endure to the end | SCRIP-BITS

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 November 2022 Jeremiah 29:11.

09 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a barrier breaker, a crying shame, a future and a hope, a tragedy of immense proportions, break free from a limited mindset, diversities of gifts, endure to the end, enlarge my vision, experience God's favour like never before, eyes fixed straight ahead, fear, glad to be alive, Glory to God!, halfway home, hands fixed on the plough, I know the thoughts that I think toward you, judgement day, lethargy, LOVE, seeds of greatness in me, selfish purposes, spiritual gifts, the breath of life, the fruit of the spirit, the future of God's kingdom, the gifts of healing, the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, the working of miracles, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to a glorious future with Jesus, to give you an expected end, Today is my day, walk the talk, Wednesday Wail

Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).

Well friends, it seems like we’re alive for another day! Glory to God! And it also seems to be another glorious sunshiny autumn day in my neighbourhood! More glory to God! Ah mih people, all that we are, and all that we have are directly attributable to our marvellous, merciful, generous, gracious and ever-LOVING God! Please, let’s never forget that.

And today I want to share an interesting prayer that’s all tied up with the goodness of our omnipotent God, a prayer from Bubba Joel Osteen Ministries that’s been sitting on my desk for ages, supposedly to inspire me, but which I have not even noticed, much less read and invoked for donkey’s years. (smile) I rediscovered it yesterday while cleaning up my desk and thought it would be very useful to us all today; give a kickstart to our day

And the title of the prayer is most appropriate: ‘TODAY IS MY DAY!’ Oh my fellow saints, let’s remember that today is all we have; yesterday’s past and gone down into the annals of history, and tomorrow is still germinating, so it behooves us to concentrate on today, which is in the palm of our hands.

So please pray with me: ‘God has destined me to be a barrier breaker! He created me to be uncontainable. I have talent and potential given to me by the Creator of the universe. There are seeds of greatness inside of me. Today, I choose to break free from a limited mindset and enlarge my vision. Today, God is taking me places that I’ve never even dreamed of before. Today, God is fulfilling His purpose and destiny in my life. Today, I will experience His favour like never before in every area of my life.’ And all God’s people said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’

Yes mih bredrin, it’s time for us to break free from our limited mindset and pursue the glorious purpose and destiny that the Lord has set out for us in His Master Plan. Remember His promise in Jeremiah: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’ (Jer. 29:11)

Oh yes, our God has big, good plans for us, but unfortunately our problem is that we speak of the greatness of our God, but we don’t really believe it, because we don’t think big, don’t truly consider His omnipotence, His awesome power, when talking to Him. But He’s placed talents and greatness in all of us. The main ones being seeds of the fruit of His Spirit that He’s planted in ALL believers, but which we have to allow His Holy Spirt to water and nurture to maturity.

Bruh Paul listed those gifts to the Galatians as follows. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering (patience), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faithfulness, Meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.’ (Gal. 5:22-23) Wow! What an array of seeds the Lord has planted in each of us! And that’s not all, there are other spiritual gifts that God has given to His people. Bruh Paul mentions some of them to the church at Corinth in his first letter.

Listen up and take note. (smile) ‘Now there are diversities (various kinds) of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations (ministries), but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations (activities), but it is the same God which worketh all in all (all things in all of us). But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal (for ALL to profit from).

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues (foreign languages); to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as he will.’ (1 Cor. 12:4-11)

So you see my fellow believers, the many and varied kinds of gifts that our God, through His Holy Spirit imparts to his followers. And He doesn’t give them to us just to keep them locked up, but to shed them forth abroad to bring others to the knowledge and embracing of His Son Jesus Christ, and consequently bring glory to His Holy and Mighty Name – Jehovah!

The problem is that we, through either fear or simple lethargy, refuse to use the gifts imparted to us by the Holy Spirit in the way they were meant to be used. But ALL of us have some gift(s) beside the fruit of the Spirit that the Lord gave us so that we could use to enlighten others and bring them to Christ. And it would be a crying shame, and big disaster, come the Judgement Day, when the Lord asks us what we did with this or that gift that He had given us, and we look at Him, with astonishment and stammer: ‘Lor…Lord, I didn’t know I had that gift.’ And then He will recall our lives and show us exactly how it was planted in us, but for whatever reason we did not use it to further His kingdom.

It’s true my people, many of us are walking around carrying worthwhile gifts of God not being used for His glory. And that’s one of the reasons why our world is in such a terrible state, with so many people turning away from God instead of towards Him in this crucial and very critical time of the ages. So please, let’s wake up and do better nuh! Let’s actually walk the talk we’re so good at spouting. These are the times for which we’ve been specifically made my brethren. The Lord chose to put the future of His kingdom in our hands in these critical times, so please let’s not disappoint Him nuh, by not putting His magnificent gifts to work!

It will be a tragedy if immense proportions if we allow Beelzebub to completely take over the world. But for those of us who are sincerely trying to use what gifts we have, let’s go home now declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, then I can assure us the future we just spoke of will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So, let’s work together to make it happen nuh. It’s all for Jesus’ sake! Much LOVE!

…gifts are given to be unselfishly and productively used…not locked away…and/or only used for selfish purposes…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 November 2022 2 Corinthains 1:20.

02 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a sure shot miracle, abundant life, all the promises of God in him are yea, be careful for nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, do a brand new thing in me, emotional fatigue, enable me to praise you, endure to the end, give me rest from my sorrow, give me water in the wilderness, glad to be alive, God will never break His promises, halfway home, hands on the plough, in him amen, in these crisis days, keep and guard your hearts and minds, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back, omnipotent heavenly Father, piercing pain, rest from my fear and bondage, satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, satisfied with my goodness, shortest and best prayer -help, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, The Hardest Thing, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the virgin rejoice in the dance, to a glorious future with Jesus, turn their mourning into joy, unto the glory of God by us, Wednesday Wail, you promised to be my God

2 Corinthians 1:20. For all the promises of God in him are yea (yes), and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us.

A fine Wednesday afternoon to all you my Scrip-Bit friends and family! Yes, we’re in the afternoon because I had to go out the street earlier on, that’s why we’re a tad late. And I do hate it when other stuff interferes with my morning routine. But dem’s the breaks, and it is indeed a glorious autumn day out there. My computer tells me it’s 13 and cloudy, now it’s saying fog, but yuh better believe it’s as sunshiny as ever! I have to stop believing what it tells me. (smile) And although yesterday began somewhat wet and cloudy, it turned into another beautiful day of autumn sunshine.

So, so far, November has been a good weather month! But despite the weather being good for this time of year, I know, that for one reason or another, many of us are having a difficult time in our lives, through physical or mental illness, financial or relational mishaps, problems that we can’t quite fix on our own. However, we were never meant to fix stuff on our own. The answer to any and all of our problems should always begin with turning to our omnipotent heavenly Father for help. That’s what He’s there for, and it’s what He expects of us.

