Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 October 2023 Genesis 45:28.

03 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 45:28.       Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

‘Summerlicious’ days are still here friends! Thus we can sing: ‘Oh what a beautiful morning…Oh what a beautiful day! Oh what a beautiful morning…Everything’s going my way!’ And with Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savour and Guiding Light, ALL things will eventually go our way! All thanks and praise be to the spotless Lamb who died for us to set us free from Satan’s evil bondage! And all God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of ‘Praise the Lord!’ 

Now, let’s get to that amazing story of Bruh Joseph, which the Lord imbued with so much intrigue and drama. We’ve reached the part where Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, then sends them home, per Pharoah’s command, with wagons and food to bring their families down to Egypt. But when they get home and tell their father Jacob that Joseph was still alive and ruler of all Egypt, the old man faints and does not believe them. Not until he sees all the wagons and provisions that Joseph has sent. Then ‘Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.’ (Gen. 45:28) 

And we pick up the story from the Bible at that point. ‘And Israel (Jacob) took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer-sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes (will close your eyes when you die).’ (Gen. 46:1-4) 

Now here are some important explanations from the scholars re those verses. In regard to ‘Jacob stopped at Beer-sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. Both Abraham (21:33) and Isaac (26:25) had erected altars here, and this may have been his (Jacob’s) motive for offering sacrifices. Abraham had lied about his wife in Egypt (12:10-20) with serious consequences; and Isaac had been forbidden even to go there (26:2), which must have caused Jacob some anxiety. But God assured Jacob that he need fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation (cf. 15:13-21; Ps. 105:17, 23). 

The Lord promised to be with Jacob and also surely bring thee up again. It was also promised that Jacob would die in Egypt as Joseph shall put his hand on thine eyes, contrasted to the troubled end he had predicted for himself (37:35, when he believed that Joseph was dead). Thus “bring thee up again” refers to the nation of Israel, not Jacob.’ Ah friends, there are so many ins and outs and ramifications and complications in the story that sometimes it’s hard to keep one’s bearings. (smile) But fear not, the Holy One of Israel has it all under control. 

Thus, the Bible continues: ‘And Jacob rose up from Beer-sheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharoah had sent to carry him. And they took their cattle (livestock), and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his seed (descendants) with him: His sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.’ (Gen. 46:5-7) 

Oh mih people, doesn’t our God do a wonderful job of storytelling, with just the right amount of pace, drama and intrigue to keep you fastened to your seat in great expectations? He certainly does! And I guess we can call this the ‘li’l Exodus’, where Jacob and his immediate family moved from the famished land of Canaan to the prosperous land of Egypt, as opposed to the ‘great Exodus’ some four hundred years later, where the whole nation of Israel, between one and two million strong, left Egypt to return to the Promised Land of Canaan. 

But that friends, the creation of the nation of Israel, was the whole idea behind God’s machinations. To give them a place to grow in peace and develop the characteristics and culture that He desired them to have. And that they did quite successfully in the fertile land of Goshen in Egypt. If He had left them in Canaan during the famine they would have died out and His promises to make a great nation of Abraham and his descendants would not have come to pass. And I know with God’s mighty power, one would think that He could accomplish it in some easier way. But that’s not the way our God operates. He likes things to move along in a normal, steady manner, no rush and no fuss. (smile) 

And who would have thought that He would set up the creation of the promised nation of Israel through the young boy of a dysfunctional family being sold into slavery by his evil and jealous brothers eh? I doubt that either Abraham or Isaac would have thought it. But Jacob might, since he ended up down there with his whole family. The point is my brethren, that we never know the Lord’s purposes or reasons behind the things He does or allows in our lives, but if we claim to sincerely trust and obey Him, then we must allow Him to do what He thinks is best. 

And though the situations in which He places us are not always to our liking, with His greater wisdom and foresight, as well as the promise to eventually work all things for our good, we have to go along with His plans. And remember, He never asks us to do something without giving us the wherewithal, the anointing to do it. And I believe Bruh Joseph’s story is a monumental one, from which we can learn the immense value of trust, faith, surrender, patience, perseverance and longsuffering, all worthwhile and necessary characteristics for living a godly earthly life. End of Sermon! (smile) 

Now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. Altogether now: In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having said that, it now behooves us to go out and share that amazing friendship and LOVE of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…the Lord never leads us astray…for He is our Good Shepherd…and the Good shepherd cares for His sheep…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    26 September 2023 Genesis 44:4b.

