Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 April 2008 Jeremiah 6:16‏

24 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Jeremiah 6:16.    Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
 
Oh Friends, sometimes I think that mankind is either brainless or brain-dead, judging by the lack of respect we show for the Word of God. Our Lord doesn’t mince words. He says it like it is. Do this, and that will happen. Do the opposite and other consequences will follow. And He’s said the same thing so often too. Like, be obedient to me, and you’ll live a long, prosperous life. Be disobedient, then you’ll endure ‘sufferation’ and death. So why do we always seem to choose the path with dire consequences eh? Today’s Bit is just one of the many examples. The people of Judah had turned away from God, becoming greedy, immoral and worse yet, worshipping idols. Then they refused to listen to the prophets God sent to warn them. ‘Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way.’ Jeremiah’s referring to the traditional way of their forefathers; walking in righteousness and trust with the Lord. That was the good way. When they did that, they prospered. ‘Walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.’ How much plainer could He make it eh? ‘But they said, We will not walk therein.’ Oh foolish, foolish people! Don’t laugh Friends, cause many of us are guilty of that same stubborn, unwise attitude, refusing to walk in the paths of Peace, LOVE, and Understanding that God has decreed from day one, as the way he wants us to live. How many times does He need to punish us, before we get it through our thick skulls, that He is, was, and always will be, both the Creator and Controller of All? In Verse 19, He declares: ‘Hear O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.’ Oh Friends, can’t we see, don’t we understand, that a lot of the stuff that’s traumatizing our world today is due to our disobedience to God’s will? I don’t know exactly how much is attributable to His removing His hand of blessing from us, but there have been too many unusual, and abnormal occurrences in the last decade or so, that should act as warnings, causing us to sit down and seriously ponder the situation. Look at the widespread increase of disease, drought, famine, hunger, poverty, strife and turmoil, heat waves, cold waves and other natural disasters happening in the most unlikely places, in the most scientific and technologically advanced stage of human existence. Isn’t something wrong somewhere? We’re advanced enough to conquer most of those negatives, instead, we’re falling prey to them. The only thing left that could be causing our slide into the dark abyss is our lifestyle; predominantly based on greed, selfishness, immorality, strife, vengeance, oppression and irreverence to the Most High God. Now if you consider the Word to be true, then it’s logical to expect Him to subject us to some form of punishment for our blatant disobedience? Oh Friends, let’s wake up and realize, before it’s too late, that there’s only One God and One Way; His. And not following it will cost us an enormous price, some of which we’re obviously already paying. Wake up nuh people and hear the truth! The Lord’s not happy with us. His actions, or lack thereof, plainly show it. Let’s turn back to Him, NOW! Much LOVE!…wise hearts listen…but the fool says in his heart…there is no God…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 April 2008 1 Corinthians 15:54,55,57.‏

23 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Corinthians 15: 54,55,57.    So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.                                                                          
EULOGY FOR GODERICK FRANCIS.
The pain and anguish are finally over. No more embarrassing moments to endure. At last it’s time to go home and sit around the throne of grace and compare notes with those who’ve gone before. Ah Friends, another one has succumbed in life’s prime, to that dreaded scourge of human existence; Cancer. When will we conquer it eh? With all the resources thrown at it, unfortunately, it’s still holding us at bay. And this Eulogy thing is happening a bit too often; twice in the past two months. Anyway G, we’ve come to both bury and praise you, for you were a good man, and good people are hard to find. You’ll be sadly missed for so many things; your outspoken, loyal, enthusiastic demeanour; the passion you brought to everything you did; your humour and your welcoming smile, along with your generous but stubborn nature. Before going any further though Bruh, let me sincerely apologize for not coming to see you during the latter part of your illness. The poor winter weather and our different schedules just never permitted it. However, I always enquired about you, and for certain sure, you were always in my prayers, hoping that the Lord would see fit to bestow a miracle of healing on you. But if that wasn’t in the script, then He’d at least allow you to see your first grandchild before he took you home. That wish He granted. Sorry you won’t be around to see her blossom, as I’m sure she will, but she’ll hear lots about you, for you left a rich legacy of stories. I know the family will find your absence strange and somewhat unsettling, but don’t worry, they’ll survive. They’re strong and will grieve appropriately, then move on, for they know you’re in a better place now, and mourning is only for a time. Rest assured you’ll never be forgotten, for you’ve touched too many hearts with your life. But Bruh, yuh remember when we were young! Hn,hn! Sorry sir. I can just hear you saying with your contrary self, that you’re still young. (smile) And you always were young at heart. Thankfully that’s the way I’ll remember you, since I never saw you during your illness. But seriously G, we spent some good times together yes, starting in the Perivale area; the parties and picnics, not forgetting the Carnival get-togethers in the basement of the new house. Ah Bruh, our families have really shared a lot and developed a strong bond since we first met twenty something years ago, I believe through our young daughters at school. It’s a friendship that’s never faltered, and I value it quite highly. Right now I consider you family, cause that’s what family really means, not simply blood relations, but also people who go through a lot of life together on good terms. Yuh know G, you’re one of those people whom I’ll remember fondly, when I’m old and grey, sitting in my rocking chair on a porch on some high hill, close to the Almighty, hopefully on Crusoe’s paradise isle. Ah mih brother, there’s so much more I can say, but space and time won’t allow me. Yuh know the families always figured we talked too much anyway. (smile) Now they’re going to certainly miss hearing your voice though. But that’s just the nature of the beast; we never appreciate something when we have it. I’ll close now Bruh, by simply saying; thanks for all the good memories we made. But all good things must end sometime, so until we meet again in the great beyond, I’ll wish you God speed…and save a space at your table for me. (smile) I won’t say bye, but rather, Hasta manana…till tomorrow. Much LOVE!…the body moves on…but the spirit lingers forever…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 April 2008 Revelation 7:14,16-17.‏

