Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 November 2007 Psalm 100‏

22 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 100:  A Psalm of Praise!    Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God:  it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth  to all generations.
 
I recently received an e-mail from the sister of a friend encouraging me to set up a blog site. Well, the thought had occurred to me before, but not computer savvy enough to do it on my own, and being busy otherwise, I sort of put it aside, figuring that when the time was right it would happen. But would you believe, as usual, the Most High had other ideas, because, while talking to my young daughter on the phone tonight, I happened to mention the blog thing. Oh, she jumped on it and said, it’s easy. Just go to so and so and do so and so…and what do you know?  An hour later we had blogged Scrip-Bit. I guess the time was right nuh. (smile) Then she went to bed and left me fiddling with the appearance until I suddenly realized that it was minutes to one in the a.m. and I had not even thought about Today’s Bit. However, as I keep emphasizing, the Good Lord never let’s you down, especially if you’re doing His work. He always shows up, might be right at the last minute, but He always shows up in time, with a plan. And while I sat there contemplating what to write about, a little birdie suddenly whispered to me, when in doubt, go to your favourite writer. But of course! Bruh David! The Psalms! Obviously I chuckled, but turned excitedly to them, and after flipping through a few pages, there it was: Psalm 100! Short and sweet! A Psalm of Praise! How appropriate!  Yes Friends, it’s very fitting that we should make a joyful noise unto our God, if only because He’s so good to us. However, there’s also reason for joy tonight because we’ve set up another avenue to spread His Holy Word; Scrip-Bit Blog, where anyone with an internet connection, in any part of the world, can access it, 24/7, and get words of encouragement. That’s what we’re giving out here; Words of Encouragement for Daily Living. And say what yuh want about Bruh Dave, there’s no better person than him when it comes to singing and dancing and giving praise to our Heavenly Father. That’s one thing Bruh Dave understood; regardless of what you’re doing or done, it’s always right to acknowledge that He is God; He made us, and looks after us, tends to all our needs, like a shepherd does for his sheep, or good parents for their children…And He’s the best of them all. So when we come before Him, it should be with praise and thanksgiving. Why? Because He’s good, He’s kind, He’s generous, forgiving, loving, merciful and truthful, from the very beginning to the very end…There is none other like Him! Praise Him and bless His Holy Name…Amen! Much LOVE!
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 November 2007 Joel 2:12-13‏

22 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Joel 2:12-13    Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of evil.
 
It appears that the Israelites were going through a rather rough time, with drought, forest fires, hunger and other deprivation running rampant throughout the land. Obviously the people weren’t happy and their faith was at a rather low ebb. That’s when the prophet Joel tried to wake them up, warning of even greater consequences for their lethargy and disbelief. He’s bearing the encouraging word of our Heavenly Father, who’s saying; Turn back to me, show me some true repentance with serious fasting and weeping. Search your heart, tear it open and check to see what’s truly there. Don’t put on an outward show by ripping off your clothes in public. I’m not interested in that, but rather your heart; its true state. I want to know the true nature of your soul. Yuh know, it’s funny that when we were growing up, this piece of scripture was commonly misquoted. People would say, render, instead of rend  your heart and not your garment. But coming to think of it now, that’s just as good, because it’s still saying give your heart to God, that’s what He’s interested in, not your outward appearance or clothing. And doesn’t it make you wonder about our mentality, when every time God gets annoyed with us and punishes us for our wilful disobedience, that He keeps on telling us that He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and feels sorry afterwards, but He’s got to do it, if we don’t listen and obey. Oh Friends, every prophet and spiritual teacher has tried to instil that into us, but it just never seems to sink in. Now today, the same kind of things are happening in our world, on a much larger scale; just remember all the hurricanes, the forest fires, the heat waves, the wars and rumours of wars, the devastating floods – Mexico this past week – famine, starvation and poverty all over, especially Mother Africa, an unholy widening of the gap between the haves and have nots, not to mention the breakdown and possible demise of the family, with more divorces, estrangement and in-fighting than we’ve ever seen, and yet, with all this prominent negativity staring us full in the face, foolishly, we seem to be moving farther away from God rather than towards Him. Is He trying to tell us something, like He did with the Israelites? Who knows? But Friends, from the ungodly tempo currently permeating  our world , I’m sure we need to inspect and ascertain the true nature of our hearts and turn back to The Most High in sincere repentance, so that He can, for the umpteenth and one time, forgive us and make us whole…otherwise, crapaud soon smoke we pipe.  Much LOVE!…and people, let’s really really try to live the life that will bring Him glory nuh! Is it that difficult?

