Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 March 2018 Matthew 8:26a.

26 Mar 2018 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 8:26a.   And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?

Here we go again friends; one more time around the workweek cycle. I know it’s tiring and otherwise; the same old, same old, but that’s just life. We can only have so much fun and excitement in this mortal life before we get overwhelmed, so the constant work cycle is here to keep us on an even keel. (smile) 

But yuh know what, when we’re sincerely living for and in Jesus, that bland, oftimes hard and controversial cycle doesn’t bother us at all, because we know that Jesus has already conquered the world and all its evil, sinful ways, and given us the victory. Glory to God my brethren! 

Yeh, so though it’s hard to get up and go out to work every week, it’s just something we have to do, and when we have Jesus in our hearts, it makes it that much easier. And on days like these, when we’re struggling, it’s ever so important to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, which brings us such solace and encouragement and gets our adrenaline running. So let’s sing it with as much enthusiasm as we can muster. 

Altogether now: ‘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!’ 

Mama Mia! Doesn’t that just lift your spirits my brethren! It surely does. Now let’s get ourselves together and join our Leader and Field General, Jesus Christ, on the battlefield of life, as we fight to subdue the unbelieving hordes and bring them to salvation and eternal life, in His name. Amen! 

And as we journey through this Holy Week, where Jesus suffered so many trials, moving from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to His crucifixion on Good Friday, and His resurrection on Easter Sunday, here is a li’l something very appropriate for us to remember. It comes from one of the Daily Bread Devotionals, and says: ‘Jesus has replaced the dark door of death with the shining gate of Life!’ 

Glory be my faithful friends! For that’s exactly what He’s done, through conquering hell, death and the grave, then rising triumphantly back to life, so that we too can have life in the ever after. That’s why we should never give Jesus occasion to ask us this rather embarrassing question, as stated in our Bit. ‘And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’ 

Yes my fellow believers, Jesus asked that question of His disciples, men who had been with Him for some time and seen Him do so many miracles. But yet, when they got caught in a storm, aboard a ship, and He lay sleeping quietly in the back, in considerable fright, they awakened Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us: we perish.’ (Matt.8:25). 

That’s when Jesus awoke and rebuked them with the words of our Bit. ‘And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea: and there was great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man id this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!’ (Matt.8:26-27) 

Oh precious people of Christ, please let’s not allow ourselves to fall into that trap of doubt and disbelief. Remember what we said at the beginning of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn? ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein!’ That means if the Lord created the winds and the seas and everything in the world, therefore He ought to have control over them. 

And we keep bleating that nothing is impossible with God, but do we truly believe it when push comes to shove and some circumstance faces us that needs God’s almighty power? That’s where true faith comes in my brethren! That’s when God calls us to put up or shut up! 

Oh, it’s never easy to call up great reams of faith amidst adversity, but with God’s help, we can certainly do it. So let’s remember why Christ died and rose again, and keep on fighting the good fight of faith, so that we can faithfully acknowledge all that He’s done so sacrificially and selflessly for us. Much LOVE!

…the true believer…doesn’t whine and waffle in times of calamity…but remembers Jesus’ work…and stands strong and steadfast in His name… the one that’s above all other names……

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 March 2016 Deuteronomy 31:8‏‏

31 Mar 2016 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 31:8.   And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Oh friends, what a difference a difference in a day can make in the lives of mortal men eh! Yes sir, the ole fella is waxing philosophical this morning! (smile) 

But all that means is that yesterday was bright and sunny with warm blue clouds floating on high, and it automatically invoked emotions of joy and frivolity, of feelings that all is right with the world, even if that is far from true. But overall a sunny day brings a sense of well being. 

Today however, it’s raining, the streets are wet and slippery, the skies are dark and the soul of man tends towards that same attitude; a dark and dreary feeling, one of nothing’s right, even though everything might be right. 

It just goes to show how our physical circumstances tend to have a strong effect on us. Now yesterday I was out and about with a carefree attitude, today though, I wake up and see the rain and I’m steupsing and somewhat annoyed because I have to go out in such uncomfortable weather. 

But you know what my precious people, in God’s realm though, those things ought not to affect us so strongly, because where our God is concerned everyday is a beautiful day, loaded with all kinds of new blessings and mercies to uplift and improve our physical, emotional and mental circumstances. 

Christians are supposed to be people who run on an even keel, not ones who are ruled by the vagaries of their current situations. That’s why I want to share something from my One More Day – Daily Meditations for People with Chronic Illness. I believe I’ve shared it some time ago, but it’s till useful today. 

The quote is attributed to one Ed Howe, which one I’m not sure, because they are so many of them. (smile) However it says: ‘If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you grow old.’ 

I guess he’s trying to say that when you get old, trouble is what you have more than anything else, so you might as well learn to laugh at it, otherwise you won’t be laughing much. 

And the text says: ‘Laughing with others is important. Learning to laugh at our own problems is even more important. Since we will continue to live with situations that cause us all types of problems, we may as well learn to laugh at ourselves.’ 

