Today’s Scrip-Bit   16 June 2022 Ecclesiastes 11:1.

16 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Ecclesiastes 11:1.       Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

So then, we come to Thursday, the penultimate workday before our glorious weekend, which has opened fairly sunny, despite the few spoiler clouds hanging around. (smile) And surprisingly, yesterday did turn out to be a good, sunshiny and warm day, despite the early morning darkness, with not a drop of precipitation. But one cannot be bothered by the eccentricities and vagaries of the weather these days, else it would drive you crazy, since there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to its recent behaviour. 

And now that we have dealt with the oddities and idiosyncrasies of the weather, it’s time to deal with ours… And do we ever have many, so much so that the Lord shakes His head every morning we arise, wondering what foolishness, disobedience or sin we’re going to engage in that day. (smile) And that’s why these verses of scripture from Cousin Sol operating as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes are ever so important to us. Please read with me these opening verses of chapter 11, subtitled, ‘Charity enjoined.’ 

‘Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow: and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit (wind), nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which shall succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’ (Eccl. 11:1-6) 

Ah friends, what true words of wisdom! Cousin Sol was indeed a wise man, at least in his early years. (smile) And what does all of that mean eh? Let’s listen to the scholars explain it. ‘11:1-6. These verses contain a series of sayings about the uncertainty of human industry, and are held together by the fourfold occurrence of the expression thou knowest not. Although man cannot comprehend God’s work, nor predict success, he needs to be involved in life’s activities and trust God for the results.’ 

And that’s the living truth my brethren! We don’t know what will happen in any particular day or time in God’s universe because He’s placed it all under His own control, but it is indeed essential for us to take a constructive and productive part in life’s activities and then leave the rest to God, trust Him, believe in His utmost faithfulness, since He’s promised to work it all out for our good. That brings us to these other marvellous and wise words of Cousin Sol, this time from Proverbs. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) 

Now that should be simple common sense if we believe that God is our Maker and Controller. However, too many of us talk that sentiment but don’t truly believe it, or act like we do. We still try to fashion our lives after our own plans and not after God’s, which is paramount to foolishness and disobedience. And right here the Holy Spirit just led me to consider my own life; what it was before the Lord took a stronghold on me, and what it would have been like if I hadn’t listened to him way back then. 

And I don’t even want to think about what it might have been like. Oh, I was doing materially okay, but something was missing in my soul. I was searching for something that I just couldn’t seem to find. Then the Lord called me to write this Scrip-Bit and I laughed because I definitely didn’t have the knowledge or wherewithal to write about scriptural matters. But He persisted, and I eventually gave in. Please note though, that whenever the Lord comes calling, for your own sanity, please say yes, the first time, because He’s not going to stop and will make life miserable until you agree to do His bidding. 

And as I’ve often said, when I began writing the Bit it was often a scripture verse or two, but through the Lord’s faithfulness and my discipline, some fifteen years later I’m now writing too much. (smile) Yes friends, one thing I can surely vouch for is the Lord’s faithfulness; He helps you, sticks by you and gives you the necessary tools to do whatever He’s asked you to do. But again, you have to trust in Him, surrender your life completely to Him. And no, it won’t be easy, because He tests you along the way. 

And I’m chuckling here, because many a day I’ve written stuff in the Bit, and before I had even finished, I was tested on what I had written (smile). And don’t worry, the Lord knows that we won’t pass all the tests, some we’ll have to take over and over. (smile) But once He sees the sincerity in our hearts and attitudes, He will help us. No doubt about that, because He desires us to grow and become as close as possible in attitude and behaviour to his first-born Jesus Christ. And I can guarantee that this promise that Bruh Paul wrote to the Philippians is ever so true. ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phill. 1:6) 

Yes, my fellow saints, once we’re alive and living for Christ, the Lord will continue growing us until the day He takes us home, or Jesus returns, whichever comes first. And one of the ways He does that is by bestowing us with many undeserved blessings so that we can do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s declare and activate them right now nuh. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

Now, it’s our bounden duty to go out and walk worthy of those undeserved blessings, by sharing them as generously with others, as the Lord has shared them with us. Much LOVE!

…talk is cheap…but action calls us to pay the price… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​         

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 June 2022 Hebrews 11:3.

09 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 11:3.      Through faith we understand that the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible).

And just as I queried, yesterday’s bright sunshine did not last, for by the afternoon the clouds came rolling in, then by evening time, the rain began and drizzled through most of the night. Now, today, Thursday has opened cloudy and wet, but the rain has stopped and hopefully by lunchtime the sun will have come out bright and warm. (smile) And isn’t that what hope and faith are all about? For sure; the evidence of things not seen, but eagerly and expectantly hoped and waiting for! 

As Chapter 11 in Hebrews, that great chapter on faith tells us: ‘For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible).’ (Heb. 11:2-3) Yes friends, in this life, we need to believe a lot of things we can’t see or conceive of, meaning that everything we do depends to some extent on faith. Even when we sit in a chair or lie on a bed, it’s faith that makes us believe they won’t crumble under us. 

