Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 May 2013 Psalm 18:2

01 May 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 18:2.     The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower (stronghold).
 
‘May day, May Day, May Day, May Day…!’ That was the shout my Friends, from an announcer in the city of Buffalo, some years back when the winning goal in a hockey game was scored by a player named Brad May. It’s one of the celebrated calls in hockey and serves as a fitting opening for today’s Bit on this first of May. Some of us old fogeys might also remember the opening days of May when we’d dance the Maypole at the annual May fairs. But I guess all those simple, enjoyable things in life have now gone the way of the dodo. Please remember too my people that May 1st is also an important day in the annals of the Labour Movement, when marches and other celebrations took place to celebrate the awakening and upliftment of the working class from the tyranny of those who owned the means of production. Unfortunately, like many things having to do with Labour, those May 1st celebrations have been relegated to the minor leagues now, but as a group, we have to be very careful because the greedy owners of industry are trying to push us back to the bad old days when Labour was woefully exploited and oppressed. And if we give them the chance, they will do just that, because they have no social conscience, and will make even healthier profits by cutting the benefits and wages of the ordinary working man … that is those who have a job, or can get one. The owners of industry don’t give a hoot about the poor, ordinary people who slave for them in their sweatshops. Just witness the disaster last week in Bangladesh, where a structurally unsound building that housed several garment factories collapsed with thousands of poorly paid, exploited workers inside. And it’s not like the owners didn’t know that the building was unsound, they just didn’t care enough to stop the operations, and therefore their enormous profits to try and fix it. And that’s the prevailing attitude these days, not only in the more impoverished countries, but also in the supposed first world nations. Why do you think all this work has been outsourced in the first place? To bolster the bottom line. The cheapness mentality that has recently invaded our society is partly to blame for the sweatshops and other disturbing actions. No longer do we expect to pay a decent price for a decently produced product. Now we expect a good product for next to nothing. That doesn’t ever happen Friends! We seem to have forgotten the old adage, attributed to Confucius: ‘Good thing no cheap, and cheap thing no good.’ Undeniable truth my people! Nowadays even some of the expensive things are no good, so what do we expect from the cheap ones eh? Have you noticed that all the rage these days in downsizing is to either cut the working man’s wage and give him more to do, or lay him off, though his wages are a pittance compared to that of the high and mighty C.E.O, whose remuneration keeps escalating, though the companies they run, keep losing enormous sums of money? The truth is, if they’d fire some of the useless, bloated, top echelon, they’d have enough money to pay the poor man a decent wage, one that he can live on, for now, even those who work several jobs, still have to use food banks and kitchens to make ends meet. What a crying shame Friends! It just speaks of the cruel inequality of resources that are becoming more unequal every day. The rich are getting richer, and the poor, poorer every day! But unfortunately, the social aspect doesn’t ever enter the equation, just the bottom line and the top echelon salary structure are all that matters. Fortunately though, the poor man has a powerful advocate, someone who truly cares about him and will consistently and continually fight on his behalf. Here’s how Bruh David describes Him in our Bit, taken from a Psalm of Thanksgiving for deliverance, when he was delivered from the hands of his enemies. ‘The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower (stronghold).’ And that’s the God awesome truth, my brethren! The Lord God Jehovah is the ONLY ONE who will fight for us tooth and nail, the ONLY ONE who will never leave nor forsake us, the ONLY ONE to whom we can take all out troubles to and be assured that we’ll get a fair hearing, and some action on our oppressed behalf. Oh Friends, are we seeing the Lord in the same manner, the same light that Bruh David saw Him? I surely hope so, because if we’re not, then things will surely turn sour and disastrous for us. And we can see it happening throughout the world now, with God either absent from the hearts of a majority of the population, or He’s being made a mockery of by the surging and prevalent evildoers. Oh my brethren, we can’t allow this ungodly trend to continue, else Christ’s church will eventually be destroyed. It’s already been held in low esteem by many, the next step will be total extinction, if we don’t fight back with all the tools and weapons available to us. And where do we find the wherewithal to fight back? From our great God obviously! Bruh David spells it out again for us in Psalm 28 – A prayer for God’s help. ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.’ (Ps.28:7) Oh my people, he believed that and based his whole life on it, and though it wasn’t an easy life, it turned out to be a rather successful one. We’re still talking about him and reading his words thousands of years later. The same way, my brethren, if we base our lives on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, we too can be successful in this earthly life. As I keep saying, it won’t be easy, but it will always be interesting. Remember, Jesus never took an easy step in this world, so if we’re going to emulate His character and lifestyle, then most likely our journey won’t be a bed of roses either. But yuh see how the Father lifted Him up for His obedience and faithfulness to His purpose, so that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He’s the mighty One, the Lord of all! Well Friends, it’s the same way the Father will lift us up and reward us for our persistence, faith, trust and surrender to Him. And eventually, we’ll al be able to say, like Bruh David: ‘But I have trusted in thy mercy (LOVING-kindness); my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.’ (Ps.13:5-6) Yes my fellow believers, that’s the wise and sensible attitude we need to adopt today, if we want to be successful in this our pilgrim’s journey down here on planet earth! Much LOVE!…only in Christ Jesus…can man be assured of…truth…equal rights…and justice…
 
