07 Mar 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: anger, believers, blessings, boasts, discernment, faith, faithful believers, faithful promises, fruits of righteousness, glory of God, good works, goodness, grace, joy, joyous praise, lifeblood, mediocrity, pilgrimage, praise, Praise the Lord, prayer, religion, resentment, salvation, strength, thanksgiving, theology, triumph, ultimate purpose, victorious, wonderful god, worry
Philippians 1:11. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Oh Friends, what is your joy quotient this Thursday morning in March 2013 eh? Is it high, low, or just mediocre? I read an old Joel Osteen devotional earlier on that advised us to be always joyful, and today that advice just reverberated so strongly in me that I had to bring it to our attention. Why? Because I know that many of us, even faithful believers, have less, experience less than an adequate amount of joy on a regular basis. We still fret and worry too much, have too much resentment and anger in our souls, which only allows the wily Lucifer to suck the joy, the very lifeblood out of us. For remember, the joy of the Lord is our strength, (Neh.8:10) and without it, we’re helpless, useless, victims in waiting for all the negative actions and options of the evil one. So here’s a prayer taken from the devotional, which encourages us to up the level of our joy, and to keep it high at all times. Please pray with me: ‘Dear Father, thank You for filling my life with joy. Thank You that I am blessed and cannot be cursed. Thank You that in all things You cause me to triumph. Thank You for your strength within me that comes from that joy. I bless You today and rejoice in your goodness.’ And all God’s people declared a loud and joyous, ‘Praise the Lord! Amen.’ Yes Friends, today, and everyday, let’s prep ourselves early on, to rejoice in the goodness of our wonderful God nuh! What’s the purpose of having such a kind, LOVING and considerate God, whose Word abounds with so many faithful promises, if we just live in sadness and mediocrity, in worry and all the other negative things the world tries to get us involved in? We might as well have no God at all. Oh what a terrible, unthinkable thought! Anyway, with that exclusive joy of God in our hearts, let’s turn to our Bit. Sorry, not yet. First, let’s see what caused Bruh Paul to write our Bit. He’s writing from prison, talking about thanksgiving and prayer. ‘And this I pray, that your LOVE may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement (discernment); That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.’ (Phil.1:9-10) And the scholars have a good comment on those verses. ‘Things that are excellent means “things that really matter.” This refers to important issues. As the Philippians’ LOVE increases in knowledge and discernment (v.9), they will be able to accurately distinguish the vital and worthwhile things in life from those that are not. Contextually, the readers’ LOVE for Paul vexes them as they are anxious over his imprisonment. He wants them to perceive his imprisonment as being among those “things that really matter” because of the good that God will bring out of it. The purpose for such discrimination is that ye may be sincere (or morally pure) and without offense till the day of Christ.’ Then comes our Bit: ‘Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ Please note Friends, we can’t do what our Bit talks about unless we have the joy of God securely planted in our souls. Now listen to the scholars’ comments on our Bit. ‘This verse could be translated, “Filled with the fruit that is righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ for the purpose of glorifying and praising God.” The believer who is pure and without offense before God (v.10) has divinely developed in him a practical “righteousness” or daily moral life that measures up to God’s standards in character and conduct. The ultimate purpose for this “righteousness” is to glorify God.’ Yes fellow believers, let’s never forget that regardless of what we do or what happens to us, our ultimate purpose on this earth is to glorify the Most High God Jehovah! That’s why we’re filled with the Holy Spirit and the subsequent righteousness granted to us; all because of Jesus’ actions! So now, having made all of that understandable, (smile) let’s introduce some scripture that corroborates our Bit. For that we’ll turn to Ephesians, where Bruh Paul’s telling them of grace and faith. ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any should boast. For we are his workmanship (creation), created in Christ Jesus unto (for) good works, which God hath before ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them.’ (Eph.2:8-10) That ought to put everything in its proper perspective my brethren: We were saved through the unmerited favour of God, so that nobody could boast of their good works. And also spiritually reborn through Jesus, so that we could then do good works. And we’ll close with a comment from the scholars on that subject. ‘The apostle’s thinking is this, since the Christian has been given spiritual life for the purpose of doing good works, there could have been no good works by him prior to conversion that would merit salvation. Good works follow – do not precede – salvation.’ And all God’s people said a loud and glorious ‘Amen!’ Yes Friends, please remember that our earthly pilgrimage is first and foremost about praising and glorifying our most wonderful God! Much LOVE!…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…for without Him…we are nothing…nothing at all…
04 Mar 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: assurance, aura of love, authority, battle, battle hymn, Christians, Creator of the universe, dangerous, difficult, enemy, extreme positions, faith, fellow believers, flowers fade, God's Word, grass withers, grumpy mood, humble servants, infallibility of God's Word, jobs, Monday, party scene, plausibility, spirituality, steadfast faith, surrender, testy frame of mind, thoughts, uesful purpose, unfair, ways, work, worthwhile inroads
