Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 February 2014 Ephesians 1:3

03 Feb 2014 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 1:3.     Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Oh Friends, it’s Monday… And poor me, ah crying because is only three days left before I have to leave God’s Little Acre and return to the cold, dark, North Country. Steups! But what yuh going to do eh? Them’s the breaks! So you just have to grin and bear it. And most importantly, I know that our great and wonderful God will bless me wherever He leads me on His beautiful planet Earth.

So there’s really no need to worry, although the hot sun is much preferable to the cold one. (smile) Anyway, yesterday was a great day in memory lane travel. After writing the Bit, I went by Aunt Cicely for some home-cooked food. And it did taste better than and different to the store bought stuff I’ve been living on for most of the last two weeks.
 
Then my Uncle Foster came over and spent the night with us. We watched Barbados beat T&T in regional cricket competition, and Seattle blow out Denver in the overhyped Super Bowl. I felt real sorry for Peyton Manning though, because from the first snap of the ball, which went over his shoulder into the end zone, before he even appeared ready for it, you could tell that it would be a rough day for him.
 
Seattle however did deserve to win with their excellent play, both on defence, offence and special teams. That’s how teams are supposed to play; with all aspects positively contributing to the overall effort.  
 
But Friends, yuh know in all the reminiscing that’s been going on for the past two weeks, last night’s was the most important, because my Uncle Foster and I had a very special relationship when we lived bachey (as bachelors) in Trinidad in the early 70’s. We made so many memories, or as he termed them adventures, that some he mentioned, I had no recollection of them whatsoever. He obviously remembers more of them than I do.
 
And yuh better believe that the Duchess and him had their own private tete a tete, reliving their own memories, since she was always his favourite. And though I tried to stay out of their business, they still found some way to gang up on me, like they did in the past. Anyway, it was a most excellent time, with some of everything involved, even serious arguments. But the disagreements didn’t last long, because that’s the way we’ve always been.
 
And now Friends, on this Monday morning in early February 2014, let’s raise the roofs of both heaven and earth, with a miraculous rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. Let’s make it so sweet, that our Father in heaven will automatically get up from His throne and passionately begin singing the music and doing a feisty two step dance to it. (smile)
 
And remember my fellow believers, we can do anything with His help. So let’s sing up a godly storm. On three: one, two, three: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
 
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
 
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
 
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
 
Oh yes mih people! We did it! We did it! The soulful harmony touched our heavenly Father’s very soul, and had him up singing and dancing His own version of the two step. And can the Father move! You bet!
 
During that time, Jesus stood aside smiling, clapping and urging Him on, for it had been a long time since He’d seen the Father so happy that He wanted to bust a move. So we know for sure that heaven will be a somewhat happier place today, but what about planet earth eh?
 
It won’t be so great unless we believers get out there and work some good works for Jesus! And since we have the Father prepped and in the mood for celebrations, we can’t afford to let Him down now. So please Friends, let’s try our very best to walk worthy of Him today nuh.
 
And how can we even contemplate doing otherwise after looking at our Bit and the resultant benefits and blessings that flow from it? ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.’ 
 
So let’s continue from where we left off yesterday; talking about how He predestinated us as His adopted children through Christ, through His fatherly LOVING-kindness. And why did He do all that?
 
‘To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (bestowed grace – favour – on us). In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ (Eph.1:6-7)
 
And since the scholars have excellent explanations of those verses, let’s hear them. ‘1:6. The reason God predestined us to be His sons (v.5) is expressed in the words to the praise of the glory of his grace, that is, in order to magnify the splendour of His goodness to us. Wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved may also read, “which (grace) He has bestowed on us by the Beloved.” Through Christ, we are the recipients of God’s unmerited favour.’
 
And there can be no argument about that Friends, for all our blessings, etc. etc. come straight from the goodness of the Father’s heart. That should be obvious, since in our natural, sinful state, we could never do anything to earn or even deserve His holy acceptance.
 