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 November 2007 Romans 5:1-6‏

22 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Romans 5:1-6    Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience; experience; and experience; hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
 
‘Oh happy day…when he washed…when Jesus washed…all my sins away! Oh happy day!’  More mysterious workings from the Most High! While driving along the highway this evening I heard that song playing from a CD in the car. You older folks will remember it from way back, and you young uns should check it out, it’s a wonderful song, with versions to suit every musical taste. I don’t remember who sang it originally, but the version I heard today was by B.B. Wynans. Anyway, it suited my spirit admirably because…Praise The Lord…! I had some of my stress lifted today, and considered  finding a Bit that would go with it. But when the time came to choose the Bit, I forgot all about that. However, when I decided on the first six verses of Romans 5 and began contemplating what to write about the passage that possibly lends the best justification for our Christian Faith, the song miraculously popped back into my consciousness. The song was most appropriate in more ways than one. I was a bit happier, less stressed out. And, as believers we are justified by faith which brings us into a right relationship with God, through His son J.C. And this faith also gives us access to God’s mercy, His grace, for which gift we are everlastingly thankful, showing it by rejoicing  with hope in His glorious coming again. And not surprisingly, all this excitement engenders such a powerful, righteous feeling that even allows us to glory in things like tribulation, because we know it’s rough times that teaches us patience, and patience gives us experience, which then fills us with hope, and oh Friends…when we are filled with hope we cannot be ashamed because the Holy Ghost that’s given to us as a helper, sows the LOVE of God in our hearts and makes us want to shout it out loud from the mountain tops to the whole world! And people, the best reason is yet to come: While we were yet abject sinners, what you think happened?  J.C died for our sins! Hallelujah!  So there are indeed lots of reasons to give Him thanks and praise, and sing at the top of our voices…’Oh Happy day…when Jesus washed…when Jesus washed…when He washed…all my sins away… Oh happy, happy day!’  Much LOVE, Friends and Neighbours…be happy… and stay strong in the faith!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 November 2007 Matthew 4:18-22 & 9:9

22 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Matthew 4: 18-22  &  9: 9    And  Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother; casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them. Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father mending their nets, and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father and followed him.   And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
 
What a unique way to recruit your top executives eh? Can you see any organization at all doing that today, no matter how big, small or enterprising they might be? Just going out on the street and saying, hey you, follow me…and you too, and those called just doing as told without asking any questions? Not on your life! And even if they did, I doubt they would get such excellent results. But that was a completely different time: fewer people in a smaller area, a little less cynical than us today, though just as gullible. However, you’ve got to also remember that J.C. was an entirely different cup of tea. They had never seen anything like Him before. Imagine Peter and Andrew, poor fishers of fish, just leaving the expensive tools of their trade, their nets in the water and immediately following  J.C. to become fishers of men. I doubt they even knew what He was talking about. The same thing goes for James and John. They just upped and left their poor father Zebedee mending the nets and went off behind Jesus. Can you imagine Zebedee’s surprise and amazement, plus consternation and concern for his livelihood? Hn! His two young sons just buzzing off to follow some crazy, itinerant preacher.  But J.C had perfected that recruiting skill. He did the same thing with Matthew, the tax collector and got the same response. It also worked with Phillip, as we recently saw. (John 1:43)  Now why would all these men, from various walks of life, just quit their jobs and families to follow a man they might or might not have heard about, whose reputation was somewhat tarnished? Your guess is as good as mine. But I’m sure they must have all either seen, heard or felt something when J.C. called them to follow Him. Whatever it was, it had to be a fairly powerful motivating force, for all of them to just quit their normal way of life and begin cavorting behind J.C who did not seem to have a regular means of earning a living. I don’t think any of us today would just leave our families and go off with someone we knew nothing about.. But those men did it, without hesitation too. I like to think it was their faith that enabled them. They must have sensed something about J.C, whether it was His charisma, or just an aura of strength and power emanating from Him. Whatever it was Friends, I certainly wish we could get some of it today. Something that just makes us follow Him, without any doubts or uncertainties. Wish we could bottle or package it and spread it throughout the world, so people could see what a powerful, beautiful way of life they were missing out on. The only reasons I can find to describe the Disciples’ responsiveness, are words like Faith, Hope, Belief and Trust, things that have become the bulwark of Christianity. So Friends, let’s stand fast in all that we hold dear, believing and trusting in His words and promises. For if we faint not, eventually we’ll receive the victor’s crown! Much LOVE…stand tall…and fight the victor’s fight!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 November 2007 Ecclesiastes 3:1-2‏

