Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 September 2022 Romans 13:10.

30 Sep 2022 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:10.        LOVE worketh no ill (does no harm) to his neighbour: therefore LOVE is the fulfilling of the law.

And the communal shout on this last day of September 2022, was heard all around the world this morning: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! Thank God that the weekend’s here and party time is nigh!’ Yes friends, it’s all well and good to thank God for some relief from work and some time to party, but how many of us also thanked Him for the breath of life that’s still flowing through our bodies this sunshiny morning eh? 

How many of us thanked Him for the new mercies and compassions that He’s sowing anew today in our miserable lives, for the jobs, the families and the many other blessings which He’s bestowed upon us undeservedly, or asked Him to bless the unfortunate ones that don’t have half as much as we do, or to help us share what we have with them? Not many of us, certainly not enough, because we’re so selfish and conceited, only interested in ourselves and what’s good for us. 

Oh, we know that me, myself and I, is the current way of the world, but that’s not the Christian way my brethren. The Christian way is to share and be unselfish like Jesus was when He gave His sinless life for us on the cross of Calvary. As we keep reminding us, if we’re to be Jesus’ disciples, ambassadors, agents or whatever we choose to call ourselves, we must endeavour to walk as closely as possible to the way He did, as John tells us so clearly in his first epistle. And to keep it all in context, we’ll read the whole passage of scripture, the test of true knowledge and discipleship. 

Now, in the book of John, we have Jesus saying: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) John then uses this in his epistle as a test of true commitment, saying: ‘And hereby we do know that we know him (Jesus), if we keep his commandments. He that saith I know him , and keepeth not his commandments , is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the LOVE of God perfected (matured): hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.’ (1 John 2:3-6) 

Oh my people, it’s obvious that because of our naturally sinful nature, we won’t’ ever walk as perfectly and sinless as Jesus did, but it’s our duty, as His representatives, to do our best, to come as close to perfect as humanly possible. That means being diligent and excellent in all we do, be it work or play, for God or for man. That means having a great devotion to God and compassion for others. Walking in truth and light, the way Jesus walked in them. Forsaking darkness and evil as much as we can. 

And please remember these most memorable words of Jesus to the disciples. ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) It’s a simple but very profound statement my fellow saints. If we LOVE each other, then people will recognize us as disciples of Jesus. 

But unfortunately, that word titled LOVE is not to be found much in our lives, at least not the way Jesus meant it. Showing care and compassion for each other, helping one another even if means sacrificing our time, talent and treasure. Thinking of and praying for each other, encouraging and comforting one another. That’s how Jesus walked amongst us. 

Now, are we doing those things to a sufficiently great extent? Certainly not! Otherwise, our world would not be the evil cesspool that it’s quickly becoming, with supposed Christians not showing up enough, not standing up steadfast and strong enough to make a substantial difference like we need and ought to. Yes, I know that I’m getting on our case, but how else are we to make a serious and substantial difference eh, when most of us are either afraid to stand up for Jesus, or want to just sit on our fannies and enjoy the pleasures of the earth? 

Somebody has to awaken us because time is running out. Every day, we believers delay in taking a stand for Jesus, the devil and his cronies get stronger and more boldfaced. Is that how we desire things to be, is it what we promised Jesus to do? Obviously not. So please, please, let’s take these warning words of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome on walking in LOVE, very seriously nuh mih bredrin. 

‘LOVE worketh no ill (does no harm) to his neighbour: therefore LOVE is the fulfilling of the law. And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly (properly), as in the day; not in rioting (revelry)  and drunkenness, not in chambering (licentiousness) and wantonness (lewdness), not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 13:10-14) 

Oh my people, I couldn’t put it any clearer or better. The time for Jesus’ return is nigh, that will be the day, and now while He is out of the world is the night, so to be prepared for that day when He returns, it behooves us to wake up asap, because we can’t afford to be sleeping, or in darkness, we need to be dressed in the armour of light. And to do that, we have to stop gratifying or satisfying the lusts of our fleshly nature, and instead walk honestly, without strife and envy, in LOVE like Jesus did. 

