Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 July 2008 Colossians 2:6-7‏

02 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Colossians 2:6-7    As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein in thanksgiving.
 
Ah Friends, why are people always trying to change our minds about Jesus eh? Is it because they know that He’s really the Way, the Truth and the Light, and they’re afraid of His awesome power? From the earliest days it’s been that way. The Colossian Church  had been set up by Epaphras, a follower of Bruh Paul, who taught them that Jesus was the Messiah, the Head of the Church, the Divine Lamb who died to atone for our sins, and to whom they should look for eternal salvation. But it seems that local busybodies were trying to undo the gospel with a synthetic philosophy based on paganism, Judaism and Christianity, advocating the worship of angelic beings, acting as intermediaries between God and man, plus stressing the means of salvation as some secret knowledge, cult members received after joining. It also imposed the old laws of Moses, and though it didn’t deny Christ, it lowered His status by not recognizing Him as a Divine Being, thus giving Him no special significance or saving grace to His death. Wow! What heresy! That’s what Bruh Paul was trying to fight from his prison cell in Rome. Sadly though Friends, the same thing is happening in the Church today. People are using the Church and the Word for their own selfish purposes, to advance their personal agendas, either by introducing incorrect stuff, or slanting the truth to their advantage. Consequently there’s much dissension, and the august body of Christ has lost it’s cohesion and direction. Remember, Jesus said, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or every house divided against itself shall not stand.’ (Mat.12:25) So how do we expect to beat the enemy, when we’re embroiled in our own internal feuds? It’s obvious Bruh Paul was greatly disturbed by that news and wanted to correct the heresy. But since he was in jail, all he could do was write to them. So ‘That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love,’ and that they might attain a mature understanding of the mystery of God and Christ. ‘In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’ (Col.2:2-3) Yes People, Christ is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. ‘And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.’ (vs.4) Oh Friends, it would do us good to heed that warning also, for there are many out there with glib, deceitful tongues. Bruh Paul then praises them for ‘the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.'(vs.5) We should also be deserving of such praise. However, ‘As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein in thanksgiving.’ That’s how it should be people! The same way we were taught about Christ, received and grown in Him, that’s exactly how we’re to continue. We’re not to let ‘philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men,’ confuse us or lead us astray, for Christ is the Godhead, and in Him we are complete. Yes Friends, in Jesus, we have all we can ever need or want. Please remember that and walk accordingly. Much LOVE!…sufficient unto everlasting…is Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 July 2008 Micah 7:18‏

01 Jul 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Micah 7:18    Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.                                                                        
                                                                                                            HAPPY CANADA DAY

That’s our God, Friends! And there’s none like Him! And He’s been looking over Canada since the first hamlet was built on the East Coast, over two hundred years ago. He’s still safeguarding us people, but everyday He’s liking less of what He sees, for we’re becoming an ungodly, divisive nation, increasingly chasing the baubles of the ungodly nations around us. Sounds like Judah, in Micah’s day, with all the pagan peoples living around them. Nothing has as much influence on us as the people we hang out with. That’s why our parents warned us about the company we kept, and the Lord warned the Israelites against intermarriage and too much association with the strangers living amongst them. He knew that they’d be greatly influenced to turn away from Him and His dictates, because the godless live a selfish, what’s in it for me life. Oh Friends, the same thing’s happening today. The leaders and the wealthy are promoting a world society. They’re touting a global scenario where we all are thrown into a world mix, killing nationalism for an international world, where the money men and powerbrokers control everything, bypassing national interests. But Friends, this scenario is fraught with danger on at least two fronts. We’re already experiencing the negative effects of that mindset, with loss of jobs and economic stagnation through outsourcing production to lower cost Third World countries, who’ll move up, while the current First World countries decline. Also the many ungodly nations out there, whom we’ll be forced to intermingle with, to the detriment of our godly values. It should really be the other way around; they accepting our godly values, but unfortunately, right now the ungodly are ruling the roost, plus we’re not as united as them, and aren’t as willing to fight tooth and nail for what we believe in. It’s a negative picture, but it’s also the reality of the situation. Everyday, something godly is questioned, disbanded, or overturned. All in the name of freedom. But Friends, that word, Freedom, it’s a misnomer. True freedom doesn’t exist. No one is ever truly free. We all must answer to someone, sometime, even if it’s ourselves. As Believers, we answer to the one, true God, Jehovah, who’s a loving and merciful Being. But He’s also a stickler for obedience and justice. And if we continually disobey, we’ll pay, eventually. Oh People, even a blind man can see that our world is getting worse daily: From global warming to terrorism; rampant oppression, and religious strife; increased poverty, greed, inflation, and natural disasters. There’s no magic wand to fix it. But for sure, if we don’t start living in real LOVE, like Jesus said, then everything’s going to crash. It’s not even about believing, just living decently with each other. For faith without works is the same khaki pants. But then again Friends, we worship such a merciful, magnanimous God, that once we cast off our sinful ways and turn to Him; ‘He will have compassion upon us… subdue our iniquities…and cast our sins into the depths of the sea.’ (Mic.7:19) So People, I’m imploring us to work fervently towards that goal, for we know not when the final knell will sound. Enjoy the day, but remember to keep God first, in your heart, mind and soul. Much LOVE!…let’s start the turnaround…by living a good and godly life…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 June 2008 Psalm 118:1‏