And I hope this poem titled ‘The Hardest Thing’ from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin reminds us of that, and causes us today to go to our gracious and merciful God for help in whatever area we may need it. So, please open your hearts and minds and read with me. ‘O God In these crisis days Of piercing pain And emotional fatigue Do a brand new thing in me Give me water in the wilderness And streams in my desert. You have promised to be my God Through all my lifetime Surely You will keep Your word! As you promised Give me rest from my sorrow and from my fear and from my bondage That binds me. One thing more, dear Lord. Enable me to praise You When to praise Is the hardest thing of all.’

Ah mih people, I do hope that got us back on track, reminding us that in God’s sure promises lie solutions for all of our problems. I know that plenty of us think prayer is a joke, but believe me it isn’t. And I’ll give you a li’l personal testimony here. About a week ago, I woke up after my afternoon nap with cramps in both my thighs. I could hardly move, could barely stretch out my legs, and could not stand up without the excruciating pain driving me crazy. Now, I was alone at home, so there was no one to call to for help.

But after about five or six minutes of struggling to ease the pain on my own, I suddenly cried out, ‘Help Lord, Help!’ I don’t know if it was a conscious or subconscious reaction. Possibly it was just the Holy Spirit reminding me that I had other help beside myself. But whatever caused that reaction, within about thirty seconds of my cry, I felt the pain in my legs suddenly subsiding, until I was finally able to stand up and walk around. Now, I don’t know what you call that, but I call it a sure shot MIRACLE! (smile)

And yes, when we pray, not all of our problems will suddenly lessen or go away, but there’s a better chance of obtaining help than if we don’t pray. And I have to laugh, because I’ve always heard Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) say that the shortest and possibly best prayer is a simple cry of ‘HELP!’ Now I believe it. (smile) And it’s a sad fact that if we prayer more often, and more sincerely too, our problems will not be as plentiful, and we will be able to endure or handle them much better than we currently can.

Remember Bruh Paul’s marvellous advice to the Philippians? ‘Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phi. 4:6-7) Now that’s not rocket science, but simple, straightforward wise advice. Unfortunately though, the spirit of prayer is disappearing from our society, at a time when we most need it.

And why is that eh? Because many of us no longer believe in the good Lord Jehovah, and some of us who claim to believe, sadly don’t believe His promises. However, as Bruh Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his second letter. ‘But as God is true (faithful), our word toward you was not yea and nay (yes and no). For the Son of God Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timothy was not yea and nay (yes and no), but in him was yea (yes). For all the promises of God in him are yea (yes), and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us.’ (2 Cor, 1:18-20)

And the scholars tell us of those scriptures: ‘It conveys that Jesus Christ is the “yes” and “amen” of all God’s promises, meaning in Jesus is the guarantee and confirmation of God’s promises. Christians respond with an amen to the assurance of God’s promises which signifies our affirmation of and trust in God’s faithfulness.’ That means if you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus, then you ought to believe and use the promises of God found in His word for they are all faithful and true and meant for OUR benefit, not His.

And the particular promise on which our poem was based is that one found in Jeremiah where the Lord promised the restoration of Israel. The prophet declared (yesss!!!) ‘Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. And I will satiate (fill) the soul of the priests with fatness (abundance), and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord.’ (Jer. 31:13-14) And that promise was indeed fulfilled when Israel returned from their captivity in Babylon.

Oh friends, until we start truly believing that the promises of God were faithfully made on our behalf, we will not seek them out and use them to our benefit. Remember Jesus came to give us life, and life so abundant that it will overflow. Now do we believe that? If so, all God’s other promises are believable and ever-faithful. So please, let’s start using those marvellous promises that were made through Christ, for our benefit nuh. And for those of us who believe them and invoke them, let’s go home declaring (ah Lord eh!!!) our Wednesday wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus based on His awesome promises.

Now here’s one other promise that ought to set us glowing with joy. If we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future with Him will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Oh my fellow saints, that promise just emboldens us, fills us with the courage and perseverance to endure right down to the very end with Jesus! And so it should! Much LOVE!

… promises are made to be kept…and our ever-faithful God has never…or will He ever…break any of His promises…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 October 2022 Zechariah 9:12.

26 Oct 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a powerful presence, breaks us from the future and transforms today, depends on your perspective, endure to the end, faith is based on hope, for without me ye can do nothing, halfway home, hands on the plough, have it more abundantly, Hope is a revolution, I am come that they might have life, I am the way the truth and the life, I will come again and receive you unto myself, I will render double unto thee, if I go and prepare a place for you, in my Father's house are many mansions, Joshua Ryan Butler, let God define the way you see your circumstances, let not your heart be troubled, LOVE, Mark Batterson, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, no one cometh unto the Father but by me, not looking back, once there's life there's hope, prisoners of hope, prisoners of war, siting ducks for Satan, sowed the seeds of righteousness, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Holy Spirit, the thief cometh not but to steal, to a glorious future with Jesus, turn you to the stronghold, Wednesday Wail, where I am there ye may be also, ye believe in God believe also in me, you are not the label people place on you, you are who God says you are, you can't have faith without hope

Zechariah 9:12. Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render (restore) double unto thee.

So we rolling along on the hump day of Wednesday, which has opened somewhat cloudy, but my genius computer has told me that it will eventually turn out to be a sunny day. And how can I doubt such good news eh? No way! But as always, be it sunshine, snow or rain, I’m thankful for having seen another blessed morning, in my already long life. Hope you are too.

And though our problems might seem rather overwhelming and unsurmountable at times, and we feel like we don’t want to wake up another day to deal with them, that’s just the enemy playing his usual games with our feelings and emotions. But you know what Jesus said about Satan and his evil doings. ‘The thief cometh not, but for to (except to) steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10)

Yes friends, Jesus came to give us life, and so much life, that it overflows. So why then would we to listen to the enemy and not want to wake to see another day eh? The truth is, as long as there is life, there’s always hope. Hope that our problems will be solved; hope that our hurts would be comforted and our wounds healed through the great and good auspices of Jesus Christ, the Great Healer, the Great Comforter, and the giver of much Hope, as witnessed by His many other great attributes.

And you know what they say about hope. ‘Hope is a revolution, a powerful presence that breaks us from the future and transforms today. Jesus’ arrival has brought God’s destiny for humanity crashing into now, in an explosion of life. Into a world marked by death. It changes everything.’ Wow! What a powerful force hope is. And that definition of hope comes from an article by Joshua Ryan Butler, aptly titled, ‘Prisoners of hope.’

