Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 September 2013 Psalm 81:9

05 Sep 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 81:9.   There shall no strange (foreign) god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
 
Oh Friends, another new morn is here with new blessings, mercies and forgiveness! Wow! Are we ready to receive this new day and all the positive things it brings with joy, gladness and humble appreciation? I certainly hope so, because if we’re not, then we’ll lose out on the best stuff that Almighty God has to offer.
 
And all God’s children joyfully declared: This is the day the Lord has made, WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!’ 
 
Yes mih people, that’s the way I like to hear us shout out loud and proud in the name of Jehovah God! It’s the only way to go, otherwise we’re showing ourselves unappreciative of His wonderful blessings, mercies and forgiveness.
 
Now, while going through some papers here just now, I came upon this little note I’d taken from an article of the June issue of In Touch Magazine. It’s simple, but it says a whole lot. ‘The way you live your life everyday is a picture of your soul.’
 
Now that sounds like gospel truth to me! Why? Because we generally live our lives the same way everyday, and thus they are true reflections of how we feel, think and behave.
 
And to expand on that, I’m saying that we should therefore live everyday of our lives as though everything matters. We should try to make a difference, a positive one that is, and stop focusing on ourselves, and our little, insular worlds.
 
As believers we ought to live lives of excellence, lives of significance that impact positively in, and on the lives of others. Then and only then, will we be showing the LOVE and true discipleship that Jesus desires of His followers. 
 
Now here’s our Bit: ‘There shall no strange (foreign) god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.’
 
Oh Friends, that verse comes from Psalm 81, where the psalmist Asaph is writing of God’s goodness and the Israelites waywardness. But in fact it’s the very first commandment the Lord gave His people when He brought them out of bondage in Egypt way back in time.
 
‘And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ (Ex.20:1-3)
 
Oh my brethren, those words are self-explanatory, simple and to the point, as are most of the words of our great God! That meant the Israelites were entering into an exclusive covenant with Yahweh, the One, True God.
 
But as we all know, they were a rebellious and stubborn people and did not keep the covenant for very long. In fact they reneged on it several times during their long, stormy and catastrophic history.
 
This led the psalmist to write of God. ‘But my people would not hearken (heed, listen) to my voice; and Israel would (have) none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts lust (stubbornness): and they walked in their own counsels.’ (Ps.81:11-12)
 
Ah Friends, there’s a direct connection and relationship between the Israelites turning away from God, and our present behaviour, for we are doing the very same thing. We’re refusing to walk in covenant with God, and instead are taking Him out of lives; schools, public places and even homes, as quickly as we can. 
 
And like the Israelites, the Lord has allowed us to walk in our own counsel. Hence the negative results, just like it befell the Israelites, EVERY TIME they turned away from the God of their forefathers.
 
I don’t have to paint a picture for you of the wars and rumours of war, of the strife, greed, anger foolish pride and idolatry that’s engulfing, no sorry, that’s already engulfed our ungodly world. And it’s getting worse everyday my friends. Everyday we’re sinking ever deeper into the bottomless morass of sin and ungodliness.
 
That brings to mind the psalmist’s writing, re God’s response. ‘Oh that my people had hearkened unto (listened to) me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their enemies…. He should (would) have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should (would) I have satisfied them.’ (Ps.81:13-14,16)
 
Oh my people, our wonderful God is mouthing the same mournful lament today, as He sadly sees us wallowing in the mire of wickedness as put forward by Lucifer. But He’s also willing and able to help us. However, we need to first turn back to him in sincere repentance and start living obedient to His dictates.
 
The Israelites belatedly realized this, but they were smart enough to turn back to Yahweh when it finally dawned on them. And in accordance with His covenant their society prospered. But again, that holding on to the covenant only lasted as long as it took for them to become prosperous, and they then forgot who made them so.
 
We’re guilty of the same stupid crime today my people. Some years ago, when times were really tough, a majority of society worshipped the Lord God Jehovah, and eventually the land prospered. But then, as is our sinful nature, we got fat, lazy and complacent and forgot who brought us to the dance.
 
We began believing that it was our own hands that had brought us the prosperity. So the Lord left us to our own foolish ways. Now every thing is falling down, coming apart at the seams, because there’s no single, uniform authority, namely Almighty God, to hold it together.
 
Oh Friends, when are we going to learn that our omnipotent God controls the entire universe and all that happens in it eh?
 