And re verse ‘1:7. Redemption referred to the release of a slave or captive upon receipt of ransom. But the following words, the forgiveness of sins, show “redemption” is used here in a moral sense. Christians are therefore released from their enslavement to sin and the resulting divine wrath. Redemption is effected for us through his blood, that is, by Christ’s atonement secured by His death on the cross.’ 
 
Oh my brethren, what else can we say but oodles of heartfelt ‘thank you’s’ to Almighty God, for the greatest gift ever bestowed on mankind, Christ’s atonement for our abominable sins on the cross of Calvary! What a blessed day! For without it, we would all be staring at a dark and disastrous eternity in the dungeons of hell, with Lucifer as our evil leader and companion.
 
However, fortunately for us, with Christ’s selfless sacrifice, His shed blood paid once and for all for all our sins, and now we’re able to look forward with great joy to spending eternity in heaven, holy, sanctified and reconciled to our Creator and Provider!
 
Wow! What a blessed future awaits us! So please my fellow believers, today, let’s ponder on those significant events, and try, with God’s help obviously, to bring our lives into line, into obedience with His plans for us. That’s the height of wisdom and common sense! Much LOVE!
 
…he who forsakes His Maker…will be forsaken by His Maker…as simple and straightforward as that…  

 

               

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 December 2013 Isaiah 33:22

28 Dec 2013 Leave a comment

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

 Isaiah 33:22.   For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he shall save us.
 
Ah Friends, it’s Saturday and the ole fella is tired. I don’t know why, because I didn’t do much over the Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations. I didn’t over eat or over drink. In fact I rested quite a lot; perhaps too much. (smile). Where was I to go though, with all the ice and snow and unfavourable weather?
 
I guess the tricky Lucifer must be playing some mind games with me. But I have the perfect antidote for that, my spiritual armour. Yes my people, I’m going to put it on right now, and I know that as soon as I do, then begin writing about God’s Word, His joyous Spirit will pick me up and restore a bright and sparkling outlook to my weary spirit. Yes Friends, one of the great things our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ does for us is to uplift and restore our tired and sagging spirits. 
 
And contrary to my hope yesterday, I didn’t finish sharing all the scripture on the ‘lawgiver’ aspect of our Bit, so today we’ll forgo a lot of preamble and get right to it. ‘For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he shall save us.’
 
And I’m chuckling here Friends, because I’m listening to the radio while writing, which I don’t usually do because it tends to distract me.  But for some reason I tuned into Radio Trinidad, 730 AM, where they’re playing some nice Christian music and the writing just seemed to flow. So who am I to deny God’s inspiration eh? (smile)
 
Anyway, turning to the ‘lawgiver’ aspect of our Bit, let’s continue with some appropriate scriptures. Isaiah, that faithful and much inspired prophet, boldly proclaims, re the day of the Lord: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
 
And many people shall go and say, come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruninghooks (pruning knives): nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.’ (Is.2:2-4)
 
Oh, what a beautiful day that will be, my brethren! But long before that the Lord was handing down laws to His chosen creation. The first basic law was given to our forefather Adam. ‘And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest eat freely: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.’ (Gen.2:16-17)
 
But as we all know, Adam didn’t obey, and thus we’ve all been possessed of a sinful, rebellious nature since then. Then the Lord made circumcision the law for those of Abraham’s lineage, who wanted to covenant with him. ‘This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child (male) among you shall be circumcised.
 
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token (sign) of the covenant betwixt me and thou. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.’ (Gen.17:10-12) 
 
And we can’t talk about laws without talking about the Big Ten, the Lord gave to the Israelites on leaving Egypt bound for the Promised Land, (Ex.20: 1-17) with the biggest being the first: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ (Ex.20:3)
 
Unfortunately though, neither the Israelites, nor many of us who came after them, have sufficiently heeded those Ten Commandments. And that foolish action, that disobedience sadly bears a direct link to why our world is in such a calamitous state today. And if you don’t believe me, then read those Ten Commandments and take out all the negativity that disobeying each one brings to our world, and see how beautiful the remnant is!
 
