the temple by Jesus; this one at another Passover earlier on in His ministry, but it’s only recorded by John. I like Jesus’ spirit. He’s a man after mih own heart: a man of action, no beating about the bush. He went up to Jerusalem; ‘And he found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting.’ (John 2:14) Now according to the scholars, in those times, pilgrims to Jerusalem brought a variety of currency, but temple dues could only be paid in sacred coinage, hence the need to change your money and the rise of the moneychangers. These pilgrims didn’t bring any animals for sacrifices either, that opened the door to the selling of doves for that purpose. The dove for sacrifice enterprise was also a source of extortion for the family of the high priest, who personally controlled it. Apparently the temple and its surrounding area had the atmosphere of a public bazaar, a combination I guess of our modern day flea and farmer’s markets: a bustling hive of business activity. This obviously infuriated Jesus and got His adrenalin pumping since He took it as a gross misuse of His Father’s House ‘And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers money, and over threw the tables.’ (John 2:15) Bravo Jesus! And who says that He didn’t have any manly parts eh Friends? He had ingenuity too; forming a whip out of a bunch of small cords, possibly something like a cat-o-nine tails. Don’t think He had the time or patience to weave them together to form a solid whole. But whatever form that whip took, it was certainly sufficient to do the job. And after that Jesus ‘said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise. And His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.’ (John 2:16-17) This refers to words of Bruh David when he cried out in distress to the Lord. ‘For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen on me.’ (Ps.69:9) Malachi also foretold Jesus showing up in the temple. ‘Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.’ (Mal.3:1) John the Baptist came and prepared the way, but when Jesus suddenly showed up in the temple and began kicking butt, many people were not delighted with Him, since He disrupted their dishonest but highly profitable livelihood. But seriously though people, Jesus’ semi-violent acts, not once, but twice, in cleansing the temple and its surrounds, plus His many sarcastic conversations with the Jewish elders, shows how disgusted He was with organized religion and the utter contempt He held for it, because it just made a mockery of everything good, serious and godly that He stood for. Under such outrageous conditions He just could not stand idly by and do nothing. Sadly though Friends, today some of our churches are places of big business more than houses of worship. It’s true money is needed to fund God’s operations, but it should not be the main activity, as it is in some of God’s houses. And even worse, too many churches are becoming involved in illegitimate and dishonest schemes, things like tax dodges, and even outright scams by ministers. In many places a thorough cleansing needs to be performed, but since Jesus isn’t here in human form to do it, the distasteful job falls to us, His reps, members of His Church. It’s another bone of contention that unbelievers use to stigmatize us, and unfortunately, too often their snide remarks do hold water. Oh my people, if God’s church can’t be relied on to do the right thing, to not only preach honesty and righteousness, but more importantly to practice it, what else can we expect from onlookers but disgust and ridicule eh? And it only takes one bad apple to spoil everyone’s good name. So let’s make a serious effort to clean up our own backyard nuh, before someone else comes and does it for us. It’s time we purge dishonesty from our Houses of Worship, even though some are built on it. Remember Jesus is watching, and from His actions against organized religion when He was here in human form, you know He’s far from pleased. And the next time He comes, I can assure you, He won’t be swinging a small whip of cords, but something that provides harsher punishment for the moneychangers and extortionists in our midst. It’s our Christian duty and responsibility to start cleaning up our act, right now, so we can restore Christ’s good name to His church. It’s the least we can do. Much LOVE!…honesty and integrity…must be paramount policy of Christ’s Church…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 April 2009 Matthew 21:5‏

05 Apr 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

 PALM SUNDAY.

Matthew 21:5    Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a colt, the foal of an ass.

