08 Dec 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a castaway, a compassionate heart, a positive outlook, a ruler, a Saviour, a strong race, amorous advances, athletic event, baggage, beats the air, Beelzebub, Black Friday, broken, but one receives the prize, Christ the Lord, Christmas, commercialism, competes, confusion of shopping, Corinth, Corinthians, courage, creativity, crown of righteousness, curse, Cyber Friday, discipline my body, disgrace, disqualified, divine protection, earthly sojourn, enthusiastic, excited, faith, faithful, family, favour, fighting the good fight, finished the race, fought a good fight, friends, get with the right programme, gifts, Greece, health, heaven, imperisahable, in the city of David, in the name of Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jesus' greeting, joy, kept the faith, know ye not, mastery, material things, may obtain, minds souls and bodies, negative word, over many things, perishable, perishable crown, practice what you preach, preached to others, presents, promotion, prosper, pushing, resonating, run, run in a race, running, running the race, rushing, secular world, self-control, self-discipline, selfish, shame, shopping days, strives, subjection, succeed, success, supernatural strength, temperate, the birth of Jesus Christ, the first coming of Christ, the Isthmian Games, the joy of the Lord, the pearly gates, the real gift of Christmas, the reason for the season, the righteous crown, thou good and faithful servant, Thursday's Blessings, unto you is born, well done, wisdom
2 Timothy 4:7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith.
And then it was Thursday…Wow! Only 16 more shopping day to Christmas!
Steups! Notice the language, the commercialism? That is how we count down the days to Christmas – in shopping days, not in days till the birth of Jesus Christ – the real reason for the season.
Ah Lord eh! After all the rigmarole of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we are still talking in terms of shopping! How much shopping can we do eh, especially when so many people are not working?
But that seems to be the overwhelming feature of our lives in these modern times. It’s all about gifts and presents and food and what not, all the material things!
There is precious little talk, if any at all, of Jesus being born, of Him being the real gift of Christmas, the most wonderful present ever from our heavenly Father. And then when things get rotten, or go sour, we wonder why. No wonder our world is in such a sorry mess.
Anyway friends, please, let’s not be found carrying that baggage of the secular and commercial world; let’s concentrate on the first coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when the angels rocked heaven and earth with their great pronouncement; ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:11)
Now that’s what we should be getting all excited and enthusiastic about! Not the rushing and pushing and confusion of unnecessary shopping.
So, having said all that, which might not make any difference to anybody, (smile) let’s turn to our Bit, the immortal words of Bruh Paul to Timothy. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith.’
Now that again is something that should be resonating in our minds, souls and bodies, rather than the shopping days till Christmas. What’s going to happen, how are we going to feel when the days of lives are coming to an end eh?
Will we be satisfied with what we’ve done down here? Will we be able to utter words similar to Bruh Paul’s? It’s ever so important that we can my brethren. Otherwise we would have wasted our earthly sojourn on things of the world, and stand the chance of losing the righteous crown that’s been set aside for us in heaven.
We stand the chance of losing Jesus’ greeting at the pearly gates of: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord.’ (Matt.25:21)
No Friends, we don’t want to be missing that wonderful greeting at all! So please, let’s smarten up and get with the right programme nuh; that of Jesus and not Beelzebub!
Now Bruh Paul thought that running a strong race was so important that he also spoke of it to the Corinthians. Listen up: ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’ (1 Cor.9:23)
And the scholars offer this explanation: ‘9:24. Paul draws on a scene familiar to his Corinthian readers in order to drive home his point. The Isthmian Games were an athletic event known to all his readers.
They were held on alternate summers in the vicinity of Corinth. It was an event not to be missed by anyone of importance in all parts of Greece. As a national institution, it was familiar to his readers as modern football to most Americans.’
So that shows the Corinthians knew what Bruh Paul was talking about. But he doesn’t stop there, He continues forcefully: ‘And every man that striveth for mastery (competes for the prize), is temperate in all things (has self-control).
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible (perishable) crown: but we an incorruptible (imperishable). I therefore so run, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under (discipline) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (disqualified).’ (1 Cor.9:25-27)
Yes my faithful believers, to run a good race and fight a good fight for Christ, we must have plenty self-control and self-discipline, for that’s the only way we can reject the amorous advances of the world.
And even worse, what a shame and disgrace it would be, after we have preached to others about running the race and fighting the good fight, that we ourselves would be disqualified! Now I definitely would not like that, so I try, with God’s help obviously, to practice what I preach. (smile)
Anyhow, here’s the best part of today’s Bit nuh; we going home with the anointing of our Thursday Blessings. But remember, a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been spoken over someone. So in full voice and strong faith, let’s bless ourselves my people.
‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Now my faithful believers in Christ, let’s go out strong and secure in those blessings and not be selfish, but remember to bless others too. Much LOVE!
…oh what a joy it will be…to win that crown of righteousness…
01 Dec 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 2017, a compassionate heart, a majority, adventurous, affirmation, be perfect, beloved, blessings, broken, Christians, Christmas, clear direction, closer relationship with Jesus, comfort, conquering power, count it all joy, courage, creativity, curse, divers temptations, divine protection, drinking milk, eating solid food, evil world, faith, faithful promises, family, favour, fear not, fiery trial, friends, fulfillment, God and us, God has bruised, God play a more significant role, greater is he that's in you, grow in our faith, guidance, he that is in the world, health, I am the Lord thy God, I have redeemed thee, I will be with thee, in the likeness of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, interesting, Isaiah, journey, joy, lacking nothing, leading, LOVE, mature, more than conquerors, negative word, New Year, no condemnation, nothing to fear, omnipotent god, open arms, pass through the waters, passion, personal relationship with God, prince of darkness, produces patience, promotion, prosper, ransom, rejoice with Christ, rough and rocky, rules, self-control, self-discipline, sinless Son, some strange thing happened to you., spiritual growth, strength, strong belief, succeed, success, suffer with Christ, talent abundance, the cross of Calvary, the flame scorch thee, the Holy One of Israel, the Holy Spirit, think it not strange, thou art mine, thou shall not be burned, through him that loved us, Thursday Blessings, thy Saviour, to mold, to test us, to try you, trials, trying of your faith, various trials, victory, walk through the fire, wisdom, working for the Lord
1 Peter 4:12. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
Oh friends, can you believe that it’s already the beginning of December? Wow! This year of 2016 has passed rather quickly, and before you know it, we’ll be into Christmas and then the New Year of 2017.