Listen to what He said long ago through the prophet Isaiah. ‘I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed (proclaimed), when there was no strange (foreign) god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. Yes, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let (reverse) it?’ (Is.43:11-13)
 
Yes mih breddren, the Lord’s omnipotence rules over His universe, and just like the Israelites, we are witnesses to it, especially with the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
 
We’ve seen what Jehovah can do, so why are we so foolishly turning away from Him only to suffer the pangs of want and deprivation, when we could be comfortably enjoying peace and prosperity under the protective umbrella of His LOVING-kindness?
 
It makes no sense Friends, especially when history has a whole lot of societies buried in His dust, when they got too big for their ‘britches.’
 
So let’s be wise nuh mih breddren, and start turning back to Almighty God. That’s provided we want to see our topsy-turvy, troubled world stable and prosperous again. Now that’s certainly wisdom of the highest order! Much LOVE!
 
… what is history eh….history provides a record of the past…to light the way of the future…but this foolish generation refuses to see the light of the future…Jesus… 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 July 2013 Matthew 13:22

18 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 13:22.   He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
 
Oh Friends, it’s ‘Summer time! And the living is easy…’ Well not for those who don’t have A/C or a cool basement to inhabit these last few days. For it was another hot, humid day in my neighbourhood, except that there was a decent breeze during the day. But as soon as the sun disappeared, the wind did the same.
 
Sitting on my porch, late last night, I had to strain to see any movement in the leaves on the trees. And again, even the insects refused to come out of their cool lairs to play in the dark, as is their wont. (smile)
 
Today seems like it will be more of the same. We’ve been calling for summer all along, and now that we have it, we’re not too thrilled. That reminds us of the old saying; beware of what you ask for, because when you get it, it might not be all you expected.
 
But let’s get right to our Bit, because there’s plenty stuff to share. ‘He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care (cares) of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.’
 
Ah Friends, how sad it is when we allow the cares of the world to choke our godliness and make us unfruitful! But here’s this little prayer, or poem, from Dr. Robert Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional, which puts our shortcomings in the right perspective.
 
It’s titled, ‘My Walk,’ and goes thus: ‘O God, I’m inspired. For you have just impressed this truth into my mind: The most powerful force in the world is a positive idea in the mind of a believer who is walking in your will! I now reach forth my life and say, “God, put my life into the centre of your will.” Amen.’
 
Now Friends, that’s how we should be walking with our God, in a positive manner, passionately doing His will!
 
And as Jesus adds in the last verse of the parable on the sower. ‘But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth (produces), some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.’ (Matt.13:23)
 
Yes my people, that’s how we ought to be; hearing the Word, understanding it, then using it to successfully bring forth fruit, win souls, get others interested in living for Jesus!
 
However, too many of us still keep resisting Him, paying more attention to the things of the evil, ungodly world, things that sadly only raise up the lusts of our flesh and the lusts of our eyes, and cause us to walk in foolish pride.
 
Bruh Paul pointed this out to Timothy when he told him: ‘Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having LOVED, this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.’ (2 Tim.4:9-10)
 
Yeh mih people, Demas fell under the world’s spell and deserted Bruh Paul. And unfortunately that sort of thing is still happening today; believers are still deserting God’s army to assuage their earthly lusts in the wicked ways of Lucifer. 
 
Meanwhile, listen to Bruh Paul as he tells the Ephesians about grace and faith. ‘And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
 
Among whom also we all had our conversation (conducted ourselves) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great LOVE wherewith he LOVED us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are (have been) saved.’) (Eph.2:1-5)
 
Yes Friends, all of us, like the Ephesians were once following the tendencies, values, pursuits and deeds of this evil world, until God sent Jesus to save us, and we became new creatures, new creations in Christ. Unfortunately though, too many of us are still following the world’s vision and values, foolishly reluctant to give them up and fully embrace Christ.
 
But listen to James talk about hearing and doing the Word nuh. ‘If any man among you seem to be (thinks he is) religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain (useless). Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’ (James 2:26-27)
 
That says it all Friends!
 
But here are a few words from the scholars on those verses. ‘In verses 22-25 James has rebuked mere listening – by the hearer who does not do. In verses 26 and 27 he rebukes mere doing – by the doer who leaves his inner life unchanged. James offers not a formal definition but three key aspects of pure religion: controlled speech, altruistic service, and separation from the world.’
 
Now my brethren, it’s up to us to choose whom we will follow, the world, or Jesus. I’d suggest you make that decision right now, because time is running out, and decide to follow Jesus, for that’s where the smart money, the wisdom and common sense lies. Much LOVE!
 
