Today’s Scrip-Bit   31 December 2023 Lamentations 3:22.

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

Lamentations 3:22.        It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! New Year’s Eve Sunday! Another damp and cloudy day! Time for the year’s biggest party, as all around the world the old year will be rung out and the new one rung in with all the hoopla we can manage. And I don’t know why we continue to fool ourselves with the façade of the big New Year’s Eve bash nuh, because nothing much, if anything changes. We keep on doing the same evil, ungodly things; the wars won’t stop, hunger and poverty won’t be eliminated, or even greatly reduced. We might even get more hunger and poverty with all the displaced people from the strife torn parts of our world. 

And I don’t mean to be a spoilsport or killjoy, but as always, the commercial aspect of it all rules the roost. Thankfully though, it’s also Sunday, which means a fantastic gathering of believers in the Lord’s sanctuaries, singing, praising and worshipping His Holy Name. And to help us get started we’ll sing this most appropriate hymn titled ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness.’  

Apparently the song was written as a poem in 1923 by one Thomas O Chisholm (1866-1960) born in Franklin, Kentucky, who held several jobs including teacher and newspaper editor until he entered the ministry in 1903. He eventually sent the song to William Runyan in Kansas who was affiliated with both the Moody Bible Institute and Hope Publishing Company. Runyan set the poem to music, and it was published that same year by Hope Publishing Company and became popular among church groups. 

It seems that Chisholm’s ‘aim in writing was to incorporate as much Scripture as possible and to avoid flippant or sentimental themes.’ And I like how Gregg Scheer explains it in his commentary. He says: ‘Unlike many hymns that have heart-wrenching stories behind them (for instance “It Is Well With My Soul”), “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is inspired by the simple realization that God is at work in our lives on a daily basis. He (Chisholm) wrote, “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. 

Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.” The hymn reminds us that God doesn’t only work in dramatic or miraculous ways, but also in simple, everyday ways. It also reminds us that Jesus has never failed us in the past, so we have no reason to doubt his faithfulness in the future.’ 

And all true believers know that! So, having some insight into the history of the song, lets offer it up with sincere sacrifices of praise, in a mid tempo, joyful version. Singing: ‘Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be. (Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!) 

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and LOVE. [Refrain] Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!’  

Oh my people those are indeed true and marvellous words, and we sang them beautifully. (smile) Right in the opening verse we see one of the great statements about our wonderful God; ‘there is no shadow of changing with thee. Thou changest not… as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.’ That’s His immutability, His unchangeability, as stated by James in his epistle. ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning.’ (James 1:17) And because of God’s unchanging nature we can comfortably and safely place our trust and faith in Him, unlike mankind who displays chameleon-like qualities; erratic, unpredictable and constantly changing. 

Then the chorus itself is amazing as it reflects the words of the prophet Jeremiah, when he was going through a rough time. One commentator puts it thus. ‘Chisholm led a pretty ordinary life. He did not write this hymn during a period of intense grief or after encountering God in a profound way. Instead, he found truth in the words he encountered in Lamentations 3:22-23: ‘It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ 

Jeremiah, on the other hand, was in tumultuous circumstances when writing Lamentations. The people to whom he prophesied did not listen, and he was ostracized and completely alone because of what God called him to do. He also lamented the consequences of their faithlessness. God allowed them to be conquered by the Babylonians, resulting in their entire world being laid to waste. 

But in the midst of that utter devastation, Jeremiah still offers them hope on the horizon: they are not completely destroyed because of the LORD’s compassion and faithfulness, and in the morning, after this “dark night of the soul,” things will be better. So whether we are at a place in our lives where everything is pretty ordinary, or whether we are in a period of grief: no matter what our circumstances, God never changes and is faithful to us, sustaining us in his compassion and faithfulness each and every day.’  

Yes friends, it’s because of the Lord’s overwhelming LOVE for us that we have not been totally consumed, been wiped off the earth. His LOVE for us is so great and unchanging that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we could be saved from eternal separation from Him.  As the song says: ‘Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!’ 

And just to make sure that we know how much He truly LOVES us, every day He showers us with new LOVE! Wow! What an awesome God we serve my brethren. We’d certainly be foolish not to appreciate all that He’s done, is doing, and has promised to do for us in the future. So, as we ring out the Old Year and ring in the New One, please let’s concentrate on counting our blessings, and stop complaining about what we lack, while being obedient to His will, so that God has a good reason to keep showering us with mercies, compassion and LOVE, each and every day! Much LOVE!

…happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help…whose hope is in the Lord his God…. (Ps. 146:5) 

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 December 2023   1 John 4:4b.

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

1 John 4:4b.       … greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Brother! Can you believe it’s another wet, drizzly, cloudy day? It’s at least the sixth day in a row that we haven’t had even a hint of sunshine. No wonder SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) takes its toll during such long durations of gloomy, uninspiring weather. I have a light on the deck in my backyard to frighten away animals at night, it runs on solar power, but I haven’t seen it lit for a while now, because there’s been no sunlight to recharge its battery. I believe this is what is known as English weather. (smile) And it’s a sure sign of climate change, if all we’re getting at the end of December is light rain and absolutely no snow. 

Now, it’s highly unlikely that we won’t get any snow at all, but by this time of year, we’ve usually had a few snowfalls. And yet many people still doubt the fact that climate change is occurring. As always though, when we don’t hear, we feel. But that’s also why we have Jesus as Lord and Saviour; to guide and protect us, to lead us in the way everlasting; in the way of truth and righteousness! Without Him, none of that is possible, for we cannot live a righteous and truthful life in our own strength, especially not with the immense pressure being exerted in these evil times for mankind to renounce the presence of Almighty God and bow to the master of darkness, Beelzebub himself! 

