Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 July 2020 2 Chronicles 7:14.

21 Jul 2020 Leave a comment

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

2 Chronicles 7:14.     ​If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
 

Aye mih people, can you believe we almost at the end of July already? Not really nuh, because my mind is saying we just celebrated Canada Day and the 4th of July so how can it be the 21st already eh? But that incredible thing we call time doesn’t seem to be waiting on me at all. The duchess tired telling me that, but I can’t seem to understand it. (smile) Anyway, it’s Tuesday, and another wonderful summer’s day in my neighbourhood, so I’ll just get out there and enjoy it, with all the new mercies and compassions and manna and whatever else that’s been showered down for our enjoyment today! 

And here’s a super thought for today…don’t remember where I got it from: ‘A little faith can bring your soul to heaven. Great faith will bring heaven to your soul.’ Now isn’t that an awesome truth! All it takes is a li’l faith to get to heaven, but when your faith is strong, heaven will come to you! Wow! Now that’s something to work towards my people! 

And yuh see why I don’t like social media… One of my sisters bothering me here, but still want me to write a good Bit. (smile) She doesn’t realize that I’m only black and beautiful, not superman! And also from the ole school – no good at multitasking. But yuh know what – I’ll just ignore her until I’m done! But she won’t take my ignoring… 

But what’s the purpose of life if you can’t have a li’l fun with your friends and family every so often eh, especially in these highly explosive times, with all the physical distancing and lack of our normal social interaction? None whatsoever! That’s all a part of the abundant life that Christ came to earth and died that we could have. (John 10:10) And yes, we must take life seriously, but sometimes we take it too seriously, while at other times we don’t take it seriously enough! 

Life is a complicated balancing act which we can only successfully balance with the help of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit that dwells within us for that very purpose! That’s why these words of Bruh David from Psalm 34 are ever so important in our LOVE walk. ‘O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened (radiant): and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.’ (Ps. 34:3-6) 

Oh friends, what magnificent and encouraging words! Who else can do all of that for us eh? NOBODY! None but the great God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! That’s why we need to turn to Him in these trying and troubled times, why prayer and repentance should be our number one priorities, because He is the ONLY ONE who can help us solve the very vexing problems that are currently consuming us and driving so many of us crazy! And as I keep saying, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that some of the negative stuff we’re now experiencing is directly related to the lack of God and godliness in our society! 

You can’t denigrate and try to kick out your Creator from amongst you and still be successful. As Moses asked the people of Israel: ‘Do ye thus requite (repay) the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? Is not he thy father that hath bought thee? Hath he not made thee, and established thee?’ (Deut. 32:6) Yeh friends, foolishly, like the Israelites, we’re repaying our great God with corruption, lies, deception, and all the other works of the evil one! So what can we expect eh? 

Like Israel, every time they turned away from the God of their fathers, they experienced calamity and untold disaster. So why should we be any different eh, when it’s the very same God that we’re supposed to be worshipping? Some people seem to think we’re different, but I think that’s a fool’s wisdom. So why don’t we take another page from the Israelites book eh? When they disobeyed God and found themselves between a rock and a hard place, they were wise enough to repent and run back to Him. So why can’t we do the same thing now too? I’m sure that’s all He’s asking. 

And I want to point out some scripture here that ought to drive home the point to us. ‘But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish (confirm) his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other Gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God.’ (Deut. 8:18-20) 

Now isn’t that exactly what we have been doing in our society? And we like to say that the Lord and His Word never change, they are the same today and forever. That means the negative consequences of disobedience won’t change either. That sounds like good logic to me. (smile) But He’s such a wonderful God and Father that He’s made provision for us to turn again to Him, whenever we’re ready. Hear what He told Cousin Sol at the dedication of the first temple. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ (2 Chr. 7:14) 

Back then, they had to go to the temple to sacrifice and pray, but we’ve had Jesus sacrificed for us once and for all time, and His Spirit now dwells within us, so we don’t need to go to the temple, we can come boldly to the throne of grace, and pray anywhere, without ceasing. That’s the most significant change in that area. So please fellow saints, fellow Christians, called by Christ’s name, let’s wise up and repent and pray and seek His face nuh, so that He can hear us and heal our land…in Jesus name. 

Now it’s finally time to go home, declaring (steups!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know who and whose we are. In strong voice with sincere hearts: ‘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 the world. Amen!’ 

And the obvious corollary to that is for us to go out – with care – or stay at home, and share Jesus’ amazing LOVE and beautiful friendship! Much LOVE!

…prayer…the tool that moves heaven on earth…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 August 2017 Psalm 34:4.

21 Aug 2017 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 34:4.   I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 

And now it’s Monday friends, so what’s the action eh? And everybody throws their hands in the air and excitedly shout: ‘Work! Monday means it’s time for work! Work! Work! Work!’ 

And I know that some of you might think me crazy to even come up with such a scenario, since nobody ever behaves like that, but technically speaking that’s the way it ought to be. Why is that, you demand? 

Well for one it gets us out into the world to spread the good news and LOVE of Jesus, and secondly it earns us a paycheck so we can buy food and clothing and keep a roof over our heads. As Bruh Paul says, ‘no work, no eat.’(smile)  (2 Thess.3:10)  So as true Christians, anyone of those reasons should get us excited enough to want to go to work. 

But unfortunately that’s not the case; very few of us even want to go to work, much less get excited at the thought, but we still expect to eat heartily and otherwise live high on the hog. This easy, amenity filled, comfortable modern-day life has certainly spoiled us. And the sad part is that many who want to work, can’t find any – another ironic situation in our screwed up society. 