…as for me and mine…we will definitely follow Jesus…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 July 2013 Jeremiah 1:6

04 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Jeremiah 1:6.   Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Thursday 4th July, and we’re wishing our U.S. neighbours a Happy 4th of July, as they celebrate their country’s birthday!
 
It’s going to be a big bash, as always, so please remember that drunk or sober, to mind your business, because Lucifer will be out in full force this weekend prowling for any stragglers he can find. And we surely don’t want him to find any chinks in our armour that he can use for his evil purposes!
 
But you know I was thinking recently about the U.S, it’s anomalous and unique position, one full of contradictions and exceptions. Those wishing to worship God in their particular way, founded it on godly principles. And because of those same godly principles, the U.S. rose to be the most prosperous and powerful country the world has ever seen.
 
But unfortunately, as so often happens, that same power and prosperity became foolish pride and worldly lusts, with reliance on their own efforts, conveniently forgetting that it was Jehovah God who had brought them to the dance. Then they began systematically removing Him from their society and individual lives. 
 
And they’re still working on it, even though the bottom bucket dropped out, and they’re now no longer cock of the walk, but are way down the totem pole in terms of economic power and prosperity. However they are either number one, or very close to it, in the category of sinful countries. As they say, how are the mighty fallen eh! 
 
Sadly though, their culture has been exported all over the world, causing so many others to turn to the wrong things, wrong people and the wrong way. But I must admit, that if any nation can successfully turn its fortunes around, it is the U.S. And my people, let’s sincerely pray that they wake up soon and find the God of their forefathers again, because even with their diminished power, still, as the U.S. goes, so too does the rest of our world. 
 
Now here’s our Bit: ‘Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child (youth).’ And I stuck with the same Bit from yesterday because I wanted to talk about some examples of men of great faith who, when initially called by God, offered all sorts of excuses.
 
And I guess the most famous one is Moses. When the Lord first called him from within the burning bush, Exodus 3, to send him to Pharaoh, here’s his quick retort. ‘And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ (Ex.3:11)
 
But as with Jeremiah, and with all His servants, the Lord provided Moses with full assurance. ‘And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.’ (Ex.3:12)
 
But that still didn’t satisfy Moses. ‘And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say unto me, what is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’ (Ex.3:13-14) 
 
But that only kept Moses quiet for a while. Later on he again complained: ‘And Moses said unto the Lord, O Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore (before), nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow (dull or heavy) tongue.’ (Ex.4:10)
 
And I like the Lord’s reply: ‘And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind” have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.’ (Ex.4:11-!2)
 
Moses though was still sceptical. ‘And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.’ (Ex.4:13)
 
‘And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
 
And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth (your spokesman), and thou shalt be to him instead of God.’ (Ex.414-16)
 
Yes Friends, God’s anger was stirred up Moses’ reluctance, despite all of His assurances. To alleviate the situation, He finally appointed Moses brother, Aaron, to be his spokesperson. 
 
But even after that, when the Israelites refused to listen to him, and the Lord sent him to Pharaoh, Moses tried to get out of it. ‘And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips (who doesn’t speak well)?
 
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge, (instruction) unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.’ (Ex.6:12-13)
 
Yeh mih people, the Lord finally got fed up and simply told them just go and do what He commanded, and forget the silly excuses. And yuh see the great things that Moses did in the Lord’s name!
 
Even when he got before Pharaoh, it was Moses who did all the talking; His slow speech, heavy tongue and uncircumcised lips didn’t stop him then, because the Lord inspired him in his time of need. Poor Aaron never got a word in edgewise. (smile)
 
Oh Friends, it’s the very same way that Lord works in all our lives, when He calls us to work for Him. He enables us with the strength, wisdom, faith and whatever other tools we need to do the job(s) He’s called us to do.
 
Unfortunately though my brethren, Moses took up all our space and time with his whining, so like we’ll have to continue this topic tomorrow, God in favour.
 
Till then, may the Good Lord bless and keep us, may He allow His countenance to shine upon us and give us His wonderful peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Much LOVE!
 
…if and when the Lord comes a-calling….to save time and worry…just say…Yes Lord…right at the beginning… 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 June 2013 Matthew 18:20

10 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 18:20:       For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.
 
‘Monday, Monday! How I LOVE that day! Monday, Monday! It just chases all my blues away!’
 
Yeh mih people, it’s Monday once again, time to go out and labour. And the trick to not letting that get us down, is in how we look at it, how we perceive it. Too many of us perceive it in a negative light, that’s why we feel so tired and lousy on Mondays, even when we’ve spent the entire weekend resting. 
 
