Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 May 2023 Proverbs 16:9.

05 May 2023 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Proverbs 16:9.      A man’s heart deviseth (plans) his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.

Well, it’s another cloudy start to this first Friday in May, but nonetheless, the shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend is here at last!’ have gone out all around the world. I guess we don’t really care what kind of day Friday is, once it’s Friday, and the weekend looms large ahead. The trouble is that too many of us are more taken up with what the world has to offer for the weekend and not what Almighty God has in store. But then again, that’s why our world is in such a mess, such an evil, ungodly mess. If you blatantly and continually ignore the Creator and Controller of the universe you must end up with serious problems. 

Remember that the best laid plans of mice and men go astray, if they are not in sync with the will and word of God. And then there’s the Yiddish saying, ‘Man plans, but God laughs.’ And it’s all a fact, for as Cousin Sol says in Proverbs 16: ‘The preparations (plans) of the heart in man (belong to man), and the answer of the tongue, is of the Lord.’ (Prov. 16:1) In other words, as the scholars say: ‘The Lord is sovereign, even over a man’s thoughts and words.’ Now we should certainly think on that before making our grandiose plans for the weekend, or anytime really. 

And Cousin Sol further spells it out later in the chapter. ‘A man’s heart deviseth (plans) his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.’  (Prov. 16:9) And that’s oh so true friends! How many times have we planned to do something only to find ourselves doing something else, and we’re not sure why? That’s because the Lord guided us to the other thing. That makes the scholars to opine that: ‘The Lord is sovereign over man’s scheming and planning.’ And I don’t know why it’s so difficult for us to wake up and see the futility of trying to plan our own lives right down to the nitty gritty, when the Lord has His own plan for each and every life that He’s created. 

And if you still don’t believe me, then listen to Cousin Sol as he gives forth on the subject again, (smile) this time from Proverbs 19. He wisely expounds: ‘There are many devices (plans) in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.’ (Prov. 19:21) And it’s not like we haven’t seen it proven over and over in our lives. If the Lord desires to thwart our plans, He has the right and the power to do it. We just have to ‘wisen’ up, realize it and try to walk in His will rather than ours. 

Now, I guess Cousin Sol found the subject rather interesting and/or important that in another chapter of Proverbs, he once again broached the topic. Listen here: ‘Man’s goings (steps) are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?’ (Prov. 20:24) And if the first part is true, then the second part is totally logical, since you cannot understand where you’re going, if you don’t control where you’re going. (smile). And I don’t know what it will take for some of us to finally figure that out and stop trying to force our plans over those that God has set out for us. 

Friends, turning to God and asking for His will for our lives, or even bringing what we desire to do before Him before we try to initiate them is wisdom of the ages! Because if He definitely doesn’t want us going one way, He will not allow us to go there. Since He’s given us free will, He doesn’t like to get into our affairs too much, but sometimes what we’re doing is either so dangerous, outrageous or will cause so much confusion, that He intercedes and puts a spoke in our wheel. And that’s only because He LOVES us so much, He doesn’t want to see us make mistakes that are either irreparable or will cause us much heartache later on. 

And Isaiah spells it out for us in even greater detail as he speaks of God’s Spoken and Purposed Will. ‘Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring (yesss!!!) the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:’ (Is. 46:9-10) Oh my faithful believers, I don’t see how God could make it any plainer than that nuh! His counsel and plans are what will stand. He will do as He pleases, because it’s His universe, and contrary to what we might think, He still controls it. 

And Bruh David concurs with all that Cousin Sol and Isaiah say, when he proclaims in Psalm 37: ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.’ (Ps, 37:23-24) Wow! What good news that is my brethren! When we walk with God, even if we stumble and fall, we will not be totally cast down, because the Lord will raise us back up again. And Cousin Sol further elaborates on that by saying: ‘For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity).’ (Prov. 24:16) 

And that’s the gospel truth! A righteous man will never give up, regardless of how often he falls, for the Lord will always help him to rise again to his feet. Now let’s hear the end of this thing, (smile) as per the psalmist in Psalm 33. ‘Let all the earth fear the Lord (reverence Him): let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. for he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen (unbelievers) to nought: he maketh the devices (plans) of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.’ (Ps. 33:8-11) 

Now friends, with all of the wonderful, enlightening scripture percolating in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, (smile) let’s go to God, through our Friday Chant, to find succour for our earthly problems. As one voice: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so we desperately need your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. 

And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to return backsliders to your fold, show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

Now, if we sincerely want to see positive changes in our world, then we need to make the necessary changes in our lives that will encourage God to help us. It’s as simple as that. Much LOVE!

…to avoid unnecessary heartache…wisdom dictates…we take our plans to God for His approval… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ      

Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 December 2022 Matthew 19:26.

03 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 19:26.        With men this is impossible; but with God ALL things are possible.

