Time for Believers to wake up and stop being negligent of their Christian Duties!

16 Sep 2024 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 11:32b.       the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.

 And it’s a new work week, a new Monday in the middle of September, calling for us to get ourselves together and get on with making a living. And though it’s only been a couple of weeks since school reopened, meaning the summer holidays are over, before we can say ‘John Henry,’ we’ll be celebrating our Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October. That’s just how quickly the days, weeks and months are moving. And if we don’t move forward with them, we’ll get left behind. 

But thankfully, there’s no fear of that happening if we keep Christ first place in our hearts, souls, bodies and minds, as the Great Commandment says, (Mat. 22:37) for Christ is the very heart and soul of the universe! He made it, as John tells us: ‘All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.’ (John 1:3) And the beauty of it all, is that He’s still in the forefront of it, controlling it with his awesome power. That means when we stick to him like white on rice, there’s no way we’ll ever get left behind! Glory Be! 

For as the Bible tells us in Daniel: ‘the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.’ (Dan.11:32b) And Hebrews further explains with these marvellous utterances: ‘And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and of Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed (became) valiant in fight (battle), turned to flight the armies of the aliens.’ (Heb. 11:32-34) 

Wow, mih bredrin! What mighty men of faith have gone before us and done wonderful exploits for God through their amazing faith. And likewise, in these turbulent and evil times, which might just be the last days of the church age, we too, desperately need to know our great God through amazing faith, so that we can do what He requires of us. For if this indeed means the soon coming of Jesus to Rapture His church, then we do need to get busy doing our best to bring others to Him, for those who are left behind after the Rapture, will undergo a real terrible time in the Great Tribulation. I don’t think we would wish that terrible time even on our worst enemy. 

So it’s of the utmost importance that we get deeply involved with our wonderful God, and then seriously begin doing what we should have been seriously doing all along; that’s being the salt of the earth and the light of the world, like Jesus desires! How can we encourage others to come to Christ when our salt has lost its flavour, and our lights are dim, instead of shining brightly like a beacon on a hill? It’s virtually impossible! We need to remember that as disciples of Christ, as His ambassadors down here on earth, He’s expecting us to live lives that will cause others to want what we have, that’s salvation and eternal life. 

And they can only acquire those marvellous things by accepting Him as Lord and Saviour. However, if we are not being great examples of Christian living, of righteousness and LOVE, of peace and compassion, of kindness and generosity, of forgiveness and mercy, then others won’t ever desire to come to Christ and accept the many benefits that He has to offer, only to be lost forever to eternal separation from God, the worst thing that can ever happen to a human soul. 

And sadly, right now my fellow believers, our Christian witness leaves a lot to be desired. For we’ve gotten fearful, lazy, easily intimidated, full of compromise and way too comfortable with the easy living and many helpful amenities of modern life. Consequently we find it difficult to sacrifice any of our time, talent and treasure for any one else’s sake. And as someone once said, ‘the worst kind of Christian is a comfortable one.’ And that’s the Gospel truth! For then we only talk the talk, but never walk the walk. 

And I believe this except from an article on the freedomalliance.org website, by Leigh Kohler, says it all. He writes: ‘Daniel 11:32 teaches us that the knowledge of God combined with the strength that comes from God is the most powerful and enduring force against the evil in the world. As believers, when we see what is sacred to God desecrated all around us, we cannot just sit idly by. 

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said: A church that does not exist to reclaim heathenism, to fight evil, to destroy error, to put down falsehood, a church that does not exist to take the side of the poor, to denounce injustice and to hold up righteousness, is a church that has no right to be. Not for yourself, O church, do you exist, any more than Christ existed for Himself.’ And We certainly cannot dispute the truth of those words my fellow saints, for we have certainly been negligent in doing all the things Christ’s church  was and is expected to do. 

Now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid to turn it all around. Altogether: ‘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. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but 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. 

So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us 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!’ 

And if we ever hope to see divine aid, we need to do as our prayer says; turn from our evil ways. Much LOVE!

…God gives believers wisdom and strength to do His will…why then aren’t we doing it…perhaps…because we are not true believers…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Dire Importance of Believers longing for God’s Presence in their Lives!

