Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 August 2013 Acts 9:16

09 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

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

Acts 9:16.   For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

And then it was suddenly Friday! And on realizing this, all the working population got up, danced and sang with great joy: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Thank God is Friday! This week’s been a rough one. But now the weekend is at hand. Time to get out and party!’

Not so fast mih people! The weekend isn’t only for partying. We also have other duties to fulfill. So before we get too carried away with this being Friday, let’s chant our Friday Chant that will give us the right perspective on how to use these upcoming very valuable two days off.
 
Altogether 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.’
 
Yes mih breddren, that’s how we should use the weekend; as a combination of fun, fellowship and relaxation, not all out partying. And be thankful that we at least get a couple days off every week to rest and recuperate, because a lot of people around the world still have to labour seven days a week for a mere pittance, on which they can barely survive.
 
So let’s thank the Lord for our good fortune and pray for those who are still oppressed and have no rights or freedom to express their unfortunate and evil oppression. And don’t laugh either, for if the captains of industry have their way, we’d all be pushed right back to feudal times, so greedy, wicked and compassionless are they.
 
Neither did Bruh Paul often have the luxury to do as he pleased, because the Lord certainly led him on a merry chase, as He declares in our Bit. ‘For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.’ 
 
And yesterday we saw some of the suffering Bruh Paul experienced in Philippi after chasing a demon from a young girl’s soul. Silas and him were dragged before the courts by the girl’s masters, for Bruh Paul’s actions had cause them to lose the ability to profit from the girl’s fortune telling. They successfully stirred up the crowd against the brethren, had them beaten and thrown into the innermost part of the prison. (Acts 16:16-24)
 
But Friends, our God is such a great Deity, and works in such mysterious and wondrous ways, doing just as He promised, to turn all situations to good for those who sincerely LOVE and revere Him.
 
Now listen as the Good Book tells the story: ‘And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises (were praying and singing hymns) unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was an earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands (chains) were loosed.
 
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
 
Then he called for a light, and sprang (ran) in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (household).
 
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat (food) before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.’ (Acts 16:25-34)
 
Oh my fellow believers what a marvellous God we serve and worship! And all God’s children said ‘Wow! Praise the Lord for His mighty works!’ That’s for sure! Just look at the lengths he went to save the jailer and his family.
 
Now here is the scholars take on that situation. ‘Verse 25 is the key to the prison episode, since the earthquake was not intended to deliver Paul but to convert the jailer. God knew that Paul would be released the next day; therefore the earthquake was not merely for Paul and Silas’s benefit. The earthquake would have been meaningless had not the jailer and prisoners heard Paul’s testimony in prayer and song.
 
Their singing brought about the divine intervention in the earthquake, and all would understand its significance. Hence the jailer would run to Paul asking how he could be saved. God’s purposes of Peter’s deliverance of chapter 12, and Paul’s of chapter 16, are apparent. The purpose of Peter’s imprisonment was his execution; for Paul, the intention was only to threaten him.
 
Surprisingly Peter sleeps whereas Paul prays and sings. Neither is controlled by his circumstances. In Peter’s case God puts the guards to sleep and delivers Peter by means of a silent angel. The guards are executed. In Paul’s case God awakens the sleeping jailer with an earthquake. The jailer is saved; Paul chooses to remain in jail.’
 
Oh Friends, yuh see the unique way in which the Lord used Bruh Paul to bring unbelievers to Jesus!
 
And even today, He’s still in the business of bringing unbelievers to Christ through our efforts. So please, whenever we find ourselves in difficult situations, let’s not simply hold our heads and bawl, ‘woe is me,’ but instead let’s take a serious look at what’s happening and consider how we can use it to influence others in Christ’s name, through prayers and singing of hymns, for that’s what Bruh Paul did, and we can all see the positive results.
 
And we can begin doing that right away by considering our current situations and instead of complaining, seeing how we can use them to further God’s glorious kingdom. Now that’s wisdom, faith and courage of the highest order! Much LOVE!
 
…Jesus expects ALL His followers to spread His Word…to manifest His LOVING-kindness…in whatever situation they find themselves…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 July 2013 Matthew 25:35

06 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 25:35.    For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.

Oh my beloved Friends and fellow believers, welcome to another momentous day on God’s great earth! And you know it’s momentous just by us being alive, so you can imagine what it’s going to be like when we add the new mercies and blessings that are being prepared to flow like an open tap from heaven to lighten and brighten our day!
 
And all God’s children declared a loud and heartfelt ‘All thanks and praise be to Jehovah God, for His goodness and mercy towards us!’
 
However Friends, having been cultivated with that wonderful grace of God, it’s our obligation to share it with others in less fortunate circumstances. And this quote from Helen Keller (1880-1968), the American author, political activist and lecturer, but also the first blind//deaf person to acquire a Bachelor of Arts Degree, gives us some insight into what happens when we seek excellence in living.
 
‘When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.’ And that’s gospel truth my brethren!
 
Generally speaking, we can never be sure of the effect our words and actions will have, both on ourselves and on others. That’s because of what’s known as the ripple effect; like when you throw a stone in the water, it doesn’t only disturb the water that it actually hits, but also a certain amount that surrounds it. You can see the ripples moving outward from the point where the stone made contact with the water.
 