Now let’s turn to Isaiah again with some more interesting words from our Maker. ‘Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.’ (Is.51:7-8)
 
Then Jesus came and broke it all down to just two laws. ‘Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt.22:37-40)
 
But you think we could even keep those two? Obviously not! Therefore we’re surrounded by a negativity filled world!
 
And we’ll end with some provocative words from James on that last commandment; consideration for a brother. ‘Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?’ (James 4:11-12)
 
And that Friends, say it all! Until we stop judging and truly start LOVING, our lives and our world will continue to be one, big, disastrous mess. Let this be a wake up call for us nuh. Much LOVE!
 
…there is only ONE Lawgiver…ONE Judge…ONE King…ONE able to save us…Almighty God…the Holy Trinity…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 December 2013 1 Corinthians 12:12

11 Dec 2013 Leave a comment

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

 1 Corinthians 12:12. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
 
And here it is Friends, a bitterly cold Wednesday morning, two weeks before Christmas Day. Ah Lord eh! Meanwhile in sunny climes like T&T, the sun’s shining hot and bright, and the living is comparatively easy. Steups!
 
No need for thick, heavy coats and boots, scarves, gloves, hats and the like to ward off winter’s chill. But to a certain extent the weather conditions here do make us a hardier stock of people, and I can tell you that from hard, personal experience.
 
But though it can be sometimes rough, the weather in no way diminishes our celebrations. For like the wise and godly people we are, we’ve found numerous ways over the years to harness our weather to that wonderful joy we find in the birth of Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
 
The weather certainly doesn’t stop us from getting out and about and enjoying activities with others. In fact this is our party season! But to tell the truth, I’d rather be in T&T, or some other warm and sunny clime right now. At my advanced age (smile) the cold does get to you. And believe me, after 41 years of it… Chuh! I can certainly do with a break.
 
But sadly that doesn’t seem to be in God’s plans for me, so I’ll just have to shut up, and grin and bear it. The good thing though is the reality of the cold doesn’t stop me from seeing and experiencing the warm sunshine, golden beaches and calm, blue seas in my mind’s eye. Yes Friends, I’m seeing them through the eyes of faith! Hn, hn!
 
Anyway mih breddren, enough ‘preambling’, (smile) let’s turn now to our Bit. ‘For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.’
 
As you can see, though it’s a different piece of scripture, were’ still dealing with the ONENESS of Christ’s church, although it contains many different functioning parts. And it is indeed a crucial aspect of our faith, my people!
 
An aspect that all believers should know, understand and fully believe, otherwise we’ll never truly attain that ONENESS, that unity, that togetherness that’s oh so necessary and important in any undertaking whatsoever, especially such a monumental undertaking as faith in Christ, and building and growing His church.
 
And to enhance the importance of that ONENESS, listen to Bruh Paul earlier on in this missive to the church at Corinth. ‘The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (fellowship) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion (fellowship) of the body of Christ? For we being many are ONE bread, and ONE body: for we are all partakers of that ONE bread.’ (1 Cor.10:16-17)
 
Yes Friends, it’s the same thing with the Holy Communion; we all participate of a small portion of ONE entity – Christ’s body and blood!
 
And as Bruh Paul continues after our Bit: ‘For by ONE Spirit are we all baptized into ONE body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond (slaves) or free; and have been made to drink into ONE Spirit. For the body is not ONE member, but many.’ (1 Cor.12:13-14)
 
Again Friends, we’re reminded about the ONENESS of God’s operation, through the ONE Holy Spirit, which caters to all believers.
 
And here’s what the scholars have to say about that verse. ’12:13. Are we all baptized into one body: This is not the baptism of water but the baptism of the Spirit. This has the same meaning as the expression and have been all made to drink into one Spirit: This fulfills Matthew 3:14; John 1:33; and Acts 1:5.
 
That this baptism is common to all believers at Corinth is implied by the fact that Paul does not exhort them to be baptized by the Spirit. Rather, he asserts that they have all been baptized. The believer does not tarry or pray for this baptism. It occurs at the moment of regeneration (rebirth, being born again). This passage is clear that all believers have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.’
 
So my people, it is of the utmost importance that we really see the gravity of Christ’s church working together in unity, as ONE! For just as our God consists of a trinity, it is still in fact only ONE GOD, broken down for different purposes.
 