31 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 42:1.        As the hart panteth after (the deer longs for) the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Well, it’s the last day of August 2024! Just imagine that nuh; the summer holidays done and over with…but we still have the whole long Labour Day weekend to cavort about and get in some last minute flings. (smile) But remember, a modicum of circumspection is always the best advice in those rushed circumstances. And this lazy-day Saturday seems to be tailor-made for laziness. (smile) It’s damp and cloudy, after a big thunderstorm last night, and there might even be some more rain later in the day. But right now the sun is making a valiant effort to overcome the dark clouds that insist on holding it up. 

In the meanwhile, while we enjoy a lazy Saturday morning, there’s nothing better than offering up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer. So as one sincere voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

Now that’s the best kind of prayer we can ever pray; asking for a greater presence of the Lord in our lives and desiring to know Him better than we already do. Because there’s nothing the Lord appreciates more than His people wanting to have a closer association with, and knowledge of Him. That kind of prayer warms the cockles of His heart and He immediately answers it. That’s why we’re now feeling the increased warmth, the LOVE, the glowing presence of our God moving in our souls and spirits.  

And that mind frame just reminded me of these yearning words of the Sons of Korah from Psalm 42. ‘As the hart panteth after (the deer longs for) the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?’ (Ps. 42:1-2) Yes friends, that’s the kind of hunger and thirst we ought to have for our God, the One True Living God, Jehovah! For all that we are, everything we have, comes from, is derived from Him. 

Obviously Bruh David was of the same mind, for although He was running from Saul in the wilderness of Judah, he nonetheless longed for the Lord; for spiritual renewal with thanksgiving and trust. Listen to how he puts in in Psalm 63. ‘O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen (looked for) thee in the sanctuary. Because thy LOVING-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.’ (Ps. 63:1-4) 

Now that’s how we ought to feel about our great and LOVING God, my people! And some might say that Bruh David was laying it on somewhat thick because He was out in the wilderness suffering, but we all know that from a youth, out in the fields as a shepherd, he was always entranced by and calling out to God. As these other verses testify. ‘My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow (the best) and fatness (abundance); and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after (close behind) thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.’ (Ps. 63.5-8) 

Yuh see what happens when we keep God first place in our hearts and souls. He helps us, and when further tough times come, we can remember that earlier help and not be afraid, but rejoice that the Lord will help us again. And that’s why Bruh David enjoyed so much of God’s goodness in his life. He never strayed far from Him, always kept Him at the forefront of his mind. And that’s how we supposed believers in Christ Jesus ought to behave. As Jesus so wisely advised: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

And we see that in Bruh David’s life. He kept God first place and the Lord made him the greatest king that Israel ever had. His life was not easy, but the rewards were certainly worth it. And anyway, after he became king, most of his trouble came from his own doing. The Lord could have certainly demoted him to a lowly servant for his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah, but He knew that Bruh David’s heart was right, that’s why He could call him a friend, and a man after His own heart. (1 Sam. 13:14) 

And that basically means Bruh David valued the things of God, and generally walked with a heart filled with faith, LOVE and repentance. Now that’s what we ought also to be doing in these very troubled and critical times, because that’s why God has us here at this particular time. We were made for a time such as this; to show forth God’s praise and glory, His goodness and mercy, and challenge others to come to Him in faith and receive salvation and eternal life! We’re not here just to live the good, comfortable, entitled life, as so many of us insist on doing. 

No, we need to be sacrificing some for Jesus and those who don’t know Him, and will thus lose out on His selfless sacrifice on their behalf. That’s what Jesus expects of those who call themselves, Christians, or His followers. But unfortunately we’re not doing enough good Christian witness, otherwise the world would not be in as sorry a state as it currently is. Hate, and not LOVE, is ruling the roost. 

We’re not being the true salt of the earth and the light of the world as Jesus desires. Sadly, our salt has lost its flavour, and our light has been dimmed by the proliferating darkness of this ungodly world. That means we’re not seeking God and His presence in our lives as much as we ought to. But please, let’s try and turn that around with a new yearning for our Creator, so that we can do a better job, and thus leave our children’s children a better world. Much LOVE!