Wonder what that will hold for us eh? Hopefully it will be better than this one, more blessings and less trials and tribulations. But what we need to ask ourselves right now, is did we grow and mature in our faith this year?
Did we have a closer relationship with Jesus? Did God play a larger, a more significant role in our lives? Are we closer to where we’re supposed to be, and further away from where we started? Have we matured to the point where we are eating solid food and not drinking milk still?
I do hope the answer to all those questions are in the affirmative, otherwise we have wasted precious time, lost our way in the most important aspect of our lives; our personal relationship to Almighty God.
But the good news is that it’s not too late to begin, we can begin right now! Our God ALWAYS receives those who sincerely come to Him with open arms. There is no condemnation, just lots of LOVE and affirmation.
So if you haven’t done as well as you should have this year, then simply turn to Him right this moment and ask for His help. He will not refuse it. But be forewarned, the journey with Jesus will not always be smooth, but oftimes rough and rocky, just like Jesus’ earthly life was.
However, with all of His faithful promises and the guidance, leading and comfort of His Holy Spirit we will be able to overcome anything that comes against us. Remember we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us. (Rom.8:37)
So we have conquering power over what’s in the world, ‘because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4) Yes friends, our Lord and Saviour is greater than the prince of darkness who rules this evil world!
That means we have nothing to fear in our earthly pilgrimage, for God and us, are a majority against any foe.
This brings us to our Bit, which can be very discouraging to some. ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.’
Yeh mih people, we should not be afraid when trials come upon us because God uses these trials to test us, to mold and grow us in the likeness of His wonderful, sinless Son Jesus Christ.
None of us likes these trials, especially when they suddenly spring up against us, but as I keep on saying, with God’s help we can over come any and everything. Listen to this awesome promise of our omnipotent God from Isaiah.
‘Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon (scorch) thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.’ (Is.43:1-3)
What an awesome promise my brethren! And the Lord kept it by redeeming us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. So what’s there to fear eh? NOTHING, once we are in league with Jesus!
Now, remember yesterday, we saw after our Bit, Peter talking about rejoicing in trials and tribulations, because if we suffered with Christ, we will eventually rejoice with Him. Hear now James’ take on the subject.
‘My brethren, count it all joy, when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials). Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh (produces) patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing. (James 1:2-4)
And the scholars give us this info: ‘1:2-3 …These “negative” experiences are to be accepted with great joy, not for the sake of the trial itself but because of the positive work God can accomplish through the testing….
It is not merely one’s presence in such trials but one’s victory over them that brings spiritual growth and maturity. Those Christians whom God can use the most are those whom God has bruised the most.’
Ah friends, that says it all; unless we are bruised, victoriously come through fiery trials, we are of no use to God. Anyway, let’s end on a brighter note; instead of trials, let’s end with blessings. Remember, a blessing is not a blessing, until it’s been spoken over someone.
So, as one strong voice, let’s declare our Thursday Blessings with sincere passion and strong belief. ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life!
I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus!
I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
And don’t forget to also bless those around us, our friends and families, for they need blessings too. Much LOVE!
…working for the Lord is not easy…but it’s surely interesting and adventurous…
24 Nov 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a positive outlook, a strong will, a time of opposition, abundance, ascend up into heaven, blessed, bounden duty, broken, can't hide from God, celebrations, Christians, clear direction for my life, courage, cover me, creativity, curse, darkness, divine protection, divisive tension, dr robert h schuller, Drunk or sober mind yuh business, evil cohorts, faith, family, family gatherings, favour, flee from thy presence, friends, fulfillment, go from thy spirit, God's character, God's will, good health, Granny's advice, Happy Birthday, Happy Thanksgiving U. S of A, heaven, human experience, in Jesus' name, known me, light about me, Lucifer, make my bed in hell, negative word, night shineth as the day, O Lord, on Christ's behalf, openings, partying, passion, penchant for theatre, pray for healing, promotion, prosper, psalm 139, recent elections, Scrip-Bit family, self-control, self-discipline, serious prowl, succeed, success, supernatural strength, supernatural wisdom, take the wings of the morning, talent, thanksgiving, the Crystal Cathedral, the night, thou hast searched me, three score and ten, Thursday Blessings, thy hand lead me, thy right hand hold me, transgress, travelling, truths, turmoil, uttermost parts of the sea, work diligently
Psalm 139:1. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING U.S. OF A !
Well a Happy Thanksgiving to our friends and neighbours in the U.S. of A! I do hope that a lot of true thanks will be given today and thus de-escalate some of the divisive tension that’s been caused by the recent elections.
It’s definitely not an easy situation to deal with, but unless it’s dealt with, and wisely too, more turmoil will ensue. It’s the biggest holiday in the U.S. with lots of travelling and family gatherings taking place all over the country.
Let’s hope that all the celebrations, both familial and national will go off smoothly, because there is still a lot to be thankful for in the U.S. and as they go, most of the world goes. So let’s pray that the nation will be healed somewhat by the thanksgiving celebrations.