And John, in his first epistle explains that though Satan is fighting to gain power over us, we have all the tools to resist him He writes: ‘Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.’ (1 John 4:1) And that last phrase is the absolute truth my people; false teachers and prophets abound in these ungodly and evil times, and thus numerous spirits are flitting about trying to get a foothold in our lives. 

And yes, the Holy Spirit of God does assure us, but with the many spirits that are currently out and about trying to wreak even more havoc and chaos than is already happening, we still need to be very careful what and whom we listen to, and test whatever we hear. So John explains how we can test those spirits. ‘Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.’ (1 John 4:2-3) 

Now we need to make a distinction between  the person of ‘The Antichrist’ who is supposed to reign in terror over the world during the Great Tribulation, and what John is talking about here, more like a group, a body of ‘antichrists’ who are already in the world deceiving people and turning them away from the truth of God. The scholars tell us that ‘John’s opponents may have claimed to follow Christ, but without accepting that the Son who came in flesh was also one with the Father. This position was held by many Gnostics. John says that the Spirit will enlighten true believers to confess that Christ did come in the flesh. Jesus himself speaks of those who call Him “Lord” but are false followers. (Matt. 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)’ 

Yes friends, there are many around who pretend to be Christians, but are not true followers of Christ, just using His name for their own personal purposes. And per the Gnostics spoken of above: It’s said that ‘Gnosticism is a collection of religious ideas and systems that coalesced in the late 1st century AD among Jewish and early Christian sects. These various groups emphasized personal spiritual knowledge above the proto-orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority of religious institutions.’ 

And John continues: ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4) And that’s no lie! Christ who indwells believers is greater than Satan who is trying to cause chaos amongst us. But because we are born of God, and Christ has already defeated Satan, we don’t have to be afraid, just make sure that we are diligent in our worldly dealings. ‘They (those ruled by the spirit of the antichrist) are of the world, therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.’ (1 John 4:5-6) 

It’s obvious that those who are ruled by the spirit of the antichrist will find the world’s teaching more appealing than the truth of God. And the scholars explain verse six thus: ‘Those who acknowledge the truth of the apostolic (New Testament) witness to Christ will recognize and conform to the teaching John is presenting. Those who do not, are animated by a common and unifying spirit of error. John warns the readers against this spirit by contrasting their false views of Christ with the views that he, a personal follower and witness of Christ proclaims.’ 

Oh my people, our world today is full of heresy, blasphemy and outright lies about our faith, but we know that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Giver of eternal life and all the other wonderful things like grace and mercy, provided through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit in each and every believer. Therefore, we do not need to fear what the world says about us, or does to us, we just need to keep on faithfully believing, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and be careful of whom and what we let into our lives. Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) and thus activating our Thursday Blessings which the Lord has generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. 

As one voice: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those blessings, we’re now obligated to go out and use them to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…to truly know Christ and be fruitful in Him…one must be obedient to the Holy Spirit… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ              

Today’s Scrip-Bit   27 December 2023 Proverbs 4:7.

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

Proverbs 4:7.       Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Well, after the pleasure, usually comes the pain! And I’m sure that many of us are in pain this dark, wet, drizzly Wednesday morning as we crawl back out to work after the long Christmas weekend. (smile) Yes, the celebrations were most excellent, but now comes the time to pay the Piper for all the piping he’s done over the last few days. And believe me, the piping isn’t quite over yet, because we’re moving into the New Year’s Eve celebrations this weekend, which is an even a bigger time for the piper. (smile) 

That’s where, unfortunately, so many of us forget about Jesus and the Christmas celebrations, and concentrate more on ringing out the Old Year and ringing in the New one, with all the numerous resolutions for the upcoming year, most of which will most likely fall by the wayside a couple months into year. What a feckless, indecisive and soft society we’ve become! Anyway, realistically speaking, many of the things we talk about doing in and for the New Year, we cannot do in our own strength, regardless of how strong our determination is, since we usually set the bar too high. 

The truth of the matter though, is that there’s only ONE resolution we really need to make; that’s a desire to get to know Jesus better, to LOVE Him more, be more obedient to His Word and Will! And if we do that, life will surely improve, because Jesus will guide us to do the things we need to do to improve it. For as the song says: ‘The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows. The more that I LOVE Him, more LOVE He bestows. Oh each day is like heaven, My heart overflows. The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows. Yes, The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows!’  

And that’s the gospel truth my people! We, who do our best to serve and LOVE Jesus know that, and that’s why we continue in His service, although sometimes things can get a bit tough for His name’s sake. But in the long run, serving and LOVING Jesus is the ONLY thing that makes sense in this crazy and turbulent world! End of Sermon! (smile) 

Now here’s a prayer that will help us do just that. It comes from this month’s In Touch Devotional. Please pray with me. ‘Lord, I don’t want to feel guarded, my heart closed off to Your LOVE, Your Spirit, Your gifts. Instead, let me be open, my face turned toward Yours, my ears turned to Your voice, my feet set in Your direction. Align my soul to better receive Your wisdom and follow where it leads – so that I may see Your beauty where it multiplies, Your grace where it flows. Amen!’ 

Oh mih people, those are the exact things we need to do if we desire to serve and LOVE Jesus! Our hearts must be open to His LOVE, Spirit and gifts. Our faces must be turned towards His, our ears tuned to hear His voice, and our feet walking in His direction. As the Good Library says: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) And all of that helps align our souls to better receive His wisdom and go where it leads. 