But it’s even more important for us to have a strong and bubbling faith when we come before God. Cain’s faith was not as righteous as Abel’s, that’s why God refused his sacrificial offering. Abel’s offering was of a sacrificial nature, the first and best of his flock, and apparently his heart motives were right, while Cain’s were not. (Gen. 4:3-7) And again, we cannot please God unless we truly believe that He is who He says He is, and does all that He says He can do. 

Please note these scriptures on some of our fellow believers who wrought much because of their faith. ‘By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear (reverence), prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.’ (Heb. 11:7) Now that was something else, because it took exceptionally great faith and trust to do what Noah did. 

According to the scholars, ‘Noah was asked by God to do in faith things that were incongruous (not in harmony) with his former experience. He had never seen rain (Gen. 2:5), and yet God told him to build and ark because of a coming flood (Gen. 6:13-17).’ Now, how many of us would have accepted such a backbreaking and seemingly impossible task eh? Not many. But Noah believed the Lord and did as He asked. And that’s why he was chosen to replenish humanity after the catastrophic flood that destroyed all the other abominably sinful human beings. 

The same thing could be said of Abraham when the Lord suddenly showed up and told him to pack up and leave his pagan gods and family and go wither he knew not. The Good Book tells it thus: ‘By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went (where he was going).’ (Heb. 11:8) 

Once again, how many of us, especially at seventy-five years of age, would have simply packed up and left our families on the promise of a supposed god that we did not know eh? Only a few. But Abraham did. And, ‘By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange (foreign) country, dwelling in tabernacles (tents) with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.’ (Heb. 11:9) Yes, he left his comfortable home and became a nomad, wandering a country he didn’t know, living much less comfortably than if he had stayed at home in Haran. 

So why did he do it eh? The Bible tells us: ‘For he looked for (was waiting for) a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker was God.’ (Heb. 11:10) Wow! What monumental faith! That’s why the Good Book says: ‘And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.’ (Gen. 15:6) Although, as the scholars explain, that happened after the Lord took him outside to look at all the numerous stars in the sky and promised that his descendants would be as numerous. So, it was not his original act of faith, but further evidence of his confidence in God. 

The same thing goes for Sarah. Although she first laughed when God said she would have a son after many barren years and at an old age. ‘Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of (bore) a child when she was past age; because she judged him faithful who had promised.’ (Heb. 11:11) Yes friends, only the miraculous work of our omnipotent God could have allowed Sarah and Abraham to have a child when she was ninety and him a hundred years old! 

And no, Abraham and Sarah did not have it easy, wandering all over the land as a nomadic tribe, but they saw enough faithfulness in God’s promises that made them continue on the route that He had plotted out for them. And that’s why today we talk about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; he and his descendants stood strong in faith with God. 

The Good Book continues: ‘These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded (assured) of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country (homeland). And truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned, But now they desire a better country, that is a heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.’ (Heb. 11:13-16) 

Yes my fellow saints, earth is not our eventual home, but that doesn’t mean we are not meant to enjoy it as much as we can, until we get to the heavenly place that God has created for us, where there are no tears, no pain, no death, no sorrow, just continual communion, praise and worship with our heavenly Father. But it all comes through faith, and unless you sincerely believe, surrender and trust in the promises of God you will never see that heavenly home. 

In the meanwhile, let’s go home today declaring (chuh!) our Thursday Blessings that have been so generously bestowed on us to do God’s work down here on earth. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

Now, let’s go out and use those marvellous blessings to bring others to Christ, as He desires of us. Much LOVE!

…there is little hope for man…unless he succumbs to faith in Almighty God…the Creator and Controller of this universe… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​          

Today’s Scrip-Bit   2 June 2022   1 Corinthians 13:13.

02 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 13:13.      And now abideth faith, hope, charity (LOVE), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (LOVE).

Well, it looks like the real hot days are gone for the rest of this week. And, on this Provincial Election Day in Ontario, we are back to barely crossing the twenty degrees mark, with a cool breeze continually blowing. The truth be known, it’s not quite summer as yet, so those past few really hot days are merely a harbinger of the days to come. (smile) 

And just now, while skimming through the Good Book looking for a topic to talk about, I came upon this wonderful chapter, one that is near and dear to all our hearts, and I immediately knew that my search was ended. (smile) It’s the scripture we call the Chapter of LOVE or the Way of LOVE! And believe me friends, do we ever need that thing we call LOVE, true brotherly or ‘agape’ LOVE, in this strife-filled, immoral, evil and ungodly world of ours. A world where everything else but LOVE seems to exist in great proportions. 

And the thought is that if we talk about it today, some will rub off on us and thus help create a better, more Christ-like world (smile) So let’s hear what Bruh Paul had to say to say on the subject, to the church at Corinth in his first letter. ‘Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (LOVE), I am become as sounding brass, or a clanging symbol.’ (2 Cor. 13:1) And do we ever have plenty of those in our society today, who claim to speak in tongues, in the language of God, but are truly only clanging cymbals, only making a setta blooming useless noise because they don’t have any true godly LOVE in their souls. 

