The Necessity for Remembrance Day; to Remind Us that God Desires us to Live in Peace!

11 Nov 2025 Leave a comment

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

Romans 14:19.        Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.

HAPPY REMEMBRANCE DAY!

And as is expected, after Monday comes Tuesday, and thankfully the snow has stopped falling, there’s more sunshine than cloud and it’s warm enough for the snow to begin melting. And all God’s people said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’ Yes, winter came in like a lion over the weekend and most of us were not prepared for it, but I’m sure we will be prepared for the next snowfall. (smile) Anyway, today is also a special day in the annals of Western History, it’s the day we celebrate Remembrance Day. And what’s that about? 

This commentary explains: ‘Remembrance Day is a day of remembrance in the Western Hemisphere, celebrated on November 11 to commemorate the end of World War I and to honor all those who have served and sacrificed in the armed forces. At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, the armistice was signed. It is a day for us  to pause in a moment of silence, wear a poppy, and remember those who have fought in times of war, conflict, and peace. The day is also a time to reflect on the cost of war and to promote peace.

 It was originally called Armistice Day to mark the armistice agreement that ended World War I on November 11, 1918. However, in 1931, the Canadian Parliament officially designated the day as Remembrance Day, to be observed on November 11, and separated it from the Thanksgiving holiday.’ And so it is friends, that today we are able to live in relative peace and freedom, although many are trying to push us back into the dark ages, but we will not allow it to happen, even if it’s only on behalf of those who gave their lives and services to stop it a century ago. 

And on this day, we also stand strong in the words of a special poem written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian poet, physician, author, artist and soldier during World War I. The poem’s titled ‘In Flanders Fields.’ So please read it with me: ‘In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, LOVED and were LOVED, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.’ 

How can we ever go back to those barbaric and inhumane times, especially when so many of our young people sacrificed their lives for us to be free? No! It would be a huge blemish on our honour and character, especially after we also fought World War II to keep the fires of freedom and humanity brightly burning. But as always, mankind is never satisfied with the status quo, and there are always some who want to rule the roost so badly that they will stop at nothing, stoop to any means to do it. 

That’s why, right now there are numerous areas of serious strife in our world, as if within the last hundred years we’ve not fought two major wars, and several smaller ones, killing millions of innocent people, all in the supposed name of peace and freedom. But mankind’s warmongering ways and blatant inhumanity to his fellow man continues undiminished. It’s obvious that mankind does not hold these words of Bruh David from Psalm 34 sacred. ‘Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.’ (Ps. 34:14) But that’s what we followers of Christ ought to be doing, because one of the many awesome names of our Leader is the Prince of Peace! 

And I like how this commentary from the website bibletolife.com/resources explains it. ‘God wants peace for His people and His creation. It’s at the core of why Christ came to the world—to redeem people from their sin and set creation on a trajectory of peace. As a result, Christians are called to be people of peace and unity, so that many may come to know the peace and LOVE we find in Jesus. What does the Bible say about peace?’ And there are ever so many scriptures pleading with us to do just that. Let’s take a look at a few of them nuh, to sort of awaken our peace motivation and kill our warlike desires. 

It begins as early as Leviticus, where the Lord promises the Israelites: ‘And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid (eliminate) evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.’ (Lev. 6:26) Now tell me how many lands are there like that to day? Not many! And only a few psalms later, Psalm 37, Bruh David again advises us: ‘Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. (Ps. 37:37) Meanwhile, Cousin Sol reminds us: ‘My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.’ (Prov. 3:1-2) 

And what sweeter words of peace can we get than these from the prophet Isaiah: ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on (sustained by) thee.’ (Is. 26:3) Now listen to this other gem on peace from Isaiah. ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings (good news), that publisheth (proclaims) peace; that bringeth good tidings (good news) of good (things), that publisheth (proclaims) salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.’ (Is. 52:7)

Then there’s Jesus own proclamation in the Beatitudes: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.’ (Matt. 5:9) Followed by this exhortation from Bruh Paul in Romans: ‘If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom. 12:18) And since time and space have run out on us, we’ll end with this other inducement from Bruh Paul to the Romans. ‘Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat (food) and drink; but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.’ (Rom. 14:16-19) 

Oh my people, we could not get any better advice than that on this Remembrance Day where we remember all those who fought on our behalf. So lets’ go home now declaring (chuh man!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…Peace I leave with you…my peace I give unto you…not as the world giveth give I unto you…let not your heart be troubled…neither let it be afraid… (John 14:27)

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Overwhelming Importance for Christians to be Peace-Minded like Jesus Desires!

