Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 June 2020 Isaiah 58:11.

30 Jun 2020 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 58:11.     ​And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought (times of need), and make fat (strengthen) thy bones: and thou shalt be like a well-watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
 

Oh my people, my people, finally, after about three or four months, the ole fella actually visited one of the Lord’s sanctuaries yesterday! Glory be! And was it ever good to put foot in a church again, although it was for a sad occasion, the funeral of one of our long-time friends, Herman George Gabay. And it was a fairly new Catholic church, so you know it was fine, (smile) but with all the new regulations, we could only sit in every other pew and not too close to anybody not family. 

And it was indeed strange to see the fifty people now allowed for public gatherings all spread out over the large church and all the tape and ribbon and signs to keep us safely separated from each other, plus everybody, even the priest and his helpers in masks. But I guess that’s the new normal now. So, hopefully, we’ll do it responsibly and thus not have to lockdown the society again. 

Anyway, my condolences go out to the Gabay Family. Herman was indeed a kind, friendly, quiet and generous man, and led a long and interesting life. And did he ever look beautiful and at peace lying there in his coffin yesterday in his off-white suit! (smile) He will be missed by all of us though. 

And I have one more set of condolences to send out to the Wilson family in Tobago, as I understand that the neighbour of my youth and big brother Neil also passed away recently. He was much older than me, but I can remember growing up and seeing him dressed in his B.W.I.A (British West Indian Airlines) uniform.

In my time that was a position to which many aspired. We were never bosom chums or anything like that, but whenever we met each other, he was always friendly. I haven’t seen him in many a year, and never knew that over the years, he had become such a stalwart in Tobago politics; Chairman of the PNM party Council in Tobago, as well as ‘the heartbeat of Tobago tourism.’ 

May you both Herman and Neil rest in peace in the arms of the Lord, because that’s where eternal rest and comfort are to be found. And that’s not only for the dear departed my friends, but even more so for the living, as the prophet Isaiah long ago declared: ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.’ (Is. 40:1) The prophet saw salvation and comfort in Israel’s future, and that has become even more firmly entrenched for us under the New Covenant with Jesus. 

And do we ever need comfort and consolation and assurance in these uncertain and trying times my brethren. We need all consuming faith so that we can stand strong and steadfast in the mighty purpose of God! And the minster at the funeral yesterday said he teaches the children that faith is the ability of our spiritual eyes to see beyond the short distance that our physical eyes can see. 

And that’s oh so true friends. If we can’t see figuratively far beyond the literal distance of our physical eyes, then there’s li’l or no chance for us. If we can’t see, feel and understand that our great God is ‘Always There’ for us, as described by this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, then we’re in sad trouble. 

Please pray with me: ‘So often, Lord I reach the bottom of the abyss. So often, I taste the dregs Of my own helplessness. Yet it is there, exactly there That You come to my immediate rescue. When I feel totally impoverished Of all self-sufficiency When I want to vanish into nowhere From the depths of despair I call Your name And You are always there for me!’ 

Now that’s the gospel truth friends! Our God is ALWAYS THERE for us – especially in the darkest times of our lives! All we have to do is call out to Him in true sincerity! And I know that these current times of worldwide sickness and strife are amongst the worst ever for many of us, that’s why I’m encouraging us, pleading with us, to call on the name of the Lord through our Saviour Jesus Christ, for He is the ONLY ONE, who can provide care, comfort, true wisdom and guidance and release from our earthly troubles! 

And when we read His Word, we see that He constantly and faithfully promises to look after us if we come to Him, like in this passage from Isaiah, that’s used as the Bible verse for today’s poem. ‘And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought (times of need), and make fat (strengthen) thy bones: and thou shalt be like a well-watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.’ (Is. 58:11) And the Lord does keep His promises, but He can’t help us until we come a calling on Him. That’s why faith, strong faith is absolutely necessary in these troubled times! 

And just in case you didn’t believe what Isaiah says above there, listen to him again with more substantial and faithful promises of our magnanimous and merciful God. (smile) ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.’ (Is. 55:1) 

And the scholars explain thus: ‘55:1-7. God’s free gift of salvation is offered to all who will receive it. Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty may come to eat and drink without money (or freely). He promises an everlasting covenant to the Gentiles like the one He established with Israel. His invitation to all men is clearly stated by the appeal, Seek ye the Lord and call ye upon him.’ 