Isaiah 40:8. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! And I’m suddenly inundated by a whole setta ‘Steups’! and ‘Chuhs!’ and ‘Go away nuh! Yuh can’t see that people tired and want to sleep?’ ‘But it’s Monday,’ I insist. ‘Time to get up and go to work.’ Finally I receive a gruff, unenthusiastic, ‘Awright, Awright. Steups! This work thing cutting into mih party scene yes! Chuh man!’ And believe me Friends, some of us really feel that way, though it should be the other way around; work first -especially Jesus’ work – then partying a distant second. Ah mih people, whatever happened to the great progress we appeared to be making in being enthusiastic about Monday mornings and work eh? Was it only a pipe dream on my part? Because it surely seems like we’ve regressed right back to square one. But don’t think that I’m giving up on us. Not by a long shot! I’m making it my life’s work to see that we’re enthusiastic about getting up and rearing to go out to battle for Jesus on a Monday Morning. (smile) Anyway, since we seem to be in an unusually grumpy mood and testy frame of mind this morning, I’m not going to push my luck. I don’t want to be physically attacked, because I hear violence lurking in the background. Hn, hn! So let’s just sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much gusto as we can muster. As one, in harmony now. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Ah mih breddren, that wasn’t as good as it usually is nuh, but hopefully it got our motors going and with the Spirit of Jesus diligently working in us, we’ll soon get up to speed, and hopefully recognize the great significance of our Bit: ‘The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.’ Now that my fellow believers is one of the most absolute truths that exist in this universe! In fact Friends, it’s what our entire belief system is based upon; the infallibility of the Word of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! If there’s no assurance, no surety or security to that, then all we think and believe as Christians is inaccurate, immaterial and serves no useful purpose whatsoever. If there’s no truth to the Creation Story: ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth… and God said, Let there be light: and there was light… And God said, Let us make man in our own image…’ (Gen1:1,3,26) And also no truth to this most provocative statement: ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty,’ (Rev.1:8) then there’s no real authority, or even plausibility to our Christian boasts. But fortunately my brethren, there are facts, figures and scripture to back up those supposedly extreme positions we Christians hold as truth. And they ought to be extreme, otherwise there’s no need for a God. Who wants a God that’s just like us eh? To be a genuine God, One must be way out, way above the heads of mere mortals in all aspects. And this, our immortal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God made extremely clear from early times, through His prophet Isaiah: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ (Is.55:8-9) That says it all my people! And I like what the scholars say about that verse. ‘God’s sovereignty and omniscience are extolled by the statement that His thoughts (i.e., purposes or intentions) and ways (derakim, or “directions“) are higher than ours. While God may certainly be known by men, He is still incomprehensible in the totality of His person and purposes.’ And that’s the way it should be fellow believers! Now let’s look at some scripture that corroborates the contention of our Bit, that the Lord’s Word will last forever. And what better way to begin than with Isaiah’s famous prophecy. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:6-7) What powerful words my people! And the great thing about them is that we know the prophecy was partly fulfilled by the first coming of Jesus, the remainder will be fulfilled when He comes again, as He’s so faithfully promised. Anyway Friends, that’s enough for today. We’ll continue this Bit tomorrow, the Lord in favour. Till then, let’s stand steadfast and strong in faith, relying completely on the absolute infallibility and gospel truth of the Lord’s Word, for there’s nothing else in this fallen world to compare to it. Much LOVE!…if the Word of God isn’t true…then man’s earthly journey is pointless…his suffering meaningless…and his fullness of joy a bitter lie…
27 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: absolute hope, actions, Bible Study, blessed, Christian beliefs, christianity, confidence, darkest hour, deceitful, earthly pilgrimage, evildoers, exceedingly glad, faith, footstools, God's Word, hearts, heavy load, joy, maturity, mercy, minds, pain, powers of darkness, praise, psalm 21, religion, roadblocks, saviour jesus christ, sliding, slipping, souls, spirituality, surrender, thankfulness, treacherous, true believers, true wisdom, trust, unfortunate experience, uptempo dance, victory, virgin snow, weather forecasters
Psalm 21:6. For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
Oh Friends, it’s now the hour just before the dawn, long celebrated as the darkest hour of the night. But contrary to that statement, my area right now (4.30 a.m) is bright and beautiful, as everything is covered in a dazzling display of virgin snow. Even the leafless trees are shrouded in white, as the strong wind has them doing an uptempo dance to its unrelenting beat. The housetops, roads and cars parked there are also covered with the white stuff. It won’t stay beautiful for much longer though, as mankind begins to traverse his difficult and unruly way through it. As promised by the weather forecasters, it began in the early evening. When I went out for a few minutes around 7.30 p.m. it was merely wet snow. However, by 10 p.m. everything and everywhere was completely covered in white, looking beautiful, but in reality ever so treacherous and deceitful, like so many other beautiful things …and people… in our tumultuous world. And I certainly know who’s not going out there today! (smile) Don’t want to risk another unfortunate experience like the one I suffered in the last big snowfall a few weeks ago. Yes Friends, no more slipping and sliding, damaging my old car, getting stuck in my driveway and the lane. No siree! Oh Brother, I forgot that today is Wednesday; Bible Study day! But we’ll see how the weather and road cleaning shape up by Bible Study time in the evening. Anyway mih people, despite all the roadblocks that are put in our way in this earthly pilgrimage, we still need to live the life that Jesus desires of us. It’s only when we write His Word deep in our hearts, minds and souls, then live it out in our actions, that we can confidently say we are true believers in and followers of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And here I’ll share a li’l poem about that, by Eva Rose York (1858-1935), editor, teacher, organist and composer in western Ontario. It simply says: ‘I will not pass this way again; Then let me now relieve some pain, remove some barrier from the road, or brighten (lighten) someone’s heavy load.’ Oh Friends, it’s so touching in its simplicity, but yet so poignant with its message to Christians, as it encapsulates our Christian beliefs in those few words…show you care and help somebody. It can be a sort of mantra for us my brethren. I believe I’ve shared it before, but it’s says so much about us, that I felt compelled to share it again, especially in these rough times when we believers are less caring and action oriented that we ought to be. That brings us to our Bit, grateful words of Bruh David from Psalm 21, superscripted; Praise for victory. ‘For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad (joyful with gladness) with thy countenance (presence).’ Oh Friends, that state of thankfulness comes with the territory; surrendering one’s life to the Lord, putting your absolute hope, trust and faith in the ONE who created us. It shows maturity and true wisdom; a stage that as true believers we should all be striving for. Hear how Bruh David continues after our Bit: ‘For the king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved (shaken).’ (Ps.21:7) Awesome words of truth, my brethren! Oh how I desperately wish our leaders and those in power could gain such wisdom and the amazing power, grace and mercy that go with dedicating one’s life to walking with Jesus! What a wonderful place our world would be! But unfortunately the powers of darkness and the evildoers who currently rule the roost will not bow out or give up the fight very easily. But that’s why Bruh David is also confident that: ‘Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger; the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.’ (Ps.21:8-9) Yes Friends, when we walk sincerely with God, our enemies are defeated, either exterminated or brought low as our footstools. (Heb.10:13) With that also go these words from Psalm 45; A psalm for the king’s marriage. ‘Thou LOVEST righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above they fellows (companions).’ (Ps.45:7) Ah mih people, our God blesses us intentionally when we keep Him uppermost in all we do, especially if we’re people of privilege and power. And we’ll end with another verse of truth and wisdom from Bruh David, from Psalm 16, where he seeks preservation and blessing. ‘Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy: at thy right hand there pleasures for evermore.’ (Ps.16:11) Yes my fellow believers, all those things are entwined and embedded in our lives when we choose to walk with Almighty God, our wonderful Creator and Caretaker! Today, let’s raise our level of involvement with Him nuh, as true wisdom dictates. Much LOVE!…only when we associate closely with God…will our wrongs be made right…and our enemies be defeated…forever… P.S. This weather is really crazy yes! Would you believe it’s raining now (6 a.m) turning the snow to slush. Let’s hope it washes away everything before the temp falls later and it all turns to ice. Please be careful all of you who have to go out there. And if you don’t have to go, don’t go! (smile) Much LOVE!
18 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Advocate, enemy's taunts, evil, faith, glorious kingdom, god, incredible aura of LOVE, intercessor, Jesus laments, Jesus wept, jobs, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, outpouring of grief, rejuvenation of spirit, right on, sweet harmony, tears, TGIM, Thank God it's Monday, ungodly world, unison, wiles and lies
John 11:35. JESUS WEPT.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! And surprisingly there’s a smattering of applause, along with a few shouts of ‘TGIM! Thank God is Monday yes!’ Wow! It’s taking hold people, we’re being a little more receptive to Mondays than we were. (smile) We still have a long way to go though, before we come to the stage where Monday’s don’t bother us, where Jesus is satisfied with our attitude towards the workweek. But thankfully, while there’s life, there’s always hope. So hopefully one day we’ll attain that eager beaver attitude to get up and go out to labour on a Monday with a big grin on our faces, joy in our hearts and the steadfast determination to excel at whatever we do in Jesus’ name, obviously with His awesome help. Yes Friends, I am hoping for plenty, dreaming very large. But until such time we’ll continue to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. And today’s a lucky day for some of us in Ontario where it’s a holiday, celebrating Family Day. So if you’re one of the lucky ones that get to stay home today, please sing with great gusto and enthusiasm to encourage those who have to go out and labour. So in unison, sweet harmony and vocal strength, let’s sing. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And now that we’ve got our motors running, heading for the highway – as I believe it’s BTO – Bachman, Turner Overdrive- sings in their song, (smile) let’s try and keep that verve and excitement going all day nuh, show unbelievers what a good example of true Christianity looks like in action. And Jesus just lifted His right hand, fist clenched in a power salute, and joyously declared: ‘Right on brethren!’ And that’s no joke Friends, for Jesus is always pleased when we perform as we ought to. He’s definitely not a one dimensional Being. Just as our Bit can say: ‘JESUS WEPT,’ because He was sad, He also shows joy when He’s pleased. Now yesterday we saw how our Saviour wept, sadly adding His outpouring of grief at Lazarus’s death with the family and other mourners. But that’s not the only time the Scriptures say He wept. Luke describes how on Palm Sunday just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the disciples and other believers were rejoicing and praising God, some of the Pharisees told Him to rebuke the disciples and make them stop. (Luke 19:39) Ostensibly, as the scholars suggest, because all the tumultuous activity would bring the wrath of the Roman soldiers down on them. And also because they didn’t want to see Jesus proclaimed king. But Jesus answered them: ‘I tell you that, if these should hold their peace (keep silent), the stones would immediately cry out.’ (Luke 19:40) The scholars’ think that reply might have referred to Habakkuk 2: 11. Please look that up for yourselves. Anyway, the Good Book continues: ‘And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it.’ (Luke 19:41) Then He spoke about it’s destruction in the not too distant future, (Luke 19:42-44) possibly the Roman devastation of A.D. 70. The scholars’ comment on that scripture thus: ‘Jesus laments over Jerusalem. He was not fooled by the ardour of the welcoming mob. The picture is one of Jesus being overcome with emotion following the months or years of preparation for a ministry whose terrible climax would take place here.’ So it seems He didn’t shed tears like at Lazarus’ grave, but here it was more of an internal crying, a weeping of His heart. And that Friends, brings us to the finale, (smile) two basic points. First that Jesus felt and experienced all the human emotions, suffering, joy, disappointments, the highs and lows that we feel because His ‘humanness’ was for real. Therefore, since He experienced all, and even much more than we’ll ever go through here on earth, it definitely qualifies Him to be a most powerful intercessor and advocate for us at the right hand of the Father’s throne. It’s as they say: ‘He who feels it, knows it.’ And Jesus certainly felt it! So my brethren, let’s not be afraid to call on Him for all our needs, both in the good times and the bad, because no one else understands what we’re going through down here on earth better than Him, since He experienced it all first hand, and thus has a deep compassion and empathy for our hardships. That’s why He’s our bright and shining star; both of the day and night! No one else can ever attain such majesty. Much LOVE!…until you walk a mile in my shoes…you’ll never really know my troubles…thank God Jesus did that yes…
17 Feb 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: Bethany, christianity, crying, definite purpose, emotions, faith, get down on your knees, glory of God, Jerusalem, Jesus wept, Jesus' humanity, Lazarus, Praise the Lord, snow, spirituality, summer, tears, weather forecast
John 11:35. JESUS WEPT.
