Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 July 2023 Romans 13:12.

06 Jul 2023 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:12.       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.

And so we come to Thursday, desperately looking forward to Friday, so that we can rest our tired souls and bodies from all the hectic birthday celebrations on both sides of the border. (smile) Yes, there’s nothing as hectic as birthday celebrations, even when they are marred by negative situations. And now that those celebrations are over, I do hope that saner minds will prevail and we will see the destructive path down which we’re travelling and come together and do something serious and productive about our problems, so that by the time the next birthday rolls around, we’ll be living in a more peaceful, LOVING and godly society. 

Oh my people, that’s the ONLY way we will survive eventual destruction! If we continue down the same negative, broad and winding road, destruction is inevitable! Why is it so difficult to realize that and do something proactive about it eh? His satanic majesty certainly has a strong grasp on our minds and souls, if that’s the way we chose to go. But let’s think about our children’s children for a moment nuh. Is that the way we want them to live, amongst death and destruction? 

I doubt it. We’ve already spoiled it for our children, please, I’m pleading with us to get together in godly harmony and change the direction in which our world is currently going, that’s down to hell fire and damnation. For our grandchildren’s sake, let’s turn it around and put it back on the straight and narrow path that leads to Jesus and heaven, where it’s supposed to be. And we can do it if we truly desire to do so, because we have all the parts and power through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to make whatever changes are necessary. We just have to seriously decide to get up and do it. 

Oh my fellow believers, what’s it going to take to develop harmony and unity in Christ’s church eh? What’s it going to take for us to wake up and see the dangerous and evil stuff that’s happening right under our very noses? Sadly with our help and participation too? But just like Bruh Paul warned the church at Rome, we need to be warned today. 

‘And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than 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 (depravity), not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 13:11-14) 

Oh friends, there’s no more timely warning than that, for all it says is true! Our world is being consumed by strife and all the other fleshly lusts named above. The godly aspect of our lives has either been completely thrown out or hidden in the innermost recesses of our hearts and souls. And the sad part of the whole situation is that only believers in Christ Jesus can change the way our world is currently operating. But if we’re behaving just like the heathen, the unbelievers, the sceptics an atheists, what hope is there for a righting of the ship eh? None whatsoever! 

And though we don’t know when Jesus is returning to earth, we do know that His return is closer than when Bruh Paul wrote that warning to the Corinthians, thus we need to wake up and make some serious changes both in our own lives and the world, for we don’t want Jesus to come back to a world where there’s no faith. Definitely not! It would mean that we have failed in our duty. And to successfully right ourselves, we have to begin by doing what Bruh Paul warned the Romans earlier on in his letter. ‘Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom. 12:2) 

Yes my fellow saints we cannot change our world until we change our thinking and stop conforming to the ways of the evil and ungodly world! As the scholars tell us, we are ‘to resist being poured into the mold of the present thinking, value systems and conduct of this world.’ That should be obvious to us all, but for whatever reason, too many of us have chosen, and are still choosing not to be transformed. We seem to like the attractions of hellfire and damnation, of eternal separation, more than those of heaven and eternal life. 

But nonetheless, we will keep on trying to turn us around, because Christ says that we must pray and not faint or give up. So here’s some more scripture that will encourage us to turn from evil and get up and fight the good fight. Hear these fighting words that Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians. ‘This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind… That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts: 

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph. 4:17; 22-32) 

There we have it my brethren, simple, practical ways in which to transform our minds, to turn our lives around so that we can also turn this evil, ungodly world around. That’s what we’ve been placed here at this particular time for. And to help us do our bounden duty, the Good Lord has generously bestowed on us numerous blessings that we call our Thursday Blessings. So to activate them, let’s declare (chuh!!!) them right now. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

Now, let’s get out into the evil world and generously use those blessings to help others and thus win the world for Christ! Much LOVE!

…only as Christians change their mindset and thus their lives…will any positive changes be made in the world  

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 February 2023 Proverbs 6:9.

03 Feb 2023 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 6:9.        How long will thou sleep (be lazy), O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep (laziness)?

Oh what a bright and sunshiny Friday! But the wind’s in a tizzy though, from since last night, thus making it seem even colder than the minus 14 it’s supposed to be. And though you have to be careful how you navigate out there, it doesn’t stop us from saying a loud and hearty “TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday! And Thank God that we are alive and kicking to see and enjoy it!’ We’ve obviously been blessed, and there’s also a purpose, a godly reason that we’re still going strong on God’s great earth. 

As the saying goes, we were made for a time such as this. And that’s no lie. God put us here right now with all the qualities and gifts we require to do a special job for Him. So please let’s stop wasting precious time, get serious and do whatever it is, for He is depending on us to provide that special link in the overall chain that only we have the ability to provide. Remember, a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. Therefore, let’s endeavour to not be the weakest link in God’s mighty chain nuh. (smile) 

And unfortunately, right now too many of us believers are fighting for that dubious honour by not doing what we’re supposed to, by not living the life Christ envisioned us living. We’re not taking His Great Invitation to heart, to spread His word to all and sundry, and make disciples of all nations. We’re not being the salt of the earth and the light of the world He requires us to be, if our world is to come back to its senses and return to fully worship Almighty God. We’re too lazy, fearful, apathetic, loveless, materialistic and compromising. And those are definitely not the traits expected of Christ’s followers. 