As Cousin Sol says so wisely in Proverbs: ‘Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline (turn away) from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: LOVE her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to (place on) thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.’ (Prov. 4:5-10) 

Wow! What magnificent words of wisdom my brethren! Yes those words that encourage us to seek and find wisdom and understanding are also true words of wisdom! And if we’re wise, we will follow them. Why? Because that’s the ONLY way we will ever see the multiplication of God’s infinite beauty and enjoy His amazing grace as it rains down on us. Oh my fellow saints, as Cousin Sol says, wisdom is the principal thing and along with it comes understanding. And what exactly are those two illusive, intangible things that are so important in this life, you ask? 

Well. the scholars tell us that ‘wisdom is basically the skill to live life successfully.’ Meanwhile ‘understanding is the capability to distinguish between true and false, good and evil, what matters most and what does not matter at all.’ And those two are so important, because, as Cousin Sol showed in his oration on the preciousness of wisdom in the previous chapter. ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths (deeps) are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.’ (Prov. 3:19-20) 

Yes friends, wisdom and understanding are so important that God used them to create the world! And if they were that important to God, then they ought to be even more important to us. And since Cousin Sol tries so desperately to impart the importance of wisdom and understanding to us, that we need to hear these next few verses. 

‘My son, let not them depart from thine eyes, keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace (favour) to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (caught).’ (Prov. 3:21-26) 

Now, with all that wisdom and understanding under our belt, (smile) let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful, invaluable position in Christ Jesus. Altogether: ‘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 as an added bonus to all who endure right to the very end with Christ, that future will be even more grand and  glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So let’s plan to meet at the very end nuh, so that we can all enjoy that most glorious future with Christ! Much LOVE!

…a word to the wise is sufficient…but fools refuse instruction… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ             

Today’s Scrip-Bit   26 December 2023 Matthew 11:28.

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by randyobrien50 in Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 11:28.  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

And then it was Tuesday, the day after Monday, the day after Christmas day, making it Boxing day! Yes friends, the big day has now come and gone, and I hope that you all had a good time celebrating with your families and friends. I know I did with my family. And as always, the food was excellent, but too much for the few celebrants. And, unfortunately, in this Christmas season of lavish and extreme preparations, a lot of good food will be thrown away, despite the fact that there are many hungry people in our society. 

However, in these days of excessive litigation, people are afraid to give away and also accept food, as those who receive the food can get sick and cause all sorts of problems. What a contentious, cantankerous and fearful society we’ve become, that allows so much good food to go to waste in a time of serious hunger, simply because of possible lawsuits. And another note, remember when Boxing Day was the big sales day? Well that’s no longer the case, the Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays, around the time of Thanksgiving are now the big sales days! 

Ah Lord eh! We’ve taken every holy and/or religious day and made them so commercialized, that many don’t even remember the true reason behind all the activity. So, now, the Boxing Day sales are merely shadows of their earlier selves. And anyway, I don’t know how many of us would like to go shopping on a wet, drizzly, cloudy day like today. In fact, the whole Christmas weekend has been wet and dark, leaving many of the outdoor enthusiasts saddened by the absence of the white stuff (snow) for them to frolic in. I guess that’s just another effect of the climate change that’s currently bewildering our world. 

But the most important thing to remember, especially in this Christmas season, is that we have Jesus; our End All and Be All – our answer to every problem – our Go to Guy! That’s why He came to earth as a man in this season; to eventually sacrifice His sinless life and save us from our sins and be the One we turn to when the storms of life batter and besiege us. And there’s no better example of that than Jesus’ Great Invitation, where He invites all and sundry to ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me, for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30) 

What a marvellous invitation my people, one that we refuse to our own detriment. But let’s make one thing perfectly clear, Jesus is not promising the easy life. No! He’s promising one that’s easier and more bearable than that offered by Satan and the world. Note that He also has a yoke, but that’s much easier to bear, and His burden is lighter that what you’ll find if you refuse His offer. This world is full of sin, trials and tribulations that we cannot escape, but with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we can mitigate the circumstances and handle them in much better fashion that without His help. 

Jesus Himself said it; twice to boot. Listen up: ‘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) Yes friends, Jesus’ peace is an entirely different kind to that which the world offers, and consequently we ought not to be afraid or worried. As Bruh Paul wrote about it to the Philippians. ‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 4:7) That means when we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour we will experience a peace, God’s peace, that surpasses all human understanding. And who wouldn’t want to have that kind of peace in these turbulent and evil times eh! 

Now, here’s the next statement of Jesus that we should pay attention re peace and fear. ‘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) Ah mih people, what reassuring, encouraging and true words from our Lord and Master! And has He ever overcome the world, defeating Satan, hell, death and the grave when He rose triumphantly on that first Easter morning, showing that He is indeed the resurrection and the giver of eternal life! 

As Bruh Paul says in Romans: ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.’ (Rom. 8:37) For sure! That conquering Spirit of Jesus is indwelt by all His followers, and if we live the way He desires, we’ll overcome all that’s necessary to be overcome. And John adds his bit to the subject in his first epistle, when he truthfully informs us: ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4) And isn’t that the glorious truth my brethren! It certainly is! For Christ is indeed greater than the enemy, the evil fallen angel, Satan! 

However, my fellow saints, to achieve all that Jesus offers we need to continuously keep Him first place, uppermost in our lives. As He so emphatically warned: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Our omniscient God knows all that we need to live this life at a high standard and He will provide them if we revere and exalt Him the way we ought. It’s as Bruh Paul wrote to the Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) 

And for good measure, (smile) let’s just remind ourselves that we cannot get to the Father except through Jesus. And He said it loud and clear too: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) Please friends, let’s keep that uppermost in our minds this Boxing Day, as we continue celebrating the birth of Christ. Now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. 