The same goes for our words and actions Friends. They can have far reaching, far away effects on both ourselves and others, especially in these times of almost instantaneous and far flung communication. Whatever kind of stuff we send out, be it negative or positive, you can bet your bottom dollar it will breed the same reaction.
 
That’s why we’re always obliged to do our best, especially as believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ, whose motto is LOVE, framed with excellence, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. We definitely cannot afford to say or do things that reflect negatively on the body of Christ, His church.
 
But unfortunately it’s happening quite a lot. Many believers don’t take the time to consider how their words and behaviour affect the church, of how people perceive them when they talk and pursue various forms of action. It all boomerangs back on us, and on Christ’s overall body eventually.
 
That’s why the infighting and pettiness amongst the different religions draws such negative criticism from both believers and unbelievers. We’re supposed to be ONE body in Christ, but we surely aren’t acting that way. How can we spouting peace and LOVE to all and sundry, but living like cats and dogs with each other eh?
 
Jesus told us to go out and spread the gospel to the very ends of the earth, (Matt.28:19-20) but that doesn’t only mean talking it, but more importantly living it! As I keep reminding us, Christianity is an action movement, which should be buttressed by the talk, not vice versa. 
 
That brings us to our Bit and the verse after it. ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt.25:35-36)
 
Yes Friends, that’s what it means to be a true Christian; helping others, meeting their physical needs where possible, while sharing the good news of the gospel with them. That’s why God gave each of us talents, (re Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matt.25) to use them for good, to make a difference, to make the world a better place for all to live in, not to selfishly hoard them and use them only for our own benefit.
 
That’s why in Jesus’ parable, those who used their talents to bear increase, were given more, while he that hath little and hoarded it, lost it eventually.
 
The same goes for us today my fellow believers. We can’t see people suffering and don’t try to help in some form and fashion. We can’t be like the Jewish priest and Levite who passed by on the other side of the road when they saw their fellow Jew lying bruised and battered on the ground. Instead we have to be like the Good Samaritan, who, though he was his avowed enemy, nonetheless stopped and looked after him.
 
That’s what Jesus was, is, and always will be about; helping the poor and downtrodden. He didn’t come to earth to be served, but to serve, and that’s exactly what He also expects of us, His followers. And for those who adhere to that way of life, come the judgement day, they will be assembled as sheep on the right hand of Jesus. (Matt.25:31-33) 
 
‘Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matt.25:34)
 
But to those on His left hand, the goats: ‘Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.’ (Matt.25:41, 46) 
 
Ah mih people, regardless of how much we talk, what we do is even more important, because in the long run, that is what will get us into Jesus’ good books, that is what will earn us rewards in heaven. So please Friends, let’s cut back on the talk, and raise the level of true Christian action and activity nuh, for there’s too much suffering and misfortune in our world for us to just sit back and do nothing about it.
 
The evil doers like it so, but out Lord and Saviour Jesus doesn’t, and wherever we are, in whatever position, there are ALWAYS opportunities for us to do good, to help others, to live that true Christian life.
 
And I pray that today the Lord will allow His Holy Spirit to rise up in us, and we’ll forget all the petty, selfish, immaterial things that are keeping us apart, and we’ll truly become ONE body in Christ, and follow His motto of LOVE, framed in excellence, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. That’s undoubtedly wisdom at its highest level. Much LOVE!
 
…on which side will you be numbered…with the sheep…or with the goats…now is the time to make that monumental decision…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 June 2013 Psalm 86:11

29 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 86:11.    Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
 
Well Friends and fellow believers, we have been mightily blessed to see another glorious day on Planet Earth! Wow! I surely hope that we have all given our most gracious God some thanks and praise for that wonderful opportunity, because He deserves it for looking down on us with mercy and grace.
 
And though life on earth can be very trying at times, I doubt very many of us are ready to go home to heaven right now. I know I don’t want to, because I have so many things that the Lord has put in my heart still to do down here. And He could have easily taken us home during the night, but His not doing so means that He still has plans for us down here on Mother Earth.
 
So why don’t we talk to Him eh, and find out what He expects of us today? That’s the best way to know what’s what! And it’s usually best to communicate with our heavenly Father as soon as we awaken, so that we can begin the day on the right foot in His awesome presence, with the guiding of His Holy Spirit. That way Lucifer won’t stand a chance in hell to get to us early and sow his seeds of evil and corruption.
 
That’s what was so great about Bruh David; from his youth, he was always talking to the Lord, asking Him for His guidance, meditating on His words, wanting to learn His ways. Our Bit today exemplifies that great desire for wisdom and understanding as to the Lord’s ways and will. ‘Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart (give me singleness of heart) to fear (have reverential awe for) thy name.’
 
Ah Friends, how many of us try to dig, to delve so deeply into God’s ways and will eh? Not nearly enough! But if we want to learn more about God, then that’s the only way to go; right to the source, the fountainhead of all wisdom, truth, knowledge and understanding, to the One who created everything and everyone that exists, or has ever existed.
 