But like Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Rome: ‘And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than we (first) 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 fulfil the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 13:11-14) 

Oh my people, those words apply so aptly to us that I’m ashamed to say it. But we are in a stupor of darkness and fleshly lusts. The enemy has found his way into our hearts and souls, making us insensitive to the demands of Christ in our lives. And please remember the coming of Christ draws nearer every day, and we don’t want him to return and find us living in the darkness of the enemy, rather than in His bright and shining light. So it’s indeed high time that we wake up and ‘cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light’ that comes from Jesus. 

Time to stop all the dishonest and wanton living like the world does. To stop seeking opportunities to satisfy our deep-seated desires of our sinful nature, but rather seek occasion to show works that are consistent with our new and wonderful life in Christ Jesus. For our world is abuzz and an aflame with the evil traits of the enemy; anger, hatred, strife, resentment, greed, jealousy, covetousness, none of which should be named among the traits of a true believer in Christ. and it’s ONLY through us, sincere believers, that any worthwhile changes can and will be made. That’s why it’s essential that we wake up RIGHT NOW and begin doing our bounden duty in Christ. 

And if perchance Bruh Paul didn’t get through to us, let’s see if Cousin Sol can, (smile) as he chips in his two cents worth, with this strong and true advice. ‘Go to the ant, thou sluggard: consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide (leader), overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat (food) in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.’ (Prov. 6:6-8) Now that’s golden advice for free! You can’t beat it, for the ants has no leader but they do what they have to do, like gather and store food in the summer for the harsh winter months. Likewise, we supposed Christians ought to be up and about Christ’s Business while we still have time to do it. Be self-starters like the ants and prepare for predictable circumstances. 

And Cousin Sol continues in a powerful vein: ‘How long will thou sleep (be lazy), O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep (laziness)?’ (Prov. 6:9) Now that’s a most pertinent question! When will we believers get up and get going for Jesus eh? Why you ask? Listen as Cousin Sol provides the answer. ‘Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth (a prowler), and thy want (need) as an armed man.’ (Prov. 6:10-11) 

Yes friends, our continued laziness and procrastination will inevitably bring sudden and dire poverty as an unexpected robber who takes away our possessions. And that will not do! So please, let’s wake up right now, and with prayer and thanksgiving, through our Friday Chant, go to our wonderful God and ask for His divine and most merciful help. 

Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. 

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

Remember, it takes two to tango, so it’s up to us now to do our part in the partnership, so that the Lord can do His. Much LOVE!

…we can’t do God’s part…and He won’t do ours…  

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   12 October 2022 Romans 13:12.

12 Oct 2022 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:12.       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.

Wow! It’s Wednesday already…and I’m up early! Went to bed early too. (smile) Don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s what we have to work with, and it’s what we’ll do. The important thing is that we’re alive, and thus have important work to do for Christ as His followers down here on this crazy planet called earth. And the best time to do it is right now, for remember Bruh Paul’s warning to the church at Rome. ‘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 first believed.’ (Rom. 13:11) 

Oh friends, is that ever the gospel truth! Darkness has covered us for far too long, and it’s been centuries since Bruh Paul wrote that missive to the Roman church, which means Christ’s coming is closer than ever, and gets closer with each passing day, and we cannot afford to let Him return and find us in a state of slumber or inactivity. It’s therefore time for us to get up and begin doing what we know we ought to be doing; that’s encouraging the many souls that are still living in the darkness of the prince of this world, to come out of that repressive and intolerable darkness into the splendid light and freedom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! 

And Bruh Paul continues his warning: ‘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.’ (Rom. 13:12) Oh yes my brethren, the truth of the matter is that plenty of us so called believers are also living under the cover of darkness, despite our claim to be living in light. And it’s high time that we recognize our insufficiencies and throw off the cloak of darkness that we’ve been hiding under for oh too long. It’s time believers wake up and get moving, the world is getting darker and more evil every day, and it desperately needs our help to move it toward the light of Christ. 

Remember that old saying, the darkest hour is the one before the dawn? Well right now is the darkest hour of the world! The dawn, that‘s Christ Jesus, will soon be appearing and how will it look if so many of us supposed believers are not ready for His august return eh? And even worse, that we‘ve not helped as many as we should, to be also ready for it. It certainly won’t look good on our report card. For when that day of judgement comes and the Lord asks us what we did with our time down here on earth, what are we going to say eh? 

So as Bruh Paul further advises: ‘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.’ (Rom. 13:13) And the sad fact is that many of us supposed believers are still living the way Bruh Paul sets it out. We are still running down the wealth, power and pleasures of this evil world. And how unseemly and unfortunate is that eh? It sets a rather bad example for those whom we should be reclaiming by our Christian behaviour, not joining with them in their worldly life of revelry and licentiousness. 

And the antidote for that inappropriate behaviour is, as Bruh Paul says: ‘But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 13:14) Ah mih people, we all know that resisting the lusts of the flesh in this flesh based world is not easy, but as a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ, we all have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, which helps us to refute and refuse the things of the flesh; that is if we are prepared to listen to and heed His guidance. 

And that’s the problem right there. We don’t pay sufficient attention to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit which has been purposely sent to help us live the difficult Christian life here on the evil earth. So how can we expect to function as true believers eh? We talk a good talk, but don’t put that talk into action. And we are all guilty of that. Can you imagine the glorious state our world would be in right now, if all the talk that we believers talk was actually put into action? Glory be! Satan would be pulling out what li’l hair he still has in total fright! But unfortunately, it’s we believers who are pulling out our hair in despair over the evil and violence, the horrific darkness that’s quickly overcoming our world. 