  
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 February 2013 Ephesians 4:3

28 Feb 2013 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 4:3.     Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
Oh Friends, today is the last day of February! Can you believe it? I also hope it’s the last day of the lousy snowstorm that messed up everything yesterday. I did get out to the Bible Study last night, though the place is still covered with the dirty white stuff, now that man has been through it. And astonishingly my people, two months of 2013 have already flown by. It’s like time is spinning away ever faster and faster, like the world in which we now live. That’s why it’s so important to be very aware of what’s happening in our lives. We can’t afford to put off for tomorrow, things that we can do today, because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, even if there’ll be a tomorrow. Consequently, we also decided to check at the end of every month, rather than at some longer time period, on that most important New Year’s Resolution we made, about walking closer, in deeper fellowship with Christ, growing in LOVE and appreciation, while carrying out His dictates and wishes in a fuller and more complete manner. So today, please, let’s all take a few moments to ponder if we’re truly keeping that resolution, if our spiritual lives are being enriched with God’s Word, if our faith is growing, and if we’re putting that faith into action so that others can see and experience it and be caused to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour too. And if we discover that we’re not doing as well as we should, then let’s ask the Lord, who hears and answers all sincere prayers, to help us do better, since we can’t improve without His awesome help. Now let me share a li’l something I wrote recently, but lost sight of until just now. I guess now is its appointed time. (smile) It’s simply titled ‘UNITY’ and says: ‘Unity is…brings strength. Unity is…brings power. Unity is…brings prosperity. Unity is…brings peace. But above all…Unity is simply walking in LOVE! Walking in LOVE…like Jesus did. Unity is just being decent to each other.’ Yes Friends, without Unity, we’ll NEVER have peace, prosperity, power, strength or LOVE! That’s why our world, and in particular Christ’s church is so divided. We all want the good things in life, but either don’t know, or stubbornly refuse to recognize the fact that we can’t get them, in a lasting manner, unless and until we’re unified under the umbrella of Christ and His church. That brings us to our Bit, where Bruh Paul is speaking to the Ephesians re the Unity of the Spirit. ‘Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ Ah Friends, it’s one of those conundrums, where without unity, you can’t have peace, and without peace, you can’t have unity. Like we argue about which came first, the chicken or the egg? But to get one, you must have the other. Now hear what Bruh Paul has to say before our Bit. ‘I therefore, the prisoner of (in) the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation (calling) wherewith ye are called. With all lowliness and meekness (gentleness), with long-suffering, forbearing (bearing with) one another in LOVE.’ (Eph.4:1-2) Oh my brethren, yuh see what it takes to bring about unity and peace. It’s all about humbling ourselves before our God, living in a manner befitting His commandments and doing what He’s called us to do to the best of our ability. As Bruh Paul continues after our Bit. ‘There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.’ (Eph.4:4-6) And the scholars comment on that scripture thus: ‘This passage elaborates on the “unity of the Spirit” (v.3). This oneness among Christians refers to having (1) one body – the body of Christ, the Christian church; (2) one Spirit – the same Holy Spirit who imparts the same spiritual life to all believers; (3) one hope – all Christians share the same future certainty and are headed toward the same heavenly destination; (4) one Lord – all submit to the same divine ruler, Jesus; (5) one faith – all believers have placed the same trust in Christ for salvation; (6) one baptism – Holy Spirit baptism at the time of salvation (1 Cor.12:13); and (7) one God and Father – all believers in Christ have the same God and heavenly Father.’ So friends, our unity is all about ONE! Not me, I, or you, but about One body of Christ, of faith, etc, until we get to the real ONE, who brings and keeps it all together, our Heavenly Father. So my brethren, let’s all sincerely try and come together as ONE nuh, as Jesus so desperately desires. For without unity, all we have to look forward to is more of the same strife, anger, divisions, dissensions, selfishness and ungodliness as is so disastrously personified by the state of our current world. Oh fellow believers, I’m sure that none of us likes the way our world is being ground down, demoralized and destroyed by the powers of evil that control it. But as I also keep reminding us, it’s only us true believers in Jesus, who want to see a better world, that can make any changes to it, and bring about the unity we so desperately need. And to do that, we have to consciously and seriously get up off of our inflated fannies and do whatever it takes to bring about those changes. It won’t come by only mouthing and spouting plenty scripture, but also by being action oriented; actually helping others, like the sick, the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the lost, those whom Jesus had a passion for and came to save. We have to stop beating our chests in foolish pride, like the hypocrite Pharisees and them, as though we’re doing such a great job in our faith, because we aren’t. If we were, there’d never be so much pain, poverty, misery and heartache in our world. So Friends, let’s stop all the talk and concentrate more on action nuh, because all the talk in the world won’t fill any empty bellies, clothe any naked bodies, put rooves over the heads of the homeless, cure the sick or find the lost. The only thing that will do those things is physical action, where as a supposed unified body, we have been tried, and found sadly lacking. Much LOVE!…the Word of God…is always more readily accepted…when it follows the faithful, physical actions of God’s people…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 February 2013 Psalm 5:9

24 Feb 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 5:9.     For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
 