22 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Revelation 7:14,16-17     And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said unto me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 
 
Ah Friends, how I wish that were true right now. So much unnecessary suffering is taking place in our world. Two headlines caught my eye in the Sunday paper. One trumpeted, ‘A vicious circle of misery,’ then went on to talk about soaring food prices that have recently triggered food protests in places like Mexico City, Haiti, Africa, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, with violent clashes in the long lines for subsidized bread in Egypt. The prices for basic staples such as rice, corn, wheat, and soya have increased enormously over the last year, and consequently for all the products in which they’re used, sadly leading to more people going hungry around the world. The problem seems to stem from a combination of less food production, more farmland being turned into urban centres, with what is farmed beset by unusual climatic conditions, higher consumption of meat and dairy products in emerging economies, escalating energy costs, profiteering and increased production of biofuels that feed vehicles rather than people. Definitely not a pretty picture. But the second headline is the one that really tore me up. That said, ‘Let them eat dirt.’ Hn! And it seems to be factual, for the article claims that in Haiti, which already has the unenviable distinction of being the poorest country in the West, ‘a destitute population is turning increasingly to mud patties made of dirt, oil and sugar, which at least quieten the stomach.’ Oh Friends, how can that be eh? Humans reduced to eating dirt! It’s a disgrace! But who’s to blame? How can we fix it? What’s next? Where will it end? All questions with no easy or certain answers. And Friends, don’t think we’re insulated from it, because we’re not. Just like the latest catch all phrase is the global economy, well this is global hunger and poverty. The so called first class nations are having their problems too. It’s really a vicious circle, for though we’re growing stuff for biofuels, which increases the price of everything connected, the price of oil and gas is still skyrocketing. So where’s the benefit? What shall become of us all? Are the last days upon us? Shall we soon become a part of that uncountable multitude of all nations and tongues that John saw, clothed in white robes, standing before the throne of grace, praising God? (Vs.9-10) Those who had come out of great tribulation, but had washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and would never hunger or thirst again? Oh Friends, a believer’s life is not easy. It’s hard for a man to believe in spiritual things when he’s hungry and in need. But that’s when we need to the most. And though we must all pay our earthly dues, lots of benefits are still available: LOVE, Trust, Honour, Forgiveness, Mercy, Grace, Glory, Joy, Peace. And they’re all free. So I’m asking us today, not to give up. The journey might be somewhat rough, but look towards the destination and it’s glorious promise: When the Lamb on the throne shall feed us, and lead us to living fountains of waters, and the Most High God himself, shall wipe away all the tears from our eyes. What an awesome homecoming to look forward to! Much LOVE!…heaven’s benefits…more than make up for earth’s difficulties…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 April 2008 Nehemiah 8:8-10‏

21 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Nehemiah 8:8-10.    So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people. This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
 