Now, here are a few explanations from the scholars re those verses above. As per verses 11-12, they say: Sleep means insensitivity to the demands of Christ on the Christian’s life. Now is our salvation nearer: The coming of Christ to deliver us from this sinful world grows nearer every day. The night is the time while Christ is out of the world, and the world has been delivered into the control of the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2) The day is a reference to the time when Christ will return and establish His reign of righteousness.’ 

And just to jostle our memories and disturb our consciences, (smile), we’ll quote Eph. 2:2. It says: ‘Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.’ Ah friends, before we were saved by Jesus’ spilled blood on the cross of Calvary, we walked according to the tendencies and purposes of this world, all of which were and still are opposed and hostile to God’s system. But since Jesus saved us, we ought not to be walking that same ungodly wide and destructive pathway. 

That’s why the scholars’ explanation of verse 14: is so important. ‘Make not provision for the flesh: One should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature, but should seek occasion to manifest works that are consistent with the new life in Christ.’ Now, please, please, let’s ponder those words today nuh, and see where we are still trying to satisfy the lusts of our flesh, and take them before the Lord and ask for His divine help to handle them. That’s the only way we will ever truly come into the light from the darkness in which so many of us are sadly still enveloped. 

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home now declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most intimate position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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!’ 

Now, just a li’l reminder that if we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow mih bredren! Just think that we can’t even imagine how great those times with Christ really will be nuh. Let’s hope that will cause us to be even more faithful and trusting…and to endure. Much LOVE!

…finite minds…can never truly comprehend…the events or state of infinity… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   23 August 2022   Romans 12:13.

23 Aug 2022 Leave a comment

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

Romans 12:13.      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. 

And then it was Tuesday…Monday’s gone bye bye! And isn’t it interesting how one day morphs into the next so easily, ofttimes without us even noticing it. Oh, how quickly today becomes yesterday and tomorrow today, with us looking forward to another tomorrow! But the truth of the matter is that tomorrow never comes. We only have today, and that’s why we must live today as best we can, without thinking too much about tomorrow, for who knows if we’ll be alive on what we consider tomorrow. 

That’s why our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made this profound statement in His famous Sermon on the Mount. ‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34) And there’s’ great wisdom in that statement my brethren. In other words, Jesus is saying to us, don’t worry too much about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself, but rather, concentrate on today, which is what you have, and all that you may ever have. 

It’s wise to consider tomorrow to some extent, just in case we live to see it, (smile) but today is the essence of our lives, when we need to buckle down and make things happen, for us and through us! We can’t wait and put everything off for tomorrow, as so many of us do, for in the meanwhile, the important things of today are passing us by without any or much input on our part. And once the opportunities of today have passed us by, then they are usually gone forever. That’s why Bruh Paul in his letter to the Roman church, after warning them to LOVE each other: ‘LOVE worketh no ill (does no harm) to his neighbour: therefore LOVE is the fulfilling of the law.’ (Rom. 13:10) 

He turns around and warns them about rising from sleep, or putting off God’s demands. ‘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 firsr 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. 13:11-14) 

Now friends, that’s a wakeup call we also need very badly today, in these dark, evil and ungodly times. And what does it all really mean? The scholars explain it thus. ‘Sleep means insensitivity to the demands of Christ on the Christian’s life. Now is our salvation nearer: The coming of Christ to deliver us from this sinful world grows nearer every day. The night is the time while Christ is out of the world, and the world has been delivered into the control of the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2). The day is a reference to the time when Christ will return and establish His reign of righteousness.’ 

Ah mih people, Christ’s return draws closer every day and there are still a lot of people who don’t know and accept Him as Lord and Saviour, who are still living in the darkness induced by the enemy, and also many of us believers who are not living up to the covenant we have with the Lord. And as we said right at the beginning, we cannot wait until tomorrow to set our lives straight and help others come to Christ, we must do it today. For what if Christ comes back tomorrow eh, or today? A lot of us will be found wanting. 

That’s why that last verse warns us to put on Christ and refuse to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, to satisfy our carnal desires. The scholars say: ‘One should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature, but should seek occasion to manifest works that are consistent with the new life in Christ.’ It’s like Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:17) 

That means once we receive Christ as Lord and Saviour, all the old stuff we used to do that involved our carnal nature, should be laid aside in favour of new things that are associated with Christ. As Bruh Paul continues: ‘And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation.’ (2 Cor. 5:18) Yes friends, it’s all been God’s doing. He took the awesome responsibility to reconcile or bring us back to His fold through Christ Jesus, and for that we ought to be very grateful, otherwise we would still be on the wide and winding path to hellfire and damnation. 

So, we have serious responsibilities to consider and perform. Bruh Paul states it thus: ‘Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Cor. 5:20-21) Ah my fellow believers, we are indeed agents or ambassadors for Christ, therefore we must behave in the required manner, bringing positive results to His church, to His name. 

Oh my people, Christ paid such a high price for our reconciliation to God; taking all our sin on His shoulders, so that we could receive God’s righteousness. The least we can do is try to live righteously and thus set a good example, so that others will want to come to Him. Now, for those of us who are sincerely attempting to do that, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. 