Ah Friends, I don’t know if our weather forecasting is getting worse, or if the weather itself is playing mind games with us by changing more often than we can keep up with. And I say that because it doesn’t seem like if anyone forecasted the serious snowstorm yesterday afternoon and early evening that dumped about 3 to 4 inches of snow on Toronto. The unforeseen deluge of heavy white stuff disrupted everything, especially traffic, both on the roads and at the airport. I had to go into the city and left home around 6 p.m in a light snowfall. When I got to the highway though, I found that it was backed up and crawling at a snail’s pace, so I called my people and told them I’d probably be late because of the traffic congestion. They told me that the traffic problem was possibly because of the snow. I wondered what snow they were talking about, because the roadway was fairly clean in my area. However, when I finally crept up the road for about a mile or so, I saw where the still falling snow had cruelly mugged the highway. (smile) And the closer I got to my destination, the harder it seemed to fall. A journey that should have taken me around 20 minutes, took me 70. But one can’t do much about that, because this is Canada in the winter time … and it’s still the best big country in the world! And all proud Canadians joyfully shouted: ‘Praise the Lord!’ (smile) Now have a gander at the weather predictions for this coming week in the daytime: Tomorrow, Monday; partly cloudy with a high of zero. Tuesday; a high of plus 5 with sleet. Hn! Wednesday; a high of minus 5 with flurries. Thursday; a high of minus 5 and partly cloudy. And Friday; a high of zero with snow. That’s enough to make you cry and get down on your knees and beg for summer, when you have to be out on the roads everyday, twice a day. But crying is at times understandable, for as our Bit simply but very importantly states: ‘JESUS WEPT.’ I like it Friends, short and straight to the point: ‘JESUS WEPT.’ I don’t know if there are any more two word sentences in the Good Book, but this one is rather important to our understanding of Jesus’ persona, re His humanity, which we’ll get into later. This incident of Jesus weeping occurred when His bosom buddy, Lazarus died. Jesus got the message that Lazarus was very sick, and though He LOVED the family (Mary, Martha and Lazarus), He sojourned two more days where He was. At that time though, He spoke these prophetic words: ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.’ (John 11:4) Jesus wasn’t being irrational or unfeeling. There was a definite purpose behind His words and actions; the most important thing to Him and all believers – the glorification of Almighty God – and by extension, His Son! And we all know the story, that by the time Jesus reaches Bethany, where the family lives, Lazarus has already been entombed for 4 days. And since Jerusalem was less that two miles (15 furlongs) from Bethany, many Jerusalem dwellers, some possibly the enemies of Jesus, had come to comfort Martha and Mary in their time of grief and mourning. And such was the faith the sisters had in Jesus, that when both met Him, they both proclaimed that if He’d been present during Lazarus’ illness, death would not have claimed him. Mary’s was so strong she believed that even then, the Father would grant Him anything He asked. (John 11:21-22, 32) Now the weeping of the sisters and the other Jews with them had a real emotional effect on Jesus. The Good Book reports: ‘He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.’ (John 11:33) Then Jesus asked: ‘Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.’ (John 11:34) And that’s where our Bit comes in: ‘JESUS WEPT.’ Yes Friends, our Lord and Saviour cried actual tears of hurt and pain and sorrow. So much so that: ‘Then said the Jews, Behold, how he LOVED him!’ (John 11:36) And the whole purpose of this exercise is to show that though Jesus was God, He also felt and exhibited real human emotions. The scholars describe it thus: ‘Jesus wept. The verb ‘wept’ is used only here in the New Testament, meaning a shedding of tears, a deep grief (cf. Heb.5:7) Although Jesus was God, He was also Man. John recognizes and records this expression of a very human emotion. He affirms the full humanity of Christ, as well as His deity. John is not a Docetist, one who believes Jesus was merely a phantom.’ Of course not Friends, Jesus was human through and through! And while here on earth, He definitely exhibited all the human emotions and frailties; laughter, joy, sorrow, anger, hurt, pain, etc. – all except sin. Unfortunately though Friends, time and space have run out for today. So tomorrow, God willing, we’ll continue this message on Christ’s weeping, for there’s much more to be said. (smile) It’s certainly been a smiley day! (smile) Till then, please let’s take the Word seriously, ‘actioning’ it as best we can, while walking safely under the LOVING protection of Almighty God. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Much LOVE!…heartfelt tears… they tell the true story of the soul…
14 Jan 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: aura of love, enthusiasm, faith, gift of God, glorious kingdom, grace, holy spirit, humble servants, Jehovah, Jesus, lies, living water, Monday blues, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, Pentecost, powerful spiritual armour, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality, salvation, speaking in tongues, weary souls, wicked taunts
John 4:10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
‘Good morning neighbuh!’ the stocky, middle aged woman greets the younger woman across the fence, as they simultaneously open their front doors and step out on to their respective porches. ‘What’s so good about it eh?’ the younger woman replies in an irritated voice. ‘Oh, but look,’ the other woman enthusiastically answers, ‘the sun’s shining, the birds’ singing, you alive, and you have a steady job to go to.’ ‘So…’ the younger lady churlishly mouths. ‘So you should be happy,’ the neighbour answers. ‘Steups! You doh know nuh woman,’ comes the reply. ‘Is Monday, and I’m just too tired to go to any blooming work this morning yes!’ Then with a thoughtful frown, she continues. ‘You wouldn’t by any chance want to get dressed and go and do this work for me…this work you so badly want?’ ‘Oh Miss Janice,’ the woman replies, a bit perturbed, ‘you know I couldn’t do your high class work, cause I don’t have your education and training.’ ‘Too bad yes,’ the young woman replies, as she turns on her heel and goes back inside to get ready to go to her high class job, leaving the older lady shaking her head in sad bewilderment, and asking,’ What happen to these young people nowadays eh?’ Oh Friends of mine, I sure hope none of you are to be found numbered amongst that miserable, unmannerly, unappreciative ungodly lot this morning, for it would certainly break Jesus’ heart. Anyway, to get over that surly, grouchy, Monday morning mood, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much verve and gusto. Even fake it if you have to, cause as they say, if you fake it long enough you’ll end up doing it for real. Now as one trilling and thrilling earthly choir, (smile) let’s bombard the heavens with song. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Oh my brethren, I hope all that brought a chuckle, a bit of levity to your soul, raised your adrenalin level, but also encouraged you to get a move on. Now let’s get into our Bit: ‘Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.’ Ah Friends, trust Jesus to tie up the poor woman’s brain. Anyway, yesterday we talked about ‘the gift of God,’ in that passage, and discovered it to be God’s wonderful, unmerited, undeserved grace. Today, let’s check out ‘the living water’ scenario. And that basically means the Holy Spirit. That’s how it was sometimes referred to before Jesus finished His earthly work and returned to heaven. And we all know that the Holy Spirit wasn’t noised abroad to each and every believer before Pentecost, when the Apostles sitting in the upper room suddenly felt this rush as of a mighty wind from heaven. ‘And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ (Acts 2:3-4) But that doesn’t mean the Lord’s Spirit wasn’t involved with mankind before that. It came upon all the great leaders, prophets, and whomever the Lord singled out to do His bidding before Christ’s coming. Isaiah talks about it in Chapter 12, re thanksgiving for God’s mercies. ‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he has also become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.’ (Is.12:2-3) And Isaiah again refers to it in Chapter 44, the Spirit of God to be on Israel. ‘Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.’ (Is.44:3-4) Now here’s the definitive word on the subject from Jesus Himself, at the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. ‘In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly (heart) shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.’ (John 7:37-39) So there we have it Friends, plenty to ponder on this Monday morning as we journey out to continue our LOVE Walk with and for Jesus, in this evil, ungodly world. May He strengthen, and enable us with living water, keep us safe and peaceful, as we do His earthly bidding. Much LOVE!…living water…the Holy Spirit…can only be found at its true source…the fountainhead…Jesus…
13 Jan 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: atoning death, faith, forgivenss, gift of God, God's incomparable LOVE, grace, iniquities, intercession, Jesus, jesus and the samaritan woman, justification, living water, meaningful lives, mercy, peace, righteousness., salvation, sin, suffering servant, trust
John 4:10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it was that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Well a good Sunday morning to all you beautiful believers out there in the Scrip-Bit family! And also to you who are joining us for the first time. I sincerely hope that it won’t be for the last too, because what we’re trying to do here is lift people’s spirits, encourage them to live strong, powerful, meaningful lives here on this evil, ungodly earth, by focussing on the Word of God, His incomparable LOVE and peace, mercy and forgiveness, kindness and compassion! Wow Friends, what a cornucopia of blessings! And believe me, you can’t get all that wonderful stuff from any other source but Almighty God, through belief and trust in His marvellous Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Now yesterday I left us hanging re the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, because it would have run on way too long for our way too short attention spans, especially when it has do with the Creator of our universe. So let’s bring on our Bit, so that we can get rolling. ‘Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it was that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.’ Ah Friends, what a convoluted, confusing statement! No wonder the poor woman didn’t understand what Jesus was talking about. And yesterday I ended by asking if we knew what Jesus meant re ‘the gift of God’ and ‘living water’? Well let’s look first at ‘the gift of God’ by turning to Isaiah, when he talks about God’s suffering servant. ‘Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise (crush) him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail (distress) of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil (plunder) with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.’ (Is.53:10-12) Some powerful scripture that my people! But here is what it means per the scholars: ‘It pleased the lord to bruise (from daka’, “to crush) him refers to the same condition in verse 5 (wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities). Put him to grief reads “pierce” Him in the Dead Sea Scroll copy of the text. His seed refers to those who will come to believe in Him. An offering for sin (asham, ‘guilt offering’) involves the trespass offering described in Numbers 5:5-10. The phrase he shall prolong his days indicates that the Servant’s ministry will not end with His violent death, and certainly implies His resurrection. The pleasure of the Lord refers to God’s ultimate purposes which will be accomplished by the atoning death and resurrection of the Servant. The chapter ends with the glorification and exaltation of the Servant of the Lord. His intercession refers to His high priestly ministry, by which He makes intercession on the basis of His own substitutionary death.’ What a mouthful! But I do hope we understand it better than before. Yes Friends, way back in the Old Testament, centuries before Jesus was born, the Lord divulged His future plans to Isaiah, so that His people had something to hold on to, some assurance that all would be well eventually. If they trusted and had faith in Him, He would work everything out for their good in His own time. And that prophecy was fulfilled many years later by none other than Jesus, whom we know and LOVE and worship as our Lord, Master, Saviour, Prince of Peace, Mighty Counsellor, etc. etc. Now let’s turn to a passage in the New Testament re ‘the gift of God,’ from Bruh Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, re sin coming into the world through Adam and Eve and salvation through Christ. ‘But not as the offense, so also is the free gift (the free gift is not like the false step). For if through the offense of one (Adam) many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.’ (Rom.5:15) Oh Friends, what that basically means is that just like sin came into the world through Adam and was imputed to, covered all his descendants, just so Christ’s death and the salvation He brought is imputed to all believers, through the gift of God’s merciful and undeserving grace. Yes my brethren, that ‘gift of God’ is His wonderful grace, freely given to whomsoever chooses to believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Now isn’t that a most wonderful and superlative gift? It sure is! So please, let’s ponder some on grace today nuh. In fact let’s hunger for it, rise up and accept it in wisdom, faith and truth as we are supposed to. Only then will we realize the full extent of God’s LOVING-kindness and mercy. Much LOVE!…GRACE…the gift of God…with benefits unimaginable…free for the asking…and also free for the taking…
09 Jan 2013
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: alive, blatant lie, cares and concerns, dominant characteristic, encouraging, enthusiasm, enthusiastic, eternal life, eyes of faith, faith, God LOVES me, holy spirit, hope, joy of the lord, LOVE, loving kindness, never forsake us, never leave us, sacrifices, salvation, sandy sea shores, saviour jesus christ, Song of LOVE, the Way of LOVE
Song of Solomon 2:4. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was LOVE!
Top o’ the morn Friends! Unfortunately my neck of the woods – dark, dreary and snowy – doesn’t engender enthusiasm to the physical sight and senses. In fact it’s rather depressing to keep seeing that sort of bleak, uninviting landscape everyday. However, when we look through our eyes of faith, we can plainly see calm, clear, blue waters gently breaking over golden brown, sandy sea shores, with a brilliant, hot sun reigning supreme in a cloudless blue sky. And why is that my people? Because of God’s LOVE for us! He puts that unnatural ability in our hearts through faith in His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And from the moment I read this poem in Dr. Robert Schuller’s ‘Hour of Power Devotional earlier on, I just knew that I had to share it with you. And you’ll realize why, because it’s titled: ‘GOD LOVES ME! Thank you, Lord, for this holy sentence, this good news, this happy report, this exciting thought, this graceful truth, this fantastic lesson: God LOVES me! Even when I’m at my worst – God LOVES me. Even when my faith is dim – God LOVES me anyway! It’s incomprehensible and fantastic! Thank you, Father: Amen.’ Oh Friends, one of the reasons I like Dr. Schuller’s writings is because they are always full of bright, and strong faith, with vibrant expectations of good things to come, using encouraging words and uplifting language! One of the serious problems with believers these days is that we’re too dreary and dead, lacking in real life, our enthusiasm doesn’t come out in our prayers and our every day lives the way it should. Too many of us still believe that to be a true Christian we must walk around cowed, with head bowed, shoulders limp and low, and a sad, ugly countenance. I guess that’s our erroneous definition of being humble. But Friends, I’m here to tell us that that’s a most blatant lie that Lucifer perpetrates to get us to lose our joy in Jesus. Remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Neh.8:10) And if we lose it, then what do we have? Nothing! Please my brethren, with all the good things Jesus did for us; dying that ugly, horrible death on the cross to pay for our sins, being resurrected and ascending into heaven so that we can have salvation and eternal life, plus the wonderful promises of never forsaking us and always being with us through the wonderful aura of His Holy Spirit, Christians should be the happiest and most cheerful people in the universe. We should be laughing, enthusiastic and exuberant every minute of every day. Even when we’re asleep, there should be a beatific smile on our faces, because we’re dreaming of heaven and God and all the great things that await us there. Sadly though, too many of us allow the cares and concerns of this evil, ungodly world to drive us to doom and gloom. Remember Friends, Jesus said that in this world we’d surely find trials and tribulation, but since He’s already overcome it, we should therefore be filled with peace and good cheer and enjoy the benefits of His sacrifice. (John 16:33) Otherwise all His sacrifices would have been in vain. I know we can’t always go around grinning like Cheshire cats, but we certainly need to be more alive, enthusiastic, encouraging and expectant than a lot of us are. Oh Friends, the greatest thing in this world is LOVE! And LOVE brings joy! No wonder in our Bit, Cousin Sol describes the bride’s admiration of her groom with these choice and moving words of truth. ‘He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was LOVE!’ Aye people, that’s exactly what our Creator, the Lord God Jehovah has done for us! He brought us to the banqueting house of salvation and eternal life through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ. For that we should be eternally grateful and joyful. Remember the Good Book says that ‘God is LOVE; and he that dwelleth (abides) in LOVE dwelleth (abides) in God, and God in him.’ (1 John 4:16) LOVE is the dominant characteristic of our God, and should therefore be also the dominant characteristic of the true believer. Now let’s hear some appropriate scripture on LOVE, it’s power and how it ought to cause us to live. And we’ll begin with Cousin Sol, from his Song. ‘Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for LOVE is strong as death; jealousy is cruel (severe) as the grave: the coals (flames) thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench LOVE, neither can the floods drown it: If a man would give all the substance (wealth) of his house for LOVE, it would utterly be contemned (despised). (Song 8:6-7) Yuh see that mih people? LOVE is as strong as death, you can’t drown it, nor buy it! Now listen to ole Jeremiah. When talking about the restoration of Israel, he boldly declares: ‘The Lord hath appeared of old (from afar) unto me, saying, Yea, I have LOVED thee with an everlasting LOVE: therefore with LOVING-kindness have I drawn thee.’ (Jer.31:3) Oh mih breddren, again we see the power of LOVE, and the Lord’s LOVING-kindness that He uses to envelop us, to wrap us in His LOVING embrace. Meanwhile, in talking about the Lord’s LOVE for faithless Israel, the prophet Hosea says of God: ‘I drew them with cords of a man (gentle cords), with bands of LOVE: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws (necks), and I laid meat unto them (stooped and fed them).’ (Hos.11:4) But foolishly they refused to be drawn to Him. Please my people, please don’t let us follow that foolish path of disobedience, cause there will only be severe punishment later on. Come to think of it, that’s what we’re facing right now; punishment for turning away from the God of our fathers and embracing the evil Lucifer and the worldly lusts of the flesh. Now hear Jesus, as He lambastes the hypocrite Pharisees: ‘But I know you, that ye have not the LOVE of God in you.’ (John 5:42) Yes Friends, if the LOVE of God is not in us, then we’re not His children. And we don’t have the space or time for one of the most profound writings on LOVE; 1 Corinthians 13, titled ‘The Way of LOVE,’ from the godly pen of Bruh Paul. But I ask us all to read it today, so that we can get a new or refreshed look and attitude towards the world’s most wonderful characteristic – LOVE. And you know that, whenever possible, we like to give Jesus the final, definitive word on the subject. ‘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) Oh Friends, that says it all. Our Leader commands it, so please let’s go out and do it nuh. It will certainly enrich our souls more than we can ever imagine. Much LOVE!…and now abideth faith…hope…LOVE…these three…but the greatest of these is…LOVE… (1 Cor.13:13)
20 Dec 2012
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: blessed, Christmas, crying in the wilderness, faith, fruit of the womb, great honour, highly favoured, Holy Ghost, John the Baptist, joy and gladness, new blessings, new day, new forgiveness, new mercies, saviour jesus christ, the Birth of Christ, Zechariah
Luke 1:28. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And then it was Thursday, Friends! Another bright and sparkling morning with brand new blessings, mercies and forgiveness for God’s people. And they all rose up with a mighty shout of joy, praising and thanking their heavenly Father for allowing them to see another soulful day on His wonderful creation called Earth. It’s also only 5 days till Christmas Day, when we celebrate the incarnate Birth of our gracious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, which ushered in the most welcome, beneficial and amazing time in human history. And it’s the way that Birth came about that we’re still talking about today. Our Bit got the whole thing moving. ‘And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail (Rejoice), thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And Mary was really blessed my people, to be chosen by Almighty God to be the earthly Mother to His Son. What greater honour could there be eh? None really. And in her behaviour and attitude she shows some of the reasons why she was chosen. Now please note that some months before the angel came to Mary to tell her about her remarkable blessing, he visited her relative by marriage, Zechariah, a priest in the temple, with his own good news. ‘And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.’ (Luke 1:11-12) Yuh see the difference Friends, in just the physical response to Mary’s breaking news. Zechariah, the older and supposedly wiser man, a big time priest in God’s house, was afraid, while the young, inexperienced girl Mary, was simply concerned about the machinations of the promise, it’s human impossibility. ‘But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zechariah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children (sons) of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people for the Lord.’ (Luke 1:13-17) Yes Friends, another miracle was being wrought, so that the forerunner, the messenger, ‘the one crying in the wilderness,’ re repentance and salvation, would be born. ‘And Zechariah said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken (advanced) in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings (this good news). And behold, thou shalt be dumb (mute), and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season (own time).’ (Luke 1:18-20) And he was dumb until John the Baptist was born. Notice the difference in reactions: Zechariah couldn’t believe what was still humanly possible, while Mary believed without much hesitation or resistance what was humanly impossible. Now tell me whose faith was greater? Mary’s of course! And what does she do after the angel leaves? She goes and visits her cousin, the hitherto barren Elisabeth, now some six months pregnant with John the Baptist. And check out this intense scene, when Mary enters Elisabeth’s house and greets her. ‘And it came to pass, that when Elisabeth heard the salutation (greeting) of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence (why) is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that (who) believed: for there shall be a performance (fulfillment) of those things which were told her from the Lord.’ (Luke 1:41-45) Oh Friends, don’t you just LOVE how our God operates in such mysterious and interesting ways? Everything He does, ties in with a purpose. No loose strings are left to mar the process. And what I like about the story is that Elisabeth seems to have believed it without any qualms either, instead rejoicing in the wonderful blessing that was being poured down on her young cousin Mary. And I guess that’s why Jesus hung out with more women in his day, than was normal for a Jewish man; He recognized the greater power in them to accept supernatural things, which put another way, means greater faith. Note, He never had to badger them to believe, as He had to do with the disciples, even though they walked with Him every day and saw all the unbelievable stuff He did. Just look at the faith shown by Martha and Mary, Lazarus’ sisters, when Jesus showed up several days after his death. ‘Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.’ (John 11:21-22) Mary’s reaction was the same; ‘Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.’ (John 11:32) Ah mih breddren, enough for us to contemplate today. But remember, whatever we do, or whatever happens to us as believers in Jesus Christ, it all comes down to faith; the level of our faith will either make us weak and fearful like Zechariah, or strong and confident like the women we’ve been talking about. That’s why Jesus talked about faith so much in His ministry. Re trusting one master: ‘O ye of little faith?’ (Matt.6:30) Re Cornelius, the Roman centurion: ‘Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.’ (Matt.8:10) Re unbelief: ‘for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove (move); and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’ (Matt.17:20) So please my people, let’s consider all these words of faith we’ve heard today, and wisely use them to build up our own. That’s the way Jesus would have it. Much LOVE!…but without faith…it is impossible to please him…for he that cometh to God…must believe that he is…and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him… (Heb.11:6)