Oh my Friends, Peace, Grace, LOVE and Good Fellowship to us all from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the same one who triumphantly entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday over two thousand years ago, thereby fulfilling the scripture that had been prophesied long before. Isaiah said it thus: ‘Behold the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold thy salvation cometh, behold his reward is with him, and his work before him.’ (Is.62:11) Zechariah though was more to the point: ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion: shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to the sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.’ (Zech.9:9-10) Oh people, what moving, mystifying and prophetic verses of scripture! All written long before Jesus was even a speck in His mother’s eye. (smile) And yet they say the Bible is not God’s inspired Word? How else could too men, living years apart, write in such plain terms about the same event that would take place hundreds of years later eh? But don’t bother with the ignorant unbelievers my Friends, their day will come. Let’s just celebrate the triumphal entry that our Lord made that first Palm Sunday, riding on a lowly donkey, an animal of peace. The kings of the earth enter cities to rain disgrace, destruction, and devastation. But out Lord comes to bring salvation and peace; hence one of His many titles; ‘The Prince of Peace.’ ‘And he shall speak unto the heathen.’ This did Jesus do, preaching His gospel to all mankind regardless of creed, colour, class or race, also instructing His followers to do the same. Thus Bruh Paul took it upon himself to spread the word to the Gentiles; the non-Jews, the unbelievers. Jesus knew it was His job to fulfill the scriptures, that’s why on that prophetic day, when they came to Bethpage, near Jerusalem, he sent two disciples, ‘saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them and bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, the Lord hath need of them; and straightway he shall send them…And the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitude that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come in to Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.’ (Mat.21:2-3, 6-11) Ah mih people, it’s such a moving story, I couldn’t cut it any shorter. That’s the day Jesus officially offered Himself to Israel as their long awaited Messiah; riding on a donkey like the kings of Israel were wont to do. And like a king, He asserted His authority: ‘And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all of them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers and the seats of them that sold doves.’  (vs.12) But the audacity eh mih brethren! Conducting their crooked business in the Lord’s house. No respect! And Jesus rightly told them off. ‘It is written, my house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it into a den of thieves.’ (vs.13) Jesus again shows His knowledge and use of the scriptures, for that quote came from two different prophets; Isaiah: ‘for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.’  (Isa.56:7) And from Jeremiah: ‘Is this house, which is called by my name become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.7:11) Bruh Paul has that tendency too, to juxtapose bits of scripture from different places. But they all make sense. Then Jesus healed the blind and the lame in the temple. Obviously His sudden popularity and His taking over the temple to heal the poor and downtrodden displeased the Jewish elders, and they accosted Him and said; ‘Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them; Yea, ye have never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.’ (Mat.21:16) Oh Friends, what a way our Lord Jesus had with words! He could tie you up in knots, or whip you, like He did the elders there, referring to His forefather, Bruh David’s words. ‘Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.’ (Ps.8:2) Yes my people, that’s the awesome power of our God! That out of the mouths of infants He can establish His strength to silence His enemies. Ah Friends, this is a significant day in the Christian calendar. Let’s enjoy it by going to church and/or gathering with other believers, invite some non-believers too, and celebrate by giving thanks and praise to the Most High God Jehovah and His Son Jesus Christ for being so good to us poor sinners. Enjoy today, for in five days time, our hearts will be sadly broken, like Jesus’ body was upon that old rugged cross. Much LOVE My People!…..the crowd cried…..Hosanna….. …..Hosanna….save us please….and Jesus did…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 April 2009 Philemon 17‏

04 Apr 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Philemon 17    If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
 