21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.    To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
 
Truer words were never spoken, but we don’t realize it until we’ve matured and really understand how the universe operates. Many of us became familiar with this truth through the song;’Turn, Turn, Turn’ popularized by the English group, The Yard birds in the 60’s. That was the basis of the song; everything has its rightful place and time, and it’s something we should all pay more attention to since in this mad, rat race world we currently inhabit, too many of us try to do too much all at once. This problem is becoming even more serious since it’s evolved into the new hybrid way of working termed multi-tasking; where you’re doing several things at once. It’s been brought on by technological advances, which allows the powers that be greater opportunity to cut jobs and spread the same work out between fewer people, all in the unholy name of the bottom line. You never hear about less work. It’s always less jobs. Now some people can do it to a fair degree, while others simply can’t handle it. I’d like to offer, that the more things you try to do concurrently, the less attention you pay to each, and therefore none will be as good as if you focused on each of them separately. Hn, hn! I just had to laugh because when I started writing this, multi-tasking was nowhere in my thoughts. I don’t think I even knew what I wanted to write. I just knew that I wanted to deal with the season and time topic. But it seems that’s where the Most High is guiding me. Nowadays, you find people on the computer, their cell phone, watching t.v, all at the same time. If it’s just amusement and pleasure you’re after, then you might be able to do it with some degree of success, but for worthwhile stuff, where it can be a matter of life and death, or wealth and poverty, I doubt it; like talking on your cell phone, while driving on a busy highway and checking your hair and makeup in the mirror with the radio on at full blast and drinking your morning cup of java.. We’ve got to realize that on the larger scale, everything cannot happen at once. There’s a time to kill, a time to heal, a time to weep, to laugh and also to dance. You cannot have too many projects on the go at the same time without some of them suffering. I can tell you that from hard experience. Right now I’m working on several projects, but none is moving along at the rate I want because I just don’t have the time to focus on each one properly. And since I’ve begun this Scrip-Bit thing, they’ve each gotten even less time. A couple of them I haven’t even touched in months. Friends, I firmly believe that the only way to improve is to stay focused, with J.C being the main picture in our consciousness, and everything else radiating out from Him. That’s the only way we’ll reduce our stress and produce our best. So please remember that there’s a time and season for everything under the sun… for war, for peace, love, hate, winning and losing. That’s the way The Most High planned it. Although He could have made the world and all therein in a split second, He took a whole seven days. There must have been a good reason He chose to do it that way. Who are we to doubt His methodology eh? (smile). Mucho mucho LOVE!…and stay focused.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 November 2007 1st John 4:1-3‏

21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1st John 4:1-3    Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now, already, is it in the world.
 