As one 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 momentous declaration, (yesss!!!) we’re now obligated to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Jesus with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…Jesus is the Answer….Jesus is the answer…Yes…Jesus is the Answer to EVERYTHING… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ            

Today’s Scrip-Bit   25 December 2023 Nehemiah 8:10a.

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Nehemiah 8:10a.       Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto the Lord:

Well a Merry Christmas to all you my Scrip-Bit friends and families! Let’s hope that this blessed day of our Lord and Saviour’s birth finds you in good health, celebrating with those close to you. Let’s also hope that we did our godly duty by praying for those who can’t celebrate Christ’s birth the way we can due to strife, persecution and/or natural disaster, neither forgetting to send portions of our abundance to those around us who don’t have enough. Remember the scripture in Nehemiah? 

After the scribe Ezra read from the Book of the Law, Nehemiah, the governor, said unto them: ‘This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto the Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Neh. 8:9-10) And this Christmas day my brethren is also holy unto the Lord, so let us be joyful, but not forget those of us who are poor, sick and downtrodden. 

Now, although today is Monday, since it’s such a special Monday in our calendar, with gatherings of faithful believers in the Lord’s sanctuary all over the world, I thought we would treat it like a Sunday. Thus we shall sing and praise our heavenly Father for the great gift of His Son, born this day, some two thousand years ago. And what better way to honour Christ the Lord than with this marvellous old favourite of Christmas, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ written by Charles Wesley, the great hymn writer and one of the leaders of the Methodist movement of the time. 

And, like so many of these old songs, this one has a rather interesting story, which includes four creative minds over a span of more than a hundred years. Wesley published the song in 1739 with a title of ‘A Hymn of Christmas Day’ and the first line being “Hark how all the Welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings”, welkin being an archaic English term for the heavens. But then, in 1753, Wesley’s’ friend and colleague, George Whitefield edited the text of the hymn, noticeably changing the first line to what it is today. 

For over a century, the hymn was sung to different tunes, until in 1855, the English musician William Hayman Cummings accomplished a unique feat by marrying Whitefield’s adaptation of Wesley’s hymn to a melody by one of classical music’s most notable composers: the great Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847). And apparently Mendelssohn’s tune was meant to be an instrumental piece, not suited for vocals. But Cummings, who was a well-respected musician himself did it, and thus we have the great Christmas hymn of today. 

So, as always, let’s offer up sincere sacrifices of praise to heaven as we sing this marvellous song, which celebrates the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in a nice mid-tempo version. Singing: ‘Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the new-born king Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the new-born king.” 

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings Risen with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the new-born king.” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the new-born king. Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the new-born king” “Glory to the new-born king.” 

Oh my people, what wonderful singing! I’m sure those sacrifices of praise were well received in heaven. Now, here’s an interesting commentary from the Godtube website that breaks down the song in a concise fashion.  It says: ‘Charles Wesley’s hymn offers us a good survey of theology. It mentions many of the names and titles of Christ: King, Lord, Prince of Peace, Sun of Righteousness, Everlasting Lord, Desire of Nations, Incarnate Deity, and Emmanuel. 

After the first stanza’s call to praise “the new-born King,” the following stanzas celebrate the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the resurrection of the body, and the truth of the new birth. Two phrases, in particular, deserve comment: “Mild he lays his glory by” refers to Christ’s willingness to lay aside the glory of heaven to take on human nature and become one of us. “Late in time behold him come” reminds us of Hebrews 1:2 where we are told “in these last days” God has spoken to us through his Son.’ 

And the Lord God Almighty has certainly spoken to us through the gospel of His awesome Son in these evil and ungodly times! Now there are a few scriptures that I want to point out with respect to one particular line in the song. That’s, ‘Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth.’ I believe that ties in nicely with these words of Jesus to Martha, Lazarus’ sister when she was querying Jesus about not coming sooner to save her sick brother. 

He says to her: ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?’ (John 11:25-26) I do hope we believe that my brethren! That first part also ties in with Jesus interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well, when He informs her: ‘Whoever drinketh of this water (from the well) shall thirst again: But whosever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water I shall give him shall be in him a well (fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life.’ (John 4:13-14) Oh friends, again, I do hope that we are as anxious to drink of Christ’s living water as that Samaritan woman was! (smile) 

And as per the last words of the line: ‘Born to give them second birth,’ has to refer to Jesus chat with the Pharisee Leader Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night to ask some perplexing questions. And was Nicodemus surprised when Jesus told him in no uncertain terms: ‘Verily verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again (from above), he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ (John 3:3) Nicodemus was nonplussed; surprised, confused, bewildered, asking if a man could enter his mother’s womb so he could be born a second time. 

But Jesus clarified the situation for Him. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’ (John 3:5-6) Thus friends, it behooves us to be baptized in water and be reborn of the Spirit of God, if we want to enter His kingdom. And the first thing that means is accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour, for He is the way the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by Him.’ (John 14:6) Matter fixed, this Christmas day!  (smile) 

So, let’s eat, drink and be merry today, celebrating Christ’s birth, ensuring that we’ve been born again and are thus eligible for eternal life in heaven. Much LOVE!

…the LOVE of Christ…should be front and centre today… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ           

Today’s Scrip-Bit   18 December 2023 Luke 1:60.

