christianity | SCRIP-BITS

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 June 2013 1 John 4:8

09 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a little bit of LOVE, allegiance, Alpha and Omega, anger, best thing, charity begins at home, Christ's Church, christianity, compassion, crux of the matter, decency, Emmanuel, entertaining angels, escalation of ongoing wars, evils of the world, exceeding abundantly, forgiveness, God is LOVE, greed, hatred, high priest, hypocrites, Jesus Christ, let your light shine, LOVE, LOVE in action, LOVE one another, LOVE Revolution, mercy, praise and thanksgiving, pride, prince of peace, propitiation for our sins, right heart, rumours of wars, sacrifical blood, sacrifice, salt of the earth, show Love, sppression, standards of excellence, strife, substantial change, suppression, the world's going to the dogs, thoughtfulness, treat strangers decently, true christianity, undeniable truth, walk the talk

1 John 4:8. He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE!

Oh Friends, family, neighbours and enemies, this is Sunday, the day when many of us go to church to worship God! But that doesn’t seem to be helping us nuh, because our world is still going to the dogs, and very quickly too.

Obviously one day a week is just not sufficient for us to pour out praise and thanksgiving, for every day there’s more talk about the escalation of ongoing wars and rumours of new wars starting up. There’s plenty of strife, anger, hatred, greed, pride, persecution, suppression, oppression and all the other negative things – but NO LOVE!

And that’s just unacceptable my people. Our world needs a LOVE Revolution in the worst way! My brethren we need one bad, bad, bad – and right now too! And the sad part is that it won’t take much LOVE to straighten out most of the problems nuh. But unfortunately we can’t seem to find any true LOVE at all.

Remember what B.J. Thomas says in his song? ‘A little bit of LOVE is better than no LOVE at all.’ So all we’re looking for to start us out on the right foot Friends is just a l’il bit o’ LOVE. And we’d be surprised at the substantial change that just a l’il LOVE would make. But for some reason we can’t seem to get around to that, however we do seem to find the time and effort to revel in the inappropriate evils of the world.

Oh my people, yuh see what our Bit says: ‘He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE!’ And that’s the undeniable truth!

So if, as we claim, we believe in God, then we ought to have LOVE for God and also for each other. And not only have LOVE, but more importantly SHOW it! My family will tell you that one thing I’ve always tried to drill into their heads is that you just can’t talk LOVE, you have to SHOW it, because just talking it does no good to the hearer, they need to feel it too, for true Christianity is simply LOVE in action.

That’s why unbelievers view us as a bunch of hypocrites, because we only talk the talk, but don’t walk it. Just look at how Jesus showed His LOVE for us nuh; by selflessly sacrificing His sinless life for our sinful ones.

The Good Book describes it thus: ‘In this was manifested the LOVE of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is LOVE, not that we LOVED God, but that he LOVED us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.’ (1 John 4:9-10)

And if that’s not real true LOVE Friends, then I don’t know what is.

And hear this next verse nuh mih people. ‘Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought to LOVE one another.’ (1 John 4:11) And therein lies the crux of the matter my brethren. Too many of us out there in the world, in the body of Christ’s church claim to LOVE, but sadly, we don’t show it.

And here’s what the scripture says about that: ‘If a man say, I LOVE God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that LOVETH not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he LOVE God, whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who LOVETH God LOVE his brother also.’ (1 John 4:20-21)

And yuh know what my people, Jesus isn’t asking us to die for anybody, although that could be a very LOVING and Christian thing to do. All He’s asking of us is a l’il thoughtfulness, a l’il caring, a l’il decency, a l’il compassion, a l’il mercy and a l’il forgiveness, which, when all put together, equals a L’IL LOVE!

Oh my fellow believers, what’s so hard about that eh? And it doesn’t even have to be anybody outside, although it’s good to treat strangers decently, for unawares we might just be entertaining angels. (Heb.13:2) But we can begin right in our own family, for as the old people were won’t to say, ‘Charity begins at home.’

And that is the gospel truth! For if you can’t LOVE the people closest to you, how can you LOVE somebody you don’t know anything about, although it’s quite possible in true Christianity.

So my brethren, what do you all have to say about all that eh? Are we going to do this LOVE Revolution thing?

I vote very vociferously that we should, because it’s a perfect win-win situation. We have absolutely nothing to lose, and absolutely everything to gain. So come on nuh, please join with me, starting today, in fact RIGHT NOW, let’s pledge our LOVE and allegiance to the LOVE Revolution in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, our Emmanuel, our Advocate, and don’t forget our High Priest… Wow!

So let me put it to you this way then mih people; if a man with all those awesome and amazing titles – and I’m sure I’ve left out some – gives up His innocent life for your evil one, then plays all those rather important roles in your life, why wouldn’t you want to associate with Him eh? Especially if when you associate with Him from a right and decent heart and motive, He will lift you up, exalt you more that you can ever expect or imagine. The Bible terms it: ‘unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.’ (Eph.3:20)

Oh Mama Mia! How could I not want to be a part of all that nuh! No way José! I want to get in on the ground floor of that LOVE Revolution, because it’s the BEST THING this world has to offer!

So let’s say this pledge together nuh Friends. ‘Oh Jesus, today I pledge my allegiance to You and Your LOVE Revolution! I promise to do my very best to work towards the high standards of excellence you seek for those who desire to join your movement. Please help us to fulfil all your desire. We pray this in Your Name and on Your sacrificial blood. Amen.’

So we’re all official members of the LOVE Rev. Club now people! (smile) Therefore, let’s go out into the world and let our light shine, be the salt of the earth, show them what real LOVE is all about, what Jesus is truly about, by helping and serving those in need. For that was Jesus’ purpose here on earth; to serve, not to be served. And we’d do Him proud by continuing in that same humble and righteous vein.

So let’s glorify Him by both walking and talking the Christian talk. And all God’s people cried a loud ‘Amen!’ Much, much LOVE mih breddren!

…if God is LOVE…and shows LOVE…then God’s children should be LOVE…and show LOVE too…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 June 2013 Hebrews 10:23

05 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: Amen, awesome greatness, blessings, boring death, bounden duty, bountiful mercies, Christian faith, christianity, confidence, discouragement, don't waver, dr schuller, evil conscience, exciting life, failure, faithful God, fellowship, forgiveness, glorious morn, glory, God's promises, God's providence, good works, gospel truth, have hope, heart-moving prayer, high priest, hold fast to our faith, Holy Place of God, hope, inspiration, largesse, last trumpet, LOVE, loving kindness, mangnanimous God, mercy-filled lives, power, praise and thanksgiving, praise the Most High God Jehovah, reciprocal encouragement, shame, spendour, spiritual food, stir up LOVE, strength, success, thankful mood, the blood of Jesus, unbelievable opportunities, weakness, wonderful grace, worship and glorify God

Hebrews 10:23. Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And then it was Wednesday, my beautiful Friends in Christ Jesus! Meaning that another new and glorious morn is in the offing, bringing with it exciting and unbelievable opportunities to enjoy the everlasting and bountiful mercies, goodness, blessings, forgiveness and LOVING-kindness of our magnificent and magnanimous God!

And the hearts of God’s people were so touched by those sentiments that they erupted in unison, in one loud voice: ‘Oh praise and sanctify the Most High God Jehovah! He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who dwells in the high heavens, but unstintingly pours out His wonderful grace on His adoring people, the children of men, here on earth!

Yes mih people, that’s the kind of adoration our Creator, our Provider and most generous, LOVING and faithful God deserves, each and every day of our blessed, mercy-filled lives!

In truth, there are really no words in the human language to truly describe the awesome greatness, splendour, largesse and LOVE of our God, but we do have to try and make do with what we have, because it’s our bounden duty to worship and glorify Him and spread His glorious kingdom to all the ends of the earth, so that when the last trumpet sounds, not a single soul of His creation will be lost to mammon.

And all God’s children declared a loud and glorious shout of ‘Amen! And again we say, Amen!’

Ah mih breddren, the ole fella just seems to have gotten up in a real praising and thankful mood this morning. (smile) But that’s really the way we ought to be each and every day. So let’s endeavour to pick up our praise and thanksgiving, starting today nuh. We’ll undoubtedly enjoy much better, much happier lives if we do that.

Now here’s a prayer from Dr. Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional that will certainly help us to do that. It’s titled, ‘I Will Move.’

Pray with me: ‘Lord, I want your heart to be in my heart. For in you I come alive, moving ahead from boring death to exciting life! In your promises, I will move from discouragement to hope. In your pardon, I will move from shame to glory. In your power, I will move from weakness to strength. In your providence, I will move from failure to success! Thank you, Lord. Amen.’

Oh Friends, what a beautiful, heart-moving prayer! I sure hope that it gets all of us worked up for Christ this morning!

Now let’s look at how our Bit comes about; it stems from a plea to hold to the new faith. ‘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 a 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. 10:19-26)

Now what does all of that mean eh? Let’s get some insight from the scholars. First off: ‘Jesus Christ is the new and living way by which believers have direct access into the very Holy Place of God (cf. 4:14; 6:20; 7:25; John 14:6)’

Then: ‘The word translated provoke (Gr. paraoxysmos) usually has a negative sense, as is witnessed by its only other New Testament usage (Acts 15:39). The positive connotation which the word has in the present text means to stir up. It is easy to stir up hatred and godless deeds; it takes much more to stir up another to LOVE and good works.’

And isn’t that the gospel truth my people! We can very easily stir up ourselves and each other to anger and other unfruitful stuff, but doing it for the positive things takes much more work and time.

And finally: ‘Not forsaking the assembling: This admonition involves far more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is an outward indication of an inner condition.

The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained form one another. (cf. Col. 3:12-16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor. 12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.’

And to that Friends, I can only say ‘Amen!’ For it’s something I’ve been trying to instil in us all along; the necessity for fellowship and believer interaction at all levels, times and places in our lives, because it’s from that coming together, that physical and spiritual mixing, we’re supposed to draw strength, inspiration and faith to carry on.

So let’s come together nuh mih people, as Jesus would have us do, to exhort and inspire each other. That’s true wisdom and Christian faith at its everlasting best. Much LOVE!

…when Christians join together in true fellowship…all the hosts of heaven rejoice…

P.S. Oh my brethren, please remember to check out the scripture references given above, because they are for our benefit, further enlightening us as to the meaning(s) of the Word of God. And if you don’t read the scriptures for yourselves, you’ll NEVER truly understand them. And that’s gospel truth! Much LOVE!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 June 2013 Philippians 2:8.

02 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: awesome price Jesus paid, birds chirping, blessing in disguise, broken image of Jesus, christianity, confidence in man, eccentric, eternal death and damnation, evening praise, fear and shame, fuller realization, gruesome sight, harbour of safe shelter, he humbled himself, honour and glory, innovative, interest rates, isaac watts, Jesus, joyful countenances, led like a lamb to the slaughter, little by little, living for Jesus, mysterious, obedient unto death, passionate about faith, pour contempt on all my pride, selfless sacrifice, songs of praise, soul searching words, super ingrates, the Prince of Glory, trust in the Lord, twilight, unique, up the ante, vain things, when I survey the wondrous cross, woefully inadequate

Philippians 2:8. And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Oh Friends, oh Friends, recently the bruised, battered and broken image of Jesus being led like an innocent lamb to the slaughter, has been appearing rather frequently on my mental screen. I don’t know why, but guess that I’m finally coming to a somewhat fuller realization of the awesome price He paid to save my sinful soul from eternal death and damnation.

And everyday I have to chuckle at the mysterious, innovative, unique and eccentric ways that God operates in my life. This last image appearance happened about four days ago, as I was sitting on the deck at the back of my house around twilight, sipping some caffeine, just enjoying the cooler evening weather, for the day had turned out beautifully, hot and sunny, at definite odds to the earlier forecast of rain.

Anyway, as I sat there listening to some birds chirp their evening praise, the words of one of my old favourite hymns suddenly drifted in to my mind. I’m talking about: ‘When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory Died.’

Unfortunately I didn’t remember all the words, so I had to look them up, and then was guided to share them here with you. It was written by Isaac Watts in 1707, and is based on Gal.6:14.

‘When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and LOVE flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; LOVE so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.’

Oh my fellow believers, what powerful, soul-searching words!

And then the true picture came into focus. You know when we see pictures of Jesus hanging on the cross, it’s always a frontal view – and that’s really a blessing in disguise, for can you imagine what a bloody mess His back must have been, from all the flogging etc. Many of us would most likely faint at the gruesome sight.

All of that just led me to think what a bunch of super ingrates we are. We talk a whole lot about Jesus, talk up a storm, but when the time comes for us to brave that storm, to walk through it, hn… we shudder with a sad mixture of fear and shame and step back into a harbour of safe shelter.

Oh my brethren, the returns we’re paying Jesus on His selfless sacrifice are woefully inadequate. Granted, we can never repay Him in full, but what we’re currently paying, through the less than stellar lives we’re living, is totally insufficient.

In terms of interest rates, since we can’t ever pay the principal, we’re paying even less than what the crooked, criminal banks are paying, and they have now been at their lowest point for quite some time.

Come on my people, We can surely raise our interest rates, do a better job of living for Jesus, of LOVING Him, of LIVING our Faith in true Christian fashion, not as hypocritically as we’re currently doing, and SPREADING His Word with much more confidence and passion and much less fear and shame.

Please note the sad but stoic tenor of our Bit: ‘And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’

Ah mih people, after all that Jesus suffered on our behalf, we can most assuredly up the ante, little by little, until we come to a decent rate. Now that’s my admonition for today! And I pray that we’ll all take it seriously and try our best to improve our standing with Jesus.

And if we’re truthful with ourselves, we’ll all admit that we can do a better job of living for Him. For remember my brethren, that He is the ONLY ONE who can truly help us in this mish-mash life, in these rough, hard, scary and troubled times.

Man can’t help us, seeing that he can’t even help himself. As the psalmist so wisely advises us: ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.’ (Ps.118:8)

So Friends, I’m imploring us to not forget that Jesus died to help us, to bring us out of bondage to sin, that’s the ONLY reason He sacrificed His sinless life!

Therefore, with songs of praise and joyful countenances, let’s board the train that leads to wherever He is! Let’s get passionate about our faith, knowing that at some stage of the game, we’ll go home to be with Him forever!

But until then, let’s do our best to honour and glorify Him down here on earth, for He is truly worthy of much honour and glory! Much LOVE!

…Jesus, Jesus…oh how I LOVE that name…Jesus, Jesus…I’ll shout it out loud…without any shame…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 June 2013 Psalm 61:3

01 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: arms of Almighty God, calming influence, Christ-like, christianity, compassion, Daily Bread Devotional, desires, eternal life, fears, foregivenss, fruits of the Spirit, goals, God exists, God of my rock, hypocrites, just my imagination, knowing God, lead me to the rock, LOVE, meditate on God's Word, mercy, my refuge, my Saviour, New Year's resolution, patience, perception, Pharisees, problems, psalm 61, shelter, Song of Deliverance, spirituality, strong tower, stronghold, talking to God, the righteous run to God, times of trouble, tribulations, trust in God, wisdom

Psalm 61:3. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Ah Friends, May has quietly segued into June. Wow! I don’t know if it’s just my perception, but to me the months of this year are going by rather quickly. Anyway, even if it’s just my imagination, it’s time once again to check up on our sole New Year’s Resolution; drawing closer to Jesus.

Have we advanced any, daily becoming more like Him, showing greater LOVE, patience, mercy, forgiveness, wisdom, compassion, and all the other fruits of the Spirit that we’re supposed to bear and share? I sure hope so.

But as I reason, if we’re truly serious about becoming more Christ-like, then it’s much easier to check our progress every month and make the necessary corrections, than doing so on a yearly basis. So please, let’s take some quiet time, today or tomorrow, and review our progress. We’ll be amazed at what we’ll find.

Now I know that some of you read the Daily Bread Devotional, but I wonder how many read the last page of the May offering? Not that dated May 31, but the page after that. Well whether you did or not, I’d like to share some awesome wisdom that’s printed there, some that we should all thoroughly consider, accept and believe.

They claim that knowing whether God exists is important, but that actually knowing God is even more important. And I wholeheartedly agree. They quote a rather interesting passage by the theologian, J.I Packer.

‘What were we made for? To know God. What aim should we have in life? To know God. What is the eternal life that Jesus gives? To know God. What in man gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of Himself.’

Yes Friends, all that we are, have and were meant to be, begins and ends with knowing God; the One who created us and provides for us, both here on earth and in heaven. And our Bit today highlights the great importance of truly knowing God.

Psalm 61, from which it’s taken is sub-titled, ‘Lead me to a rock that is higher than I.’ And that’s exactly what our God is, my brethren; a rock that is much higher, more secure and much more powerful than us!

And Bruh David appropriately begins it: ‘Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.’ (Ps.61:1-2)

Yes Friends, in his time of trouble Bruh David runs to that powerful, secure and calming influence; the ever open and waiting arms of Almighty God! And I can testify that there’s no better place to run when the enemy approaches. Now why is that?

Bruh David gives us the reason in our Bit: ‘For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.’

There’s method to Bruh David’s madness Friends, and also to mine. (smile) From earlier experiences he knows that God will protect him in times of tribulation. In other words, he knows God. Their relationship is such that he can call on Him at any time, in regards to any matter, and He will hear and answer Him.

Consequently, he can unhesitatingly proclaim: ‘I will abide in thy tabernacle (tent) for ever: I will trust in the covert (shelter) of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.’ (Ps.61:4-5)

Oh my brethren, do we know God so well, that we can sincerely say those things? I surely hope so, because if we don’t, then crapaud smoke we pipe, things really bad with us. Remember, as we said earlier on, our whole existence is about knowing God. But that can only happen when we constantly seek Him, consistently read and meditate on His Word, and converse with Him in prayer.

And note, prayer is simply talking to God, opening our hearts to Him, telling Him our problems, our goals, desires and fears, and asking for His potent and wise help in becoming like His wonderful Son Jesus Christ. He doesn’t need all the ceremony; the bowing and scraping and prostrating ourselves, for outward show doesn’t matter to Him. What matters most to God is the state of our hearts, spirits and motives, whether we’re sincere or not.

So please let’s not behave like the hypocrite Pharisees and them, whom Jesus detested for their outward show and self-righteous acts. Our God wants us to come to Him humbly, but confidently, and lay all our cards on the table, not holding back anything, for it’s not a poker game, where we have to hide our true feelings.

And Cousin Sol backs that up admirably with this scripture from Proverbs 18. ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe (set on high).’ (Prov.18:10)

Yes Friends, as the scholars explain: ‘The righteous find protection in the Lord.’ And that’s the gospel truth!

Now let’s end with some more powerful words from Bruh David on the subject. This comes from his Song of Deliverance, when the Lord finally gave him rest from all his enemies, including Saul. The Song is found in 2 Samuel 22, Psalm 18 is the edited version.

Listen closely: ‘And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock: in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn (strength) of my salvation, my high tower (stronghold), and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ (2 Sam.22:2-4)

Oh my people, such is the confidence that our God builds in us when we consistently walk with Him! And anyone who doesn’t want that confidence in a rock and refuge that’s higher than them, then something’s seriously wrong.

All I know is that I’m going to seek Him and His kingdom first and foremost, put all my eggs in His safe basket, because I am sure of His LOVE, STRENGTH, MERCY, FORGIVENESS AND PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE!

And I encourage you to do the same, because it is truly wisdom at its highest level. Much LOVE!

…as for me and mine…we’ll follow Jesus…even to the ends of the universe…no doubt about it…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 May 2013 Matthew 22:36

29 May 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: Amen, burnt offerings, Calvary's cross, christianity, common sense, destruction, disobedience, dissensions, divisions, do what is right, first and great commandment, foolish existence, hate, havoc, hypocrites, idolatry, iniquity, Jesus Christ, let's get together, live in peace and LOVE, Love God, LOVE Revolution, LOVE your neighbour, Mammon, mayhem, murder, Praise the Lord, prosperity, sacrifices, saviour jesus christ, showers of blessing, sinless life, sorrowful waste, stop all the foolish wars, stubbornness, the blood of Jesus, the great commandment, things of Mammon, time for Christians to rise up, troubled times, true believer, truth, understanding, unnecessary suffering, violence, wake up and smell the roses, water from heaven, wisdom, witchcraft, wonderful Lord and Saviour

Matthew 22:36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Oh Friends, it looks like today will be another rainy one in my area. In fact there hasn’t been much relief from the showers of blessing since they began yesterday morning. But if that’s our biggest problem, then we surely can handle it.

However some water from heaven is the least of our problems right now. And I’m saying that because yesterday morning I got a zeppo, a message that says it’s time for Christians to rise up, rise up in the LOVE REVOLUTION! It’s time for Christianity to take over, to rule the world!

Yes Friends that’s the very serious intention and purpose of our great and wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And He’s saying, loud and clear, it’s time for us to get a move on.

But unfortunately, we His followers can only successfully do His bidding if we unite and live in peace and LOVE with each other and our God. All the divisions, dissensions and foolish fighting amongst ourselves is hurting the Saviour’s cause.

Remember what Jesus said when the hypocritical Pharisee asked Him our Bit. ‘Master, which is the great commandment in the law?’

‘Jesus said unto him, 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)

Yes my people, it’s so simple. There are only two laws we have to worry about; LOVING God and our neighbour, which includes LOVING ourselves, since we can’t truly LOVE anyone else until we have some decent regard for ourselves. And from those two simple commands flow all the other good stuff. It’s the way a true believer ought to live!

So please my Friends, neighbours, enemies, whoever you are, all mankind, please for the LOVE of God, let’s get together and stop all the foolish wars of jealousy and greed, stop the senseless hate and violence that only deteriorates to and breeds murder and mayhem, with NO LOVE, NO JOY, NO PEACE.

Oh my people, is that the way we truly want to live? Is that the dream our God, our Creator, the great and LOVING Artist put in our hearts? And the answer is a resounding NO!

So please let’s do what is right nuh, it’s so simple and easy. When we LOVE and obey God, we prosper. When we don’t, then we suffer the severe consequences, like we’re doing right now. Is simple common sense mih breddren. Oh sorry… I forgot that common sense is no longer in style, it’s not the current vogue of mankind.

Nowadays we’re only interested in the foolish and senseless things of Mammon. But remember what happens to those who revere Mammon and his sinful ways. The Good Book says they will surely suffer, pay an exceedingly high price for their disobedience.

And I won’t even bother to quote any scripture to that nuh, since on almost every page of the Good Book, and sometimes several times on one page, it reminds us to be obedient, because disobedience only causes havoc, destruction and unnecessary suffering. The world will give us enough suffering. We don’t need to create anymore for ourselves.

I’ll quote one scripture here though, and it’s a big one, one that we all know, but few of us really follow. And we’re talking about when Samuel accosted Saul, after he disobeyed God’s directive to totally destroy the Amelakites. (1 Sam.15:1-21)

‘And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (divination), and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’ (1 Sam.15:23)

Yes Friends, Saul lost everything because he had not obeyed. And that’s exactly what is happening to us today, we’re losing everything; our joy, peace and prosperity because we haven’t obeyed the dictates of Almighty God. And we’re committing an even greater sin by trying to remove, to totally eradicate Him from our society. Ah Lord eh!

Oh mih people, there are so many examples of great societies that floundered and eventually fell because of their disobedience, why do we think ours will fare differently eh? Not very likely!

So let’s wake up and smell the roses nuh! Let’s reignite our passion for God, unite and live in PEACE, LOVE, UNDERSTANDING, TRUTH and JUSTICE, for once in our long and foolish existence nuh, for that’s wisdom at it’s finest!

Oh Friends, I sincerely pray this in Jesus’ Name; in the blood that flowed from His bruised and battered body on that fateful day on Calvary’s Cross, when He selflessly gave His holy and sinless life in exchange for our unholy, sinful souls.

And for that, we thank Him more than words can ever say. But when He reads our hearts, He’ll surely see and know how much we truly LOVE Him.

And all God’s people declared a long, loud and glorious, ‘Praise the Lord! Amen! And again we say, Amen! Praise the Lord!’

Much, much LOVE, my beautiful fellow believers!

…to not truly live for and obey God…especially in these troubled times….only makes us look real foolish…and Jesus’ sacrificial death…a sad and sorrowful waste…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 May 2013 Psalm 49:20.

24 May 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: awesome truth, beasts that perish, boasting of riches, brainless beasts, christianity, death and damnation, destinies of the wicked and righteous, drunk or sober mind your business, eternal life, ever-LOVING God, evil, evil men, fellowship, Friday chant, generous help, glorious kingdom, God's people, Granny's warning, honour, jealous of the evil rich, Jesus, Memorial Day, psalm 49, relaxation, rest, resurrection through Jesus, riches are woefully inadequate, riches cannot redeem, rising above the ungodly drive for riches, seek first the kingdom of God, sufficient fun, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the righteous man, try the Best, understanding, ungodly

Psalm 49:20: Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

Oh Friends, it’s Friday! And the loudest shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ comes from the workers in the U.S, where they are celebrating Memorial Day weekend, in honour of the fallen soldiers, the valiant brethren who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

Those of us in Canada and other parts of the British Commonwealth where Victoria Day was celebrated last Monday, are also happier than usual, because this was a short work week.

But Friends, please be aware of all the evil, ungodly stuff we can get into with too much free time on our hands. So let’s all remember Granny’s wise warning: ‘Sonny Boy, drunk or sober, mind yuh business.’

And let’s all be careful of how, where and with whom we celebrate, for it takes only the smallest niche for Lucifer to wangle his evil way into our lives. And to help us develop the right approach, and keep everything in its proper perspective, let’s chant our Friday Chant.

As one voice 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 with that matter settled, let’s turn to our Bit: ‘Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.’

And that’s the God awesome truth, my people! Men that are granted a lot, wealth, power and position, and don’t understand the laws of the Most High God Jehovah, are just like the brainless beasts that just live and die and return to the dust from whence they came.

The Psalm is aptly titled, ‘Trust in God, not wealth.’ Another awesome truth!

Per the scholars, the psalm, like the Book of Proverbs, stands out ‘with its bold contrast between the destinies of the wicked and righteous. It addresses and age old question: the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist lived in a day when many evil men were boasting of their wealth (vv.5-6).

The psalm was therefore written to enable God’s people to rise above the ungodly drive for riches. There is first an invitation to listen (vv.1-4): the poet calls on all men because the psalm has a universal application. Second, he demonstrates how woefully inadequate riches are (vv.5-12): on the day of one’s death they cannot redeem (vv.6,7).

Finally the divergent destinies of the wicked and the righteous are vividly stated (vv.13-20): the wicked man has no hope beyond this life (v.14), but the righteous man will be resurrected to eternal life (v.15)’

Oh Friends, all those aspects of life that were true back then, are still true today, and unfortunately we still don’t understand them. Why do I say that? Because the wicked still boast of their riches, and we’re still jealous of them.

And we still tend to put wealth and the drive to attain it before the search for the kingdom of God, which Jesus so adamantly warned us to do. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33)

Yes my people, if we seek God first, then all we need will be forthcoming from our heavenly Father. Now that can also include the same, but more lasting wealth that the wicked accumulate by wicked ways. So wealth is not only possible through wicked means, for there are many wealthy Christians, who obtained it through the auspices of God.

And we’re also reminded that once this earthly life is over, the wicked doesn’t have a chance in hell of seeing heaven, despite all of their earthly riches. However, the righteous man will see resurrection through Jesus and have eternal life with Him.

So what’s your choice Friends? The wickedness and evil of this world that lead to death and damnation, or the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which brings salvation and eternal life?

Each of us has to choose the path we’ll follow. No one else can choose it for us. They can certainly advise us on it, as I’m doing now, but in the long run it all boils down to individual choice.

Ah my people, let’s sincerely hope that we all choose Jesus, because that’s the wise choice, for who wants to exist with Lucifer and all his evil cohorts in darkness, death and damnation, when we can enjoy a rich and righteous life with Jesus for all eternity.

And all God’s people said a loud and hearty: ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’

Now I do have more to say on this topic, but adding the remainder will make the Bit too long, so we’ll close here for today, keeping it short and sweet. You know I never like to pressure us with too much information all at once, what with our short attention spans and busy lives. (smile)

So more on this tomorrow, God in favour. Till then my Friends and fellow believers in Jesus, please, let’s walk safely, firmly ensconced and protected under the broad and mighty wings of our omnipotent and ever-LOVING God, doing His will and thus furthering His glorious kingdom. Remember, that’s our earthly mandate. Much LOVE!

…you’ve tried the rest…now try the BEST…Jesus…I guarantee, you’ll never regret it…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 May 2013 Acts 2:1

19 May 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: bajie, baptized, calaloo, christianity, church, cut to the heart, danced before the Lord, fry plantain, heavenly Father, holy spirit, humble position, joy in heaven, moving experience, one purpose, Pentecost, Pentecost Prayer Breakfast, praise, prayer, remission of sins, rushing mighty wind, speak in tongues, spinach, spiritual joy, straight and narrow path, walk of faith, worship

Acts 2:1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord (purpose or mind) in one place.

Oh Friends, oh Friends, our wonderful God does move in mysterious ways yes! Remember yesterday I opened by talking about what we were going to do? Well I completely forgot about my own plans. Hn, hn! And that was to attend the First Annual Pentecost Prayer Breakfast held by my church. Praise the Lord! Now it wasn’t a large gathering, about forty or fifty people, but believe me Friends, there certainly was much joy in heaven as we celebrated. There was good music, so we sang and clapped and danced before the Lord, with spiritual joy, (smile) like Bruh David did when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. (2 Sam.6:14) We prayed, praised and worshipped, and last but not least, we enjoyed some good food. The food was as varied as the congregation, with North American staples like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and pancakes. And I’ve saved the best for last, the West Indian fare of Jamaican style calaloo, called ‘bajie’ in T&T, really spinach, ackee and saltfish, green bananas and fried plantain. And though the plantain wasn’t as ripe as I prefer it, fried plantain is fried plantain. (smile) Obviously all the other ancillary stuff was present, like tea, coffee, juice, fruit and cakes. We even had a multiple choice quiz to see how well we knew the Bible. Here are two of the questions. Which of the following is the most frequently mentioned woman in the Bible: Eve, Sarah, The Virgin May, or Rachel? And who is the most frequently mentioned man, after Jesus Himself in the Bible: Bruh David, Moses, Abraham or Bruh Paul? Ponder them. I’ll give you the answers tomorrow. Oh my fellow believers, a fine time was definitely had by all. The most important aspect though is that God’s people joyfully fellowshipped together in His house -a room off the main sanctuary- and hopefully, no, not hopefully, but surely the Holy Spirit moved some of us, touched some hearts, inspired us to come up higher, just like it moved the disciples two thousand years ago on that fateful Day of Pentecost. I don’t believe any of us went home speaking in tongues though, (smile) but the attitudes and the atmosphere were as close to true Christianity as we can get. Oh, if we could only have more of that, even a li’l more on a regular basis from God’s people, our world would certainly improve by leaps and bounds, and there would also be much more joy in heaven on a regular basis. But in my humble position, all I can do is natter in our ears, and try to set a good example myself, hoping that the Holy Spirit will then convict us and get us going along the right path, the straight and narrow one, at the end of which we shall come face to face with our heavenly Father and all the other saints who have gone home before us. Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be my brethren! But until then, we’ll just have to make do with what we have, which is still a lot. Much like that day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit first came to indwell the apostles and other believers on a permanent basis. Our Bit leads us in to that momentous occasion: ‘And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord (purpose or mind) in one place.’ And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4) Ah mih people, that undoubtedly was a real moving experience! The atmosphere was certainly electric, with foreign born residents of Jerusalem hearing the apostles speak in their native languages. ‘And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?’ (Acts 2:7) They were so amazed and ‘confuffled”, wondering what it all meant, even believing that the apostles were drunk. But Peter, fully strengthened by the Holy Spirit got up and preached his famous sermon to the gathered multitude, telling them that it was too early in the day for them to be drunk, but it was the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. You can read Peter’s speech for yourselves. (Acts 2:17-36) And the Holy Spirit was so convincing through Peter’s words, that when the crowd heard it, ‘they were pricked in their (cut to the) heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord shall call.’ (Acts 2:37-39) Ah Friends, there certainly is enormous power in the Holy Spirit! And that Day of Pentecost was a perfect example, as the Good Book tells us: ‘Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.’ (Acts 2:41-42) Yes my brethren, three thousand souls received Christ on that awesome day and were saved. Glory Hallelujah! Now Friends, it’s time for us to ponder, to search our hearts and see if we are making proper use of that powerful Holy Spirit that indwells us. Are we using it to improve our Christian walk of faith, our maturity? And just as importantly, are we using it, to the best of our ability, to bring others to a saving grace in Christ? Let’s try and ascertain true answers to those two questions today nuh, then ask God for help to improve in whatever area(s) we need to. Much LOVE!…the power of the Holy Spirit working in man….can do Christ-like things…move mountains, or people…let’s learn to use it to advance God’s kingdom…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 May 2013 Psalm 40:6

16 May 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: atonement for sins, awesome truth, blessings, burnt offerings, christianity, contrite hearts, faith, forgiveness, formalism, heart reality, loving kindness, mercy, one more day, one more morning, path to righteousness, peace offerings, penitence, psalm 40, reception of God's goodness, sacrifices, showers of grace, sin offerings, truly blessed, unblemished Lamb of God, understanding, walk humbly, windows of heaven, wisdom

Psalm 40:6.    Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire: mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

And the choir sang: ‘One more morning, One more day. Filled with blessings and mercies new. One more morning, One more day. The Lord’s opened the windows of heaven, and sent us grace, through forgiveness; sufficient for One more morning, One more day.’ Oh Friends, are we ready to receive the steady showers of grace, mercy, blessings and forgiveness that our wonderful God is preparing to rain down on us today? I surely hope so. Because, if we’re not, then we’ll be missing something very special in our lives, something only believers can experience and receive. And therein lies the rub; the reception of God’s goodness. Many of us know and talk about it, but don’t really receive it. And that part is solely up to us. It’s just like if someone offers us something physical. If we don’t accept and receive it, we’ll never have it. It’s the same principle with God’s LOVING-kindness, only this time it’s spiritual and not physical offerings, but you still have to actually receive it in and by faith. A good example is when we ask for forgiveness, the Lord grants it, but until we acknowledge it ourselves, and actually feel forgiven, the forgiveness is wasted. So it’s essential that each and everyday, we brace ourselves to sincerely receive God’s grace, mercy and blessings through our faith and the help of the Holy Spirit that indwells us. That will enable us to get on and stay on the path to righteousness. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. And all God’s people gave a mighty shout of ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’ And in passing, I’d like to say that the weatherman actually got it right yesterday, because by mid-morning the sun had come our bright and sparkling, though the wind played a hard and fast tune all day. Hurrah for the weatherman! (smile) When he screws up, we let him know, so in all fairness we should applaud him when he gets it right. And he says it’s going to be hot and sunny again today. Let’s hope he can get it right two days straight. And now turning to our Bit: ‘ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire: mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.’ Words of awesome truth my brethren! Sacrificing things or animals doesn’t cut it with our God. As we saw yesterday, it’s our penitent and contrite hearts and minds that He’s interested in. Today, we’ll continue to highlight scriptures that deal with this fact. Listen to the prophet Amos on God’s behalf, in a call to repentance. ‘I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell (savour) in your solemn (sacred) assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols (stringed instruments). But let judgement (justice) run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.’ (Amos 5:21-24) That’s surely telling us eh! The scholars explain that scripture thus. ‘I hate, I despise your feast days: Religious activity without heart reality is repugnant to God. God-ordained forms of worship and religious expression without heart reality become only nauseating, empty formalism: and they anger rather than appease God.’ Truth in spades my people! And if we read Hebrews 10:1-18, we’ll find the subject discussed in greater detail, where we see Jesus, the unblemished Lamb of God, being the once and for all time atonement for sin. Hear the Good Book: ‘But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.’ (Heb.10:3-4) And that’s the honest truth! Under the Old Covenant, sacrifices for the remission of sins had to be made every year. But God, in His infinite wisdom did away with that under the New Covenant, where Christ atoned for the sins of ALL mankind for ALL time. We surely are wonderfully blessed, my fellow believers! There’s no other faith but Christianity where forgiveness of sins can be had by contrite repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. What a kind and caring God we worship! So I can’t understand why we’re so bent on removing Him from our society. He is the One who created us, cares for us, causes us to get health, wealth, peace, wisdom and understanding. And have you noticed that since we embarked on the erroneous task of removing God from our lives, that we’ve had much less of all those things mentioned above. Everything has gone into a deathlike tailspin because God is the One who causes all of that to happen, and if we’re not dealing consistently and truthfully with Him, then He’ll obviously stop blessing us. Now let’s end with another very informative and telling scripture. This from the prophet Micah, re the requirement of the Lord. ‘Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body (my own child) for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to LOVE mercy (LOVING-kindness), and to walk humbly with thy God.’ (Mic.6:6-8) That says it all Friends! So today, let’s ponder our individual situations and see how we shape up per those requirements, then ask the Lord to help us rectify whatever is wrong in that respect. That’s truly wisdom of the highest order. Much LOVE!…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…or else he’ll pay an exorbitant price for his disobedience…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 May 2013 Psalm 40:6.

15 May 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: amazing, awesome, broken spirit, burnt offerings, christianity, contrite heart, divination, forgiveness, glory, God's people, God-given day, going backward, grace, Living Lord, majesty, mercy, might, obedience, obey my voice, our great God, Praise the Lord, psalm 40, sacrifices, Samuel, Saul, shiver of joy, shout of joy, sin offering, soul smile, state of confusion, stubbornness, theology, total obdience, turmoil, weather service

Psalm 40:6. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering has thou not required.

And here we are again Friends, alive and kicking on another God-given day here on Planet Earth. My kicking is a bit less than normal though, for I apparently have the cold or my allergies are in full swing, been sneezing and blowing ever since I came down to write. But that won’t stop anything really, just make it a tad inconvenient. And I wonder what’s happening with our weather service. Yesterday it said that today would be rainy in my area, and outside it is raining, but as I turned on the computer just now and looked at the forecast, it says bright and sunny all day with a high temp of 21. Ah Lord eh! But yuh know what? The sun is shining beautifully in many other parts of the world, and although I may not be able to see it, I know for sure that it’s somewhere up there, as it has been for ages, and will continue to be, until our great God decides otherwise. And all God’s people gave a mighty shout of joy: ‘Praise the Living Lord, for He is most worthy to be praised!’ And that’s a veritable fact my people! He is so awesome and amazing in might and glory, power and majesty, that there is NONE like Him, NEVER was, and NEVER will be! And today we have a Bit which tells us exactly what He does not require of us: ‘Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering has thou not required.’ Now that’s as close to the truth as we’ll ever get my brethren! And while looking for a Bit just now, when my eyes beheld that verse, a little shiver of joy passed through my soul (smile) because I knew that it’s something we desperately need to address in this modern society, and that there were several Bible verses that dealt with it. Now let’s look at some of those verses. And I guess the first and possibly best known comes from Samuel, when Saul, Israel’s first king did not completely obey the Lord’s command to totally destroy the Amalekites and all their belongings. Instead Saul kept the king alive and some of the choicest livestock, ostensibly to use as burnt offerings and sacrifices to God. But as Samuel later informed him: ‘Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (divination), and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’ (1 Sam.15:23-24) Yuh see mih people, Saul lost the Lord’s favour and his kingship by simply not obeying the totality of His commands! That’s what happens when we disobey, or are not totally obedient to the Lord’s directives. Then we have Bruh David solemnly declaring in Psalm 51, his prayer for cleansing, after the prophet Nathan draped him up for his affair with Bathsheba. ‘O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’ (Ps.51:15-17) Yes my brethren, what the Lord desires from us is a repentant heart and spirit coming to him in sincerity and truth, not offering other stuff as atonement for our disgusting sins. From our own hearts, souls and minds is where He expects the regret to come. And I like the way the Lord say it through Jeremiah. ‘To what purpose cometh there to me incense (frankincense) from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.’ (Jer.6:20) Now here’s the last scripture for today. It comes from Jeremiah, from a section dealing with the punishment for Judah’s rebellion. ‘Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Put (add) your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices and eat flesh. For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices. But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination (stubbornness) of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.’ (Jer.7:21-24) Oh Friends, does that ring a bell? It should, and very loudly too, because it’s the same thing we are doing today! We have not listened to the Lord, in fact have tried to take Him out of our society, and as a result we’re going backward, not forward, with our world and many of our individual lives in a state of terrible confusion and turmoil. And we’ll close with this appropriate explanation from the scholars. ‘These verses do not minimize the importance of the Old Testament sacrifices, but call attention to the necessity of the believer living a life of total obedience and devotion to God. The Scriptures consistently teach that religious observances devoid of spiritual reality are worthless. (cf. 1 Sam.15:22-23; Ps.40:6-8; Is.1:10-20; Mic.6:8) So Friends, today, let’s ponder our individual situations and see if we’re in total obedience to God’s will. And if not, then let’s come before Him with a penitent heart and contrite spirit and ask for His forgiveness, mercy and grace. That’s wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!…the three requirement for following God…obedience…obedience…obedience…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 May 2013 Psalm 138:6

14 May 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: awesome advice, best friend, blame someone else, broken, busyness of the world, cares of the world, cast your cares on God, christianity, comfort, computer problems, faithful proclamation, glorious morn, grace, grateful acknowledgement, humble, humility, impatience, jehovah god, let go and let God, LOVE, patiently waiting, psalm 138, resist the devil, salvation, sick, suffering, the Magnificat, theology, unconditional LOVE, undeniable truth

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

Oh Friends, what a glorious morn is breaking out there this Tuesday in mid May! Are we so excited to greet this new day that we can’t bear the excitement? (smile) Though the cares of the world beset us before and behind, we should always have a decent amount of excitement and expectation going as each new day dawns. And now these last two and most important questions. Have we told Jehovah God that we LOVE Him, and thanked Him for bringing us safely through the dark night, then awakening us with strength to face the day, to do His will? And also, have we sincerely asked Him to guide us through the day, then believe that He will? Now if the answers to all those questions are in the affirmative, then we’re ready to begin the day on the right foot. But here’s what happens to us a lot of time in our communication with our heavenly Father. It’s stated in a poem taken from the Hour of Power Devotional by Dr. Robert H. Schuller. The title is ‘Let go and Let God.’ Awesome advice Friends! The poem says: ‘As children bring their toys with tears for us to mend, I brought my broken dreams to God, because He was my best Friend. But then, instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone, I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own. At last I snatched them back and cried; “How can you be so slow? “My child,” He said, “what could I do? You never did let go.’ What undeniable truth my brethren! And we don’t only do that with God, but with most of our earthly acquaintances too. We’re always so busy and in such a rush in this modern life that we need stuff done yesterday. We’re always looking over the shoulders of those doing stuff for us because we’re so impatient. Waiting, or rather patiently waiting is definitely not a trait of this society. The problem though, is that we never see ourselves as the problem. It’s always someone else’s fault, as we saw in the poem. But if we follow the busyness of the world and don’t wisely develop that wonderful trait termed patience, then we’ll just have to pay whatever price is demanded for our impatience. And many of us do just that. But please remember that too many cooks spoil the broth, and besides the Lord’s not there to simply run and jump at our beck and call. Anyway, let’s turn to our Bit: ‘Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto (He regards) the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.’ Hopefully today will be the last day for this one. I never expected it to run for so long, but every day the Spirit guided me to include something else. So we’ll continue looking at some scripture that talks about God choosing the humble and lowly to do His great work. And one of the most significant of His choices is Mary, the Mother of His incarnate Son Jesus. Listen, as she gratefully acknowledges and faithfully proclaims the Lord’s goodness in her song of praise, the Magnificat. ‘My soul doth magnify (exalt) the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate (lowly state) of his handmaiden (maidservant): for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things: and holy is his name.’ (Luke 1:46-49) Right there Friends, you can see the contrariness of our God! Instead of having His only Son Jesus born in a wealthy, high-bred, blueblood family, like we would expect, seeing that He was God and all that, the Father chose a lowly carpenter and his fiancé from the backwater town of Nazareth. There again ‘confuffling’ the wisdom of man. And James weighs in with his two cents worth, when talking about worldliness and pride. ‘But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you…. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:6-7,10) Words of indelible truth my people! Peter then strengthens James’ argument, and tells us in no uncertain terms: ‘Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet.5:5-7) Oh Friends, there’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said already. I can only warn us again not to get too proud and high and mighty over our earthly status or achievements, and don’t despair if you’re poor, lost and lowly, because those are the people God has at the forefront of His to do list. God is very much interested in helping those who can’t help themselves. So please don’t give up, regardless of your circumstances. Remember your Creator LOVES you unconditionally, so in whatever state of disrepair you find yourself today, just call out to Him in sincerity and truth, and He will gladly help you. That’s His promise, so test Him today, right now, and prove His awesome faithfulness. You’ll never be the same. I can guarantee you that from personal experience. Much LOVE!…are you broken, sick, suffering, lost…then turn to God today… for He will never turn away those in need of…mending, healing, comfort, salvation…and LOVE…  P.S. I apologize for the lateness of the Bit, but the computer problems I experienced earlier on, just put a spoke in my wheel. But that’s what we get from putting too much reliance on manmade machines and the software it takes to run them. Our brave new world! Much LOVE!

SCRIP-BITS