And for you Scrip-Bit family members down there, please remember Granny’s advice: ‘Drunk or sober, mind yuh business.’ (smile)
Plenty partying will be going on this weekend, so please be careful not to give Lucifer and his evil cohorts any openings in your souls and spirits, because you know that they are on the serious prowl on occasions like these.
And yuh know what friends, the ole fella has a special reason to give thanks today too; it’s his birthday. ‘Happy Birthday Ole Fella!’ (smile) I haven’t reached my allotted three score and ten as yet, but I am drawing close.
And I will try not to let Beelzebub and his buddies get into my soul either, although the celebrations will be minimal, just a small family gathering.
Now let’s declare our Thursday Blessings over our lives, for remember, a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been declared. In unison now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!
I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Oh friends, with all those wonderful blessings spoken over our lives, how can we ever lose eh? No way Jose!
That brings us to our Bit: ‘O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.’ Yes my people, it’s the same as yesterday, because there’s much to discover and talk about in this Psalm 139.
And we’ll share this enthusiastic opinion of the scholars. ‘Psalm 139. Certainly one of the grandest psalms in all of the Psalter, it is also one of the richest theologically. It combines an exposition of the greatness of God’s character with the reality of human experience.
From verses 19-22 we find that David wrote the psalm during a time of opposition. It therefore contains truths that were meaningful to him during these troublesome times. They may be summarized under four key thoughts as David addresses the Lord: You know me (vs.1-6), You are with me (vs. 7-12), You created me (vs.13-16), and Your cause is my cause (vs.19-24).’
Yes my fellow believers, our great and wonderful God plays all those roles in our lives! And today I want to touch on the aspect of His being with us. So let’s read Bruh David’s words on that subject.
‘Whither shall (can) I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall (can) I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell (Sheol), behold thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover (fall on me): even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee (is not dark to thee); but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.’ (Ps.139:7-12)
Oh what great and true statements my brethren! Our God is always around us, we can’t hide from Him anywhere at all! It’s His world, His creation, and He knows all the nooks and crannies in which to look for and find us.
Now over the last few years, those words of verses 7-12 have taken on a special significance to me. Every time I read or hear them, I remember Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) pontificating them (smile) from the pulpit of the Crystal Cathedral some years ago.
The way he acted them out, you know his penchant for theatre, just made a huge impact on me. It was the first time that I really paid any attention to the Psalm, now it’s one of my favourites.
And we’ll end today with similar words of Bruh David from Psalm 17 – A prayer for protection against oppressors. ‘Thou hast proved (tested) mine heart; thou hast visited me (searched me out) in the night; thou hast tried (examined) me, and shalt find nothing (nothing evil): I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.’ (Ps.17:3)
Yes precious people of God, those are words of faith and truth that each of us must be able to come to God and confidently declare, if we are to be true sons and daughters of His.
Now let’s go out, buoyed by all that we’ve heard and said, and have an excellent day, blessed and protected as we work diligently on Christ’s behalf, for that’s our bounden duty! Much LOVE!
…passion…the Christian needs lots of passion to sincerely do God’s will…
18 Nov 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a food man, a right heart, Abraham Isaac and Jacob, adventure, afraid, all weekend, among the heathen, another week of work, at the forefront of our lives, blessed be my Rock, bombarding heaven, confidence, dealt bountifully, deliverance, diligently, discretion, drinking, enjoyment, esteem, evil tidings, exalted, fallacy, favour, fellowship, fete, frail minds and bodies, Friday chant, friends, from dusk to dawn, fun, furthering your glorious kingdom, generous help, Gentiles, give thanks, given to the poor, gnash with his teeth, God avenges me, guide his affairs, honour, horn, I am helped, I will praise him, in Jesus' name, jamming, licentious, LOVE, loving kindness, melt away, mercy, move mountains, my heart rejoices, my heart trusted in him, my shield, my song, negative circumstances, pleasure seeking attitude, prayers, refreshed, rejoice in thy salvation, relaxation, remembrance, renewed, rewards, righteousness, salvation, seek the Lord first, spiritual strength, strain, stress, testify, tests, TGIF! Thank God is Friday, thanksgiving, the desire of the wicked, The Lord is my strength, the Lord liveth, the one and only true living God, the righteous, the weekend, trials, trust, trusting in the Lord, ungodly ways, who vex loss, wine women and song, with God's help
Psalm 28:7. 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.
And then it was Friday… And mama yo, I couldn’t stand the noise in mih ears, the raucous singing of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! We going to be jamming all weekend! Is fete and more fete! We drinking…drinking from dusk till dawn! We doh care who vex… For as they say, who vex loss. Thank God is Friday yes! Thank God for the weekend oui!’
Oh friends, sadly, that is the pleasure seeking attitude of a large portion of our society towards the weekend.
Ah Lord eh! They think it’s okay to waste it in wine, women and song, but that’s a serious fallacy. The weekend is for some enjoyment yes, but not totally. But try as we can, we can’t get that segment of our population to give up their licentious and ungodly ways on the weekend.
Anyhow, we have a different song we sing; our Friday Chant, which shows a better and godlier way to use the weekend. Let’s chant it in all sincerity now nuh. In unison: ‘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.’
Yes my people, that is indeed the better way to celebrate the weekend! We need to refresh ourselves for another week of work, not continue to stress and strain our already frail minds and bodies.
But we can only do those kinds of things when we have a sincere faith and trust in the ONE and ONLY TRUE and LIVING God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Where we can confidently say like Bruh David does in our Bit: ‘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.’
Oh my people, my people, when that kind of confidence dwells in us, then our spiritual strength is so strong, that we can certainly move mountains with the Lord’s help!
Look at the amount of negative circumstances Bruh David overcame, not because he was a saint, but because he held God in the greatest esteem possible and always communicated with Him, regardless of the circumstances.
