Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 July 2019 Proverbs 3:5.

27 Jul 2019 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 3:5.    ​Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 

Aye mih people, it’s a beautiful day in my neighbourhood! We’re alive…Glory to God! Yes, we’ve been granted another day on God’s great earth…Give Him thanks and praise for such generosity! And even better…the ole fella’s up early to write you encouraging words…and the icing on the cake is that my trusty desktop behaved perfectly this morning, no rebellion whatsoever. 

Wow! Would the Lord ever be mighty thankful if we could be that obedient! My spelling seems to be somewhat atrocious this morning though, for I made about five mistakes in that last sentence. (smile) And make no doubt about it, the evil one and his cronies are also up and about early, for I just received a phone call purporting to be from my Credit Card Company, warning me that they had stopped some unauthorized payment on my card and I should call such and such a number. 

I don’t know why I even answered the phone because I don’t usually answer numbers that I don’t know. But to be on the safe side, I did check out my Credit Card Company and they did not call me. Just goes to show we have to be on our p’s and q’s each moment of every day, because the master of deceit, falsehood and thievery is always on the lookout for a chance to creep into our souls and our business. 

Anyway, with our Lord and Saviour constantly riding shotgun with us, there’s no need to worry! Give Him some more thanks and praise, exalt His mighty name! And since it’s Saturday, let’s look at what words of wisdom our friend Anselm had to offer this week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. 

Hear this one: ‘People will always have an opinion, but you have to live life the way you want to.’ And that’s no lie, especially in these crazy and dangerous times of social media. But you indeed have to live your life the way you see it, though in line with the way our heavenly Father wants us to live our earthly lives. That is the supreme opinion to which you ought to pay constant and faithful attention. 

And then there’s this: ‘Success is a process that continues, not a status that you reach. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned and things you can do.’ Ah mih people, in the first place success from the world’s viewpoint, is definitely not the same as God’s. But in both instances, we have to work towards that successful point, it doesn’t just happen, and once we’re alive, we are supposed to keep on learning, for that’s the whole purpose of being alive! (smile) 

What’s the purpose of being alive and not learning anything eh? None whatsoever! It’s ever so important to keep on learning, both what the phony, evil world is really about, and what God’s righteousness calls for. And the next quote highlights that in spades: ‘Saying good words to people will never go out of style. The truth is everybody likes encouragement; everybody likes somebody cheering them on.’ Now that we can all attest to! 

And it is the duty of Christians to cheer each other on, as well as non-believers! Cousin Sol says it thus: ‘A word fitly spoken (spoken at the right time) is like apples of gold in pictures (settings) of silver.’ (Prov.25:11) and the scholars explain: ’25:11. A timely and fitting word is precious and pleasing.’ And Jesus was all about encouragement, just read His words, and so should His followers be. 

But unfortunately there’s way more discouraging words being spoken in this confused and strife-filled world than encouraging ones, and it is the Christian’s job, to get out there and shine, shine, shine, bring light and encouragement to a dark and tumultuous humanity! As Jesus so desperately desires of us: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven’ (Matt.5:16) 

And this next quote gives some indication of how we’re doing, re maturing faith. ‘A good sign of how secure you are, is what it takes to “offend” you. The more secure you are, the less offended you get.’ And that’s gospel truth! The more secure we are in Jesus, the more it takes to get us offended. And brother, are we ever easily offended these days! 

But just look at Jesus’ example nuh. They said all kinds of rotten and blasphemous things about Him, but He went about His Father’s business nonetheless. He just let it all roll of like water off a duck’s back. He knew whom and whose He was, and His purpose here on earth, so He did not allow the naysayers to get Him off track with their evil words and deeds. And we’ll add this scripture here as a lagniappe. (smile) ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.’ (2 Cor. 3:5) Let’s remember that friends, it’s all about our dependence on God Almighty! 

Now hear this last quote: ‘As you keep your mind and heart focused in the right direction, approaching each day with faith and gratitude, I believe you will be empowered to live life to the fullest and enjoy the abundant life He has promised you.’ Yes my faithful brethren, Christ did come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10b) But the important thing, as our quote says, is to be focused in the right direction. 

