Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 September 2012 Psalm 117:1

24 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 117:1.     O Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

A wise and wonderful Monday morning to all you believers in Christ! Awright, so we’re not all so wonderful or wise in our everyday lives, but we’ve surely made the wisest and best decision of our lives to follow Jesus, and that says a great deal about us. Yes my Friends, those who accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and stand steadfast and strong in their belief are the wisest people in this wicked and cruel world controlled by the arch enemy and master criminal Lucifer. But Jesus has already conquered him and his evil world, (John 16:33) so there’s no need to be anxious or worried about Lucifer’s bombastic carrying’s on. We just have to keep on HEARING the Word, LIVING it, and LOVING our wonderful THREE in ONE God, with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. What a joy that is my brethren! And yuh know, even that TRINITY of SPIRITS that’s our DEITY, speaks volumes re the power, glory and magnanimity of our Creator! And so, to give us the boost, the jolt we need, like our first cup of hot, strong java, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get us in fighting mode. So with all the sincerity and enthusiasm we can muster, let’s sing! ‘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!’ Wow Friends! Isn’t that a better ‘perker-upper’ than a cup of coffee? For sure! Now since we’re all perked up, let’s get out on to the battlefields of this ungodly world to put up one helluva fight for Jesus: the BEST THING that ever happened to mankind! No wonder our Bit today strongly and joyfully proclaims: ‘O Praise the Lord, all ye nations (gentiles): praise (glorify) him, all ye people.’ Yes my brethren, that’s exactly what the whole world needs to do. Why? ‘For his merciful (LOVING) kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.’ (Ps.117:2) Now here’s some interesting info from the scholars: ‘Psalm 117. Well known as the shortest chapter in the Bible, this little psalm contains a great message. Though some have denied it an independent existence, attaching it to Psalm 116, Psalm 117 has all three elements of the hymn of praise: a call to praise (v. 1), a cause for praise (v, 2a, b), and a conclusion, which, in this case, is a simple  praise ye the Lord (v. 2c). The fact that the nations and people (lit., “peoples”) are addressed in verse 1 makes this psalm the only one in the Psalter addressed in its entirety to the Gentile world. Its evangelistic mood was still baffling to some of Paul’s readers. This is one of four passages that Paul quotes from the Old Testament in Romans 15, to prove that God is interested in saving the Gentiles.’ And so He is my people. Now let’s check out some of the scriptures that the scholars talk about in Romans 15, which deals with Unity in Christ, in the section titled, ‘The Gospel to the Gentiles.’ Bruh Paul declares thus: ‘Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister (became a servant) of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. (quoted from Rom.14: 1,3,  and Rom.5:20) And again he saith, Rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people. (quoted from Deut.32:43) And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him all ye people. (quoted from Ps.117:1) And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. (quoted from Is.11:1,10) And all of that comes from Rom.15:7-12. Just goes to show Bruh Paul’s high standard of education and his incredible ability as a wordsmith. And the scholars explain Bruh Paul’s motives thus: ‘Since God’s purpose has been to unite both Jew and Gentile into one body, diverse convictions and practices in doubtful matters should give way to harmony and unity.’ Oh Friends, if only that would happen in our world eh! Anyway, let’s close with a blessing from Bruh Paul that ends that section, the Gospel to the Gentiles. ‘Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.’ (Rom.15:13) And all God’s people said a loud and prayerful, ‘Amen!’ Much LOVE my brethren!…peaceful unity of all God’s creation…that’s Jesus’ purpose…

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 September 2012 Habakkuk 1:2

03 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Habakkuk 1:2.    O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 