And yet another glorious day in the life begins my Friends, so let’s start it with some thanks and praise nuh. Let’s sing a verse of the old hymn that could probably be called ‘Old Faithful’ because it’s been around for a long time and whenever we sing it, it also regenerates our faith in the faithfulness and trustworthiness of our Wonderful God. Sing with me: ‘Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All that I needed, thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.’ And isn’t that the awesome truth my fellow believers! We can all attest to the faithfulness of God in our lives; in the past, the present, and if we continue clinging to Him, also in the future. He’s just that kind of LOVING, trusting, generous and merciful God to all those who serve and worship Him in truth and sincerity. And all God’s people loudly and joyously declared: ‘All praise and thanksgiving be unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who made the earth, heavens, and all therein, and who controls it with LOVE, mercy, justice and forgiveness! Oh Lord, we your humble servants truly LOVE You, and this Sunday morning we bless and praise Your Most Holy Name! Amen.’ Oh Friends, did you see the big smiles on the faces of our heavenly Father and our Saviour, Jesus Christ as those heartfelt prayers reached up to heaven? Even the heavenly hosts were smiling and adding their own ‘Praise the Lord! For He is good and merciful and forgiving!’ Ah mih bredden, if there could only be such smiles and happiness down here on earth, instead of the many frowns, heartaches, sadness, tears and pain that currently envelop our world, that have us in an ever tightening choke hold. But I guess that’s the price we have to pay for being a fallen creation. And sadly, we’re not helping the situation by consciously steering our lives to the sinful side of our nature, instead of the righteous and godly side. We all have that pocket in our souls permanently reserved for our Maker, which nothing or no one else can fill, but unless we consciously venture to fill it with Him, our lives will end up a total mess. And if you don’t believe me, just take a look around at our society with so many people hurting and searching for relief from their many sorrows. Unfortunately though, they are searching in the wrong places, heading in the wrong direction. They’re turning to manmade aids; drugs, booze, shrinks etc, which are not helping, but making them worse, increasing their pain and sorrows. Ah Friends, there’s only one antidote for the human state, one prescription to ease his pain and suffering: that’s Almighty God, his Maker and Controller! And until we realize that and turn back to Him in droves, just like we’ve turned away in droves, the human state will remain one of exceedingly vile, evil, ungodly conditions. Tragic loss, pain and ‘sufferation’ will continue to be his unenviable lot. That brings us to our very appropriate Bit: ‘For there is no faithfulness (uprightness) in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness (destruction); their throat is an open sepulchre (tomb); they flatter with their tongue.’ And isn’t that the undeniable truth about the state of our society my fellow believers? It sure is! Now let me share a testimony of our Lord’s delightful faithfulness. When I began writing today, I had no clue what I was going to write about. I had not even opened the Good Book to look for a Bit. I just had the verse of the ‘Old Faithful’ Hymn written on a piece of paper, and contrary to my usual method of writing, where I do a rough copy on paper first, I just began writing on the computer and the words and ideas just flowed, so I continued, until I got to the unenviable lot of humans. Then I began chuckling, asked the Lord to guide me to an appropriate Bit, and opened my Bible. And, lo and behold, according to His great faithfulness, I found one in less than five minutes. Just goes to show Friends, that if we genuinely seek our God, we’ll find Him, and He will answer our prayers, especially where it pertains to His Word. Now let’s turn to some thought provoking scripture to corroborate our contentions. This comes from Bruh Paul’s writing to the Romans. ‘There is none righteous, No, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre (grave); with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.’ (Rom.3″10-18) Oh Friends, doesn’t that describe our world to a T?  It certainly does. Bruh Paul uses his vast knowledge of the scriptures, using various bits and pieces to highlight our insufficiency and sad, degenerate state. Listen to the scholars comment on that passage. ‘Paul quotes scripture to prove universal guilt. Scripture, not Paul, is the judge. See Psalm 5:9; 10:7; 14:1-3; 140:3; Isaiah 59:7-8’ Those are some of the scriptures Bruh Paul uses in that very revealing section of Romans. And rather appropriately, just as we began, we’ll end with a glowing testimony from Isaiah on the Lord’s faithfulness. ‘O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.’  (Is.25:1) And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! So let’s go out now and do as that great prophet just said; praise and exalt the name of the Most High God Jehovah, for it is right and meet so to do. Much LOVE!…only in the faithfulness of our heavenly Father…can man put absolute trust…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit October 28 2012 Deuteronomy 31:6

28 Oct 2012 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 31:6.    Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
 