Oh my people, the Lord has done all He can, right down to giving us the New Covenant though the sacrifice of His only begotten Son Jesus! Now it’s up to us to make use of all that He’s provided. And if we don’t, we can’t blame anyone else but ourselves, although nowadays we take great pleasure in playing the blame game! As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. I can only lead you to Jesus, I can’t make you accept Him. But for those of us who have wisely done so, let’s go home now declaring {steups! – and I thought I was spelling it right oui – smile} our Tuesday Mantra, letting the world know who and whose we are. 

In strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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!’ 

Now it’s time to seriously action those statements! Much LOVE!

…blessed…are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness…for they shall be filled…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 June 2019 Isaiah 55:1.

18 Jun 2019 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 55:1.    ​Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
 

Ah friends, it looks like it’s going to be one of those days; all the joints are aching and the ole fella’s dragging like an old man! Chuh! I hate when that happens, especially when I’m on a nice, fairly long, pain free run…well not completely pain free, because it’s never that nowadays. (smile) 

Yuh know what I mean though; not having to take no setta pain pills and moving along smooth and easy, the way the duchess likes to see her husband move. (smile) But as you also know, prayer is the panacea, the cure-all for ALL the ills of the soul, so let’s get into a nice li’l uplifting prayer from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional nuh. It’s simply titled: ‘Fill Me!’ 

Please pray with me: ‘O Lord, like the thirsty deer which goes to drink from the mountain springs; like the growing flower which turns hungrily to the satisfying sun; like the empty pitcher which is carried to the fountain to be filled; so I come, O God, knowing that in this time of prayer my soul will be filled with your LOVE and your truth. Thank you Lord! Amen.’  

Yes my people, if we were sincere and humble in that prayer, but also confident that God would grant our desire, then right now we’re being filled with the LOVE and truth of our heavenly father by the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Glory be, precious saints of Christ! What a great and wonderful God we serve my faithful brethren! 

A God who desires us to come to Him whenever we’re tired and thirsty, famished and broken down for rest, comfort and succour. That’s why the prophet Isaiah wisely advised his people, the Israelites, to ‘Seek ye the Lord while he may be found. Call ye upon him while he is near.’ (Is.55:6) 

Yes friends, that’s simply common sense imbued with heavenly wisdom! (smile) He’s our Creator and Provider, so who else we going to call on eh? Surely not Ghostbusters, nor the evil one! And in keeping with the thirsty theme, I just want to look at some of the scriptures that powerfully illustrate our message, beginning with this wonderful, unimaginable invitation from God Himself, through Isaiah, to His people Israel, and consequently to us. 

‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.’ Wow! What an invitation mih breddren! Nobody else can ever match that! Buying spiritual milk and water and food for free! Only in the realm of our magnificent and magnanimous God is that possible! 

Hear what the scholars say about that nuh. ’55:1-7. God’s free gift of salvation is offered to ALL who will receive it. Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty may come to eat and drink without money (or freely). He promises an everlasting covenant to the Gentiles like the one He established with Israel. His invitation to ALL men is clearly stated by the appeal, Seek ye the Lord and call ye upon him.’ 

And here now are a few scriptures where men hungry and thirsty for God did just that, beginning with this favourite from Psalm 42 – An intense longing for God. ‘As the hart (deer) panteth after (longs for) the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?’ (Ps.42:1-2) 

Oh my people, are we that hungry and thirsty for our great God? I would certainly like to think so, but unfortunately the reality of our actions in these evil times doesn’t show it. It’s more like we’ve forgotten that God exists, and more like we’re trying to get rid of Him from our broken down and evil society. 

But just a word of caution; that’s impossible to do. He might allow us to carry on with our nonsense for a time, but in the end, He will have the last word and the last laugh. So please let’s wake up and realize that our world is on the brink of destruction and only real and strong faith in Christ Jesus can ever help us to fix it. Enough preaching though. (smile) 

Hear Bruh David now from Psalm 63 – God satisfies the thirsting soul. ‘O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.’ (Ps.63:1) 

And in Psalm 107 – God’s wonderful works to the children of men, the psalmist declares thus: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (LOVING-kindness).’ (Ps.107:8-9) Oh that men nowadays would really take those words of wisdom to heart and action them! Our world would be a much better place! 

And one more time from Bruh David from Psalm 143 – Teach me to do thy will. ‘ I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse (ponder) on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land.   Selah.’ (Ps.143:5-6) Ah mih people, again we see Bruh David in anguish of spirit and soul, possibly beset by enemies thirstily crying out for God to fill him with grace and mercy and LOVING-kindness! So who are we not to do the same eh? 

Anyway, here is the definitive word on a spiritually hungry and thirsty soul…from none other than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, from His Sermon on the Mount. ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ (Matt.5:6) And isn’t that the gospel truth! Those of us who are poor and hungry in spirit and realize the depth of our need and faithfully seek God, will indeed be filled with the Lord’s grace, mercy and LOVING-kindness! 

