Today’s Scrip-Bit   17 March 2023 Job 14:1.

17 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

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

Job 14:1. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

And though it’s a wet, cloudy day, we all still shouted ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday and the work week done!’ Yes, the work week is finally finished, but for some reason or other the lasts few Fridays have all seen bad weather, although the previous days in the week have been fine, bright and sunshiny. I guess because we are so into Friday, the weather mavens are playing the devil’s advocate with us, trying to put a spoke into our wheel on one of the days we look forward to. (smile) 

But little do they know that we can handle anything they throw at us because were the siblings of Jesus Christ, children of the Most High God Jehovah; Creator of heaven, earth and all therein! Yes friends, the devil and his evil cronies might try to make life difficult for us but when we’re imbued with the Holy Spirit of Christ, our Lord and Saviour, as well as our Big Brother, our High Priest, Advocate, Intercessor and whatever else we need, then we can handle ANYTHING that comes against us in His mighty name! 

How did the prophet Isaiah put it so long ago? ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me, saith the Lord.’ (Is. 54:17) Ah my people, what a strong, stalwart, ever-faithful and LOVING God we serve! If He says it, then we can be assured that we will be protected and come out the victor in the end! 

Now, this doesn’t mean we won’t be attacked or be struck by a weapon, for we will have trials and tribulations, tests and sufferings of many kinds, for as Job so rightly says a couple times: ‘Yet man is born unto trouble (toil), as the sparks fly upward.’ (Job 5:7) And again: ‘Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.’ (Job 14:1) Then Jesus said it very clearly: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) 

So friends, it’s not that we won’t be attacked or suffer unjustly, but the promise is that NONE of the negative stuff that we encounter will PROSPER against us!  In the end we will certainly be victorious! And that’s a very useful promise to hold on to, especially in these very rough and trying times, where our world suddenly seems to have gone crazy with all sorts of negative things happening all at once. Yes, some days it is difficult to stay faithful, but with each day that you do so, your faith in Christ grows, and life becomes a li’l easier for you to handle. 

And that’s what we need to concentrate on; growing our faith, becoming more mature Christians, and thus better able to handle the vicissitudes, that’s the changes, variations and vagaries of this evil and ungodly world. To do that successfully though, means we must know the scriptures; know the Lord’s Word, which is the ONLY thing that will keep us strong and willing to stay on that straight and narrow path that leads to Jesus, salvation and eternal life. And you can only know the word by spending serious and sincere time in it; meditating on it, allowing it to caress your heart, mind, body and soul so that it forms a shield around you. 

And if you don’t believe me, then listen to a few of the may scriptures that describe our God and His word as a shield. Beginning with Samuel’s declaration (oh yeah!!!): ‘As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried (proven): he is a buckler (shield) to all them that trust him.’ (2 Sam. 22:31) Then Bruh David adds his two cents worth from Psalm 3, as he states: ‘Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord art a shield for (around) me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head (the one who lifts up my head).’ (Ps. 3:2-3) 

Then listen to this verse from Psalm 91: ‘He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust (take refuge): his truth shall be thy shield and buckler (small shield).’ (Ps. 91:4) And we all know that Cousin Sol had something to say on almost everything…if not everything. (smile) Listen as he tells it. ‘Every word of God is pure (tried, found pure): he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.’ (Prov. 30:5) So, my fellow saints, you don’t have to take my word for it, you have the true and faithful testimony of several great men of God, who did exactly as I am asking us to do, put our sincere and deep trust in Almighty God, for He will not let you down. No, NEVER! 

Now, let’s go to Him prayer, through our Friday Chant asking for His divine help to keep us strong and sincere. As one voice: ‘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!’ 

And if we want to see positive results from our petitions, then we have to make positive, godly changes to our lives. Much LOVE!

…if you can’t trust God…then whom can you trust eh… 

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

Advertisement

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 January 2021 Isaiah 35:3.