And to help us do that, we need to turn to the Lord in sincere prayer. So, as one voice, through our Friday Chant, let’s go to the throne of grace, baring our hearts and souls, throwing ourselves on His everlasting mercy. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the viruses and our many other problems are causing. We can’t seem to fix it on our own Lord, that means 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 both the viruses and the unrest in our streets. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, and avoid any more serious setbacks. 

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

But please note, that all those prayerful words and pretty phrases mean nothing unless we change our ways, unless we truly wake up and begin living and walking the way Jesus did! Much LOVE!

…walking like Jesus…it’s all about manifesting the fruit of the Spirit…LOVE, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control…  

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 January 2019 Matthew 22:37-38.

29 Jan 2019 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 22:37-38.   ​Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

 

‘Winterlicious winter…lots of cold and snow. Winterlicious winter…why don’t you go…back to where you came from and leave us all alone eh?’ Now that’s a question that many of us in my area will be asking this morning as they struggle through the mucho snow left by the major snowstorm yesterday. 

I remember looking out the window after lunch yesterday and there was just the residue from the day before, but by mid afternoon when I looked out again, it was all white, and the flimsy flakes were falling down from heaven like rain! Hn! Hn! But that’s what winter is all about. 

We thought we were getting a nice, snow free winter, but that was just a fantasy, a figment of our imagination. As the repairman in the ad used to say: ‘You can pay me now, or pay me later.’ It’s the same thing with the snow, we can get it early or late, or even in between, but we will get it. End of story! 

Now having said, that here is something to counteract the negative concerns. It’s a quote from Gordon W. Allport (1867-1967) a pioneering American psychologist and Harvard professor. It’s said that ‘He rejected two of the dominant schools of thought in psychology at the time, psychoanalysis and behaviorism, in favor of his own approach that stressed the importance of individual differences and situational variables.’ 

Consequently, he was able to come up with this gem: ‘LOVE received and LOVE given comprise the best form of therapy.’ Mama Mia! What awesome words of wisdom! Friends, there’s nothing better in this land of the living than giving and receiving LOVE! That’s because it’s the greatest emotion in the world, the supreme attribute of our great God, and the one that caused Him to send His Son to die on the cross for us at Calvary to pay our sin debt in full! Glory Be! 

So how could it be anything but great eh, since its effects are ever so wonderful? I know many of us, including believers, shrug off or shirk away from LOVE because we’re afraid of the hurt it can bring and the vulnerability that it imposes on our souls. But just think for a moment, if our heavenly Father had thought about the hurt it would bring Him, do you think He would have sent His Son to die for a bunch of miserable, ungrateful sinners? Definitely not! 

And think again, if Jesus had considered the severe pain and vulnerability His LOVE for the Father and us would bring Him, He would have willingly gone to the cross on our behalf? No way Jose! That’s why, as believers in and followers of Jesus, we ought to embrace that wonderful attribute of LOVE as our watchword and guiding light! 

Remember Jesus’ answer to the hypocrite Pharisee lawyer who tried to trick Him by asking: ‘Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.’ (Matt.22:36-38)

Yes friends, LOVE for God should be…no not should be, but IS our number One priority in this fallen world! And it’s not like the Pharisee didn’t know that, because all Jesus was doing there was quoting from the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 6:5. The foolish Pharisee even got more than he bargained for, because Jesus continued: ‘And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thy self. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt. 22:39-40) 

Oh my people, my people, from day one, when the Lord made us, it was all about LOVE! And when He sent Jesus to save us, it was still all about LOVE! And when Jesus comes a second time, to take us home to heaven with Him, it will still be all about LOVE! Some of us claim to abide by the first commandment, LOVE for God, but can’t get our heads around the second; LOVING our neighbours as ourselves. 

But friends, we can’t have one without the other. For as John so rightly says: ‘If a man say, I LOVE God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that LOVETH not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he LOVE God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who LOVETH God LOVE his brother also.’ (1 John 4:20-21) 

That’s as plain as night and day my brethren! Yet we foolishly try to have one without the other. Perhaps it’s because we DON’T LOVE OURSELVES, that we can’t LOVE our brothers! That’s something for us to check up on as soon as possible, because that might just be what’s hindering our LOVE walk. 