Then Bruh Paul continues: ‘And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (LOVE) I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (LOVE), it profiteth me nothing.’ (1 Cor. 13:2-3) 

Oh my people, yuh see the great emphasis that’s put on LOVE? It’s so great that even if you have all of the other supposed attributes of God, but you don’t have that main one of LOVE, then you don’t have anything, you’re nothing, all that other stuff profits you nothing! And sadly, our current world is filled with those kinds of people, who claim to have all the God-given attributes, but lack the most important one, that’s LOVE! And how do we know that eh? Because their actions don’t show it. For LOVE is an action word! It’s all about doing, doing what needs to be done, not talking up a great storm of nothing, making a set of noise but not really doing anything useful or LOVING. 

Now here is how Bruh Paul characterizes true LOVE. ‘Charity (LOVE) suffereth long, and is kind; charity (LOVE) envieth not; charity (LOVE) vaunteth not (does not brag on) itself, is not puffed up (arrogant). Doth not behave itself unseemly (rudely), seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (keeps no account of evil). Rejoiceth not in iniquity,  but rejoiceth in the truth. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity (LOVE) never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail (cease); whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away (cease).’ (1 Cor. 13:4-8) 

Oh friends, it’s true that LOVE like that as described by Bruh Paul is indeed difficult to come by, but as Christians, as faithful believers in Christ Jesus, it is our bounden duty to try and acquire as much of it as possible, because that’s the only way our world and that of our descendants will ever improve. And the only way we can increase our LOVE quotient is by sticking as close to Christ as possible, because He is the reservoir, the fountainhead of LOVE! 

And please note that Jesus didn’t just talk LOVE, but showed it in His everyday actions, especially by His sacrificial death on the cross for a bunch of ungrateful sinners! And sadly, two thousand years later, even with the greater knowledge we have of God and His Word, of His attributes and His desires, so many of His creation are turning away from Him at this crucial time of strife, hatred and the burgeoning of evil. 

I don’t know what else to say or do nuh my people, so that I can impress the importance of God’s agape or brotherly LOVE on the health and future of our world, which Satan now holds in a death-like choke hold. We are going under friends, there’s no doubt about it, and if we keep on following this path of destruction that we are currently on, it’s only a matter of time before our world implodes or explodes. And believe me, the only thing available to turn our situation around before it’s too late is the quick rising, the improvement of our LOVE situation. 

That’s why Bruh Paul closes the chapter with these memorable words of truth. ‘And now abideth faith, hope, charity (LOVE), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (LOVE).’ (1 Cor. 13:13) And that’s the gospel truth my fellow saints, LOVE is the greatest; that’s why God made us and why He sent His Son to save us. Bruh Paul said it thus to the church at Rome. ‘But God commendeth  (demonstrated) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) 

And Jesus made it known to all and sundry: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16) And it’s not like the Lord didn’t give us the necessary tools to do His earthly work. He did, and very generously too. And those tools are encompassed in what we call our Thursday Blessings. 

So, let’s declare them now so that we can activate them. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

That means we have all we need to go out now and do God’s will. So please let’s do that nuh. Our God, our children and our world deserve our stepping up to the plate and being better people. Much LOVE!

…only a great dose of agape LOVE…provided by Christ’s followers…will ever bring joy to our sad, misguided world… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​       

Today’s Scrip-Bit   26 May 2022 Isaiah 52:7a.

26 May 2022 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 52:7a.      How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings (good news),

And we’ll open Today’s Bit with the all-important question that the lady in the song is asking: ‘If Jesus comes tomorrow, or if Jesus comes this afternoon, will you be ready?’ Now that should make us all stop and ponder our personal situations for a few moments. And if the answer is yes, then we can continue along the same basic path. 

However, if the answer is no, then we’d better hurry up and get ready because Jesus said it Himself, that He‘ll be coming like a thief in the night, when no one expects Him. And after He comes, there’ll be only one option available: hellfire and damnation with Satan. So, if we want to go with Jesus whenever He comes, we must get ready asap, else we’ll be left behind to face the Tribulation and whatever else the darkness of the enemy hides. 

And as I was just thumbing through the Good Book for a scripture to use, I came upon this marvellous verse from the prophet Isaiah, where he speaks on the Lord’s behalf. ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings (good news), that publisheth (proclaims) peace; that bringeth good tidings (good news) of good (things), that publisheth (proclaims) salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!’ (Is. 52:7) And there’s absolutely no doubt that our great God reigns supreme my fellow believers! 

Listen to the psalmist tell it from Psalm 93 nuh. ‘The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved (shaken). Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.’ (Ps. 93:1-2) And that’s the indisputable truth! Our God has been around from the beginning of time, and possibly even before. (smile) He created the world and all therein, and still runs it as He pleases. It’s his fiefdom and no one can say Him nay! 