It’s amazing, but the people asked for it. (Vs.1) Can you imagine that happening nowadays? Hn! But what a scene it must have been eh: Ezra, in the middle of the street before the water gate, above the masses, on a pulpit of wood, specially made for the occasion, reading from the Book of the Law of Moses, from morning until midday, ‘and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.’ (Vs.3) Wow! People tend to fall asleep now when the Word is read. At the same time, the Levites and others went amongst the crowd translating and explaining the words, since they were written in Hebrew and most of them only spoke Amharic. And remember, there was nothing to amplify Ezra’s words, so his voice had to be powerful enough for those around him to hear and others to pass it on to those outside of earshot. This celebration took place on the first day of the seventh month, after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under the governorship of Nehemiah, and many of the Jews had returned from exile in Babylon. Many of them born in Babylon, had never heard the laws God gave their forefathers, for most of the time restrictions had been placed on their faith, so they wept openly when they first heard them. Oh Friends, I wish we could react with such emotion when we hear the Word. Many of us show no emotion whatsoever when we hear it, but it’s supposed to stir us up, one way or the other, preferably with joy. Then, after the reading, Ezra told them to go and celebrate, ‘eat the fat and drink the sweet.’ But note, he also instructed them to ‘send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared.’ That meant the poor and the strangers, in keeping with Deuteronomy 26:11-13, where they were instructed to rejoice in every good thing that the Lord had given them, but after they had paid their tithes in the third year, they should also give of their increase ‘unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates and be filled.’ To mark the occasion, Ezra also declared, ‘For this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ Oh people what insight and wisdom! For it’s a fact that our strength comes from being joyful in the Lord. When we place our trust and faith in Him, we don’t have to worry about anything, that means we should be happy. Likewise, if we’re joyful, that means we’re positive and confident, and we don’t have to go around like wet fowls, looking sad and miserable. Friends, that’s the whole point of becoming a believer, so that we can live a renewed life of joy and privilege through the comforting words and Spirit of Jesus. If we’re true believers, we should have an air of joy and prosperity, cause that’s what we’re trying to sell the unbelievers. And you cannot sell something successfully unless you show enthusiasm for it. So let’s cut out the poor me one, hang dog, look nuh, and put on the bright, cheerful, enthusiastic air like we’re supposed to. Much LOVE!…our walk of faith must be clothed in an aura of… joy, peace, strength, confidence and LOVE…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 April 2008 Proverbs 11:24-26‏

20 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Proverbs 11:24-26    There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that witholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth.
 
Words of absolute truth and wisdom my Friends. Those who spread, who share their good fortune with others tend to increase what they already have, while the miserly, who keep more than is really necessary don’t. One would think that if you withheld more than you gave away, you’d be more prosperous. But it doesn’t work that way. The Lord set it up to work contrary to what we’d expect. It’s the old story of what you sow you reap. You can’t sow a little and reap plenty. As Paul says, ‘He who sows sparingly shall reap sparingly, and he who soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully… don’t give grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor.9:6-7) The liberal soul shall be made fat is no lie, because if you’re generous  to others, they will be generous in return. Jesus said, give and it shall be given to you, multiplying more than you gave, even overflowing. And the same applies to one who waters; he shall also be watered. ‘Because I watered the poor who cried out, the fatherless and those without help. The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.’ That’s Job declaring how he was blessed because he helped  those in need. (Job 29:12-13) And isn’t it a fact that people despise those who stockpile, who hoard stuff during shortages so that many have to go without. Just think about all those times of rationing during the war years, or in times of drought and famine how so many people suffer while those who have refuse to share or even sell. Amos 8:5-6 talks about this. ‘When will the new moon be past, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat? Making the epaph small and the shekel large, falsifying the scales by deceit. That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals-even sell the bad wheat.?’ Yes Friends, at times we’ll even bless those who we know are defrauding us, if it keeps us alive. The lesson today though people is simply to be generous; share what you have with those who don’t. Help those in need as much as you can. The more you give and help, the more you will receive and be helped. Remember, any increase we get is from the Lord, and it’s not to keep solely for our selves, but to spread and scatter as much as possible. Oh Friends, there are so many people out there in need of so much, in this world of plenty, and many of us who have more than enough, that we can afford to give more than we’re giving. I’m challenging us today to stop withholding whatever we’re withholding and instead scatter it. Let’s all become liberal souls and water aplenty, so that we can improve the lives of more of our fellow humans. It’s rough out there yuh know Friends and every little bit helps, and also brings so much glory to God. Much LOVE!..to him of a generous heart…the Lord displays His own generosity…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 April 2008 Psalm 54:1-3‏