Oh Friends, it’s Labour Day! And I hear a resounding shout of ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ That’s because many of us don’t have to go to work this Monday morning. But since it’s also such a beautiful day, and the Lord has shown us special favour to see and enjoy it, please, my fellow believers, let’s rise and shine, offer Him a word of thanks and praise, then with a broad smile on our faces, boldly declare, as we raise our right hands in a tightly closed fist: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it, come what may!’ Now that might be very easy to do for those who are not going to work. But please, let’s remember those who have to go out and labour in this non-stop, 24/7 busy society. And in empathy with them, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with plenty soul and enthusiasm, and wish them well on the start of their new work week. As one enchanting voice 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!’ Now that ought to wake us up and get us ready to face the ungodly world, even those who will stay at home partying. (smile) And Friends, though it’s good to party, of course in moderation, when I first read our Bit, it wrought a loud sigh of concern re our turbulent and troubled world. The prophet Habakkuk declared that his prophecy was a burden, (Hab.1:1) an heavy load placed on him by the Lord, to warn Judah of its upcoming punishment for their continued disobedience and rebellion toward Him. They would eventually be invaded and captured by the Chaldeans. According to the scholars, the name Habakkuk means “Embracer” or “A Wrestler” which provides the key to his prophecy. It’s a record of him wrestling with God on behalf of his people. Hence his heartfelt plea: ‘O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!’ Oh Friends, I’m sure that there are many of us believers who feel the same way about our current society as Habakkuk felt about his. We pray and cry out to God, but it seems as though He doesn’t hear us, or simply ignores our pleas to save us, because the violence and evil in which we are now mired grows worse every day. Habakkuk’s further description of Judah’s society appears to be an exact replica of ours. ‘Why dost thou show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance (trouble or toil)? for spoiling (plundering ) and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife (there is strife) and contention. Therefore the law is slacked (powerless) and judgement (justice) doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about (surround) the righteous; therefore wrong (perverse) judgement proceedeth.’ (Hab.1:3-4) Oh Friends, that could be any one of us writing about the disgraceful, disgusting society in which we now live, where things like greed, envy, injustice, lawlessness, legal theft, strife and confusion reign supreme. And it’s oh so sad, that on a Labour Day, where the celebration of gains in the working class should be happening, the Lord has guided me to a Bit that instead reminds us of the many gains we’ve lost and the rigid determination of the greedy, evil powers that be to take away even more. Oh my people, please, I implore you, don’t be fooled by the nice, sweet words of our leaders and their wealthy captains of industry, their sole aim is to take us back to the harrowing times of the Great Depression, where workers had no rights whatsoever and were treated worse than slaves or animals. And they’re slowly but surely doing it by breaking the Unions, which themselves have gotten too unwieldy and bureaucratic to fight back, and also by having workers fighting against each other; the old but ever so successful, divide and conquer tactic. It’s all about the bottom line now Friends. There’s not even a tad of a social conscience in the 99% now. Wherever the labour is cheapest, their capital flows without a note of concern for the poor, helpless, jobless workers they’re leaving behind. But you know what my people? We can’t afford to stop praying for the wickedness to cease, or at least be tightly reined in, while we continue doing the good works that God ordained us to do. As Bruh Paul exhorted the Ephesians: ‘I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation (calling) wherewith ye are called. With all lowliness and meekness (gentleness), with long-suffering, forbearing (bearing with) one another in LOVE; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ (Eph.4:1-3) Yes my brethren, regardless of the Lord’s overall plans, we must endeavour to keep keeping on, doing what He desires us to do, remembering that His thoughts and wisdom are much greater than ours, and that He’s promised that everything will work out for good to those whom He’s called and respond to His call with LOVE! (Rom.8:28)  And I sincerely pray that today, the Holy Spirit will rise up in every one of us and give us the strength, faith, hope, wisdom, understanding, peace and passion to do so in a most worthy manner. In Jesus’ Name. Amen! Much Much LOVE, my beautiful fellow believers in Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and Saviour!…a believer’s duty…to do God’s will for our lives…come what may…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 September 2012 Galatians 5:1