Well hello there my faithful Friends! ‘Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Just practicing what I preach. (smile) Yesterday we began looking at how Bruh Paul built his case to Philemon, re the runaway slave Onesimus. Today we’ll continue it. After the godly greeting and all the commendations on Philemon’s faith at work, Bruh Paul smartly tacks to windward, avoiding the use of formal apostolic authority to have him take back Onesimus. (vs.8) ‘Yet for LOVE’S sake, I rather beseech thee…I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds.’ (vs.9-10) Remember, though the slave had no rights in Roman law, Bruh Paul now considered Onesimus a son, born of necessity in his imprisonment, a free man in Christ Jesus, and also a brother in the Lord to Philemon, his earthly master. Bruh Paul’s basically putting poor Philemon between a rock and a hard place. He uses incentives like, he wasn’t useful to you before, but now he’s useful to us both, also playing on the meaning of the name, Onesimus, ‘useful’ (vs.11) And Bruh Paul would have kept Onesimus in Rome to help him, but wouldn’t do anything without Philemon’s consent, ‘that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.’ (vs.13-14) Bruh Paul certainly knew how to manipulate the human mind. He wanted Philemon’s good deed to seem like a willing, Christian act, not like it was forced upon him. And he could jive with the best of them too. ‘For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him forever. Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.’ (vs.15-16) That’s good ‘lawyering’ my Friends. Imagine Philemon reading this letter nuh, and getting somewhat worked up by all Bruh Paul’s fancy reasoning. But then he throws in the personal side of the argument: ‘If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on my account. I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.’ (vs.17-19) Bruh Paul is showing his generous side, offering to repay Philemon whatever Onesimus owed him, but note the last part of verse 19, where he subtly reminds Philemon of his own debts. What a brilliant strategist my people! In today’s greedy, rapacious world, he would have made a killing with that brilliant mind, if he so desired. And so my people, we come once again to the fact that talk is very cheap, but good deeds not so. But we can only show our faith through our works. And it does take a little more gumption for us to actually step out and do something that will make Christ proud. I don’t know if this was the logic Bruh Paul was following with Philemon, but if Philemon was such a hotshot believer, it sure stood a good chance of working. Then he would be forced to show his Christian faith in action, by taking his ex-slave back as a free man, forgiving him his wrongdoing, and also considering him his brother in Christ. That’s a tall order even by today’s standards, much less back then with life more closely regulated, both politically and religiously, and prone to harsher justice and punishment. But Friends, as Bruh Paul might have told Philemon today, ‘Brother, either put up or shut up nuh. Put yuh money where yuh mouth is!’ (smile) I’m smiling my people, but those same words can also be used against us. They’re still too many sick, hurting, suffering citizens out there, that as true believers, we should be helping, but are not. My Brethren, it’s time to forget ourselves and concentrate on others. There are lots of people out there suffering more than us. If we look around, we can all find at least one Onesimus to help. Jesus didn’t have to come and die for us nuh, but he became selfless and did it because the Father asked Him. That was the only way to cleanse all sin forever. And even when human fear gripped Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, He never faltered. So if we hope to be anything like Jesus, the first thing we must do is to forget about self; me, my and I, remembering Bruh Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, ‘That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.’ (Col.1:10) That’s also my wish today for all of us my people; that we might walk worthy of the Lord, bearing good fruit in both faith and works, and in the process, coming to know Jesus better. Much LOVE!…Christianity suffers from…too much talk… and too little walk…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 April 2009 Philemon 6‏

03 Apr 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Philemon 6    That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
 
Wow Friends! That’s vintage Bruh Paul; using plenty words, where few might suffice. But that’s just his style, and who am I to judge him eh, especially since I sometimes suffer from the same affliction? (smile) But anyway, this brief letter to Philemon, a co-worker in Christ’s ministry, shows us some of Bruh Paul’s Christ-like nature; forgiving, asking for forgiveness for others and paying the price for someone else. Apparently Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, which means ‘useful,’ had done him wrong then ran off to Rome, where he met Bruh Paul, was eventually converted to the faith and helped Bruh Paul in his ministry there. Now, Bruh Paul, writing from prison in Rome, is asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back. But as always, he begins with a prayer for grace and peace. ‘Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ (vs.3) Now that strikes me as a beautiful opening sentiment, and surprisingly enough the spirit just spurred me into thinking, and suggesting, that it’s one we could all adopt in our letters and missives to each other, and also to unbelievers, those who won’t rant and rave when they read Jesus’ name. I think it extends a warm, caring greeting and flavour to our messages, plus it helps to keep God on our minds. Even the unbelievers, for if they see or hear it often enough, it’s going to seep into their unconsciousness and make them more amenable to accepting Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Note, this isn’t gospel, just my take on the subject. But I’m sure many of us would experience a feeling of joy, relief or some such emotion, if most of our correspondence began with, ‘Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘ or words which convey that sentiment. It sure puts you in a better frame of mind to receive the rest of the message, be it good news or bad. Philemon would certainly need to hear something peaceful and calm if he was to respond like Bruh Paul suggests; accepting Onesimus back, ‘not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.’ (vs.16) Here Bruh Paul is trading on Philemon’s faith, as Onesimus now has two new relationships to him, no longer a slave, but above that and also a ‘brother in the Lord.’ Bruh Paul had already softened up Philemon at the beginning: ‘I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers. Hearing of thy LOVE and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.’ (vs.4-6) Oh Friends, when someone says such nice things about you and your ministry for God, it’s hard to turn down even their most painful requests afterwards. Bruh Paul’s praising him for the LOVE and faith he’s shown towards Jesus and all the believers that pass through his life. Wishing that the sharing of his faith becomes very effective. Like he said to the Philippians: ‘And this I pray that your LOVE may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement: That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ (Phil.1:9-11) Yes my people, that’s also my prayer for every one of us who claims to be a follower of Christ. Why? Because that’s the only way others will know and see us as true believers; when we put our faith to work, not only in words, but also in deeds, especially emotionally difficult and painful deeds. For as James disputes; ‘What doth it profit, my brethren though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?…Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?’  (James 2:14,17,18,20) And all God’s people said, ‘Amen!’ Yes my Friends, that’s the only way to truly show our faith, by our works. Let’s get out there and do some more works nuh! Much LOVE!…talk is mucho cheap…but good deeds expensive…  To be continued tomorrow…God willing.
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 April 2009 1 Corinthians 4:5‏