…the believer’s thirst for God…is not as dire as it ought to be…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 April 2024 John 14:6.

30 Apr 2024 Leave a comment

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

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

And it’s Tuesday, the last day of April 2024. Can you believe it? We’ve already gone through a third of this supposed new year! (smile) But that’ how it’s running these days; neither time nor tide is waiting for anyone. It’s a good thing then that we have Jesus to help us through these fast moving, evil, deceitful and ungodly times! Where would we be without Him eh? Bound up in the evil bonds of Satan, living like so much of the world is, filled with anger, hatred, strife and all the other negative things that are Satan’s attributes. 

But thank God for Jesus, our Saviour, our Lifeline, our Be All and End All! That means these memorable words of His are the gospel truth: ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:4-5) That reminds us of the prophet Hosea’s words when talking about Israel’s return to the Lord. 

‘They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent (aroma) thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim shall say, what have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir (cypress) tree. From (in) me is thy fruit found.’ (Hos. 14:7-8) Yes my people, Israel would at last discover that God was their EVERYTHING, and only with Him first place in their lives would they grow and prosper. It’s the same thing for us today. Only with Jesus in our lives, and we in His, can we ever do much that’s worthwhile. 

And I really like this last verse of Hosea’s prophecy. ‘Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall (stumble) therein.’ (Hos. 14:9) Meanwhile, in Psalm 111, as he outlines ‘The Greatness of God’s Works,’ the psalmist concurs with Hosea’s proclamation. 

‘The works of his hands are verity (truth) and judgement (justice); all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding  have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.’ (Ps. 111:7-10) Yuh see the psalmist is even quoting Cousin Sol re the fear of the Lord from Proverbs 1:7. 

And don’t think that Cousin Sol doesn’t have anything to say on the subject. (smile) Of course he does. Like he has something to say on just about every topic under the sun. Listen, as he agrees with the other two scriptures. ‘The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be moved: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth (land). The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the forward (perverse) tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness (perversity).’ (Prov. 10:27-32) 

Oh friends, please let us remember all those words that we’ve just heard and read, and write them indelibly in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, for they will serve us in very good stead, keep us attached to the Lord, provide a lifeline to Him. For, remember without Jesus, and ONLY through Him, will we ever see the Father’s face in the next life. As He says with imperial certainty: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) So it’s imperative that if we want to spend eternity with the Father, Jesus must be the example that we follow in this earthly life. 

And I believe these words from Hebrews are a good way to cement all that we’ve spoken about above. So please read and understand with me: ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness (confidence) to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:19-25) 

Oh my fellow saints, that is one of the most comprehensive passages of scripture on our basic requirements as believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ! And if we just do what it says, to be strong in Christ, our heavenly high priest, be steadfast in our Christian beliefs because God is faithful; He keeps all His promises. And above all, to LOVE, encourage and edify each other, stirring up the brethren to do good works, while getting together in praise and worship to strengthen the bonds of unity. 

Yes friends, if we’d only do those simple things consistently, our Christian witness would be ever so much better than it currently is. Therefore, I implore us today, to get serious about our faith and consequently lift up ourselves and those around us, so that Christ can be acknowledged and celebrated all around the glorious universe that He’s made for us to enjoy. 

Now, let’s go home proclaiming to all and sundry, to whom we belong, lock stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, it’s our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do. Much LOVE!

…the time to accept Jesus is NOW…it will be too late when you die…

 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 February 2017 Ephesians 6:11.

02 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 6:11.   Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.

Oh my beautiful fellow believers, please accept my heartfelt apologies, but it was just one of those days! 

Ah Lord eh! I had to go into the big city of T.O. for an early doctor’s appointment, and after handling the traffic and waiting for the doctors and waiting for unscheduled blood tests, I did not get back home until minutes to one. 

Obviously by then the ole bod was tired and crying out for rest and I did not get up until minutes to five. And it was only after about half an hour that it struck me that I had not yet written the Bit. 