01 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Galatians 5:1.           Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Oh Friends, can you believe it’s already September 1st! Wasn’t it just the other day, couple weeks ago, that we were talking about the beginning of August and Caribana? Now it’s suddenly September and Labour Day! That means eight months of 2012 have already gone by, like a flash in the pan, and the million dollar question faces us squarely in our hearts. Have we improved our faith walk, has it moved appreciatively along the continuum of maturity? Have we kept that New Year’s promise to increase our passion and LOVE for Jesus? I certainly hope so, otherwise, you know how our God feels about broken promises. (Eccl.5:4-5) In any case, we only have four months to catch up to that promise, for soon it will be October, Canadian Thanksgiving, then November, American Thanksgiving, then December and Christmas, and another New Year. So please, let’s try and not be found wanting in our promises, neither to God or man, when that New Year rolls around. And our Bit is one of those scriptures that both warns and encourages us of the need for unity and sincere fellowship amongst believers and freedom in Christ, if we truly want to establish a strong and serious faith walk. ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.’ Now yesterday we ended on the note of there being too much disagreement and too many divisions in Christ’s church, from the local right up to the international level. And we saw some of that in the early days of the church, when certain Christian Jews who had lived under the old Mosaic Law, declared that one couldn’t be saved apart from the Law, especially as it related to the ritual of circumcision. This thoroughly disrupted the young church, until the first council at Jerusalem, (Acts 15) when Peter got up and declared to the disputing councillors: ‘Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us. And put no difference (made no distinction) between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt (test) ye God, to put (by putting) a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even (in the same manner) as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience (listened) to Barnabas and Paul declaring what (how many) miracles and wonders God had wrought (worked) among the Gentiles by them.’ (Acts 15:7-12) Yes Friends, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses in the early church, but unlike us, they were just beginning and feeling their way through new rules and regulations. And with Jesus gone back to heaven, and people jousting for power, it was expected that problems would occur. Hear the scholars’ thoughts on the matter. ‘The primary speakers at this conference, often called the Jerusalem council, were Peter, Paul, Barnabas and James. Peter begins by relating how God had clearly saved Cornelius and the other Gentiles with him apart from any works of the Law (vv.7-9). In fact Peter acknowledges that not only do the Gentiles not need to become like the Jews to be saved, but conversely we, the Jews, need to saved as they, the Gentiles (v.11). The works of the Law for salvation will not even aid a Jew.’ However my people, two thousand years later, when we now have all the rules and regulations, all the benefits of gospel in one Book, the Bible, containing all the thoughts, desires and promises of God enshrined there, why are we still quarrelling with each other over mostly petty stuff eh? The law of man will never enable us to achieve salvation, only the grace of God through belief in His sacrificed and risen Son Jesus can do that. So let’s stop the foolish quarrelling amongst ourselves nuh, which only gives unbelievers ammunition to belittle Christ’s church. Instead we should be out there in the evil, ungodly world, working as ONE, living a life of true faith, and trying to bring others to the Truth of Christ. And we’ll conclude with the definitive words of  Jesus on the subject. Oh how I like it when we can end with Jesus’ pronouncement on a topic. Here He is denouncing the scribes and Pharisees. ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat (of authority): All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do: but do not ye after (according to) their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne (hard to bear), and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men…And LOVE the uppermost rooms (of honour, chief place) at feasts, and the chief (best) seats in the synagogues. And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master (Leader, Teacher); even Christ; and all ye are brethren.’ (Matt.23:2-8) Oh Friends, does that remind you of any people you know in the church today? It shouldn’t, but I’m sure it does. So let’s be careful whom and what we listen to, and follow the Holy Spirit of Jesus, so that we don’t get entangled in the slave like tentacles and mentality of the Law again. Much LOVE!…be wary of those who say one thing…but do something else…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 April 2012 Hebrews 6:15

23 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hebrews 6:15.    And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

It’s Monday fellow believers, and we’re all alive and blooming! Praise the Lord! But it’s also time to roll out and join the workweek battle that’s already begun – it’s quickly picking up steam too. So if you want to reap those promised rewards, both earthly and heavenly, then you’d better get a move on to fight the good fight in Jesus’ army. Now, though victory’s been eventually guaranteed, we still need to be steadfast, strong and persevering against the minions of evil, who currently rule the roost. No war has ever been won by lazy, complaining, inefficient soldiers. Therefore, to boost our naturally lazy, negative spirits and keep us enthusiastically keeping on, let’s ask the Father for His assistance by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much vim and vigour. All together 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!’ And if that doesn’t wake us up Friends, then let’s segue right into Bruh Paul’s famous speech in Hebrews 12, about running the great race of life in faith. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb.12:1-2) Yes mih people, in the annals of Christendom, there are innumerable believers who have witnessed to us living by their faith, therefore we must do everything in our power to set the same example for others, now and in the future. And we can only do that by putting aside everything that keeps us back; all the excess baggage, whatever it may be, including any prevalent sin(s) that constantly ensnare us, then running the race of our individual life, God’s plan for it, with patience, both waiting on His timing as well as having the endurance of a long distance runner. And the best example of that is Jesus, who bore all His crosses, literally and figuratively, with a sense of destiny, because He knew the end result was well worth it. As our Bit says: ‘And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.’ Just like Abraham, Jesus was highly rewarded for His faithfulness; a seat next to the Father, a glorious eternal kingdom, and a Name to which all must bow. The same message and principle applies to all of us, His loyal followers today. If we want to be true and serious builders of Jesus’ kingdom my Friends, be the seed in the parable of the sower that ‘fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit a hundredfold,’ (Luke 8:8) then here’s Jesus’ prescription for it: ‘But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest (noble) and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.’ (Luke 8:15) Oh my brethren, I know that it’s not easy living for Jesus, because He requires the utmost trust, faith and surrender from us, with ever increasing excellence, things that this evil, ungodly world don’t appreciate or encourage. But believe me, the rewards for following Jesus are worth every bit of the hard times and frustrations faithfully endured. And we’re not finished with this patience, perseverance, endurance business yet Friends. If we’re not around tomorrow, then we won’t need it (smile), but if we are, then it will be right back on our plates again, because there are so many scriptures that emphasize this very important principle of patience in serving our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Till we meet again tomorrow, the Lord willing, let’s endeavour to truly LOVE our God, faithfully LIVE our Faith, and diligently SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…a heart full of LOVE for Jesus…will be blessed with a spirit full of patience to do His will…

 

 

 

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