02 Apr 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Corinthians 4:5    Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
 
Oh my Friends, how well we know the relevant words of Jesus on that subject! ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.’ (Mat.7:1-2)  But do we follow it? Only conveniently; when it suits our purposes, when we are the ones being judged. Unfortunately though my people, our society falls amongst the most judgemental ever, though we profess to have an open, liberal policy. Yes, we’re very quick to judge others, through idle gossip, innuendo, outright lies and our wonderful new era of misinformation. I hope you detected the note of sarcasm there. (smile) Our technological advances in communication has spawned a vast network of invasive media, and though oftimes we only have the surface information, and we know it’s not the full story, or even if it’s the truth, we still plough ahead and make substantial judgements about other people on the basis of that incomplete, possibly erroneous info. And it wouldn’t be so bad if we just kept it to ourselves, but no, we have to tell it to all our cronies, who pass it on with their own embellishments, so by the time it get’s back to you, it’s completely changed. This cult of the celebrity that’s currently ruling our world is a perfect example. Paparazzi now lurk everywhere in the hope of catching some poor slob seen as a celebrity, off guard, so they can make a quick dollar and spread the woeful news around the world. And like a sop, we lap it up. But would we like to be treated in the same manner? Certainly not! What’s good for the goose here, is definitely not so for the gander. Oh Friends, tendencies like that sadly undermine our Christian principles and show us to be real hypocrites. We can’t be one minute gossiping, spreading uncertain info, then next minute be beating our chests, proclaiming we’re such staunch followers of Christ. It’s that kind of behaviour that turns off unbelievers. And even worse, sometimes we’re also guilty of the same things we harshly criticize others for. But there are always good reasons and excuses for our behaviour, though we conveniently forget that others might have good reasons too. As they say, you can’t really judge me until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes, since you don’t know if my shoes are too big, too small, too wide, too narrow or have no sole at all, but each of these conditions will dictate how I walk. That’s why Bruh Paul is exhorting us ‘to judge nothing before the time until the Lord come.’ He himself suffered similar trials and judgements, especially when he turned from persecutor to apostle. It took some time before other Christians trusted him or his motives. ‘Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgement: yea, I judge not mine own self…but he that judgeth me is the Lord.’ (1 Cor.4:2-4) Yeh Friends, Bruh Paul couldn’t care less if, how or when man judged him. His only true and rightful judge was the Lord. In light of all this, I’m asking us to ramp down the harshly critical attitude we have in our current society, for our own sakes, because when the Lord comes, ‘who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness…’ Meaning everything done or hidden in the darkness will be brought to light. Jesus warned; ‘Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.’ (Mat.10:26) Yes my brethren, all our evil deeds will be brought to light then too, so unless we don’t have any, we’d better not be too quick to judge others. And not only will the hidden deeds be revealed, but Jesus also ‘will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.’ Wow! What a day that will be my people, when the true motives of our hearts are revealed. For ‘Everyman’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.’ (1 Cor.3:13) What a bam bam mih Friends! For none of us have perfect motives. And if our work survives the trial by fire, then we’ll be rewarded. But if not, the work will be lost, but we’ll be saved through the same fire. (1 Cor.3:14-15) That’s because Jesus Christ is the only foundation worth building our lives, our hopes and dreams on. Then my Friends, ‘then shall every man have praise of God.’ Whatever praise we deserve, we’ll have of Jesus on that judgement day my people. So the moral of the story is simply to live as Christ-like as humanly possible; do good deeds through a pure, righteous, kind and LOVING heart, and don’t be overly critical of the faults and mistakes of others, keeping in mind that at the judgement call, all will be revealed, including our evil deeds, and we don’t want out work to perish in the fire, but withstand it, like Daniel and his buddies, thereby bringing generous praise and rewards from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. So let’s turn down the criticism nuh, instead pray for those whom we think are doing wrong, improve the rightness of our hearts, and go out there and be worthy messengers and servants of Christ. That’s all He asks of us. Much LOVE!…check out the beam in our eyes…before we see the speck in others’… 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 April 2009 Isaiah 35:3‏