The good thing about it all though is that we did make some headway in the medical realm today. At least the major problems have been sorted out under one team, and hopefully no more running from pillar to post. 

Enough about my woes though, let’s get straight to our Bit. ‘Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil.’ 

And I’m chuckling here friends, because I must have had it on today, otherwise I would not have been able to successfully handle the slings and arrows that were thrown against me, especially in the patience realm. (smile) 

All praise and thanks be to our great and wonderful God! 

Now yesterday we had stopped where Bruh Paul was talking about ‘spiritual (hosts of) wickedness in high places,’ so let’s continue with his admonishment from there. ‘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.’ (Eph.6:13) 

Now this is a very important verse in the whole scenario, so let’s look at what the scholars have to say about it. ‘6:13. Wherefore means “because of this,” that is, because we face such a formidable foe, we must avail ourselves of God’s provision lest the enemy destroy our Christian witness and ministry. 

The evil day refers to the periodic demonic onslaughts and Satanic assaults. Having done all includes both dressing oneself in God’s armour and resisting Satan. Having done all these, be ready, for the Devil will attack again and again.’ 

Yes friends, as a beautiful Christian soul the enemy will NOT stop attacking you, and the only way to resist Him is by being dressed in the total armour of God. 

Fellow believers, I can’t stress how important this aspect of our Christian walk is, for without God’s protective armour we don’t stand a chance against the enemy, or as they would say, a snowball’s chance in hell! 

So please, please, I’m imploring us to take this very seriously, especially with the crazy state of our world, which is apparently getting crazier everyday under the leadership of President Trump. 

Ah mih people, I don’t even pay much attention to his antics these days, but we have to be concerned because everything he does seems to just cause more strife, anger, resentment, fear and anxiety around the globe. 

As I said a few days ago, the Lord must have put him there to wake us up from our dreadful complacency. That’s why this message about putting on God’s total armour is so important at this particular period in time when the elements of evil are rising even higher than they were before. 

I won’t belabour the situation, but I’ll just remind us that we are Christ’s ambassadors down here on earth. He is depending on us to conduct His affairs with righteousness and justice, but we can’t do that until we wake up and get serious about His LOVE Revolution, and stop all the aimless talking and instead take some positive action. 

The enemy should never be where he’s at right now, and wouldn’t have been there without our lack of interest and complacency where we allowed him to remove things like prayer and the Ten Commandments from our schools, and put God on the back burner in most other parts of what was once a mostly godly scene. 

But it’s not too late to wrestle it all back from him if we COME TOGETHER and seriously start pushing back, let him know that we’ve finally woken up and now mean business. Yes friends, it’s time to start pushing back, if we ever hope to win this earthly battle for Jesus! 

Now let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings. Yuh see, we have so much good stuff in our arsenal, if we would only use them. The Lord’s already given us everything we need to battle the enemy and win, we only have to take them and put them to full use. 

Chuh man! What’s wrong with us eh? We’re letting the good earthly life spoil us. So let’s bless ourselves. And remember that a blessing isn’t a blessing until it’s been spoken over someone. 

All together now:  ‘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 everyday! Amen!’ 

What more can we ask than all that eh mih people? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! So let’s go out and bless others now nuh. Much LOVE!

…as true soldiers of Christ…we must first be dressed in battle gear…then stand up and fight bravely…right to the very end…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 November 2016 2 Timothy 3:17.

15 Nov 2016 Leave a comment

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

2 Timothy 3:17.    That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works. 

Oh friends, I’d like to open this Tuesday morning with a call to prayer for Scotty Richards, one of our staunchest Scrip-Bit family members.Every time he sees me, he asks me something about the Bit. 

Scotty, one of my church Wardens, is presently in the hospital and I ask us all to kindly remember him in our prayers. Let’s pray that the Lord will heal him of all that’s causing him to be hospitalized right now, and that he will soon return to his normal life. 

Scotty, mih brother, we still need you here with us. So please hurry up and get well. Amen. 

Now here is something from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s titled; ‘The Reason’ and I daresay that it applies to many of us. 