19 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 54:1-3    Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
 
What humble, heartfelt words from Bruh David.  He uttered that prayer after the Ziphims told Saul that he was hiding out in their neck of the woods, and Saul went looking for him. Friends, do we cry out to our God like that, with our heart and soul? Or do we go crawling, whimpering with our tails between our legs? We should neither be arrogant or subservient. Even when Bruh David was fleeing for his life from Saul, he still had the acumen to approach the the throne of Grace with boldness, confidence and humility. It’s a fine balance we need to find. And he didn’t mince words either, he came straight to the point. ‘Save me, O God,’ he cried out. ‘Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.’ That’s how  God wants us to come to Him; sure and positive in our faith and trust; at once acknowledging His supremacy, while recognizing His LOVE, mercy and forgiveness. When Bruh David pleaded, ‘Save me, O God!’ he had no doubts about God’s ability to do as he asked. We also need to display that kind of assurance Friends. When we ask for His intercession in our affairs, it must be in faith, believing that He is willing and able to do what ever we ask with a right heart. Obviously Bruh David was afraid, because Saul was hunting him down like a wild animal, with a frenzy and vengeance he did not understand, since he’d done nothing to deserve it. That’s why he asked the Lord to ‘judge me by thy strength.’ Vindicate me, for I’ve done nothing wrong. ‘For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul:’ Without a qualm, he took refuge in the only sure place he knew; the One, True God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, confident that his case would be heard in a timely manner, before a merciful and just judge. That’s the same Being, who’s Infinitely Everything, that we should also look to for all our help and guidance Friends. If a mighty man, like Bruh Dave, who had the world by its tail, could turn to an unseen God and cry out for help, why can’t we, especially after Jesus came to earth, became man and died for our sins? At least we have the writings of people who saw God in the flesh, Bruh Dave didn’t have that luxury, because he existed long before Jesus’ earthly mission, so we can just imagine the power and intensity of his faith. Do we have such conviction in our faith people? Well let’s try to acquire it nuh, lets strengthen our conviction. And how do we intensify our faith? By asking the same person who gives us everything else; God. Now isn’t that wonderful! As Bruh David says about his enemies, with extraordinary wisdom and insight, ‘They have not set God before them. Selah.’ And that’s the crux of the matter right there my Friends. So people, I’m asking that all of us try to raise the level of our faith, and when we approach the Father, do so with a pleasing sense of confidence and humility. In other words, like Bruh Dave, let’s set God before us. Selah! Much LOVE!…the stronger our faith…the more confident we are…of defeating the enemy…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 April 2008 Exodus 23:8.‏

18 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Exodus 23:8    And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
 
Now isn’t that the living truth my Friends! That was one of God’s instructions to Moses when He brought the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. And it holds true to this day, because of man’s inherent greedy, evil nature. It’s sound advice for anyone in a position of authority, or who has power to change or do something to cause one person or group to benefit over another. A gift under those circumstances is usually nothing more than a bribe, whether or not it be conceived as such. Because it ‘blindeth the wise.’ It’s just human nature to look more favourably on any group or person who gives us something, especially if it’s something we badly need or want. But there are always repercussions to accepting gifts, since the gift giver, either consciously or subconsciously, expects things to go in his favour. And if they don’t, he’s upset. But if they do, then the ones who gave no gifts, raise a hue and cry, claiming it’s only because the decision makers received gifts. Proverbs 15:27 says, ‘He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house, but he that hateth gifts shall live.’ And that’s a proven fact. Just look at the many people over the years, who’ve been brought to their knees over the inappropriate taking of gifts. But what have we done in our society today eh? We’ve gone and ostensibly legalized the giving of gifts, clothing it in the respectable, unsuspecting name of lobbying. Lobbyists have access to those in power and constantly try to get them to make laws, rules or changes with various promises. But people, a bribe by any other name is still a bribe. Proverbs 17:23 got it so right. ‘A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert  the ways of judgement.’ And that’s exactly what lobbyists do, ‘try to pervert the ways of judgement’ to the benefit of those they represent. And as the Bit states, gifts also ‘perverteth the words of the righteous.’ It causes those decent people who accept them to lie and cover up the true nature of their activities. No one openly admits taking a bribe. Instead, we all get up on our high horse, get angry and self-righteous and threaten to litigate etc. when the truth is we’re just covering up our nefarious deeds with a lot of hot air, hoping that our indignant reaction will make others believe we’re telling the truth, and the accusations would then fade away. But that’s not how it works Friends. At some stage of the game, we all have to pay the piper. As the man in the oil ad says, you can pay me now, or pay me later, but you’ll pay sometime, and the later you pay, the greater the price. So people, if you’re in any position to make or enable change, especially significant change, please beware of gifts and their givers. For they at times behave like meagre dogs, after you’ve treated them good, they turn around and bite you. Let’s be acutely aware of those who come bearing gifts, for they may be trying to blind us to some evil deed, or make us pervert our words, words we may have to eat, at a huge price, later on. Much LOVE!…never accept seemingly harmless gifts…unless you’re real sure of their true purpose…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 April 2008 Philippians 1:2-6‏