And only when we have those basic facts fully entrenched in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, can we appreciate the true majesty and wonder of our God, and believe and behave like the prophet Isaiah continues. ‘Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together they shall sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again (back) Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm (revealed his awesome power) in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.’ (Is. 52: 8-10) 

And if that isn’t the gospel truth, then I don’t know what is! For the Lord has indeed redeemed, comforted and brought salvation to His people, in fact to all the nations of the earth, through the sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension of His wonderful Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!  And that’s something to be indeed glad of and to shout about with indescribable joy! 

Oh friends, by now we all ought to know that our God doesn’t make idle promises, and He faithfully keeps them all. And the first coming of Christ got the ball rolling in God’s promise of good news, redemption, comfort and salvation. And like the prophet says, beautiful are the feet of those who bring good tidings of good things, especially good news of good things like peace, and salvation. Oh yes, we are always ready to meet and greet those who come bearing glad tidings, good news. 

And that’s what Jesus came bearing. So why are so many of us adamantly refusing to accept Him eh? Because we are foolish, and our inherent sinful nature is getting the better of us. We prefer to live in the darkness of Satan, where our evil deeds can be hidden, because we know all too well that once we accept Jesus, who is the light, our evil deeds will be most certainly exposed, and our shame will there for all the world to see.  And if we accept Jesus, then we’ll have to give up those awful sins. 

But some of us just can’t bear to give them, because they are so deeply entrenched in us, and we find them so wonderful. So, foolishly, unwisely, we stick with the enemy, enjoying the perishable things of the world, instead of turning to the imperishable things of heaven that come with the acceptance of Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour. 

But be that as it may, those of us who believe have the duty to go about spreading that good news, bringing those good tidings of salvation and eternal life to all who will listen. Jesus was very decisive when He gave what we call the Great Commission to the disciples, and subsequently to us. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:19-20) 

Now we could not require a more direct directive than that to let us know that we must be amongst the beautiful feet on the mountains that carry the good news of Christ’s salvation to ALL the world. And, can we sincerely say that we’re doing as Jesus commanded? I do hope so. Because we have no good excuse not to do as he requires. We can’t even complain that Jesus didn’t give us the tools to do His earthly will, because He’s certainly bestowed blessings on us that we do not deserve, but are there to help us do His work. We call them our Thursday Blessings, but we need to activate them by declaring (steups!!!) them out loud. 

So, as one strong and confident voice, let’s do that right 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 every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those marvellous blessings, we now need to go out and action them, use and share them with others, just as generously and unselfishly as Jesus shared them with us. Much LOVE!

…it’s time for Christians to get our beautiful feet moving…so that we can spread the good news of Christ…that the world so badly needs to hear… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​       

Today’s Scrip-Bit   19 May 2022 Psalm 37:7a.

19 May 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 37:7a.       Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: 

Well, Thursday’s turned up wet and cloudy, but we can’t complain because we’ve had some good weather for the last few days. And as Job said to his wife so long ago in their terrible tribulation: ‘What? shall we receive (accept) good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil (accept calamity)?’ (Job 2:10) Yes friends, we’ve got to learn to accept the bad with the good, and that doesn’t come easy, it’s a learned situation, born out of patience and long-suffering. 

And it’s especially necessary for this generation who have all the amenities available to them and figure they are entitled to only good times, to learn that reality. They need to understand that life isn’t one big, long, good time, but a series of ups and downs, of fair and foul weather, and moreover you cannot enjoy the fair weather unless you know the foul. Unfortunately, it’s the bad, the trouble in this life that makes us appreciate the good. 

And Job’s life is a good example of that. He would never have appreciated God’s goodness as much as he did, if trouble had not befallen him. The same goes for us today my people. All the trouble we’re currently going through is helping us to appreciate the Lord’s goodness and mercy, because we know that He will not allow us to suffer for ever, but with every problem will bring a way of escape or the ability to see the trouble through. 

And that’s why these words of Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked – are so important for us to know, and even more importantly to put into practice, because it doesn’t make any sense to know stuff and not action it. So, let’s renew our acquaintance with the marvellous advice of Bruh David nuh, let those faithful words find rest in our hearts and souls as we work them successfully into our everyday lives. ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass and wither as the green herb.’ (Ps. 37:1-2) 

And yes, it does seem like the wicked are prospering despite that promise of God. But please note, that like all of God’s promises, they will happen in His own time, but happen they will. And if He says that the iniquity workers will be destroyed, then they will be, when He’s good and ready, so you don’t need to worry about them. What you need to be concerned about is your own sense of righteousness, which can be enabled by these other promises. 

‘Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on God’s faithfulness). Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday.’ (Ps. 37:3-6) Yes, my brethren, giving our life to the Lord, surrendering our all to Him is how our righteousness and justice is conceived and brought to life. 

And there’s more good advice that makes it even better. (smile) ‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm). For evil doers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider (look for) his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.’ (Ps. 37:7-11) 

And all of God’s people said a loud and proud ‘Amen!’ because it’s the word of the Lord, and His word is truth! He’s a most wonderful God, and we ought to LOVE Him with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, the way He desires of us, and for the many blessings and mercies He bestows on us every single day of our lives, the biggest being giving us the breath of life to see another day on His glorious earth. 