Ah my Friends, today we touch on a very touchy but very important subject in a believer’s life: The Apostle John is warning us about believing stuff we see or hear. He starts out by saying don’t believe everything, or for that matter, anything, without checking to make sure that what you’re hearing or seeing is really from God, because there are numerous false prophets in the world. And that’s a proven fact, especially nowadays, given the great variety of technological tools for easy dissemination of anything. Unfortunately Friends, there are lots of people out there in our busy, greedy, wicked, ungodly world purporting to be bearers of the word, but the stuff they’re teaching is either completely wrong, or slanted and biased to some degree, so they can better achieve whatever goal they have in mind. And we’ve got to be very wary, on guard at all times, since many of them are very glib and convincing, have a way with words, the gift of gab. However, John also tells us how to ferret out the sincere ones from the wicked hypocrites: If the information you’re getting admits that J.C, who came in the flesh is God, then you can pay attention to it, but if it doesn’t, then forget it, leave it alone, it’s part of the antichrist movement that J.C warned would crop up to bedevil us and lead us astray. To John’s warning though, I am adding that you’ve still got to be very careful, because, as mentioned above, some -change that to- a lot of them basically preach the right thing, but with their own personal spin to achieve their own, immoral or evil ends. You hear about it all the time: Pastors abusing both male and female parishioners; Churches collecting funds to do good works, with said funds eventually ending up in the Church leaders pockets or splurged on a jet-set lifestyle. Have you ever noticed that some of these so called bearers of the word are the best dressed people in town; expensive clothes and accessories that don’t seem to gel with the standard of their church? Then there are the recent scams about giving big donations to the church to get even bigger tax breaks, but the church either isn’t aware of such a scheme, or is in cahoots with the crooks and just claims that it is not. Friends, we’ve got to be ever so careful today about what and whom we let into our lives, our hearts and minds. The only real guide that I can suggest is J.C. Set your heart and sights on Him; like the picture I mentioned of Him standing behind the youth on the bridge of the ship, pointing the way, assuring the lad with His left hand on his shoulder. Put your trust in Him. He will lead and guide us on the right path. Much LOVE…plenty care in what we watch, listen to and believe!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 October 2007 1 Peter 3:8-12‏

21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

1 Peter 3: 8-12    Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
 
There you have it friends: the basics of Christian living, laid out in its simplest form by Peter; that rock upon which J.C said He would build His Church. So if anybody should know what real Christian living should entail, Peter should. And yes, I know when  it’s read or put on paper, it sounds simple and looks easy, but because of our disobedient, sinful nature we make it rather difficult. We need to be of one mind, have compassion, consider each other as close family, which we are; brothers and sisters in the Lord. Is it so hard to behave appropriately, show empathy and be courteous? I don’t think so. We’re just giving out what we want to get back. And all of us know that we should not return wong for wrong, but instead give something positive, a blessing, since that’s what J.C wants and expects us to do. And if we return positive for negative, then a blessing is set up for us. So it’s simple; if we want to lead a good, long life, then we should not be partaking in evil, deceitful stuff, we should refrain from doing wrong and do good instead. We should not only seek peace, merely talking it, paying lip service, like most of us do, but we should actively pursue it, because The Most High looks down favourably on those who do His bidding, and listens sympathetically to their prayers. But wrongdoers…hn! He doesn’t give them the time of day. No sir! So what’s it to be Friends? I am sure that none of us want to fall into the last category, for without Jehovah’s LOVE, guidance and mercy, we’re truly lost in the wilderness, drifting crazily and aimlessly on a scary, stormy sea….Much LOVE… and please, please, let’s really show it nuh…Is it really so hard to do? I don’t think so. I find it so much easier to LOVE!
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 October 2007 Malachi 3:16.‏

21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Malachi 3:16.    Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
 