In confident but humble voice: ‘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 having said that, it now behooves us to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…Christians need to stop talking so much…and begin doing much more…for time is running out on us… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​      

Today’s Scrip-Bit   21 March 2022 Romans 13:12.

21 Mar 2022 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:12.       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.

Now that’s how a Monday morning ought to open, bright and sunshiny, especially a Monday morning as important as this one in the Province of Ontario, when the mandatory masking plans for most places will be suspended. Well, except for places like Public transit; Health care settings; Retirement homes; Long-term care homes; and Congregate care and living settings. The latter includes homes for the developmentally disabled, shelters and jails. However, on April 27 of this year, even those mask mandates are scheduled to be lifted. 

And that’s a kicker if there ever was one! Two years of mandatory mask wearing will hopefully end in another month! Glory be! But, please remember that doesn’t mean Covid will just disappear. I believe it will be with us for some time until we develop the much-needed herd immunity. However, until that stage is reached, and no one knows when that will be, we still need to be careful in all our doings. As they say, prevention is better than cure. And a whole lot of us learned that invaluable lesson over the last couple of years, unfortunately losing friends and family because of irresponsible behaviour. 

So please let it be a reminder that we can’t take anything for granted with all the negative stuff floating around, because Covid numbers are still high for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated, and many people are still in hospitals and on ventilators. Consequently, we can only hope and pray that the situation doesn’t deteriorate, now that many of us will stop wearing masks. That means, as believers, we have to keep on being very diligent and responsible in our earthly walk. 

And I believe these words of Bruh Paul to the Roman church are quite appropriate for these current times. ‘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.’ (Rom. 13:11-12) Yes my fellow believers, it’s time for us to wake up, to get really serious about our duties and responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ in this dark and evil world! 

And the scholars offer these explanations re those two verses. ‘13:11-12. Sleep means insensitivity to the demands of Christ on the Christian’s life. Now is our salvation nearer: The coming of Christ to deliver us from this sinful world grows nearer every day. The night is the time while Christ is out of the world, and the world has been delivered into the control of the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2- which basically reminds us that before we received Christ, we walked in that darkness). The day is a reference to the time when Christ will return and establish His reign of righteousness.’ 

And since the world only gets darker and more evil every day, we have our job cut out for us my people. We need to increase our efforts to be lights in this dark world. Like Bruh Paul said to the Ephesians: ‘And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved (exposed) are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.’ (Eph. 5:11-13) 

Oh friends, it’s obvious that we should not indulge in the sins of the unbeliever, but more importantly expose them, ‘bring them to the light and show them for what they really are, so that the unbeliever may see their hideous nature and their terrible consequences.’ For it’s shameful even to discuss that sinful behaviour in decent company. Thus, the necessity to bring them to light, expose them through Christ’s gospel, ‘for whatever sin is made manifest, is exposed, becomes light.’ But to do that successfully, we also need to put on the ‘armour of light’ because we are involved in a serious spiritual battle that cannot be fought without God’s protective armour. 

And Bruh Paul offers a serious warning on the subject. ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity), but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of the darkness of this world (world-rulers), against spiritual wickedness in high places (wicked spiritual beings). Wherefore take unto you (take up, put on) the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph. 6:10 -13) 

Now that’s oh so true! As the scholars explain: ‘Because we face such a formidable foe, we must avail ourselves of God’s provision lest the enemy destroy our Christian witness and ministry, during the ‘evil day,’ that’s the demonic onslaughts and Satanic assaults that periodically come against us.’ Only God’s armour will help us to resist Satan, and once we put it on, we need to keep it on, since Satan will keep attacking us every so often. 

Now let’s remind ourselves of God’s armour, so we can get it all. They are, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, all encompassed in the mighty act of prayer. (Eph. 6:14-19) And talking of prayer, since we’re clothed in God’s armour, let’s go to God right now through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to complete the process. 

As one voice: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. 

And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

Now, since we have invoked the name of Jesus Christ, it means we have to be on His right side, if we want the Lord to answer our prayer. And we all know what that entails. (smile) Much LOVE!

…Christians are soldiers in Christ’s army…and no wise soldier goes into battle without protective armour… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8     

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 June 2021 John 14:6.

09 Jun 2021 Leave a comment

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

John 14:6.     Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

And we unto the hump now friends; that middling day called Wednesday! And once we get through or over it, we feel like we have the wherewithal to conquer the rest of the week. But we should not feel so inclined because it’s only the goodness, grace and mercy of Christ Jesus that can really get us through whatsoever temptations and trials we face during our lifetime. 

Once we have Jesus in our corner, we have the ability to overcome any and everything that comes our way, because Jesus LOVES us and cares greatly for us, that’s why He died on the cross for us. So please let’s be wise and give our lives to Him completely, for He has ALL that we’ll ever need to succeed in this world, as well as the next! 

Yes friends, by whatever name we choose to call Him, Jesus, Yahweh, Yeshua, the Conquering Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, or the name that’s above every other name, to which all knees shall bow and all tongues confess that He is Lord to the glory of the Father, He is still the ONE and ONLY Saviour of mankind, the ONLY ONE through whom we can access the Father and thus an eternal home in heaven, the place and eternal hope of the saved! 

And I didn’t say that nuh, Jesus did, when the disciple Thomas questioned Him re knowing the way that He was going. ‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6) And until we fully understand that, and react positively to it, we will continue to be lost in the darkness of this evil and ungodly world. 