Oh friends, Jesus’ teaching was ALL based on LOVE and so should our lives ALL be based on it. Listen to this heart-opening directive as He wound down His earthly ministry. ‘A new commandment I give unto you. That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:34-35) 

Yuh see that friends, the distinctive recognition of our discipleship on Christ’s behalf must be that mankind sees our LOVE for each other! And I won’t even get into a discussion on whether we’re showing that distinctive difference, because we all know that we’re not showing it as much as we ought to. But yuh know what friends, come the judgement day, we’ll each have to answer as to why we did not keep that commandment. So nuff said! 

Let’s go home now declaring (got it right) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the world know who and whose we are – even though we’re not as good as we ought to be. (smile) As one voice, in all sincerity and truth: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world.  Amen!’ 

And if we are sincere about that, then let’s indeed go out and spread the friendship and LOVE of Jesus with the world! Much LOVE!

…it’s so sad…that the evil emotion of hate…is so much easier to come by in this world…than the godly attribute of…LOVE…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 September 2017 Luke 18:1.

28 Sep 2017 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:1.   And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. 

So friends, like fall has finally fallen! (smile) Yes, it’s still dark out at 7 a.m, it’s somewhat chilly, only 13 degrees, and yesterday I finally saw a set of fallen dry leaves merrily dancing in my driveway! That alone indicates to me that the weather has changed, or is changing. 

Anyway, North Carolina is still feeling the wind and water effects of hurricane Maria with plenty shoreline flooding, as she makes her way northward and out to sea. Ah Lord eh friends, it certainly has been a devastating couple of months in so many places from so many forces! 

And so much disaster has befallen us in the south and east, that we have forgotten that out in the west, where the devastation first began, they are still daily battling wild fires. Please, let’s continue to pray for them and help in any way we can, as we try to recover and rebuild on this side of the continent. 

And my biggest prayer is that this set of calamitous circumstances will truly bring us close together, as we help each other. Also, that it will eventually lead to us realizing that God is our ONLY true help in this uncertain world, which will further lead us to wisely embracing His LOVING-kindness once more, as the Sovereign Ruler over our society. 

In other words, we will purge the evil from our midst and go back to trying to live righteous lives, under His merciful and forgiving umbrella. That’s the ONLY thing that makes sense in this topsy-turvy world my brethren!  

Right now we need the biggest LOVE Revolution our planet has ever seen if we’re to make any serious and sensible headway in our society. Just look at the number of wars, rumours of wars and bitter strife that’s taking place in our world, despite the overwhelming disasters in almost every part of the planet. 

One would think getting together to alleviate those disasters would be the prime target of all nations. Hn! But no, feuding, warmongering, greed, religious intolerance and lust for power still seem to be our major preoccupations! 

What a foolish people we are! And yet we boast about mankind being God’s greatest and wisest creation! Steups! What a joke! 

Anyway, let’s turn to our Bit, which tells us the basic thing we need to do in this life, if we’re to succeed and prosper. ‘And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.’ 

Yeh my fellow believers, that’s the wise advice of our Lord and Saviour, our Redeemer and heavenly Advocate, the ONE who sacrificed His sinless life for us. So if we say that we believe in Him, then we ought to do what He says. 

And John tells us right up front: ‘He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4) 

Unfortunately my people, that means we have a whole lot of liars in our society since so many of us don’t keep Christ’s commandments, although we claim to be believers! But that’s another story for another day! (smile) 

Today we’re concerned with prayer and praying. And in Jesus’ most strenuous and difficult moments, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before His crucifixion, what was he doing? Praying to His heavenly Father. So Jesus knew the power of prayer and consistently practiced it. 

On that momentous night, He also uttered another serious warning on the subject. His inner circle of disciples were supposed to be watching and praying with Him: ‘And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ (Matt.26:40-41) 

That’s oh so true friends, but not too many, or not enough of us consider those words today, and that’s a major reason why our society is so awash in evil and ungodliness. So please, let’s consider them more than we do right now nuh. It’s all for our benefit, not God’s!

