Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 August 2016 Deuteronomy 4:29.

27 Aug 2016 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 4:29.    But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Well mih people, it’s Saturday! What’s on the agenda for today eh? Hope it includes some fun, rest, and relaxation and not too many household chores. I don’t know about you all nuh, but I wish I could be in Tobago, enjoying the early morning refreshing sea breeze, biding my time to go up Calder Hall Road and get some of the soup from those three big iron (dutch) pots. (smile) 

Oh friends, I still can’t get over the size of those iron pots nuh! Hn! I’ve never seen any as big before that, or since. But some pigeon (gungo) peas soup, or cowfoot, or even callaloo soup would certainly go down good this Saturday morning, even here in good ole Toronto. 

But I guess I’ll just have to keep on dreaming about that until hopefully with the good grace of God I go back there next year – unless the duchess, under the Lord’s urging, decides to make some gungo peas soup today. Oh glory to God! 

I know I won’t get any of the other two from her, because those are T&T specials and she is a Jamdown lady.  (smile) I’ll just keep hoping though with a strong Christian faith, for anything is possible where our God is concerned. 

Anyway, since it’s Saturday, I guess we should have a look at one of our friend Anselm’s quotes. He always aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. And this week there were several good ones, but this one was definitely the winner! It’s long so we only have space for one today. It’s called: ‘Out With The Old.’ 

And it says: ‘Last Week I threw out WORRYING, It was getting old and in the way.  It kept me from being me; I couldn’t do things my way.  I threw out those inhibitions; they were just crowding me out.  Made room for my New Growth, Got rid of my old dreams and doubts.  I threw out a book on MY PAST (didn’t have time to read it anyway).  Replaced it with New Goals, Started reading it today.  

I threw out childhood toys (remember how I treasured them so)?  Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.  Brought in some new books too, Called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST. Threw out I might, I think and I ought. WOW, You should’ve seen the dust.  I ran across an OLD FRIEND, Haven’t seen him in a while. I believe his name is GOD, Yes, I really like His style. He helped me to do some cleaning and added some thing’s Himself. Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH, Yes I placed them right on the shelf.  

I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.  I FOUND IT – it’s called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.  Yes, I’ve got my house looking nice. Looks good around the place.  For things like Worry and Trouble There just isn’t any place.  It’s good to do a little house cleaning, Get rid of the old things on the shelf.  It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.’ 

Amen, my brethren! Now doesn’t that sound like a very good idea for this Saturday morning? It surely does! A little spiritual housekeeping never hurt anyone. So let’s try it today ourselves nuh. By the way, the boldface type was my idea, not Anselm’s. 

And yuh know what too friends, it jives so nicely with our Bit, like they were just made to run one into the other. (smile) ‘But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.’  Gospel truth my people, pure, unadulterated gospel truth! 

And we do need to kick out some of the old stuff, like a lust for power, material possessions and other things of the world, like worry and trouble, when we sincerely go seeking God, because those things have no place in His realm. Now listen to our God’s conditions for restoration and blessing as spoken by Moses to the children of Israel. 

‘And it shall come to pass, when all those things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind (remember them) among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, And shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; 

That then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity ( bring you back from captivity), and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee.’ (Deut.30:1-3) 

Oh friends, there’s no rocket science in that statement. If, or rather when the Israelites disobeyed God’s commandments and turned to worshipping idols and other pagan rites, He sent them into captivity all over the world. However, when they remembered His goodness and mercy and decided to return unto Him, He promised to welcome them with open arms. 

My fellow believers, it’s the same thing the Lord our God is saying to us today. It’s not too late. If we stop trying to remove Him from our society and instead turn to Him with sincere confession and repentance, He is more than willing to forgive us. That’s how magnanimous and magnificent is the God we serve! 

But my people it’s become a hard sell to bring others to Jesus, especially when we believers are not setting a consistent and proper example of Christian faith and behaviour. Remember, we are the only group that’s really concerned with the sinful and ungodly state of the world, and if we don’t lead by proper example, we can’t blame others for not wanting to get involved with Jesus’ LOVE Revolution. 

And we’ll end with these immortal words of Bruh David from Psalm 32 – The blessedness of forgiveness. ‘I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.  Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.’ (Ps.33:5-7) 

So friends, it’s now left up to us to spread the good news of Jesus all around the world, but in a manner that brings Him glory and honour. Much LOVE!

…God’s word is real…many have lived to tell it…but many more have died in disbelief…

 

 

.

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 August 2014 Matthew 6:15

05 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 6:15.    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
 

Ah Friends and neighbours, the party’s over, Caribana’s done with for another year! That means it’s time to get up and go to work, so you can earn some money for next year’s costume. (smile) Yeh, T.O. will return to some semblance of normalcy after the last four or five days of hectic gatherings. Praise the Lord!