And what does Cousin James say about seeking wisdom? ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given to him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:5-8)
 
And that’s gospel Friends, eternal truth! But we have to be serious, really searching for wisdom and truth, and not be wishy-washy and unstable, because the Lord won’t help us then. Now let’s look at some scriptures where Bruh David entreats the Lord to teach him His ways and statutes.
 
Listen to him in Psalm 25, A prayer for guidance and protection. ‘Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all day.’ (Ps.25:4-5)
 
Then in Psalm 27, the Lord is my light and my salvation, he earnestly petitions his God: ‘Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain (smooth) path, because of mine enemies.’ (Ps.27:11)
 
And yet again, this time in Psalm 143, Teach me to do thy will, he plaintively cries out to God for wisdom and understanding re His Word and His will. ‘Cause me to hear thy LOVING-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto thee…. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.’ (Ps.143:8, 10)
 
No wonder Bruh David was so fortunate! He didn’t have an easy life, from being a shepherd as a boy, to king of Israel, and much of it was not his fault. But even when he was at fault, he was wise enough to cry out to the God of his forefathers for mercy and forgiveness, and the Lord usually granted him his wish, because He knew the generally right state of his heart.
 
So too my people, even unto this day, if we keep looking to God for wisdom and guidance with a strong trust and sincere surrender, He will grant them to us. We just have to have the right motives, because He doesn’t just listen to our tearful words, but bases His decisions on the state of our hearts.
 
Now it’s very obvious that we can’t handle the ruggedness of life here on earth by ourselves, and what better place to seek help and succour than at the footstool, the throne of our Creator? There’s no place better my brethren!
 
And we’ll end with a few verses of scripture that are famous in regards seeking wisdom and understanding, taken from Psalm 119. ‘Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statues; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.’ (Ps.119:33-35)
 
Yes Friends, the commandments of our God ought to be our delight! But they’ll never be unless and until we get serious about them and make a conscious decision to seek and follow them with all our heart, body and soul. Therein lies the faith and strength of a true believer. Much LOVE!
 
…to truly know God…one must have…deep and constant communication with Him…as they say…practice makes perfect…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 June 2013 Psalm 116:9

17 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 116:9:    I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Oh Friends, it’s Monday! But before you steups and make yourself miserable, just look ahead and you’ll see our great God’s faithfulness in another beautiful day breaking on the horizon.
 
Yes my fellow believers, the sun is rising in a blaze of glory, but please remember that the SON has already risen in His even bigger blaze of glory, which brought with it, the faithful promise of a brand new life for all of us who believe in Him!
 
With that selfless act, He redeemed our sinful souls from the throes of eternal death and damnation. And if that isn’t something to be extremely glad and thankful for, then I certainly don’t know what is!
 
So on this Monday morning when we’re faced with the difficult task of getting up to go to work, let’s remember what Jesus did for us, and put away all the petty grievances and ills, especially the hangovers from the too hectic Father’s Day celebrations yesterday (smile) and rise and shine like He asked us to.
 
Let’s allow that bright light of His that dwells in us to shine through brightly in our words and actions today as we interact with others in the work world, be they believers or non-believers! That’s the mark of a real follower of Jesus!
 
So with that proper perspective now running in our souls, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with great gusto, for Christ is risen indeed, and so have we, to another glorious day on planet earth, one chock-filled with God’s new blessings and mercies! 
 
Now let’s sing in harmony, as one voice, one body of Christ Jesus, our wonderful Lord and Saviour!
 
‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
 
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
 
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
 
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
 
Awright mih people! That was marvellous! Even the Father applauded and gave us a standing ‘O’! Wow!
 
There’s great joy in heaven this Monday morning Friends, so let’s replicate that joy down here on earth nuh. In light of what’s happening in heaven, it’s the only wise and sensible thing to do.
 
Now let’s turn to our Bit, which seems rather appropriate to all that’s gone before. ‘I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.’
 
Oh Friends, that’s certainly a powerful statement and promise for the psalmist to make! Now why did he feel obliged to make it eh? The psalm itself is superscripted ‘Praise for deliverance from death,’ and just before our Bit, the psalmist explains the reason for that most worthwhile promise:
 
‘The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped (saved) me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul: for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.’ (Ps.116:6-8)
 
Ah my brethren, that definitely sounds like a rather good reason for making a promise to walk before the Lord in the land of the living!
 
Now many of us have been saved from similar life threatening circumstances, but have we afterward ever made such a bold promise to God for showing us His infinite mercy and compassion? Not as many as should!
 
And for those few who have, are we keeping that promise? I surely hope so, since our God doesn’t take kindly to broken promises. Better not to promise, than promise and not pay. (Eccl.5:5)
 
And in the verse after our Bit, the psalmist makes another provocative statement: ‘I believed, therefore have I spoken:’ (Ps.116:10a)
 
Now though that sounds simple, it’s such a powerful and compelling scripture that Bruh Paul uses it in his second letter to the Corinthians, re living by faith. ‘We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;’ (2 Cor.4:13)
 
Oh my people, I ask us now, do we believe? And if so, have we spoken? I surely hope so, because it’s a very important part, in fact a necessity in our Christian heritage to speak what we believe, otherwise our beliefs are selfish and consequently useless to others.
 