Oh Friends, a blessed Sunday morning to all you beautiful believers in Christ Jesus! I hope we all gave Him thanks for so kindly allowing us to experience another day on Planet Earth, for that’s His due. I also hope that we’re primed and ready to receive His daily blessings and to walk worthy of Him on this October day, regardless of the weather or our personal circumstances. But despite all the promises, blessings and assurances of our omnipotent God, a major portion of the world’s population is still living in dreadful fear because of the numerous negative problems we face. Tragedy and chaos abound all over; from wars to rumours of wars, oppression and suppression of all types, serious economic trials and setbacks, worldwide religious contention, plus natural, man-made and God-sent disasters, to name a little of the calamity that’s currently driving us to fear, death and destruction. Yes Friends, our world is now being run over and ruled by negative influences which unfortunately creates a lot of fear, tension and anxiety. And sadly, a lot of believers are caught up in that negative cycle. But though we need to be realistic about what’s happening in and around us, we don’t have to be overwhelmed or totally overcome by circumstances in general, or our particular problems, because we have the unbreakable promise of the Most High God Jehovah that He will look after those who accept His sovereignty through belief in His Most Wonderful Son Jesus. From way back when He adopted the children of Israel as His chosen people, He assured them with promises of strength, provision and faithfulness, if they would serve and worship Him with clean hearts and right spirits. Our Bit is one such promise reiterated by Moses to his people, just before his death. ‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’ Oh my brethren, what greater assurance can we ask for eh? But how Moses must have sorrowed in his heart, knowing the people’s penchant for fear and fickleness. And right after our Bit: ‘Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ (Deut.31:7-8) Ah mih people, what encouragement and assurance Moses tried to give young Joshua as he passed the baton of leadership to him. But Joshua must have understood all that because he had been Moses’ second in command and no doubt had seen the great things the Lord had done. However, our God is so kind and considerate that after Moses died, He called Joshua aside and had a heart to heart chat with him, promising: ‘There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance (you shall give as a possession) the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper (have success or act wisely) withersoever thou goest.’ (Josh.1:5-7) Wow! What powerful promises my brethren! But the Lord constantly warns Joshua to be strong and courageous; twice in the last two verses, and again in verse 9: ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ Oh my brethren, since neither our God or His dictates change, that means those powerful words of assurance are also part and parcel of our spiritual heritage, therefore we should also be strong and of a good courage, and not afraid nor dismayed, because our God goes with us wherever we go. So why are we still so fearful these days eh? Granted life is difficult, but if the Creator and Ruler of the universe tells us to have faith and courage in Him, and we’ve seen His faithfulness over the ages, why do we still falter and fear instead of standing strong and courageous as He instructs? Is it because our faith isn’t as strong as it should be and/or we’re just wallowing in self-pity, because it’s so much easier to hold our heads and wail, ‘Woe is me?’ I suspect though, that the real reason why we’re so scared of life and what it entails nowadays, is because we’re not following another of the direct commands that the Lord gave Joshua the day He anointed him leader. ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall constantly be in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou have good success.’ (Josh.1:8) Oh my people, it’s right there in black and white: obey the Lord and you’ll have success wherever you go. But we don’t do that, yet we still expect to be successful. That’s not how God’s universe works my brethren. Now hear some appropriate words on the subject from the scholars. ‘The Lord’s charge to Joshua is repeated from Deut.31:6-7, 23). The divine call is not only for manly courage but for a courageous faith centred in the word of God. (cf. 1 Chr.22:11-13; 28:20; Ps.27:13-14; 31;23-24) As the psalmist would later point out, true success comes from meditating deeply on God’s Word. (cf. Ps.1:2-3; 119:72, 97, 147, 148) Paul likewise encourages all believers to “quit you like men, be strong” (1 Cor.16:13)  Oh Friends, I know that these are particularly rough and tough times, but that’s exactly why we need to get in agreement with God’s Word, so that we can be reassured of His faithful promises in our times of need. So please look up the scriptures noted above that they may help us to avoid the fear that’s so prevalent all over the world right now. Remember that Jesus said, though we’ll have trials and tribulation, we should not be afraid, but instead be of good cheer, because He has already overcome the world. (John 16:33) Well true believers, true followers of Christ, let’s take that advice and put it into action nuh! For then, and only then will be truly walking our faith. Much LOVE!…who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?… (1 John 5:5)
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 October 2012 Proverbs 15:8

07 Oct 2012 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 15:8.     The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
 