18 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 1:60.       And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

So friends, it’s Monday, which means we have to go to work…so what eh? And although it’s also wet and cloudy like yesterday, this is also the beginning of Christmas week, the celebration of Jesus’ awesome birth, which makes almost everything right with our world! (smile) Look at it this way nuh…next Monday we won’t be going to work but will be celebrating Christmas Day with friends and family. Now doesn’t that marvellous occasion make up for having to go to work today? It certainly does! And we all know anyway, that during Christmas week much work isn’t done in the many offices all around the world. 

No! What with all the office parties and exchanging of gifts and all the other hoopla, Christmas week is perhaps the best week to go to work. (smile) However, in all the excitement and festivities, let’s not forget who and what is the reason for it all; Jesus Christ, His birth and the consequent saving of our sinful souls. So please make time, every so often in our busy schedules to stop, for even a moment, and give Jesus thanks for all that He’s done, is doing and has promised to do for us. End of Sermon! 

And today we’re going to take a look into the birth of John the Baptist. Remember the Lord had made his father Zacharias dumb because he had not believed the words of the angel Gabriel, that he and his hitherto barren wife Elisabeth would have a male child named John in their old age. (Luke 1:5-25) So life rolls along with Zacharias not being able to speak. The Bible then continues the story thus: ‘Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins (relatives) heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.’ (Luke 1:57-58) 

Isn’t it wonderful that Elisabeth’s relatives were happy that her barrenness was repealed through the Lord’s great mercy, and consequently rejoiced with her. In those days, it was a time of great joy when a hitherto barren woman became pregnant, because a married woman without children was looked upon as a disgrace to herself and her family. And along with the rejoicing there was also drama, because the Lord is a dramatist, and likes to create drama in even the simplest situations. (smile) 

The Good Library says: ‘And it came to pass, that on the eight day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. and they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his (Zacharias’) mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.’ (Luke 1:59-64) 

Yes mih bredrin, our God LOVES His dramatic moments! He could have loosened Zacharias’ tongue and made him say that the child’s name was John. But no, He made him remain dumb until after he had written down the name. Then, and only then, did God cause him to speak. And what was the response to the unusual situation? The Word says: ‘And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these saying (things) were noised abroad (discussed) throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them, laid them up (kept them) in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.’ (Luke 1:65-66) 

Ah friends, when the Lord’s hand is on you in a strong manner, you will certainly be different, not be a normal, everyday, run of the mill person, as were all the prophets and people who manifested God’s Word down through the ages. Look at Noah; he bult an ark because God said so, and everybody laughed at him. But he proved them wrong when the flood came. Abraham left his home and family at the age of seventy-five to go wandering in the wilderness because God said so. Now he is the father of our faith. Bruh Joseph, Bruh David, Bruh Paul, Moses, Job, all had the strong hand of the Lord on them and they all lived extraordinary lives because they followed the Lord’s leading and guidance. 

So why, when we ordinary folks today have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us, to lead and guide us in the Lord’s directions, are we so stubborn, hard hearted and foolish that we refuse to listen to His awesome and eternal wisdom eh? Who knows? But let’s hope and pray that in this Christmas Season, as the celebrations of Christ’s incarnate birth intensify, that many unbelievers will finally accept Him as their Lord and Saviour, and those of us who already know Him, will increase, or improve our faith in and LOVE for Him, so that we can become the extraordinary people He desires us to become. 

Now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, to find the help we need to become more mature Christians. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

So Lord, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And the irony of the situation is that the solution to our problem is found in our prayer…turn from our evil ways. Yes friends, that’s always the first step in receiving divine help. And if we’re wise, we’ll do just that! Much LOVE!

…extraordinary people…have the extraordinary hand of God on them… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ     

Today’s Scrip-Bit   16 December 2023 John 14:6.

16 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

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

John 14:6.       I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And it’s a perfect lazy-day Saturday morning; cloudy, cold and dry. Yes friends, all the elements we need to instigate laziness. (smile) But let’s hope that in that laziness we do take some time to communicate with our wonderful God, who’s given us the breath of life for another day. It’s a good day to spend time talking to our Maker, pouring out our hearts to Him, casting all our cares upon Him, as He’s recommended in His Word. (1 Pet. 1:7) And after emptying our souls to Him, rest quietly to hear what He has to tell us in answer to our doubts and fears. 

Now, it’s been said that that’s one of the believers’ biggest problems and mistakes; talking to God then quickly moving off to other things, instead of waiting to hear what the Lord has to say. Remember, it’s a conversation we’re having with the Father, and a conversation is usually a two way street. So please, let’s not rush off as soon as we finish uttering our cares, but stick around quietly and hear what the Father has to say, for He will say something, and you cannot afford to miss anything the Lord has to say. (smile) 

And, in preparation for that outpouring of our personal cares, let’s raise up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer to heaven, with strong conviction and true sincerity. 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!’ 

Now, let’s rest a moment and allow what we’ve said to truly sink into our consciousness, as the Lord does quiet our souls and raises our awareness of His LOVING presence. Ah mih people, what a wonderful God we serve! Who else but Jehovah God would make His presence so tangibly felt to His followers eh? Nobody! And He does it all through the power of the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, which dwells within us to lead, guide, comfort, and make known the desires and plans of the Father. 

What an awesome team is our Triune Godhead! The Father plans and directs; the Son, Jesus came to earth and did the dirty, sacrificial work, taking the sins of the whole world on His sinless shoulders; then the Holy Spirit comes along to do the everyday work to enable believers to communicate with the Father and stay safe under the refuge of His mighty wings! You couldn’t find a better team than that friends, that’s why it’s ever so necessary and important to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, then follow the lead and guiding of the Holy Spirit, who comes to dwell within you, once you’ve accepted Christ as the number One priority in your life! 