26 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 44:4b.        Wherefore have ye rewarded (repaid) evil for good?

Aye friends, I’m not sure exactly what kind of day we’re going to have this autumn Tuesday in my neighbourhood, because they are telling me about it being partly sunny and to expect high winds soon. But what I do know is that right now it’s a glorious day out there, filled with sunshine and decent temperatures for this time of year. So, I will rejoice and be glad in it, like the Bible tells us to do! 

And now a li’l prayer to remind us of God’s goodness. Please pray with me. ‘The Light of God surrounds me: The LOVE of God enfolds me: The Power of God protects me: The Presence of God watches over me: Wherever I am, God is… And ALL is well!’ Oh mih people, isn’t it just wonderful to know that wherever we are God’s Light, LOVE, Power and Presence are constantly with us, looking over us and protecting us? It certainly is! 

Now let’s get to that intriguing drama that’s Bruh Joseph’s story. We left the saga yesterday where Bruh Joseph sees his brothers seated in his house, and his heart yearns so much for his youngest sibling Benjamin, his mother’s other son, that he goes into his bed chamber and cries. The emotions are beginning to run free. 

The Bible then tells us: ‘And he (Bruh Joseph) washed his face, and went out, and refrained (restrained) himself, and said, Set on (serve the) bread. And they set on for him (served him) by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves, because the Egyptians might not eat bread (could not eat food) with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.’ (Gen. 43:31-32) 

Ah Lord eh, even in the midst of supposed good relations there’s still always separation! Bruh Joseph eats by himself, his brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians by themselves because by man’s foolish and ungodly tradition, it’s not fitting for them to all eat together. No wonder there’s still so much anger and resentment in our world, if we can’t even do a simple thing like break bread together. 

But the Bibe continues: ‘And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled (looked with astonishment) one at another. And he took and sent messes (servings) unto them from before him: but Benjamin’s mess (serving) was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.’ (Gen. 43:33-34) 

Brother! The drama is surely ramping up now! They’re all eating together, but separately, and there are all sorts of thoughts and undercurrents present because no one’s sure of what’s really happening! Bruh Joseph has opened up some, but is still playing his cards close to his chest. The brothers don’t have a clue what’s going on, and though they are eating, apparently joyful on the outside, the ever-present fear of trouble is still only a heartbeat away. And the Egyptians, watching this strange encounter…what are they thinking eh? Who knows? (smile) 

Now, here’s some interesting information from the scholars. They say, as per verse 33 above: ‘And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another. At the dinner the brothers failed to leap to one logical explanation of his (Bruh Joseph’s) behaviour, considering his concern for Jacob (vs. 27), his affectionate favouritism for Benjamin (vs. 29-34), and exact knowledge of the interlocking sequence of births of these sons of four mothers (vs. 33).’ 

And yes, those things should possibly have said something to the brothers, although when you’re filled with fear, your mind doesn’t always work properly. But I find one concern in the scholars’ statements above there. How do we know that it was Bruh Joseph who seated them according to their birth rights eh? Perhaps it was just natural for them to sit at table in that manner, since that kind of tradition was very important in those days. 

Anyway, the scholars continue: ‘The fact that Joseph had the brothers separated from the Egyptians (vs. 32)  – it would have been an abomination unto the Egyptians had they not been separated – suggests that this was a native Egyptian Pharaoh. If it were a Hyksos king (non-native), most likely he would not have demanded such discrimination. Evidently the Egyptians had a deep hatred for Asiatic shepherd (cf. 46:34; Ex. 8:26). Verse 34 suggests that the brothers were not jealous or resentful toward Benjamin because of the preferential treatment; thus they seemingly had a change of heart. But Joseph was going to test them.’ 