And on that rather important point, we’ll end today’s proceedings. Please ponder all that we’ve said, and check out the scripture references above. Much LOVE!
 
…unity is always the key…to any kind of success… 
 
P.S. Ah mih people, please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but in the last couple of days my computer and I have been on different wave lengths. Steups! Like a sinful human, it’s been rebelling on me, wanting to do its own thing. But with the Lord’s help we’ll soon bring it to heel. Note how the Bit’s short too. (smile) Much LOVE! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 May 2013 Psalm 138:6

13 May 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 138:6.     Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Ah Friends, unfortunately it’s Monday once again, and the Mother’s Day celebrations are over for another year. Sadly, they were marred somewhat in my area by cloud, rain and strong winds. I understand that we had hailstones too, and some places further north even had snow. So much for the blossoming summer weather. Chuh! Hopefully though, not too many of us are suffering this morning from the aftermath of those celebrations, (smile) and won’t get up feeling worse than is customary on a Monday morning. I know celebrations are wonderful, but when we overdo it, the price we pay later on is simply not worth it. Anyway, life goes on, whether we’re feeling up to it or not. The good thing though is that we worship a healing, caring and LOVING God, who’s only too willing to fix us when we’re hurting and/or broken. And one way He does that is by hearing our cries for help, our prayers, and granting them. So on this rough Monday morning, let’s cry out to Him for help and sustenance by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. Now, in whatever voice you can manage, croaking or otherwise (smile) but with a sincere and true heart, let’s sing. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Oh Friends, that wasn’t very powerful. Truthfully, it might be better termed pitiful. But that’s the whole idea about crying out for help. If you’re strong and able, then you don’t need help. And if it’s one thing our God LOVES to do, is to help the weak and pitiful. Our Bit declares that quite plainly. ‘Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto (He regards) the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.’ Yes my brethren, it’s the same Bit from two days ago. I wasn’t finished with it, but Mother’s Day forced me to put it aside till today. And if you remember, we ended that day with Jesus quoting Hosea 6:6, to the hypocrite Pharisees, re the Lord desiring mercy, faithfulness and not sacrifice from His followers, when they complained to the disciples about His eating with sinners and tax collectors. And as Bruh Paul told the Corinthians: ”For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than man.’ (1 Cor.1:22-25) Words of awesome truth my people! Remember too, that Jesus Himself dealt more with the sick and suffering, the outcasts and those from the lower rungs of society. As He said: ‘For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.’ (Matt.18:11) And unfortunately, those at the bottom of society’s totem pole, are usually the lost ones, who need healing and saving more than those higher up. However we put it though Friends, our God is undoubtedly a champion of the small, oppressed man. Cousin Sol wisely tells us: ‘Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly (weak, humble) (Prov.3:34) And Isaiah solemnly declares, re condemnation of Israel’s idolatry: ‘For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’ (Is.57:15) Yes my people, it is always the Lord’s will to help those who are downtrodden, oppressed, fallen on hard times and any other negative situations that may affect their lives! But we have to call on Him in humility and true repentance. That’s the key to His mercy and forgiveness. Please, let’s remember that and act accordingly today. Our lives will be all the better for it. Much LOVE!…come unto me…all ye that labour and heavy laden…and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy…and my burden is light… (Matt.11:28, 30)
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 December 2012 Proverbs 8:32

02 Dec 2012 Leave a comment

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

 