Buenos dias mi amigos! That’s Espanol, Spanish for Good Morning Friends! What a way the ole fella is waxing linguistically these days eh! (smile) But please don’t ask me to say much more than good morning or good evening cause the old brain, through lack of use, has forgotten most of the French and Spanish it once knew. Now just a gentle reminder for those who celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday, that it’s very important we get together with other believers and encourage ourselves in our wonderful God with praise, thanksgiving and joyful worship. Remember Christ’s church is ONE body, though made up of many individual parts, and unless those parts work together in harmony, meaning believers working in faithful tandem, the body won’t progress, won’t stay strong and grow, but will regress and eventually fall apart like our human bodies do when we abuse or don’t take good care of them. And we certainly don’t want Christ’s church to fall apart, so, if at all possible, let’s get out today and celebrate the awesomeness of the God we so enthusiastically serve and worship. That brings us to our Bit: ‘The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.’ That’s the living truth my people! The Lord doesn’t want anything to do with the wicked. Hear the scholars comment on it. ‘The best that the wicked can offer God religiously is completely rejected.’ And why not, since they are not sincere in their efforts. What the Lord desires more than anything else is sincerity in our dealing with Him, and for that matter, also with our fellow man. As our Bit rightly declares; ‘but the prayer of the upright is his delight.’ And remember Friends, we can fool ourselves and each other, like the Pharisees, with our outward show of righteousness, but we can’t fool God, who looks at the motives of our hearts and not simply our outward actions. We all know the famous words of Samuel to Saul, when he disobeyed God’s orders to destroy all of the Amalekites and their property, but he saved the king, Agag, and allowed the people to keep spoil to offer blood sacrifice. ‘Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (divination), and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’ (1 Sam.15:22-23) It’s the same relationship we cultivate with our children, where we want them to do as we ask, rather than what they think we want. And the scholars note that: ‘Those verses reinforce the Old Testament viewpoint that religious ritual devoid of spiritual reality and a life of total allegiance to a sovereign LORD is worthless. (cf. Ps.40;6-8; Is.1:10-20; Mic.6:8)’ Absolute truth my people! And since I know many of you won’t look up the scriptures provided, I’ll include some of them here. In Psalm 40, Praise for answered prayer, Bruh David proclaims: ‘Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume (scroll) of the book it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.’ (Ps.40:6-8) And that’s how it should be! Now listen to this excellent example of the ritual worship, when Isaiah calls to the people of Judah to repent. ”Hear the word of the Lord ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offering of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread (trample) my courts? Bring no more vain oblation (futile sacrifices); incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with (endure); it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.’ (Is.1:10-13) The scholars have an excellent commentary on that: ‘The prophet addressed the people of Judah as if they were the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. His criticism of their hypocritical religion should not be taken as a rejection of the divinely ordained sacrificial system. Rather, it is a condemnation of their superficial worship. They were merely going through the ritual of religion with no real heart for God. Vain oblations are worthless offerings. Even the solemn meeting became nothing more than a sinful gathering because of their wrong motives.’ Unfortunately though Friends, a lot of that stuff is also happening today. Too many of us are just talking God, with no serious intent in our hearts, merely going through the outward motions. But that doesn’t sit well with our God at all. If there’s no genuine delight in Him, and a faithful following of His dictates, then all our prayers, sacrifices, etc, will be worthless. And we’ll close with the poignant words of Micah on the subject. ‘Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body (my own child) for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to LOVE mercy (LOVING-kindness), and to walk humbly with thy God?’ (Mic.6:6-8) Nuff said my people! Please, let’s allow wisdom to lead and guide us in the dealings with our God. Much LOVE!…the words and actions of an insincere heart…will never get God’s attention…much less His approval…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 September 2012 Proverbs 12:10

20 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 12:10.     A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Well hello there my wonderful Friends in Christ Jesus! Hope you’re up and about in good health and strong faith. Here’s a piece of a favourite hymn that I read this morning and thought should get us started today. ‘Lord, great is thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All that I needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness unto me,’ Wow! And since that’s gospel truth, all God’s people declared a loud and grateful: ‘Praise the Name of the Lord God Jehovah, for He is indeed faithful to the undeserving children of men!’ Now, without further ado, let’s turn to our Bit because we have plenty to say. (smile) ‘A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.’ We saw yesterday that it basically meant that righteous folk were kind to animals, while the wicked are unfailingly cruel to them. We also saw where the Lord himself instructed Moses to tell the Israelites not to kill any mama birds and young ones or eggs in the nests, but to let the mother go so that she could replenish the earth with her breed. (Deut.22:6-7) True wisdom my people, for that was an integral part of God’s plan for the earth to replenish and refurbish itself. Later on, Moses also commanded the people: ‘Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn (threshes out the grain).’ (Deut.25:4) That obviously means all animals should be treated with a certain amount of kindness and mercy, especially if they are working to produce food and other stuff for us. The scholars rightly claim that Bruh Paul used that verse to demonstrate that a human labourer was also worth his labour. He says in 1 Cor.9: ‘For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen (Is it oxen God is concerned about)? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and he that tresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.’ (1 Cor.9:9-10) And a few verses later he continues his argument for proper rewards for one’s labour: ‘Even so hath the Lord ordained (commanded) that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.’ (1 Cor.9:14) He’s stating there that just like the priests in the Old Testament were remunerated for their priestly duties, likewise the New Testament preachers also have a right to be rewarded for their priestly efforts. And as it pertains to humans also being worthy of their work, that directive also came down from the Lord through Moses, long ago. Leviticus 19, re laws of holiness and justice, boldly proclaims: ‘Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.’ (Lev.19:13) Then in Deuteronomy 24, re oppression of servants, Moses reiterates that dictate: ‘Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: At his day (each day) thou shalt give him his hire (wages), neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it; lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee.’ (Deut.24: 14-15) Jesus also raised the matter in Matthew 10, when he instructs his disciples to preach only to the lost sheep of Israel (only Jews). He tells them: ‘Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses (money-belts), Nor scrip (bag) for your journey, neither two coats (tunics), neither shoes (sandals), nor yet staves (staffs), for the workman is worthy of his meat.’ (Matt.10:9-10) He’s there agreeing with Bruh Paul that a preacher deserves to be well looked after, so they were to rely on the gifts and hospitality of those to whom they preached. Then in Luke 10, where Jesus sends out the seventy disciples to save souls from the plentiful harvest, He instructs them: ‘And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire (wages). Go not from house to house.’ (Luke 10:7) That means Jesus recognized the principle that honest work ought to be paid for honestly, either in cash or in kind. But unfortunately Friends, today that ethic has been thrown by the wayside, because employers now try their very best to pay their employees as little as possible, and many withhold employees wages much longer than necessary. Even the governments are encouraging that travesty by having laws that have no teeth, that grant no real justice to the hard done by employee, thus allowing the employer to take advantage of the poor workers. We see that here in Ontario a lot with seasonal farm workers who come from other countries to harvest crops, and with foreign nannies who have contracts with families. In sickness and accidents, the farm workers are often just sent back home with no real provision for their health, and if they complain too much about their lot, they are usually just fired. The nannies are usually made to work many more hours than stipulated in their contracts, without overtime pay, and sometimes in very poor living conditions. And don’t talk about the illegal immigrants, especially those who can’t speak much English. The employers take terrible advantage of them, and when they complain and ask for their hard earned wages, they are effectively blackmailed with threats to report them to the Immigration authorities. And taking your case to the courts or tribunals set up to handle these matters is usually too expensive in both time and money for the already disadvantaged worker. So many just shut up and bear their burdens quietly. And the sad part is that the ones who engage in these illicit, inhumane practices are usually the ones who can afford to pay a decent wage. No wonder why man’s inhumanity to man makes millions mourn! The governments know that these injustices are being perpetrated, but they don’t truly care, because many of the guilty are their friends, families and associates. But Friends, one thing is sure; the purveyors of wickedness will eventually get their comeuppance! If not in this life, then for certain in the next. God has promised it, and we know He’s faithful. And we’ll close with a verse from Bruh Paul to Timothy, where, as he’s wont to do, he puts Old and New Testament scripture together to make his point. ‘For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward (wages).’ (1 Tim.5:18) There he successfully quotes both Moses and Jesus. Please Friends, let’s not lose hope in this evil and ungodly world. Remember that we’re the light of the world and the salt of the earth, and if we persevere to the end, we’ll be well rewarded. Much LOVE!…cruelty to any of God’s creations…man or beast…will eventually bring forth justice…from our righteous God…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 September 2012 Psalm 90:12