That’s how we need to live in these uncertain and confusing times my brethren! Without God at the forefront of our lives, we stand little chance of getting through this life successfully.
But enough of me, (smile) let’s get to some scripture which emphasizes what we’re talking about; trust and confidence in Almighty God. Listen to Bruh David from Psalm 13 – How long, O Lord, how long?
‘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)
Oh friends, I can certainly testify to that, because the Lord has indeed dealt bountifully with me. Glory to God! It doesn’t mean you have an easy life – in fact it’s often more difficult as the Lord tests you, but the rewards, the adventure and pleasure involved, are certainly worth the trials He might put you through.
Now hear Bruh David again, this time from Psalm 112 – Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord. ‘A good man showeth favour (is gracious), and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
Surely he shall not be moved (shaken) for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed (steadfast), trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
He hath dispersed (distributed abroad), he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever, his horn (strength) shall be exalted with honour. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.’ (Ps.112:5-10)
That is what happens my brethren when we seek the Lord first in everything that we do. Now let’s end with some more confident words from Bruh David from Psalm 18 – Thanksgiving for deliverance.
‘The Lord liveth; and blessed be my Rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen (Gentiles), and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed (descendants) for evermore.’ (Ps.18:46-50)
Ah friends, I do hope that all that positive scripture raised our confidence level and trust in Almighty God this Friday morning, and will allow us to rise to any occasion that comes our way, for that’s its purpose. Much LOVE!
…the Lord God works diligently on our behalf…when we diligently seek Him with a right heart…
P.S. Let’s remember to keep on praying for Scotty, our Scrip-Bit family member who is currently in the hospital. I hear he’s doing a li’l better. So please, let’s keep bombarding heaven with our prayers for him. Much LOVE!
17 Nov 2016
by randyobrien50
in Inspirational Living
Tags: a bow of steel, a compassionate heart, a follower of Jesus Christ, a positive outlook, a rewarder, a rock, abundance, according to your faith, almighty god, another day of life, astray, being one with Jesus, believe that he is, blessings, broken, buckler, care, clear direction, compassion, confidence, confidently, courage, creativity, curse, divine protection, earthly work, faith, favour, foolish, foundation, friends, fulfillment, gentleness, glory to God, God's way is perfect, great family, health, held me up, high places, hinds feet, I am helped, I will praise him, impossible to please God, in the name of Jesus, joyfully, lead, living water, LOVE, loves, loving kindness, mercies, ministry, miracles, my heart rejoices, my heart trusts him, my shield, my song, My Utmost for His Highest, negative word, Oswald Chambers, our will, passion, promotion, prosper, proven, right perspective, salvation, self-control, self-discipline, sheep., shield, shield of thy salvation, spirits lifted, strong will, succeed, success, supernatural strength, supernatural wisdom, talent, thanksgiving, the Good Book, The Lord is my strength, the One who is leading, the word of the Lord, this is the day the Lord has made, those who diligently seek him, Thursday Blessings, thy right hand, tried, trust, trying times, unfaithful, wandering, we will rejoice and be glad in it, wisdom
Psalm 28:7. 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.
Yeah mih people, another bright and sunshiny day seems to be upon us! Glory to God!
In His wisdom and LOVING-kindness, He has granted us another day of life, plus has abundantly showered us with new mercies and new blessings especially prepared for today. Wow! How wonderful is His compassion and care for us!
Thus we can joyfully and confidently declare: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it!’ And we’d be rather foolish and unfaithful not to enjoy it to its fullest.
Now here is a quote attributed to Oswald Chambers, (1874-1917) the famous Scottish Baptist and Holiness Movement evangelist and teacher of the early 20th century. This comes from his classic of devotional literature ‘My Utmost for His Highest.’
It concerns faith, and says: ‘Faith never knows where it is being led, but it LOVES and knows the One who is leading.’
And is that ever true! For when we become a follower of Jesus Christ, we place our entire will in His hands and allow Him to lead us wherever He wishes. We don’t know exactly where He will lead us, but we do know that he will not lead us astray, and will work it all out eventually for our good, because of our great trust and faith in Him.
He died to save us, so why would He do us harm eh? Yeh friends, following Jesus is the best thing we can do in this mish-mash world!
That’s why Bruh David could have so confidently declared in our Bit: ‘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.’
That’s the kind of strong confidence we believers need to embrace in these trying times my brethren. Without it, we’d just be lost, like hungry and tired sheep wandering in the wilderness.
However, with the living water of Christ energizing us, we are able to do a whole lot more than we can ever believe or imagine. That’s the beauty of being one with Jesus; our spirits are lifted up, and we become strong and active in ministry to the glory of His holy name. What a purposeful life we live then!
Now let’s hear some scripture that places all of that in the right perspective for us. And it comes from no other than Bruh David, (smile) from His foundational Psalm 118 – Thanksgiving for deliverance.
‘As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried (proven): he is a buckler (shield) to all those that trust him. For who is God save (except) the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds feet (the feet of the deer), and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms (a bow of bronze can be bent).
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden (held) me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.’ (Ps.18:30-35)
Oh friends, what confident faith! Bruh David didn’t know where the Lord was leading him, but he knew that if he hung tight with Him, his life would be successful. He learned that an early age while keeping his father’s sheep in the wilds.
The same applies to us today, my fellow believers. The more trust and faith we have in Almighty God, the greater things we’ll see and achieve! For as the Good Book tells us: ‘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)
Ah mih breddren, if we don’t have faith, we can’t come to God for great wonders. What did Jesus say to the two blind men before He healed them? ‘According to your faith be it unto you.’ (Matt.9:29) Likewise my brethren, according to our faith, so will it be unto us.
Now let’s go home this Thursday declaring our Thursday Blessings nuh. For remember, a blessing is only a blessing when it’s spoken over someone. So with great passion and overwhelming faith let’s declare those wonderful blessings over ourselves.