Proverbs 8:32.    Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
Oh Friends, oh Friends, our God is indeed a great God, there’s no doubt about that! That’s why we can sing so heartily, truthfully and appreciatively: ‘All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all. The bright and sunny weather, Our sparkling waters pure, Are gifts from God as well as, The white sand on our shore. (Chorus) The mangoes in the summer, The sea grapes growing wild, Guinep and plums and guavas, Are gifts for every child. (Chorus) The waters round our island, Are brimming full with food; Grouper and crab and lobster, That do our Bodies good. All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.’ Truths for  now and all time Friends! And all God’s people raised up a mighty shout unto heaven: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Praise be to Him that sits on the throne on high and looks after His children down here on earth.’ Sorry this is so late my brethren, but I was about God’s business, fellowshipping with other believers at the Harvest /Thanksgiving service at my old church, St. Andrew’s Anglican in Scarborough. I had no idea that the celebration would be so long, three hours, from 8-11 am. But it was beautiful! With a West Indian flavour that can’t be beat. The last Harvest Festival I went to there, must have been some fifty years ago, before Hurricane Flora blew down the old church in 1963. As usual, I saw friends and family that I haven’t seen in donkey years. (smile)  It was also good to see all the produce of the fertile earth on display in the church, and the singing and praising was wonderful. After that I bought some of the goodies they were selling, then they held me back for lunch. I never got back home until after one, having left shortly after seven. So what else can I do but give Almighty God thanks and praise for the many blessings He’s poured down on me in the last two weeks here on His Li’l Acre? And it’s not done yet, because I still have some rounds to make later this afternoon. And even while I’m trying to write the Bit on the porch of my cosy cottage at Store Bay, under cloudy skies, people are calling and disturbing me, but I have to be nice and pleasant as our God dictates. Anyway, our Bit: ‘Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways,’ has made it to day 3, because it’s very important and there are several scriptures still left to bring to our attention. The first one today comes from Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Good Book, titled, The Lord’s judgements are righteous. And true to its title, it opens thus: ‘Blessed are the undefiled (blameless) in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.’ (Ps.119:1-2) Oh my people, how can anyone be anything other than blessed if they walk continually with the Most High God eh? Impossible! For He’s the kind of God that abundantly blesses those who diligently seek Him. I just wish more unbelievers, and supposed believers too, could truly get that into their hearts and minds, and forget the foolish Lucifer and his empty, frivolous nonsense. And as I keep saying, all the material possessions we can get by selling our souls to Lucifer, are also available from the Lord, in even greater abundance, plus they are more secure and last longer, if we get them through God’s largesse. Oh, the duchess brought a piece of roast bake and some ginger beer outside for me. Oh Tobago, sweet Tobago! Am I ever going to miss you when I’m gone! And now is a piece of sweet bread. (smile) So why bother with a ‘chupid’ fellow like Lucifer eh, one who had it all, but threw it away by unwisely trying to overthrow the Creator, and is now forced to walk in sin, disobedience and destruction? Now listen to Isaiah postulate and expatiate (smile) in wisdom and truth on the matter. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened (heeded, listened) to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels (body) like the gravel (grains of sand) thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.’ (Is.48:17-19) And if you don’t believe that, just check out Israel’s history. When they followed the Lord, they prospered; when they rebelled, they suffered true hell here on earth. So which path are you going to choose eh my brethren? I certainly hope it’s the path that’s led by Jesus, for He is indeed the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE and the LIGHT! And hear Him tell it. One day while Jesus was preaching His family came to look for Him but couldn’t get through the big crowd. Eventually somebody told Jesus that His mother and brethren wanted to see Him. And His answer was: ‘My mother and brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.’ (Luke 8:21) If Jesus could say that about His earthly family, most of whom never believed in Him when He was alive, who am I to say different eh? And another time, while talking about a house divided against itself can’t stand, and about unclean spirits, (Luke 11:14-26) a woman in the crowd, generously declared: ‘Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps (breasts) which thou hast sucked.’ (Luke 11:27)  However, Jesus’ reply declared something somewhat different: ‘Yea, rather (more than that), blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’ (Luke 11:28) Matter fixed Friends! And the scholars hit the nail on the head  with these conclusions. ‘These verses are unique to Luke. They show that spiritual relationship with Jesus is more important than family ties, and that blessedness is a matter of both hearing and doing God’s word.’ Ah Friends, I don’t know what else to say to encourage us to live for God and obey His Word nuh. I know that I am trying my best to do so, and I’m certainly benefitting from it. Now everything is not, and will never be, strictly wine, roses and song, but it’s surely always interesting, even in the difficult times. So who ever doesn’t want to do likewise, I’m sorry for them, but each individual has to make their own decisions on this particular matter. And we’ll end with the chorus of a well known hymn that we sang in church this morning in thanks for the bountiful harvest. ‘Count your blessings, Name them one by one. Count your many blessings, See what God has done.’ Oh people, please let’s do that seriously today, so that we can see and understand the wonders our God is doing in the lives of His children down here on Mother Earth. Much LOVE!…as for me and mine…we’ll definitely follow Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 August 2012 Exodus 20:3