It just shows that we don’t think highly enough of our faith to talk about what we believe, and that’s simply making a mockery of Jesus and His sacrificial death.
 
Please note Bruh David’s similar statement to our Bit in Psalm 27, ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation.’ He declares with certain confidence and trust: ‘I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.’ (Ps.27:13)
 
Oh my people, we too are in the land of the living, and likewise claim to believe in the same God, therefore we should also exercise and claim that same confidence and trust in the goodness and magnanimity of our God, otherwise we’re just fakes and hypocrites, which we obviously don’t want to be.
 
So just as we begun today with affirmations in the Lord, let’s end the same way nuh.
 
Listen to the psalmist: ‘What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people….
 
I will offer thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. In the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. (Hallelujah) Praise ye the Lord.’ (Ps.116:12-14, 17-19)
 
Oh Friends, that’s the proper response and reaction to faith, trust and thanksgiving to Almighty God!
 
Let’s go forth today and act in like manner nuh, since we all have put our faith and trust in Him, and we surely have a lot to be thankful for. Much LOVE!
 
…true believers ought to have a heart burning with LOVE…just like Jesus…and a life shining brightly…reflecting His awesome light…
 
 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 May 2013 Ecclesiastes 5:4.

23 May 2013 Leave a comment

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

Ecclesiastes 5:4.    When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
 
Well a blessed morning to all you Friends and fellow believers in Christ Jesus! Some of you are still sleeping while I’m here toiling, (smile) but I’ll let you into a li’l secret. This was one morning where the ole fella really didn’t feel like getting up nuh. I went to bed later than planned, doing constructive stuff this time though, and as we like to say, the sleep was sweeeetttt…
 
When the Lord touched me and whispered, ‘Time to get up son,’ I almost told Him, ‘Forget it yes Lord, not today nuh,’ and roll back over. Hn, Hn!
 
But one of the worse mistakes we can ever make my brethren, is to promise the Lord to do something for Him, then renege on the promise for some flimsy reason as wanting to sleep. (smile)
 
So here I am writing my life away, my eyes still full of sleep, since the caffeine hasn’t yet kicked in. Hopefully it’s something sensible and informative. But I’m not worried, because as I prove day after day, our God is wonderfully faithful, and doesn’t give us a task and not help us do it.
 
How do you think I could be writing this Bit everyday now, into the seventh year? It’s undoubtedly with the plentiful help of our wonderful and faithful God! So here’s to a good, moving, wise and wonderful Bit. I just have to go and find a scripture to base it on now. (smile)
 
And have I ever found a most appropriate one my people! ‘When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer (delay) not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.’
 
Now that’s the gospel truth Friends! God definitely dislikes people to make promises and not keep them. And this is not something new, for way back when, He spoke thus to Moses concerning vows and promises.
 
‘If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond (binding himself by some agreement); he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.’ (Num.30:2)
 
And just before our Bit, Cousin Sol offers up another choice morsel of wisdom. ‘Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon the earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business (effort or activity); and a fools voice is known by multitude of words.’ (Eccl.5:2-3)
 
Oh Friends, what wisdom! 
 
The scholars explain that, “The emphasis on the passage is on the folly of an empty religious profession before a sovereign God. God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: God expects sincerity and meaningfulness in worship. He is not impressed with foolish vows.” 
 
And since neither our God or His Word changes, that means all those words should still be ruling our lives today. But unfortunately in today’s society that wisdom has fallen by the wayside. A man’s word is no longer honourable, for promises are only made to be later broken.
 
And that’s why there’s so little, if any trust in our society, why fraud and fraudulent acts are so prevalent and widespread. People can no longer be trusted to act in a decent, upstanding manner. Our courts are filled with so much litigation concerning contracts we’ve signed in good faith, then refuse to honour.
 
So what’s the purpose of making a promise or a vow that has no true credibility to it, or that we won’t be held accountable for eh? None whatsoever!
 
Followers of Jesus are expected to be faithful to their vows and promises…hn! But from some of the stuff that Christians do, you certainly wouldn’t believe that.
 
But Friends, be warned, that though you can make a promise to your fellow man and break it without suffering any kind of penalty, you CANNOT do that with God. He always delivers on His promises and fully expects us to deliver on ours, unless there are truly extenuating circumstances.
 
As our Bit says: ‘for he hath no pleasure in fools.’ Yes my brethren, our God doesn’t suffer fools gladly, just like some of us don’t. And if we, mere mortals can have that strong attitude against foolishness and foolish behaviour, you can just imagine how strong God’s resentment of it is.
 
As our Bit also advises: ‘pay that which thou hast vowed.’ And not only to God, but also to our fellow man.
 
And if we don’t want to keep promises, then the smartest thing is simply not to make them. ‘Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than thou shouldest vow and not pay.’ (Eccl.5:5)
 
Words of absolute truth and wisdom my fellow believers!
 
In this day and age we’re quick to make promises, both to God and man, especially when we’re in trouble. But after either or both have lifted us out of the mire, we completely forget the promises we made in the heat of the moment.
 
That’s not right, or wise, my Friends! Instead, if we do make commitments in desperate times, then we should always do our best to honour them afterwards.
 