In unison now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Awright mih people! Now let’s go out and put all of that into action in our lives, behaving the way Jesus desires us, as we diligently do His earthly work with an attitude of excellence, on a solid foundation of true faith. Much LOVE!
…only through faith…can miracles be accomplished in our lives…
10 Nov 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a new day, a positive outlook, abundance, an inspired record, answers, assured of, authored by God, authority, broken in the name of Jesus, Christian, clear direction, Comforter, correct wrong, correction, courage, creativity, curse, divine protection, doctrine, equipped, eternal life, faith, faith in Jesus Christ, family, favour, friends, from a child, fulfillment, God's help, God's work, godly inspiration, good works, groundwork, Guide, guidelines, health, History, inspiration, inspiration of God, instruction, learned, life, LOVE, maturity, may be perfect, meditating, ministry, negative word, number one priority, oral instrcutions, original manuscripts, our daily walk, perfect, personal relationship, prayer, privilege, prosper, reproof, righteousness, salvation, scriptures, self-control, self-discipline, strong will, succeed, supernatural guidance, supernatural wisdom. promotion, talent, Thanks be to God, the BIBLE, the Book of answers, the divine Word of God, the gift of the present time, the Good Book, the holy scriptures Old Testament, the Holy Spirit, the man of God, the Spirit of God, thoroughly furnished, Thursday Blessings, Timothy, today, tomorrow, unconditional love of God, unique character of scripture, wise, wise unto salvation, yesterday
2 Timothy 3:17. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.
Oh my precious people of God, a new day has been birthed, and we’ve been blessed with the privilege of seeing it, experiencing it, and enjoying it!
And all God’s people loudly and gratefully declared: ‘Thanks be to God!’
Yes friends, it’s all because of the great unconditional LOVE that our heavenly Father has for us, and we’d be very wise to accept and use it to benefit His holy kingdom.
We can’t do anything about yesterday because that’s already past and gone, annotated in the books of history, no more to be seen. And as for tomorrow, we’re not sure that we’ll be around to see, much more enjoy it.
So we’re left with only today, the gift of the present time, and wisdom dictates that we dedicate ourselves to using it fully, with God’s work being our number one priority.
And how do we do that? First off, by having a close personal relationship with the Father through prayer, and reading and meditating on His holy word found in the book we call the Bible, which contains His guidelines for our daily walk on this planet earth.
Now it’s not an easy walk, but if we stay steadfast in prayer and in the scriptures, we will be ably assisted by the Holy Spirit that dwells within it us, as our Guide and Comforter.
Yuh see friends, our wonderful God has it all planned out; we hang with Him, read His word and be guided by His Holy Spirit and we’ll be fine.
And what I want to deal with here today is the authority found in the scriptures and how they came to be. We’ll begin by listening to Bruh Paul as he tells his young protégé Timothy before our Bit.
‘But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.
All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ (2 Tim.3:14-17)
Yes friends, the Good Book has been created through godly inspiration to make us wise in Christ, so that we can achieve salvation and eternal life.
Wow! What a great God we serve and worship my brethren!
Now here are some insights from the scholars on those verses.’3:14-17. Continue literally means “remain.” The things which thou hast learned were his oral instruction in the holy scriptures (the Old Testament here) by his mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois).
Inspiration of God (Gr. theopneustos), lit, “God breathed”) describes the unique character of Scripture. It is not only written by men, but authored by God. For doctrine means to tell one what to believe. For reproof means to tell one what is wrong.
For correction means to tell one how to correct wrong. For instruction in righteousness means to tell one how to live. Perfect (Gr. artios, “proficient, capable”) is having everything needed to do what God wants.
Thoroughly furnished means “thoroughly equipped.” God’s inspired word, properly used and applied, provides all we need for life and ministry.’
Ah my fellow believers, God has left nothing to chance, He has given us the groundwork for earthly living, filled with answers for any and every situation we’ll ever face! That’s why the Bible is called ‘The Book of Answers!’
And I’d be amiss if I didn’t share these further insights on Inspiration as set out by the scholars. ‘3:16. This (Inspiration) refers to the supernatural guidance of the writers of Scripture by the Spirit of God, so that what they wrote was the divine Word of God, transcribed accurately, reliably, and without error in the original manuscripts (“autographs”). The word inspiration itself pictures God breathing out His Word to men.
Illustration: Not everything written by an apostle or a prophet was necessarily inspired. Paul wrote at least three epistles to the Corinthians, but apparently only two were an inspired record (1 Cor.5:9). Samuel, Nathan and Gad each wrote accounts of David’s life, only one of those prophets produced and inspired record (1 Chr.29:29).
Application: Since the Scriptures are given to help the Christian grow in maturity, they should rely on them for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instructions in righteousness (right living). First Ref. Gen.1:3; Primary Ref. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; cf. 2 Pet.1:21).’
Oh friends, I do hope that all that info will help us better understand the use and purpose of the Bible, because it’s essential for us to do so, if we intend to grow in Christian maturity.
Now let’s go home this gracious Thursday morning declaring our Thursday Blessings with much enthusiasm and faith. Remember, a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been spoken over someone.
All together now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Now let’s go out into the world and make it all come through, with God’s help of course! Much LOVE!