Oh my fellow saints, life’s been laid out so clearly and plainly for us that it’s shameful when we don’t accept it and live it out. Let’s quickly review that lay out of life nuh. First up is, ‘Fret not thyself because of evil doers.’ And yes, sometimes that’s not easy to do when you see the wicked prospering, but who’s the greatest in the universe eh? Almighty God. So, if He says something, then as a faithful believer you ought to believe it. And that leads us to ‘Trust in the Lord,’ so we can enjoy His faithfulness. 

And I do like this one: ‘Delight thyself in the Lord,’ for when I do that, He will give me the desires of my heart. Glory be my brethren! Who doesn’t want to get the desires of their hearts eh? We all do. However, those desires must be in line with God’s will, for good and not for evil, otherwise no dice. Then when we ‘Commit our way unto the Lord,’ He brings it to pass; light and righteousness overtake us like the noonday sun. And this is possibly the most important and surely the most difficult: ‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.’ 

Yeh friends, most of us find it difficult to wait for anything, especially in this now for now society, but waiting on God’s immaculate timing is essential if we expect to successfully receive His anointing. And there we have it, the basics of living for God, spelled out so wisely for us even before the coming of Christ. And the only thing He’s changed is that we must believe in Him, accept Him as Lord and Saviour, to get to the Father. 

So friends, why are we so worried, so anxious and discombobulated over the circumstances of our lives eh? There’s no reason whatsoever for it, because the Lord’s promised safety and salvation and He faithfully keeps His promises. And when we faithfully live for Him, then we see such a profusion of blessings that it just boggles our minds. And we have a very good example of that in our Thursday Blessings which the Lord has bestowed on us to help us do His earthly work. Let’s declare them right now nuh, so that we can activate them. 

Altogether 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 every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those blessings, we’re now required to go out and share them with others just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…despite the heartaches and troubles you may face…you can never go wrong…living for Jesus… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   12 May 2022 John 13:34.

12 May 2022 Leave a comment

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

John 13:34.      A new commandment I give unto you, that ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. 

Come on friends, let’s see some Christ-like smiles on those faces on this beautiful spring Thursday nuh! Christ is LOVE, the Good Book says so (1 John 4:8) and the first appearance of LOVE from us should be a smile! Yes, my brethren our Christian faith walk all begins with a smile, for when we realize all the marvellous and miraculous benefits we have in and from Jesus, and they all start to flow out of us, there must be a smile of joy accompanying them, otherwise, how are people going to know that we are happy in Jesus eh? 

So, if there is true joy in our souls, then it will show on our faces through a smile. And it’s sad, pathetic really, the number of sour faced, miserable, unhappy looking supposed Christians walking about the planet! Some of them falsely believing that they are pilgrims and pilgrims suffer, so they need to look like what the cat dragged in. 

But that’s not true friends. For even if you are a supposed pilgrim and life’s rough, with all the wonderful stuff that Jesus has given us and placed in our hearts and souls, the joy, which is the strength of the Lord and the fruit of His Holy Spirit that’s been planted in us and growing beautifully like the new spring grass, must manifest itself in our behaviour, starting with a big smile and a heavenly look on our faces. 

Remember what Jesus said about the stuff that comes out of a man? ‘Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.’ (Matt. 15:11) And that’s how it ought to be with believers, the good stuff of Jesus coming out of our mouths and lighting up our faces with His joy. ‘As the song says: ‘Oh happy day, oh happy day, when Jesus, when Jesus washed, when my Jesus washed all my sins away!’ 

Now, that day and that action ought to be always percolating in our souls and spirits, and cause us to live rejoicing every day. And rejoicing means letting the joy in our soul and spirit being made manifest on the outside, beginning with a glow on our faces and Christ-like actions reaching out to those with whom we come into contact. That brings us to these fateful and very crucial words of Jesus to His disciples, when he said unto them. ‘A new commandment I give unto you, that ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one for another.’ (John 13:34-35) 

Yes, my fellow believers, the world will only recognize us as true disciples of Jesus if we show the LOVE He showed to us, toward each other. And sadly, that’s not happening as much as it should because many of us supposed Christians don’t even talk to one another because we are of a different religion or denomination, we have a different doctrine or some such nonsense. But the only doctrine in Jesus’ book is LOVE, and LOVE is an action-based reality, you can’t just talk it, but must show it, like Jesus said back there, if we want to be His true disciples. 

And He said it to them again later on. ‘This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you.’ (John 15:12) And I like how John sets it all out in his first epistle, when he talks about tests of true knowledge. ‘And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandment is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the LOVE of God perfected: hereby know we that are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought also to walk, even as he walked.’ (1 John 2:3-6) 

Oh my fellow saints, those words are ever so important in our walk of faith because they testify of our genuine knowledge of God, of true discipleship, which can only be accomplished by obedience to Christ’s commandments. It must be a conscious and enduring effort, for the true ‘test of knowing God’s LOVE is keeping His Word.’ And the scholars explain verse 6 thus. They say: ‘Even as he walked refers to Jesus’ earthly days. While no one can or need duplicate Jesus’ atoning ministry, His disciples are called on to imitate His devotion to God and compassion for others. See John 13:15; 1 Pet. 2:21.’ 