And is there ever good reason for today to be called a lazy day Saturday! Oh yes! The rain’s falling, the wind’s blowing, it’s dark, cloudy and fairly chilly! Great reasons all for staying in bed under the covers, just dozing in and out of consciousness, or lounging on the couch, mindlessly watching the boob-tube! (smile) 

Well, I’ve already done what lazing I could safely get away with, but unfortunately reality intervened, as it always does, letting me know that the Lord’s work was waiting to be done. And like the obedient follower I try to be, (smile) here I am considering, obviously with the Lord’s help, what to write about the quotes that our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. 

And the first quote says: ‘I dwell in possibility.’ Now that’s definitely a good place to dwell because it opens a much wider variety of possibilities than if one dwelt in impossibility. (smile) But then, the question needs to be asked how much is really possible in man’s strength alone? And the answer comes, not a whole lot! However, when one has joined forces with the Lord God of the universe through His most august Son, Jesus Christ, then a whole new realm of possibility opens up to you. 

And how is that you ask? Well, it stems from Jesus’ conversation with His disciples about it being easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Then He made this overwhelming, but ever so true statement: ‘With men this is impossible; but with God ALL things are possible.’ (Matt. 19:26) And that statement is totally supported by God’s creation of the universe and all therein, and His total control of everything and everyone that exists in it. That’s why it’s ever so important to stay in God’s good graces if one wants to have unlimited possibilities in this life. 

That brings us to this next interesting quote. ‘Inspiration comes from within yourself. One has to be positive. When you’re positive, good things happen.’ Now, there’s a lot of truth in those statements, but not the entire truth. First off, not all inspiration comes from within oneself because we can be inspired by things, places and people outside of ourselves. Although, in a way, you can argue that for that outside inspiration to move you, it must first get into you spirit, therefore the inspiration came from within. (smile) 

Yes, I am trying to be the devil’s advocate. And being positive is wisdom of the highest order, although it’s not only good things that happen when you have a positive mindset, but certainly more good things happen than bad when you are positively inclined. But in all of our positivity friends, we still need Jesus to get us through the storms of life that will bombard us, for He is the ONLY ONE who can calm storms and/or lead us safely through them. And He ALONE gives us the strength, energy, hope and faith to withstand whatever comes against in this world filled with tribulation. 

Remember His words of sincere and faithful assurance. ‘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.’ (John 16:33) And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Jesus by His death, resurrection and ascension has defeated the powers of darkness, took away the keys to Hades from Satan and set us captives of sin free. And Jesus corroborates that earlier on, when He says: ‘If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.’ (John 8:36)  

Now that’s why Bruh Paul could pen these marvellous words of encouragement to the church at Philippi after receiving a gift from them. ‘Not that I speak in respect of want (in regard of need): for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased (live humbly), and I know how to abound (live in prosperity): every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:11-13) 

Yes friends, Bruh Paul was saying that though he appreciated their gift, he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself. And that comes from his relationship with Christ, who through His spiritual strength and encouragement enables Bruh Paul to adapt to whatever circumstances he’s currently facing. And Christ will do the same thing for us if we put our sincere trust and faith in Him. 

That leads us to this next quote: ‘You do not find the happy life. You make it.’ And that’s no lie. Happiness doesn’t just fall from the sky on us, we have to do certain things to become happy and to stay happy, for happiness can be a very fleeting thing, based so much on our circumstances of the moment. The first thing to understand is that we need to make ourselves happy. Even if we are showered with all the wealth and power in the world, we still have to decide to be happy. 

And the next point is that we cannot depend on any one person for all of our happiness. It’s just not possible because of the way human relationships can be very topsy-turvy; fine one moment, then in total disarray the next. That’s why we believers in Christ Jesus talk about joy rather than happiness, because joy is something that’s deep-seated and stable and doesn’t change from one minute to the next. With Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you can go through tough times and still be joyful. That’s why Bruh Paul said he could handle any situation with Jesus in his life. That’s why the Bible tells us: ‘the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Neh. 8:10) Christ Jesus empowers us! 

And that’s nowhere more evident than in this last quote. ‘I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.’ Yes, whichever ball player said those words knew the secret of success; never give up. Just keep on trying. And failure is never failure until you stop trying. As Cousin Sol writes in Proverbs: ‘For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity). (Prov. 24:16) 

Yes, my fellow saints, the righteous man, the one who has Jesus as his guide and leader never gives up because in Jesus’ kingdom there’s no giving up, the word failure doesn’t exist! No matter how many times he may fail, with Jesus’ help, he gets back up again and keeps on trying until he succeeds! And that’s a very valuable lesson we badly need to renew in our souls and spirits this lazy Saturday morning. 

Why? Because in these recent times of much confusion and uncertainty, the body of Christ, His church, has been very frail and fragile, beset by way too much doubt, fear and lethargy. We have not been strong and steadfast as we were expected to be. But now it’s time for the body of Christ to rise up and show this evil world the true qualities of Christ, as we boldly shine our lights and spread our saltiness all over this turbulent globe! Much LOVE!

…I can do anything…that Christ asks of me… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ       

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