Now the next bit of conversation between Jesus and His disciples is also interesting. He continued to Thomas: ‘If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth (will satisfy) us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself (on my own authority): but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.’ (John 14:7-10) 

And no doubt, it was a difficult thing for the young disciples to understand, for Jesus was teaching them stuff contrary to the Jewish beliefs of the day, and they had only been with Him about three years. But we have had the words of Jesus for two thousand years, and yet many of us still refuse to acknowledge and believe that He is the Son of the ONE and ONLY True LIVING GOD! 

Now listen to the scholars’ explanation re verse 9 above. ‘14:9. Seen me…seen the Father: There are no attributes of deity that the Son does not possess. This statement is most powerful. Everything that is true of God the Father is also true of the Son. The doctrine of the Trinity in the New Testament may be inscrutable (difficult to interpret or understand), but it is also inescapable (cannot be denied).’ 

So you see, once we know Jesus, we also know the Father, because He is the exact replica of the Father. That’s one of the reasons Christ came to earth, so that we could have a better and more intimate knowledge of the God we worshipped. And in like fashion, the Father desires to make us replicas of Jesus, as much as an imperfect created being can be. That clearly means, that a successful earthly life, and thus one that leads to the pearly gates of heaven, can only be built upon the stalwart and solid foundation that’s Jesus! 

Oh my people, I wish I knew how to get through to us, to let us know that Jesus is truly ALL we need in this world. I can only give some testimony of my own and quote the scriptures, but so many of us still refuse to even acknowledge His existence much less believe in Him. And yuh know why? Because many of us, our deeds are evil, and we want them hidden in the darkness, but when we come to Jesus, all those evil deeds will be exposed. 

For as Isaiah prophesied re the birth of the Prince of Peace. ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ (Is. 9:2) And Jesus was the object of that prophecy, as He said to the hypocrite Pharisees: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) 

But obviously the Pharisees disputed His authority because He witnessed of Himself. And I just LOVE how Jesus could tie up the ole hypocrites an’ dem. They thought they could use words to justify their hypocrisy, but Jesus could better justify His position. As He answered them: ‘Though I bear record (witness) of myself, yet my record (witness) is true: for I know whence I came, and wither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.’ (John 8:14) 

Ah mih bredrin, we still live in a dark and evil world with much sin and evil hiding in that darkness, but the only hope we have of ever escaping that darkness into a world of light, containing much peace and LOVE and goodwill to men, is by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour! Aren’t we tired of living under this dark cloud of sin and evil? I know I am. So please, please, let’s wake up and take Bruh Paul’s wise advice to the church at Rome: ‘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.’ (Rom. 13:12) 

Oh friends, the day of Christ’s return is drawing near, it’s time we prepare for it by throwing off the works of darkness and the lusts of the flesh, like drunkenness, sexual immorality, jealousy and riotous living, and instead take up the armour of light that’s Christ; serve Him, and not our own selfish desires! There’s a sense of urgency that we Christians ought to display at this breaking of the day! And for those of us who are truly trying to do that, let’s go home now declaring (steups!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in the Son of God! 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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!’ 

Now need I remind us that if we endure to the end, that the future will be even more glorious than we ask or imagine? Much LOVE!

…what will it take to get you to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour eh…when you’re in the fires of hell…then it’s too late…                                                                  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8              

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 December 2017 Romans 13:12.

12 Dec 2017 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:12.   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. 

Oh friends of mine, it’s a beautiful white Tuesday morning in my area. Hn! Yes, we’ve finally registered our first significant snowfall of the season! It’s not too big a snowfall, and as always, it looks beautiful when unsullied by human passage through it. But trudging through it is something else…and so is shovelling it. Good thing I won’t be doing either of those activities today! (smile) 

Anyway, there’s lot’s of stuff I want to share this morning, so let’s get right to it nuh. And the first one is something called ‘The Tyranny of Things,’ from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional. I don’t remember if I’ve ever shared this before, but it’s ever so appropriate for these secular and selfish times, especially this time of year. 

Please read with me: ‘Materialism does not satisfy because it is tyrannical, and the human being was born to be free! We all know about the tyranny of things. We find that we don’t own a house – the house owns us. We are married to a mortgage. We become slaves to gadgets and garments. 

After we have all our “things” purchased, delivered, and installed, and have enjoyed a fleeting sense of pleasure, we find that they are still dominating, dictating, and demanding. “Press me, polish me, patch me, paint me, prune me, plaster me, repair me,” they shout. 

So we spend the best years of our lives and the bulk of our money working for the “things,” until, discouraged and depressed, we discover that we have no time left to pursue life’s really enjoyable avocations: visiting friends, having fun, and, yes, even going to church regularly. Thus mastered by materialism, tyrannized by things, we have no time left to do the deeds, or see the places, or visit the people, that would really give us great inner joy.’  

And isn’t all of that the living truth friends? It certainly is! In this materialistic, highly commercialized society, it’s all about things and stuff, especially at this season of Christmas. And in a couple weeks time, we’ve forgotten about all the stuff we bought – on credit; even get annoyed when we see some of the stuff, as we struggle to pay for them. Hn! Hn! 

So please, let’s take this advice to heart this Christmas season nuh, and not go overboard with the material stuff. Instead, let’s focus on the human relationships and spiritual processes that truly are the reason for the season, with Jesus being the main focus. 