Now the Good Book also refers to us by that name in the Old Testament writings of the Zechariah. After his people were defeated by the Babylonians and taken into captivity, he comforted and reassured them by talking about the coming of Zion’s future King, Jesus Christ. He passionately declares (steups!!!) to them: ‘Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render (restore) double unto thee.’ (Zech. 9:12)

Oh my people, there’s nothing better than being a prisoner of hope in Christ Jesus! For He is the Be All and End All of everything and every life that’s on planet earth. And we saw that He came once to prepare the soil of human life for planting, then sowed the seeds of righteousness and godliness through His Holy Spirit in anticipation for when He comes a second time to reap the fruit of His Spirit that’s grown up beautifully and bountifully on God’s great earth.

So please, whatever else we might do, let’s not lose hope or give up, because Jesus has faithfully promised to return and take us back to heaven with Him, and ALL of His promises are faithful and true. Listen to this most marvellous one that deals with His coming again. He says to the disciples: ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwellings): if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ (John 14:1-3)

Wow! What a mighty promise my fellow believers. That’s why we simply cannot afford to lose hope in Christ, for whatever needs to be done in our lives, He can accomplish it. Why do we think that? Because He told the disciples a little later on: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6)

And that’s the gospel truth! Please believe it fervently my people, for if we don’t, we’re sitting ducks for Satan to just come and pick us off, one by one and immerse us in evildoings, that will only lead us eventually to eternal damnation and the lake of fire, where the devil is slated to go on judgement day. But first, we have to give Jesus the chance, the opportunity to work in our lives by turning to Him in sincere trust and faith, otherwise all our own efforts will be in vain, because, as Jesus puts it so short and telling: ‘for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5)

Now here is this interesting excerpt on the subject ‘Prisoners of Hope,’ from an article by Mark Batterson found on his website markbatterson.com. He writes: ‘The prophet Zechariah declared this double blessing to Jewish prisoners of war, but he called them prisoners of hope. Those are polar opposites, are they not? So which is it—prisoners of war or prisoners of hope? That depends on your perspective, doesn’t it? If you let your circumstances define the way you see God, you are a prisoner of perspective. Or worse, a prisoner of your past mistakes! But if you let God define the way you see your circumstances, you are a prisoner of hope.

Please don’t let anyone name you except God. You are not the labels people put on you. You are who God says you are! You are the apple of God’s eye. You are the object of His affection. You are more than a conqueror. Israel had experienced a bitter defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. They were at the mercy of their captors, who had defiled their temple and mocked their God. But God reminded them of who would have the last laugh. For their pain, He prescribed the promise of double blessing.’

Yes my faithful brethren, our great God, though He chastise us for our wrongdoings, He is still always offering us encouragement. That’s because He LOVES so deeply, and never wants to lose even one of His creations. But for that to happen successfully, we also need to play our part in the partnership; that’s show our sincere hope, faith, trust and obedience to His Word and will for our lives. And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do just that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.

As one strong voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And believe me friends, if we endure with Jesus until the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Mama Mia! That gives us even more cause to endure! (smile) Much LOVE!

…you can’t have faith without first having hope…for faith is based on hope…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 October 2022 Romans 13:12.

12 Oct 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a child of God, a state of slumber, cast off the works of darkness, Christian behaviour, endure to the end, fulfill the lusts of the flesh, halfway home, hands on the plough, in time past, it is high time to awake out of sleep, licentiousness, LOVE, make not provision for the flesh, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not in revelry and drunkenness', not looking back, now is our salvation nearer, put on the armour of light, put on the Lord jesus christ, talk a good talk, the breath of life, the darkest hour is the one before the dawn, the darkness of this world, the day is at hand, the Holy Spirit, the night is far spent, the prince of the power of the air, throw off the cloak of darkness, to a glorious future with Jesus, walk honestly, wantonness, we walked according to, Wednesday Wail, when we first believed

Romans 13:12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Wow! It’s Wednesday already…and I’m up early! Went to bed early too. (smile) Don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s what we have to work with, and it’s what we’ll do. The important thing is that we’re alive, and thus have important work to do for Christ as His followers down here on this crazy planet called earth. And the best time to do it is right now, for remember Bruh Paul’s warning to the church at Rome. ‘And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed.’ (Rom. 13:11)

Oh friends, is that ever the gospel truth! Darkness has covered us for far too long, and it’s been centuries since Bruh Paul wrote that missive to the Roman church, which means Christ’s coming is closer than ever, and gets closer with each passing day, and we cannot afford to let Him return and find us in a state of slumber or inactivity. It’s therefore time for us to get up and begin doing what we know we ought to be doing; that’s encouraging the many souls that are still living in the darkness of the prince of this world, to come out of that repressive and intolerable darkness into the splendid light and freedom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

And Bruh Paul continues his warning: ‘The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.’ (Rom. 13:12) Oh yes my brethren, the truth of the matter is that plenty of us so called believers are also living under the cover of darkness, despite our claim to be living in light. And it’s high time that we recognize our insufficiencies and throw off the cloak of darkness that we’ve been hiding under for oh too long. It’s time believers wake up and get moving, the world is getting darker and more evil every day, and it desperately needs our help to move it toward the light of Christ.

Remember that old saying, the darkest hour is the one before the dawn? Well right now is the darkest hour of the world! The dawn, that‘s Christ Jesus, will soon be appearing and how will it look if so many of us supposed believers are not ready for His august return eh? And even worse, that we‘ve not helped as many as we should, to be also ready for it. It certainly won’t look good on our report card. For when that day of judgement comes and the Lord asks us what we did with our time down here on earth, what are we going to say eh?

So as Bruh Paul further advises: ‘Let us walk honestly (properly), as in the day; not in rioting (revelry) and drunkenness, not in chambering (licentiousness) and wantonness (lewdness), not in strife and envying.’ (Rom. 13:13) And the sad fact is that many of us supposed believers are still living the way Bruh Paul sets it out. We are still running down the wealth, power and pleasures of this evil world. And how unseemly and unfortunate is that eh? It sets a rather bad example for those whom we should be reclaiming by our Christian behaviour, not joining with them in their worldly life of revelry and licentiousness.

And the antidote for that inappropriate behaviour is, as Bruh Paul says: ‘But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 13:14) Ah mih people, we all know that resisting the lusts of the flesh in this flesh based world is not easy, but as a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ, we all have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, which helps us to refute and refuse the things of the flesh; that is if we are prepared to listen to and heed His guidance.

And that’s the problem right there. We don’t pay sufficient attention to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit which has been purposely sent to help us live the difficult Christian life here on the evil earth. So how can we expect to function as true believers eh? We talk a good talk, but don’t put that talk into action. And we are all guilty of that. Can you imagine the glorious state our world would be in right now, if all the talk that we believers talk was actually put into action? Glory be! Satan would be pulling out what li’l hair he still has in total fright! But unfortunately, it’s we believers who are pulling out our hair in despair over the evil and violence, the horrific darkness that’s quickly overcoming our world.