Yes friends, although everything seemed somewhat hunky dory on the outside, more alarming situations were in the offing. No wonder the Good Library continues thus: ‘And he (Bruh Joseph) commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth. And put my cup, the silver cup in the sack mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.’ (Gen 44:1-2) 

Bruh Joseph is certainly not making it easy for his brothers. But who knows why he’s setting these traps for them. Is it a matter of deep revenge, or simply playing games, to show them how their actions can have rebounding ramifications? Nonetheless, ‘As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses (donkeys). And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded (repaid) evil for good? Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth (practices divination)? Ye have done evil in so doing?’ (Gen. 44:3-5) 

Ah mih people, Bruh Joseph certainly wasn’t easy nuh. But who can really blame him after all the trials and tribulations he had suffered because of his brother’s evil machinations. And if God spares life tomorrow, we’ll continue looking at how that most important story in the Good Library plays out. Now, let’s declare (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having made that declaration (awright!!!) it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…behold…how good and how pleasant it is…for brethren to dwell together in unity… (Ps. 133:1) 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    19 September 2023 Genesis 42:8.

19 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 42:8.       And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.

Oh friends, how wonderful it is that we’ve been blessed to see another glorious day on God’s great earth! And yes, it’s been born of His daily mercies and compassions, but it also means that He still has work down here for us to do. So please, let’s get our Christlike selves together and do the Lord’s work nuh! What will it take for us to live up to our Christian responsibilities eh? Fire and brimstone? 

Our God has been so good to us down through the ages, that it’s only fair that we keep our part of the bargain, if we want the covenant to have a happy ending. Remember, we’re the ones who are suffering the hurts and pains of Satan’s evil doings, and everything the Lord has advised us to do is for OUR benefit, not His! Nuff said! 

Now, let’s turn once again to that intriguing story of Bruh Joseph. In our last go round, we saw where the famine was in full swing throughout all the lands, and his father Jacob sent his ten brothers down to Egypt to buy grain ‘that we may live, and not die.’ (Gen. 42:2) However, he refused to send his last child, Benjamin, fearing that some calamity might befall him, the way it had done Joseph, some twenty years before. 

The Bible then tells us: ‘And the sons of Israel (Jacob) came to buy corn (grain) among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan (where they lived). And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren (brothers) came and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.’ (Gen. 42:5-6) 

Oh my people how mighty are the ways of our God eh? Remember many years before when Bruh Joseph told his brothers that in his dream they were bowing down before Him? That was the very reason they had gone to so much trouble to get rid of Bruh Joseph in the first place. Well, it had taken almost two decades, but the Word of the Lord does not lie. It might tarry, take some time, but it always comes to pass! 

Then the Bible continues: ‘And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them (acted as a stranger to them), and spake roughly (harshly) unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said from the land of Canaan to buy food. And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.’ (Gen. 42:7-8) And that was quite possible since Bruh Joseph was most likely dressed as an Egyptian nobleman, and possibly even spoke the Egyptian language after being in the country for so long. 

The Good Library then states: ‘And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness (exposed parts) of the land ye are come. And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one man’s sons; we are true (honest) men, thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren (brothers), the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not (no more).’ (Gen. 42:9-13) 

Now isn’t it strange that the brothers even mentioned that they had a sibling who was no longer alive. Or so they thought. But the interesting repartee between the brothers goes on: ‘And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: Hereby ye shall be proved (tested): By the life of Pharoah ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved (tested), whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharoah surely ye are spies. And he put them all together in ward (prison) three days.’ (Gen. 42:14-17) 

Bubba! Bruh Joseph was really tough with his brethren. And this explanation from the scholars makes the whole thing even more interesting. They say: ‘It is hard to determine Joseph’s real motive for testing his brothers. Most scholars feel that Joseph was not being vindictive, but was engaged merely in official probing and testing. However, Joseph’s manner, coupled with the numerous tests through which he put his brothers, gives the distinct impression that he was humbling his previously arrogant brothers (vs. 6-14).’ 

And even if that’s true, why not eh? Bruh Joseph, though godly, was still only human, and they had put him through unnecessary hell simply because of their jealously and hatred. And it’s not strange that when we do evil and ungodly deeds, that at some stage of the game they rebound on us, like the famous Australian boomerang. That’s because the Lord God is our vindicator, and if we do not seek vengeance ourselves, He will eventually give us justice. Remember Bruh Paul’s words in Romans 12:19, as he quotes Deuteronomy 32:35. ‘Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.’ 

Yes my fellow saints, our God will make everything right, if we only believe Him and leave everything in His hand. And no, it’s not always easy to forgive or let wrong doings go by, especially when they cause much hurt and pain, but our ever-faithful God requires that we make such sacrifices, if we truly believe in Him. And now that it’s time to go home, let’s declare (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And now that we’ve made such a marvellous admission, it now behooves us to go out and share that wonderful LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…the Word of God…that is the standard to which we must always aspire… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    12 September 2023 Genesis 41:16.