That brings us to our Bit: ‘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.’ More words of truth and wisdom, my brethren, whether you take them literally or figuratively! 

Time is flying by, and none of us knows how much we have left, so we need to use each second economically, purposefully and usefully, both in the human and spiritual realms. Darkness and evil have taken a stranglehold on our world, and as true believers in Christ, we can’t afford to let that happen. We need to push back…and push back hard too, if we want to make a difference in this crucial fight. 

And we have a quote ascribed to Antoine de St. Expury (1900-1944) the French author, poet and aviator. It says: ‘In these times one must write with one’s life. This is the challenge to all of us.’ 

And is that ever so true friends, especially for us Christians! We need to show the dark, evil and cruel world what true Christianity is like through the way we live our lives, rather than the way we talk. For one doesn’t always reflect the other. As the saying goes; ‘examples work more forcibly than precepts.’ 

So please let’s concentrate on living our lives as good examples of Christ’s LOVE Revolution nuh, so that the unbeliever will see our sincerity and want to follow Jesus too. That’s the whole point for our being here yes friends. 

Now let us take a quick look at the second part of our Bit; putting on ‘the armour of light.’ And all we have time for is Bruh Paul’s notable warning and brief description of God’s spiritual armour to the Ephesians. ‘Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of darkness of this world (world rulers), against spiritual wickedness (wicked spiritual beings) in high places. Wherefore take unto you (take up, put on) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph.6:10-13) 

Yeh friends, only when we’re dressed in God’s armour, can we stand strong and resist the evil one, for He will attack again and again. That means we have to be continually ensconced in our ‘girdle of truth, and breastplate of righteousness, shod with the gospel of peace, bearing the shield of faith, having on our heads the helmet of salvation, and waving the sword of the Spirit in our right hand, with prayer and supplication’ driving us ever onward and forward! That’s our spiritual armour, and how we defeat the enemy. 

Now let’s go home declaring as we do on Tuesdays, our Tuesday Mantra, singing out loud and clear to the evil world who and whose we are. In full voice and sincere heart now: 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!’ 

Mama Mia! How blessed we are eh! Now let’s go out and put it all into action; share the LOVE of Jesus! Much LOVE!

…dark and evil times…call for Christians…showing their light…the light of Jesus…and leading the way…out of the darkness…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 December 2015 Revelation 1:3‏‏‏

04 Dec 2015 Leave a comment

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

Revelation 1:3.  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Well precious people, it’s Friday… 

And like everybody just went berserk. ‘Wowee! TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here! What a wonderful time we’re going to have, partying, carousing, and doing exactly what we want! There’s no better time than the weekend! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here!’ 

Ah friends, I do understand the ecstatic sentiments at the end of a rough workweek, but they are ones that will lead us down the wide and destructive path, not the narrow one that leads to our heavenly Father. So we need to be a bit more circumspect, re our weekend activities, if we don’t want to run afoul of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

And to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with sincerity and sense of purpose. As one chanter 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 fellow believers, we need to achieve some sense of balance in our weekend activities, so that we don’t go astray and invite the enemy into our lives anymore than he’s already there. So please, just a modicum of circumspection nuh, as Jeeves would say. (smile) 

And here is the chorus of a reggae song that I heard last night by Michael Arkk, titled ‘Tough’ It goes like this: ‘The road is rugged and rough. We all know it’s tough. But we can’t give up. The road is rugged and rough. We all know it’s tough. But we will overcome.’ 

Oh my people, my people, that describes believers to a ‘T’! Our earthly pilgrimage can be indeed rugged and rough, but we cannot give up because there’s no giving up in Jesus, especially since He has already assured us that the victory will indeed be ours. 

Now it certainly wouldn’t make sense to throw in the towel if you know that victory is guaranteed, you’ll just work through what ever difficulties come against you with faith, hope, patience and perseverance, knowing that you WILL win in the end! 

But again, to do all of that successfully requires more than we can manage in our finite and human selves. It needs the help of our wonderful Creator, as our Bit reminds us. ‘Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.’ 

That’s for certain sure friends! We can’t do very much on our own, we need the ever-ready and always-faithful assistance of our great God and King to keep us focused on the straight and narrow path that leads right to His front door in heaven. 

And all God’s children sighed a grateful sigh, and uttered a loud shout of thanks and praise. ‘Thank You Father God for enabling us to successfully walk this path of pilgrimage! We LOVE You, and sincerely praise and glorify Your Holy Name! Amen.’  

Oh mih breddren, how beautiful and wise it is to walk this earthly walk in company with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! Nothing else in this world compares even one iota to it! 

And all God’s people gave out with a loud and rousing ‘AMEN!’ 

Now let’s continue looking at scriptures that corroborate our bit, beginning with the words of Bruh Paul in his letter to the church at Rome, when he talks about walking in LOVE. 

‘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 (first) 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, what encouraging and truthful words! Please let’s take them to heart and put them into action, for that is wisdom personified! 

Now let’s end with some explanations from the scholars on those verses. ’13:11-12. Sleep means insensitivity to the demands of Christ on the Christian’s life. Now is our salvation nearer: The coming of Christ to deliver us from this sinful world grows nearer every day. 

The night is the time while Christ is out of the world, and the world has been delivered into the control of the prince of the power of the air. (Eph.2:2). The day is a reference to the time when Christ will return and establish His reign of righteousness.’ 