Now, here are a few explanations from the scholars re those verses above. As per verses 11-12, they say: Sleep means insensitivity to the demands of Christ on the Christian’s life. Now is our salvation nearer: The coming of Christ to deliver us from this sinful world grows nearer every day. The night is the time while Christ is out of the world, and the world has been delivered into the control of the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2) The day is a reference to the time when Christ will return and establish His reign of righteousness.’

And just to jostle our memories and disturb our consciences, (smile), we’ll quote Eph. 2:2. It says: ‘Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.’ Ah friends, before we were saved by Jesus’ spilled blood on the cross of Calvary, we walked according to the tendencies and purposes of this world, all of which were and still are opposed and hostile to God’s system. But since Jesus saved us, we ought not to be walking that same ungodly wide and destructive pathway.

That’s why the scholars’ explanation of verse 14: is so important. ‘Make not provision for the flesh: One should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature, but should seek occasion to manifest works that are consistent with the new life in Christ.’ Now, please, please, let’s ponder those words today nuh, and see where we are still trying to satisfy the lusts of our flesh, and take them before the Lord and ask for His divine help to handle them. That’s the only way we will ever truly come into the light from the darkness in which so many of us are sadly still enveloped.

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home now declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most intimate position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

Now, just a li’l reminder that if we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow mih bredren! Just think that we can’t even imagine how great those times with Christ really will be nuh. Let’s hope that will cause us to be even more faithful and trusting…and to endure. Much LOVE!

…finite minds…can never truly comprehend…the events or state of infinity…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 October 2022 1 Corinthians 13:8a.

05 Oct 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a clanging cymbal, a new commandment I give unto you, ambassadors of Christ, by this shall all men know that ye are my disiciples, catching their second wind, endure to the end, faith hope charity (love), forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, have not Love, I am become as sounding brass, I'm not turning back, LOVE, love covers a multitude of sins, love does not brag on itself, love is like a blanket, LOVE is of God, Love never fails, love one another as I have loved you, love rjeoiceth in the truth, love suffereth long, love the Lord with all thy heart soul and mind, Love thy neighbour as thyself, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the greatest of these is love, to a glorious future with Jesus, unique traits, Wednesday Wail, without love I am nothing

1 Corinthians 13:8a. Charity (LOVE) NEVER FAILETH…

Now, today being Wednesday, some of us are having the mid-week blues, while others are catching their second wind, readying themselves for the homestretch journey, down to the finish line of Friday. It’s interesting how people can have different approaches to the same work week. But I guess that’s because the Lord made us all with the same outward kind of body, but different and unique traits within it. So, although we may look the same, we don’t necessarily think or behave the same.

However, in two important aspects the Lord expects us to be in total agreement and therefore similar behaviour. That’s in our LOVE for Him and our LOVE for our neighbours. Remember when Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment in the law, how He broke them down to just two basic ones: ‘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 the first, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt. 22:37-40)

Yes friends, LOVE for God, ourselves and our neighbours encapsulate all the other stuff that we’re supposed to do or not do. Meaning that true LOVE will always lead us to do what is right, so we don’t have to worry about the individual commandments like stealing, adultery, covetousness, murder, taking God’s name in vain, etc. etc. And why is LOVE so wonderful eh? Because it’s like a blanket, it covers everything we do. For as Peter says: ‘And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover the multitude of sins.’ (1 Pet. 4:8)

Now there, Peter was quoting Cousin Sol in Proverbs, where he wisely declared: ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but LOVE covereth all sins.’ (Prov. 10:12) And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! LOVE is indeed a mighty tool, used first of all for not committing any wrongdoings against God, and also our fellow man. However, when that inevitably happens, (smile) LOVE should also be invoked in the forgiving of those wrongs. We go to God with repentance, asking for His forgiveness. Then we forgive those that do us wrong. That’s when we behave the most like God; when we forgive others of any wrongs they’ve committed against us.

And believe me friends, that act of FORGIVING is just as important as LOVE. Why? Because it shows, it manifests LOVE. And Jesus made it quite clear in what we call ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ when He taught us: ‘And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.’ (Matt. 6:12) Then, a couple of verses later He spelled it out in black and white, so that there could be no misunderstanding. ‘For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.’ (Matt. 6:14-15)

It’s as simple and straightforward as that my people. You forgive, and the Lord will forgive you. You don’t forgive, you won’t be forgiven. It’s not rocket science. And you won’t believe how many of us supposed believers refuse to forgive each other, but are quick to run to God for forgiveness. Hn! The Lord must shake His head in amazement whenever that happens.

Anyway, let’s get back to how LOVE works, or is supposed to work in true believers. As John so wisely says in his first epistle: ‘Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that LOVETH is born of God, and knoweth God. He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE. 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. Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought also to LOVE one another.’ (1 John 4: 7-11)

Wow! What an argument for LOVE! But it makes complete sense. God LOVED us so much that He sent Christ to die for us, so that we could be saved from our sins, therefore we have a responsibility to LOVE God and each other, just the way the Father and Christ LOVE us. And Jesus said it to us in no uncertain terms. ‘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 to another.’ (John 13:34-35)

So you see my fellow saints, the defining trait of discipleship is LOVE for each other. Unfortunately though, that trait is sadly lacking throughout the world, and more sadly within the church of Christ, with all its divisions, disunity and scandalous behaviour. No wonder the world isn’t taking supposed Christians seriously, and many are turning away from God because of the bad examples that we are setting. And all I can do is plead with us, that if we truly LOVE Jesus, to wake up from our slumber, or whatever is causing our blasphemous behaviour and do better. Because that’s the ONLY way others will come to Him. We are His agents and ambassadors on this earth, and as we show our colours, others will respond accordingly.

And we can’t end this talk on LOVE without sharing this other great treatise on LOVE, this time by Bruh Paul to the Corinthians. He writes: ‘Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (LOVE), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling (clanging) cymbal. 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. Charity (LOVE) suffereth long, and is kind; charity (LOVE) envieth not; charity (LOVE) vaunteth not itself (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…’ (1 Cor. 13:1-8)

Yes friends, there is more, but I chose to stop there because those two simple words, in a nutshell, tells the entire story about LOVE: it NEVER FAILS! Why? Because it is of God; it’s His greatest attribute, and our God, like His amazing LOVE, NEVER FAILS! So please, let’s remember that nuh, let’s remember the overwhelming importance of LOVE in our faith, our world, and our lives, and begin showing it more in our actions.

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to show LOVE for God and each other, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. So, as one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

Now here’s an important reminder: if we endure right to the end with Jesus, then that future we’ve just talked about will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! What encouragement to endure! See you then…at the end! (smile) Much LOVE!

…and now abideth…faith…hope…charity (LOVE)…these three…but the greatest of these is charity (LOVE)… (1 Cor. 13:13)

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 September 2022 Revelation 21:4a.