01 Apr 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 35:3    Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
 
Oh my Friends, it’s April Fool’s Day, but we’re not fooling. In these troublesome times we are all certainly in need of that blessing, to uplift our weak hands and strengthen our feeble knees, from the lowest to the highest, the richest to the poorest, for when times are rough, we all become more fearful and concerned than when they are good, in spite of our position in society or the quantity of our material possessions. Whew! Shades of Bruh Paul eh? (smile) But the truth nonetheless! Yes my people, it’s rough out there, and it seems to be getting rougher every day. Apparently we have not hit rock bottom as yet, BUT in Chap.35, Isaiah is prophesying of Israel’s return to Zion; when prosperity returns after the great destruction and tribulation. It’s a message of HOPE for the future. I am also trying to instil that message of HOPE into all of us during these dire times. And as Isaiah confidently declares; ‘Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.’ (Isa.35:4) And all God’s people sang; ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ That’s a HOPE and a TRUTH we need to confidently believe right now, my people. As all the supposed strong building blocks of our society are crumbling right before our amazed eyes, we need something of strength, purpose, insight and truth more than ever to hold on to, to reassure us that all is not lost, that there is HOPE for a better tomorrow, a brighter future. And the only thing my Friends, the only thing that does it, has done it throughout the ages, and will continue to do it in the future, right till eternity, is the solid, fateful, faithful Word of Almighty God, the Creator and Giver of all things and people. Job rightly said that the Lord gives and also takes, but we must learn to realize that whatever His reason(s) for taking, like now, that those times will pass, because He said so, and He will once again be generous to those He LOVES unconditionally. But we need to stand strong and keep the faith; don’t give up as soon as things look dark and murky. I have to chuckle because poor Job was so misunderstood by his friends, that although they meant him well and made some good general points, not too many of them really applied to Job. Hear one of these instances, when Eliphaz rebukes him. ‘Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest, it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?’ (Job 4:3-6) What did he take Job for, an automaton? If a man loses his family and his possessions in the blink of an eye without any overt reason, he must feel grief and trepidation. However my people, in these tremulous times of much doubt and fear, strife and greed, darkness and sorrow, please, I implore us, let’s not lose our Faith, our Confidence, our HOPE and the Uprightness of our ways, for it’s those very things, if we grasp them firmly and hold on tightly, that will see us through these dark and desperate times. If it’s one thing mankind has in abundance is that incredible power to bounce back from his misfortune, and to keep on bouncing back, but that’s only when he has a solid foundation under him. And we all know that the most solid foundation to build on in this violent, deceitful world is none other than the powerful Word of the Most High God Jehovah, that’s ever so steadfast and unchanging. It’s the surest way to strengthen our sinking, despondent hands and hearts, and to make firm our weakened knees, belly and backbone. And as Bruh Paul both admonishes and encourages us; ‘Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.’ (Heb.12:12-14) Yes my Friends, that’s how we need to operate at all times, but especially in the rough ones. Though things may not look good, we still have to walk the straight and narrow path with care, looking straight ahead, lest we trip and dislocate some joint of our weak and fevered body. We also need to keep peace as a top priority in our lives, righteousness too, for as the man says, without it, we don’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of seeing God. And since we all desperately want to see the Father, then, ‘let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb.12:1-2) Oh my people, if Jesus could endure such suffering, shame and misery on our behalf, why can’t we put up with a little inconvenience and hard times eh? We won’t be killed, and it’s definitely not the end of the world, so let’s stand strong, let’s actually show that faith we profess, show it in action, and run that glorious marathon of life with a firm belief and patience in our merciful God, confidently knowing, that if we so do, at the end, Jesus will reward us with a cheerful greeting; ‘Welcome, thou good and faithful servant!’ and allot us a favoured space on the right hand of His throne. Much LOVE!…stand strong my people…now is not the time to panic…but to stand strong…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 March 2009 Ecclesiastes 11:5‏