And why is that you ask? Because Jesus died to pay for our sins, and only if we accept Him as Lord and Saviour will we be entitled to spend eternity with Him in heaven. Otherwise we’ll be headed straight for hellfire, death and damnation with Satan, meaning eternal separation from God, which is the worst possible thing that can happen to a human soul. Jeus warned us so often of that terrible fact during His sojourn here on earth. For instance, He declared (chuh!!!) to the disciple called Doubting Thomas and also to us in no uncertain words: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) 

What’s in that not to understand eh mih bredrin? Jesus is the ONLY WAY that a human being or soul can get into the presence of the Father. That means, if you don’t accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, then you’ll never even see the pearly gates of heaven, much less enter them! And per the way to get to heaven, Jesus further tells us: ‘Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait (narrow) is the gate, and narrow (difficult, confined) is the way, which leadeth unto life (eternal), and few there be that find it.’ (Matt. 7:13-14)  

Ah friends, what else must Jesus do and say to make us believe that His way is the best option in this world eh? And I like how this commentary explains those two verses. ‘The wide gate of the world promises life and happiness but delivers destruction. The way of Christ requires that we lay our lives down, but in that sacrifice we find a reward of (eternal) life. Sadly, the gate that is wide and the way that is broad is the one most people travel. That way leads to destruction.’ Yes mih bredrin, because the gate to Christ and eternal life is so narrow and ofttimes hard to negotiate, fewer people travel it, and thus are led to their destruction, to eternal separation from God. 

Meanwhile in the gospel of Luke Jesus words on the subject are recorded thus: ‘And he (Jesus) went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that are saved? And he said unto them. Strive to enter in at the strait (narrow) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek  to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without (outside), and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not, whence are ye (where are you from). 

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are (where you are from); depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Issac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.’ (Luke 13:22-30) 

Oh my people, if after reading and hearing all of Jesus’ words, we still refuse to accept Him as Lord and Saviour and don’t endeavour to walk the straight and narrow path, then we have no one else but ourselves to blame, when we are thrust out of God’s kingdom and lay there weeping and gnashing our teeth, foolishly thinking that because we were in the upper echelons of society, a power broker, we would automatically get to enter heaven. Unfortunately though, those who were far below us but accepted Jesus and walked the straight and narrow path will be greeted first at the pearly gates. 

Please let this be a lesson to us all: our positions here on earth don’t mean a thing in heaven. What’s important is our personal relationship with Jesus. And if you don’t have one, you’d better get one, RIGHT NOW, before it’s too late! That’s the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!

…following Jesus is not easy…but it’s the ONLY WAY to heaven… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ   

Today’s Scrip-Bit   14 December 2023 Luke 1:46-47.

14 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 1:46-47.        And Mary said, My soul doth magnify (exalt) the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

And then it was Thursday; the penultimate day of the work week, and also one day closer to  the birth of Christ! And as I go around my neighbourhood, I can see all the activity, all the busyness that this time of year spurs. And it’s certainly the case in my home, as the Duchess is slowly ramping up the Christmas spirit. I can’t walk anywhere in the house without encountering some kind of Christmas decoration, some of which I don’t like, and I believe makes the place even more congested than usual. But apparently I have no say in the matter. (smile) However, the Christmas tree does look luverly. 

And I bring all of that up because I want to find out just how much of all this Christmas activity is actually being focused on Christ and His incarnate birth, or are we more concerned about the time for gifts and feasting and secular celebrations? And for the many who proclaim, ‘Happy Holidays!’ What’s the holidays about eh? It’s about the birth of Jesus! Without the celebration of the birth of Jesus there would be no holidays, no shopping, with the cash registers merrily jingling every few seconds, no gift giving or joyful get togethers. So why can’t we acknowledge Jesus as the true reason for the season eh? 

As our world becomes more evil, secular and ungodly, it’s becoming an uphill battle to remind people that Jesus’ birth is why we celebrate these supposed holidays. But let’s not give up my fellow believers, for if we keep on sending the message, in due course, the heathen, the ungodly, the evildoer, the greedy business person, will all come to recognize why there’s all the hubbub and hoopla at this time of year – the marvellous, miraculous, incarnate birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! There’s never before been a birth like it… and there will never again be another one as marvellous and miraculous! 

And today I want to explore the situation of that incarnate birth a little bit more for there are some interesting ramifications to it, like what happens after Mary’s momentous encounter with the angel Gabriel. The Good Library tells us: ‘And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda. And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted (greeted) Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heart the salutation (greeting) of Mary, the babe (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb, and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. 

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that (why should) the mother of my Lord come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation (greeting) sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance (fulfillment) of those things which were told her from the Lord.’ (Luke 1:39-45) 

Oh my people, doesn’t it astound and astonish you at the amazing dramatics that our God has placed in Hs Word? Listen to that drama there as Mary, the Mother of Jesus greets Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. The Holy Ghost comes upon Elisabeth and John the Baptist jumps for joy in his mother’s womb, spiritually knowing that the One whom he is coming to prepare the way for is close by! Wow! Only our great God could engineer such a dramatic situation! Give Him thanks and praise for His awesome Word nuh! 

But it gets even more dramatic as Mary then proceeds to sing this song, we call ‘The Magnificat.’ ‘And Mary said, My soul doth magnify (exalt) the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate (lowly state) of his hand maiden (maidservant): for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear (reverence) him from generation to generation. 