28 Sep 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a new earth, catastrophe, endure to the end, exuding thanks and gratitude, God shall wipe away all tears, hands on the plough, hold on tightly to Jesus, keep on keeping on, looking forward to God's promise, Lord your promise is your guarantee, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, neither sorow, new heavens, no more death, no more pain, nor crying, not looking back, One Year Book of Bible promises, Only Goodness, primary purpose of redemption accomplished, Ruth Harms Calkin, showed up our differences, starving children, the blessed ones, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the former things are passed away, the tabernacle of God, these words are true and faithful, threw away the mould, to a glorious future with Jesus, today, tragedy, Wednesday Wail, work out for our good

Revelation 21:4a. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

It’s today friends! Yes, another one of the many todays we’ve lived, are living and hopefully will live! Wow! Aren’t you grateful for having seen yet another today on God’s great earth? I surely am, and I’m trying to get us all excited about each new day that we’re alive, that we truly appreciate it and value it for what it’s worth!

Yuh know how many people wanted to open their eyes this morning and didn’t get the chance…many! That means you are amongst the blessed and chosen ones, also signifying that there’s more godly stuff for you to do down here, the Lord isn’t quite finished with your earthly plans. And for that we ought to be oh so thankful, just exuding thanks and gratitude, regardless of how difficult our lives might be at this time, but knowing that our most wonderful God will eventually work everything out for our good like He’s faithfully promised! Glory be!

Please give Him lots of thanks and praise for being the wonderful Father, God and Good Shepherd He is to us, His unworthy and disobedient children! And it doesn’t matter whether we’re six, or sixty-six, whether we’re good or bad, He still LOVES us with that burning LOVE that caused Him to send His only Son Jesus to die on the cross of Calvary, so that He could justly and righteously forgive our sins!

Mama oh Mama! What a marvellous God we serve and worship my brethren! There’s none other like Him…and there could never be another One like Him either, for when they made Him, they threw away the mould they used to form His most majestic Spirit! (smile)

And now that my excitement has died down some, let’s see what good news the Lord has planned for us today. And the good news comes from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This poem is most appropriately titled ‘Only Goodness.’

So please read and inwardly digest with me. ‘What glorious words of wonder Come from the Apostle Peter. He wrote, “But we are looking forward To God’s promise of new heavens And a new earth afterwards Where there will be only goodness.” O dear God “Where there will be only goodness.”

After centuries of war, greed, and lust After indulgences shamelessly practiced After hatred, hostility Jealousy and abuse Murder and martyrdom Crime and cruelty Curses and rebellion. After whimpering cries from starving children After tragedy and catastrophe Loneliness and despair At last…at long last “There will only be goodness.” O dear Lord Your promise is Your guarantee But please hurry a little!’

And in the current disastrous and evil state of our world most of us do hope that He will hurry and bring that time of ‘Only Goodness’ to pass. Oh, we know that all those ugly things have happened in our world down through the ages, but I don’t believe they have ever been so rampant and widespread all at once, especially in this the most enlightened and supposedly informed age of mankind’s history. All those dreadful things are still happening when there’s absolutely no reason for them to happen on the scale of which they are happening.

Millions of children, as well as adults are starving when there is so much food around the globe and some societies throw away so much good food every day. And don’t talk of the hate and hostility that’s currently engulfing our world! Chuh! The strife and anger fomenting on God’s earth right now has never been seen before, not even in the World Wars of the last century. Why is that eh? What’s happening to our supposed sense of reason and responsibility? Have we all just gone mad and lost the hold we had on reality?

It would certainly seem so, because we all seem to be so angry, resentful, unhappy and greatly disturbed by so many things, and the recent pandemic only showed up our differences even more, when instead of sharing the possible solutions, we all hogged them for ourselves. No wonder so many of us are entreating the Good Lord to hurry up with His promise of that time of “only goodness.”

Now here’s why some of us are so anxious to see those days of “only goodness.” In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John describers his vision of the new heaven and earth that will be in the end times. And this is the promise our poem was based on. John writes: ‘And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. and he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.’ (Rev. 21:3-5)

Now isn’t that a marvellous time to look forward to? It certainly is! And we know that it will eventually happen because God’s promises are true, He never reneges on them, but we will have to wait on His timing, because His timing doesn’t often coincide with ours. (smile) Until then, we just have to put up with what’s happening, put our total trust in God, and do our best, in our small way to make what we can right and eschew evil for good, as the Bible teaches.

And here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘21:3-5. Tabernacle of God: The presence of God will be with His people, and He will forever dwell with them. A primary purpose of redemption will be accomplished: the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people. In the eternal state, there will be no tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Everything will become new. God’s promises are true, and He is always faithful to His Word (cf. 19:11)’

Ah friends, this earthly life certainly isn’t easy, but as we keep reminding, with Christ Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, Guide and Good Shepherd it is indeed possible to enjoy it, even in the tough times, because He enables us to have faith and provides little miracles in our lives every day that help us to keep on keeping on. So please, although times are rough, let’s not give up, because as you can see from His Word, we have a lot of good times to look forward to.

And for those of us who are attempting to do just that, let’s go home now declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most excellent position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And just a li’l more encouragement to seal the deal. (smile) If we endure with Jesus right to the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask for imagine! Wow! I LOVE that! So, see you then! Much LOVE!

…want to see the times of only goodness…then hold on tight to Jesus…till the very end…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 September 2022 Matthew 5:9.

21 Sep 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a glorious future with Jesus, a happy wife leads to a happy life, an unhappy wife makes for an unhappy life, be not overcome of evil, be of good cheer, Blessed are the peacemakers, called the children of God, depart from evil and do good, disregard for good service, endure to the end, fall short of the grace of God, follow after the things which make for peace, follow peace with all men, halfway home, i have overcome the world, internecine war, let not your heart be troubled, live peaceably with all men, LOVE, love as brethren, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, not turning back, overcome evil with good, Peace i leave with you, seek peace and pursue it, strife-filled world, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the fruit of the spirit, the importance of peace in Christ's affairs, the peace of God which passeth all understading, war-mongering, warning on disobedience, Wednesday Wail

Matthew 5:9. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children (sons) of God.

Brother, oh brother! What a morning! More costly interruptions than yesterday…but at least these were legitimate. (smile) We ordered some stuff and it came earlier than we expected, so I had to spend time checking it out to make sure it was what we had ordered, because in this flim flam world of new commerce and employee disregard for good service, more often than not you don’t get exactly what you ordered.

Thankfully, it seems to be what we had ordered, and the Duchess is happy. Now that’s the most important thing; the Duchess’ contentment with her purchase. And though the saying that a happy wife makes a happy life, isn’t always true, yuh better believe that an unhappy wife does make for an unhappy life. (smile)

Enough of my sob story though, let’s see what the Lord will have us write about today. And as I opened the Good Book, it fell at the Beatitudes in Matthew; those attributes that Jesus spoke of that characterize a saved person. After looking through them, it struck me that the one we most need in our world right now is: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children (sons) of God.’ (Matt. 5:9) And do we ever desperately need peacemakers in this current warmongering, strife filled, angry and hate consumed world!