And having imbued our soul and spirit with those uplifting, assuring and comforting words, let’s go home now declaring (yes!) our Tuesday Mantra, proudly telling the world who and whose we are! In strong voice, as one: ‘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!’ 

Oh glory be mih people! What joy it brings to the soul when we are beloved of Jesus and can sincerely count Him as our friend! So please let’s go out and share that good news now nuh! It’s our bounden duty! Much LOVE!

…oh, words cannot describe…how wonderful it feels…to have Jesus…living right here within me…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 December 2017 Psalm 36:9.

20 Dec 2017 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 36:9.   For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Awright mih people, we’re drawing closer to Christmas with each passing day. The countdown has begun; only five more days to go now. Let’s hope that our true Christmas spirit is also on the rise; that our comprehension of Jesus’ importance in it is paramount, and our participation in any activities is conducive to that state of mind. (smile)

I know that many of us are still shopping for gifts for LOVED ones, but even in the secular aspects of the season, let’s put Jesus in our hearts and whatever we do, be it shopping, wrapping gifts, preparing goodies etc. Whatever we’re doing, let’s have Jesus front and centre in our lives, allow Him to help us do whatever we need to do, for that is His greatest desire; to participate in our mundane, everyday activities. 

And as we do so, let’s ruminate and contemplate; think on how it must have been two thousand years ago when Jesus was born in that lowly manger. Consider Mary and Joseph’s plight and what significance that apparently simple and common birth had on the subsequent workings of History. We’ll find our lives exploding with oodles of peace, LOVE and good cheer to all and sundry, exactly the way it ought to be during this season. 

Today we’ll continue with our Bit from yesterday: ‘For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.’ And isn’t that an awesome truth friends? It certainly is! Yesterday we saw how Jesus kept saying that He was the true source of life; that from Him, ALL aspects of life proceeded, be they spiritual or physical. Today we’ll look at some other scriptures that declare the Lord to be a fountain of life. 

Let’s begin with this well known scripture passage from Isaiah, as he declares Israel’s sufferings to be the result of sin. ‘For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.’ (Is.2:13) 

And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘2:13. The figure of the fountain of living waters emphasizes that God alone can bring the life and refreshment necessary to the thirsty soul. (cf. Ps.36:9; Is.55:1; John 4:10-14, 7-37-39; Rev.21:6) Israel had left the purity of the living waters for the pollution of contaminated broken cisterns that offered no water at all.’ 

Now that is exactly what we are still doing today friends; forsaking God, the author of ALL life, for the evil and haphazard existence being put forth by Lucifer. And, per the references from the scholars, that to the Psalm is our Bit, and we covered those from John yesterday, so let’s look at another famous scripture, this one from Isaiah, as he declares God’s free gift of mercy to all. 

‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.’ (Is.55:1)  Ah friends, again we see God being magnanimous, but we are ever reluctant to take up His offer. 

The scholars tell us: ’55:1-7. God’s free gift of salvation is offered to all who will receive it. Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty may come and eat and drink without money (or freely). He promises an everlasting covenant to the Gentiles like the one He established with Israel. His invitation to all men is clearly stated by the appeal, Seek ye the Lord and call ye upon him.’ 

Oh my people, those are some of the wisest actions we can take in this life! And remember it’s free too! You need no money or anything except sincere and humble confession to approach God and ask for mercy! Wow! What an offer! For only then will we be in a position to receive true spiritual life and enjoy the physical one that will one day expire, at a time and place which none of us know, only our heavenly Father. 

So doesn’t it make sense to try and remain in His good graces? It certainly does, for Lucifer definitely can’t do for you what Almighty God can! And therein lies the crux of the problem. God’s way is not as flamboyant and empty of real substance as Lucifer’s is, but we frail, foolish and sinful men, like the flamboyance and the sinful attitudes so we flock to them and unwisely forsake God’s straight and narrow path, which calls for self-discipline and self-control and boundaries. 

Now here is the last of those reference scriptures from Revelation where John saw the new heaven and the new earth coming down from heaven. ‘And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst (who thirsts) of the fountain of the water of life freely.’ (Rev, 21:6) 

And the scholars explain: ’21:6-8. It is done: The eternal purpose of God to gather a holy, devoted people for Himself has now been accomplished. Alpha and Omega: (see 1:8; 22:13). Beginning: God is the origin and source of all things (cf. Is.41:4; 44:6; 48:12) End: He is also the goal or aim of all things (cf. Rom. 10:4). The water of life represents eternal sustenance and provision, available freely by faith (22:17).’ 