30 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 118:1   O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever.
 
Oh Friends, that’s a fact I’ve just proven again! Yuh see, the ole fella’s tired, and a tad grumpy, only a tad now children, (smile) suffering from sleep deprivation, don’t ask why, and various age related aches and pains, but I’ve got to do this Bit first, for wherever I rest mih head tonight, no grass grow; I’m sleeping for a long time. Anyway, in such a negative state, it was hard to decide on a Bit, but the good Lord in all His mercy, finally led me to Bruh David and Psalm 118. And then, I couldn’t believe that I’d never used anything from it, so much of it is highlighted in red. But the records say so, and even if it’s wrong, the important thing is that it put the Word in me and lifted my spirits, so that now these words are flowing from my pen like water. Hn,Hn! Don’t laugh people, it’s the truth. I’m chuckling though, as I was most surprised; one moment I felt lousy, then having read through the psalm, I perked right up. My spirit suddenly felt refreshed and the words began flowing smoothly; again confirming that the soul’s best booster is the Word, for we worship a God, who excels at bestowing mercy and loving kindness on those who call on Him in sincerity. Psalm 118 details thanksgiving for the Lord’s salvation, and was apparently a favourite of Martin Luther, one of the leading preachers of the Reformation Era. I can’t add any wisdom to it, so I’ll just pick some highlighted verses and add my two cents worth. Now Friends, this is possibly the most important thing we need to remember in our daily walk of faith. ‘I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me and set me in a high place.’ (vs.5) Yes Friends, He’s the FIRST person we should call in times of trouble, not the last, as we tend to do, after all our man made solutions have failed. And we’re stupid not to call on our mighty, merciful God FIRST, because ‘It’s better to put trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man.’ (vs.8) Now ain’t that the truth people! Man is only sinful flesh and blood, limited by his mortal coil and finite mental capacity, also extremely untrustworthy. However, our God is spiritual, immortal and infinite in His capacity for all things. Now isn’t that a much better source of help? For sure! And when ‘the Lord is on my side, I will not fear: for what can man do unto me?’ (vs.6) Nothing people, nothing! And though my enemy, ‘Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.’ (vs.13) Hallelujah people! His help is always close at hand, just waiting to be asked. Even when I’m disobedient, ‘The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.’ Praise Him Friends! For if He ever unleashes His awesome wrath on us, we’ll certainly perish. But as a direct result of His generous grace and mercy, ‘I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.’ (vs.17) Amen people! That’s exactly what we’re here for; to live in LOVE, spread His Word and glorify His Name. So, in light of all this Friends, when life gets rough, who FIRST, yuh gonna call? The Lord Jehovah! Why? Because ‘The Lord is my strength and song; and is become my salvation.’ (vs.14) And all God’s people said, Wow! Therefore Friends, let’s all, individually and together, ‘Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.’ That’s gospel Friends! Believe it, and it will always stand you in good stead. Much LOVE!…three things to remember…the Lord is always…FIRST…FIRST…FIRST…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 June 2008 Acts 17:22-23‏

29 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 17:22-23    Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription; TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
 
Bravo, Bruh Paul, Bravo! Now most of us couldn’t do that, but Bruh Paul was a different being. Yesterday we saw him talking in the marketplace of Athens. Today he’s preaching Christ on the Areopagus, (Mars Hill), where all the moral, philosophical and religious matters were promulgated and debated. Philosophers of the leading schools of thought, the Stoics and Epicureans, had encountered him in the market, and though some considered him a ‘babbler’ of no account, others thought him ‘to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus and the resurrection.’ (vs.18) But such was the Athenians love of discourse and new ideas, that even though they did not rate him highly, they put Bruh Paul on their stage, ‘saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know thereof what these things mean.’ (vs.19-20) Hn,hn! But Friends, little did they know that giving Bruh Paul a pulpit to preach from, was music to his ears. And preach he did, that eventful day on Mars Hill, people. Note, he didn’t condemn the Greeks, though he called them superstitious. Some Scholars suggest that ‘religious’ was a better translation of the Greek word. Anyway, smart orator that he was, Bruh Paul knew he had to establish a rapport with them, if he hoped to advance Christ. Apparently, in his wanderings around the religious section of the city, he came upon an altar inscribed, ‘TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.’ Friends, that’s the Lord in drama creating mode, giving him a sure fire opening. ‘Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.’ (vs.23) He was going to make their ‘UNKNOWN GOD,’ KNOWN. This he did by proclaiming the true ‘God that made the world and all things therein, …Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with man’s hands; as though he needed anything; seeing he giveth to all life, breath, and all things, And hath made of one blood, all nations of men…determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.’ (vs.24-26) Yes Friends, He’s our Creator, sets and appoints our time, is very involved in our affairs. ‘That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being…’ (vs.27-28) And that’s the living truth people! We exist through and for Him, and He’s always found by those who sincerely seek him. Then Bruh Paul explained about the need for repentance with the resurrection and judgement day in the offing. Obviously some laughed and mocked, while others wanted to hear more. But Bruh Paul left Athens soon after. However, his preaching was not in vain, for some believed, including a woman named Damaris, and Dionysius, a member of the City Council. The Lord had sown some seeds, in high places too. Friends, that means we’re to enthusiastically welcome every opportunity to talk about Jesus, for, with the Lord’s help, anything is possible. Much LOVE!…even a single soul saved…brings immense glory to God…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 June 2008 Acts 17:16-17‏

28 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Acts 17:16-17    Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met him.
 
Bruh Paul was truly something else yes Friends. After they ran him out of Thessalonica, he went to Berea, a small town nearby. But when the Thessalonian Jews heard that he was having success there too, they conspired to also have him run out of Berea. That’s when he ended up in Athens, waiting for Silas and Timothy. But yuh think he could sit still and shut up, especially after just being run out of two towns? Not on yuh life! Once he saw the rampant idolatry in the city, ‘…his spirit was stirred in him.’ This led him to earnestly converse with the Jews and devout Gentiles he met in the market place. At that time Athens had waned in political and economic importance, but was still an intellectual centre, where the main preoccupation was to sit around and discuss philosophy and new ideas. So it was an ideal place for Bruh Paul to expound. I wish we could all have his faith, strong conviction and zeal for Christ. Can you imagine how hard it must have been for him to convince people of his good intentions, after being one of the chief persecutors of early Christians, but now telling them that Christ was the only way to salvation? Hn! Bruh Paul sure had many manly parts. (smile)  And Friends, that’s what many of us lack. We’re uncomfortable, or afraid to say we’re Christians, or talk to people about Christ, cause they’ll find us strange and won’t like us and we won’t fit in. But in reality, what we’re doing is making man’s opinion more important than our calling to spread God’s word. People, that doesn’t sit well with the Father. Remember, He said that if you’re ashamed of, or deny Him, He’ll do the same to you. Yuh see Friends, other people’s opinion didn’t bother Bruh Paul, even when he was beaten or imprisoned. He was secure in his knowledge and faith in Christ. Everybody can’t be a gung-ho proselytizer (soul saver) like Bruh Paul, but I’m sure we can all increase our zeal and spread the faith with a bit more gusto, than we’re currently doing. And I don’t mean badgering or brow beating. The enemy is winning right now people. They’re up-beat and enthusiastic about their ungodliness, spreading it like wildfire. Friends, it’s our responsibility to counter that spread; stop it and turn it around with our good news of Jesus and the wonderful things He’s done for us. Remember, we need to have everyone on earth hear the word and accept it, before Jesus comes again, so that all can be saved, and none thrust out into eternal darkness. You know that’s the sincere wish of Jesus: He doesn’t want even one, single, solitary soul to be lost. So let’s work together fervently nuh, towards granting Him that wish. In light of all He’s done for us, it’s a relatively small request to honour. Much LOVE!…true believers…always have Jesus…on the tip of their tongues…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 June 2008 Jeremiah 1:6-7‏