It’s so much easier to name the few places in our world that are not currently strife-filled, than to name those where strife is rampant. It’s so very sad to see the numerous places, where brother is at odds with brother, even to the level of internecine war, that’s serious internal destruction and displacement. There are more refugees in our world now than ever before, because every day more unfortunate people are being displaced by strife-filled actions and activities.

And there are so many Bible verses that preach the importance of peace in Christ’s people and kingdom, that it’s ever so sad to see so many of His supposed believers and followers blatantly ignore them in favour of anger, hatred and strife. Let’s take a look at a few of those scriptures nuh, and see if they can bring us back to the overwhelming importance of peace in Christ’s affairs.

And this first one from Psalm 34, says it all my brethren. Bruh David writes in the fullness of God: ‘What man is he that desireth life, and LOVETH many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (deceit). Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.’ (Ps. 34:12-14)

Oh my people, peace doesn’t just come to us, we have to do the things that cause or bring peace, like stopping the flow of evil in our lives, and then consciously seeking peace and pursuing it! We have to run down peace if we truly want it. That’s possibly because our human nature isn’t naturally one that tends to peace, but more towards evil and strife.

And Bruh Paul wrote it thus to the church at Rome. ‘Let not then your good be evil spoken of. For the kingdom of God is not meat (food) and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.’ (Rom. 14:16-19) Yes friends, God’s people are enjoined to do the things that make for peace, not for strife. How much clearer can it get eh?

Meanwhile, Peter, in his advice re the behaviour of wives and husbands, writes in heartfelt passion. ‘Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, LOVE as brethren, be pitiful (tenderhearted), be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing (reviling) for railing (reviling): but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye should inherit a blessing.’ (1 Pet. 3:8-9) Then he goes on to quote Bruh David in Psalm 34 as we’ve done above.

It’s oh so obvious my fellow believers that peace, kindness and brotherly LOVE is of the utmost importance in Christ’s world. Just listen to what the fruit of Christ’s Spirit breeds nuh: ‘LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22) Wow! There’s absolutely no strife, anger or hatred involved in it! So why are we being so envious, angry, resentful, hateful and deceitful to our brothers in Christ eh…and even to our own brothers and sisters by blood?

Because the devil has invaded our spirits. We have allowed him to gain strongholds in our minds and lives, believing his atrocious lies and deceits. And the author of Hebrews tells us quite clearly that’s not how we ought to behave. Listen up to some of his warning on disobedience…and basically that’s what allows the devil to get his evil grip on us.

‘Wherefore lift up (strengthen) the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way (dislocated); but let it rather be healed. Follow (pursue) peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any man fail (fall short) of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.’ (Heb. 12:12-15)

Ah mih people, I know life here on earth is not a bed of roses, it’s not an easy experience, and like the scholars say’ some of us ‘have grown so weary that we have become stooped and need spiritual strength to be straightened up again. We must be given help, yet we ourselves also must straighten our paths by avoiding obstacles that would spiritually trip us up.’

And is that ever so true. The easiest way to stay sinless is to avoid those things and areas we know that have sinful power over us. We all have weaknesses, and to improve or conquer them, it’s very necessary to take them to Almighty God for help. That’s the only way we’ll ever overcome them, or at least keep them in check.

Now listen to some more of Bruh Paul’s words to the church at Rome. ‘Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard to good things) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men. …Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:17-18. 21)

And we couldn’t end without these majestic verses of scripture on peace, directly from Christ’s lips. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) Then there’s this even better one. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33)

Glory be mih people! What wonderful words of inspiration and encouragement! And if you choose not to accept them, then that’s your problem. You will suffer the anxiety, fear and worry that comes from not accepting Jesus’ encouragement. However, for those of us who accept and believe it, let’s go home declaring (oh yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.

Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And just a li’l more encouragement my fellow saints. If we endure to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, see you at the end. (smile) Much LOVE!

…the peace of God…which passeth all understanding…shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds…through Jesus Christ… (Phil. 4:7)

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 September 2022 Revelation 19:16.

07 Sep 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: addicted to machines, artificial intelligence, endure to the end, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, he that hath clean hands and a pure heart, his eyes were a flame of fire, his name is called the word of God, if you don't use it you'll lose it, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, lift up your heads O ye gates, LOVE, not given to idol worship, not looking back, rule with a rod of iron, satan a toothless lion, sedentary nature, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the King of glory shall come in, the Lord of hosts is the King of glory, to a glorious future with Jesus, too busy to seek God, Wednesday Wail, who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord

Revelation 19:16. And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

It’s Wednesday friends, and we’re alive and kicking, though still somewhat tired if we made mas on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn a couple of days ago. (smile) And are we ever thankful to the Good Lord for allowing us to see another glorious day in His magnificent universe. Oh, there’s no doubt that we’ve made a mess of the wonderful planet He created for us to enjoy in His company, but there’s still nothing as marvellous and imaginative that’s ever been created, except possibly the human body.

That’s why Bruh David wrote these awesome words to open Psalm 24. Subtitled- The king of glory. ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods (rivers). Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity (to an idol), nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.’ (Ps. 24:1-5)

Yes my people, that’s how it’s been from the beginning of time, and how it will be until the end! The Lord desires those who belong to Him to have clean hands and a pure heart, not given to idol worship. But can we say that truthfully in these trying, troubled and evil times? Can we truthfully say like Bruh David did: ‘This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.’ (Ps. 24:6) I don’t think so. We certainly don’t seek the Lord the way we ought to.

On the contrary many of us are more concerned with ridding our society and world of Him, rather than seeking His holy face. But we’re such a foolish and egotistical bunch of frail, fragile and finite beings, so blinded by the lies and deceit of the devil, who has never won any war he’s ever fought. When He tried to rebel against God in heaven as the Archangel Lucifer, He lost, and was summarily kicked out of heaven. Then, as the master of hell, he also lost the battle of death, hell and the grave to Jesus, who died and rose again, making him a toothless lion.

So why can’t we realize that Satan has no power over us except what we give him, and furthermore, that God will NEVER allow us to remove Him from the universe He created, and that He still overseers and controls. He’s not as short-sighted as we are to let His creations rule over Him, like we are allowing our creations, what we so proudly call Artificial Intelligence to take over our lives. And if we continue on the same path, it’s only a matter of time before artificial intelligence will be running our world and us. We will have given over all our functions to it and then be unable to live without it.