We should sincerely endeavour to do like the psalmist says: ‘Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy (an abundant) place. I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows (promised deeds), which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.’ (Ps.66:12-14)
 
Now that’s how a true and faithful Christian ought to behave!
 
Just like how I couldn’t roll over and go back to sleep this morning, though the body and soul were crying out for it. Because I’ve promised the Lord to write a Bit based on His Word everyday and send it out a reasonable hour, I had to get up regardless of how I felt, and keep my promise.
 
Therefore Friends, I beseech each and every one of us, today, let’s all take the time to ponder our individual situations, re our vows and promises, both to God and our fellow man, and see where we’re falling down in their proper observance.
 
And having done that, then let’s turn to both God and man and ask for forgiveness, while making obeisance, restitution and/or whatever is necessary to pay our vows. That’s wisdom and true faith at their height. Much LOVE!
 
…trust takes a long time to build…but a broken promise quickly destroys that trust…
 
       
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 April 2013 Psalm 97:11

25 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 97:11.     Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
 
Oh fellow believers in Jesus Christ, another wonderful day of life is in the offing! What with new mercies and blessings being showered down on the people of Jehovah God, and the faithful promises He’s made us, there’s no reason why every day couldn’t be a glorious day. And all God’s people said a loud and grateful, ‘Praise the Lord!’ Yes Friends, I think we should do a lot more praising and a lot less complaining than we do, simply because we have it so good, compared to most of the world. However, we’ve gotten so comfortable and accustomed to the good life, that if we break a fingernail, we cry out in pain and complain. The Lord expects us to put up with the simple stuff though. Just look at what Jesus bore without complaining eh. Now that should make us feel bad when we complain about minor, petty stuff. So please let’s stop with the endless complaining when we have it so good. Instead, let’s give more praise and thanks for all the goodness and mercy our wonderful God has showered, is showering, and will shower down on us. And on that note, I’ll ask, have you given Him thanks and praise as yet, for allowing you to see another new day? Well that’s the first thing we ought to do when we arise each morning, for the Lord delights in the thanks and praise of those who benefit from His largesse and LOVING-kindness. That’s why our Bit today so wisely declares: ‘Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.’ And that’s an undeniable fact Friends! When our hearts are right, we shine with the glory of God, like Moses when he came down from Mt. Sinai bearing the two stone tablets that held the Ten Commandments. His face shone so brightly that Aaron and the people were afraid to come close and look upon him, and he put on a veil to talk to them. (Ex.34:27-35) And according to the scholars: ‘From that time onward the veil became part of his ordinary dress. Only two occasions were exceptions. (1) When he was alone with God, and (2) when he had a message for the people from God.’ It’s also interesting to note that when Job’s friends lambasted him, they too referred to his life bearing light if he repented and sought righteousness. Listen to Zophar. ‘For then thou shalt lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shall not fear: because thou shalt forget thy misery and remember it as waters that pass away; and thine age (life) shall be clearer (brighter) than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.’ (Job.11:15-17) Now hear Eliphaz. ‘Acquaint now thyself with him (God), and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.’ (Job 22:21, 27-28) Yes my brethren, light is indeed a big part of the Christian’s walk with God. It was important in the Old Testament and Jesus made it even more so. He spoke a lot about light and darkness. Remember that all important statement He made about us? ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ (Matt.5:14a) He was also characterized as the light shining in the darkness of this evil world. John referred to Him as ‘the True Light.’ (John 1:9) Jesus also portrayed Himself as light; ‘that true light is come into the world.’ (John 3:19) ‘Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.’ (John 12:35-36) So there’s no denying that light is closely associated with belief in Jesus. All God’s dealings are done in light and not darkness, because He has nothing to hide, plus the light is a refreshing change from the darkness of evil where underhanded deeds are done and hidden from the light of truth. Therefore all God’s children affairs should also be done in, or be able to withstand the light, exposed to the truth, for only lies, rebellion and deceit need the cover of darkness. For as Cousin Sol so wisely points out. ‘But the path of the just is as the shining (bright) light, that shineth more and more (ever brighter) unto the perfect day.’ (Prov.4:18) So all in all Friends, we need light in both the metaphorical and physical worlds, for without either, we can’t find our way in the darkness, making us very liable to stumble and fall in both situations. Consequently, our words and deeds should be above board, capable of setting worthy examples for both the believer and unbeliever to follow. As the psalmist so rightly declares in Psalm 112 – Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord. ‘Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.’ (Ps.112:4) Oh my brethren, as followers of Jesus, and therefore children of light, please let’s go out today and in all our endeavours, endeavour to be gracious, righteous and full of compassion, so that we may further the righteous and glorious kingdom of God, as we are expected to do. That’s the epitome of wisdom! Much LOVE!…don’t hide your light under a bushel…set it at the top of the hill…so that all the world can see…and be gloriously reflected in that light…the light that’s Jesus…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 March 2013 Philippians 1:11