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats (thrones), and exalted them of low degree (the lowly). He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen (helped) his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed (descendants) for ever.’ (Luke 1:46-55) 

Oh friends, what magnificent sentiments in praise of our God’s goodness and mercy, His strength and His faithfulness! How could an ordinary teenaged girl proclaim such things eh…not unless she was filled with the Holy Spirit! The Bible then informs us: ‘And Mary abode with her (Elisabeth) about three months, and returned to her own house.’ (Luke 1:56) Can you imagine the conversations between the two women, and the way Jesus and John the Baptist were carrying on in their mothers wombs during those conversations. (smile) Only in the Bible, you say! Yes! Only in the Bible! 

And per the name of Mary’s soliloquy ‘The Magnificat’ the scholars tell us it’s based on the first word of the Latin translation (the Vulgate), and is rich in Old Testament imagery, for Jesus’ coming was in fulfillment of Old Testament promises. And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! From the very beginning of that noteworthy tome, there have been promises and talk of the coming of our Lord and Saviour. So please, as we go about our shopping and baking and all the etceteras of the season, let’s see if we can’t put a li’l more of our focus, our thoughts on the reason for the season, Jesus Christ. 

Let’s try and keep Him first place in all we do, so that we won’t forget why we’re having this joyful period of the year. And to help us with all that stuff, the Lord has generously bestowed certain blessings on us that we call our Thursday Blessings, but to activate them we need to declare them out loud, so let’s do that right now nuh. Altogether: ‘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 every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those underserved blessings, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and use them on behalf of others, just as generously as the Lord gave them to us! Much LOVE!

…but for the incarnate birth of Jesus…there would be no holiday season…at this time of year… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ   

Today’s Scrip-Bit   13 December 2023 Psalm 119:80.

13 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 119:80.        Let my heart be sound (blameless) in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

Oh friends, this mid-week Wednesday morning is bright and sunshiny! Exactly what the doctor ordered for the dark and cloudy times the winter season so often coughs up. One proviso though, it’s windy and cold. But once the sun’s shining brightly, I don’t care about the cold. The sunshine brings out the attributes of Jesus in me, and allows me to handle the cold with a good attitude! (smile) And with that good attitude in mind, this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin titled ‘Three Unalterable Truths’ is definitely an appropriate reading for today’s Bit. 

So please read with me: ‘Lord, through the years Of walking hand in hand with You I have learned three unalterable truths: First, what You command me to do You consistently expect me to do. Never do You say, “Give the command a fair try.” Nor do You say, “Consider and then decide.” My natural weakness is never An acceptable excuse. Nor is my inability To reach unreachable standards. Rather, You tell me to seek And then to keep Your commands. 

Second, all of Your commands Are always for my ultimate good. “Obey me.” Your Word says “So that I can do for you All the wonderful things I promised…” “In the keeping of My Word There is great reward.” Third, whatever You command me to do You fully enable me to do. As You  give light to reveal a command So You give grace to fulfill it. Your divine energy is always at my disposal. The choice to obey is always mine. The power to obey is always Yours.’ 

Mama Mia! What glorious truths those are my faithful brethren! The Lord expects us to do exactly as He asks, and those commandments are always for our benefit, not His, for He desires nothing of us but our faithful reverence, worship and obedience! And furthermore, whatever He asks us to do, He always gives us the strength, energy and anointing to do it. So, it’s not like our great and wonderful God ask us to do things we can’t do then leaves us in the lurch figuring out how to do it. No! he enables us to do EVERYTHING He asks of us! And until we sincerely believe that, we’ll always be wandering around like lost sheep.

The problem with the whole matter though, might be we refuse or are afraid to begin doing whatever God asks us to do, figuring that we can’t do it, so it’s no use to try. But friends, that’s exactly what the Lord expects of us; to at least sincerely try to do what He asks before giving up on it entirely. And I can certainly testify to that. When the Lord first broached the subject of the Bit with me, I laughed and said I couldn’t do it, because my scriptural knowledge was insufficient for such an important project. However, He kept badgering me in the way that only He can do, and eventually broke down my defenses. 

But the truth of the matter is that my scriptural knowledge was somewhat spotty and insignificant, so at the beginning it was merely a verse or two of scripture without any knowledgeable comments. But as time went along the Lord helped me to improve. He was ALWAYS there with me, leading and guiding me through His Holy Spirit. And the more I wrote, the better informed I became, until now, some sixteen years later, instead of having a problem with writing too little, I have one with writing too much, as Today’s Bit exemplifies! (smile) 

And believe me, over those years my obedience has improved a whole lot, and so have His rewards for it! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t do everything He asks me to do, or do it well, but He knows my imperfections and as we said with Zacharias yesterday, He knows my heart, that it’s for Him and not for Satan. And that’s all the Lord expects of us my people, to have a soft and tender heart towards Him and to do the best we can with what He’s given us. Nobody knows our frailties and weaknesses better than Almighty God, because He made us and put in everything that was necessary for the individual plan that He drew up for each of us. 

So our foibles aren’t a surprise to Him, but He expects us to come to Him and ask for grace and mercy to do His holy will. And believe me, I discovered that in the early years of writing the Bit. When I didn’t know what to write, I simply turned to the Lord and cried out that fact, and He always helped me, though not necessarily right away. Sometimes when I opened the Good Library it opened right unto a suitable scripture.  But at other times I had to go searching through the Word, until something appeared that I could get my head around. So it was not always a bed of roses; I had to work at it. 

And today, when I don’t know what to write, I still cry out for divine help. And from past experience, I know that He will eventually show me something, because it’s His Word I’m trying to promote and He’s promised to ALWAYS help those who do that. How did Jesus put it after giving the disciples and us the Great Commission? ‘…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) The important thing my brethren is to first know the word of God, and then put it into practice. Having head knowledge alone is a waste of time. The word must sink into your hearts and soul then be manifested in your life for it be of any real use. 