12 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 41:16. It is not me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace.

Well, at long last the rain which has been promised by the weather forecasters and the intense cloudiness of the last few days, eventually arrived this Tuesday morning! And thankfully, not in humongous showers like some places have been recently receiving, but in a steady drizzle, which hopefully gives the land the opportunity to soak it up and avoid the disastrous flood situations that’s been happening around the world recently. Our world is certainly in disaster mode, but that’s why we’re here, why we’ve been chosen for just such a time like this, because we have the wherewithal from Almighty God to make things better. 

Our job is always to make things better, improve human life. The question is whether we are doing that, and if so, whether it’s to our fullest ability? Remember Christ expects diligence and excellence from His followers. So, hopefully, we’re all doing as best as we can, for come the judgement day, the Lord won’t ask us about anybody else nuh. No, He’ll only ask about what WE did with the talents that He gave us. That means we’ve got to stop looking at, and comparing ourselves with others, and get on with our personal tasks. 

And now it’s time to return to that amazing saga of Bruh Joseph. I wonder, with all the unfair and unjust things that have happened to him so far, how many of us would have lived up to his faithfulness? Not many I believe. Most of us would have been downright annoyed with God, angrily claiming that we’re doing right, and only unfair and unjust things are happening to us. Some of us might have already turned away from Him. 

But thankfully Bruh Joseph stayed the course, as we sincere believers are expected to do. We need to believe God’s promise that eventually He will work all things out for our good. And what a catastrophe it would have been if Bruh Joseph had given up on God’s promises. But he held it all together, despite the trials he faced. And as the Lord would have it, we saw yesterday how Pharaoh dreamed two dreams he did not understand and none of his wise men or magicians could interpret them either. 

And the Word says: ‘Then spake the chief butler unto Pharoah, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was wroth (angry) with his servants, and put me in ward (in custody) in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker: And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.’ (Gen. 41:9-13) 

Ah friends, yuh see how the Lord LOVES to play out His dramatics; slow and long. (smile) But there’s always a good reason behind His situations. In this particular case, Bruh Joseph needed to grow up, to understand the realities of life, after coming from a privileged situation. He also needed to learn how to handle and lead people for the destination and destiny the Lord had in store for him. 

And maybe that’s the same thing he’s doing in many of our lives right now; preparing us for our eventual destination and destiny, and all the tough stuff we’re currently going through are merely learning and growing pains. But despite whatever is happening with us right now, we need to stand strong and steadfast and believe the faithful promises of our wonderful God! That’s the only way we’ll ever be successful in this evil and ungodly world. 

Oh, and there’s a most important scripture early on in those verses above. When the chief butler says to Pharaoh: ‘I do remember my faults this day.’ Perchance, or perhaps, some of us might also remember our faults this day. Things we’ve promised to do or not to do and never kept those promises. Like the chief butler, now is as good a time as any to correct those faults. (smile) Yes friends, we’re all guilty of something, and the sooner we repent and fix them, the better off we’ll be. 

But getting back to Bruh Joseph’s story. The Bible tells us: ‘Then Pharoah sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment (clothes), and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharoah said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharoah saying, It is not me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace.’ (Gen. 41:14-16) 

Please note again, that Bruh Joseph is not assigning any of his talent to himself, but always to God. Oh, how I wish that more of us believers could do that, instead of thinking and/or claiming that our successes come solely from our own energy. (smile) And please note too that Bruh Joseph did not merely say that God will give Pharaoh an answer, but an answer of peace, which must have quieted some of Pharoah’s sorrow and lifted his spirits. Then Pharaoh told Bruh Joseph his dream, ending with the sorrowful words: ‘but there was none that could declare (yes!!!) it to me.’ (Gen. 41:24) 

And in keeping with good drama procedures, we’ll stop there for today, leaving you hanging, in suspense, thinking about what comes next, titivating and titillating your imaginations. (smile) But seriously though my brethren, this story of Bruh Joseph is indeed one of God’s best drama pieces, and it definitely set the stage for most of what came after. Now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And now it’s our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…to truly experience the faithfulness of God…we truly need to be faithful to Him… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   22August 2023   1 Corinthians 1:13a.