And if we sincerely believe and trust in Jesus, then let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings. Remember there is power in the word, and speaking it only enhances that power. 

So in unison, emphatically and enthusiastically: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! 

I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’

Glory be mih people! Now let’s go out and share those blessings as Jesus desires of us. Much LOVE!

…to be safe and not sorry…watch and pray…

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 October 2016 Romans 8:37.

26 Oct 2016 Leave a comment

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

Romans 8:37.    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.

Well hello there my fellow travellers on the glory train that’s bound for heaven! I do hope that this short (smile) missive finds you in good health and hope and that you are enjoying the journey towards the greatest destination ever – HEAVEN! 

Oh yes, we are meant to enjoy the journey too, that’s why our Lord and Saviour sacrificed his sinless life for us. 

Now, no long journey is ever easy, but we’ve been given the wherewithal to also enjoy this one; things like hope and faith, LOVE and peace, blessings and mercies, care and compassion, as well as the Holy Spirit of God that dwells within us to lead and guide us along the right path. 

Why do you think our Creator and heavenly Father ensured that we had all that good stuff eh? So that we could enjoy life here on earth! We don’t have to wait until we reach heaven to enjoy life, heaven begins right here on earth. 

He knew that earthly life wouldn’t always be easy and fun, but He’s given us enough tools to make the overall journey enjoyable. 

So please let’s start using those tools and begin enjoying our little bit of heaven right here on earth, else we’d just be disappointing our Father, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit that’s working so hard to encourage and fill us with joy. 

Please remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Neh. 8:10) So if we lose our joy, as the enemy desires, then we’ll also lose our strength in Almighty God. Sermon done! (smile)  

And since today is Wednesday, let’s declare our Wednesday Wail with the appropriate enthusiasm, passion and JOY! 

Wailing: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. 

My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

Yes friends, therein lies the joy that we’re supposed to have and show to this evil and ungodly world! We’re alive, and as true believers ought to be steady in our ploughing, concentrating on the wonderful future that Jesus has planned for us in the mansions in heaven, not our rough and cruddy past. 

Remember what Jesus said: ‘No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62) 

As the scholars explain. ‘9:62. Fit, occurring elsewhere only in 14:35 and Hebrews 6:7, means “suitable” or “usable.” One who makes life’s lesser matters of greater priority than God’s work is of little use to Him.’ 

And remember too what happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back, as fire and brimstone were pelting down on Sodom and Gomorrah, she turned into a pillar of salt. (Gen.19:26) Nuff said. 

Let’s get into our Bit, perhaps for the last time. ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.’ 

Oh friends, that is such a wonderful scripture! It ensures of us the power we’ve been granted through God’s everlasting and unconditional LOVE for us! Wow! Are we ever blessed! 

And we’ll continue today with John’s treatise on LOVE. ‘There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casteth out fear: because fear hath (involves) torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in LOVE.’ (1 John 4:18) 

Now, before we go any further, please listen to this explanation of that verse by the scholars. ‘4:18. Fear hath torment: Abject fear of God is based on dread of punishment. But God’s LOVE for us renders such dread obsolete. 

Fear is still part of the Christian walk in the sense of profound reverence, the unwillingness to violate God’s trust in us (see Acts 10:35; 13:26; 2 Cor.7:1; Eph. 5:21; Phil.2:12; 1 Pet.1:17). 

Believers need not fear eternal rejection as a result of God’s judgement (John 5:24), but this does not mean a Christian’s approach to God is to be casual and flippant.’ 

Please pay serious attention to that explanation my people, because it can make or break our Christian walk. 

And John continues: ‘We LOVE him, because he first LOVED us. If a man say, I LOVE God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that LOVETH not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he LOVE God whom he hath not seen? 

And this commandment have we from him, That he who LOVETH God LOVE his brother also.’ (1 John 4:19-21) End of story my people! 