And just to refresh our memories, (smile) let’s look at those two scriptures. In John 13:15, Jesus says to the disciples after washing their feet. ‘For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.’ Then Peter corroborates that statement when he writes. ‘For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile (deceit) found in his mouth: Who when he was reviled, reviled not again (in return); when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.’ (1 Pet. 2:21-23) 

Oh my people, are we doing those kinds of things like Jesus did, or at least attempting to live that way? Hopefully, our answer to that will be a decisive YES! And if it’s not, then we are not living for Christ and are not His true disciples and need to change our lifestyles if we truly want to be made over in His image. And the great thing about Jesus is that when we truly desire and try to live for Him, He showers us with numerous blessings to help us do just that. We call them our Thursday Blessings, and when we declare them out loud, they serve to refuel and renew our hearts and souls, so that we can go out and do His work with new enthusiasm and LOVE. 

So, let’s declare them right now nuh, in loud and confident voice. ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

Now it’s up to us to go out and generously use those blessings to serve others, just as generously as Christ shares them with us. Much LOVE!

…talk is cheap…but LOVE…that’s action…calls for sacrifice…  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 May 2022 Ephesians 4:26-27.

05 May 2022 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 4:26-27.      Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil.

And then it was Thursday; bright, sunny and refreshing. But who knows if it’s going to remain like that all day though, because the weather has been so topsy turvy recently. Yes, would you believe that after all the rain yesterday morning, by afternoon it turned into a beautiful, warm, sunny day! And it’s certainly a good thing that we have Jesus and His Holy Spirit, who never change, to keep us smiling and level headed in the face of all the turbulence in our world and our weather! 

That’s why we can say: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! (Ps.118:24) And isn’t that a marvellous situation to be in? It most certainly is! So please give our magnificent Lord and Saviour some thanks and praise for His steadfastness and awesome faithfulness despite our whining and complaining ways. (smile) And it’s sad to know that these days, in our Western world, we’ve become unholy complainers despite the numerous amenities that surround us. 

Regardless of how much we have, we never seem to be satisfied, but are always seeking more, and seeking it more quickly too. And we all know that those attitudes are not welcome in the kingdom of Christ, and most likely constitute sin on our part, especially if we are otherwise very blessed by the Lord. And that’s the work of the enemy, the ruler of this evil world. He stirs up our greed and avarice, knowing that if we don’t get what we want, we will become angry and lose our peace and joy and behave less like the Christians we claim to be. 

But there’s a sweet and simple scripture that helps us to forego that behaviour. It’s found in Bruh Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, where he wisely advises them, and consequently us too: ‘Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil.’ (Eph. 4:26-27) 

Oh my people, there’s so much wisdom in those few words. Let’s check it out nuh. In the first place getting angry is not a sin, it’s a normal human emotion, given to us by the Father to show our displeasure. The Lord gets angry too. And we definitely don’t want to experience it. (smile) The problem lies in what we do when we get angry. Many of us do wrong and foolish things when we lose our temper, and that’s when we give the devil an opportunity to get into our souls and downgrade our Christian walk. Please remember, that‘s all the enemy is about; lessening our witness for Christ. And if we don’t control our anger, we will fall right into his evil and ungodly trap. 

And then there’s the wisdom of not letting the sun go down on our anger. Why is that so important? Because when we go to sleep angry, that anger percolates in our soul and spirit all night, and instead of restoring our peace and LOVE in Christ Jesus, we wake up angry and give the devil even more opportunity to invade our lives on that new day.  And there are several other scriptures that warn us to forsake anger and the damning effects it has on our Christian walk. 

Listen to Bruh David from Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked. He advises us to: ‘Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:8-9) True words of wisdom my fellow believers. 

And that other great psalmist, Asaph, had this to say, from personal experience no less, about evil and fretting. In his famous Psalm 73 – The mystery of prosperous wickedness – he tells it thus: ‘Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean (pure) heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone (I had almost stumbled); my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish (boastful), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.’ (Ps. 73:1-3) Then he goes on to describe how the wicked seem to prosper in their wickedness. 

And we see the same thing too, and say like Asaph did: ‘Behold, these are the ungodly who prosper (are always at ease) in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain (kept my heart pure in vain), and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children (would have been untrue to thy word).When I thought to know this (understand it), it was too painful for me (troublesome in my eyes); Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end (the end of the wicked).’ (Ps. 73:12-17) 