And believe you me friends, laughter is the best free remedy available for all kinds of illnesses and problems. When we laugh, it brings on a more positive attitude in our spirits and we don’t seem to feel as dreary and forlorn as we were before, although there may be cause to feel that way. 

And as the text continues: ‘Laughter is a gift we give ourselves. We can carry it with us wherever we go, and it will always be ours.’ 

And all of God’s people declared a loud and lusty ‘Praise the Lord!’ then burst out laughing. 

Ah mih people, laughter is indeed a good remedy for whatever is wrong with our souls. And when that attitude is combined with the strong and faithful promise of our Bit, mankind will surely be able to move mountains. (smile) ‘And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ 

Now why are we still so fearful in our daily lives eh, even with such a promise from our ever-faithful and omnipotent God? 

It just means that we have not fully surrendered our lives to Him; our trust and faith are not to the level they ought to be. But friends, what’s the point of having promises if we don’t sincerely and fully believe them? None whatsoever! 

Now listen to Bruh David as he counselled Israel and Cousin Sol. ‘Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever. 

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever. Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong and do it.’ (1 Chr.28:8-10) 

Oh my fellow believers, that is the exact attitude we need to adopt and follow today! We must continually seek God and keep His commandments and be strong and do whatever it is He has called us to do. That is the only way we can win this war against darkness and evil and further the LOVE Revolution of Jesus! 

So, please, let’s show ourselves to be true believers and get started on that righteous journey, right now nuh! Much LOVE!

…Jesus has triumphantly risen from the dead…and sits at the right hand of God the Father interceding for us…so what’s there to be afraid of eh…absolutely NOTHING…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 December 2014 Romans 12:17

05 Dec 2014 Leave a comment

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

Romans 12:17. Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men. 
 

Well Friends, we’ve made it through another week all in one piece. Glory Hallelujah! 
 
Yes my people, it is indeed Friday, and the labouring will soon cease for a couple of days, so let’s shout it out: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and soon my time will be my own!
 
No more supervisors looking over my shoulder with their beady eyes and sour dispositions, telling me what to do, as though I’m dotish (stupid) and can’t read or follow instructions. Chuh! They are the ones who make most of the week hard yes! But thank God is Friday oui, and I can get them off mih back for a li’l bit!’
 
Oh my brethren, we do have to be thankful for small mercies! The big ones are indeed wonderful, but they only occur once in a while. It’s the small ones that are always happening, and for which we must remember to be thankful, because they often are so small and seemingly insignificant that we don’t even notice them.
 
However, they are the ones that God uses to demystify us, to build our faith, and keep our lives on an even keel. And over time they do add up and eventually become the testimony of our lives.
 
So please, let’s pay attention to the small happenings, to the small showers of mercy in our lives and allow them to make us joyful and thankful, as our God intends for them to do.
 
Now let’s chant our Friday Chant which enables us to keep the right perspective on the weekend. As one now: ‘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.’
 
Yes my people, we have to be very careful that we don’t abuse the freedom and privilege of the weekend. And our Bit talks to the problem in its own way. ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men.’
 
Now that’s solid advice and heavenly wisdom we should all heed my Friends!
 
And please note Jesus’ words on the subject. ‘Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil (an evil person): but whosoever shall smite (slaps) thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.’ (Matt.5:38-39)
 
Oh my people, it is indeed a hard row to hoe, but as followers of Jesus we have to hoe it. And Luke’s version goes like this: ‘But I say unto you which hear, LOVE your enemies, do good unto them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you.
 
And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat (tunic) also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.’ (Luke 6:27-30)
 
That’s sound Christian advice my brethren, straight from the Master’s mouth! He doesn’t mean we should just roll over and play dead, but we shouldn’t be playing tit for tat and treat others the way we want to be treated.
 
Unfortunately neither of those directives holds much in this current world. We all want revenge for wrongs done to us, and we tend to treat others terribly, but expect great treatment ourselves, in spite of our evil doing.
 
That obviously doesn’t wash with our Saviour, so let’s try and get rid of those unchristian habits nuh my brethren, for all they do is bring shame and disgrace on us, as well as the Lord’s church.
 
And the second part of our Bit reminds us to ‘Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men.’ We must be honest in all our doings Friends.
 
As Bruh Paul reminds the Corinthians: ‘Providing for honest (honourable) things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.’ (2 Cor.8:21)
 
And he continues after our Bit, to the church at Rome: ‘If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
 
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom.12:18-21)
 
And here are some explanations from the scholars. ’12:19-21. Give place unto wrath: Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 to show that only God has the right to avenge, and He certainly will avenge.
 
Heap coals of fire on his head (cf. Prov.25:22): This may refer to a sense of shame or remorse engendered when we treat an evildoer kindly. Paul is discussing personal, not national enemies. He is not teaching pacifism.’
 
And therein my people, lies one of the basic tenets of our Christian faith; don’t return evil for evil. So let’s try and do as it says nuh, put it into serious practice in all our lives, for it is truly the wisdom of heaven. Much LOVE!
 
…evil only begets evil…therefore the true Christian will not condone evil…but rather focus on the good things that pertain to God…