Oh Friends, how wonderful it is to have our names written in such a book! But in this case, it only came about because the Most High found cause, once again, to rebuke the Israelites. Judging from the Old Testament, He certainly rebuked and disciplined them a lot. They give the impression of being a stubborn, rebellious, ungrateful people. On this occasion, He was chewing them out because they were going around saying that it was vain to serve God, and what did it profit them by obeying His rules, and their walk was not a happy one, while looking up to and admiring the proud and wicked elements of the society. But luckily for them, there were a few smart ones who still believed in and trusted the God of their fathers, and they wisely spoke and communicated often with each other. Friends, that’s the most important element of any relationship; communication. It doesn’t matter whether it’s two or many, lowly animals or exalted human beings. People of like minds need to get together often and talk, discuss, agree, disagree, whatever, but some strong aspect of communication must be present if they want their ideas or groups to survive. That’s what the Church is supposed to be about: A coming together of like minds, believers in Christ, who work together, help and encourage each other in living the Faith and spreading His Word. But it saddens me to say, that in this day of untold prosperity and spectacular technological advancement, we don’t seem to be doing such a great job. We have the best tools and most money ever, but instead of using them to build, we’re using them to destroy. In the first place, there are so many different religions, all claiming to be the one true way. And within each each religion there are other subdivisions, each with their own spin on the subject. Furthermore, within those subdivisions, there might be smaller groups advocating one thing or another. And the strange, sad part, is that everybody believes that they are right, which just foments discord and often leads to physical violence and out and out war. How can this ever benefit the Church, the Body of Christ eh? It only benefits the enemy, who, while we’re stupidly fighting and eradicating each other, sits in the background laughing his head off. Can’t we wake up and realize that the powers of darkness are using the age old tactic of divide and conquer; have us fight amongst ourselves? Just to give a few examples: Eastern based Muslims against Western World Christians; then, within the Muslim world, Shiites against Sunnis; within the Christian world, Catholics against Protestants, most notably in Ireland. Under the Protestant banner there are numerous denominations; Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, etc. etc. who don’t get along either. Then within Catholicism and each of the Protestant denominations, there are more internal divisions again. So, how in heaven’s name can we be spreading God’s word of peace and LOVE, when we’re so divided, contentious and confrontational, with so much destruction taking place ostensibly in God’s name? You can’t blame the poor non believer for shying away from religion when all he sees amongst us is angst, confrontation and an angry, warlike nature; the exact opposite of what we’re talking to him about. Remember people that examples work more forcibly than words, so it’s of the utmost importance that we walk our talk, otherwise we’re hurting the Lord’s cause, and then our name won’t be recorded in that wonderful book. I’m sure we don’t want that to happen. MUCH LOVE…MUCH MORE SENSIBLE COMMUNICATION…AND MUCH LESS SILLY CONFRONTATION!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 October 2007 Psalm 40: 16-17.‏

21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 40:16-17.    Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, the Lord be magnified. But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
 
Okay, so I am biased, I like Bruh David’s writing. But really, his words just seem to fit the things I want to talk about. And the Most High was at it again today. He never seems to let up on me. Remember last week I spoke about a problem I could not solve, but when I finally let go and left it to Him, I saw a small breakthrough the following day. Well, that breakthrough was either imagined or it sort of reversed itself. And I again tried to find my own solution. Same result though; frustration and resentment. However, after writing yesterday’s Bit about the difficulty inherent in a believer’s walk, I stepped back and tried to look at my situation objectively, only to realize that it’s not only new believers who need to have that fact imprinted on their consciousness, but also older members of the faith. And sometimes we need it more than the new converts. Having been tossed and battered so much on the stormy seas of life, we tend to either get cynical or get so caught up in our own abilities that we forget all we need to do is simply roll with the punches, ride the billowing waves, stay afloat and leave it up to Him. Another case of healer, heal thyself, or teacher, teach thyself. And I’m not too proud to say that I decided to truly let it go, whereupon a sense of calm and relaxation flooded through me. But the Big Man upstairs was not quite finished with me. Later on in the morning, I turned on the t.v. to watch Cousin Charles, Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries. And what do you think he was talking about? How to deal with seemingly unsolvable problems. His main word was ‘Surrender.’  Just tell Him that you’ve done all you can and now you’re leaving the rest up to Him. And to illustrate the amazing qualities of Our God, Cousin Charles spoke about a time, many years before, when he was praying about a problem he could not solve. Just by chance -there’s no such thing- there was a pile of pictures lying on the floor next to him, pictures he had not gotten around to hanging on the walls, and some inner voice, undoubtedly our guide, the helpful Holy Spirit, told him to pick up the picture on top of the pile. He did as directed, and behold – the picture came up on the t.v screen – it depicted a young lad, late teens, early twenties, dressed in an orange coloured sweater, standing at the helm of a ship, his small hands on the golden mahogany steering wheel, twice as wide as him. Behind the lad, a foot or so taller, stood Jesus, clothed in snow white robes, long hair and beard flowing in the breeze, His right hand stretched out in front of Him, pointing the way. But the most provocative, encouraging and heart-warming aspect of the picture was the fact that J.C’s left hand was reassuringly placed on the young man’s left shoulder. As that amusing ole geezer, Robert Schuller would say, ‘Wow!’  Yes Friends, that’s the image J.C. wants to project. He wants all of us to have a large, crystal clear picture of Him standing behind us, pointing the way, with a gentle, reassuring hand on our shoulder. And Bruh David knew this first hand, that’s why he could proudly trumpet, ‘Let such as love thy salvation, say continually, the Lord be magnified…though I am poor and needy, the Lord thinketh on me: He is my help and deliverer!’ Much LOVE…Praise His Holy Name!
 