‘13:14. Make not provision for the flesh: One should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature, but should seek occasion to manifest works that are consistent with the new life in Christ.’ 

Words of awesome truth my brethren! So let’s seriously and sincerely ponder them and make them a precious part of our lives nuh, so that we can dwell in righteousness with our ever-LOVING, merciful and gracious God. Much LOVE!

…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…

P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but the ole fella’s sleep was not the greatest, the aches and pains were having a heyday, and thus he got up rather late. And it seems like my trusty computer wasn’t having such a good morning either; it was sort of slow and groggy like me. (smile) But as they say, better late than never. Much LOVE!

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 January 2014 Romans 13:12

26 Jan 2014 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:12.   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.  

And what is shaping up to be the second best vacation ever, keeps rolling along nicely! Yes Friends, it has indeed been a blessed and joyous eleven days so far on God’s Little Acre! But has it really been eleven days already? Let’s see. I arrived here on the 16th, and today is the 26th. Yeh people, that makes it 11 days inclusive!

Our magnanimous God has certainly shone His incredible favour down on me in those past 11 days. Almost everything I’ve wanted, I’ve been blessed with; from a clean, quiet, comfortable and spacious place to stay, to coconut tart, pigeon peas soup, curry crab and dumpling, sea, sand, salt and good times with old friends and new acquaintances. How can I ever complain eh?
 
Rather, I’m giving thanks and saying ‘Thank You Lord! Thank You ever so much for looking after me! And I pray that as I continue to serve You to the best of my ability, You will keep on blessing me, so that I can bless others.’ Oh my brethren, that’s the only wise and sensible way to go on this evil and ungodly planet!
 
Right now though, at about two thirty on what has turned out to be a bright, sunny and windy Sunday afternoon, I’m having a cup of caffeine, struggling to come awake. Hn, hn! It’s already been a busy day. I was up and off to church for 7.30 this morning. And though it ran for almost two hours, it was interesting and soul searching.
 
I then came home and fed my face and had to catch up with some lost night time rest, for yesterday was hectic. That included a trip in the hot afternoon sun to the Windward side of the island, after my episode in Store Bay. Passing through villages and towns with historic names like, Hope, Mt.St.George, Belle Garden, Roxborough and Delaford, certainly brought back nostalgic memories of my youth on the island.
 
Because of time constraints, we stopped in Delaford at a beach called Kings Bay and hung out there for a short period. Strangely enough though, although the beach seemed fine, either through laziness to change my clothes and then change back again, and /or the movement of the Spirit, I just did not feel like bathing in the sea, and that surely says something.
 
Oh I just had a bit of delicious watermelon from my brother’s garden to cool the heat in the body. (smile) The winding hilly roads of my youth are still there, with very little been done to straighten or widen them. However the surface quality in many parts is crying out for serious fixing.
 
Then by the time I got home and rested some, my half-brother and his wife showed up with the curry crab and dumpling that they had promised to make. Mama Yo! Was it ever delicious mih people! I even got a new convert in the Duchess. (smile) She finally appreciates why I’ve always talked so highly of the exotic T&T dish.
 
And while we were here visiting with my brother and his wife, a party was simultaneously happening somewhere nearby in the compound, with plenty talk, laughter and hot soca riddims rocking through the atmosphere, accompanied at one stage by some brilliant fireworks.
 
At one stage too, a strong wind storm and driving rain erupted. But as anyone from these parts knows, a little wind and rain doesn’t stop the party. It only prevents one from going to work. (smile) Oh the wind and rain were hot to trot this morning too. The radio announcer was warning people not to leave home without their umbrellas, and I drove to church amidst intermittent showers.
 
And that my Friends, is where we stand at this most auspicious moment in time!
 
And for those of you who are fast and inquisitive enough to wonder what was our Number One vacation experience. Well it was a trip the Duchess and I took, what… possibly 20 years ago, to Jamdown, (sweet Jamaica) and stayed far from the madding crowd down in the Parish of Trelawney, renting a townhouse there and going on some guided tours around the island.
 
Now we’ve never been tour people, always wanting to do our own thing, in our own time, but the Lord must have guided us to that, because it was the BEST TIME EVER! The things we did and places we went, are etched indelibly in our hearts minds and souls. And try as we want, we’ll never be able to recreate that enthusiasm and energy that arises in such one in a lifetime occasion.
 
We were young, no younger and stronger then, and could handle the hectic pace that was necessary for those endeavours. Our honeymoon, right here in Tobago, forty odd years ago, has so far been batting number two, but it’s certainly getting a run for its money from this current experience.
 
For your info, it seems that another joyful gathering is taking place nearby in the compound. I can’t see anybody, but the sound of talk, laughter and sweet soca are circulating through the airwaves. It sure seems like a partying compound.
 
 And now that you know as much as I do, (smile) let’s see what out Bit has to offer. ‘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.’
 
Yes my people, it’s certainly time for us believers to wake up and realize that the powers of darkness are smothering a lot of the world! Believers need to get serious about their Christian faith, to wake up and realize that Beelzebub is on a serious tear. And as Bruh Paul informs us, it’s only by putting on Christ’s armour of light, can we ever hope to beat back and eventually defeat those strong and evil powers that hide within the darkness of the world.
 
And the best way to bring that home to us, is by quoting Bruh Paul’s immortal, admonishing and ‘exhortatious’ (I just like how it sounds) advice to the Ephesians. ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil.
 