17 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Philippians 1:2-6    Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
 
Please accept those words and sentiments as if they came from me Friends, for I’m sending them to you today. I couldn’t say it any better. I do wish you grace and peace, and sincerely thank the Lord for your fellowship and offer prayers for all of you; those who’ve been with me from the start of this Scrip-Bit endeavour, as well as those who’ve joined in mid stream. Hn,hn! It’s another instance where I have to chuckle at the machinations of our God yes! That wasn’t the way I’d planned to start the Bit, but when I came to do the proper draft, the Most High put it in my heart to send out those same greetings that Paul sent to the Philippians. And they are true people; I do thank the Lord for your association and pray for all of you. But if there’s one thing Bruh Paul had and we sadly need today Friends, it’s enthusiasm, not only for the Word, but enthusiasm for life in general. Imagine him sitting in a Roman jail and writing those words nuh. But then again the Church at Philippi was the first one he established in Europe and the people had always been good to him, sending money and presents while he was in jail, and being generally concerned about his welfare. I like the way he greets them; calling down blessings of grace and peace on them. We need to do more of that Friends; speak blessings on our associates. Remember, a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken. Paul also says he thanks God every time he remembers them, and prays for them to be filled with joy, because he’s so grateful for their help and fellowship. Are we thanking God for those who fellowship with us?  Are we offering prayers for their joy, safety and prosperity? These are things we ought to do my Friends. And I don’t mean only in church on Sundays, or whenever we go, but all through the week. We all need prayers and blessings to help us on our journey of faith. A small prayer on someone else’s behalf can work wonders. It’s so important that we keep each other strong and encouraged. And that’s where Bruh Paul wins, as he writes to the Philippians: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ Wow! His enthusiastic encouragement must surely have buoyed their spirits. And what he says is also the gospel truth. If the Lord causes us to begin something worthwhile, then He will enable us to accomplish it. We need to be assured of that fact and not be afraid to tackle stuff that seems too big or difficult. Remember nothing’s too big or difficult for our God. And if perchance we’ve already begun the task and find it more daunting than we imagined, don’t give up without a fight. Talk to the Father, He’ll guide and strengthen you. He’ll make a way where there seems to be none. Lack of enthusiasm and encouragement amongst Christians is one of the biggest drawbacks in spreading the Word. Meanwhile the enemy is always on the hustings, meeting and greeting, and bolstering his business. Oh Friends, let’s get enthused and encouraged nuh, and go out there and talk and live the Word with joy and confidence. There are lots of unfortunate people who need what we have And it’s our mission to share it with them; give them a reason to live. Plenty Peace and Much LOVE!…unbelievers will only want what we have…when we show them we’ve got something good…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 April 2008 1 Corinthians 13:11-13‏

16 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Corinthians 13:11-13    When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth, faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
 