15 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 90:12.       So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s starting late this forecasted cool and cloudy Saturday morning, plus he’s tired, although I got lots of rest, and I don’t have a clue about what I’m going to write. (smile) How is that for a start eh? But our God is a good and merciful Deity and has promised not to give us tasks to perform in His Name without the necessary tools to perform them. And I’ve had personal experience in this area for the last how many years, therefore I’m not worried about my lack of info, late start or tiredness. Remember that Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit will tell us what to say when the time is right, be it in persecution or writing on His behalf. (Matt.10:19-20) So right now I’m depending on those promises, (smile) because I know that our God is faithful and won’t let me down in my time of need. Oh Friends, when is the nonsense going to end eh? When full scale war breaks out? I’m talking about the latest acts of violence against American life and property in the Muslim countries because of a reputedly derogatory video against the prophet Mohammed. Now who in their right senses would produce such a video and upload it to You Tube knowing the reverence lavished on that spiritual leader by his followers, and the fanaticism with which his name is protected, especially at a very sensitive time like this? The fellow in the middle of the production apparently said he wanted to stir up the pot. Well he certainly has! And if the reports are true that he’s a Coptic Christian, can you imagine the problems it will cause those poor folks who are already so badly treated and persecuted in the Muslim countries. Ah Lord eh! Some of us definitely need our heads examined yes, for the last thing we need is a religious backlash and upheaval in these already turbulent times. No wonder in his only Psalm, and therefore the first in the Psalter, Moses pleaded with God in our Bit: ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (gain a heart of wisdom).’ That video certainly wasn’t an act of wisdom. However he knows that his days are truly numbered now, and has taken to hiding. But as the old people say, you can run, but you can’t hide, and one day they’ll catch up to him and he’ll pay the price for his folly. What makes matter all the worse is that it was done on the anniversary of the bombing of the World Trade Centre. Don’t you think that gave more ammunition to the already highly motivated fanatics to remember and celebrate with more murderous behaviour? Now why is it that we need to know the number of our days before we can seek wisdom eh? That should be a priority from the very start! But I guess mankind likes to push the envelope right to the limit, then try to smarten up just before we reach the end of our leashes. But that ought not to be so my people. I guess the Lord doesn’t let us know our life span, because too many of us would live evil, ungodly lives, then at the last minute repent and plead for mercy. In Psalm 39, A prayer for self-understanding, Bruh David asks the same basic question, but in a slightly different manner. ‘Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity (vapour).’ (Ps.39:4-5) But Friends, we don’t need to know how frail we are, just to know that we are indeed frail ‘…like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.’ (Ps.90:5-6) And like Moses lamented over his people Israel so long ago: ‘For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end.’ (Deut.32:28-29) Moses could be talking about our society today, for this current version is so mired in evil and ungodliness that they don’t know whether they are coming or going. Sadly, many of those involved in all the lustful, idol worship and worldly activities that are now so prevalent, don’t have a clue as to what they really are involved in, and what their end will be like if they keep on living that worldly life. That’s because they have no real knowledge of their Creator, or believe the evolution theory, and thus think that they can get away with murder. But Friends, we believers know how wrong they are, and it’s our job to try and wake them up to the reality of the situation. Remember Jesus said that there’d be great joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, more than over ninety nine righteous ones, who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7) And James tells us that for every sinner we bring to repentance, we shall save a soul from death and also hide plenty sins. (James 5:20) So my brethren, please let’s not worry about the number of our earthly days, but instead behave as though today is the last one, and go out into this evil, ungodly world and behave appropriately; that is winning souls for Jesus, with the wisdom we have already received through the power of His Holy Spirit. That’s truly wisdom at its highest! Much LOVE!…Christians ought to revere Jesus as highly as other faiths revere their leaders…    P.S. Yuh see, Friends, the Lord was indeed faithful to me. The Bit’s not too late, and it does make some sense. (smile) Much LOVE!

