Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 March 2016 Deuteronomy 31:8

29 Mar 2016 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 31:8.   And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

And then it was Tuesday my friends – Easter Tuesday! Now that means it’s also time for the great spectacle of goat races in Tobago! 

Yes my brethren, it’s time to get us down to Buccoo and enjoy an afternoon of goat races and great partying at possibly the only stadium in the world built to host that sport. Only in T&T, you say! 

They had a small offering while I was there the other day and it was really enjoyable. I hadn’t seen goat races in many a year. I vaguely remember the last time as being completely wasted and partying down the place with a friend’s sister on the verandah of a house near the track. 

Ah Lord eh! Those were the days! In those times they had individual parties at houses that surrounded the track. But now, progress has come along, and it’s held in a brand new state of the art facility, with all the amenities; food, drink, music, etc, all in one place. So don’t hesitate to check it out. (smile) 

And since Today is Tuesday, it’s of the utmost importance that we declare our Tuesday Mantra, with sincerity, joy and a true sense of belief and purpose. 

All together now: ‘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.’ 

Yes my fellow believers, that’s exactly who we are, the beloved of God; a fact that NO ONE can take away from us. So as many of us go back out to work after the long Easter weekend, let’s hold that thought, that fact, close to our hearts, and let it empower us as we go about our day, doing the Lord’s work. 

Let’s remember too that Jesus is our friend, in fact our BEST Friend; one who sticketh, stands closer with us than a brother, as Cousin Sol says in Proverbs 18:24. And basically, all we are called to do is share His LOVE with the world. Now that shouldn’t be too hard to do, should it? (smile) 

Unfortunately though, our world today is not interested in true LOVE, the agape, the brotherly kind of LOVE that Jesus desires to share. But friends, we’ve got to keep on keeping on and pursue our vocation to LOVE with a strong, never-ending zeal, for that’s what makes us true believers and followers of the triumphantly risen Christ! 

Now here is something from our One Year book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one is titled ‘At Such Times.’ 

And it says: ‘God, there are times In the midst of heartache and heartbreak When there is no comfort, no solace Anywhere at all. There are times When in my crumbling state of mind I feel I can no longer endure – Not for a day, not even an hour. 

It is at such times, O God That I draw heavily upon Your unfathomable LOVE. At such times I implore Your transforming peace. At such times I live By the power and promises Of a Father who cares infinitely more Than I can begin to grasp or comprehend. Today, dear God, is a “such time.” 

Oh my precious and beautiful people of God, I’m sure that resonates so truthfully with us all, because there are times in all our lives when we feel lost and alone, and Almighty God is the ONLY One who understands our situation, and the ONLY One who can provide us true solace and comfort! 

So let us never be afraid, ashamed or whatever, to call upon our heavenly Father for His peace and LOVE, because He’s always there, ready and able to help us. 

And the Biblical Promise for that poem is also our Bit for today: ‘And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ 

Yes friends, our God made that promise through Moses oodles of years ago, and it still stands even to this day! 

And all God’s people loudly declared: ‘O heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises! We don’t always put our full trust in them, but deep down we know that they are solid, solid as a rock, and that You will never renege on any of them, because You are a faithful and true God. 

Please help us to stand more securely on the many promise You have made to us over the years, for that is the only way we will ever successfully handle the evil and ungodly world that now surrounds us. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.’ 

And one of the best-known instances of our God going before His people and neither forsaking nor failing them is this passage from Exodus when the Lord took the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. 

‘And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, to go by day and night. He took not away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.’ (Ex.13:21-22) 

And please note the last verse there friends. I believe the writer added it to assure us that God did keep His promise for the long haul. And we’ll close with these words from the scholars re the pillars of cloud and fire. 

’13:21. This glowing cloud was the shekinah glory of Yahweh, which later filled the tabernacle (40:35) and then Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10), and finally departed from the temple and the city just before the Babylonian captivity (Ezek 8-11). 

This “glory of the God of Israel” will not return to Israel until the second coming of Christ (Ezek.43:1-7), at which time the glowing cloud will once again cover God’s earthly people (Is.4:5). It guided the people through the wilderness, assured them of God’s presence, and protected them from the Egyptians (cf.14:19-20).’ 

Oh friends, what a faithful and mighty God we serve. Please never let us forget that. Much LOVE!

…the God of Israel…faithful and true…is His name and nature… 

P.S. Please excuse the lateness. Just too much late night Easter Monday partying. (smile) Much LOVE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 March 2016 Philippians 1:29‏

22 Mar 2016 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 1:29.   For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.

And then it was Tuesday…wonderful Tuesday! 

And amidst all your difficulties and troubles you ask, what’s so wonderful about it eh? 

Well for one thing you’re alive. That’s more than can be said for a lot of people. Most likely you also have a roof over your head, food on your table and a paying job. Well that means you’re better off than the majority of the world of some 7 billion souls. 

And for another you’re a Christian, a believer in the One and Only Son of God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! That alone makes it a wonderful day friends, because working for Jesus is always filled with unexpected and interesting events! 

And since it’s Tuesday, before I forget, (smile) let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra with true sincerity and much enthusiasm nuh. 

As one now: ‘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 isn’t that the gospel truth my brethren? It certainly is! We’re not defined by what the dark and sinful world says about us, because we know that we are the beloved of God, and that no one can deny or take away from us. Oh glory to God my fellow believers! 

The problem though is that we don’t seem to take our designation as God’s beloved children seriously enough, we’re still anxious, doubtful and fearful, and thus continue letting the world’s unwise and often untrue and foolish systems define us. It’s time to break that oh so restrictive chain my people! 

And the only way to do that is by sincerely and faithfully taking hold of what our wonderful God has said about us, and the magnificent things He’s done and continues to do for us each and every day. 

In other words friends, we need to truly believe! Without true belief and faith, we’re lost, caught up in the worries and troubles of the world and our circumstances. But when we’re truly walking with, and living for Jesus, we don’t let our circumstances overwhelm us; we rise above them, of course with Jesus’ help. 

As I keep reminding us, being a true and faithful believer is no easy or simple matter, but it is certainly doable and enjoyable if we rest all our burdens and fears on His strong and healthy shoulders, as He tells us in His Great Invitation, Matthew 11:28-30. Please look it up if you don’t know it…and even if you do know it, please read it again so it can revitalize your spirit. 

And yesterday we saw how Bruh Paul exhorted the Philippians to steadfastness in Christ’s gospel, through proper conduct and behaviour in unity and oneness of mind. ‘And in nothing (no way) terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token (proof) of perdition (destruction), but to you of salvation.’ (Phil.1:28) 

And I repeated that verse because I want to share an explanation from the scholars. ‘1:28. One of the ways in which the readers’ proper conduct benefits the gospel (v.27) is mentioned here: not being terrified by their adversaries. The lack of intimidation is a twofold sign: (1) to unbelievers it is evidence of their lost condition; (2) to believers it is an assurance of their salvation.’ 

And that my brethren is one of the problems with present day Christians; we are terrified by our adversaries, plus have adopted the selfish behaviour of the current world; everything being, ‘I, me and mine, first person singular.’  If we weren’t, we’d be standing up strong and facing them and not allowing them to take God out of our society as they are so blatantly doing. 

Oh my people, Jesus died that we could have a good and abundant life, and we definitely can’t live that kind of life if we’re afraid and/or selfish. That brings us to the next verse in Bruh Paul’s exhortation, our Bit. ‘For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.’ 

Yes friends, we have the obvious privilege of not only living the good life through Christ, but also suffering with Him. It’s a two-pronged situation, though in our selfishness and fear we expect it to be simply all good times. 

When Jesus came to die for us, He didn’t have only good times, but also plenty rough ones, especially His crucifixion, which we’ll celebrate in a few days. So why should we have it all good eh? 

And the scholars provide an interesting explanation on that passage. ‘1:29. For reinforces the assertion that the proof of the believers’ salvation, provided through their courage in persecution, comes from God. 

This justification lies in the fact of the Philippians being divinely granted the dual privilege of believing in Christ and suffering for Him. Thus the assurance of their salvation is from God, just as is their suffering for Jesus, for the latter was the occasion providing the former.’ 

Yes my fellow believers, our salvation was provided by Jesus’ suffering, let’s never forget that, and therefore let it help us to stand up strong in His name and do His will, regardless of the tough circumstances we occasionally face, for salvation is greater than anything the world can do to, or offer us! 

And all God’s children gratefully and joyfully declared: ‘Glory Hallelujah! All power and glory be to the Lamb that was slain for us!’ 

And we’ll end with these immortal and most appropriate words of Jesus from the greatest sermon ever preached; the best laid out philosophy of life ever promulgated, the Sermon on the Mount. 

‘Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which went before you.’ (Matt.5:11-12) 

Yes my brethren, persecution will follow us simply because we believe in Jesus, that’s a fact we cannot ignore or deny since it happened to so many prophets, including Jesus, meaning we’re in excellent company. 

But by the same token, when we stand up strong during the persecution we’re blessed and are storing up rewards in heaven. No, it’s definitely not easy, but the only way to overcome it is by keeping our focus on the rewards in heaven, rather than the persecution here on earth. 

So friends, though it might be somewhat on the rough and tough side, let’s go out and put that into practice today nuh, so that our lives can be more blessed, and Jesus’ message of, and free gift of salvation can be more widely spread abroad and accepted, for that’s our bounden duty. Much LOVE!

…stand up, stand up for Jesus…the trumpet call obey…till every foe is vanquished…and Christ is Lord indeed… 

P.S. Unfortunately, late nights breed late mornings. (smile) Much LOVE!

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 March 2016 Judges 5:3

15 Mar 2016 Leave a comment

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

Judges 5:3.   Hear,  O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes: I, even I, will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.

So friends, it’s Tuesday! No big deal. You handled Monday with great aplomb, great self-confidence, so no reason why you can’t do it again today. In fact, Tuesday should be a piece of cake! (smile) 

Yes my people, with Jesus, before, behind and by our side, we can handle ANY and EVERY thing that comes against us. As Bruh Paul so steadfastly and faithfully declared – no it’s stronger than a declaration – as he confidently proclaimed: ‘I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Phil.4:13) 

And that my people is gospel truth! So let’s not forget it, but have it prime us as we go out to meet each new today. And since today is Tuesday, let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra. I didn’t forget it this week though. (smile) 

All together now: ‘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.’ 

Oh my fellow believers in Christ that is oh so true! We are definitely not defined by what the world says or thinks about us, but by our wonderful position as children of, and thus the beloved of Almighty God, Jesus’ friend and brother! Now what can be greater than that eh? Absolutely nothing! 

When we are inextricably linked, tied up with the awesome Creator of the universe and all therein, we are in the best hands possible! 

So let’s not fear, doubt, or be anxious as we go about our daily tasks, let’s walk with a spring in our step, a smile both in our hearts and on our faces, remembering that we are completely surrounded by the incomparable and indestructible protection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! 

And all God’s beloved children gratefully declared: ‘Thank You heavenly Father for LOVING and caring and looking after us as well as You do! We know we don’t deserve much of it, but that’s just the kind of wonderful God and Father You are. 

Today, we give You the praise and glory that You so rightfully deserve, and will continue to do so while Your awesome breath of life remains in our frail and fragile bodies. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen! 

Oh precious people, since we’ve been talking up the wonders of our God so much, I decided that we should just make it a day of praise; thus our Bit. 

‘Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel (when leaders lead in Israel), when the people willingly offered themselves (volunteered). Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes: I, even I, will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.’ 

That comes from the song of Deborah and Barak, after the Lord had helped them to defeat their Canaanite enemies, while Deborah was the judge of Israel. Yuh see friends, women have been leaders, and strong ones too from time everlasting! 

Now here are a few verses of praise that I randomly chose, because there are so many. Listen to Moses’ song. ‘Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine (teaching) shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon a tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: 

Because I will publish (proclaim) the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgement: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.’ (Deut.32:1-4) 

Yes friends, that’s our God that Moses is talking about. And who knew God’s greatness, saw and did His awesome work more than Moses eh? Possibly only Jesus. So Moses definitely knows whereof he speaks. 

Now here are some excerpts from Psalm 21 – Praise for victory. Bruh David opens the psalm with this proclamation: ‘The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden (withheld) the request of his lips.   Selah…. 

For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad (joyful with gladness) with thy countenance (presence)…. Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.’ (Ps.21:1-2,6,13) 

Again friends, Bruh David experienced God’s great power, LOVE and compassion, as well as His chastening, so he too knows what he is talking about first hand, not through mere hearsay. 

And listen to these words of truth and glory from Psalm 47 – God is the King of all the earth. The sons of Korah unhesitatingly tell us: ‘O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible (awesome); he is a great King over all the earth… 

Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King: sing praises. For God is the king of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.’ (Ps.47:1-2,6-7) 

Ah mih people, how much better off we would be eh if we just sang and gave more praises and attributed more glory to our great God! But sadly, in this past generation we’ve become such a hard-hearted, stubborn and godless society that God no longer looks down on us with the joy and grace that He once did, when we were truly subservient and obedient to His will. 

And we’ll close with these immortal words from Bruh David from Psalm 65 – God satisfies the thirsting soul. ‘Because thy LOVING-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus I will bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. 

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow (the best) and fatness (abundance); and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.’ (Ps.63:3-7) 

Oh friends, there is absolutely no better way to live than giving praise and thanks and glory to Almighty God for all that He has done for us in His awesome power and might and His overflowing LOVING-kindness!  

Please, please, let’s get back to that way of living nuh, for it is indeed the path of heavenly wisdom. Much LOVE!

…be thou exalted, O God above the heavens…let thy glory be above all the earth… (Ps.57:5) 

P.S. Sorry that the Bit is somewhat late, but I’m back to my old habits…late going to bed. (smile) But as they say, better late than never. Much LOVE!

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 March 2016 Psalm 77:13‏

01 Mar 2016 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 77:13.   Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary (holiness): who is so great a God as our God?

Aye friends, who says our God isn’t the greatest and brings interesting things and events into our lives eh? Earlier on this morning, after I finished my devotions on the patio, I went out for a short walk on the grounds near the sea shore as I usually do. 

This morning though I saw a white gentleman preparing to fish from the bank close to the reef with a small rod. I’ve seen a few people fishing around the area before but never spoke to them re their catch. 

Today though I asked the fellow, who turned out to be Hungarian, if he catches anything there. He said yes, barracuda and cavalli, and that he’s been coming there for a couple years now because of what he can catch. 

I was most surprised to hear that those big and ofttimes dangerous fishes could be caught so close to my water hole, especially with the small rod and thin line that he had. (smile) We talked for a few more seconds and I continued walking while he turned his attention to his fishing. 

Some five or so minutes later, on my way back, we spoke for a few more seconds, then all of a sudden he shouts ‘I’ve got one…and a big one too!’ 

I could see the tension on the line, and a couple of times while he fought it, saw the silver fish jump out of the water into the bright sunshine. It did look fairly big. He fought it for another few minutes, trying to not let it get caught on the rocks near to the shore. 

I stood up there watching with interest and hearing him say he wished he had someone to go down on the rocks and bring it in. Then like he got a sudden brainwave and asked me to hold the rod, while he went down on the rocks to get it. I held the rod and watched as went down the rocks and collected the fish, which put up a little struggle before he could get it out of the water. 

And I can now boast that in my first fishing expedition, I helped catch a three-foot barracuda weighing some thirty pounds or so. (smile) It was amazing that after he had it on the grass and extricated the hook from its mouth, it was still alive. 

Now my friend was really excited because this was amongst the biggest fishes he had ever caught. But what happened next surprised me; he took up the fish, went back down into the water and tried to release it. When I asked why, he claimed that he was only a catch and release fisherman. If the fish was still alive, he usually put it back into the sea. 

And wonder of wonders, when he couldn’t get it back into the sea because the water was just washing it back up on the shore, he lifted it up, all the time commenting on how big and heavy it was, then he walked about thirty yards further down to a small coral bay area, went into the water with the fish and stayed there for the approximately ten minutes or so, that it took the fish to regain its strength and swim away. 

Meanwhile a fellow working on a house nearby was also amazed at the size of the catch, and promised to come and fish down there. In his mind though, he would already have been at home having the oil heating in the frying pan, while he cut up the fish and seasoned it. 

The fisherman’s wife, whom I believe he had called on the phone, had also come along, and he had her take some pictures. She was telling him to keep the fish and give it to his local fishing partner. But he insisted that once it was alive, he would try to send it back to the ocean. 

And having finally done that, he came up on the shore, soaking wet, from head to foot, and explained that a few years back some dramatic experience happened to him, and since then, he doesn’t kill anything, possibly beside mosquitoes. His wife kept saying that he was crazy, because he did that sort of thing all the time. 

Finally, some half an hour or more after I’d begun my walk, we said goodbye and went our separate ways. And I guess that’s my excitement for the day, although after that I had to go into town, Scarborough, fight a couple traffic jams, to get some local bush from one of my friends to boil for my cough. 

I haven’t drank any bush medicine for umpteen years now, but I do remember my mother filling me with them either for the cold or for cooling, what we now call detoxifying the body. (smile) 

Wow! That’s taken up so much time and space, we don’t have much left for other stuff. So let’s get right into our Tuesday Mantra, or Prayer of the Beloved. 

All together now with heartfelt sincerity. ‘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.’ 

Now friends, that’s the way we ought to think of ourselves, each and every day of our lives. What the world says and thinks about us is immaterial, because we are God’s beloved children and Jesus’s friend. Glory Hallelujah! 

What could be better than those two things eh? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING my people! And until we stop allowing the dictates and thoughts of the world to shape our lives, we’ll be forever held in bondage by the enemy, when that is totally unnecessary. 

Now let’s take a quick gander at our Bit. ‘Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary (holiness): who is so great a God as our God?’ 

Yesterday we looked at the first part, today I had intended to get into the second half; ‘who is so great a God as our God?’ And as we all know, my fellow believers, the emphatic answer to that is ABSOLUTELY NO ONE! 

Yes friends, there is no supposed deity or otherwise who is mightier and more powerful than the Creator of our universe and all therein, including mankind! How could there be eh, when He spoke it all into existence eons ago, and still controls it? 

And we’ll end today with God’s own words as spoken through the prophet Isaiah when His people Israel were fooling around with worthless, powerless idols. He says: ‘To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?’ (Is.46:5) A very good question that friends. 

Then later on He declares: ‘Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.’ (Is.46:9-10) 

Now my brethren, let’s ponder those words of indisputable truth today nuh and write them indelibly in our hearts, minds, souls and bodies, for that is indeed eternal wisdom. Much LOVE!

…all other supposed gods are lifeless and powerless…ONLY our great God Jehovah is alive and kicking…full of power and majesty…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 February 2016 Psalm 53:1‏

23 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 53:1. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

And then it was Tuesday… Yes my people, another brand new day on God’s great earth with all His numerous blessings and mercies brand new, just as the day! Glory Hallelujah!

Isn’t it wonderful to begin each new day from scratch? It surely is! All yesterday’s sins and problems will be washed away and forgiven… as far as the east is from the west, they have been thrown away. So let’s begin on a clean page today nuh; no anxieties, fears, concerns or whatever from yesterday. 

Let’s get up and greet our God with pure hearts and clean hands; confessing all our known sins and weaknesses and prayerfully asking for forgiveness and wise guidance to handle the day’s problems and opportunities. 

And to help us do that, let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra with sincerity and strong belief. All together now: ‘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.’ 

Oh friends, I just LOVE that Mantra! Why? Because it reminds me of who I truly am; a child of God and a friend of Jesus! Glory to God! It doesn’t get any better than that my people. 

So please, if we remember nothing else, let’s remember those two fundamental and foundational truths; as faithful believers, we are all children of God, redeemed by Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, and thus His friend and brother. You can’t beat that my brethren! 

And what do I have to share with you today eh? Not much nuh. I’m a tad under the weather and thus not functioning on all cylinders. (smile) 

Oh yes, I now know what I have to share; my interesting and frustrating activities from last Saturday. We checked out of the hotel in Trinidad shortly after 2 p.m., took a taxi to the ferry docks – definitely no more walking in the hot sun with all that luggage. (smile) 

On that point of interest, when we mentioned our walk down Wrightson Road with our luggage to our friend from south, she unceremoniously declared: ‘They must have thought that you all were two country bookies come to town – walking down the street with so much luggage!’ 

And some very well might have thought so, but that’s neither here nor there now, we’ll just chalk it up to ignorance and experience. (smile) 

So we’re sitting in the waiting area about three o’clock waiting for the ferry’s four o’clock departure. At that time there was some excitement out on the docks, which turned out to be the arrival of the 7 a.m. ferry from Tobago. 

Apparently it had broken down in the middle of the ocean and two tug boats had been sent to tow it into port. Now can you imagine the concern, the anxiety, frustration and anger of those people trapped on it from 7 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. 

Now for the next problem; that was the same ferry that was supposed to take us to Tobago at 4 o’clock. So we all sat there patiently waiting, just hearing rumours of what was going to happen. Four o’clock came and went… and we still heard nothing from the Port Authority people. 

At about 4.45, and announcement was made that they were fixing the problem and hopefully it wouldn’t be too long before we left. 

Time continued on its own sweet way, and we heard nothing else until at approximately six thirty a couple of workers came and said we’d be boarding shortly, Hn! 

And though they said that we’d be boarding by sections, if yuh see how everybody just got up and rushed for the exit door. Ah Lord eh! The herd mentality was surely in evidence there. The policeman amongst the workers had to make a big speech and get everybody to sit back down, then move us section by section. 

The whole problem with the situation was that the authorities provided us with no explanations or updates whatsoever. Some people left and went back home, others had paid for hotels in Tobago and their time was burning up for reasons they couldn’t understand. I was looking at having to pay for another night’s stay at the hotel. 

It just was very terrible customer relations! But I understand that’s how they do it, and apparently the boats break down fairly often. Ah Lord eh, only in T&T you say. 

One more interesting point. The talk had been circulating that if they couldn’t fix the ferry, they would send us back on the one that was due in from Tobago. Now shortly before we boarded, that one appeared on the horizon, but wonder of wonders, it had to stop out in midstream because there was only one dock for the ferries. Apparently both of them could not be in the same port at the same time. 

Again, only in T&T you say! So we never left Port of Spain until around seven p.m., only to be told that the trip would take three and a half hours instead of the usual two and a half, because we were only motoring along on three engines. That meant we didn’t dock in Tobago until minutes to eleven, and I didn’t get home until minutes to twelve, tired and miserable. 

What a travesty of public relations! So that’s how I spent my Saturday afternoon and evening. 

Now finally, let’s see how much we can say about our Bit. ‘The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.’ 

And as we noted yesterday, there are certainly many fools in our time too, too many really! That’s why our world is in such a terrible state. 

As Cousin Sol warns in Proverbs: ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the (principal) beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’  (Prov.1:7) And isn’t that the awful truth! 

Again, it’s why our societies are so corrupt and inefficient! Our leaders figure they know how to run the universe better than the One who created it. Steups! 

Now hear the scholars’ explanation of that verse. ‘1:7. The fear of the Lord means submission to the Lord and His revelation. When one is afraid of something, he either runs from it or submits to it. The latter idea is in view here. It is a healthy fear, like the fear of electricity or the fear of one’s parents, which causes one to act in an appropriate manner. 

The beginning does not mean that “the fear of the Lord” is left behind in the course of acquiring wisdom, but that it is the controlling principle of wisdom.’ 

And on that solid note of wisdom we’ll end today. And as usual, please let’s ponder all that we’ve said, and with God’s help try to improve our Christian walk. Much LOVE!

…each day…with God’s help…we ought to grow in our likeness to Christ…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 February 2016 John 15:12‏‏

16 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

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

John 15:12.    This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you.

Well mih people, it’s another bright and bountiful day in God’s great world! Glory Hallelujah! 

Oh I know that many of us are facing all kinds of persecution and problems and it might not seem like a bright or bountiful day, but the essence of the situation is that we’re alive, and thus have the HOPE and assurance that things can and will change, once we keep on walking steadfastly with Jesus! 

Therefore, let’s all loudly and proudly declare, like the psalmist did: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it!’ (Ps.118:24) 

Yes friends, regardless of what the day holds, let us endeavor to rejoice and be glad in it. Let us not allow the enemy to steal our joy by filling our heads with nonsense. Life might be rough, but remember that our God is good! Glory be! 

And since today is Tuesday, let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra or Prayer of the Beloved, right off the top to get us set on firm footing. All together now: ‘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.’ 

Yes my people, we are not defined by any of the world’s standards; our true definition is simply, children of God, and thus LOVED by Him. Nothing else really matters. 

All we need to do is trust Jesus, our Friend, Saviour, Lord, Brother, Master, etc. etc. and share His overwhelming LOVE with the world, as He so simply but eloquently declares in our Bit. ‘This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you.’ 

Ah friends, it’s such a simple but profound statement! One which we are not following as strongly and steadfastly as we should, thus we are not getting the results that we ought to get, so that we can further the LOVE Revolution of Jesus. 

Jesus is all about LOVE yuh know! It’s His greatest attribute; an attribute that encompasses everything else, and if we truly have it, we will be in the best place that we can be. 

And today I want to share a passage from my One More Day Devotional for People with Chronic Illness. The quote is from one Jacques Maritain (1882-1973), a French Catholic philosopher of much renown, who was apparently raised a Protestant, then became an agnostic before converting to Catholicism. 

He reputedly said: ‘We don’t LOVE qualities, we LOVE persons…’ 

And that’s how it ought to be. But instead we tend to qualify our LOVE for others by their behaviour, events or other actions and things. That’s not right my brethren. Our God LOVES us just for who we are, not because of anything we do or say. 

And the devotional goes on to say: ‘No matter what happens to us in our lifetime, regardless of whether we are rich or poor, strong or weak, ill or well, we ALWAYS HAVE ROOM FOR LOVE. Unqualified LOVE and caring cost nothing. Despite out financial position, allowing ourselves to LOVE, allowing ourselves to be LOVED strengthens and lends greater value to our lives.’ 

And that my fellow believers in Christ is indisputable truth! When LOVE becomes the most important factor in our lives, we are raised up to another level, a level to which only LOVE can bring us. 

Now listen closely to this next part of the devotional, which corroborates what I’ve said above. ‘In LOVING others and being LOVED, we are reminded that people, not events or even characteristics, are the important elements of our lives. 

We don’t look for perfection in our LOVED ones, and we’re freed of the notion that we must earn another’s LOVE. LOVE balances our lives; it helps us to keep sight of our values and priorities.’ 

And that’s all gospel truth my brethren! The Lord would certainly not LOVE us if He was looking for perfection, because we are not perfect. So why do we try to put others in certain situations or force certain characteristics and traits in them before we LOVE them eh? 

Please, let’s stop doing that and just LOVE others for who or whom they are nuh; creations of God. That’s the only way to truly LOVE! 

And as John so wisely reminds us in his first epistle: ‘For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that ye should LOVE one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew (murdered) his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.’ (1 John 3:11-12) 

Oh friends, ofttimes that’s why we don’t LOVE people; because our deeds or intentions are evil and theirs are not. But hear these poignant and ever so true words from the end of the Valentine’s Day writing in our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. 

‘LOVE knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.’ 

Glory Hallelujah my people! Yes, LOVE will always be left standing when everything else fails! Let’s truly believe that and work it into all aspects of our lives nuh. 

And we’ll end this series of messages on LOVE with the timely words of John. ‘Herein is LOVE, not that we LOVED God, but that he LOVED us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (atonement) for our sins. Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought also to LOVE one another.’ (1 John 4:10-11) 

That’s the wisdom for the ages! Much LOVE!

…I will remember today…that I LOVE people for themselves…not for their potential…the LOVE I receive…is given just as freely…  (From the One More Day Devotional).

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 February 2016 Philippians 2:5‏

09 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 2:5.     Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.

Oh friends, the big day is here at last! Yes, it’s Carnival Tuesday, when all the pretty mas is supposed to come out in the streets, with the music blaring and the participants jumping and wining in their fancy costumes! It’s the height of the bacchanal!

Around the Savannah (Queen’s Park Savannah) the bands will be gathering to go across the stage for competition. And as far as I was concerned that was the best place to see the mas and hear the music, because everything was centered around that spot, and you could move from one band to the other as they lined up to go across the stage.

Fortunately, or otherwise, I can no longer endure that situation, (smile) so I might watch a little of the Trinidad mas on the tube, then go down to Scarborough and watch the mini mas down there. That will satisfy me.

And since Today is Tuesday, that means we need to declare our Tuesday Mantra. So with a strong sense of purpose and sincerity let’s proclaim: ‘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.’

Yes my people, the only thing that truly matters in this world is that we are children of God, greatly LOVED by Him, and also a true friend of Jesus. Glory Hallelujah! Nothing can be more important than those two things! But we need to sincerely believe them and work accordingly to them in our lives.

We can’t allow what others think and say about us to have more sway over us than what Christ says. And that is one of the problems in our current world; we consider what the people in power, or the rich and famous say and do, more than we consider God’s Word and works. That’s totally unacceptable my fellow believers in Jesus! God and His Word should be our big focus, not what mankind says or does.

And I read a piece in my One More Day Devotional for people with Chronic illness, that I’m going to change to suit our purpose today. It says: ‘Chronic illness means pushing back the “front tears” in our mind so that we can expand the frontiers of our days.’

Now friends, I believe that is also apropos to our situation, where we need to push back our tears, our problems and concentrate on our great and wonderful God, so that we can expand the frontiers of our days. Without truly focusing on God, our frontiers will never expand to their fullest.

And one way to do that is to follow the words of our Bit. ‘Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.’ Yeh mih people, we can’t act like Jesus until we think and believe like Him!

And yesterday we saw what Bruh Paul said to the Philippians: ‘If there be therefore any consolation (encouragement) in Christ, if any comfort (consolation) of LOVE, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind.’ (Phil.2:1-2)

Yes friends, all Bruh Paul is talking about there is harmonious living between believers, as he continues through verses 3 and 4 to push unselfishness and brother looking out for brother. The same attitude applies to us today, though unfortunately we’re not living as harmoniously as we ought to.

My people there is too much disharmony amongst believers today…and that’s an indisputable fact. How can the body of Christ be successful if the parts don’t dwell together in unity eh? That’s impossible to accomplish under those circumstances, but it’s exactly what Jesus desires and expects us to achieve.

Anyhow, enough of my preaching, which too often falls on deaf ears. Let’s hear some of what the scholars have to say on those verses. ‘2:1. Therefore resumes the thought begun in 1:27-28, namely, that the Philippians are to be “worthy” and steadfast in unity, striving together for the gospel’s progress. The word if, occurring four times in this verse, denotes fact, not doubt; it might then be translated “since.”

Paul is thus affirming that in Christ there exists consolation (encouragement); comfort of LOVE (solace furnished by LOVE); fellowship of the Spirit (partaking of the Holy Spirit’s life and sharing in His gifts, ministry, help, values etc.); bowels (affection); and mercies (sympathy).

This verse forms the basis for Paul’s appeal in verse 2: “Fulfill ye my joy.” His thinking is this: Since these five benefits or virtues exist in Christ, and since you are Christians, then exercise these virtues toward one another as you contend for the gospel and face opposition.’

Oh my fellow believers in Christ, what more can I say eh? Not much really, because the same situation faces us today, and probably on an even larger scale. Jesus thought in terms of harmony and unselfishness, and so should we, if we want to be truly his followers.

Why do you think Bruh Paul talked about ‘The service of LOVE to all,’ in Romans 12 eh? Because that’s the only thing that would keep Christ’s church together!

Listen to him: ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office (function): So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one (individually) members one of another.’ (Rom.12:3-5)

Yes friends, the long and short of the story is that we are all Christians, believers in Christ, and we all have individual functions to perform, but we need to perform them in harmony, so that the body of Christ, His church, the great organization that He envisaged and founded will be able to go forth and prosper.

That’s enough for today. So my people, please remember that though we are many, we are still one! Much LOVE!

…no organization can grow and prosper…unless there is harmony within it… 

P.S.  Going to have breakfast now, finish some buss-up shirt and curry that I bought yesterday, (smile) then get ready to go down to the mas in Scarborough. Much LOVE!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 January 2016 John 3:16

19 Jan 2016 Leave a comment

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

John 3:16.  For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Well friends, it’s another day in the life! Glory to God! And are we ever glad and grateful that on this cold, snowy, Tuesday winter’s morn that we’re alive and kicking, filled with the bright guiding light of the Holy Spirit. 

Yes my brethren, it’s ever so wonderful that the Dayspring, the bright morning star that’s Jesus is operating within us, bringing us all the blessings and mercies that the Father has appointed for this particular day. 

And all God’s children sang out loud and proud: ‘Praise the Lord for His everlasting goodness, His LOVING-kindness to the children of men!’ 

Now that’s something we should never forget or take for granted my people, because without the Lord’s goodness we’d be lost, misguided and headed straight for the fiery furnace that’s Lucifer’s domain. 

Anyway, on a more uplifting note, check out this poem from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) Hours of Power Devotional. I must have shared it with you before, since it’s too beautiful for me to have passed up. (smile) 

And rather appropriately, it’s simply titled ‘BEAUTY.’ And it says: ‘Thank you, Father, for filling the world with beauty. I thank you for the beauty of life, the beauty of LOVE, the beauty of children, and the beauty of old people. I thank you for the beauty of Christ and for the beauty of any life when Christ is invited through the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father, that you have made my life beautiful too. Amen.’ 

Oh Friends, when last have we given thanks for the beautiful world and people that God in His wisdom and generosity has surrounded us with eh? Long time nuh! I know that many of us don’t appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us, but it’s truly our loss, because it takes away from, depreciates the true flavour of life. 

And now, since it’s Tuesday, let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra, or the Prayer of the Beloved. All together now: ‘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!’ 

Oh what a blessed day when Jesus came into our lives, my fellow believers! So much so, that now we don’t have to hurry or worry, or concern ourselves with what people say about us, because we know that we are the beloved children of God and the friend of Jesus. Glory Hallelujah! 

So why are some of us so miserable, anxious and unhappy eh? With Jesus in our hearts, that’s not necessary my brethren, even in the most dire circumstances, since if you truly believe, then you will know that He will ALWAYS make a way, even where there seems to be no way, and will ALWAYS work everything out for our good. 

Ah mih precious people, we have to start believing all the stuff that we talk about and claim as ours through Jesus, otherwise we’re just wasting our time, mouthing inane nothings. (smile) 

That brings us to our Bit, possibly one of the most, if not the best known passages of Scripture. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ 

Oh my people, my fellow believers, that is probably the whole basis for the scriptures, the raison d’etre behind it all! For God’s intent from the very beginning was to give us a second chance to come into His holy fold after our forefathers Adam and Eve messed up and brought sin into the world. 

The sad part though is that too many of us don’t believe, and even of those who believe, many don’t take this passage and the entire scriptures seriously enough. They seem to think they can just float through and all will be okay. 

But that’s not entirely true, for remember Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount. ‘Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt.7:21) 

Yeh friends, mouthing the words doesn’t mean anything unless there is action and true belief to back it up. And we’ll turn to the scholars here for some info on the subject. 

‘7:21-23. Not everyone professing Christ is genuinely saved. Even the outward verbal acknowledgement of His lordship is in itself not enough to save the unbeliever apart from true repentance and faith. A genuinely saved person is one that doeth the will of my Father, the Greek present tense suggesting that he is continually living in obedience to the will of God as the normal course of his life.’ 

That’s what it’s all about my brethren! And some of you might remember we shared this info from the scholars recently, but it is of such importance to our understanding and our life after death, that it can never be shared too much. 

And I think we’ll end, most fittingly with a passage of scripture which presaged, gave promise of our Bit. It’s also a scripture we know very well and have been hearing it a lot during the recent Christmas season. 

It’s Isaiah’s great prophecy. ‘For unto us a child is born, a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ (Is.9:6) 

And that prophecy turned out to be none other than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Glory to God! 

So please, let’s get truly serious about Jesus nuh my people, otherwise our eternal life with Him might be in serious jeopardy, and that’s the worst thing that can ever happen to us. Much LOVE!

…man’s worst fate…eternal separation from Christ…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 January 2016 Ephesians 1:18‏‏

12 Jan 2016 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 1:18.   The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

Oh mih people, the ole fella’s neighbourhood is nothing but a beautiful panorama of white this Tuesday morning in mid January! (smile) 

Between yesterday afternoon and last night a winter squall passed and deposited a few inches of snow in the area. All the housetops and trees are definitely looking wintry in their blankets of white. 

It’s all very good for the eyes, but on the other hand it’s going to be a terrible commute this morning for those who have to brave the white stuff and try to get to work, school or home.

 Chuh! If the snow would only fall on the banks and not on the roads eh… dream on dreamer. (smile) I guess too the fellow that I’ve been paying to clean my driveway will finally have some work to do. It’s one of those days if you don’t have to go out, just don’t. And the operative words there are ‘have to.’ 

I have been fighting a cold for the last few days and you’re certainly not going to catch me out there. I’m just going to stay in my warm confines with my stuffy nose and wheezing chest and admire the lovely vista out there. 

And since today is Tuesday, then let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra with sincerity and truth. As one now: ‘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!’ 

Oh Friends, I can’t help but repeat my self, for every time we declare that Mantra, it just touches a soft spot in my heart and soul! 

Just imagining myself being LOVED by my Creator, and also being a friend of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…. it humbles, as well as lifts me up to think that such wonderful Beings truly care about me. And not about me alone, but about all those who sincerely believe in them. 

Oh glory to God my brethren! Let’s not forget, nor take for granted the goodness and LOVING-kindness of our most merciful and gracious God, who first gave us life, then provides for us down here on planet earth.  

Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.’ 

Yes Friends, we’ll continue looking at enlightening the eyes of our understanding by lauding scripture passages that deal with the subject. And we’ll start with promises, prophecy from Isaiah, re the restoration of Israel to Zion, a message of hope. 

‘Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart (deer), and the tongue of the dumb (mute) sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.’ (Is.35:4-6) 

Oh glory to God for His goodness and mercy to the undeserving children of men! Yes my precious people, our God is a good God, one who’s interested in the welfare of His people. And since He doesn’t change, then it means that He’s still interested in our welfare today. 

But we have to give Him the chance to work in our lives, to open our eyes of understanding and show us the good plan He has for us, to give us a hope and a future. It’s therefore essential then that we open our hearts, souls and minds to Almighty God and His Word, otherwise we won’t be able to claim the riches of His glory and His inheritance as saints. 

Now hear this exciting scripture when Bruh Paul testified before King Agrippa, re his conversion on the road to Damascus. At midday, a bright light from heaven struck down him and his posse. 

‘And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue (language), Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (goads, thing that torments). And I said, Who art thou, Lord? 

And he said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear (reveal) unto thee. 

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified (set apart) by faith that is in me.’ (Acts 26:14-18) 

Oh friends, our God is very interested in opening our eyes and enlightening us as to who He is, but won’t do it without our permission. So please, let’s open our hearts today and let Him in nuh, so that He can fulfill His dream for us. 

And we’ll end with this reminder from Bruh Paul to the Ephesians. ‘For ye were sometimes (once) darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.’ (Eph.5:8). 

And the scholars offer this explanation. ‘5:8. Darkness indicates that the readers used to be spiritually unenlightened, and accompanying this ignorance was immorality with its resultant guilt and misery. Light denotes that the recipients are now to be religiously informed. Their knowledge of the truth is attended by moral purity and happiness.’ 

Oh my brethren, I sincerely hope and pray that we have all seen the light! Much LOVE!

…the only antidote for darkness…is the light of Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 January 2016 James 2:14‏

05 Jan 2016 Leave a comment

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

James 2:14.  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 

Aye mih breddren, it’s Tuesday! Glory Hallelujah! That means we got through Monday safely and have another wonderful, rollicking day to look forward to under the beautiful guidance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Oh glory to God my people! 

We couldn’t have a better author and finisher of our faith. So please let’s stand strong and true and look to Him for all our needs as He wants and expects of us, and also enjoy all the new blessings and mercies that He’s prepared specially for us today. 

Now let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra with conviction and a true sense of purpose. As one now: ‘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!’ 

Oh friends, every time we declare that mantra, I just get an all-choked up feeling because it’s so… so touching and heart-warming. I am beloved of God, a friend of Jesus…with no need to hurry or worry. Wow! What glorious truth my fellow believers! Now let’s hold on to it faithfully as we go out and mix and mingle with the unbelievers and show them what true Christianity is all about. 

And we’ll get right to our Bit as we have lots of stuff to talk about today. ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?’ 

That’s a good question, and we’ll keep pursuing the answer by continuing with James theory on the subject. ‘Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought (was working) with his works, and by works was faith made perfect (complete)? 

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed (accounted) unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had receive the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.’ (James 2:21-26) 

Yes precious people, James does put up a good argument for his belief, but we’re going to get some serious explanations, some meat and potatoes (smile) now from the scholars. 

‘2:21-24. These verses present the crux of the issue: Is a man justified by works? Do Paul and James contradict each other? Several factors demonstrate that they do not. First, as already noted in verses 14-17, the apostles use the word for faith with different meanings.

Second, they use “justified” in different senses. It is customary to identify all nuances of this word with the theological idea Paul popularized – that is, God’s act of declaring all believers righteous on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work. 

But a common Old Testament and gospel usage involves demonstrating or showing something to be righteous (cf. Ps.51:4; Luke 7:35; Rom.3:4); it is this usage that James follows. Third, though both men use Abraham as an illustration, they focus on different aspects of his life. 

Paul shows that Abraham was declared righteous by faith when he trusted God (Gen.15:6). James declares that he was shown to be righteous by his offering up of Isaac (Gen.22:9) 

Fourth, even the terminology of these two apostles differs. Paul constantly speaks against the works of the law, as being a false use of those works to merit salvation. James, however, is speaking of works of LOVE that follow belief. 

Fifth, the two apostles are discussing totally different subjects, since they are confronted by different problems. Paul, opposing the Judaizers, seeks to prove that the Gentiles can be saved and sanctified apart from circumcision or any other work of the law. James, opposing merely nominal, professing Christians, seeks to show that true faith confirms itself by deeds of LOVE. 

If James were fighting Paul over law and grace – or faith and works – surely the subject of circumcision would have arisen, since it lies at the core of that issue. James and Paul are not face-to-face fighting each other – they are back-to-back fighting opposite foes!’ 

Wow friends, what a lot to digest! But I would be doing us a disservice if I did not give us the opportunity to feast upon all that scholarship. (smile) And I still have some more for you to digest. Hn! 

The scholars’ also declare: ‘2:25. Just as James presents two examples of spurious faith (vs.16, 19), (not providing for a believer’s needs, and demons believing that God exists), he concludes with two examples of genuine faith: Abraham and Rahab. 

One was a Jewish patriarch of great sanctity, whose faith was perfected by his works. The other was the lowest citizen of a condemned Gentile city, whose newfound faith was dramatized by her works. No matter whether one has the mature faith of an Abraham or the baby-like faith of a Rahab, there must be evidence of that faith.’ 

And the last scholar’s explanation: ‘2:26. The point of this analogy between the body and one’s faith is that both require an energizing element. The absence of that element renders the other component dead.’ 

And therein concludes the messages on faith and works as theorized by James. I do hope that we have all understood what he was talking about, and the difference between his theory and that of Bruh Paul. 

The long and short of the story is that faith ALONE can save us. However, when we embrace that faith, we need to show it by good deeds, otherwise our faith is meaningless. 

So my people, knowing that we all are saved, then let’s go out today and show that faith by our good works nuh. For that is indeed the wisdom of heaven. Much LOVE!

…faith and works are two essential and necessary parts of a believer’s life…

 

 

 

 

 

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