 
And I sincerely hope that all those going back out to work today are not in too bad shape after all the partying and what not. In light of that, let’s boldly and confidently affirm this ‘I CAN’ affirmation.
 
‘I CAN have victory in my life by dealing with the things that are keeping me from God’s best. I am confronting my struggles head-on so I CAN overcome them. God has given me the strength to focus on Him and push through. NOTHING will hold me back. This is my declaration of what I CAN do through Christ.’
 
And if you believe all that Friends, then it’s doable! Remember Jesus said all we had to do was believe, for all things were possible through Him, if we simply believed.
 
In one particular aspect of our lives though, we seem to have a hard time believing, and that’s in the area of forgiveness. Please note what our Bit adamantly declares: ‘But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’
 
Yes Friends, it’s right there in black and white; if we don’t forgive our human brethren, then our heavenly Father will not forgive us. Why is that so difficult to understand eh?
 
Oh, I know that we’re living in a very selfish and grabby-grabby society that considers self to be of overriding importance, but if we’re confronted with such an important teaching, why, in heaven’s name, are we ignoring it to such a high degree?
 
Oh my people, we’re allowing the evil, ungodly world to intrude and have too much sway in our lives, only thinking about ourselves. On second thought though, this is one occasion when we should be thinking very much about ourselves.
 
Why? Because if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven either. And all of us have a whole lot of things that we need forgiveness for.
 
Now, as we noted yesterday, forgiveness isn’t always easy, in fact, most times it’s pretty difficult, and sometimes, depending on the particular situation, it can take a while to accomplish. But without a doubt my fellow believers, it’s a MUST in EVERY Christian’s life!
 
And Cousin Sol gives us a good idea of how forgiveness, or in this case, how unforgivness works. ‘Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.’ (Prov.21:13)
 
Ah mih people, once again it’s the simple principle by which our mighty God runs His universe: you reap what you sow. So if you sow forgiveness, then you’ll reap forgiveness. But if you unwisely sow unforgiveness, then that’s what you’ll reap in your time of need.
 
And let us get one thing straight here my brethren; the second most important thing about forgiveness is that it’s not about the other person or persons involved in the situation, but primarily about us.
 
It’s in our best interest to forgive, not only because then will we also be forgiven, but because forgiveness doesn’t allow all the hurt, anger, resentment, bitterness and the many other negative emotions that often crop up, to reside in our souls and make us rancid and sour, and lose God’s joy, and put hatred in our hearts rather than LOVE.
 
And I can tell you this from personal experience my people. You feel so much better, emotionally, physically and mentally when you forgive.
 
Think about it this way nuh: somebody does you wrong, be it on purpose or not, what’s their reaction eh? Some may say they’re sorry, and truly are, while some might just ignore you and go on about their business, and others might not even realize that they’ve wronged you.
 
But tell me Friends, how will your withholding of forgiveness hurt or disturb them eh? In no way really; for they’ve either apologized, or don’t know, or don’t care! They’ve moved on with their lives, and it’s only you that’s left holding the sorry bag of unforgiveness, eating yourself up over the wrong that’s been done to you.
 
That’s certainly not a wise move my brethren. Just look also at what Jesus said to Peter when he asked, ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but Until seventy times seven.’ (Matt.18:21-22)
 
Peter must have cried ‘Yikes!’ when he heard Jesus’ response. But that’s how important forgiveness is in Jesus’ circle my people; not just a few times, but numerous times. As the scholars wisely declare: ‘Unlimited forgiveness must characterize the true disciple.’
 
Then Jesus went on to elaborate, as He was wont to do, by telling them the parable of the servant who owed his employer oodles of money, but was unable to repay it, so he cried out for mercy, and his employer mercifully forgave him the entire debt.
 
But then, that same forgiven servant went out and found another servant who owed him a small sum, which he couldn’t repay at the time. However, when the servant cried out for mercy, he refused and had him thrown in debtor’s prison.
 
Remember the principle Friends; whatever you sow, you will reap. Now his fellow servants on seeing that unworthy reaction, went and told the employer of the forgiven servant’s unforgiveness.
 
‘Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst (begged) me. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?
 
And his lord was wroth (angry), and delivered him to the tormentors (torturers), till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.’ (Matt.18:32-35)
 
Oh Friends, that’s enough for today. Let’s take some time and ponder it all nuh, and see how our individual lives line up with God’s Word, then wisely ask Jesus to help us in those areas in which we’re weak, or tend to falter.
 
You know He will be only too glad to help, because He is indeed our Helper. Much LOVE!
 
…forgiveness is often more important to the forgiver than the forgivee…and that’s the gospel truth…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 August 2014 Psalm 56:1

02 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 56:1.     Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. 