01 Jan 2025 Leave a comment

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

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And a Happy New Year to all you beautiful people out there in Scrip-Bits land! Let’s hope that this new year has met you in good shape, physically, mentally and emotionally, and if it hasn’t, then it will improve things as quickly as possible. And we sincerely pray that this new year of 2025 will bring a modicum of peace and joy to our strife and disaster-filled world, because our poor world is desperately groaning with all the negative things that’s happening to it. 

And now is the right time for us to remember that peace doesn’t come of its own accord, but we have to seek it. As Bruh David says in Psalm 34: ‘Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.’ (Ps. 34:14) Yes friends, we not only have to avoid temptation, to reject it from wherever it comes, while seeking peace and pursuing it. And what does that mean eh? 

This commentary explains it as follows: ‘The verse conveys that peace is something that people must actively seek out, and that it is not something that will just happen. The phrase emphasizes the ongoing effort required to maintain peace. The Hebrew word radaf used in the verse means to chase or follow after with intensity. The verse also conveys that choosing good over evil, and peace over sin, is part of honoring God properly. It also suggests that making peace manifests a God-fearing attitude.’ 

And that’s exactly what we supposed followers of and believers in Christ Jesus need to do in a much greater fashion this new year! We most definitely need to raise our level of discipleship, with all diligence and efficiency, if we ever hope to make any worthwhile difference in this evil world. Remember the Bible tells us in several places that we have to diligently go after the peace, for it won’t come to us. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Bruh Paul to the Romans: ‘Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.’ (Rom. 14:19) 

And Before that he admonished them thus: ‘If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ (Rom. 12:18-19) Oh my fellow believers there couldn’t be any stronger admonishment for going out of our way to live in peace! 

And the author of Hebrews also had something to say on the subject of peace. ‘Follow (pursue) peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail (fall short) of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.’ (Heb. 12:14-15) Now those are indeed strong sentiments my brethren, but we need to take them to heart, for if we don’t, we’re liable to fall short of God’s grace and take many others with us. And we certainly don’t want to do that. 

And if you don’t believe what those writers said, then check out these words of our Lord and Saviour nuh. And we’ll begin with begin with this commentary that asks: ‘What was Jesus main message about peace?’ And answers: ‘One of the central themes of the Sermon on the Mount is Christ’s expectation that His followers be characterized by peace—not violence or war. In the famous opening to this great sermon known as the Beatitudes, Jesus taught, “Blessed [happy] are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children (sons) of God” (Matthew 5:9).” 

Yes friends, we cannot be true disciples of Christ until, and unless we are characterized by peace! And this other commentary takes it a little further: ‘Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). We are to try for peace. Peace can be experienced only when we have received divine pardon – when we have been reconciled to God and when we have harmony within, with our fellow man and especially with God.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth! We can’t have peace until we have harmony with ourselves, with others and most of all with God. It’s as the two great commandments say: ‘Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and prophets.’ (Matt. 22:37-40) 

Oh my people, Jesus is all about peace and LOVE, but unfortunately, those are currently the least two attributes to be found in our topsy-turvy world. But we can turn it around this new year, provided we’re so inclined. However, it will take lots of work and sacrifice, with us totally increasing our salty flavour and the intensity of our light, while keeping these most encouraging words of Jesus on peace, front and centre in our minds. 

The first statement says: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) Then there’s this other encouraging statement on peace. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) 

And if we believe truly believe that Jesus has overcome the world, defeated Satan, hell, death and the grave, then we will truly find peace in Him and His awesome promises. So please, let’s make this a year of peace and joy and LOVE, with our ONE New Year’s Resolution; that being to improve our faith walk with Jesus, thus grow in spiritual maturity and achieve greater intimacy with God! If we do those things, then everything else will fall into place. 

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

And if we endure to the very end with Jesus, then it’s been promised that the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! So, see you there! Much LOVE!