06 Mar 2013 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 1:11.     Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s feeling lousy this morning, both mentally and physically tired. I had a rough and busy day yesterday and my sleep pattern was thrown totally out of whack. And many of you know how it feels when you don’t get proper sleep. Anyway, no use moaning, I still have to write the Bit, sickness and tiredness must not stop it from going out. (smile) But as always, more so than most days, I cried out for divine help and guidance. And I know that I will receive it, because the Lord doesn’t want me writing nonsense with His name attached to it. In fact, I’ve already begun receiving that divine guidance, for my mind is feeling more alert now, and I am putting pen to paper. I found a Bit before I began, so it was just a matter of getting my mind around it. Oh Friends, with all that divine stuff happening, how can I ever doubt the mercy and LOVING-kindness of our God eh? Not on your life! Those people who doubt and mock are fools! That’s all I can say. If they only gave Jesus a reasonable chance to come into their lives, they’d be most surprised at how wonderfully He works in them. The problem though is that too many of us want the easy life, and Jesus NEVER promised that. He promised the GOOD LIFE; one that would be filled with trials and tribulations, but He would see us victoriously through them all. And my fellow believers, at this stage of my life, I can attest to the truth of all that stuff, because as I just remembered, this month of March 2013 will begin the seventh year, yes mih breddren, the 7th year that I’m writing this Scrip-Bit. Oh how the time has flown! And believe me, I could not have done it, as you can see from above, without divine help and guidance. I’m chuckling here now, remembering how I chuckled seven years ago when the Lord proposed the idea and I told Him I couldn’t do it due to my lack of proper scriptural knowledge. But here I am now, seven years later, a veritable fount of wisdom and knowledge, compared to what I was back then. (smile) That’s simply because it’s impossible to walk consistently with Jesus and not gain some real knowledge and true insight into this life. As Sister Joyce, Joyce Meyer, likes to say; ‘I’m not where I want to be. But thank God, I’m not where I was!’ Yes my fellow believers, walking with Jesus is indeed a journey, and oftimes a long and arduous one. But you can bet your bottom dollar that the journey will be most interesting and knowledgeable, for who better is there to walk and associate with than the One who sacrificed His sinless life for you, two thousand years ago? As he said back then: ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ (John 15:13) And He indeed laid down His life for us, which means we are truly His friends, especially if we consider His next statement. ‘Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.’ (John 15:14) Then later he goes on to declare: ‘Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained (appointed) you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye LOVE one another.’ (John 15:16-17) So you see my brethren, from the very beginning, Jesus has been the one seeking a relationship with us, and attempting to make us His friend. And if we’re smart we’ll accept His friendship with wide open arms, because it’s the best thing this world has going for it. Oh Friends, it’s such a simple, but poignant message: I needed disciples to spread My Word, and I chose you. I consider you my friends, so I’ll die for you. Now all I ask is that you do as I say, namely go out and spread My Word and LOVE each other. And to top that all up, anything you ask the Father in My Name, He’ll gladly give you. Why is that proving so hard for us to do eh, especially when there’s no other relationship in this whole wide world that can even come close to it? I guess too many of us refuse Jesus’ friendship because we’re afraid of what it will mean to our sinful lives; lives filled with darkness and great desire for the mostly useless things of the world, which are fraught with problems and never last. On the other hand, we can get all the necessary things for living a full and rich life walking in close tandem with Jesus. And the beauty of it is, when you receive worldly things through Jesus, they last. You don’t have to fret and worry that you’ll lose your job, your house, your family, as you would if you’d sold your soul to Beelzebub to get them. Ah mih people, yuh see how things can change in the twinkling of an eye? From feeling lousy and miserable, not knowing what to write, with the gracious help of Jesus, I’ve gotten over most of that negative feeling and written more than I ever imagined possible back then. Let’s just hope it makes sense. (smile) In any case, I know that you fellow believers, imbued with wisdom from above, are all wise enough to be able to pick sense from nonsense. Now it’s obvious we won’t have time today to delve into the workings of our Bit, which I wanted to introduce way back when Jesus spoke about His people going out and bearing fruit, because they dovetail so nicely together. ‘Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ So Friends, with all of that in mind, let’s go out today and see if we can’t bear some fruit that will further God’s kingdom and glorify His Most Holy Name. It’s what we were created for. Much LOVE!…if we’re good soil…in which the seed of Jesus has taken root…then it’s time for us to grow…and bear good fruit…thirty…sixty…even a hundred fold…
 