Ah Friends, the Big Day, Caribana Saturday is finally here! And I don’t know why, but in the past week or so, there’s been a persistent bug in my ear, urging me to go down to the parade this year. I haven’t been for the last couple of years due to the condition of my ole knees and my lost enthusiasm for what the parade has morphed into.
 
And I was seriously considering it, but after the traffic problems I experienced going into the city last evening to check out the Pan Alive Steelband competition, I very much doubt that I’m going. With the major highway shut down to just two lanes right around the site of the parade, can you imagine the traffic jam that’s going to be out there this morning? 
 

People are already having problems getting into area with the closure of a major bridge, the Burlington Skyway, due to an accident on Thursday evening. Anyway, I’m suffering from Caribana Friday-itis…Hn!
 
And NO, I’m not referring to the after effects of inebriation – I’m too old and wise for that (smile) – I’m just talking about tiredness from a busy day and not getting to bed until after three this morning, hence the lateness of the Bit.
 
And I’m not even going to say much about the Pan competition either, because this year I found it to be rather mediocre. The attendance wasn’t as great as it usually is, and only ONE band out of the 13 that played really moved me – Pan Fantasy.
 
And to make matters worse, just as the last band, Pan Masters came on stage, they put out the main stadium lights, the ones focused directly on the band. Steups! What utter nonsense eh! So it was eleven o’clock, the byelaw wasn’t going to be in jeopardy for another five or ten minutes! Chuh!
 
So the poor band had to play in the darkness, with only the backlights of the stadium on. The fans couldn’t even see them. That just soured the whole situation for me, and I got up and left before they were finished. Subsequently I don’t know the results of the competition.
 
However, the organizers have to accept a large share of the blame, because they know about the eleven o’clock byelaw, though I can’t ever remember seeing it so rigidly enforced, but a show that was billed to start at six p.m. didn’t get underway till about 7.45, almost two hours after the announced starting time. Unfortunately I was one of those who rushed down there for six o’clock.
 
Anyway that’s all over and done with now, time to move on. Let’s get some ‘I CAN’ affirmations to counteract the prevailing sense of tiredness and lethargy nuh.
 
So please say with me: ‘I CAN do ALL things through Christ. God has new opportunities for me. I’m not settling for where I am now, I’m stretching myself and pursuing what He has put in my heart! God’s plan for my life is greater than I could imagine, and I’m determined to be who He wants me to be. This is my declaration of what I CAN do through Christ.’
 
And now that we’ve declared it, my fellow believers, let’s go out and make it reality nuh. For it doesn’t make sense to declare something, then not do it.
 
And that affirmative declaration of what I CAN do through Christ, fits nicely in with our Bit; a cry of Bruh David when the Philistines took him in Gath. (1 Sam.21:11)
 
‘Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up (hound me): for they be that fight against me, O thou Most High.’ (Ps.56:1-2)
 
Yeh Friends, daily, without fail, Lucifer and his evil cohorts come against us, trying to devour our spirits, to make us feel frail, feeble and inferior. But with our omnipotent God, we know that all things are possible!
 
Therefore, when the enemy comes against us, we can say a confident prayer for help, as Bruh David did: ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.’ (Ps.56:3-4)
 
Oh my brethren, my brethren, what simple but powerful words of faith and trust! Bruh David certainly knew on which side his bread was buttered! That’s why the Lord blessed him so much, despite his nefarious activities.
 
Can we truthfully say those words? We ought to. When the enemy comes against us, do we with hungry hope and expectant faith turn confidently to Almighty God for help, guidance and/or succour? I certainly hope so Friends, because it is ONLY in our heavenly Father that there is rest and freedom from the manipulations of the evil one.
 
Listen to Bruh David’s great faith at work: ‘When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ (Ps.56:9)
 
Oh my people, that is a declaration of faith that ought to be written in the depths of our souls, and then given voice through our mouths, as well as action through our behaviour, EVERYDAY that we’re alive on planet earth, since it’s gospel truth for ALL believers!
 
We need to be sure and confident enough in our God to be able to stand on His promises. For as the Good Book says: ‘What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:31)
 
And the glorious answer to that my fellow believers is NOBODY!
 
And now with that affirmation boldly declared, let’s go home with some more faith building words from Bruh David: ‘In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
 
Thy vows are upon me (are binding upon me), O God: I will render praise unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?’ (Ps.56:10-13)
 
Yes Friends, our great and wonderful God will surely deliver us in times of trouble, so that we can walk faithfully with Him, to continue praising and glorifying His Holy Name here on earth!
 
So let’s continue to stand strong and be numbered amongst His most awesome soldiers of faith nuh, for it’s the wisest action a human being can ever take! Much LOVE!
 
…faith in God is great…but it doesn’t come cheaply…it is paid for with the exacting price of experience…