And the scholars have this to offer. ‘4:19-21. Our LOVE, if it exists and mirrors God’s LOVE at all, is not our own but God’s doing. The epitome of hypocrisy is the claim to LOVE God while withholding LOVE from others. For Jesus Himself commanded that he who LOVES God is to demonstrate this through LOVING others.’ 

So my fellow believers, when we’re bandying around the word ‘LOVE,’ as is our wont today, please let’s remember its true meaning and give it its rightful due, for that is wisdom of untold proportions. Much LOVE!

…only the true LOVE of Jesus…can truly make the world go round…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 October 2016 Proverbs 8:17.

14 Oct 2016 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 8:17.   I LOVE them that LOVE me; and those that seek me early (diligently) shall find me.

Well friends, it’s that day we all clamour for; Friday, because it means the end of the workweek and the start of the weekend. And for those of us living in this beautiful country of Canada it was a short week because of our Thanksgiving celebrations. 

But yuh know what, whether we work five, four, or even three days a week, we’ll still cry out on a Friday: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! No more slave driver looking over mih shoulder. I can do as I please. Eat and drink what I want, when I want. 

Don’t have to ask permission to go to the loo, or have anybody looking to see how often I go and how long I stay, as though I’m some little short pants schoolboy. Chuh! 

The weekend is MINE! Mine to do as I please! And the wicked and greedy slave master and them be damned! Thank God for Fridays and the weekend! Let’s go and party now!’ 

And believe me friends, in this modern day and age, sadly, there are still work places that will cause that kind of cry to be echoed by the employees. But that still doesn’t give us the right to just dissipate and waste the weekend in riotous, ungodly living. 

We need balance in our lives if we are to live them successfully. And that’s what our Friday Chant seeks to help us do. So let’s chant it with sincerity and truth now nuh.

All together: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. 

Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ 

Ah mih people, that is a much better perspective, because if we keep on abusing the weekends, then have to go to work tired and grumpy, we’ll soon burn out and get sick and won’t be able to enjoy the weekends again. We’ll end up cutting off our nose to spite our face. 

That’s what happens when we overdo anything. Anyway, all I can do is give advice, we all have to make our own decisions as to how we live our lives, and remember we each have to bear the consequences too. 

And our Bit gives us some of the best advice possible in this fallen world. ‘I LOVE them that LOVE me; and those that seek me early (diligently) shall find me.’  

Cousin Sol is here talking about seeking wisdom, and we’ve seen in the past couple days the earthly benefits of seeking her, and also how God used her from the very beginning to create the universe. 

And we all know the scripture where James declares: ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). 

For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:5-8) 

Yes my fellow believers, it’s important that when we come to God we’re not doubting, or sitting on the fence, ‘for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb.11:6b) 

Now here’s an interesting note from the scholars on verse 5 above, James’ declaration about going to God for wisdom. ‘1.5: This verse is not a blanket promise of wisdom for any situation. In the context of life’s trials, it probably speaks of a believer being granted (1) wisdom as to the reason for his trials and (2) wisdom to endure them.’ 

So I guess we can’t use this verse as the basis for general but rather particular wisdom. However, there’s also another side to wisdom; the wisdom of seeking Almighty God! 

When Jesus promised His disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, He told them in no uncertain words. ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments… He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that LOVETH me: and he that LOVETH me shall be LOVED of my Father, and I will LOVE him, and will manifest, (reveal, show) myself to him.’ (John 14:15,21) 

Yeh friends, it’s all about LOVE! And LOVE means being obedient and steadfast. Hear how John puts it in his first epistle. 

‘And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the LOVE of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.’(1 John 2:3-6)  John spells it out loud and clear my people! 

And the scholars offer these comments. ‘2:3. John writes so that his readers may not sin (v.1). Now he sets forth a characteristic of genuine knowledge of God: obedience to His commandments. This is a major teaching of Jesus.’ 

‘2:5. Perfected is in the perfect tense. John refers to the decisive and enduring effect of the indwelling LOVE of God. But the test of knowing God’s LOVE is keeping His Word.’ 

Therefore friends, it all comes down to one word ‘OBEDIENCE!’ We can talk all we want about LOVING God, etc. etc, but it means absolutely nothing, unless we are walking in obedience to His commandments. 