…if you have the peace of Jesus…then you are truly blessed…because His peace…surpasses all of man’s understanding…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 July 2015 Proverbs 3:30

18 Jul 2015 Leave a comment

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

 Proverbs 3:30.   Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm

Well my people, the summer is moving along briskly, but we aren’t seeing real summer weather as yet. It’s only a few days since summer officially began that we have seen truly warm temps.

We’ve been mostly getting temps in the low twenties with cloudy skies, but I’m not really complaining nuh, because on the hot days the heat can be a bit much. (smile)

If we’re past the middle of July and the heat and the hot sun aren’t blazing down on us, then something has obviously gone awry. By now the air-conditioning guys would be making a mint, with all the calls for broken air-conditioners, but I don’t think they’ve been having such a field day because we have not had any real need for them.  

I haven’t even attempted to turn on mine as yet. If this mild weather keeps up then we will certainly not be able to write off climate change as the product of someone’s wild imagination, but need to take it seriously.

Some days it feels more like spring than summer, and the strong, cool winds just exacerbate the situation. After a long and cold winter, everyone’s been looking forward to a hot summer, but sadly that has not really materialized as yet. And you can bet your bottom dollar that if and when it does, we’ll be complaining that it’s too hot. That’s just the nature of the beast. (smile)

Anyway, here’s a little something that deals with being a true Christian. I believe it was my brain-child (smile) because there’s nothing on the sheet of paper on which it’s written that acknowledges it as a quote from someone else.

It says: ‘A true Christian must be … a bright ray of light in this darkened world, this world of unbelievable darkness … a beacon of hope for the poor and downtrodden … a willing hand to help those in need … while speaking words of truth and encouragement…filled with a spirit of LOVE and understanding…’

Yes Friends, if we can claim all those conditions as part of our daily lives, then we can indeed call ourselves true Christians.

And then we have our Bit, which wisely tells us: ‘Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no wrong.’

Now why would we want to strive with someone that hasn’t done us any wrong eh? I certainly won’t. I don’t want to strive with anybody period, because that produces no Christian positives, only evil negatives.

However, some of us are so aggressive and quick to take offense and get uptight over petty and imaginary stuff that we spend a large part of our lives in involved in meaningless strife. That’s definitely not heavenly wisdom; in fact it’s not any kind of wisdom at all.

But some of us do get our jollies from that kind of behavior. So to each his own…but just remember that there are consequences to each and every decision we make, good or bad.

Now let’s delve into some scripture that agrees with our Bit. Hear Cousin Sol from Proverbs 26. ‘He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.’ (Proverbs 26:17)

Ah mih people, Cousin Sol’s analogy is something else yes! But it is the truth. We all know how a dog reacts if we try to hold it by its ear; it snarls ferociously and tries to bite the one who’s holding its ear. Strife, whether it belongs to us or not, does the same thing; it puts us in dangerous territory.

Meanwhile Bruh Paul told the Roman church, in the discussion on what is clean to eat or not. ‘For the kingdom of God is not meat (food) and drink; but righteousness; and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.’ (Rom.14:17-19)

Yes my brethren, if we are to be true followers of Christ, we need to seek peace and build up our neighbours, not tear them down in strife. And the author of Hebrews, in his warning against disobedience tells us in no uncertain terms.

‘Follow (pursue) peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God. Looking diligently lest any man fail (fall short) of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.’ (Heb.12:14-15)

Oh Friends, unfortunately in today’s society many are falling short of God’s grace and the root of bitterness is widespread, leading to many being defiled, which is not good for the body of Christ, the church, nor the individuals who make it up.

And we’ll close with some more wise words from Bruh Paul on personal conduct and relationships, this time to Timothy. ‘But foolish and unlearned questions (ignorant disputes) avoid, knowing that they do gender (generate) strifes.

And the servant of the Lord must not strive (quarrel); but be gentle unto all men, apt (able) to teach, patient. In meekness instructing (correcting) those that oppose themselves (are in opposition); if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of (so they may know) the truth.’ (2 Tim.2:23-25)

Ah Friends, one more lesson as to how the genuine Christian ought to behave. Please, let’s take it all seriously and consider how all that we’ve said relates to us as individuals and try our best, with God’s help to live up to the high standards that Jesus desires of His followers. Much LOVE!

…blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God… (Matt.5:8)