31 Mar 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ecclesiastes 11:5    As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
 
And that my Friends is the ever-living truth! I stand before you as a perfect testimony to that, for if anyone had told me at the beginning of 2007 that I’d be writing a daily Blog based on the Bible and its practical application to our lives, I would have laughed them out of town, just like I laughed, not that hard though, when the Lord broached the idea. Obviously I had excuses, and in my opinion, good ones too. I didn’t know the Good Book well enough; I didn’t have the time; there were so many other things on my plate; and in any case not many people would be interested. But as the Good Book teaches us to do, the Lord persevered with me, that’s putting it nicely. He simply kept bringing it up, in that nudge, nudge, wink, wink manner He so often employs, which tires you out and gradually breaks down your resistance. Eventually I had no choice but to capitulate, as He seemed quite serious about the idea. Now, two years later, I certainly know the scriptures better than I did then. I’ve found the time, or made it. And sufficient people are genuinely interested to make it worthwhile. Yes Friends, March 2007 was when we began this labour of LOVE; for that’s what it has become, and thankfully we’re still going strong. But all the praise and glory for that goes to the Most High, for He’s the one who’s directed my steps all the way. He originated the idea and He gave me the wherewithal to accomplish it, so when I say that He doesn’t ask you to do anything without giving you the necessary tools, I’m talking from experience. But enough back patting, (smile) it’s only been two years, a mere glimmer in the Lord’s eyes. Now if we can keep this up until I’ve attained my allotted time of three score and ten, without missing a single day, then that would be something to celebrate. Wow! But let’s leave that alone yes, before the Lord picks it up and runs with it. (smile) But then again, I won’t be surprised if it wasn’t Him who just sowed that seed for thought. But like the spirit, the wind, we never know where He’s coming from, or going. Jesus emphasized this to Nicodemus, one of the Jewish leaders. ‘The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the spirit.’ (John 3:8) Yes my people, God uses His Spirit that dwells in us to guide and direct our footsteps. ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.’ (Zech.4:6) Where and how we never know, just like we have no idea ‘how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child.’ As Bruh David declared; ‘For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.’  (Ps.139:13) That’s an indisputable fact Friends! And though we don’t know exactly how the Lord formed our inward parts and weaved us in our mother’s wombs, we’re sure He did it, which leads Bruh David to extol His Holy Name. ‘I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.’ (Ps.139:14) So since we don’t really know or understand the complexities of our God, the Teacher is saying we should play it safe and be charitable; cast our bread upon the waters. Yes, we’re still in Ecclesiastes 11 that deals with charity; the broad meaning; that of of LOVE, kindness, generosity, truth and goodwill. And as such, we should ‘Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth…’ for ‘He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap…In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’  (Eccl.11: 2,4,6) We don’t know what specific plans the Lord has for us individually, but His basic blueprint for all our lives is to spread our largesse; LOVE, money, kindness, time, wisdom, mercy, forgiveness, to as many as need it. That’s how our entire lives should be lived, since we don’t know which seed we plant will prosper; it’s possible for all of them to do so. But know for a fact, that when we plant good seeds, the Lord will rewards us, in His own way and time. We just need to sow those seeds, nurture them as best we can, then wait patiently to see what God has in mind for us. It could be something you like or even dislike. Or like me, never contemplated and figure you can’t do. And since hindsight is 20:20 vision, don’t be surprised when you look back and realize He was actually preparing you for that role all along. I see it in myself. About eight or ten years ago, I began going back to church regularly. I chuckled at all the religious programmes my mother watched; until one by one, don’t ask me how, I ended up watching most of those same ones. Then, when she had eye surgery, about four years ago, I volunteered to read her prayers for her. And wonder of wonders, that hasn’t stopped yet, although she can see to read most of them. Then He brought me to this Scrip-Bit thing. Oh mih people, our God does really move in mysterious, marvellous and wonderful ways yes! I am living proof! And I end up chuckling here too, for although I’m not sure what I wanted to write, I know it wasn’t this, or this much. So there He goes again. Till next time then mih Friends, the Good Lord willing; Much LOVE!….an’ remember…man plans…but God directs his movements…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 March 2009 Ecclesiastes 11:1‏