27 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 1:6-7    Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
 
Ah Friends, our God is really the greatest yes! Why? Because He can play all the roles involved in a staging, and write it too. He can be serious; excels at timing; He’s humorous, and He’s the King of drama. Nobody can do that like Him. When He punishes us, we seldom feel the full force of His wrath, it’s always laced with mercy. And we certainly know about His forgiveness. Not to mention when He puts us in a tight spot, He always provides a way out. And when He calls us to do His bidding, like Jeremiah, He always provides the tools, the wherewithal, to accomplish it. Reminds me of when He first broached the Scrip-Bit idea. I laughed, figuring I didn’t have the Scriptural knowledge. But He wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer, and I finally succumbed to His wishes, and look at us now eh. It’s been over a year, and we’re still going strong. And don’t think it’s been my doing nuh. It’s been mostly His, for there’ve been many days I either don’t  know what to write about, or struggled to write it, but in the end, He always comes through and I write something. It does take time, but it’s certainly brought me closer to Him, and given me a better understanding of what He’s about. Hopefully it’s done the same for some of you, my faithful readers. So Friends, if you feel like He’s called you to do something, to step out for Him, don’t be afraid, for like He did with Jeremiah and everyone that does His bidding, He’ll help you. If you’re doing what he wants, He won’t let you fail. Most likely it won’t be easy, but just step out in faith, that’s when He really excels. And don’t feel badly if you think you’re unworthy; lots of great men felt that way when they were called. Think about Moses, Barak, Gideon, Saul, Bruh David, Samuel, Solomon, and many more, who realized that they couldn’t do the job without His specific help. When Moses pleaded that he wasn’t eloquent and stuttered, the Lord shut him up by asking who made man’s mouth, the deaf, blind, dumb, etc. if it wasn’t Him? ‘Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.’ (Ex.4:12) It’s the same thing He said to Jeremiah, when he claimed inexperience. ‘Be not afraid of their faces, for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put words in thy mouth.’ (Jer.1:8-9) Wow! As easy as that Friends. And he’s done it for many others. That’s the kind of God we worship people; a God magnanimous and mighty. So don’t despair. Take a step of faith in His name today, for He greatly rewards those who trust in, and are obedient to Him. Much LOVE!…if He says do it…just trust and obey…He’ll surely help you…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 June 2008 Isaiah 2:22‏

26 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Isaiah 2:22    Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
 
Oh Friends, one thing we’ve inherited from our forefathers is a hard headed stubbornness. Isaiah said those words thousands of years ago, and over time, there’s been numerous instances showing man’s frailty and untrustworthiness, yet we still insist on placing him on pedestals, looking up to him as a shining star and guiding light, of which he’s not worthy. Just take a look at the cult of celebrity we’ve built. People with little or no intrinsic value are continually held up as role models or pillars of society, even though everyday another one is found sadly wanting, either through constant debauchery or criminal activity. Isaiah alluded to this in Chap.2:11-12. ‘The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up, and he shall be brought low.’ Oh people, why can’t we remember that and shelve our overreaching and arrogant pride. We do need to have pride in ourselves and our accomplishments, but there’s a certain level, a fine line when it becomes too much, gets out of hand, and we start thinking we are the be all and end all, thus losing sight of our frailties and imperfections. Friends, that’s when we get in trouble. And remember one thing; in our mad rush for glory, we all do things that we’re not proud of, and we’d like to remain in the dark, but in scrapping and scratching to reach the top of the ladder, these unsavoury things are liable to become public knowledge, especially with the current invasive and intrusive nature of the news media. Jesus said that anything done in darkness will eventually come to light. And sadly, some of the deeds aren’t so bad, they wouldn’t even be noticed if done by an ordinary person, but because of the high profile, the esteem and awe in which the so-called celebrities are held, it substantially detracts from their superior image and status. Lest we forget, mankind takes greater pleasure in destroying, than creating, not only things, but people too. So the small burr is usually great fodder for the masses. They’ll pull you down even quicker than they put you up. That’s why the ‘Prince of Prophets’ warns: ‘Cease ye from man.’ And Jeremiah adds. ‘Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.’ (Jer.17:5) Yes Friends, we are only flesh and bones, easily blown away like a leaf in the wind; here today, gone tomorrow; ‘whose breath is in his nostrils.’ We should be saying like Job: ‘All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils.’ (Job 27:3) It’s the spirit of God that should be in our nostrils while we’re alive. ‘For wherein is he to be accounted of?’ So true Friends: Who is man, why should he be so esteemed eh? Esteem the Lord thy God, who made us, cares for us, and provided us with salvation and everlasting life through His Son, Jesus Christ, Our Saviour. Man couldn’t do what He did for us. Much LOVE!…trust not in man…for he withers like the vine.
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 June 2008 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17‏