It says: ‘God, why am I so often defeated? Why am I so full of dread and anxiety? Why am I so lamentably weak – So perilously susceptible to temptation? Why am I often inhospitable So intolerant of the needs of others? 

Why am I so undisciplined So restless and dissatisfied? Why do I protest so violently? Above all God Why do I so frequently lose The sense of Your shining Presence? God, why? Why?’  

And God’s answer; short and to the point: ‘Because you pray so little.’ 

Yes friends, that could be the reason why so many negative things keep on assaulting us; our prayer life is just not full enough. We don’t spend enough time communicating with our heavenly Father. 

Remember, we can’t fight off evil or negative situations unless we have the positive power of God working with and for us. And we can only get that power by constant communication with our Creator. As the promise for that poem so rightly tells us: ‘Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:17) 

Oh my brethren, as followers of Jesus Christ, we should always have an attitude of prayer, though we might not be praying audibly, which will allow the Holy Spirit that indwells each believer, to do a better job of leading and guiding us. 

And today will probably the last day for this renowned Bit. (smile) ‘That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ 

Yes my people, our wise and wonderful God has provided a guidebook for us, in the Bible, and also provided the Holy Spirit to help us walk this earthly pilgrimage. We have been given EVERYTHING we need to be successful in this life. All we have to do now is faithfully follow the instructions and directions. 

Now let’s look at a scripture that corroborates the words of our Bit. The author of Hebrews declares unto us: ‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 

Make you perfect (complete) in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ’ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (Heb.13:20-21) 

Ah my fellow believers in Christ, what a wonderful God we serve and worship! In His supreme wisdom, He’s provided for all our needs. We lack for nothing, but through His Word and the Holy Spirit we are energized to do all that we need to do. 

Now listen to these words of Bruh Paul to the Philippians. ‘For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of (according to) his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings. 

That ye may be blameless and harmless (innocent), the sons (children) of God, without rebuke (fault), in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (generation), among whom ye shine as lights of the world.’ (Phil.2:13-15)  

And the scholars give us some explanation re those verses. ‘2:14. Since God is producing in the Philippians the willing and doing of His good and perfect will (v.13), there can be no legitimate reason for murmurings and disputings. 

Not only are they forbidden to complain about the difficulties and persecutions that will befall them in carrying out God’s good pleasure, but quarrelling among themselves is also prohibited.’ 

The same things apply to us in these modern times my friends. We have no good reason to murmur or complain, because God has already provided all we need to do His good work. 

‘2:15. If the readers obey the commands of verses 12-14, they will be (become) blameless [i.e., no finger of accusation can justly be pointed at them] and harmless (i.e.’ morally pure). Due to party strife and bickering, this is not true of them. 

As the sons of God…in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (generation), they are to be without rebuke – without incurring spiritual damage. The proper place for God’s people is among the lost. For only in such a position can true Christian witness be borne and influence for the gospel be effectively exerted. 

Yet believers must remain “without rebuke” in that they suffer no moral damage by contact with the unsaved. Then among unbelievers they will shine as lights in the world. As stars are readily noticeable in a dark sky, so healthy Christian lives stand out in testimony among the lost and give credence to one’s witness.’ 

Yes my people, I know it’s seems like a hard row to hoe, but please remember that we have already been granted all we need to succeed in God’s work. Now let’s go home loudly and sincerely declaring our Tuesday mantra. 

As one 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!’ 

And with all of that sizzling in our hearts, souls, bodies and minds, let’s go out and shine like stars in the darkness of this evil and ungodly world nuh, and thus glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Much LOVE!

…to shine…to shine…to shine in the darkness…that’s a believer’s bounden duty…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 March 2014 Psalm 40:3

14 Mar 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 40:3.    And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
 
Aye mih Scrip-Bit family! How all yuh doing this second Friday morning in Lent eh? I surely hope that you all are joyful regardless of the existing circumstances in your lives.
 
And since is Friday, no doubt you all shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ in great expectations of the end of the work week and a good weekend in sight.
 