1 Corinthians, Chap.13 is probably Bruh Paul’s most renowned and quoted bit of writing, where he talks about LOVE; the way it truly works and it’s tremendous power. Today we’re dealing with the last three verses. First off, he acknowledges that when he was a child, he behaved like one, but when he became a man, he put away childish things. That passage basically refers to Vs.8, where he claims, ‘Charity (LOVE) never faileth:’ But prophecies, tongues and knowledge shall disappear, because those things were only the childlike accoutrements of the new faith, being used to partially reveal the Word. But when the full story was told, when adulthood was reached, those things would no longer be necessary. The Biblical Scholars figured this occurred by the end of the apostolic age, when the New testament was completed. Those words also imply personal growth, a sense of maturity, whether as an adult human being, or growing in the Christian faith. I want to use it as an analogy for the latter. In the early stages of our walk of faith, like young toddlers, we’re unsure of where we’re at and where we’re going, and so take childlike steps, ‘teeter tottering’ and usually looking for handholds to support us. ‘For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.’ We don’t understand all that we read or hear. The whole scripture stuff is somewhat confusing. But like obedient children, we plod along, learning and growing in the faith by praying, studying and having fellowship with others. And as we grow in knowledge and understand what it means to be a follower of Christ, our confidence increases, until we can walk on our own, with strong, sturdy steps, no longer needing handholds. That means we’ve matured, and cease thinking of the faith in simple, childish terms. The looking glass is no longer dim and murky, but bright and shiny. We can see clearly now. But Friends, just as maturity in everyday life doesn’t mean we know everything, the same applies to our spiritual life. Not because we’ve grown in the faith and understand it, means we can now rest on our laurels. In fact, that’s when we need to escalate our efforts to spread it. We also need to keep praying, studying and fellowshipping. Just as children grow up to be adults then start working and being productive, we also need to become productive; disseminate the Word while living a life that genuinely reflects it. That’s our avowed purpose. Friends, let’s remember, it’s vitally important that the way we live matches up with the Word we teach. Else we’re just making a mockery of the faith. As Bruh Paul put it, there are three basic parts to our walk: Hope of salvation at the end; Faith, sure belief in salvation, that grows as we grow, and Charity, or LOVE, that we show in our walk of faith. But the greatest of these is LOVE! Yes Friends, for God is LOVE! And obedience to Him, means both talking and walking LOVE! Let’s go out and do that nuh. Much LOVE!…faith is first childlike…then…with proper grooming…blossoms to productive maturity…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 April 2008 Romans 2:9-11‏

15 Apr 2008 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Romans 2:9-11    Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile. But glory, honour, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. For there is no respect of persons with God.
 
Amen…and Amen to that Friends! The Lord doesn’t care who you are; what religion you belong to, whether you have an exalted or lowly position in society, whether you’re rich or poor, drive a fancy car, or ride a donkey, do mental or menial labour. When it comes to good and evil, we are all the same to Him. Bruh Paul is informing the church at Rome, and us too, that, ‘Tribulation and anguish,’ will come ‘upon every soul of man that doeth evil;’ And it doesn’t matter whether you are Jew or Gentile. ‘But glory, honour, and peace,’ will be the reward ‘to every man that worketh good.’ Again, your ethnic origin is unimportant. The accident of your birth into a particular segment of society is immaterial, for God ‘will render to every man according to his deeds.’ Vs.6. Oh people, this should throw up a red flag of dire warning in front of us all, make us stop and take inventory, ask ourselves, what camp are we in? Good or evil? Hopefully we’ll all conclude, with a sincere heart, that we’re in the good one. And if by chance we aren’t, then we’ll opt to throw off the hold that evil has on us, a.s.a.p, and instead wrap ourselves in the liberating cloak of righteousness. It’s not too late. And for those of us who genuinely figure we’re in the good camp, then it’s imperative we go out there and somehow or other, reduce the numbers in the enemy’s camp, because they seem to currently outnumber us by far. They also appear to be in more powerful positions, meaning they have the capacity for large, widespread evil projects, that can cause great calamity. And for some reason, a small evil deed seems to produce a greater backlash than a good one. Like one hand grenade disintegrates and spreads shrapnel over a wide area, just so one evil deed disproportionately multiplies and spreads misfortune. So it’s definitely in our best interest to substantially lessen, reduce to zero, the purveyors of such wickedness. Don’t laugh, for with our God, anything’s possible, but it will take a major, sustained effort on the part of the good camp. But then again, it seems harder for good people to unite and fight for a worthy cause, than for the unrighteous to band together to promote their ungodly deeds. Why is that eh? Oh Friends, we can cry and complain all we want, but nothing in this world is going to change for the better until the righteous rise up as one, and stay unified, until the enemy is defeated. But until then, each of us has to do our small bit in our little corner, and work to be in the group Bruh Paul talks about in Vs.7. ‘To them who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.’  Much LOVE!…let’s be of the household of good nuh…it’s the only wise and sensible way…

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries