Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 May 2013 Psalm 50:22

30 May 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 50:22.    Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
 
Top o’ the morn, mih people! Another God-given day is in the offing, and are we ever blessed to be alive and kicking! Wow! 
 
So let’s give our ever-LOVING Creator some thanks and praise for that wonderful blessing, then go out and enjoy the day, be glad and rejoice in it, spreading His Word, and joyously living our faith as He desires us to.
 
And all God’s people declared a loud and heartfelt, ‘All praise to the honour and glory of our great God! For He’s the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD! The Creator and Controller of this amazing universe.’ 
 
Yes Friends, it’s ever so right and good to begin our day with some glorification of Almighty God! Even the lesser animals instinctively do it, so why can’t we ‘brainiacs’ eh? And I guess that’s the problem right there; we have too much brains, which makes us think too much, and also too much of ourselves.
 
Sometimes the best reaction is the instinctive one, not the well laid and thought out plan. Anyway, the important thing is that we’re alive and kicking and glorifying God. And all God’s children said a hearty ‘Amen!’
 
Now let’s turn to our Bit, a rather interesting one. ‘Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.’
 
Oh what a warning my Friends! That psalm of Asaph is aptly titled ‘God is the judge.’ And so He very well is, my brethren! Please don’t ever forget that! A judge that we should be very wary of, and careful to do His bidding.
 
Asaph lists the sins and disobediences of Israel, then that terrible warning to those who forget Jehovah God comes down from on high. It’s no child’s play my Friends. That godly promise of ‘lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver’ – that’s serious business people.
 
And for those of you who don’t know, haven’t clued in or yet realized it, our God is a very serious God, especially when it comes to things like obedience, pride and idolatry. He’s the most LOVING and generous Being there is, but if you constantly disobey Him and try to shunt Him aside, His anger can be very great indeed.
 
Listen to Job’s supposed buddy, Bildad, affirm God’s justice. ‘Can the rush (papyrus) grow up without mire (marsh)? Can the flag (reeds) grow without water? Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish:’ (Job 8:11-13)
 
That requires no explanation, my brethren. Now hear Bruh David on the subject, from Psalm 9, ‘Praise for God’s justice.’
 
‘The Lord is known by the judgement which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion (meditation or song). Selah. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.’ (Ps.9:16-18)
 
Yes Friends, our God is a just God, and He executes justice and judgement on the wicked, while having mercy for the poor and oppressed.
 
Now let’s open our ears, hearts, minds and souls and listen to God’s promise to those who are obedient and godly. ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation (conduct) aright will I show the salvation of God.’ (Ps.50:23)
 
Oh my people, that’s the greatness of our God right there! Once you praise and glorify Him and conduct yourself in a manner suited to a believer, He will show you the wonders of His salvation. Now isn’t that much better than the ugliness and sinfulness that Lucifer has to offer? Of course!
 
And we’ll end with some appropriate words from Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘But God forbid that I should glory, save (except) in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world (or by which the cross) is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
 
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature (creation). And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.’ (Gal.6:14-16)
 
And we’ll have a word from the scholars here. ‘Unlike the Judaizers, who brag about their religious accomplishments Paul takes pleasure only in Jesus’ atonement and all the spiritual blessings it brings. The world is the world system. Paul has renounced his old life and all its ways, along with its values and religious accomplishments in which he used to boast.’ 
 
And so should we my brethren, because the fleshly religious stuff like circumcision no longer pertains. It’s all about the new creation of man in the Spirit of Christ, and whether you’re a Gentile or Jew, once you walk in and adhere to that principle, God’s mercy will be forever upon you.
 
Oh what a wonderful God we serve and worship, my Friends! Please, let’s continue doing so with all that we have, so that His blessings will continually be upon us. Now that’s indeed wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!
 
…to live for God…is the sweetest sacrifice a man can make…  
 
P.S. Ah mih people, our God is so amazing and amusing, would you believe that as I wrote that last word in my rough draft, the lights went out for a split second, putting a godly period to the writing. (smile)  
 
I guess a flash of lightning must have occurred in my area, and caused a loss of power to all the electrical appliances. It’s a good thing I didn’t have anything written on the computer as yet, else I might have lost it all. And you know how annoying that can be. But the Lord in His mercy and LOVING-kindness did not allow that to happen. Praise His Holy Name! Much LOVE!
 
  

Today”s Scrip-Bit 23 December 2012 Luke 2:19

23 Dec 2012 Leave a comment

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

Luke 2:19.    But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Sunday; the eve of Christmas Eve! (smile) That means there are only two more days to the big one; Christmas Day. And what a celebration that will be! However, please, let’s remember we’re celebrating because of Jesus’ birth, the incarnate Son of God, come to earth as man, so that He could eventually rescue us from eternal death and separation from our Creator. And all God’s children said a loud and grateful, ‘Thank You Jesus!’  Now yesterday we saw how Jesus was born and all the ramifications necessary to fulfill the prophecies concerning Him in the Old Testament. We also saw some of the challenges Mary faced in her young, inexperienced life, and the way she handled them with graceful faith and quiet contemplation. Today, I want to continue looking at Mary’s journey as the mother of Jesus, and some of the unusual things she experienced because of it. The next instalment of the story begins when Jesus is eight days old and is taken according to custom to be circumcised and presented to the Lord. ‘As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.’ (Luke 2:23-24) The first verse there comes from Ex.13:2, and the second from Lev.12:8. And the scholars add this interesting note to the last verse. ‘It is indicative of the relative poverty of Jesus’ family that they could not afford to offer a lamb as part of the cleansing and dedicatory ritual.’  Imagine that nuh people, the earthly family of God’s Son was so poor, all they could afford to sacrifice at His presentation before His heavenly father were some cheap birds. What does that say about God wanting Him to be really lowly and suffer human lack eh? Anyway, at the temple in Jerusalem, there was this old, devout priest, Simeon, who really believed that the coming of the Messiah was the only thing that could ever bring peace and prosperity to Israel. ‘And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came (guided) by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him (Jesus) up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word (the promise earlier on); For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten (to bring revelation to) the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.’ (Luke 2:26-32) There again Friends, as promised, Simeon was guided by the Holy spirit, so that he was in the right place at the right time to see and hold Jesus, the Lord’s salvation.  The next verse is interesting as it shows Joseph and Mary’s reaction to Simeon’s prophecy. The Good Book says: ‘And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.’ (Luke 2:33) But that wasn’t all: ‘And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set (destined) for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’ (Luke 2:34-35) Wow Friends! Yuh hear all that confusion. And the scholars tell us that, ‘Here for the first time the parents hear a startling prophecy that Jesus’ significance will extend even to the Gentiles. This would be surprising even if it had not come from an apparent stranger.’ Oh fellow believers, how would you react after hearing such good and bad things about your first-born, from a total stranger eh? According to the scholars, Jesus would bring deliverance, but also division and anguish. That both redemption and judgement were bound up in His birth. And that last verse with the ominous warning to Mary, that a sword would also pierce her soul. Hn! I don’t think many of us would have been ecstatic about any of it. Then to add to their confusion, after Simeon was done, a prophetess by the name of Anna, took over. ‘And she was a widow of about four score and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.’ (Luke 2:37-38) Ah Lord eh! Poor Mary and Joseph! I’m sure that though they had some inkling that Jesus would be different, would be special in some form and fashion, I doubt that in their lowly estate they could have really comprehended the true stature of their first-born. And the Good Book ends this exercise thus: ‘And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed (became) strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.’ (Luke 2:39-40) And like most mothers, even those whose sons don’t have any exceptional qualities or abilities, I’m sure Mary kept a wary eye on Jesus, surely noticing certain nuances and idiosyncrasies, the little differences between Him and the other children in the community. And her reaction to it all was no doubt just as our Bit says: ‘But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.’ Wise woman that! Just wish that the majority of us could be like her. Much LOVE mih breddren!…not all we see or hear…will we readily understand…but as true believers…oftimes we simply must accept it all by faith…knowing that our God is always in control…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 August 2012 Galatians 5:1

30 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Galatians 5:1.    Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
 
Oh Friends, our world’s a mess; man-made disasters as well as God sent calamity. You name it, and we’re suffering it. And on a more personal level, millions of Christians are still suffering persecution in numerous places, simply because they believe in Christ, talk about Him and try to live by His Word and His will. One extreme example of that is the Christian teenaged girl recently imprisoned in Pakistan for supposedly burning some pages of a holy book. Now you cannot get a straight story about her age, what she actually burnt, or how it all came about, cause all they have left is ashes, but the Muslim people are all up in arms calling for her death, due to some vague and unenlightened blasphemy law that’s only being used and abused to satisfy personal agendas, and vendettas, especially against Christians. Hundreds of believers had to flee their homes as the Muslim mobs cried out for vengeance. And there’s no justice to be had for God’s people! Ah Friends, it’s not fair, but unfortunately it’s part of being a believer in some places. But remember though, that the name of Jesus is the most powerful and controversial name on all the earth. It’s the name to which all knees shall eventually bow and all voices make confession to. So there will always be those who want to engage in some kind of controversy over it. However, here is the true insight on the matter: ‘The action of God is flowing through us, through all believers in a pattern of success right now!’ Yes my people, regardless of our troubles, the Lord’s blessing us all today with a strength of purpose that will inevitably bring success. Jesus had it and was able to overcome His problems and so will we. But that success doesn’t just come without any effort on our part. We need to be strong and keep living by faith to see that success. That’s why our Bit encourages, exhorts and admonishes us to: ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.’ Words of impeccable wisdom that all believers ought to live by! Here’s what the scholars have to say about it. ‘The verse can be rendered: “For freedom Christ freed us. Therefore stand fast and do not again be subject to a yoke of bondage.” The “freedom” in view is freedom from the law, here called “a yoke of bondage.” Paul wants the Galatians to “stand fast,” that is retain their spiritual freedom.’ Likewise my brethren, believers in these turbulent times need to stand fast in their faith, retain the spiritual freedom that Christ died to give us, and not to become slaves to the law again. And Bruh Paul uses as an example the Jewish law of circumcision, which at the time was causing much friction between the Jewish and Gentile believers. He says that circumcision will not provide any special benefits, or bring you any closer to Christ, but it will enslave you to the law. It’s an external ritual or symbol, showing that you accept the law, and therefore are dependent on man’s legality to provide salvation, rather than on God’s grace. But by the same token, being uncircumcised doesn’t profit you anything either. ‘For we through the Spirit (eagerly) wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by LOVE.’ (Gal.5:5-6)  So whether we’re circumcised or not, we’ll not benefit spiritually from that physical state. Thus, if we try to be justified by the law, we will not have the favour, the grace of God that Jesus died for us to have. But through faith, instilled in and kept working in us by the Holy Spirit, believers can, and do find justification, and hope for the salvation promised by Jesus, in and through His sacrificial death. As the scholars declare: ‘Faith is man’s response to God who LOVES him, and this divine LOVE that produces human faith results in his justification.’ So my brethren, please let us not become too entangled with man’s law, which will only yoke us in slavery once again. Now listen to Bruh Paul’s exhortation to steadfastness to the church at Philippi: ‘Only let your conversation (conduct) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing (no way) terrified by your adversaries: which is to them and evident token (a proof) of perdition (destruction), but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.’ (Phil.1:27-29) And the scholar’s give us a good explanation on the meaning of fellowship to believers. ‘Fellowship, one of the keys to spiritual growth, occurs when Christians share their walk with God in an atmosphere of LOVE and respect. Fellowship occurs when everyone communicates in LOVE with other believers, and the whole assembly becomes strengthened as a result. Sometimes fellowship requires confessing our faults (James 5:16) as we strive to develop a unity of spirit and mind. Those who work to hinder the fellowship of the brethren practice a sin that is hated by God (Prov. 6:19) Illustration: The church at Philippi was particularly noted for its spirit of fellowship, but Paul’s warning to two women in the church reminds how we must constantly work to maintain fellowship (4:1-3). Application: Fellowship is so vital that we cannot live for God by ourselves. As we develop deeper relationships with others, we should remember that we come to resemble those with whom we fellowship. (Matt.18:19). Now, sadly, true fellowship is something that’s missing from Christ’s church today. I’ll rephrase that, because there is some. Let’s say it’s not as strong and united as it ought to be, otherwise there wouldn’t be all the divisions and divisiveness found in Christ’s body. Friends, please realize that only in unity is there strength, and we believers are fighting an uphill battle against the spiritual forces of evil and bondage, so it’s absolutely necessary that we stick together if we want to be successful. And today, let’s pray for all those who are suffering disaster, or being unfairly persecuted. Let’s send up plenty prayers to heaven, for the Lord to assuage some of our problems down here on earth. Much LOVE!…if the Lord hears the prayer of one righteous person…won’t He pay more attention to the prayers of plenty righteous people…

 

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