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 July 2012 Proverbs 10:30

08 Jul 2012 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 10:30.    The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked will not inhabit the earth.

Oh Friends, it surely must have been days like these, hot and muggy, that encouraged John Sebastian of Loving Spoonful fame, to write these simple but provocative words, some forty odd years ago. ‘Hot town, summer in the city, Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty. Cool cat, looking for a kitty. Going to look in every corner of the city,’ And it doesn’t seem as though there’s going to be much let up all this coming week. The temps will remain in the high twenties, with no apparent rain in the offing either. Some people claim to have had some decent showers yesterday morning, but in my neck of the woods all we had were darkened skies, some thunder and a sprinkling of heavenly blessing that lasted less than five minutes, then the sunshine reigned supreme for the rest of the day. But just remember Friends, regardless of our personal situations, the Mighty, Omnipotent One who created all that there is, is our God, and like the sun, He’s still reigning on His heavenly throne, therefore in light of all the generous promises He’s given us, we have nothing to fear, if we walk in humble obedience to His law. Now that’s a good Bruh Paulian sentence; long and complex. (smile) And our Bit confirms what’s stated in that sentence. ‘The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked will not inhabit the earth (land).’ That’s just one more thing, another of God’s promises we can stand strong on Friends, that we can put our trust in, surrender our freedom of choice to. If Jesus, who knew the Father intimately, could trust Him to come to earth as a man, and suffer as men do, to sacrifice His holy, sinless life for unworthy sinners, then be lifted back up to Him in glory, who are we, mere sinful mortals, to question the Almighty eh? Today we’ll continue looking at some of those curses and blessings that are found throughout the Good Book, especially the Old Testament. And first up are words from Malachi, when the Lord rebuked Israel’s unfaithfulness for the umpteenth time: ‘And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay (take) it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will corrupt your seed (rebuke your descendants), and spread dung (refuse) upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it…For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law (shown partiality).’ (Mal.2:1-3, 7-9) That one is for priests in particular Friends! And aren’t there lots of them around today who fit that description? For sure! However people, not everyone that suffers affliction has necessarily fallen under a curse of God, but everyone who continually disobeys God’s law, will pay a hefty price. A good example of that is Job. There the Lord allowed Lucifer to run roughshod over Job, not because he was unrighteous, but to prove his righteousness. His Friend Bildad, though wrong about Job’s unrighteousness, did have some truthful words to say: ‘If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake (arise) for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.’ (Job 8:6-7) So my brethren, it’s quite possible to be fairly righteous here on earth, and yet suffer serious affliction. But there’s always a greater good, a higher reason of God than we can understand for any misfortune that befalls us, because He’s faithfully promised to work everything out for our good. And we all know that after Job humbled himself and prayed for his friends who wrongly accused him, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he previously had, so faithfully fulfilling Bildad’s words above. Therefore my people, it is definitely in our best interest to obediently serve and worship the Creator and Controller of the universe. And we’ll end with some scriptures where Moses clearly spells it all out to the Israelites. ‘Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which he have not known.’ (Deut.11:26-28) And I particularly like this verse: ‘I call heaven and earth to record (as witnesses) this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.’ (Deut.30:19) Oh Friends, please let’s take Moses’ words to heart and do them nuh, so that our families may enjoy God’s eternal blessings. It’s an act of eternal wisdom. Much LOVE!…cast not away therefore your confidence…which hath great recompense of reward…for ye have need of patience (endurance)…that, after ye have done the will of God…ye might receive the promise…  (Heb.10:35-36)
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2012 Proverbs 10:30

07 Jul 2012 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 10:30.    The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
 