  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 March 2013 Isaiah 40:8

04 Mar 2013 Leave a comment

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

 Isaiah 40:8.      The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Oh Friends, it’s Monday!   And I’m suddenly inundated by a whole setta ‘Steups’! and ‘Chuhs!’ and ‘Go away nuh! Yuh can’t see that people tired and want to sleep?’ ‘But it’s Monday,’ I insist. ‘Time to get up and go to work.’ Finally I receive a gruff, unenthusiastic, ‘Awright, Awright. Steups! This work thing cutting into mih party scene yes! Chuh man!’ And believe me Friends, some of us really feel that way, though it should be the other way around; work first -especially Jesus’ work – then partying a distant second. Ah mih people, whatever happened to the great progress we appeared to be making in being enthusiastic about Monday mornings and work eh? Was it only a pipe dream on my part? Because it surely seems like we’ve regressed right back to square one. But don’t think that I’m giving up on us. Not by a long shot! I’m making it my life’s work to see that we’re enthusiastic about getting up and rearing to go out to battle for Jesus on a Monday Morning. (smile) Anyway, since we seem to be in an unusually grumpy mood and testy frame of mind this morning, I’m not going to push my luck. I don’t want to be physically attacked, because I hear violence lurking in the background. Hn, hn! So let’s just sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much gusto as we can muster. As one, in harmony now. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Ah mih breddren, that wasn’t as good as it usually is nuh, but hopefully it got our motors going and with the Spirit of Jesus diligently working in us, we’ll soon get up to speed, and hopefully recognize the great significance of our Bit: ‘The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.’ Now that my fellow believers is one of the most absolute truths that exist in this universe! In fact Friends, it’s what our entire belief system is based upon; the infallibility of the Word of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! If there’s no assurance, no surety or security to that, then all we think and believe as Christians is inaccurate, immaterial and serves no useful purpose whatsoever. If there’s no truth to the Creation Story: ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth… and God said, Let there be light: and there was light… And God said, Let us make man in our own image…’ (Gen1:1,3,26) And also no truth to this most provocative statement: ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty,’ (Rev.1:8) then there’s no real authority, or even plausibility to our Christian boasts. But fortunately my brethren, there are facts, figures and scripture to back up those supposedly extreme positions we Christians hold as truth. And they ought to be extreme, otherwise there’s no need for a God. Who wants a God that’s just like us eh? To be a genuine God, One must be way out, way above the heads of mere mortals in all aspects. And this, our immortal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God made extremely clear from early times, through His prophet Isaiah: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ (Is.55:8-9) That says it all my people! And I like what the scholars say about that verse. ‘God’s sovereignty and omniscience are extolled by the statement that His thoughts (i.e., purposes or intentions) and ways (derakim, or “directions“) are higher than ours. While God may certainly be known by men, He is still incomprehensible in the totality of His person and purposes.’  And that’s the way it should be fellow believers! Now let’s look at some scripture that corroborates the contention of our Bit, that the Lord’s Word will last forever. And what better way to begin than with Isaiah’s famous prophecy. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:6-7) What powerful words my people! And the great thing about them is that we know the prophecy was partly fulfilled by the first coming of Jesus, the remainder will be fulfilled when He comes again, as He’s so faithfully promised. Anyway Friends, that’s enough for today. We’ll continue this Bit tomorrow, the Lord in favour. Till then, let’s stand steadfast and strong in faith, relying completely on the absolute infallibility and gospel truth of the Lord’s Word, for there’s nothing else in this fallen world to compare to it. Much LOVE!…if the Word of God isn’t true…then man’s earthly journey is pointless…his suffering meaningless…and his fullness of joy a bitter lie…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 February 2013 Job 34:21

07 Feb 2013 Leave a comment

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

Job 34:21.     For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
 
Oh my fellow believers, our great God in His infinite wisdom and mercy has done it again.! Yes Friends, He’s blessed us with another day of life on this earth. And though the earth’s a mess, we believers have been given the honourable task of fixing it in Jesus’ Name. Isn’t that wonderful? But mih people, like every other project in life, if we’re not excited to do it, then we won’t give of our best. The same goes for the work of Jesus. If we’re not excited to live a life of faith, and good works in action, backed up by the Word, then we’re wasting our time and Jesus’ too. In the first place, it’s not an easy job, with Lucifer and all his evil minions fighting against us. In the second, only as much as we put out, will we get back. It’s the old story of you reap what you sow. And Friends, I don’t have to tell us that in these trying times our witness for Jesus, both in words and deeds is certainly not good enough! So today, let’s each one of us, search our hearts and ways, and see where we’re falling down on the job, and sincerely try to improve it nuh. That’s the only way we’ll ever improve the situation, ever get the LOVE Revolution really ‘revoluting.’ (smile) Anyway, I have a serious invitation for you, from the famous British poet and playwright, Robert Browning (1812-1889). And the invitation is to ‘Grow old along with me! The best is yet to come.’ And that’s gospel Friends! I’m finding these latter days to be the best days of my life. I’ve done most of what I’ve always wanted to do. Not necessarily to the level I’d hoped, but I now know how to do all the things I’ve imagined. I’ve achieved a fair state of economic well-being. My children are grown and on their own, and I’ve found a peace so peaceful in Jesus, that in spite of the problems I still encounter, I don’t worry about them no more. I do the best I can, then leave the rest to the Lord. That doesn’t mean I agree with all God’s decisions, or don’t have concerns, and oftimes serious ones too, but the difference now is that I’ve found a level of faith to truly believe that the Lord will bring me out of them, sometimes battered and bruised, but usually better off and with stronger faith than before. Having surrendered my soul to Him, all I can do nowadays is say ‘Thanks Lord,’ then grin and bear it as best I can. So my brethren, I’m asking us to grow old together in the peace and LOVE of Jesus. It’s the greatest thing since sliced bread! (smile) And why shouldn’t we, since it’s the wisest choice in light of our Bit? ‘For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.’ If our God sees everything we do, then we’d be foolish to do stuff that doesn’t sit well with Him. For as Cousin Sol says in Proverbs 15: ‘The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.’ (Prov.15:3) It’s just like when we were young and wanted to do mischief, we’d try to hide from our parents. With them we could have been successful, because they couldn’t see us all the time. But even then, as they kept telling us, the things done in darkness usually come to light, and eventually they’d find out, and we’d pay the price. However Friends, the difference with our God is that we simply cannot hide from Him because He watches us ALL the time. So the wise money should be on doing good in His awesome, all seeing sight. Listen to how Jeremiah puts it in his prayer, re our God: ‘Great in counsel, and mighty in work (deeds): for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.’ (Jer.32:19) Oh my people, it couldn’t be any plainer than that. Yet we still insist on doing what we know is wrong, somehow hoping to get away with it. But hear how Hosea says it, re Israel’s rebellion against God. ‘When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered (uncovered), and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood (fraud); and the thief cometh in, and the troop (band) of robbers spoileth without (plunders outside). And they consider not (do not say) in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings (deeds) have beset (surrounded) them about; they are before my face.’ (Hos.7:1-2) And please remember Friends that the Lord has not changed, from day one to the end, He is and will be the same. So what makes us think that we’re so special eh, that our wrongdoings won’t be looked upon with judgement and justice like the Israelites of old? If the Lord can punish His chosen people, why would He spare us, some of the most ungodly and evil humans who ever walked the earth? And we’ll end with this poignant and powerful scripture that encapsulates all we’ve been talking about. It’s from Hebrews 4, re the present danger of unbelief. ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight (hidden from Him): but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (must give account).’ (Heb.4:12-13) Now here’s the scholar’s explanation of those verses. ‘For the word of God: The reason given for one’s careful scrutiny of his life involves the reality that God is intently scrutinizing it. His word is quick (living). This word is first in the Greek and is the emphasis. God’s Word is not old or archaic; it is alive. It is not inept or inactive; it is powerful (active). It reaches into the inner secrets of man’s mind to discern even his thoughts and intents. Likewise, God’s eyes sees man as though he were naked, unable to hide behind excuses or pretense.’ Amen mih breddren! And if that doesn’t wise us up, then I really don’t know what will nuh. Much LOVE!…the awesome power of the Word…and the all seeing eyes of God…should cause us to wake up…repent…and do right…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 March 2012 Matthew 18:11‏