10 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Exodus 20:3    Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Oh Friends, it’s Friday, the day when we all shout ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ because we’re headed for the weekend and a couple days off work. But yuh know the loudest thanks for today being Friday is going to be in J.A, where Usain Bolt won the 200 metres gold medal again! And not only that, Jamaicans also won the silver and bronze medals in that race. So Jamrock must be in a mess of celebrations now. But as I keep saying, please be careful to mind your business whether you’re drunk or sober, because it’s in those times of celebration that we’re most susceptible to the wiles and lies of Lucifer. So party on J.A. but be on your p’s and q’s for the enemy’s looking for any foothold he can get. And before we go further, let me share a quote from a kaiso by Shadow that I heard the other day that shows true wisdom and Christianity. I don’t know the song, but Shadow truthfully sings in it: ‘Everybody is a somebody. Nobody is a nobody.’ And Friends, that’s exactly the way Jesus looks at all of us! Whether we’re rich or poor, educated or not, sick or healthy; to Jesus we’re all somebodies. Please remember that and let’s act like it. And even more importantly, let’s treat others the same way, regardless of whether they’re considered the dregs of society or not, they’ve all been made in God’s great and LOVING image and deserve to be treated as such. Now let’s chant our Friday Chant with great enthusiasm, in loud voice and sincere hearts. All together 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.’ And now that we’ve reigned in some of our exuberance (smile) and set the parameters for the weekend, let’s look at our Bit: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ And we all know that if we’re to have a successful walk with Jesus that’s the number one rule. But I also hope that through reading it so often these last few days that it has been renewed in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, and we’ve truly realized that our Creator MUST ALWAYS TAKE FIRST PLACE IN OUR LIVES! There are absolutely no ifs and buts about that. And if you want to play the devil’s advocate and ask why, the answer’s very simple: Because we belong to Him. Hn! He created us, controls our lives, LOVES us so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to die for us, and wants us to LOVE Him too. There couldn’t be any better reasons than those my people. And wonder of wonders, as I’m writing this, I’m actually hearing the rain fall outside. It fell for a good part of yesterday, but mostly as a drizzle. Anyway, turning to the scriptures, listen to Bruh Paul’s take on the subject, where he concludes that there is none righteous. And he shows his vast knowledge of the Old Testament by extracting appropriate bits and putting them together as one. ‘As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre (grave); with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.’ (Rom.3:10-18) Now here’s a quick brief from the scholars: ‘Paul quotes scriptures to prove universal guilt. Scripture, not Paul, is the judge. See Psalm 5:9, 10:7, 14:1-3, 140:3; Isaiah 59:7,8).’ That’s the different places the foregoing scripture came from. And Friends, if you think that that was a damning situation in Bruh Paul’s time, believe me, it’s even worse in ours, for God has been legislated out of, relegated to the lowest rungs, and almost totally removed from our society. But fortunately, where there’s a warm body, there’s hope, and we have enough warm bodies rooting for Jesus that we can make a difference. But my people, all I can do is encourage us to follow and obey Almighty God. Each individual still has to make that decision seriously, and then diligently pursue it. And to try and solidify my case, I’ll leave us with the definitive word on the subject by our Lord, Saviour, Master, Leader, Brother and Friend, Jesus. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33) Yes Friends, that’s gospel truth! If we seek God first in all we do, then all the things we need will be granted us. The Lord’s promised that, and we all know He faithfully keeps His promises. So please, lets get our act together and start making things happen nuh. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Much LOVE!…in God’s Book…obedience brings prosperity…disobedience brings destruction…it’s as simple as that…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 August 2012 Jeremiah 17:7