…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
27 Oct 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: ., abundance, an everlasting covenant, bask, bless and keep you, blessed, broken in Jesus name, but, call upon him, Christians, cluttered chamber, come ye to the waters, compassionate heart, consuming conviction, courage, creativity, curse, depth of need, divine protection, do our best, eat, enthusiasm, eternal glow, faith, fatness, favour, for he satisfieth the longing soul, freely, Gentiles, Glorious enough, goodness, grow, hath no money, he filleth the hungry soul with goodness, health, hidden pretense, hunger, hunger and thirst after righteousness, I love you, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, labour, lavishly, let your soul delight, longing for christ, longing heart, mature, milk, negative word, not enough, One Year Book of Bible promises, our Lord and Saviour, positive outlook, possessors of the earth, priceless question, promise, promotion, rejoice, reneges, righteousness, rightful heirs, Ruth Harms Calkin, Scrip-Bit Friends, seek ye the Lord, self-control, shallow substitute, shining through the gloom, siritual food, spend money, spiritual poverty, strength, the light of Christ, the sure mercies of David, they shall be filled, thirst, Thursday Blessings, vacant hollow, wine, wisdom, without price
Matthew 5:6. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Well a blessed Thursday to all you my Scrip-Bit friends and family! May the Lord indeed bless you and keep you safe today as you go about doing His work.
And let me ensure you that though it’s wet and dark and dreary in my little corner of the universe, I can still see the bright and brilliant light of the Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ shining through the gloom.
Likewise, whatever the physical characteristics of the day may be in your area, please be assured that the light of Christ is also shining through to you. You just have to accept it and bask in its eternal glow.
Now here is something from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin that spoke to me and asked to be shared. (smile) It’s called ‘My Glorious Enough.’
Please read with me. ‘Oh, how I LOVE You, my Lord – But not enough. How I hunger and thirst for You – But not enough. How I rejoice in your inimitable goodness – But not enough.
Pour Yourself lavishly, dear God Into every vacant hollow Into every cluttered chamber Of my longing heart. Free me from every shallow substitute From every hidden pretense Until I shall know With deep, consuming conviction That You are my Glorious Enough.’
Isn’t that a beautiful prayer? It surely is! It just has us clamouring for God ‘s righteousness, because we know that in Him we have more than enough of everything.
And the promise for that poem, as well as our Bit for today is the wonderful Beatitude from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’
Now that’s definitely an awesome promise, and we know that Christ never reneges on any of His promises, but are we truly hungering and thirsting after the Lord and His righteousness?
Now that’s the priceless question? I do hope so, because it’s essential if we are to grow and mature as true Christians.
And the scholars explain. ‘5:6. These future possessors of the earth are its presently installed rightful heirs, and even now they hunger and thirst after righteousness. They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself is proof of their spiritual rebirth.
Those who are poor and empty in their own spiritual poverty recognize the depth of their need, and they hunger and thirst for that which only God can give them. They shall be filled (Gr. chortazo) refers to a complete satisfaction. The psalmist proclaimed: “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Ps.107:9).’
Yes friends, if we hunger and thirst after the things of the Lord, He will fill us with them. Even before Jesus came along, we had this promise from the Father. Hear Isaiah declare it.
‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat: yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness (abundance).
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.’ (Is.55:1-3)
What an invitation my people! Let’s hope we are wise enough to accept it. For as the scholars tell us: ’55:1-7. God’s free gift of salvation is offered to all who will receive it. Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty may come and eat and drink without money (or freely).
He promises an everlasting covenant to the Gentiles like the one He established with Israel. His invitation to all men is clearly stated by the appeal, Seek ye the Lord and call ye upon him.’
Oh friends, what a wonderful God we serve, it never ceases to amaze me! Where else can we go and get spiritual food and drink for free eh? Absolutely nowhere else!
Who else is prepared to make a covenant with us Gentiles eh? None but the amazing God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob!
And He did it through the heartbreaking sacrifices of His Son Jesus Christ! Now what more do we need to believe that He is truly sincere in His deep and abiding care, compassion and LOVE for us eh?
Anyway, my people, it’s imperative that we stay as close as possible to Christ as we can, if we want to enjoy all the benefits and blessings that He has to offer.
And speaking of blessings, today is Thursday, so let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings over ourselves, for remember that a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been spoken over someone.
Now with much enthusiasm and strong faith let’s do it: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!
I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Yea mih breddren! And now that we’ve been gloriously blessed, let’s go out and win back the world for Christ! Much LOVE!
…the deep longing for Christ in our hearts…should make us always want to do our best on His behalf…
P.S. Please excuse the lateness, it was just one of those late hockey filled nights. (smile) Much LOVE!
20 Oct 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a great family, a new day, a positive outlook, a strong will, a very present help in trouble, abundance, assurance, behind the eight ball, blessings, broken, clear direction, comforting God, compassion, compassionate God, compromise, conks out, cornucopia, courage, creativity, curse, disappointment, expletives deleted, faith, favour, fear, fear not, frustration, fulfillment, God is our refuge and strength, God's supernatural wisdom, good friends, good health, heart of the sea, hold your head and bawl, horn of plenty, in the name of Jesus, Jehovah, LOVE, my expectation, my help comes from the Lord, my salvation, my soul wait, negative word, new mercies, one of those days, passion, pour out your heart, reap benefits, security, seek refuge, self-control. self-discipline, sleep, slumber, smite thee, sons of Korah, sowing seed, stick to your task, strength, stressors, strong faith, success, success evades you, supernatural strength, sweat of thy brow, talent, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Rock, the salvation of Israel, Thursday Blessings, thy keeper, thy shade, to make bad matters worse, trouble, trust in God, trusted chariot
Psalm 46:1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present (an abundantly available) help in trouble.
Ah friends, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa! But yesterday was just one of those days; yuh know yuh start out already behind the eight ball, not feeling physically a hundred percent, but nonetheless all afternoon you diligently stick to your task, but in the end success still evades you.
Then to make bad matters worse, later in the evening your trusted chariot fails you, conks out on you when you need it most. But that‘s the way of man made things! Ah Lord eh! It’s enough to make you hold your head and bawl, as well as utter some deleted expletives! I think I did just that. (smile)
I also went to bed late, so the whole thing just percolated into a rather late arising. But fear not, the Bit might be somewhat late, but it’s here!