02 Mar 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , ,

Matthew 18:11.    For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
 
Oh my fellow believers in Christ, it’s Friday! Yes, the weekend’s here at last. But uncharacteristically the shouts of ‘TGIG! Thank God is Friday! aren’t as loud and lusty as usual because we seem to be adding a little more decorum to our Lenten behaviour. (smile) It reminds me of the days when you couldn’t hear a calypso on the radio in T&T – the land of carnival and calypso – during the entire Lenten season, except on St. Patrick’s Day, because they were thought to be too immoral and sinful, inappropriate music for that particular period. Granted some might have been, but the whole genre suffered because of a few. And isn’t that the way life seems to move; where because of a few miscreants, a whole body is negatively labelled and punished? Anyway, we’ve got Jesus – our be all and end all – so there’s no need to worry. With that security in mind, let’s then chant our Friday Chant to get us set for the weekend. In one loud, persuasive voice 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.’ Yes mih people, what a joy it is to believe in a God who LOVED us so much that He sent His only Son to save us worthless beings! Our Bit states it plainly and simply: ‘For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.’ Now it wasn’t Jesus alone who declared this saving grace of His, for Isaiah prophesied it way back when: ‘Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us).’ (Is.7:14) The angel of the Lord also appeared in a dream to Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, while he was wrestling with the problem of a pregnant fiancée, telling him: ‘And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus (Saviour): for he shall save his people from their sins.’ (Matt.1:21) This was done so that Isaiah’s prophecy above could be fulfilled. Now Jesus wasn’t bashful about saying it either for it was the truth and He wanted to make sure that people really understood why He had left His comfortable home in heaven to come to hell on earth. Listen to Him expound on the subject: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17) And all God’s people raised their heads, eyes, hearts and hands to heaven and uttered a grateful, ‘Thank you Father God for sending your Son Jesus to redeem us from our sins! We LOVE you, and bless and praise your Holy Name!’ What would we have done without Jesus eh Friends? As the ancients would say, ‘crapaud would surely smoke we pipe,’ our eternal lives would certainly be in great jeopardy, having to spend eternity in Hades with Lucifer. Oh what a horrible thought! But thank the Lord there’s Jesus, ever on the lookout for the lost, hurting, sick and oppressed. And He shows this so plainly in Luke 15 where He tells the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, where the shepherd, the coin’s owner and the father of the lost son diligently seek for what they’d lost. And when they’d found it, they rejoiced with their friends and neighbours. It’s only fitting to end with Jesus’ words after each parable: ‘I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just (upright) persons, which need no repentance… Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth…It was meet (right) that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.’ (Luke 15:7,10,32) Oh Friends, are we on the lookout for the poor, hungry, sick and suffering too? If not, then we’re not following in Jesus’ footsteps. So let’s get a right perspective and change it all, so that we can truly deserve to be called Christians – followers of Christ. Much LOVE!…you’re not a true follower…unless you truly follow your leader…


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