And what is the right direction, you ask? Well I believe that right direction is found in these wonderful and wise words of Cousin Sol. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov.3:5-10) 

Oh my people, my people, no better direction can be found in all the world than those given there by Cousin Sol! Obviously the Lord inspired them, and if we’d just do those few but all-important things, our lives would be ever so wonderful! Not that we won’t have problems, because this world has natural problems coming out of its kazoo, but we’ll be able to prosper and stand strong in Christ despite them all. So please let’s take those words of Cousin Sol to heart this Saturday morning in July of 2019 nuh, so that our lives will manifest the Saviour to this lost and darkened world! Much LOVE!

…to the true believer…Jesus is our BE ALL…and our END ALL…our EVERYTHING…

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 June 2018 Psalm 37:3.

19 Jun 2018 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 37:3.   Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on his faithfulness).

Well a blessed Tuesday morning to all my Scrip-Bit friends and families! Glory to God, who has so mercifully and graciously continued His awesome breath of life flowing in our bodies, so that we can do His perfect will! Yes friends, we’re only alive to put whatever plan He has for our lives into effect, so let’s do it as best we can nuh. 

Very few of us can make changes that cover the whole world, but we can all improve lives and situations in our own little sphere of influence, and that’s all God is asking of us. And the great thing about working for God is that He will help us do whatever He calls us to do. 

That’s why Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) the British Protestant Christian Missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission, could say with confident assurance: ‘God’s will done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.’ Isn’t that wonderful to know friends? It certainly is! 

So let’s not worry about the enormous amount of strife and ungodliness that is rapidly plunging our world down to unimaginable disaster, just let us set our hearts to do as our Bit commands in the immortal words of Bruh David: ‘Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on his faithfulness).’ 

Ah mih people, I know we used this scripture passage as our Bit recently, but it’s one of those scriptures that we need to hear over and over again so that it can truly sink into our hearts and minds, especially with all the ungodliness that’s out their trying to get our attention and tear us away from truly serving Almighty God. 

Wow! What a mouthful! (smile) But it’s the truth! The world doesn’t want us to serve God, and will do anything in its power to pry us away. But we won’t be pried away by any means whatsoever! Let’s tell the enemy that in no uncertain manner. Whatever they throw at us, we will repel with God’s help. 

And today I want to do something a li’l different with our Bit. I want to show forth scriptures of how men of faith come to faith. And one of the most amazing and well-known ones is that of Job, when he defends his integrity before his false friends. ‘Though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him: but will I maintain mine own ways (defend my own ways) before him. He shall also be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before him.’ (Job.13:15-16) 

And the scholars explain: ‘13:15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him expresses the unquenchable faith of one who lives by faith, not by sight. Even when it appears that God Himself has turned against Job, he will still trust in God.’ 

Oh my people, what great faith Job displayed there. Even though God had apparently taken him from the palace and put him in the pig sty, his faith never crumbled. That’s the kind of faith we need as Christians in these very harsh and trying times. Oh, I know it’s not easy to do, but if we’re serious about our God and our faith, we can do it with God’s help. 

And we all know about Bruh David’s close relationship to God; being called his friend and a man after His own heart. Hear how he declares his trust in the immortal words of psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ (Ps.23:4) 

Oh my breddren, my breddren, what awesome conviction on Bruh David’s part! Even though he’s surrounded by death, he won’t fear, because like a Good Shepherd, the Lord our God will be there to comfort and look after him. Do we have such conviction in these difficult times my fellow believers? We ought to, else we won’t get through them in a godly manner. 

And then we have the also immortal advice of Cousin Sol: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth, straight) thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 

It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov.3:5-10) 

Glory be mih people! Right there is the best synopsis you can ever get of the Good Book and the true way to live a Christian life! Bubba! It just covers everything in a few short verses. And don’t fool yuh fat, the Lord inspired Cousin Sol to write those words as a guideline for us. So please, let’s be wise and follow them nuh, cause they are only for our benefit, not the Lord’s. 

Now for those of us who truly believe, let’s go home declaring to the entire world, who and whose we are. In strong voice with sincere hearts: ‘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 if our hearts are right, then the next action is for us to go out and share Jesus with others. Much LOVE!

…faith… connects our weakness…to God’s strength… (Daily Bread Devotional) 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 May 2018 Proverbs 3:1.