So let’s seriously ponder all we’ve said today nuh, let’s search our hearts and see if we are truly walking in obedience to God’s Word. Obviously we won’t be perfect, but we can know if we’re on the right track. And if we’re not, then we certainly can ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom to get on the right track. Much LOVE!

…to be Christ-like…obedient as He was…should be each believer’s sincere goal…

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 December 2015 2 Chronicles 26:5

21 Dec 2015 Leave a comment

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

2 Chronicles 26:5.  And he sought God in the days of Zechariah who had understanding in the visions (fear) of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

Well Friends, as the world turns, the universe is unfolding as it should. (smile) Yes, the Lord in His wisdom has set it that with every rotation of the earth on its axis, a new day is born, and it just so happens that today is the birth of a wonderful day called Monday. Glory Hallelujah! 

It’s the first day of our workweek, so let’s be up and at ‘em nuh, for our very livelihoods depend on it. And when we bring a pleasant and positive attitude to it, it works to our benefit. If we keep on muttering and complaining, it just sours us and builds a whole lot of negativity in our spirits. 

In other words, Lucifer wins the first battle of the day. And that’s not right or wise my people, for then, most likely he’ll continue winning most of our daily battles, because we reap what we sow, and by our less than stellar beginning, the first thing we sowed was negativity. 

Anyhow, away with Lucifer! He is just a liar and a deceiver, primed to steal our joy and peace. So let’s counteract his evil ways with our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, which puts us in the safe, productive and confident zone that’s ruled by Jesus.  As one harmonious and enthusiastic choir, let’s raise our voices to heaven in a sacrifice of praise. 

‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. 

We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. 

But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. 

Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ 

Good going friends! Our choirmaster, Jesus, though not thrilled, was not displeased with our effort. So let’s get out there and do our thing in His glorious name! 

Now it’s time for our Bit. ‘And he sought God in the days of Zechariah who had understanding in the visions (fear) of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.’ 

Oh Friends, I don’t know how often we’ve made that point nuh; we prosper when we seek the Lord. But still too many of us refuse to believe it and plod on unsuccessfully under our own steam. That’s the wisdom of a fool my brethren! 

And today’s Bit is talking about the sixteen year old Uzziah (Azariah in 2 Kings) who reigned in Judah after the death of his father Amaziah. And the Good Book declares: ‘And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.’ (2 Chr.26:4) 

Oh, before we go any further, according the scholars, the Zechariah named above, is not the same one who wrote the prophetic book of Zechariah. So let’s get that straight. 

Now let’s look at a couple scriptures that teach the same thing as our Bit, beginning with Jehoshaphat when Moab invaded Israel. The multitude of Moab’s army was more than Israel could handle, so what did Jehoshaphat do? ‘And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Israel.’ (2 Chr.20:3) 

And what was the Lord’s response? He sent a message by one Jahaziel, telling them: ‘Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s’ (2 Chr.20:15b) 

And then the next day, as they were preparing to go out to battle, ‘Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.’ (2 Chr.20:20) 

And to make a long story short, they went out to war singing praises to their God, and by the time they reached the battle ground all they found were the dead bodies of their enemies, and they had a field day in collecting their possessions. Yes Friends, they won a war without even fighting their enemy, because they believed in the Lord their God. 

Now the same thing happened when Hezekiah became king of Judah and cleaned up the idolatry, and set proper systems in place. The Good Book tells us: ‘And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.’ (2 Chr.31:20-21) 

King Asa also prospered when he made godly reforms in Judah, after a warning from the prophet Azariah. ‘And he (Azariah) went out to meet (before) Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; the Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.’ (2 Chr.15:2) 

Now my people, that is as plain and straightforward as it can get. There’s no rocket science involved there, so if we refuse to seek God, both as individuals and as a collective society and then don’t prosper, we have nobody but ourselves to blame. 

So today Friends, let’s use the wisdom that God has granted us nuh and seek His holy face, so that our children and us can prosper. Much LOVE!

…follow God and prosper…follow Lucifer and suffer…that’s it in a nutshell…