Now the Lord has led me to talk today about how we ought to behave in various circumstances. And since all of us are joyful in good circumstances, we don’t need to talk about that. However, we do need to talk about our response to bad circumstances. And why do we need to understand how to properly respond to unfortunate and less than ideal circumstances?
 
Why it’s simple. If the circumstances are unfavourable and you get down and in deep despair, that’s not going to change those negative occurrences, but it will most likely change you into a sour, miserable, bitter, angry and resentful person. And you definitely cannot be a good Christian witness for Christ if all those negative emotions are running your life.
 
However, if you’re joyful in unfavourable circumstances, then in all likelihood, you’ll change to being a pleasant, happy, peaceful and godly person, a true character witness for Jesus.
 
Now isn’t that wonderful? Doesn’t it sound much better than the negative evil option? It surely does!
 
And I know that some of you will beg to disagree, but please show me, even one instance, where negative reactions to negative circumstances have improved those circumstances. I don’t think you can. But when we come up over the circumstances with a more positive outlook, though the circumstances may stay negative, our spiritual reaction, and thus physical well-being will surely be improved.
 
So I hope that we all are living everyday by the dictum of ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we shall all rejoice and be glad in it!’ (Ps.118:24)
 
Very wise words indeed my people! And also the best, the most wonderful way to begin each and every day of our earthly lives! We couldn’t be any safer, any richer, any more positive than when we begin each day with Almighty God, our Creator and sure Provider, Help and Strength leading the way.
 
But unfortunately, we’re so full of rebellion and disobedience, and foolishly insist on trying to prove that we know better than Jehovah God, what is good for us and when. Therefore we just go on in our merry sinful nature and do our own thing.
 
However, when the Lord hauls us up on the carpet for the wilful disobedience and foolish rebellion, we hold our heads and bawl rather belatedly; ‘I’m sorry Lord! Oh Lord ah so sorry…!’ But then Friends, as we said, it might just be too late then.
 
So please, it’s time for all of us to come to true repentance and once again acknowledge Almighty God; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It’s time for us to truly acknowledge that He is indeed the Creator of heaven and earth, and all therein; that He is Lord and Master of all that He surveys, since he created everything that exists, and still controls it all!
 
It’s time to give the ONE TRUE GOD, who’s alive and kicking, and kicking with a mighty force too, the praise and thanks He so richly deserves!
 
Time to admire His majesty and magnificence, His great undying and unconditional LOVE for us, so magnanimously shown by sending His wonderful Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners! (Rom.5:8)
 
Now how many of us would do that eh? Not too many, because we like to see change first before we administer rewards.
 
Anyway Friends, it’s obvious that we’re living in very trying times, most likely caused by our rebellion against Jehovah God, foolishly minimizing Him both in our individual lives and our societies at large. And believe you me, the ONLY THING that’s going to help us is having Him reclaim His rightful place at the HEAD of all our doings, both as individuals and societies.
 
So please, let’s be smart and do like Bruh David did and still advises in our wonderful and oh so wise Bit: ‘And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.’
 
And why should we do that? Because, ‘Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps.40:4)
 
You couldn’t want a better reason than that my fellow believers. So let’s put that advice into effect RIGHT NOW, by chanting our Friday Chant with true sincerity, a sincerity that we’ve never sung it with before, thus making it a new song. (smile)
 
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.’
 
That was wonderful my brethren! Now let’s go out and live for Christ with that same enthusiasm and zeal! Much LOVE!
 
…whenever a new song fills our heart…we sing it with much fervour and joy…it also lights up our lives…and that’s the gospel truth…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 October 2013 Ephesians 6:13

15 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 6:13.    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.
 
Awright Friends, the Canadian Thanksgiving Party done now! It’s time to go back out and labour; to start clearing the land and planting more good seeds, so that, with God’s grace and mercy, we can reap another bumper harvest next year.
 
And all God’s people joyfully shouted: ‘Thank You Lord for this year’s bountiful harvest! Please give us the health, strength, perseverance and wisdom to sow good seeds on fertile soil, so that we can reap an even more bountiful harvest next year and further glorify Your glorious kingdom! This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen!’
 