06 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Jeremiah 17:7.     Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! Yeah, the day we’re all growing to LOVE, because it gives us a fresh opportunity every week to bring others in the work world to Christ. Wow! Isn’t that wonderful? It’s also Caribana Monday in T.O. and the party is still going strong; right up till midnight. Thankfully, I haven’t heard about any untoward incidents over the weekend, because you know how they like to over react. You can’t have thousands of people celebrating in fairly congested areas and not have some problems, especially when the young people nowadays so quick on the draw. Let’s hope nothing serious happens to mar the celebrations and have the more righteous than thou complaining about violence at the parade, conveniently forgetting the number of people that have recently been murdered just normally going about their everyday lives. Anyway, enough negativity, let’s get down to brass tacks and give those people who unfortunately have to go to work today, some incentive to get out there and do Christ’s bidding. So let’s have a rousing rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn! As one voice now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Yes my people, that ought to get the adrenaline flowing and our minds fully focussed on Christ! Now let’s look at our Bit: ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.’ Yeh Friends, more on that topic of HOPE today, because it’s what our world is so sadly lacking and needs more than anything else. People are losing their jobs and homes by the thousands, causing families to fall apart. The world economic situation is getting worse everyday, generating more fear, more greed, anger, envy, jealousy and strife worldwide, than at any other time in history. Then there’s widespread drought in many places, while serious flooding elsewhere is also causing untold damage. That just means there’s less food available at higher prices. So with all of that, people do have practical reasons to be concerned. And what are our leaders and the supposed experts doing to fix the problems? Absolutely nothing of any real value! They meet often, spend oodles of tax payers money on security, live high on the hog and talk a good talk, but don’t do anything concrete to help solve the problems. And why is that eh Friends? It’s a simple reason. We have forsaken the Lord God Jehovah, our Creator, Controller and Provider, and have turned to our own foolish devices. So if you turn away from the ruler of the universe, what else can you expect but disaster eh? Oh Friends, the only way to reverse all the negativity is by returning to the fold of Almighty God! If we don’t, then we’ll soon be history; the laughingstock of the ages. Sadly, many believers have bought into the negative trends of the world and are losing hope too. But my brethren the one thing we have over everybody else is that secure HOPE of a bright future in Christ! And if we serve Him faithfully, He will provide for us, as He’s faithfully promised. So Friends, please don’t get scared and lose hope. I know it’s not easy with all the negative stuff that’s happening, but that’s where our Christian strength and maturity come into play. Because of our trust and faith in our great and good God, we have no reason to fear anything or anybody. Please, let’s write that indelibly in the deepest recesses of our souls, so that we can use it as a sure foundation. Now let’s go home with some scriptures that will buoy our spirits and give us the hope, comfort and joy, we so badly need. And how did you know (smile) that the first passage is from Bruh David eh? From Psalm 34, the Lord hears the righteous, where he’s running for his life from Saul, lies to Abimelech the priest about being on some hasty secret mission for Saul, so he didn’t have time to get food or weapons. So he takes the shrew bread meant for the altar and Goliath’s sword and flees to Nob. (1 Sam.21) He solemnly proclaims: ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want (lack) to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want (lack) any good thing.’ (Ps.34:8-10) Truer words were never spoken my brethren! If we put our trust in the most omnipotent Being in the universe, to whom nothing is impossible, why should we want for anything eh? And finally, some more moving words, this time from Bruh Paul: ‘Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.’ (Rom.15:13) And all God’s people uttered a loud and glorious ‘Amen!’ Oh Friends, if those words and the rest of the Bit don’t get you excited and make you jump for joy in the Lord, then I don’t know what will! (smile) But seriously though, let’s all lift up our heads and hearts with the hope that’s found in Christ Jesus as we go out into the evil, ungodly world today, and let’s show them what true Christians are made really made of…B, B and B! Much LOVE!…if you have true hope in Jesus…then you won’t be afraid of anything…  P.S. It’s a bit long, because I wanted to finish with Hope today. But then it’s also revitalizing and true. (smile) Much LOVE!
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 April 2012 Matthew 28:6

09 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 28:6.    He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.