18 Dec 2012
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: blessed, dark places, faith, gladness, heart of darkness, highly faovured, incarnation, joy, light, listening to God, sadness, separation, the SON, wedding anniversary, wings of the morning, woman
Luke 1:28. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Oh Friends, it’s one of those days when the ole fella had a busy yesterday, keep forgetting I’m not 25 anymore, (smile) then went to bed late, and had a hard time getting up this morning. But today’s also a very important day in the ole guy’s life; it’s my forty-first wedding anniversary! Wow! Yes mih people, forty-one years ago, the Duchess tied up my foot (smile) on a serene and sublime Saturday at St. Crispin’s Anglican Church in Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad. It sure was a fun day…what I remember of it! So thanks for all your congrats, but don’t think it was easy; interesting, yes; oftimes fun, yes; but nothing is easy for forty-one years. There have been many ups and downs, a couple periods of separation, but somehow or other, we always got back together again. I guess that was the Lord’s doing – and sometimes I question His wisdom in that respect. (smile) But Friends, overall, it has been good. And it seems like we’ll still be together for the foreseeable future. Only the Good Lord knows that though. Now here’s an interesting quote attributed to Jean Giraudoux (1882-1944), a French novelist, playwright and diplomat. It says: ‘Sadness flies on the wings of the morning and out of the heart of darkness comes the light.’ That’s undeniable truth my brethren! We see it happen all the time. The night, or merely being in a dark place, usually has us thinking morbid thoughts, or just being sad and blue, even when there’s no reason to be so. Even in times of sickness, we often feel sicker at nights. But oh brother, when the sun rises over that eastern horizon, it’s like a new day is born in our lives, and suddenly all the sadness, sickness, morbidity and every other evil thing just disappears. Oh Friends, it works in the same manner with Jesus! When you’re suffering and struggling with the temptations and evil forces of this world, your soul experiences darkness, negative thoughts and untrue images of finality. But once the SON rises in your life…oh what a beautiful day appears; joy, gladness and true positivity enter your soul! Your spirit sings and dances with pleasure when it encounters the wonderful Spirit of Jesus that comes to live within you, after He’s risen in your heart. Mama Mia! Then, and only then, can we truly say that we’ve seen the light! We become new people, look at life differently, and begin coming up over our problems instead of stagnating and suffering under them. Oh Friends, I could carry on in this enthusiastic vein all day, but we have a Bit to deal with, a most enthralling one today. ‘And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail (Rejoice), thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ Oh fellow believers, you know we constantly talk about the men of great faith listed in the Good Book, and tend to ignore the few women whose names are mentioned there. But some of the women had greater faith than some of the men. And the one I want to consider today is Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose faith I believe was only surpassed by her son’s. Just imagine this scenario nuh: You’re an ordinary teenaged girl in a backwater town called Nazareth, engaged to be married to an ordinary man named Joseph, a carpenter by trade. Your life’s simple and uncomplicated, without any great expectations, possibly just looking forward to marriage and raising a family. But then, one day, all of a sudden, out of the blue, an angel appears and greets you in that highly respected fashion. In the first place, many of us would be downright scared by the whole scenario and possibly run away, bawling our heads off in the process. But we see the strength of Mary’s character right off the bat. She doesn’t get all flustered and discombobulated. The Good Book simply says: ‘And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind (considered) what manner of salutation (greeting) this should be.’ (Luke 1:29) Then the angel explained the situation. ‘And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest (Most High): and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ (Luke 1:30-33) Now can you imagine somebody, angel or otherwise, telling you that two thousand years ago, when even to this day of great technological advances, it still takes the sperm of a man to mate with the egg of a woman to create a human embryo? And that doesn’t seem as if it’s ever liable to change. The only difference is that it’s no longer necessary for the man to actually and physically lie with the woman to create another human. We’d either run them out of town, calling them mad, or laugh them to scorn. But Mary’s reaction is quiet and thoughtful, without any fuss. And her one question is simple and very logical. ‘Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man (I am a virgin)?’ (Luke 1:34) Now that’s a very good question Friends, one that we’ll answer tomorrow. But in the meantime, please ponder Mary’s situation; that surprising meeting with the angel, and her calm reaction, then consider our own response under similar circumstances. There must have been a whole lot of unseen depth to Mary’s character for the Lord to choose her to bear His Son in human form. In the same way, our God is seeing a whole lot more to each of us than is physically visible, and that’s why He’s talking to us about all sorts of things. Most likely they’re not as big and memorable as Mary’s situation, but they’re all still very important to our lives and our doing His will. The problem is, are we receiving it with the calm, grace, trust and faith like Mary? Please, let’s ask ourselves that question today, then do whatever it takes to answer it with a resounding ‘YES!’ Therein lie the seeds of wisdom and greatness. Much LOVE!…when the Lord speaks to our hearts…what’s our reaction…
Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries
SCRIP-BITS 