Oh Friends, this morning my spirit is somewhat riled. Lucifer’s been getting to me through my printer. I put in a new ink cartridge, but it’s still telling me that the ink is low, and is printing stuff I can’t even make out. However, since the time for writing the Bit was imminent, I decided to leave the printer for later, when I had more time to fool with it. Please note that mih young D. (smile) 
 
And our God is so wonderful, that while going through some pieces of paper on which I have written possible stuff to share, I happened to come across this rather encouraging statement. I don’t know whether I’ve shared it before, or where I got it from, or who even said it – might even have been me (smile) – but it sure ‘deriled’ or ‘unriled’ my soul.
 
It says: ‘When a man or a woman has the conviction that he or she is doing the work God gave him or her to do, there’s a zeal and a courage in his or her soul that all the forces in this world cannot destroy.’
 
And that’s the God-awesome truth, my fellow believers, to which many of us can attest! For when we’re serious about doing God’s work, no power on this earth can stop us!
 
Right now I have to write God’s Bit, so I can’t allow Lucifer to mess with my mind, so to fight him off, I’ve put on all aspects of my spiritual armour, and now I’m ready for battle! Praise the Lord!
 
Ah Friends, I’m not joking. Most mornings before I begin writing the Bit, I ask the Lord to help me put on His spiritual armour, those fine accoutrements of spiritual battle… And He does. After that, I ‘m gung ho, and have the necessary resources to fight Lucifer to the death!
 
I’d strongly suggest that you all try it some time too. Go to Ephesians 6, and read from verses 10-20. But also write down the accoutrements of battle you need (vs.14-17) and keep it handy, so you can quickly refer to it in time of need. Better yet, learn it by heart!
 
And I think it’s much easier to learn if you start putting on your armour from the top. The helmet of salvation to guard your mind; the breastplate of righteousness to guard your inner man; the belt of truth so you can stay centred in the Word; the sandals of peace so you can go about in peace and tranquility; then take up that massive shield of faith to protect you from the fiery arrows of the enemy; and finally that magnificent sword of the Spirit, which brings man to his knees before Almighty God in conviction and repentance.
 
Wow Friends, what awesome battle gear! And would you believe that I don’t have a Bit as yet…
 
Ohhh! But I do now! Such is the mysterious and miraculous movement of our great God!
 
And out Bit so wisely and rightly says: ‘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.’
 
Now I believe we’ve used this scripture as a Bit before, but there’s nothing that says we can’t use it again, and as often as possible, especially when the time for it is ripe. And what I find most appealing about our Bit is the last portion: ‘and having done all, to stand.’
 
Yes my brethren, that’s what having on the spiritual armour of God allows us to do; to stand strong against the enemy.
 
Hear the scholars take on the Bit. ‘6:13. Wherefore means “because of this,” that is, because we face such a formidable foe, we must avail ourselves of God’s provision lest the enemy destroy our Christian witness and ministry.
 
The evil day refers to the periodic demonic onslaughts and Satanic assaults. Having done all includes both dressing oneself in God’s armour and resisting Satan. Having done all these, be ready, for the Devil will attack again and again.’
 
Oh my fellow believers, that is one other thing that we can be sure of in this life, beside death and taxes. No matter how we parry and trust the enemy away, ole Beelzebub will keep attacking us right up to the very second that the Lord calls us home.
 
Right at that very moment, the lying, deceitful one will show up and try to tear us away from God, telling us that there’s no heaven, etc. etc. So even at the last moment of earthly life, we have to be very careful to have on that spiritual armour.
 
Oh Friends, there’s so much more I’d like to share with you, but time and space are running out, so we’ll leave that for tomorrow, God willing of course. In any case, we already have enough spiritual food on our plates to read and digest today. 
 
Therefore my people, let’s ponder and meditate on it all, and plant it deep in our souls nuh, so that when the enemy attacks, we can face up to him with supreme confidence, and in God’s Great Name, boldly STAND! Much LOVE my brethren!
 
…no wise warrior goes into battle without good protective armour…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 June 2013 Proverbs 4:26

08 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 4:26:    Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
 
Oh Friends, another beautiful day is being heralded all around the world! And we Christians are the luckiest of the lucky! 
 