27 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 35:3.     ​Strengthen ye the weak (sinking) hands, and confirm (make firm) the feeble knees.

And then Wednesday arrived, the much awaited hump day! Yeh, once we get over hump day we know we’re in the clear, off and running towards Friday and the weekend. 

At least that’s how it used to be. But since Corona and its cousins took over there is no more really looking forward to Friday and the weekend, because for too many of us, everyday seems like Friday; no work, nowhere to go, etc. etc. 

Therefore, there currently exists a lot of fear, doubt, anger, uncertainty and a whole lot of negative emotions in our society, making too many of us feel inadequate, unnecessary and of no use. 

But friends that’s a total lie! We are the children of the Most High God Jehovah, so how can we be ever inadequate and unnecessary eh? No way! 

And I just saw this poem on the wall of my young daughter’s old room, which admirably handles the situation. There is no title or author, but the expressive words say it all. Don’t remember if I have ever shared it before, but if so, it’s definitely worth another go round. (smile) 

So please read with me: ‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? 

You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us. 

It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.’ 

And my people, I don’t think that there’s ever been a period in this generation that the children of God need to be more liberated than now! We are the ones who are supposed to show the way, to be the salt and light of the world! Believers in Christ are expected to lead the way when fear, anxiety, doubt and all those other negative emotions show up in abundance. 

Remember what the poem says: ‘We are born to make manifest the Glory of God.’ And that’s the gospel truth! As ambassadors of Christ in this evil and fearful world, we are expected to show strength, to show others what Christ, what true Christianity is all about. 

We’re not supposed to be hiding in fear and compromise, but standing strong so that the unbeliever can also gain strength from our resistance and composure. That’s what Christ expects of His followers! 

But unfortunately, in these troubled times, I don’t think we have been doing enough of that. We have also been too intimidated by the virus and all that comes with it. Oh, we do need to take it seriously and do what we’re required to do to slow it down, but we don’t have to be fearful and exhibit that fear because then we’re making of naught all the promises of God. 

What don’t we remember about, I will never leave nor forsake you? Do not fear, for I am with you wherever you go. What about: ‘Strengthen ye the weak (sinking) hands, and confirm (make firm) the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense, he will come and save you.’ (Is. 35:3-4) 

That’s exactly what we believers ought to be doing in these troubled and dangerous times my brethren. But I don’t believe we’re doing it at a sufficiently high level, otherwise there wouldn’t be so much doubt and fear in our society. And sadly, there is also too much supposed bravado and foolishness from those who disregard the virus out of hand and keep doing what they ought not to do. 

When you sit and think about it, mankind is indeed a different breed yes. Some of us are so afraid that we don’t know whether we’re coming or going, while a handful are being respectful and careful, and a whole bunch is making light of the situation and causing even more damage than necessary. 

Even some believers are taking the situation to foolish lengths believing that since we’re God’s children nothing can harm us, and thus behaving like spoilt children, refusing to adhere to the rules, despite the sickness and death of many of their colleagues. Steups! 

Oh friends, it’s wonderful to have faith, great faith, but that faith must be tempered with wisdom, great wisdom, else we become even more foolish than the unbelievers. 

Why do you think James told us: ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and unpbraideth not (without reproach), and it shall be given him. 

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:5-8) 

Oh my people, just like faith comes by hearing and all of that, wisdom also comes by seeking it from the Lord…and being sensible about it. Not because He says He will protect us from the fire and storm means that we ‘re going to jump willy-nilly into the fire or the stormy sea. 

All God’s promises need to be addressed with godly wisdom and common sense, two things that seem to be very sparse in our society right now. But we of this now generation have the ability, and are expected to build it up. It’s for this particular time that we were made, so let’s buckle down and do what the Lord expects of us nuh. We have all the parts to do it. 

And so, with all that good inspiration under us, (smile) let’s go home declaring (yes!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus and inviting them to join us. 

Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. 

My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’  

And I guess I need to remind us that we’re in it for the long haul, and if we endure to the end, the future will be even more glorious than we ask or imagine. And that’s the indisputable truth! Much LOVE!

…faith conquers fear…light conquers darkness…and wisdom conquers stupidity…the undefeatable tools of the believer… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 March 2017 Habakkuk 1:2.

21 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

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

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

Oh friends, what the ole fella wouldn’t give for some hot sunshine and oh so therapeutic salt water this Tuesday morning eh! 

Now the sun’s shining brightly outside and it’s about 5 degrees, going up to somewhere around ten, but that’s not doing me any good at all. 

Chuh! I need some real warmth, some sea, sun and sand and salt to help me get rid of this cold that’s been plaguing me for almost two weeks. 

Right now, like Esau, I’d give up my birthright for some awesome West Indian weather. I’m sure that’s worth much more than the bowl of lentil soup that Esau gave up his birthright for. (smile) 

I guess I might just have to go back to the doctor and check it out. But to tell the truth, I’m oh so tired of doctors and hospitals and labs and medication and the erratic lifestyle it’s all causing me to live. My ying and yang just can’t get into sync at all. 

On the other hand though, I must be thankful for the attention I’m getting, for that’s what is possibly keeping me around and getting me better. 

Oh I have no doubt that the Lord in His awesome wisdom and power will ensure that I get better and live a decent lifespan so that I can do all the work He’s appointed me to do, but sometimes this long-suffering season just gets to me. (smile) 

And now that I’ve aired my grievances, let’s get on to something that’s much more important than me nuh. (smile) Something like our Bit, which highlights the utter evil and corruption of our world. ‘O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!’ 

Yeh friends, our world is so corrupt and evil that it just boggles the imagination, and is rather reminiscent of Israel when Habakkuk cried out to the Lord. 

And we saw how the Lord used the evil empire of Babylon to punish the Israelites, though Habakkuk further complained and asked God why He should use the wicked to punish his people, and that judgement should also fall on the Babylonians. (Hab.1:12-17) 

But we need to remember that God’s ways and His comprehension are infinitely higher than ours, and though the Babylonian empire did eventually fall, He used them for a teaching tool to His chosen people Israel. 

I don’t know what or whom the Lord is going to use to teach us this time, but be forewarned, judgement WILL COME to us if we continue down the wide and evil highway on which we are currently travelling. 

The Lord might be long-suffering and merciful and all that, but He can only take so much of our nonsense, and at some time His wrath is going to explode on the workers of continuous iniquity. You can bet your bottom dollar on that! 

Listen to this promise from the prophet Micah, re woe to the oppressor of the poor. ‘Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work (work out, plan) evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. 

And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away (seize them): so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage (inheritance). 

Therefore thus saith the Lord; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil (I am devising disaster), from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.’ (Mic.2:1-3)  

Please notice friends, that all of God’s promises come through, whether they be for good or for disaster. And our day is truly evil, so it’s only a matter of time before the Lord reins us in. 

And who knows if He isn’t already doing so with all the natural disasters taking place all over the world, plus our own man-made disasters with widespread war and strife and economic failure and several new dictators in the making, and we’re just not paying attention? 

Anyway my people, though the earth’s future might look somewhat grim, as believers, we have the sure promise of God that He will NEVER leave nor forsake us, and we desperately need to hold on to it. 

And as Habakkuk said at the end of his book, though life may be exceedingly rough: ‘Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds (deer) feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.’ (Hab.3:18-19) 

Yes friends, when we put our absolute trust in the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we will NEVER be disappointed! 

Now let’s go home assured of His goodness and mercy by enthusiastically declaring our Tuesday Mantra. ‘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 if we declared that in all sincerity and truth, then we can now go out and put it all into action. Much LOVE!

…true wealth is what you are…children of the Most High God Jehovah…not what you have…