We’re already halfway there. Yuh see how the slightest glitch in our computer systems can cause grief all around the world? And with us driving so fast to see how we can stop doing anything for ourselves, we’ll soon lose the little strength and wisdom we now retain. Remember the old saying; if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. And that’s where we’re headed if we desire to computerize and artificially engineer all the tasks in our lives.

Yes, just like we are still slaves to sin, although we have the means of freedom in Christ Jesus, we’ll eventually be a set of slaves, live in bondage to automation and computerization…in fact we already are. Many of us can’t function without our cellphones, our computers, video games and whatever electronic devices that capture our fancy and then enslave us. The immobile and sedentary nature of these devices are also causing us physical pain since we sit before them for hours on end and thus lose physical movement in our bodies and aches and pains in our joints.

And then we claim that we’re too busy to seek God, because those things keep us addicted to them, when we should be addicted to God. Oh friends, I think it’s high time we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and our need for righteousness before Him and then sing songs of glory in His majestic and righteous name, like Bruh David declared in the psalm. ‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle… The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.’ (Ps. 24:7-8, 10)

And just to give us a better understanding of whom that King of glory is, let’s read these fateful and true words from the Book of Revelation, as revealed to the apostle John on the island of Patmos. He writes: ‘And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

And he was clothed with a vesture (robe) dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite (strike) the nations (destroy all unbelievers): and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God (God’s fierce judgement). And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’ (Rev; 19: 11-16)

Yes my fellow saints, that’s who the King of glory is; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when He comes back to fulfill His twofold role of judge and warrior. There’s none more powerful than Him, so please, I implore us to make it our first and foremost desire to bow down and worship Him, if we desire to see long life and abundant days, not only here on earth, but even more so, in the afterlife. Because it’s the ONLY wise option we have.

Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And to further encourage us, let’s remember that if we endure until the end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Wow! Much LOVE!

…why look to Beelzebub for solace eh…when He can’t even help himself…look to Jesus…the Master of the universe…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 August 2022 Proverbs 29:18.

31 Aug 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a good boot in the tail, a spirit of mirth, apostasy, cast off restraint, endure to the end, every man did that which was right in his own eyes, God has spoken to us through Jesus, Happy 6oth Independence T&T, he that keepeth the law; happy is he, Islands in the Sun, Jesus the last agent of God's revelation, LOVE, morality is based on adnerence to God's revealed will, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, not a law unto ourselves, not turning back, play mas, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the expressing of heifer dust, the people perish, the twin island republic, the word of the Lord was precious (rare), to a glorious future with Jesus, Trinbagonians, Trinidad and Tobago, Wednesday Wail, where there is no prophetic vision, with God's grace

Proverbs 29:18. Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast of restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

And on this 31^st day of August in the year of our Lord 2022, I want to wish a Happy 60^th Independence Day to that fabulous twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the land of my birth! Now, the Jamaicans think they are the biggest and hottest thing since sliced bread, and they are good, I can talk from personal experience because that’s where, as the old people would say, I turned man, some fifty something years ago, but friends, there’s a quality in Trinbagonians that no one else in the world possesses.

It seems like God put a spirit of mirth in the people of those twin islands in the sun! They have a sense of partying right at the front of their minds that no other nation has, always ready to make or play mas, and an instant camaraderie with anyone who wants to play along. It doesn’t take long to become friendly with a Trinbagonian. But their greatest gift is the expressing of heifer dust! Oh, nobody in this world could express heifer dust (S.T) like a T&T denizen! ( smile) Just go to any event, be it private or public, and once you hear heifer dust spilling out, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s a Trinbagonian! And if you have any Trinbagonian friends, you’d know that was the gospel truth.

I don’t know why, but that truth stands out for me in one particular situation. Many years ago, I went to a local football (soccer) game in New York City, and was never more amazed when I heard the same sort of B.S. spilling out of the upper stands like you would hear in places like the Queen’s Park Oval or any soccer pitch in T&T. I don’t know why that surprised me, since I know we carry our traits with us wherever we go. I guess because it sounded so refreshing and unusual to hear it in the big city of New York. (smile)

Anyhow, we all know that it’s been sixty hard years of slogging since independence, but we’ve made many improvements to the land and to the people, and let’s pray that with God’s grace we can do even better in the future. Now, please note I said with God’s grace, so that means we have to sincerely turn back to the God of our forefathers in worship and lifestyle, because we certainly cannot do it without Him on our side! Happy Independence Day T&T!

That brings us to this word of warning from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. ‘Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast of restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.’ (Prov, 29:18) And that’s more gospel truth my people! As the scholars explain. ‘Vision refers to the divine revelation received by the prophet. Morality is based on adherence to God’s revealed will.’

You see it in Moses being sent to teach the children of Israel how the Lord wanted them to live, and how quickly they moved away from the law while Moses was up on Mount Zion collecting the Ten Commandments. They found he was taking too long to come back down so they inveigled Aaron: ‘Up, make us gods (a god), which will go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of Egypt, we wot not (know not) what has become of him.’ (Ex. 32:1) And Aaron took all their gold jewelry and made them a molten calf to worship. And you can read how they displayed a complete lack of appreciation for God by worshipping the golden calf in the rest of Exodus 32.

Then, later on, there’s the significant difference as offered by the Good Book in 1 Samuel, where it states: ‘And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious (rare) in those day; there was no open vision.’ (1 Sam. 3:1) In nations where God’s law isn’t upheld, where there is no moral restraint, the people run amok, do their own thing, apostasy is rampant and encouraged, like we’re seeing in today’s world.

The scholars tell us, re that verse from Samuel. ‘The severity of Israel’s apostasy (cf. Judges 21:25) caused a dearth of God’s revelatory work. The condition was perpetuating and self-defeating (cf. Prov. 29:18). By God’s grace, the prophetic institution would receive renewed impetus and standardization in the person and work of Samuel. (cf. 3:21; 19: 20) It’s indeed terrible when a nation, a society, a people, don’t know and/or practice God’s word.

And that reference from Judges brings it all to light. It says: ‘In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.’ (Judg. 21:25) No wonder the country was in such a sad state. And, unfortunately, that’s the way our world is currently trending; everybody wants to do their own thing, there’s no absolute right or wrong, except what we choose to acknowledge. And we can’t truly say that there’s been no prophetic revelation in the land, because there has been. God made Jesus the revelation of His will and word for all time.

Listen to the author of Hebrews. ‘God, who at sundry times (in many portions), and in divers manners (many ways) spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (ages): Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged (cleansed) our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.’ (Heb. 1:1-3)

Yes friends, the Father has sent the Son to reveal Himself and His word to us. As the scholars explain: ‘The author immediately shows that Jesus Christ, as the agent of God’s revelation, is far superior to the Old Testament prophets. Their message was fragmentary and incomplete. It came bit by bit through visions, dreams, events, and direct communication as men were ready and able to receive it. Christ’s revelation is climactic and complete, because He is the Son and because His is the message for the last days. His incarnation initiated the end time, and it will be fulfilled when He returns to earth to reconcile and restore all things. (cf. Acts 2:16-17; 3:19-21; 1 Pet. 1:20).’