Why? Because we have a just and faithful Father God to watch over and provide for us; a selfless Saviour who died to cleanse us of our sins, and is now our Advocate and High Priest; and last but certainly not least, we have the Holy Spirit which dwells in us and guides us in all righteousness. Wow! 
 

And that’s not all, for when this mortal life on earth is done, we have the faithful promise of salvation and eternal life with the Trinity of our God-head. So what more can we ask eh my brethren? Nothing really.
 
But that also means that we’re supposed to be the most joyful people on the planet, which unfortunately we’re not. Too many of us are still fearful of the world and the evil things in it. But remember that our Saviour Jesus Christ says that He has overcome the world, so we should not fear, but be of good cheer. (John 16:33) And likewise Bruh Paul cautioned Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind.’ (2 Tim.1:7)
 
Oh Friends, it therefore behoves us to stand steadfast, strong and courageous in the faith, to do what we have been called to do, obviously with the able assistance of our triumvirate God-head. And to help us do that, here’s a definition of Courage, from Uncle Charles, Charles Stanley. Some of you might have heard it in a broadcast a few weeks back. He defines courage as: ‘The quality of mind and spirit enabling us to meet danger, opposition or the challenges of life with fearlessness, calmness and firmness.’
 
And that’s indeed courage in a nutshell my people! The ability to face anything, despite abnormal or unfavourable circumstances should be the motto and work of our Christian witness. And remember too that courage doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of fear, but doing it even though we’re afraid, because we have that awesome promise of our faithful God that He will work everything out for the good of those He’s called and who LOVE Him. (Rom.8:28)
 
But my fellow believers, having all that help is of no good unless we use it, unless we do our part. And a portion of our part is to do as our Bit advises. ‘Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.’ Yes Friends, we need to seriously consider the paths we choose in life, before walking them, because we can be cruelly led astray if we choose the wrong ones.
 
And Cousin Sol warns us of one such wrong path in the next chapter when he talks about adultery. ‘And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished (enraptured) with a strange (an immoral) woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger (seductress)?
 
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth (observes, weighs) all his goings. His own iniquities shall take (entrap) the wicked himself, and he shall be holden (caught) with the cords of his sins. He shall die without (for lack of) instruction: and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.’ (Prov.5:20-23)
 
Oh my brethren, more awesome words of wisdom and undeniable truth! The Lord sees all our comings and goings, and all the thoughts of our hearts and minds are constantly exposed to His righteous stare, therefore we cannot afford to err foolishly and succumb to wicked devices, for those same evil devices will cause our inevitable and unfortunate downfall. 
 
And here’s some info from the scholars. ‘Another reason for rejecting sexual temptation is that the Lord sees all and will punish the wrongdoer. He shall die does not necessarily mean a physical death, but it refers to an absence of life. The adulterer will miss out on the full and joyous life that God intended.’
 
And all of that is corroborated by the author of Hebrews, when talking about God’s discipline and the running of our earthly race. ‘Now no chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby. 
 
Wherefore lift up (strengthen) the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way (be dislocated); but let it rather be healed.’ (Heb.12:11-13)
 
Yeh mih people, none of us likes to be disciplined, but it’s often necessary to teach us righteousness. Therefore we have to be strong and courageous and walk the straight and narrow path, else we’ll most certainly go astray.
 
And we’ll end with some more useful info from the scholars. ‘Some of the runners in verse 1 have grown so weary that they have become stooped and need spiritual strength to be straightened up again. They must be given help, yet they themselves also must straighten their paths by avoiding obstacles that would spiritually trip them up.’
 
Oh Friends, it’s definitely not an easy row we have to hoe as believers, but as Bruh Paul so wisely informed the Philippians: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil.4:13) And so too can all of us my brethren. 
 
So let’s put Christ first and foremost in our lives nuh, thus enabling us to stay on that straight and narrow path, without veering either to the right or to the left. For that’s the very essence of wisdom! Much LOVE!
 
…when our eyes, hearts and minds look to Jesus…then our feet automatically tread the straight and true way…

 
 
 

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