 

EASTER  MONDAY

Ah mih people, it’s Easter Monday, and for those lucky ones who have the day off, the partying is still going strong. But unfortunately some working stiffs have to labour on what’s supposed to be a tremendously joyous occasion. That means we still need to sing our Monday Morning Battle hymn to help them on their way. That’s what good Friends are for! (smile) So with exceptionally loud and joyful voices that truly reflect Jesus’ resurrection, let’s belt it out in all faithfulness. On three now: one, two, three: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And for those of you going to work, may the Lord bless and keep you safe as you battle the evil enemy in His Name. Meanwhile, those of you who are lucky to be at home, or out enjoying food, drink and good company, please remember the reason for the season and your celebrations. Somewhere in the festivities please spend some time contemplating Jesus’ passion, which resulted in your wonderful free gift of Salvation and Eternal Life, and whisper, or better yet, shout up some thanks to heaven, acknowledging your sincere gratitude for His selfless sacrifice. Now let’s look at our Bit. ‘He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.’ That’s what the angel of the Lord told the women who came to visit Jesus’ tomb on Easter Sunday. They were obviously afraid when they saw the stone rolled back from the tomb’s mouth and the angel sitting on it. But he convinced them that everything was okay and they should go and tell the rest of the disciples that Jesus was risen. Here is some interesting info from the scholars, re Christ’s Resurrection: ‘The resurrection of Christ included five accomplishments: (1) the physical renewing of His life; (2) the reunion of His body and His Spirit; (3) the subjugation of death under Him; (4) the attachment of His new position; and (5) His receiving a transfigured body. Application: Because of the Resurrection, the Christian receives both eternal life (John 11:25) and spiritual power (Eph 1:19,20). Christ’s resurrection also provides for the future resurrection of the believer (1 Cor.15:20) and is the key to victory in the Christian life because of our union with Christ (Eph:2:6)’ And all God’s people raised a triumphant shout of joy to heaven: ‘Oh thank you Jesus for saving our sinful souls from the pangs of death and eternal separation from the Father. Without your obedient intercession it wouldn’t be possible. We therefore praise and bless Your Holy Name! Amen!’ Yes Friends, please read those scriptures listed above so you can better understand what they’re talking about, and every time we think about Jesus’ unselfish action on our behalf, we ought to offer up some sincere thanks and praise, then try to live a life worthy of him and His principles, for that’s all we can ever do to show our gratitude. Now here is a scripture I planned to share and it just turns out to be the scholars First Reference in their info above. It comes from Psalm 16, Bruh David’s Michtam (Contemplation) where he seeks preservation and blessing: ‘I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer (allow) thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more.’ (Ps.16:8-11) Oh my people the verse that the scholars talk about is (10) the one in bold lettering, but the whole passage was too appropriate to this Easter season with the promise of hope, joy and the Lord’s presence, that I had to include it all. The ole fella can get emotional! (smile) And here’s another verse that tells about resurrection and life after death from Psalm 49, Trust in God, not wealth: ‘They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him: For the redemption of their soul is precious (costly), and it ceaseth for ever: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.  Selah. (Ps.49:6-8,15) Ah Friends, that brings to mind some of Jesus words on the subject: ‘For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matt.17:26) And the answer to that Friends, is a big, fat NOTHING! Therefore let’s enjoy the Easter season, celebrate and rejoice that the triumvirate God we worship, LOVED us enough to pay such a hefty sacrifice to redeem our sinful souls. But now it’s time for us to go out and do our duty by spreading that good news to all the earth, so that all the earth can rejoice and be saved, thus glorifying God and furthering His glorious kingdom. Much LOVE!…when others get to hear about and know the real Jesus…they will accept and LOVE Him… just as much as we do…   P.S. Ah Friends, I don’t know if the Bit is as cohesive and coherent as I’d like, because I struggled through some external distractions as well as my own mental insufficiency. But I’m not worried since I know that true believers have the God-given ability to pick sense from nonsense. (smile) Much LOVE!

 

Next Newer Entries