Today’s Scrip-Bit   18 July 2022 Psalm 18:32.

18 Jul 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 18:32.      It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

One more time around the block friends! Yes, if you didn’t know, it’s Monday, time to get out there and labour, labour as unto God. (smile) And I do hope that we are all ready, willing and able to handle our nemesis, our constant opponent, this first day of the work week, who consistently upsets our apple carts, simply because we are not ready to handle it. 

We have not made the necessary preparations to engage in the battle of wits and spirit that Monday always throws up at us, meaning too much partying and worldly things; not going to church and being spiritually refreshed through fellowship with other believers and hearing the Word of God, also not enough physical rest. But those are both essential if we want to present a good, strong front on Mondays and give the enemy a run for his money. 

And that is only possible when we acknowledge these facts that Bruh David lays out in Psalm 18 – Thanksgiving for deliverance, when he confidently proclaims: ‘It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.’ (Ps. 18:32) Oh friends, that is the absolute truth, and until we sincerely believe it and put it into action, we will not be able to conquer anything the enemy sends against us. 

Why do you think we can make the authoritative boast of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome: ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors: through him that LOVED us.’ (Rom. 8:37) Yes, it’s only through the wonderful LOVE of our great and wonderful God that we are made strong, made conquering heroes in Christ! 

And Bruh David ramps it up even more when he continues: ‘He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet (the feet of the deer), and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms (a bow of bronze can be bent). Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden (held me) up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.’ (Ps. 18:33-35) That’s more absolute truth my people! It is indeed the Lord God Jehovah who enables us to first resist and then defeat the enemy. 

And Jesus reiterates that truth when He says to the disciples. ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:4-5) Now that says it all my fellow believers: without Jesus we can do nothing! And if you don’t believe Him, then try doing stuff without Him nuh, and see how far you’ll get. (smile)  

Then Bruh Paul puts it very nicely in his second letter to the church at Corinth. ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.’ (2 Cor. 3:5) Glory be, ye saints of Christ! And remember what Bruh Paul also said to the Ephesians. ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.’ (Eph. 2:8-9) Oh my people, until we realize, recognize and understand that who we are, most of what we have come from the goodness of God, we’ll never live up to the plan He has set out for us, or reach the pinnacle that He desires us to reach. 

Remember what Jesus said: ‘I am come that they might have life; and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10b) That means if we don’t live for Jesus, abide in Him, and have Him abide in us, then we won’t live the abundant life He died for us to have, thereby negating His sacrificial death, making all His pain and ‘sufferation’ of no use. And what I can’t understand is why in tragic and disturbing times like these, we aren’t turning back to God in greater droves than we currently are, since our own efforts are not helping to diffuse the evil and ungodly situations we’re now facing. 

In fact, our efforts are only making them worse. One would expect in a time like this a revival of God-fearing proportions would be taking place. People would be waking up, like the Israelites used to do, when they found themselves between a rock and a hard place after turning away from the God of their forefathers. But it seems the contrary thing is happening; people are turning away from God, more than they are turning to Him. Unfortunately though, there’s no wisdom in that. Wisdom dictates that if all our efforts are failing, then we try something, or somebody else…like Jehovah God. 

And I guess these words of Bruh Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, echo the sentiments that populate our world today. ‘For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men.’ (1 Cor. 1:22-25) 

It couldn’t be said any better my friends! That’s why, for those of us who believe, it’s essential to go to God in prayer asking for divine help and guidance. So, let’s do that right now nuh, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. As one sincere voice. ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. 

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

And what must we do after we pray? Wait with eager expectation, while keeping whatever promises we’ve made. Much LOVE!

… In Christ alone my hope is found…He is my light, my strength, my song… 

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 May 2022 Psalm 107:8.

29 May 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 107:8.      Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men. 

Ah friends, another Sunday is upon us, meaning it’s time to gather and offer up praise and worship with thanksgiving to our great and merciful God. And that’s as it should be, because He’s bestowed so many undeserved blessings upon us. The psalmist got it right when he declared: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men. For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Ps. 107:8-9) 

And for that we do indeed owe the Lord much thanks and praise, which we will attempt to satisfy this morning, by opening with a marvelous song. The truth though, is that we will never be able to satisfy the debt we owe to the Holy Trinity, our Godhead, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, because with our frail human nature, we just don’t have enough resources or time to cover the enormous debt. 

But the wonderful thing about our God is that He isn’t looking for repayment because He knows that we just don’t have the wherewithal to repay, and thus He’s willing to settle for praise and thanksgiving with obedience to His will, which we are indeed able to give, although for some of us, it’s like pulling teeth without anesthetic. (smile) 

Anyway, enough talk, let’s get to the beautiful worship song titled ‘In Christ Alone’ written in 2002 by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. And it’s quickly become a favourite song to sing in worship circles. Today we’ll do the glorious, mid-tempo soulful version done by Geoff Moore and Adrienne Liesching from their album – Worship Together – Be Glorified, issued in 2003. So, with joyful hearts and sincere souls, let’s offer up our sacrifices of praise in loud and perfect voice. 

‘In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of LOVE, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all—Here in the LOVE of Christ I stand. In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe! This gift of LOVE and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save. 

Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied; For ev’ry sin on Him was laid— Here in the death of Christ I live. There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain; Then bursting forth in glorious day, Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; For I am His and He is mine— Bought with the precious blood of Christ.’ 

And right here, as the music plays through the bridge, the duo adds these beautiful words on the video screen. ‘My Lord Jesus Christ, I am here to thank You for what you suffered for me on the cross. May Your arms of LOVE enfold me and protect me. Lord Jesus, I give myself to You willingly. You are my rock and my salvation. You are my only hope….’ 

Then they continue with the last verse of the song. ‘No guilt in life, no fear in death— This is the pow’r of Christ in me; From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home— Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.’ 

And at the end, while the music goes out, these magnificent words appear on the video screen. ‘Lord, who am I, that you should desire so much to be LOVED by me? And who shall I LOVE, if I don’t LOVE You, my Jesus? Make me all Yours for the rest of my days. Give me Your LOVE; I ask for nothing more.’ 

And really friends, that’s all we can truly ask of Jesus, His awesome LOVE and compassion, because He’s already emptied Himself on our behalf, sacrificing His sinless soul on the cross so that we could be reconciled to the Father, sin debt paid in full, and eternal life guaranteed. Wow! What else can be said eh? 

The song says it all: ‘In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of LOVE, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all—’ 

Jesus is indeed our EVERYTHING! No doubt about that. For through Him, ‘The wrath of God was satisfied; For every sin on Him was laid – Here in the death of Christ I live.’ And that’s the gospel truth friends, for it’s only through Christ’s death on our behalf, taking all our sins on His shoulders, ‘Bought with the precious blood of Christ,’ that we can now live in righteousness. 

And Peter said it so well in his first epistle. ‘Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: By whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop (Overseer) of your souls.’ (1 Pet. 2:24-25) 

That reminds me of the song Moses and the children of Israel sang in God’s honour so long ago: ‘I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song (fortress or defense), and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation (praise Him); my Father’s God, and I will exalt him.’ (Ex. 15:1-2) 

And that’s exactly why we are gathered here today my faithful brethren; with sincere hearts, souls, bodies and minds, to unequivocally praise, give thanks to and exalt the God of our forefathers, the God of our salvation. And what better words to end with than these from Psalm 107: ‘Oh that men would praise (give thanks to) the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.’ (Ps. 107:31-32) 

Please my fellow saints, let’s show our undying and ever-grateful LOVE for our Godhead by praising, giving thanks and exalting Him every single day of our lives. That’s the least we can do in return for His wonderful blessings to mankind, right down through the ages. Much LOVE!

…if our hearts are truly for Christ…then thanks and praise should automatically emanate from them…  

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