Oh friends, too many of us find ourselves in Asaph’s situation, envying the prosperity of the wicked, and instead of turning to God for divine assistance, take up the ungodly activities of the evildoers so we too can acquire the world’s prosperity. And the scholars explain. ‘Psalm 73: This psalm is another dealing with the problem of the prosperity of the wicked . Unlike Psalm 37, however, it does not emphasize the brevity of that prosperity. The author observes that sometimes the bounty achieved by the wicked does in fact last throughout life ( v.4). He emphasizes every believer’s need to test his own personal relationship with God. That alone provides the ultimate satisfaction available to the believer who witnesses the affluence of the wicked.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! It’s only through a strong relationship with Almighty God will we be able to see the wicked prosper, as they often do in this evil world, and not desire to be like them! We need to firmly believe the word of God that says the wicked will eventually be destroyed, or else we will head down that wide and destructive path that only leads to hell fire and damnation. And the enemy would like nothing better than that. But friends, please, please, let’s remember, like Jesus said in the parable of the sower, that we are in this most important category: ‘But other (seed) fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty; some thirtyfold.’ (Matt. 13:8) 

Glory be my fellow saints. Let’s rejoice that we are good ground and the word of God has taken full root in us and we’re bringing forth good fruit. And how do we do that? By using these Thursday Blessings that the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. So, let’s boldly declare them to activate them nuh. As one confident voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

Now let’s go out and use those blessings to bear good fruit in Jesus’ name, like He desires of us. Much LOVE!

…who hath ears to hear…let him hear… (Matt. 13:9)  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​       

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 April 2022 Psalm 1:1.

28 Apr 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 1:1.       Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 

It looks like another beautiful day is in the offing, although it’s still a tad chilly for this time of year, but we certainly won’t refuse the sunshine, especially after the recent inclement and topsy-turvy weather in our area. And today friends, we are going to look at the type of person who warms the cockles of God’s heart as it is written in Psalm 1 – titled ‘Blessed are the Righteous.’ 

And with no mincing of words, right at the very beginning the psalm tells us that, ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder) day and night.’ (Ps. 1:1-2) 

Those two simple verses say it all my people. The man who will find God’s favour doesn’t cavort with the wicked, but ponders on God’s word continually, and tries to live by what it says. Remember God’s warning to Joshua when He made him leader of the Israelites after Moses’ death? ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth (shall constantly be in thy mouth); but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8) 

That tells us one thing; that a successful life depends on knowing God’s word intimately and putting it into action! And you can see that God was quite serious in His warning to Joshua, because He tells him the same basic thing in verses 6-9; be strong and courageous, read my word and live it, then you will have success. And that’s why the psalmist could confidently write those first verses of our psalm, and it’s perhaps why so many of us supposed believers are not having much success in our lives today. We are possibly hanging out with the wrong crowd, and thus are not knowledgeable enough in God’s word, so we cannot put it into proper action. 

For as the psalmist continues about the blessed man: ‘And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in season; his leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps. 1:3). Glory be my brethren! Can you imagine that? A person who does the will of God will never suffer want. Whatever the circumstance, they will be successful. 

And Jeremiah reinforces that picture with these marvellous words of promise. ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is, for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see (fear) when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green and shall not be careful (anxious) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.’ (Jer. 17:7-8) It couldn’t be put any better or simpler than that friends. The Lord favours those who walk in the wisdom of His word and power! 

And the scholars offer this interesting explanation of Psalm 1. They say, ‘The key word in the psalm is the word blessed. It serves as a pronouncement upon a man – but a certain kind of man. In essence, the psalm is teaching that the blessed or happy man is the righteous man. The happy man avoids evil influences, deeds, and attitudes (vs.1); he delights in God’s word (vs.2); therefore, God causes him to prosper (vs.3).’ 

That makes total sense. If you do what God desires, lives the way He wants you to live, then He will make your way prosperous. It’s just simple common sense, especially when we consider that the Lord is our Creator, the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe and has ultimate control over our lives and everything that happens therein! But these days, we seem to be forgetting those basic facts and rebelling against His rule, even trying to remove Him from our society. It’s utter foolishness my people, because God has made it so clear that He will not allow anybody to overthrow him or usurp His awesome power. 

Just consider what happened when the proud and foolish archangel Lucifer tried to overthrow the Lord. Him and his foolish cohorts were unceremoniously kicked out of heaven and the good life they lived, to walk the earth in sorrow and pain, till the Lord is ready to finally destroy them. And that’s what will happen to those of us who refuse to accept the risen Christ as Lord and Saviour, and instead bow down to the prince of darkness and this evil and ungodly world. 

The psalmist puts it thus: ‘The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.’ (Ps. 1:4-6) Very simply and precisely spoken my fellow saints. 

But, as the scholars explain: ‘On the other hand, the ungodly is worth no more than chaff (vs.4), and his destiny is judgement (vs. 5). Finally, the evaluation by the Lord Himself is described (vs.6). For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous (and it will be blessed), but (He also knows) the way of the ungodly (and it) shall perish. The psalm forms an appropriate introduction to the Psalter since it sets before the readers the three characters who will figure mostly in the psalms: the righteous, the ungodly, and God.’ 

And just for good measure (smile) we are going to add these precious words of another psalmist to the mix. ‘The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. they shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat (plump) and flourishing (green).’ (Ps. 92:12-14) Yuh see that friends, even in old age the righteous shall be fat and flourishing because they live by the word of the Lord. 