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers (world-rulers) of the darkness of this world (age), against spiritual (spiritual hosts of) wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Be ready for constant assaults from the wicked one).
 
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (one).
 
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph.6:10-18)
 
That says it all my brethren! I didn’t plan on quoting the last five verses which describe the spiritual armour, but I knew that very few of us would actually look it up, if I asked us to. So I decided to spoon feed us, (smile) so that we can get the full gist, the real importance of the subject.
 
It makes the Bit longer, but you can’t have it both ways. We need to get clothed, and stay clothed as long as possible in the strengthening and perceptive spiritual armour of God, if we want to bring the world to acceptance and conversion to Jesus.
 
So please, let’s go out and do that today, and every day, while there’s breath in our bodies nuh. That’s the wisdom of the age! Much LOVE!
 
…only as believers are filled with the redeeming Spirit of the Most High…will they be able to put up a good fight against the powers of darkness…  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 January 2014 Romans 13:12

25 Jan 2014 Leave a comment

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

 Romans 13:12.   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.  

Oh my beautiful Friends and believers in Christ Jesus, it surely seems like another beautiful day is in the offing on Robinson Crusoe’s glorious Isle! It is a tad cool though. The first time that I’ve experienced it this cool at 7.30 in the morning. And as always, the light, fine breeze is present. That is what makes it seem so cool.

Anyhow, what’s there to say in today’s preamble eh? Nothing much really, for nothing happened after my little episode at Store Bay yesterday. Some of the things the Lord puts us through eh!
 
But you know, although I became a tad despondent at the very real prospect of losing my glasses, something deep down inside kept whispering; ‘Hang on. Don’t give up hope. The Lord wouldn’t allow this problem if there wasn’t some purpose to it.’
 
And I guess it just showed me that my faith was getting stronger, but also the beauty of the people with whom I was dealing. But why should that surprise me eh, when I’m always raving about how Tobago people are so wonderful. (smile) Their sincere cooperation and effort was way beyond their call of duty.
 
And in some small way, it kind of restored some of my lost faith in humanity. And the birthday gathering I went to last night was also wonderful! I met friends and acquaintances I hadn’t seen in donkey years! Some of them as long as forty years ago. I also met some of the new generation of Tobagonians. They seem to be just like the new generation all over the world; into their tech toys and otherwise.
 
But the reminiscing of the older folks was extremely poignant and inspiring. It brought back long forgotten memories of our childhood. And again, we made new memories to reminisce on at another gathering in the future.
 
Ah mih people, as we’re wont to say in the past week: ‘I could handle this yuh know.’ (smile) And why not, especially with all the lush shrubbery in front of me, the still empty but immaculate golf course in the middle and the big green trees in the back ground, with the bright morning sun splaying over it all, and the birds sweetly chirping, insects singing, all praising the heavenly Father, their Maker and sure Provider. Just a peaceful, tranquil scene. 
 
And add to that, the fact that the Duchess’ long lost friend called us a short while ago to come for our peas soup (pigeon / gungo) and I had to leave the Bit and go for it, because she had to leave for work shortly. So how could I not be able to handle this eh? Chuh! Now that’s a positive, smiling chuh!
 
I’m supposed to be going up to check out some of the country areas later today. Don’t know how that will pan out, but I’ll surely let you know at some later date. But enough rambling now. Let’s check on our Bit. ‘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.’
 
Yes it’s the same as the last few days, because I still have some very appropriate scriptures to share on the topic, a most important one in the life of EVERY believer.
 
And we’ll begin with some words on moral standards from Bruh Paul to the Corinthians. ‘I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company (associate) with fornicators (sexually immoral people): Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
 
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer (reviler), or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one, no, not to eat.
 
For what have I to do to judge (with judging) them also that are without (outside)? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without (outside) God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.’ (1 Cor.5:9-13)
 
Yeh mih people those are some tough standards to maintain, but believers always need to come up above the rest of the crowd, being a good example to them, as Jesus was and is to us.
 
And the scholars have some interesting notes on a couple of those verses. ‘5:9. I wrote unto you in an epistle: This is the “previous epistle.” The letter is now lost, but we know that at least one subject discussed in this letter was that they were not to keep company with fornicators.’
 
And ‘5:11. Not to keep company: The term translated “to keep company” is found only here, in verse 9, and in 2 Thessalonians 3:14. It is a compound of three Greek terms, and means “to mingle together with.” It has the idea of close, habitual association.’
 
Now that doesn’t mean we can’t talk to or work with these people, for how else are we going to have a chance to bring them to Jesus? But we must not make it a habit to associate with them, as their ungodly ways can quite easily spill over into us.
 
And as we said recently, when we encounter the ungodly, we need to ensure that our godly habits control the situation, or we are on our p’s and q’s to avoid the worldly lusts of the flesh polluting our hearts, souls and minds.
 
And we’ll close there for today. I’m going to have an exotic breakfast; carrot bread and accra (salted cod fried in a rich batter), then get myself ready to head for the country districts, places I have not seen in ages.
 
Till next time then, if the Lord’s in favour of us meeting again here on earth, please look after yourselves, and may our great and wonderful God bless and keep us all safely under His expansive and  LOVING wings. Much LOVE!
 
…believers ought to follow Jesus’ example…going out every day and doing good…so that we can win souls for Him…