25 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17    Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
 
Ah Friends, in these crazy, tumultuous times, we surely need all the encouragement and reassurance we can get, including that offered by Bruh Paul to the Thessalonians. After the powerful Jews had run Bruh Paul out of town cause he was encroaching on their turf, poaching their members, the young church in Thessalonica began having problems, for lack of strong, faithful leadership. Strife and divisiveness, sloth and laziness crept in, over basic doctrine and other related matters of faith. To try and quell their fears and doubts, Bruh Paul assures them that he’s obliged to give thanks for them, because from the very beginning, they had been chosen by God to be saved. ‘Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (vs.14) As he argues in Romans 10, people can only be saved if they hear the word, and they can’t hear it if someone doesn’t go and preach it to them. He’d been led by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to them. ‘Therefore, brethren stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.’ (vs.15) He’s encouraging them to be strong in their new faith in Christ. Like he said to the Corinthians: ‘Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.’ (1 Cor.16:13-14) Friends, today we badly need that advice too. We’ve also got to be strong and uphold the godly traditions we’ve been taught, whether it’s by word of mouth, or by reading the Good Book. It’s imperative that we also keep on associating and worshipping with fellow believers, so that the word will continually be circling around us, helping to keep us focused. If we don’t do that Friends, we’ll fall easy prey to the enemy with all his rather tempting, lustrous looking but empty baubles of this world. Only the armour of righteousness, found in the word, will enable us to resist those tasty, tempting temptations. The Christian walk has never been easy. Just look at the first Christian, Jesus, and you’ll see all the difficulties he encountered, even though He was the Son of God. And it’s probably going to get more difficult too, with sin and ungodliness currently on the upswing. People, that means we’ve got to raise our faith to a higher level, just to keep marking time. Like we also have to earn more money because of escalating prices, just to maintain our standard of living. If we don’t increase our spiritual resources we’ll be overrun by the enemy. But I know we won’t allow that to happen, because we believe in the power of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. However, for that faith, that strong belief, to make a difference, we’ve got to walk it, put it into action, which I’m asking us to start fervently doing, right now. And with the blessing and assurance of Bruh Paul; ‘May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.’ Till we meet again; Much LOVE!…remember…with Jesus in command…all things are possible…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 June 2008 Psalm 95:1-3‏

24 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 95:1-3    O come let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
 