But once we train our minds to see it as a positive occurrence, then the blues and the tiredness will just disappear. Remember what we learned from the scholars last week; that whatever captures our minds, captures our hearts?
 
Well that certainly applies in this case. We’ve allowed too many negative images of Monday to capture our hearts and minds, thus our habitual Monday grouchiness.
 
Now let’s try and change that mindset, replace it with a positive one, by singing our endearing, moving and motivational Monday Morning Battle Hymn. Let’s raise the levels of joy, both on earth and in heaven, with a loud, enthusiastic, sincere, harmonious and gusto-filled rendition.
 
All together 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!’
 
Oh that was excellent mih breddren! All of heaven’s hosts were standing and applauding, including the Father, who hugged Jesus and joyfully whispered, ‘Nice going J!’
 
So Friends, with all that joy we’ve brought to heaven this Monday morning, let’s ride that powerful wave, by journeying forth into the evil, ungodly world that currently surrounds us, and spread LOVE, in Jesus’ name, build the LOVE Rev Club which we all joined yesterday, and thus make all heaven proud of us.
 
Let’s not allow Jesus’ sacrifice to be wasted through fear, shame, petty dithering and simple laziness, so that all knees will eventually bow and everyone call Him Lord and Saviour.
 
Oh Friends, when I tell you all about the magnificent workings of the Holy Spirit, some of you think I’m joking, but I’m not. And the preamble above is a perfect example of that, because I was just sitting here wondering what to write about, pondering how to bring a slightly different but still interesting angle to the proceedings, when the idea from the popular Mama’s and Papa’s tune, ‘Monday, Monday’ suddenly floated into my consciousness, and the rest just naturally unfolded.
 
Now that wasn’t just my natural brilliance, (smile) neither was it Lucifer’s evil prodding, since his style isn’t positive. That leaves just the Holy Spirit as the only other contributor. And I’m using this testimony to further encourage us to not give up on Jesus and His indwelling Spirit because there are numerous possibilities, in fact ‘the whole world’s our oyster’ when He’s our guide and leader.
 
Now please don’t expect it all to happen overnight, because it’s an on going process, a life long one, involving much faith, trust, hope, surrender and an extremely large dose of those two sweeteners, patience and perseverance.  
 
Ah mih people, the ole fella seems to be in fine form this morning… But I’d better shut up yes, before the Lord takes it as a sign of foolish pride and cause me to struggle tomorrow. Doh laugh nuh, He does have a way of doing things like that.
 
Oh, oh! Sorry Scotty mih brother, I almost forgot to write about our wonderful church picnic yesterday. And I know you’re expecting to read a l’il something about it in today’s Bit. Well here goes mih bruh, I wouldn’t want to disappoint you.  
 
Yes Friends, my church had our annual picnic and church service; our annual communing with nature, in the rustic and natural setting of a park yesterday. We had the river flowing close by, I believe it’s the Credit River, everybody was in fine voice and spirits, with Father Jeff at his exuberant best.
 
There was definitely a sense and presence of God in the atmosphere, both in the natural surroundings and in God’s most wonderful creation -man! The music was uplifting with acoustic guitars and ukulele accompaniment. And the fellowship provided by the communion circle, where each person administered the sacrament to the person next to them, I think definitely heightened the whole proceedings.
 
Unfortunately though, given today’s busy world, the crowd wasn’t as big as we expected, but it was surely large enough to make it most worthwhile. And everybody had a grand old time!
 
Now just to show how our God does move in mysterious ways and believes in families being the nucleus of all His creation, be they human or animal, at one stage during the service, two groups of ducks, or geese, came floating down the river, each with one adult leading the way, the young ones in the middle and another adult bringing up the rear. Only we foolish humans think we know better than our Creator and are thus trying to destroy the family as He designed it.
 
And the food, as always, was most excellent mih people! It was a pot luck style festival, with as many varieties of food as there different races and backgrounds in our very diverse congregation. Then after the food was devoured, with lots left over, since all of us were brought up to cook enough to entertain unexpected guests, the sports took over, with stuff like soccer and badminton, as well as just mere lounging and chatting.
 
Again, with our busy schedules, although our world is filled with every conceivable kind of aid, most of which our forefathers never had, but were never as busy as we are, people don’t see each other very often. And when we’re in church, the atmosphere tends to make us a tad pious and quiet. That’s why it’s important for congregations to get out into nature, or some ‘unchurch-like’ setting so they can let down their hair, just be themselves and have fun and Christian fellowship, the way the Lord planned it!
 