30 Mar 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ecclesiastes 11:1    Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
 
Once again my Friends, I have to give thanks and praise to our God for directing me to Today’s Bit. It was even easier today. I guess He felt I deserved a bligh. (smile) I just opened the Good Book, and there it was staring me in the face. ‘Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.’ More words of wisdom from the Preacher, the Teacher, maybe Cousin Sol, for there’s controversy amongst those learned folk, the scholars, about the Book’s authorship. But whoever penned them, they are indeed wise words. And what do they mean? Chap.11 of Ecclesiastes deals basically with charity; charitable works and the uncertainty of human labour. But though we don’t understand or can’t comprehend all the machinations of our omnipotent, omniscient God, or continually predict success, we still need to get involved, to immerse ourselves in the activities of life, and trust God to bring about good results. As Charles Stanley is wont to say, ‘Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him.’ That’s why we need to cast our bread upon the waters; the Lord says so. We have to get involved, do good works, give to those in need, help those who need help. In other words, spread the resources of which the Lord has made us stewards, far and wide, to the benefit of mankind, and the greater awareness of God’s kingdom, for that’s our basic purpose here on earth; to serve, to help, and to spread the Word. Isaiah says it thus: ‘Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.’ (Isa.32:20) Yes my people, as true followers of Christ, it’s incumbent on us to do good works when and where we can. Remember, Jesus said He came to serve. ‘But I am among you as he that serveth.’ (Luke 22:27) And if we’re to be mirror images of Him, we too need to learn to serve. He also said, ‘If any man serve me, him will my Father honour.’ (John 12:26) And when we do like Jesus and cast our bread upon the waters, what happens? The wise Teacher says; ‘for thou shalt find it after many days.’ Oh Friends, when we are charitable and helpful, in God’s time, we are well rewarded. That’s a veritable fact that can be found throughout the Bible. Bruh David declared: ‘He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.’ (Ps.112:9) Cousin Sol puts it this way in Proverbs: ‘He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.’ (Prov.19:17) And if you don’t believe Bruh David or Cousin Sol, then listen to the Lord Jesus: ‘And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.’ (Mat.10:42) Meaning that God Himself will reward even the smallest service done to the most insignificant of Jesus’ servants. I want us to pay particular attention though to two things, my Friends. The first is the condition of our hearts in the giving and charitable endeavours. When Moses talks about lending to the poor in Deuteronomy, he specifically cites; ‘Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shalt not be grieved when thou givest into him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand to.’ (Deut.15:10) And Bruh Paul expands on this. ‘Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for god LOVETH a cheerful giver.’ (2 Cor. 9:7) That means we shouldn’t give just because it’s fashionable, or looks good, or it might bring rewards, but because there’s a right spirit in us that makes us genuinely want to give. It’s not the money or the service that’s important, but the willingness and sincere desire to be a part of the good deed. It’s serious, but still cheerful and uplifting. Now the second point I want us to note people, is that neither Bruh David nor Bruh Paul is suggesting what’s currently known as ‘prosperity theology;’ that all generous believers will be financially wealthy. All they are saying is that the financial needs of the generous believer will be met, so that he can continue giving, and also that spiritually, he will increase and mature. Please don’t understand it to mean that because you give generously you will automatically become wealthy, as some people are falsely teaching, using it to dupe believers into making generous donations, some they can’t even afford. It’s possible, as all things are with our God, but it certainly won’t happen every time. As Bruh Paul explains: ‘And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.’ (2 Cor.9:8) The most significant part of that statement is ‘always having all sufficiency in all things.’ You might not be wealthy, but you certainly won’t want for anything. My Friends, it’s a very important distinction to understand, so you won’t be taken in by false teachers. We’ll close with some more appropriate words from Bruh Paul: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:9-10) Oh my people, our world desperately needs a lot of that right now to put it back on an even keel. So let’s cheerfully give as much as we can, of our resources, and also of ourselves. Much LOVE!…Jesus expects us…to do good…from a right heart…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 March 2009 Proverbs 21:21‏

29 Mar 2009 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 21:21    He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness and honour.
 