That’s the gospel truth Friends! There is none other like our God! Today, the ole fella was just bone tired, both in body and soul. Well, the body’s been refreshed with sleep and rest, now it’s time to look to the needs of the soul. And as I keep saying, there’s nothing better to refresh the spirit than words of thanks and praise to the Almighty. It’s also obvious where my heart led me, although it’s getting increasingly difficult to find one I haven’t used. But who cares? I know I dislike that phrase, but we’ll allow it this time, only because it deals with Bruh David’s words. (smile) When I’ve used them all, I’ll just start right over again, for they’re words of wisdom, truth and understanding, praising the one, true God in whom we believe. They’ve stood the test of time and will never get stale. Hold up Bro! I’m starting to get like Bruh Paul; longwinded. Hn,hn! I’m hearing those chuckles, meaning I’m already longwinded, though I sincerely try not to be. Sometimes I spend more time editing the Bit down to a reasonable size, than I spend writing it. Yes Friends, I can feel my spirit is already refreshed! And I’ve still said nothing about the psalm. Oh, the wonderful workings of our God eh! Anyway, the psalm is referred to as one of praise to the great God; and rightfully so. ‘O come let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.’ Oh People! That’s exactly what we should be doing. Sometimes I think we’d be better much off by reducing our pleas to God for stuff and just concentrate on giving Him thanks and praise instead. I know Jesus said we should ask for what we want, but He also said that the Father knows all of our needs, and if He looks after the lilies of the field so well, why won’t He do the same for us, who’re more important. So why do we keep on asking for the same things over and over? We know He heard us the first time, and if He sees fit, will give us our heart’s desires when He’s ready; on His own timetable, not ours. And when we go to Him in prayer, we’re so sad and morose, as though it’s a chore we dislike, or it’s the end of the world. Bruh Paul maintains that He wants us to come to the throne of grace with confidence and high expectations. That doesn’t mean being brash and arrogant, but with respect and our heads held high because of our absolute trust in His awesome power, abundant mercy and loving kindness. As the Psalmist says: ‘Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.’ There’s no better way of praising our Maker than joyfully singing songs of worship, songs that enlarge and glorify His name, songs that tell of His great LOVE and goodness to us, His disobedient children? ‘For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.’ Ah Friends, what a wonderful truth that is! The longer I live, the more I see, experience and believe it. Our Lord; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; Creator and Caretaker of the Universe; embodied in the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and the Holy Spirit, our soulful helper, is the only deity that exists. And it behoves us to offer up our thanks and praise for all He’s done, is doing and will do for us, His wayward, sinful children. Oh Friends, I don’t know if this Bit makes sense, or if any of them do, (smile) but the purpose is simply to lift our spirits and help keep our focus on the one, true God, Jehovah. Today it’s been written straight from the heart, with no quotes or any exhaustive research, and it has certainly boosted my spirits and kept me looking to Jesus. I sincerely hope it does the same for you too. Much LOVE!…a right heart and joyful spirit…are the invaluable benefits of looking to Jesus…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 June 2008 John 16:33‏

23 Jun 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

John 16:33    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
 
Jesus has surely done that my Friends; through His birth, death, resurrection and ascension. Anyone like Him, will rise above the petty nonsense of our sinful world. He’d been warning the disciples of the persecution in His immediate future, while promising to talk to them plainly, not in parables, so they didn’t have to rack their uneducated minds to decipher His meaning. ‘At that day, ye shall ask in my name…I shall pray the Father for you.’ (vs.26) After He had atoned for our sins by dying on the cross, He would then assume His role as our advocate with the Father. ‘For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and believed that I came out from God.’ (vs.27) Unfortunately though, He had to go back to the Father. ‘His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.’ (vs.29-30) Wow! What an act of faith that must have been for those poor disciples, eh Friends. Do we have that kind, or that level of faith? We need to, in order to face the difficulties of this world. Their sudden acknowledgement made Jesus ask, ‘Do ye now believe?’ (vs.31) Then He spilled some more bad news, telling them that they’d soon be broken up and scattered all over, leaving Him alone; ‘and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.’ (vs.32) That’s oh so true people! The Father was always with Him. It’s how He was able to bear all that ‘sufferation’ for us in such a stoic manner. His Heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit, provided the backbone and belly He needed to accomplish His demanding, distasteful task. Oh Friends, it’s the same way He strengthen us today, through the indwelling Spirit in our souls. Without that Spirit of Jesus boosting us, we’d be like flotsam and jetsam, mercilessly tossed about and buffeted by the raging storms of life. Jesus knew the rough go they were in for. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.’ He explained all that stuff to reassure them; like a good leader explaining His strategy for an upcoming struggle to His followers. Knowing the game plan would make them less tense, more confident, better able to carry out their assigned tasks, which, in this case, would be very challenging, to say the least. ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation…’ Bruh Paul corroborates that: ‘Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.’  (2Tim.3:12) And it’s true Friends. At some time in our lives, we’ll all suffer some injustice, for simply being a believer. However, our Leader, Jesus, says, ‘but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.’ Now that, people, is an indisputable fact. Given the facts of His immaculate conception; struggling, itinerant ministry; tragic death; wonderful resurrection and eye-opening ascension; how could He not be greater than this mortal world eh? And we, His followers, have the same awesome power, through the ever faithful, hard working Holy Spirit to overcome the trials and tribulations we encounter in this ungodly world. Bruh Paul will attest to that. ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us.’ (Rom.8:37) Please remember that Friends, and be strong in Christ! Make it your mantra, if needs be. Much LOVE!…tough times never last…but tough people do…

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