And I guess that’s it for today, since time and space have run out. And I know we won’t feel totally put upon because there aren’t any scriptures to ‘confuffle’ us. But I do have to go and find an appropriate Bit to tie this all together. But no worries, the Lord will guide me to one, hopefully sooner than later, because He’s promised that, and we all know He’s totally faithful. So soon come! 
 
Oh Friends, I’m back, back with a killer Bit! (smile) And it only took about six minutes. Listen to these most encouraging and reassuring words of Jesus. ‘For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.’
 
Gospel truth my people, undeniable gospel truth!
 
So let’s take it all to heart nuh, and go out and gather, make gatherings on behalf of Jesus, so that we can promote His wonderful LOVE Revolution, whereby all will come to know and acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour. That’s not only wisdom and common sense but also our bounden duty as believers. Much LOVE!
 
…true Christian fellowship amongst mankind…is what our world is dying for…
 
 
  

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 April 2013 1 Corinthians 1:29

15 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 1:29. That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Oh Friends, it’s Monday, time to rise and shine and be about our heavenly Father’s business! Yeh, I know you’re tired from too much partying and insufficient rest and relaxation, but that’s too bad. You’ve already danced to the music, now you have to pay the piper. (smile) But I have just the remedy for this lacklustre Monday morning attitude; our Monday Morning Battle Hymn! So let’s sing it with all the exuberance and enthusiasm we can muster. It will be a tad rough to start, but I assure you, by the time we’re halfway through, we’ll be brimming over with much zeal and confidence, just impatiently tugging at the reins to go out there and battle for Jesus. And some of you are looking at me with a knowing half smile, half concern, as if I’m crazy. But no, I’m not crazy, just a tad out to lunch. (smile) So without further ado, let’s sing our hearts out, in harmony and loud voice. ‘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!’ Yuh see Friends, I wasn’t lying. We were certainly singing up a storm by the time we ended. So much so, that it brought strong applause from the rooting section in heaven. Praise the Lord! And now we all have our motors primed and ready, just waiting to hit the gas and zoom away to engage in the ensuing fray! Ah mih people, that’s what the Spirit of Christ does for us, when we surrender to it and allow it to run the show. And that segues quite nicely into our Bit: ‘That no flesh should glory in his presence.’ But in any case, what do we really have to glory about eh mih breddren? Not a single thing! We didn’t create ourselves, or give ourselves health and strength, or the ability to get wealth. All those things are the gifts of our wonderful and generous Creator, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore we shouldn’t be foolishly boasting of any accomplishments that He might have used us to bring to fruition. As Bruh Paul so rightly tells the Ephesians: ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of your yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship (creation), created in Christ Jesus unto (for) good works, which God hath ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them.’ (Eph.2:8-10) And that’s the unvarnished truth my people! There is indeed method to God’s madness; so that proud, foolish men would not boast about getting into heaven on their own strength, earning salvation by their good works. You know what a bam bam that would cause if it were at all possible. That means it’s only through a spiritual rebirth in Christ, which God accomplishes, and which then leads to good works, that we can receive salvation, and consequently a place in heaven. And that’s nothing new, for our God declared His intentions, re man’s boasting, a long time ago, through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise LOVING-kindness (true covenant loyalty), judgement (justice), and righteousness (what’s right in His sight), in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jer.9:23-24) And nothing has changed since then my fellow believers, or will ever change, to make those words untrue! So all our pride, haughtiness and boasting is just useless nattering, useless batting of our gums, for without the Lord’s help, we can do nothing. We’re just like little babies, helpless and in need of constant care. As Bruh Paul asked of the Romans, after showing how righteousness can only be gained by starting with faith in Jesus. (Rom.3:21-26) ‘Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.’ (Rom.3:27)  And that my fellow believers is indeed the good news of the New Testament! All good things are had through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, the Way, the Life, the Truth, the Light! Hn! That doesn’t only encompass everything in our earthly lives, but also in the life to come. Therefore, as Bruh Paul reminds the Corinthians in his second letter: ‘But he that glorieth let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.’ (2 Cor.10:17-18) Gospel truth Friends! Gospel truth! So let’s get out into the evil world, kill the foolish selfish pride and the worthless boasting that currently abounds out there, because in our own strength, we’re basically powerless. Only through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father, are we able to function at all. We owe it all to our triune God! Please remember that, and don’t let lying Lucifer tell us otherwise and lead us astray. Much LOVE!…I am the vine…ye are the branches…WITHOUT ME…ye can do nothing…

 

 

 

 

Next Newer Entries