So friends, in Jehovah God, we have ALL that we need to live a good life, why aren’t we taking hold of His offer eh? I’d strongly advise that we do get up and grab it as though there was no tomorrow, for there very well might not be any, so please, let’s take in front, before in front takes us nuh. That’s always good wisdom. 

And now we’ll go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting folks know of our most favourable situation with Jesus. In harmony now: ‘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!’ 

Oh friends, our simple minds can’t comprehend the joys that Jesus has waiting for us in eternal life with Him, but I assure us, they will indeed be magnificent! Much LOVE!

..why listen to the deceitful instigator…when you have the faithful promises of the genuine Creator…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 March 2014 Isaiah 55:1

29 Mar 2014 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 55:1.      Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
 
Oh Friends, we’re going to begin this morning by giving our wonderful God some thanks and praise for His infinite wisdom and LOVING-kindness to us up here in the northern climes, in particular Toronto and its environs. Why you ask?
 
Remember how we’ve been complaining about the terrible winter weather and the great amounts of snow piled up all around, wondering where we’d put it if any more fell, and also about spring taking long to come?
 
Well mih people, spring still isn’t here on a consistent basis, but there’s been method to the Lord’s madness, meaning that there’s hardly any snow on the ground now, and the Lord in His wisdom, compassion and consideration for us did it slowly. That’s why we’d have a day of warmish weather, then some cold ones.
 
All to allow the snow to melt a little at a time, because if He had allowed it all to melt at once, we’d surely be adding floods to our litany of woes; abundant ice and snow and bitterly cold temps for far too long. Some people and places have not even fully recovered from the ice storm, can you imagine if there were floods to add to their tribulations.
 
So all you people who live in the snow belt, please give the Lord a big thumbs up for bringing us down easy after such a horrific winter. And all God’s people uttered a huge sigh of relief, then let loose with an astounding voice of praise. ‘Thank You Father for looking after us! You are indeed the GREATEST! We LOVE You Lord and bless Your Holy Name, today and for ever more! Amen!’
 
Yes my brethren, I don’t know about you all nuh, but I am eternally grateful, for with the three or four feet of snow on my back deck, my backyard and by the side of my driveway, I don’t know what I would have done if it had all melted at once. At least I can now see some of the grass in my backyard, and some of the floor boards on my deck.
 
That’s why Friends it’s so disturbing and mind-boggling that people constantly ignore, and even heap abuse on our magnanimous God and His free gift of grace as outlined in our Bit. ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.’
 
Today’s the last day for this Bit, and I’m not going to get into any arguments over it or try to change anyone’s mind. We have done enough of that over the last few days, and if people aren’t wise enough to accept God’s invitation, then too bad for them. We shouldn’t have to brow beat people, or molly-cuddle them. The Lord gave us all the ability to make choices and also showed us what’s right from what’s wrong. We’ll just have to live with the repercussions of our decisions.
 
Today we’ll just quote a few more scriptures that deal with the living water, the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promises to every one who believes in Him. And the first scripture comes from Jesus’ opening parry with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. She obviously was most surprised when Jesus, a Jew, asked her, a Samaritan for a drink, since Jews despised Samaritans and had nothing to do with them.
 
‘Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.’ (John 4:10) And we already know how that story eventually panned out.
 
The next scripture comes from Isaiah, some chapters before our Bit, where he is also promising that the Spirit of God would be upon Israel. ”Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground:
 
I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring; and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord (write with his hand, the Lord’s), and surname himself by the name of Israel.’ (Is.44:2-5)
 
Then in Revelation, where the numberless multitude stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clothed in white robes, holding palm branches, serving the Lord day and night, having borne great tribulations, (Rev. 7:9-14) John reveals: ‘They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on (strike) them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (shepherd) them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears (every tear) from their eyes.’ (Rev.7:16-17)
 
And finally, from Revelation again, John concludes: ‘And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst (thirst) come. And whosoever will (desires), let him take the water of life freely. for I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
 
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things (Jesus) saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.’ (Rev.22:17-21)
 
Oh Friends, that says it all! It’s a serious warning against distortion and subtraction of God’s Word!
 
And per the scholars: ‘Anyone who wilfully distorts the message of the Book of Revelation shows himself not to be a genuine believer and will not participate in eternal life or the blessings of the New Jerusalem.’
 
So please my brethren, consider ourselves warned. Much LOVE!
 
…to believe or not to believe…that is the question…and the choice must be made NOW…for when Jesus comes again, it will be too late…