P.S. Whew! It unintentionally turned into a marathon session, (smile) Sorry Daughter. But marathons also serve a purpose; they give us endurance, so we can run this difficult Christian race set out for us. So please bear with the ole fella when he gets in one of these moods. Plenty Plenty LOVE!

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 October 2007 Psalm 40:8‏

21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living

Psalm 40:8.    I will delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
 
More wonderful words of wisdom from Bruh Dave! Sometimes I wonder if his son, Solomon, was really wiser than him. He wrote and did so many things chocked full of wisdom – and stupidity too – that it’s hard to judge between them both. However, that’s not really important right now, but come to think of it, it’s an interesting debate we can get into at a later stage. What’s important at this time, is for us to realize that a believer’s walk is never easy, especially in this current world, where fleshly lusts have free rein and accumulation of material possessions is the standard used to judge success. I know I’ve said this before, and daresay I will mention it several times again, but it’s imperative that we keep that idea at the forefront of our minds, especially new believers, who get captivated by all the good times and grand promises of the Most High, only to be confronted by rougher times than they’ve ever had and seemingly unanswered prayers. They’ve got to realize that it’s not all fun and games. Yes, the good times will happen, and the grand promises will be kept, but only if we do our part too. As Bruh Dave says, we must delight in doing His will, being obedient to His rules, which we have safely stored in our hearts. And even that doesn’t guarantee that we’ll have an easy life. In fact J.C pointedly stated that His disciples, His followers, would have lots of difficult times – Stephen stoned, John beheaded, Paul beaten and jailed several times, many disciples, prophets, missionaries etc, abused and imprisoned  from then even till today – simply because they preached a different message and lived by His dictates; a kind, humane, generous, merciful, loving, patient, helpful, humble, peaceful, sincere spiritual life, everything that’s contradictory to the worldly life that glorifies the flesh and material things. So we can’t ever forget that we’re not out for a simple Sunday evening jaunt in the park. We’re soldiers in the Lord’s Army. We’ve always got to be aware, be alert, on guard, because the enemy is always on the alert, ready to gleefully  pounce at the slightest opportunity to make us look bad, to cause us to damage the reputation of the Church, other believers and ultimately Our Heavenly Father. We definitely don’t want it to be said of us, that we profaned His Holy Name before the heathen, like the Israelites in yesterday’s Bit. We’ve got to avoid that at all costs. And Friends, the only way to do that successfully is to keep our hearts brimming and bristling, overflowing with His Word and His LOVE. This will make us happy to do His bidding, help us to avoid temptation and totally rebuff the enemy. Much LOVE…much filling of our hearts with His Word…and a powerful thumbs down to the powers of darkness!
   

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