But for those of us who are blessed to have jobs, please let’s get it together and go out and do our best, as Jesus desires of us. And if you’re not feeling up to scratch this particular Monday morning, then please sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with me, it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits and get your adrenaline running. 

So 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!’ 

Yeh friends, that was surely encouraging! I can already feel your buoyed spirits, so let’s get a move on and join the fray on behalf of Jesus. Let’s be strong and diligent soldiers in His army. Let’s go out there and be worth our salt, let our lights shine brightly in the darkness of this evil world. It would be so wonderful if we could illuminate the entire world with the brilliant light that’s Jesus! 

That’s what the Father desires of us, so that He doesn’t even lose one of His magnificent creations to the enemy. It’s all in our hands my brethren, so please, let’s make it happen nuh…for Jesus’ sake. 

That brings us to our Bit. ‘I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.’ What wonderful assurance emanates from those words my fellow believers! Bruh David lived them personally, which means we can do the same. 

As I’ve been saying over the last couple of days, seeking the Lord is the wisest and most important decision we can ever make in this life, for what happens in the next life all hinges on what we do now. But enough preaching, (smile) let’s hear what the Word has to say about it all. 

First hear Bruh David from Psalm 9 – Praise for God’s justice. ‘The Lord also will be a refuge (stronghold) for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.’ (Ps.9:9-10) Words of absolute truth my fellow believers! NOBODY who has ever put their sincere trust in God can say He has forsaken them! 

Now listen to these words from Psalm 91 – God is a refuge and a fortress. God says: ‘Because he hath set his LOVE upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.’ (Ps.91:9-16) 

Powerful words my brethren, though we can’t expect to have no problems in this life. Remember following Jesus is not all wine and roses, but as He said: ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33b) 

So let’s go out this Monday morning with raised spirits and complete assurance, while we enthusiastically and diligent do God’s work, knowing that despite the problems which may come, He’ll eventually work them all out for our good. Much LOVE!

…knowing God intimately…is the answer to everything…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 August 2017 Psalm 34:4.

20 Aug 2017 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 34:4.   I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 

Well hello there friends and neighbours, welcome to another glorious day on God’s great earth. And the fact that today is Sunday, the Lord’s Day makes it so much better. That’s because we get to gather in the house of the Lord and sing and praise and worship Him and receive wisdom and understanding by listening to His word expounded to our receptive hearts!  

What an honour! Yeh friends, there’s nothing better than a gathering of Christ’s body, the church, where we exalt and glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And we’ll get today’s show on the road by raising our voices to high heaven in the singing of the old but greatly cherished and popular hymn ‘Just a closer walk with thee.’ So without further ado, let’s offer up the sacrifice of praise with our lips in sweet harmony and sincere emotion.

‘I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. (Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.) Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. 

(Refrain) When my feeble life is o’er, Time for me will be no more; Guide me gently, safely o’er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. (Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.)’ 

Ah mih breddren, a close walk with Jesus on this pilgrim’s journey here on earth is the BEST and WISEST action we can ever take! Why, you ask? Because He knows us better than anyone else and also cares for us more than anyone else! That’s reason enough for me to walk closely with Him. As Bruh David personally testifies in our Bit: ‘I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.’ 

Now if that was good for Bruh David, why wouldn’t it be good for us too eh? Absolutely no reason whatsoever my people! For our God doesn’t regress…in fact He got better after Bruh David’s time by sending His Son Jesus to die for our dastardly sins, so we could have the options of salvation and spending eternity in heaven with Him. 

Wow! How in heaven’s name can any human being consider themselves wise, if they don’t grab the opportunity to hang out with Jesus and hold on tightly to His strong and safely guiding hand eh? Any action other than that friends, is a fool’s wisdom, plain and simple! 

Listen to some of Bruh David’s justification for his stated position. ‘The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off (destroy) the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit (crushed in spirit). 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate (condemned or held guilty). The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate (condemned).’ (Ps.34:15-22) 

Yes my fellow believers, the Lord looks out for all those who sincerely surrender and trust Him enough to come under His marvellous wings! Does any other Deity offer such assurances? Definitely not! Who heals a broken heart and comforts a wounded spirit eh? None but the Lord God Almighty! Who hears the cry of the righteous and delivers them eh? The Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that’s Who! 

And furthermore, our wonderful God has the wicked in His sights, ready to destroy them when the time is right. And Bruh David was experiencing all of that before Jesus came, and since He came and sacrificed His sinless life for us, things have gotten even better! We are now eligible to become children of God and joint heirs with Christ! Glory to God my brethren! 

And all of God’s saints declared loudly and proudly: ‘Blessed is the Lamb that was slain for us! May He live and reign forever! Exalt His holy name, give Him praise in the highest, for He truly deserves it!’ 

Yes friends, there is no other name that’s higher than Jesus’! That’s one of the ways the Father rewarded Him for doing His will without complaining. So, in light of all that, shall we truly take Jesus to heart? I certainly hope so. Otherwise we’d be making the biggest and most serious mistake of our lives. Remember believing in Jesus and accepting Him as Lord and Saviour is the ONLY WAY one can get to heaven and the Father. 

Remember, Jesus said it Himself: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6) Remember too that Jesus doesn’t, or rather cannot lie, so if He says it’s so, then it’s so! Therefore it’s up to each and every individual who hears the gospel of Jesus to make a decision to accept or reject Him. 

But just to remind you, if you choose the latter option, you’ll be left on the outside looking in come judgement day, and it won’t be a very pleasant experience, to say the least. So please listen to the voice of reason crying out in this evil and ungodly world…and choose Christ. Much LOVE!

…be wise…hook up with Jesus…and let Him lead you to the Father…it will be heavenly…for all eternity…