And that’s why the Bible verse for our poem comes from that long, but magnificent Psalm on the value of God’s Word, or as the scholars put it: ‘its multifaceted character.’ And it most definitely is multi-faceted or versatile, having a variety of different and important features or elements. Anyway the Bibe verse for the poem as quoted by the book from the New Living Translation is: ‘ May I be blameless in keeping your principles, then I will never have to be ashamed.’ (Ps. 119:80) Meanwhile the King James Version, my favourite, says it thus: ‘Let my heart be sound (blameless) in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.’ 

Oh friends, the only way we can do that is by sincerely reading and studying God’s Word, and then putting it into practice in our everyday lives. But then again, that takes time and practice and personal experience with God. However, as I’ve testified, if you turn to God when you don’t know how to proceed, He will always show you how to go. That’s His faithful promise. And that’s another ever important aspect of walking with Lord, believing His promises, which again only comes with time and practice. So the long and short of the story is to walk sincerely with the Lord, study His word, obey His commands as best you can in your own strength, then cry out to Him for help and believe His promises. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one 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 there’s a li’l codicil at the end that says if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So, hoping to see you there! Much LOVE!

…our God is faithful, strong and true…and if you are true to him…He will be true to you… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ   

Today’s Scrip-Bit   11 December 2023   2 Thessalonians 3:10.

11 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

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

2 Thessalonians 3:10.       For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Ah chuh! Another Monday, another new work week! Yes friends, the ever-revolving cycle continues, for once there is Sunday, then there must be Monday. That’s just how the Lord planned it, and there’s nothing we can do to get away from it while we’re alive here on God’s good earth, so we had better learn to live with it, to take it in stride and enjoy it. 

And an interesting thought just struck me; who knows if there won’t be different days in heaven too, and not only one long stretch of endless time. For sure though, we will have to work in heaven, whatever kind of work it might be, it’s definitely not going to be all sunshine, wine and roses while lazing on our fannies all day! No sir! The Lord expects us to do something productive both here on the earth and in heaven above. So we better had start contemplating it all, as of right now! End of story! (smile) 

And talking about work, to many in these modern times it’s anathema, abhorrent, repugnant, violently disliked. And that’s just stating it mildly! Even among the young generation, the very thought of the word work leaves a bad taste in their mouths, so strong is their attitude of entitlement. Maybe though, if we were to apply Bruh Paul’s recipe to the Thessalonians for those who not only dislike work but refuse to do it, we might have a much better work ethic prevailing in our current society. And what’s Bruh Paul’s recipe you ask? 

Listen to him tell it. He begins by describing his own work ethic among the Thessalonians. ‘For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought (free of charge); but wrought (worked) with labour and travail (toil) night and day, that we might not be chargeable (a burden) to any of you. Not because we have not power (authority), but to make ourselves an ensample  unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.’ (2 Thess. 3:7-10) 

Wow! What an original idea! How wonderful would that be eh, if it were implemented in our lazy, entitled, lack of work ethic society! Oh, what a ghastly uproar it would cause! But how else do we get the young to appreciate the value of work, for a society without a good work ethic dies a slow but painful death. And that is exactly what’s happening to our society today; we are dying a slow but painful death because work and all the other things it entails, like diligence and excellence, doing our best, are no longer prominent in today’s milieu. 

And I believe Bruh Paul must have looked to the future and seen the state of our current society, that’s why he penned this next verse. ‘For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.’ (2 Thess. 3:11) Ah mih people, I don’t believe there’s ever been a time in the annals of man when there have been more busybodies, gossips and the like. It’s even become a lucrative business for many, and the advent of social media has made it even worse, where everyone has an opinion on everything and can easily spread it without too much fear of retribution. And the recent upgrades of Artificial Intelligence (A.I) is set to further the confusion of truth, fakes, disinformation, propaganda, conspiracy theories, etc. etc. 

What a crazy world we’re living in Dr. Jack! Very few of us know what’s fact from fiction, and Artificial Intelligence is about to make it even more difficult. And the problem is that sometimes even when you see something yourself, it can easily be a fake situation, something someone purposely set up to lure you into thinking what they want you to think, as with fake accidents for the intent of scamming money from the Insurance Companies. That’s become a big one these days.  Oh mih bredrin, crooks come in all colours, sizes, shapes and genders, we just have to be continually on our p’s and q’s to not be taken in by them. 

But getting back to Buh Paul’s plan, of no work, no food. It was not a total dismissal, he did leave room for compassion. He writes: ‘Now them that are such (idle, busybodies) we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish (warn) him as a brother.’ (2 Thess. 12-15) 

Yes friends, there is room for compassion. As the scholars explain: ‘3:14-15. This instruction falls short of excommunication. Paul intends for his readers to shame the brother who is not an enemy into obedience.’ Well good luck with that! Bruh Paul doesn’t know the large number of us who don’t know the meaning of the word shame! Otherwise our society would not be as shameful and shameless as it is! So who knows how it’s all going to play out with all the craziness and confusion that’s currently controlling our world? 

Only the Lord above! That’s why we need to keep Him as close to us as possible, because He is the ONLY One who can guide us safely through this terrible storm and overwhelming darkness that’s taken over the earth. And having said all of that, let’s now go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, in confident humility seeking divine help to address our many problems. 

Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. 

Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And after expressing those sentiments, the first item on our agenda should be repentance and turning from our evil ways, for that’s the only way we’ll ever get divine help! Much LOVE!

…if work is not a priority in your life…then you’re on the wrong planet… 

 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ           

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