And even better yet, today is a new day with new mercies and blessings from our compassionate God, so I am expecting better results than yesterday, although I might have to spend the better part of a rainy day getting my chariot fixed. (smile)
So let’s get right down to business by declaring our Thursday Blessings with strong faith and much passion, for remember a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been spoken over someone, and we do owe ourselves these awesome blessings.
All together now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!
I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection!
I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
What a cornucopia of goodness, a horn of plenty my people! To which only followers of the great God Jehovah are entitled. But please note, we can’t just sit back and expect them to happen automatically, we also have to do our part to bring them to pass.
That’s where a lot of us go wrong, expecting to reap good benefits without raising any sweat on our brows through the sowing of good seed.
And would you believe in my time of exasperation, the Lord led me to this most appropriate Bit today. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present (an abundantly available) help in trouble.’
And isn’t that the indisputable truth my friends? It surely is! When times get rough, and frustration, disappointment and all the other negative stressors set in, then it’s to our comforting God we must run and seek refuge. Under His awesome wings we will find security, strength, LOVE and compassion.
That’s why, after our Bit, the psalmist could continue with such authority: ‘Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (the heart) of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.’ (Ps.46:2-3)
Yeh friends, let’s just sit for a moment and ponder those words of utmost assurance.
And it’s not just the sons of Korah (psalmists) who felt that way. Hear Bruh David from Psalm 62: ‘My soul wait thou (silently) only upon God; for my expectation (hope) is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved (shaken).
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.’ (Ps.62:5-8)
Another moment for us to sit and ponder the awesome benefits of surrendering our lives to, of placing our sincere trust in our magnificent and magnanimous God!
Now listen to how Jeremiah puts it. ‘Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of the mountains: truly in the Lord God is the salvation of Israel.’ (Jer.3:23) Yes friends, all that we are and ever will be comes from Almighty God!
Let’s go home now with these most encouraging and assured words of Psalm 121, appropriately titled – God’s sustaining power. ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (mountains), from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved (slip): he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper (protector): The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve (keep) thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.’ (Ps.121:1-8)
Yes mih breddren, those are the awesome promises of our God, so let’s go out into the world assured of His LOVE and protection and diligently do the work that He’s commanded us to do nuh; do it without fear or compromise. Much LOVE!
…only in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…can true comfort and compassion be found…
15 Oct 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new day, a faithful saying, a gift, an extra one, Anselm's Quote, apply our hearts unto wisdom, aspires to inspire, be honour, braata, broughta, can, cannot, challenge yourself, Christ came to save sinners, comfort zone, conversion, Damascus, DETERMINATION, determine your life's direction, enabled me, encourages others, eternal life, favour, glory, he counted me faithful, I thank Christ Jesus, immortal, invisible, lagniappe, laughter, lay not this sin, long-suffering, LOVE, mercy, Moses, new opportunities, one day closer to heaven, one day older, patience, Paul, putting me into ministry, satisfaction, Saul, Stephen, teach us to number our days, thankfulness, the best free medicine, the King eternal, the nth degree, the only wise God, Timothy, undeserved favour, waste time, wisdom
1 Timothy 1:12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into ministry.
Awright friends, it’s another brand new day! That means that we are one day older and one day closer to heaven! (smile) Therefore we can’t afford to waste any of the finite and limited time God has given us on this earth.
What did Moses say in psalm 91 – From everlasting to everlasting thou art God – the only one he wrote, and therefore the oldest in the Psalter? ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (gain a heart of wisdom). (Ps.91:12) We don’t know how long we have left, so we’d be wise to make the best use of it.
And on that note, since it’s Saturday, let’s check out some quotes from our friend Anselm, who always aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. And today we have a lagniappe, a broughta or braata; an extra one, a gift, used by vendors to encourage customers to return.
The first is T&T slang, although according to Dictionary.com, it’s used in Southern Louisiana and South East Texas, I guess it comes from French Creole. And the second is a Jamaican term. That means we have three instead of two.
The first one says: ‘The difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life’s direction.’ And that surely makes sense. ‘Can’ will take you in one direction, while ‘cannot’ will take you in a completely different one. The choice is up to you.
The second quote from Anselm declares: ‘Challenge yourself! Look for new opportunities, step outside of your “comfort” zone and find new things to do. Do something special, just for you, something you’ve always wanted to do. Meet new people, learn what you need to know… be optimistic!’ That also is good advice, especially in these trying times.
And the last one says: ‘You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.’ And ain’t that gospel truth my people! Even if laziness is your goal, you have to get up determined to be lazy, if you want to go to bed satisfied with your lazy day. (smile) That’s why laughter is the best free medicine available.
But now it’s time to get serious, as we turn to our Bit. ‘And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into ministry.’ Yes friends, those are Bruh Paul’s words of thankfulness for mercy as he wrote to his protégé Timothy. And that’s indisputable truth, for without Christ’s enablement, Bruh Paul would not have been able to fulfill his apostolic duties.
He then continues to explain why. ‘Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious (violent): but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and LOVE which is in Christ Jesus.’ (1Tim.1:13-14)
The scholars explain that last verse thus: ‘1:14. Grace…was exceeding abundant (or, “grace…was more abundant”). Christ’s undeserved favour far outweighed Paul’s previous sinful life. With faith and LOVE: God’s grace brought about faith in Paul, in contrast to his former “unbelief” and it also produced LOVE in him, in contrast to his previous blasphemy, persecution and violence to the church (v.13). Which refers to faith: Paul’s faith or trust is in Christ Jesus.’
