Today’s Scrip-Bit   21 October 2023 Ephesians 1:22.

21 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 1:22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Well a good lazy-day Saturday morning to you my Scrip-Bit friends and family. And I do hope that you will enjoy a restful, lazy-day Saturday surrounded by the goodness and wellbeing of our wonderful God! Let’s remember that without Him we are nothing, for He is the vine and we are the branches, and if the branch doesn’t stay attached to the vine it’s of no use, because all the necessities for bearing fruit begin and end in the vine, the branch can do nothing of itself. (John 15:1-10) And so, to help us stay rooted and grounded in the vine, let’s declare (yesss!!!) our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer with a sincere and grateful heart. 

As one voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

And hopefully, as we offer up that simple but heartfelt prayer to heaven, all of our souls will be quietened, our muscles relaxed, our breaths deepened, and we’ll feel the overwhelming presence of the Lord enveloping us with His LOVE, mercy and grace! Wow! What a wonderful God we serve my fellow believers! And all God’s people said a rousing ‘That’s for Sure! There’s no God like our Jehovah! No! There’s no god like our Jehovah!’ and that’s the gospel truth! There’s no Infinite Being like, or except Yahweh! He’s the ONLY living God. all the other supposed God are dead, inanimate creations of man, and thus cannot do anything to help mankind. Matter fixed! 

And it’s indeed refreshing to have a rousing Lazy-Day Saturday Bit! (smile) Now let’s get to the heart of the matter; that’s the prayer of Bruh Paul on behalf of the Ephesians that we were studying yesterday. It’s where he prayed that the Lord would give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation, with enlightened minds so that they would truly know Him, the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory they have inherited, and His mighty power that gives them the strength for godly daily living. (Eph. 1:17-19) 

Now, since Bruh Paul was somewhat longwinded and worked towards perfection (smile) he didn’t just stop there, he went on to explain ‘the mighty power of God. ‘Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set (seated) him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principalities, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world (age), but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth it all.’ (Eph. 1:20-23) 

What powerful scriptures my fellow saints! Yes! But what does it all mean? (smile) Let’s hear what the scholars have to offer. They say: ‘Principality, and power, and might, and dominion refer to various classes of angelic beings. See note on Colossians 1:16.’ And for our further understanding, Col. 1:16 says: ‘For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in (on) earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities (rulers),or powers (authorities): all things were created by him and for him.’ 

And the scholars point out that ‘this verse provides the reason Christ is called the ‘firstborn’ in verse 15. Paul’s rationale is this: Since by him were all things created, then (1) Christ must have existed before the universe, and (2) He must be greater than all He made. Meanwhile “thrones” refer to angels who sit on thrones as rulers; “dominions” refer to domains or kingdoms over which these heavenly beings reign; “principalities” refer to rulers, and “powers” refer to angelic monarchs who wield regal power. Since Christ created these various ranks of angels, He is supreme over them. Striking a blow at the Colossian heresy advocating angel worship (2:18), this text forbids Christians to pay homage to angels or other heavenly beings created by God.’ 

Heavy stuff that friends. But it’s oh so important because sadly, today many people still pray to angels and all sorts of other terrestrial and extra-terrestial beings, who have no power or authority whatsoever. So we hope you understand that although there are all kinds of angelic beings, NONE are worthy of worship; ONLY the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit carry such eminence. 

And as we get back to the scripture in Ephesians, the scholars continue by telling us that per verse 21, ‘God’s power has exalted Jesus far above all these spiritual creatures. And per verse 22, which says: ‘And gave him to be the head over all things in the church means God appointed Him head (ruler) over all things for the benefit of the church. Jesus is the divinely appointed ruler over the entire universe for the church’s benefit.’ 

Then, as per verse 23, the  scholars say, ‘that paraphrased it reads, “For the church is His body. It is the fullness belonging to Him who fills the universe with all things.” That is, Jesus, who so wisely and skillfully fills the universe with all material elements necessary for its existence, also wisely and skillfully infuses His people (the church) with His own life and character. 

This verse, then, explains why in verse 22 God made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church: the church is in such an intimate relationship with Him, and is of such character, that she is considered His own body. So it is for her good that Christ is the divinely appointed ruler of the universe. Since He filleth the church with His own life and character, she is a receptacle containing the graces and virtues of God Himself.’ 

Oh brother! Today’s certainly not one for milk, but for plenty meat and spuds! And yes, some of these scriptures can be difficult to understand, but only, if and when we keep reading, studying and meditating on them will we ever understand them and thus grow in spiritual maturity, exercise God’s divine plan that we all grow into Christ-likeness. Remember what the Lord told Joshua when he made him the Israelite Leader after the death of Moses? 

‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (be continually in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous , and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8) And if the Lord said it my brethren, then it must be true. So please, let’s get wise, wake up and see that unless we sincerely read and study God’s Word, then put it into action in our lives, we will NEVER be as successful and prosperous as He desires us to be! Much LOVE!

…if Jesus Christ is the church…then the church should reflect the nature and character of Christ…   

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 June 2019 Philippians 2:9.

20 Jun 2019 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 2:9.    ​Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
 

And it looks like it’s going to rain today… Hn! The whole truth though is that it has already rained today, sometime in the early morning hours. And if we do get some rain today, we really can’t complain because we’ve gotten such beautiful warm weather for the last few days. 

And anyway, we’re down to the penultimate day of the workweek, and our souls are all bursting with the heavenly fire of Jesus as we mingle in the evil, ungodly world, His assured ambassadors, bringing peace, LOVE, joy and the good news of His wonderful gospel to all and sundry. That’s why we can all declare: ‘I am ONE with God’s perfect order, I am calm and poised, knowing that all is well with my life.’ 

And that’s only because ‘the Light of God surrounds me. The LOVE of God enfolds me. The Power of God protects me. And the Presence of God watches over me! That means All is Well!’ Glory be my precious people! That’s what happens to us when we become true disciples of Jesus! 

Though circumstances may not be the best, there is a radiant joy, an uplifting and encouraging attitude, a supreme peace, one which surpasses all of man’s understanding, alive in our souls and spirits placed there by our Leader, Lord and Saviour – Jesus Christ! 

Give Him some sincere thanks and praise ye saints of God, for all that He’s already done for us – sacrificing Himself on Calvary’s cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we’re made right with God the Father, plus making us entitled to salvation and eternal life. 

And let’s remember to also thank and praise Him for what He is doing right now – sitting at the Father’s right hand interceding on our behalf. Then there’s the Big One, what’s He’s promised to do in the future – come back for us and take us to dwell in the mansions of heaven with him and the other parts of the Holy Trinity…for ever and ever and ever…! 

Wow! What’s there not to like about all that eh friends? Who else has even thought about doing anything like that for us lowly humans eh, much less actually doing it, like Jesus has done? Not a single supposed god! And that’s simply because there is ONLY ONE GOD; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Living Deity; the Triune combination of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Creators and Rulers of this awesome universe! 

That’s why nobody else can do what Jesus has done, is doing and has promised to do for us. And that’s why we need to glorify and exalt His Holy Name: that awesome name that’s set above every other for His selfless sacrificial work As Bruh Paul declared to the Philippians: ‘And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:’ (Phil.2:8-9) 

Mama Yo! Yuh see how the Father exalted Jesus mih people for obediently doing His bidding! It’s the same way He’ll exalt us if we humbly and obediently do His holy will. Obviously our names won’t be as exalted as Jesus’, but we will be recognized enough by the saints. (smile) 

And just think about the awesome recognition that Jesus’ exaltation wrought nuh: ‘That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil.2:10-11) Yeh friends, that’s how important the Father made Jesus for His obedience and sacrifice! 

And Bruh Paul says it thus to the Ephesians in talking about his praying for them to acquire knowledge and understanding: ‘according to the working of his (God’s) mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set (seated) him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 

Far above all principality, and power and might, and dominion, (various classes of angelic beings), and every name that is named, not only in this world (age), but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.’  (Eph.1:19a-23) Wow mih breddren! Jesus couldn’t get any higher than that! 

Now hear these explanations from the scholars: ‘1:22. And gave him to be the head over all things to the church means God appointed Him head (ruler) over all things for the benefit of the church. Jesus is the divinely appointed ruler over the entire universe for the church’s benefit.’ 

‘1:23. Paraphrased, this verse reads, “For the church is His body. It is the fullness belonging to Him who fills the universe with all things.” That is, Jesus, who so wisely and skillfully fills the universe with all material elements necessary for its existence, also wisely and skillfully infuses His people (the church) with His own life and character.’ 

Yes friends, the church represents the body of Christ, and we are the church, not the buildings, which means that whatever is in Christ is also in us. Therefore we need to work together for His benefit, as one body though with different parts, because that’s the only way we will ever overcome the evil that’s currently ruling the world. And in His utmost wisdom and generosity, He has also given us wonderful blessings to use as tools in our earthly work. 

So let’s go home declaring (Steups! wrong again!) them out loud with real gusto and true sincerity. As one now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’ 

Now two last things to remember (smile); our words have awesome power, so when we speak them, we bring them to pass, and secondly, those blessings are not to be hoarded but to pass around generously as we do Christ’s work. Sermon done! Much LOVE!

…His servants shall see the Lamb’s face…and His name shall be written…on their foreheads… (Rev.22:3 & 4)