Oh my Friends, more words of wisdom from Cousin Sol today. It seems the Most High believes we’re in dire need of wise words, cause in His own inimitable way, He’s led me to these last two Bits. I just happened to be scanning  through Proverbs when my eyes fell on the verses and immediately something deep inside said, ‘that’s today’s topic.’ And since I’m such an obedient person, (smile) I just do as the Spirit says. That’s only because I’ve learned the hard way, from wasting time trying to write about one thing, when the Spirit’s leading me to something else. But that just seems to be human nature, we can’t learn anything easily. So what does Sol mean by ‘He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness and honour?’ Exactly what he says! If we always seek to do the right thing and show mercy and kindness to others, then we’ll experience a rich life; righteousness will come flowing back to us, others will treat us right, and eventually we’ll be appreciated and honoured, both by God and man. Oh my people, as with everything godly, it all comes right back to the true state of our hearts; what we sow, we shall reap. It’s the immutable, unchanging law of God. If your hearts is good, most likely you’ll sow goodness and reap the same. Likewise, if your heart’s consumed by hate and spite; those are the things you’ll sow and surely reap. Remember Jesus said what comes out of a man defiles him, not what goes in. (Mark 7:15) And in the Sermon on the Mount, in the Beatitudes, those attributes Jesus said would be blessed and rewarded by God, we find one closely associated with Sol’s words. ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.’ (Mat.5:6) Oh what an extraordinary promise my Friends! Those of us who are poor and empty in spirit, and recognize this spiritual poverty, then sincerely seek to quench that need, that hunger and thirst for it, a satisfaction that can only come from God, eventually our hunger and thirst will be completely satisfied. We’ll be satiated with the righteousness we seek. As the Psalmist proclaimed: ‘He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Ps.107:9) Now isn’t that a most wonderful and excellent God we serve my people? Of course! And all God’s people sang lustily; ‘Praise Him, Praise Him, Glory Hallelujah! He is LOVE! Yes! He is LOVE!’ Oh my brethren, our God is so good to us that it…it just boggles the ordinary human mind, we can’t comprehend why He does so much for a set of ungrateful, disobedient, sinful humans. Remember though that His comprehension and His ways are so much higher than ours. That’s why He’s God, and we are His creations, which leads Him to care for us and LOVE us unconditionally. Just listen to Isaiah declaring the Lord’s free offer of mercy to all. ‘Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.’ (Is.55:1) My Friends, God’s gift of salvation is free to all who are willing to accept it. And where else can you buy food and drink without money eh? Nowhere else mih people, but under the kind, ever-LOVING canopy of the Most High God Jehovah! Then why do so many of us refuse this wonderful free gift eh? Are we afraid, ashamed, or burdened by some other foolish, prideful emotion? Here is Isaiah again, talking about the punishment of the rebellious and the rewards of God’s people. ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed.’ (Isa.65:13) Oh my people, Lucifer can’t make these promises because he doesn’t have the wherewithal to keep them. Only our God has. But let me make one thing very clear Friends, the rewards are exceptional, but the journey is seldom a bed of roses. Yuh see what Jesus’ life was like, and since it’s God’s desire that we emulate Him, it’s not an easy row to hoe, but just keep your focus on the fantastic rewards, for they are well worth the oftimes rough journey. And I’ll let Jesus spell it out. ‘Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.’  (Mat.7:13-14) Yes Friends, Lucifer’s property has a wide gate and a broad avenue that leads to his old, ramshackle buildings. But to Jesus’ mansions, the gate is narrow, and a simple dirt road leads to glory and eternal life. I implore us to all choose that simple dirt road, for at the end there’s a rainbow with a pot of gold sitting there waiting for us, in the person of Jesus. Much LOVE!…please…don’t be fooled by the wide promenade…take the narrow lane…

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