So, technically speaking, we don’t need any new revelation about God and His law, because we already have the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in His Son Jesus Christ! And then we have preachers teaching us His word, so what else do we need to live right eh? As someone once said; what we need is a good boot in the tail, to make us wake up and take notice of our sad and sorry lives. And believe me, if the current atmosphere of disease, economic distress, climate change, a scourge of natural disasters, and the many other problems we’re currently enduring, don’t make us wake up and turn back to God, then we’ll not only perish spiritually, but eventually, also physically.

Now, for those of us who are trying to live right, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And now, a gentle reminder, that if we endure to the end, that future we’re looking forward to, will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So please, let’s allow that to encourage us to stick with Jesus nuh! Much LOVE!

…we did not create ourselves…and thus cannot be a law unto ourselves…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 August 2022 Psalm 37:23.

24 Aug 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a man is not justified by the works of the law, catch our second wind, depart from evil and do good, endure to the end, halfway home, hands on the plough, he delighteth in his way, he is always merciful and lendeth, his seed begging bread, his seed is blessed, I have been young, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, I'm not turning back, Judaizers, keep his way, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, the breath of life, the first and great commandment, the law of God is in his heart, the Lord upholdeth him with his hand, the moral law of God, the mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, the perfect law of liberty, the physical law of God, the righteous shall inherit the land, the royal law, the seed of the wicked shall be cut off, the social law of God, the spiritual law of God, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, wait on the Lord, we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, Wednesday Wail

Psalm 37:23. The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Well, it’s Wednesday, the middle day of the work week. So how are we going my dear brethren in Christ at this point in time? Let’s hope that with Christ surrounding us that we are doing pretty good, catching our second wind and moving forward with faith, despite all the confusion and evil workings that currently have our world in grip.

And regardless of what’s happening in our lives right now, I believe it is of the utmost importance for us to believe these marvellous words promised by Bruh David on God’s behalf from Psalm 37. ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.’ (Ps. 37:23-24) Now, if we don’t believe that promise what hope is there for us then eh? None whatsoever!

And Bruh David drives home that amazing hope in Christ Jesus when he continues: ‘I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread. He is ever (always) merciful, and lendeth; and his seed (descendants) is blessed.’ (Ps. 37:25-26) Oh my people, how wonderful is that statement eh? Most wonderful! Why? Because when we walk faithfully with God, it ensures the goodness of God to our families after we are gone. And who doesn’t want that assurance?

But before it can happen, we must faithfully do certain things. Bruh David puts it simply, but it’s ever powerful in truth. ‘Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord LOVETH judgment (justice), and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever; but the seed of the wicked shall he cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.’ (Ps. 37:27-29) It couldn’t be put any simpler or more truthfully my people! The Lord, as it were, bends over backwards for the righteous, while He crushes the wicked without mercy.

And why would the Lord do that eh? Because ‘The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgement (mercy). The law of God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide (slip).’ (Ps. 37:30-31) Wow! What encouraging and reassuring scriptures! But then we talk about the ‘law of God,’ what exactly is that? Ah friends, the scholars give us a lengthy but very useful discourse on the subject. (smile)

They say, ‘The law of God is the extension of God’s nature and expression of God’s will in His creation. God’s law is expressed in different forms, relating to different areas of His creation. The physical law of God includes the laws of nature which govern the continuous physical existence of this world (Gen. 8:22; Col. 1:17). The moral law, also called “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:15), governs the immaterial issues of life (2 Tim. 3:17).

The social law of God affects interpersonal relationships and can be summarized by “the royal law” (James 2:8). The spiritual law deals with a man’s relationship with God. It is summarized in “the first and great commandment” (Matt. 22:37-38). And we all know what that is: ‘LOVE the Lord with all thy heart, mind and soul…etc. etc.’

Illustration: The purpose of the law is to reveal the sovereignty of God (Ex. 20:2), to place a restraint on the sinner (Ps. 68:7-8), to show the greatness and reality of sin (Rom. 3:19-20), and to lead the sinner to Christ (Gal. 3:24). The purpose of the law did not change with the gospel. When the Judaizers in Galatia sought to teach their erroneous view of the law, they failed to realize that the law has never been able to save anyone. Application: As Christians, we should be concerned to live decently and orderly. (First ref. Gen. 2:17; Primary ref. Rom. 7:7-14; cf. Ex. 3:13).’

Glory be my people! There’s enough scripture and other info there to keep us occupied for the rest of the day! (smile) And I expect us to look up those scriptures, so that we can get a better understanding of God’s law. Why? Because how can we live a godly life, one in tune with God’s law if we don’t know and understand that law eh?

Now, I believe there’s one thing, we need to further explain; that’s about ‘the Judaizers.” They were ‘a group of Jewish Christians who insisted that their co-religionists should follow the Mosaic Law and that Gentile converts to Christianity must first be circumcised.’ They considered that the Old Testament laws were still binding on all Christians.

But Bruh Paul made it quite clear otherwise in his letter to the Galatians. He begins by saying in 2:15: ‘We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,’ That was a derogatory term against Gentiles, who were considered synonymous with sinners, since they didn’t live under the Jewish law, which kept the Jews somewhat restrained in their own sinful behaviour.

Then Bruh Paul continues: ‘Knowing that a man is not justified (declared righteous) by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of (in ) Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.’ (Gal. 2:16)

Please remember that friends. It’s not by works we are saved but by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:8-9) And yes, we definitely ought to do good works, but those works don’t mean anything when it comes to saving us from hellfire and damnation. They may bring us rewards in heaven, but they will NEVER get us to heaven!

And since we began with the awesome words of Psalm 37, it only makes sense to end with some of them. (smile) And we can never go wrong when we follow this marvellous advice of Bruh David. ‘Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.’ (Ps. 37: 34) Yes, my fellow believers, waiting patiently and expectantly on our God is one of the best things we can ever do, for He will exalt us in His own time.

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do just that, let’s go home now declaring (oh yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one confident and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

Now my fellow saints, that means we must do whatever it takes to keep on keeping on. And don’t forget, that if we endure to the very end, that future with Christ will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Mama Mia! What an amazing life is to be had with Christ! Much LOVE

…only in Christ…can the real and true life be found…

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

SCRIP-BITS

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 November 2022 Jeremiah 29:11.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 November 2022 2 Corinthains 1:20.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 October 2022 Zechariah 9:12.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 October 2022 Romans 13:12.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 October 2022 1 Corinthians 13:8a.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 September 2022 Revelation 21:4a.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 September 2022 Matthew 5:9.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 September 2022 Revelation 19:16.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 August 2022 Proverbs 29:18.

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