So let’s remember that nuh as we go home today declaring (steups!!!) our Thursday Blessings that our wonderful God has bestowed on us to do His earthly work. Altogether 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 every day! Amen!’ 

And now, having invoked those blessings, it’s our bounden duty to go out and activate them in the service of the Lord, in the lives of others, just as generously as the Lord has shared them with us. Much LOVE!

…the prevailing options for living life…are in righteousness and in evil…but the smart money will always be on the former… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​  

Today’s Scrip-Bit   14 April 2022 Matthew 26:26.

14 Apr 2022 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 26:26.     ‘And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.’ 

Oh friends, on this Holy Thursday morning of 2022, with the weather playing musical chairs out there; first wet and cloudy, then sunny, then cloudy, I want to open today with a big apology. I humbly apologize for labelling yesterday’s Bit as the 12th instead of the 13th of April. I don’t know how many of you noticed that, but I didn’t either. And the truth is that I scrutinize the Bit, especially the headings before I send it out. And I remember doing just that yesterday. But I guess that the Lord was trying to show me that I am human and thus liable to make mistakes even when looking for them. (smile)  

But you can’t imagine my displeasure when I opened my computer this morning and found two Bits with the same date. I couldn’t see it yesterday, but it was quite obvious today. Ah Lord eh! Anyway, there are more important things to consider today, than my making a mistake yesterday. Let’s hope though that I learn from it. (smile) And today being Holy Thursday, it’s important that we consider the passion of Christ on that fateful evening before His crucifixion when He held the Passover supper with His disciples. 

The Good Book tells it thus. ‘Now when the even (evening) was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: (Isaiah 53- The suffering servant) but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He (Jesus) said unto him, Thou hast said (it).’ (Matt. 26:20-25) 

No doubt that set the tempo, the atmosphere for the evening. With betrayal in the air, and Jesus having already told them about His upcoming death, it could not have been a comfortable or joyful occasion, especially after Jesus acknowledged that Judas was His betrayer. And the scholars tell us that ‘the statement He that dippeth reveals the personal and intimate nature of the betrayal.’ And so it should, with such a close-knit group. The Good Book then continues: ‘And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.’ (Matt. 26:26) 

Now that was a momentous occasion, for according to the scholars: ‘Jesus took bread: The head of the Jewish household was accustomed to doing this during the Passover feast. Jesus gave a whole new significance to the action, when He said, ‘This is my body,’ for during that meal, the head of the Jewish household took the bread in his hand and said, “This is the bread of affliction which our fathers ate in the land of Egypt,” meaning, of course, that one represented the other. By His words the Lord changed the whole significance and emphasis of the feast from looking back to the typical redemption from Egypt to faith in the redemption from sin accomplished by His death.’ 

And that’s how we now view the breaking of bread in the Holy Communion. But it didn’t end there though, because according to the Good Book: ‘And he (Jesus) took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it (drink from it all of you). For this is my blood of the new testament (covenant), which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my father’s kingdom. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.’ (Matt. 26:27-30) 

Yes my people, that ceremony now of breaking bread and drinking wine which we call Holy Communion is a celebration of what is, that’s Christ’s death, and what is to come, His triumphant return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, when peace and LOVE will become a factual and established, not imagined way of life! 

And the scholars offer a couple of interesting explanations. Re, ‘My blood of the new testament (covenant),’ they say that it’s taken from the Greek Septuagint version of Exodus 24:8., which reads: ‘And Moses took the blood, (of oxen) and sprinkled it on the people, and said, behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.’ (Ex. 24:8) 

The scholars explain that thus: ‘The blood of the covenant is the terminology from which the Old Testament (or covenant) gets its name. Because Israel failed to keep this conditional covenant of works, God promised through Jeremiah the institution of an unconditional covenant of grace (Jer. 31:31-34), which will be fulfilled in Israel during the Great Tribulation. But this covenant of grace is based upon the atoning work of Christ, and for this reason the church also participates in it through His blood (Luke 22:20; Heb. 8:6-13, 9:15-18; 12:24).’ 

Please take a moment and read those scriptures, they are very interesting and help us to better understand the way which Christ changed up things with His death and resurrection. And it all just shows the amazing compassion of our great God! We could not do the works detailed in the old covenant, so He promised a new one, but this through grace, rather than works, accomplished through the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ atoning for our disobedience. 

And the scholars tell us that Jesus words in the Last Supper: ‘Shed for many for the remission of sins,’ is a clear statement that the death of Jesus was necessary to enable God to forgive sins. It, in fact, made it right or morally justifiable for Him to do so. Please remember: ‘For the wages of sin is death, (eternal separation) but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom. 6:23) 

And now that we have a li’l better understanding of the Holy Communion ceremony, (smile) let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Thursday Blessings that the Lord in His grace and mercy has so generously bestowed on us, remembering the passion of Christ and all that He suffered on our behalf. As one strong and confident voice. ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

We are now expected to go out and share those blessings just as generously with others as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…the passion of Christ…should ignite in us…a passion for Him… 

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