31 May 2018 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 3:1.   My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.

At last friends, at long last, a breakthrough! Wow! I can now breathe fairly well through my nose again! Glory to God! You would not understand the difference it makes not having to wake up so often to moisten my dry mouth. 

And I guess that’s why I slept in this morning; the body hasn’t had the luxury of sleeping for several hours undisturbed for a while now. (smile) Let’s hope we don’t regress again, because we were already at this stage last Saturday. 

Yes, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things, like praying for those unfortunate people in Hawaii who are still struggling with the effects of the volcano lava spreading all over, and thanking the Lord that the tropical storm Alberto did not do as much damage to the Southern U.S. as expected, and has now been downgraded. 

Ah Lord eh friends, as the old people would say; in this life, if it’s not one thing, then it’s another. And isn’t that indisputable truth, because we never seem to have a time when something negative is not happening in our lives. That’s why we’ve been admonished to godly obedience in our Bit, because it’s only through intimate association with Almighty God that we can successfully handle the issues of life. 

‘My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.’ And some are brass-faced enough to ask why they should do that? Well here is why! ‘For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add unto thee.’ (Prov.3:2) And if you don’t want that, then I don’t know what to say to you, because I believe everyone wants those things. 

And Cousin Sol continues with his exhortations to obedience. ‘Let not mercy (LOVING-kindness) and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.’ (Prov.3:3) Wow! What wisdom friends! 

But before we look at why doing those things are considered wise, let’s check out some explanations from the scholars on that verse. ‘3:3. About thy neck: The teachings should be made as much a part of one’s adornment as a necklace. The table of thine heart, that is, the mind.’ 

Yes my people, God’s laws should be so much a part of us, that they come like a necklace around our necks and should also be constantly on our minds. And what’s the benefit of all that? ‘So shalt thou find favour and good understanding (esteem) in the sight of God and man.’ (Prov.3:4) I don’t know about you, but I surely want to find favour with God, and to some extent with man. 

Then in his God-inspired wisdom, Cousin Sol pens these words of everlasting truth, which so many of us quote, but don’t really put into practice. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth) thy paths.’ (Prov.3:5-6) Oh mih breddren, what words of truth and wisdom! 

And the scholars explain: ‘3:5-6. Three commands are given: trust, meaning, “rely on, depend upon”; lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts; and acknowledge him, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths before you smooth and/or straight.’ 

And normally people would stop there, but I’m not going to, because there’s much more wisdom that we desperately need to follow in the next few verses. ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.’ (Prov.3:7) And you wonder why? ‘Because ‘It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones.’ (Prov.3:8) Yuh see friends, following the Lord even brings bodily health and strength! 

And we’ll close with this admonishment, that’s also so important, but which most of us don’t follow to our own demise. ‘Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase:’ (Prov. 3:9) And again you foolishly ask why you should give to God so generously of your earthly possessions? ‘So shall thy barns shall be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov.3:10) 

Ah mih people, remember one of the first rules that God laid down for the Israelites was giving a tithe, ten percent of their income to the church, so that the church could support the priesthood and do His work. And when they followed His command, they prospered. 

But now, we seem to think otherwise and it’s not taught in many churches. But friends, that’s why a lot of us individually, and churches as a whole, are suffering in these difficult times. We consider it difficult or unwise to give God ten percent of what He has given to us. Remember it’s all His, and we are just stewards of it. 

Please note His challenge to the Israelites in Malachi: ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat (food) in mine house, and prove (test) me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.’ (Mal.3:10) 

Oh my people, let’s start back teaching it in our churches nuh. Let’s just try it and see, take up that challenge and see if we can prove the Lord wrong nuh. From personal experience, I guarantee that we won’t! End of sermon. 

Now let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings that the Lord has so generously bestowed on us, although we don’t deserve many of them. In strong and sincere voice now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! 

I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! 

I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’ 

And if we’re truly sincere, then we’ll go out and share those blessings with the less fortunate as Jesus greatly desires of us. Much LOVE!

…give generously to God…and He will give back to you…much more than you gave…

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 August 2017 Psalm 118:8-9.