Oh Friends, yesterday was indeed a hot one! Even the wind was hot! Thankfully to day won’t be as hot – at least that’s what the forecasters say, but you can’t trust them too much with their rather inexact science. A couple of days ago, they were predicting storms in my area, Hn! Up to now we haven’t seen a drop of heavenly blessing! The grass is not as dry as before though, because the Duchess has been blessing it with plenty earthly water. Just hope I can pay the water bill when it comes. (smile) Anyway Friends, all over North America the heat’s been abnormally rampant, one commentator even links it to global warming, but we need more evidence to justify that. However, whatever the cause, it’s hot, so please take care to put on sun screen if you’re going outside for any length of time, drink lots of cold fluids to keep hydrated, and try to stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned areas. And remember, as believers in Christ, we have to look on the positive side of the ledger; the glass being half-full rather than half empty, of which our Bit quite rightly informs us. ‘The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.’ Ah mih people, wise words from Cousin Sol! It’s also a very important premise, as well as fact, under the rule of Almighty God, and it’s clearly stated several times and several ways in His Word. Let’s look at a few of them. In Psalm 37, the true state of the wicked, Bruh David says it this way: ‘For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (land); and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off (destroyed).’ (Ps.37:22) Meanwhile, in an earlier chapter of Proverbs, Cousin Sol states it thus: ‘The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation (dwelling) of the just.’ (Prov.3:33) Yes Friends, the Most High looks down on those who sincerely try to walk in obedience to His Word with much favour. Not so the wicked and disobedient though. Listen to what he told the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land, re the penalties for disobedience. ‘But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments…I will also do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption (a wasting disease), and the burning ague (fever), that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart; and ye shall sow your seed in vain (without profit), for your enemies shall eat it.’ (Lev.26:14,16) And that’s the good part! Oh my people, please make it a point to read Leviticus 26, if you don’t know it, and see the difference between the blessings of obedience and the penalties for disobedience. The latter takes up almost two pages, while the former does less than one page. That just goes to show Friends, how serious our God is about obedience to His Word. Now hear this from Zechariah, re the curse of the flying roll: ‘Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off (purged out, expelled) as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth (swears falsely) shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it (the curse) forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.’ (Zech. 5:3-4) The Lord’s serious about His curses and blessings Friends. As you can see there’s even a special one for thieves and blasphemers. But remembering that the glass is half full rather than half empty, let’s end on a positive note, the blessings of the righteous. In the very first Psalm, the psalmist profoundly proclaims: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (mockers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate (ponder, contemplate) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps.1:1-3) Wow! As I keep saying, what a wonderful and gracious God we serve and worship! Yes my people, that is the Lord’s desire, His promise to those who are faithful and obedient to His Word. Please, I implore us, let’s ensure that we’re numbered amongst the righteous nuh, so that we will be eternally blessed as the Lord has promised. That’s the only earthly avenue that projects true wisdom. Much LOVE!…let us hold fast the profession of our faith…without wavering…for He is faithful that promised… (Heb.10:23)  P.S. No complaints about length today though Friends, cause it’s short and sweet! (smile) Much LOVE!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 March 2012 Numbers 23:1

23 Mar 2012 Leave a comment

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

Numbers 23:19.    God is not man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make good?

Oh Friends, it’s that wonderful day again, Friday! And a loud shout rises from the workforce: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes!’ Yes mih people, the weekend is upon us, bringing a brief respite from our labours. But since it’s so short, we need to use it wisely. And to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday Chant, as one grateful body now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And now that we’ve set the proper perspective for the weekend, let’s turn to our very profound and encouraging Bit: ‘God is not man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?’ Oh my people, words of gospel truth from the living God we worship! Yesterday we looked at several scriptures that dealt with the first half of our Bit: ‘God is not man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:’ Today I have one more to share on that subject. It comes from James in his discourse on faith and humility. He wisely and sincerely tells us: ‘Do not err (be deceived), my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning.’ (James:16-17) Now here’s a word from the scholars on that; ‘Since all changes are either for the better or for the worse, God is unchanging because He is perfect and cannot get better nor become worse. The Scriptures describe God’s nature, will, and character as immutable or unchanging. Illustration: To be immutable, however, does not mean to be immobile. God also has the qualities of personality and can act, think, create, and make decisions. Application: God is unchanging, therefore, Christians can depend on His LOVE and power, because God has not changed since biblical times.’ And all God’s people made a joyful noise to God for His wonderful attributes and His unchanging nature! Now let’s turn to the second part of our Bit: ‘hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?’ Oh yes my brethren, all that our great God says, He’ll definitely do and make good, no doubt about it! Listen to Him admonish Moses when the Israelites cried out for meat, which the Lord promised, but Moses doubted His ability to provide. ‘And the Lord said unto Moses, Is the Lord’s hand waxed short (Is the Lord’s power limited)? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.’ (Num.11:23) Later on, quail rained down like water around the Israelite camp. Oh Friends, that shows that even a man of great faith like Moses, who had seen so many miracles, was still only a man, thus limited by finite faith and intelligence. Then there’s Cousin Sol, who at the end of his great prayer: ‘And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest (peace) unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.’ (1 Kin.8:55-56) And we’ll end with an everlasting declaration of truth and faithfulness, after the Lord successfully moved the Israelites into the Promised Land: ‘And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the Lord gave them rest (peace) round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before (against) them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not aught (Not a word failed) of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of  Israel; all came to pass.’ (Josh.21:43-45) Oh Friends, there’s no more to say! We’ve heard it all! Our God is truthful, faithful and all powerful! Whatever He says or promises will come to pass, both negative and positive stuff! So if we’re wise, we’ll follow the One who truly LOVES and cares for us, the Lord God Jehovah. He’s already shown that great and wonderful unconditional LOVE by offering His Son Jesus as a one-time sacrifice for all our sins, then from His eternal store of grace, offers us free salvation and eternal life by just believing on Jesus. Wow! What an awesome and magnanimous God we serve my people! Please, don’t ever doubt or forget it! Much LOVE!…there are no suitable words in man’s limited vocabulary to truly describe our amazing God…  

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