Ah mih people, we all know Bruh Paul’s reputation as a terrorizer of the brethren, then known as Saul, before he was called by Christ on the road to Damascus, even as he was on a mission to capture believers and take them back to Jerusalem for punishment. (Acts 9)
And many of us in reading the Good Book might have missed Bruh Paul’s part in the stoning, the martyrdom of Stephen. The brother was giving his testimony ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened; and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they (the masses) cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord.
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him, and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, (as he was) calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.’ (Acts 8:56-60)
No friends, Bruh Paul was not a very nice man in his younger days. That’s why he could continue to Timothy with all sincerity. ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.’ (1 Tim.1:15)
He believes that he is the number one sinner, the worst one of the lot. ‘Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.’ (1 Tim.1:16)
Now that’s a very interesting statement, and here is the scholars’ explanation. ‘1:16. We could read the verse thus: “But I obtained mercy for this reason: that in my case as the worst (sinner) Christ Jesus might demonstrate the fullest of patience; as an example for those about to believe on him for eternal life.” Paul’s conversion encourages other sinners; since Christ has already saved the worst sinner, He can save those less sinful.’
And that’s no lie friends! Christ Jesus can save the worst of us if we come to Him in true repentance!
And we’ll end with these beautiful words of praise and thanksgiving of Bruh Paul. ‘Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.’ (1 Tim.1:17)
That’s one thing about Bruh Paul; he never shies away from giving all the glory to God. May we also do likewise my precious people, for that is wisdom to the nth degree! Much LOVE!
…to our wonderful God…all praise, honour and glory be given…for that is His rightful desert…
13 Oct 2016
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a basic principle, a compassionate heart, a positive note, a positive outlook on life, abundance, backbone, balck and white, be wise, belief, blessed are they, broken, Christian fighters, clear direction for my life, courage, creativity, curse, daily delight, daily devotions, divine protection, drew a circle, end times, enthusiasm, established the clouds, eternal damnation, expecting good things, faith, favour, from everlasting, fulfillment, Glory be, godly wisdom, good health, hear instruction, I love them that love me, in the name of Jesus, Jehovah, Jesus Christ strengthens us, Joyce Meyer, jump starts our day, keep my ways, lift our head and shoulders, like eagles, Lucifer, negative word, obtain favour, on the right foot, promotion, pros and cons, prosper, psyche, ray of hope, refuse it not, rejoicing always, self-control, self-discipline, set a compass, soar, something good is going to happen, soul, strong will, subconscious, succeed, success, supernatural strength, supernatural wisdom, talent, the habitable part of earth, the posts of my doors, the sons of men, those that seek me early will find me, Thursday Blessings, true believers, vibes, wisdom, works of old
Proverbs 8:17. I LOVE them that LOVE me; and those that seek me early (diligently) shall find me.
Oh friends, let’s begin today’s message by declaring this acclamation. ‘Today, something good is going TO happen to me! Today, something good is going to happen THROUGH me!’
Glory be my people! That’s an acclamation that Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) claims she uses in her own daily devotions.
And it does make sense, because it starts us out on the right foot, on a positive note, expecting good things to happen in our lives, as well in other people’s through us.
An early ray of hope and faith jump-starts our day. And do we ever need those positives as early as possible in these trying end times.
Now let’s build on that by declaring our Thursday Blessings over ourselves, raising our level of hope, faith and trust in Almighty God, even higher. Remember, a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been spoken over someone.
So with lots of enthusiasm, kingdom faith and belief, feeling it deep down in our souls, let’s declare those blessings, as only true believers can. ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!
I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life!
I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’
Oh, precious people, what beautiful and positive vibes have been released into our souls, our psyche, our subconscious by that declaration!
Our backbone’s been strengthened, so let’s lift our heads and shoulders up, and go out and face the world like the Christian fighters we ought to be, and are, because Jesus Christ strengthens us to do all things!
Wow, mih breddren, wow! That’s all I can say. (smile) And we’re not done yet! We’re going to soar even higher, like the eagles God created us to be!
And I guess you’re wondering how that is possible? Simple, our Bit makes it possible. ‘I LOVE them that LOVE me; and those that seek me early (diligently) shall find me.’
Yeh friends, we are going to rise even higher by sincerely and diligently seeking wisdom and our great God, Jehovah!
And to show just how important wisdom is – God’s wisdom, not man’s – let’s delve into Cousin Sol’s account of it, from where we left off yesterday. ‘The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth. While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields (outer places), nor the highest part of the dust (beginning of the dust) of the world.
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass (drew a circle) upon the face of the depth (deep): When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: when he gave to the sea his decree (its limit), that the waters should not pass (transgress) his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
Then I was by him, as one brought up with him (a master craftsman): and I was daily his delight; rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.’ (Prov.8:22-31)
Yes friends, wisdom was with God from the very beginning! And notice too, that last line, wisdom, with all its delightful attributes, was imbued in the sons of men. That’s us, my brethren! We were made, born to seek wisdom, wisdom that would lead us to Almighty God, not to Lucifer.
Now listen to Cousin Sol’s conclusion, re the pros and cons of seeking godly wisdom. ‘Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not (do not disdain it).
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me LOVE death.’ (Prov.8:32-36)
Oh my people, it’s right there in black and white: if you seek godly wisdom, you’ll find favour with God; if not, you’re lining yourself up for eternal damnation! That brings us full circle to the importance of godly wisdom in this life.
And what’s the long and short of it all? I’ll let the scholars enlighten us: ‘…the major emphasis of the context is on God’s own use of wisdom in creating the universe… Thus, the point is that in setting out to create the universe, God utilized wisdom as a basic principle of procedure.’
Now friends, if the God we claim to believe in used wisdom as His blueprint to create the universe and all therein, including us, how can we not use the same wisdom to conduct our lives here on earth eh? Much LOVE!
…to be truly wise in this fallen world…man needs God’s wisdom…
P.S. Please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but I had a late night, or early morning …hockey season has begun. (smile)
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