13 Aug 2017 Leave a comment

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

Psalm   118:8-9.   It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

Come on mih people, it’s Sunday, the Lord’s Day! That means it’s time to gather in the Lord’s house to worship, praise, glorify and exalt Him; to hear His word and receive His awesome gifts of strength, mercy, grace, LOVE and forgiveness in whatever amounts we may need! 

How wonderful it is to serve such a magnanimous and magnificent Deity! I simply can’t understand how all the world is not running to serve and praise His holy name nuh. 

Unfortunately, their loss is our gain, though we still need to get the truth though their thick skulls, because that’s what the Father desires of us. He doesn’t want to lose even one of His magnificent creations to that worthless scamp and vagabond Lucifer. 

And as always, we begin this morning’s worship with a song of praise titled ‘Jesu, joy of man’s desiring.’ But it was not a song of my choosing, but of the Holy Spirit, for as soon as I thought, ‘Well what hymn shall we sing this morning?’ that title just flew into my head. 

So, as obedient children, let’s offer the sacrifice of praise and glorify our heavenly Father, for He is so deserving of it. Let’s raise our voices to heaven, and let the saints up there know that we too can exalt and worship the Lord, as good as them, if not better. (smile) 

So as one harmonious whole now: ‘Jesu, joy of man’s desiring, Holy wisdom, LOVE most bright; Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring, Soar to uncreated light. Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, With the fire of life impassioned, Striving still to truth unknown, Soaring, dying round Thy throne. 

Through the way where hope is guiding, Hark, what peaceful music rings; Where the flock, in Thee confiding, Drink of joy from deathless springs. Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure; Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure. Thou dost ever lead Thine own In the LOVEof joys unknown.’ 

Oh friends, aren’t those beautiful sentiments, rich in imagery and majesty? They surely are! And I particularly like that last line, which talks about our Saviour leading us ‘in the LOVE of joys unknown,’ because He certainly does. With Him, every day is an unknown adventure, and we have the complete assurance that whatever direction the adventure takes, it will ultimately work out for our benefit. 

So how can we not bow and kneel before Him and give Him thanks and praise eh? To do otherwise would certainly be lacking in wisdom, definitely foolish. But unfortunately, our world is full of foolish people; people who refuse to acknowledge and accept the risen power and glory of Jesus Christ! They foolishly put their trust in princes and men and cast Jesus, the only one who can truly save their sinful and evil souls, by the wayside. 

How sad my brethren! They obviously don’t know, and/or, don’t respect the truth of our Bit from the Good Book. ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.’ 

That’s truth of immeasurable proportions my people! How can one put trust in weak, fragile, sinful, evil and fraudulent man eh? Oh we have to trust them some, but definitely not go overboard, always keeping a close eye on them. However, with the Lord God Almighty, our Creator, we don’t have to worry about a thing, for He is the epitome of trustworthiness. The word was coined to reflect His exalted station of absolute trust. 

When a man like Job, having lost his family and all his earthly wealth in one fell swoop, can declare of God to his hypocrite friends: ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.’  (Job 13:15-17) 

Wow friends! There must be something in the water that Job was drinking, (smile) for him to be so adamant about his trust in God. And that’s the kind of trust great faith brings forth. 

Now listen to Bruh David from Psalm 40 – Praise for answered prayer. ‘And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps.40:3-4)  And Bruh David spoke from personal experience when he made those statements. 

That’s the sort of trust that rises up in us when we truly believe, and have experienced God’s LOVING-kindness. Then there is no doubt whatsoever in the utmost faithfulness of our great God! Even when things go awry, we still stand steadfast in that trust, because we know He has good plans for us, and will always complete any work He’s begun in us, and work it out for our good. 

Mama Mia! How awesome is our God eh! Awesome to the nth degree! And we’ll end with these immortal words of Cousin Sol. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth, straight) thy paths. 

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov.3:5-10)

Oh friends, I believe in those five verses we have the very essence of Christian living! If we were to just follow those instructions, we would never stray, and forever stay on the straight and narrow path. So let’s take Cousin Sol’s wisdom to heart his Sunday morning nuh my fellow believers, so that we can live trustworthy and fruitful lives as our Christian faith requires. Much LOVE!

…if you can’t trust the one who made you…and knows you better than you know yourself…then whom can you trust eh…