22 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 1:13.a.       Is Christ divided?

Welcome to the second to last Tuesday in August 2023 my Scrip-Bit Friends and Family! Now, I would like to share Bruh Paul’s sentiments in his first letter to the church at Corinth, because they are still very valid, important and encouraging to our Christian faith walk. So, as he wrote: ‘Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf (concerning you), for the grace of God which is given you by Christ Jesus; 

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind (short) in no gift; waiting for the coming (revelation) of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (1 Cor. 1:3-9) What a heartfelt and LOVING greeting! And in my simple way, I offer you the same sentiments, hoping that they will encourage and strengthen you in the Lord. (smile) 

Now, as per ‘Grace …and Peace,’ the scholars tell us that ‘In the former (grace) Paul contemplates all that is understood by God’s gracious unmerited favour as it is extended to sinners.’ And do we all ever have great need of plenty of God’s unmerited favour in these ungodly and evil times. And as per ‘The latter (peace) Paul has in mind benefits that fall from the exercise of God’s LOVE.’ That’s another thing we so badly need in these troubled and turbulent times; God’s peace! The ONLY kind that can truly do us any good right now! 

Then, Bruh Paul goes on to wish that the Corinthians were enriched with all wisdom and knowledge of God, through the testimony and witness of Christ that was confirmed in them, and that they would not be left out of any of God’s good things, most likely spiritual gifts, but be strengthened and made firm, as they waited for the return of Christ, when He shall make them blameless before God. 

Now it’s the same testimony and witness that’s supposedly been confirmed in us, and we’re still waiting for Christ’s return, and desperately need to be strengthened and made firm in God’s grace, so the same sentiments can be applied to us, and we possibly need them more because our world is surely more troubled and confused than theirs was. 

And I like how after all the warm and pleasant greetings Bruh Paul gets down to brass tacks re the unfortunate contentions in the church. ‘Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ye all speak the same thing (have a uniform testimony), and that there be no divisions (dissensions or schisms) among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.’ (1 Cor. 1:10) 

Apparently it had been brought to Bruh Paul’s attention that serious quarrels were happening among the church brethren. ‘Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul, and I am of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.’ (1 Cor. 1:12-15) 

Ah friends, sadly, just like the early church was filled with contention, today’s church is overrun with dissension, so badly that Christ church is terribly divided. There are so many Christian religions, sub-religions, cliques, and what have you, that it brings a big smile to the evil one’s face, because that makes it ever so easy for him to conquer us. He doesn’t even have to do the division since we’ve already divided ourselves, and over so much petty stuff. That’s the hurtful part. A lot of our division is over stuff that can easily be figured out or simply laid aside because it is not that important. 

But the latest style is that as soon as something dissatisfies us in one church body, we leave and start a new one, with slight variations. But as Bruh Paul asked the church at Corinth, and we should seriously consider today with our many schisms and divisions: ‘Is Christ divided?’ And the answer is NO! So why is His supposed church so divided, and yet we all claim to be preaching the same Christ crucified? That’s why the devil is laughing his head off all the way down to hell! For if Christ is One, the same yesterday, today and forever more, then how can so much different, conflicting stuff be preached and taught about Him eh? 

Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers. All I know is that Satan is having a field day, a heyday amongst believers right now. Believers who are filled with so much doubt, anxiety and worry about their lives and circumstances that they are losing their faith in Almighty God. And the many false teachers and preachers, with the help of social media, are escalating the problems, causing more conflicting dialogue and beliefs among Christ’s people. 

Ah mih saints, the times are difficult and troubling, but serious and sincere students of and believers in Christ Jesus will be able to successfully navigate the storms and trials of the day. However, the important question, is what’s to become of Christ’s church? God is already being removed from our society, and if Christ’s church doesn’t come together soon, and real soon too, there will not be much of it left to talk about, and the devil would have won. Now that’s something we should not even be contemplating, but it is a possible reality the way the church is continually splitting apart, instead of uniting. 

However, I pray that most of us will stand strong and call for the reunification of Christ’s church, so that we can defeat Satan’s evil schemes. And thus, the question Christ posed after the parable of the unjust judge: ‘Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8) will be a resounding YES! But please remember that will only happen if we keep strong in faith, in prayer and supplication, in fellowship, praise and thanksgiving, and our patience and perseverance don’t run out by the time Jesus finally returns. 

Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we joyfully belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one strong voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…the unity of Christ’s church…right now it’s of the utmost importance… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   15 August 2023   1 Samuel 7:5.

15 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Samuel 7:5.      And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord.

And what does this Tuesday morning in mid-August look like in my area? Unfortunately, it’s opened cool, cloudy and dreary looking. But there’s yet hope for the sun to eventually shine. That’s because as long as we believers in Christ Jesus are alive, we have hope that any and everything is possible and can happen in the name of our marvellous and majestic Lord and Saviour. So, let’s give Him a shout of thanks and praise for His wonderful goodness to us, undeserving children of men. 

Please pray with me: ‘Blessed Saviour, we thank you for life and health to see another day on this beautiful but somewhat troubled earth. We thank you for the salvation you provided for us through your sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary, and we faithfully promise to be good ambassadors of your Word during our lifetimes, to be people who spread your gospel of peace, bringing glad tidings of the good things you have to offer to all those we meet. We pray this in your strong and holy name! Amen!’ 

Yes friends, nothing is impossible for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and if we live faithfully for Him, we shall see all sorts of incredible and unbelievable things happen in our lives. But we must be prepared to make the occasional sacrifice for Him, like He did for us. The walk of faith is not a Sunday walk in the park, or all wine, roses and song, and it can be very difficult and discouraging, if you’re not prepared to make the necessary sacrifices. 

And I guess the best way to remind us of that is by quoting Jesus’ requirements for discipleship. He plainly stated: ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) And that’s what we need to do each and every day that we’re alive, take up our cross and follow our Lord and Saviour, right to the ends of the earth! 

So now that we know the elementary stuff of discipleship, let’s look again at the prophet Samuel, who epitomized the subject, long before it even became a household word. (smile) He didn’t have all the tools that we have, but he persevered with God despite his many problems and led his people Israel in the way of the Lord, unlike many of the judges before him, and the kings after him. It was Sameul who brought the children of Israel back to God when they were being harassed by the Philistines and lamented over the lack of God’s faithfulness to them. 

The Bible tells us: ‘And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange (foreign) gods and Ashtaroth (images of Canaanite goddesses) from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’ (1 Sam. 7:3) 

Oh my people, a return to worshipping the God of our forefathers, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is exactly what we also need to do today to cleanse our diseased, evil and troubled world. Put aside all the other false gods we now worship and sincerely pledge our hearts to Christ. For that is the only way our world will ever improve. And if you don’t believe me, then let’s check out the example of Israel when they did the same thing. 

The Bible continues: ‘Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth (the images of the Canaanite gods and goddesses), and served the Lord only. And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord. And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.’ (1 Sam. 7: 4-6) 

Wow! What an evangelical event that must have been! Wish we could have something even half as big and powerful as that all over our world today, for it would make such a major, positive difference. And just to show that it was not all fanciful stuff. When the Philistines heard that all Israel was gathered at Mizpeh, they decided to attack them. And when the Israelites heard of the Philistine attack, they were deathly afraid, and they said unto Samuel: ‘Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 

And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited (confused) them; and they were smitten (overcome) before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them until they came to Beth-car.’ (1 Sam. 7:8-11) 

And who says that crying out to our great God for help with a sincere heart doesn’t work eh? Only fools believe that! ‘Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer (stone of help), saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.’ (1 Sam. 7:12) After that, the Philistines didn’t bother Israel anymore, and they even regained the cities they lost in previous battles. The Good Library says it thus: ‘And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.’ (1 Sam. 7:14-15) Now that was only the beginning of Samuel’s time at the helm of Israel. Tomorrow, if God spares life, we’ll finish looking at his marvellous story. 

In the meanwhile, here are some explanations from the scholars. They say that ‘The pouring out of water (7:6) symbolized a repentant heart poured out in submission and personal trust before God (cf. Ps. 62:8). And thunder was a sign of divine presence, the Lord often used thunder as a part of His military weaponization. Meanwhile Ebenezer means ‘Stone of Help.” The Israelites recognized that their victory really came from God. And the term Amorites is used here as a general term for all the various groups of the native Canaanite population. The Israelites at last achieved peace with both the Canaanites and the Philistines, due to the godly leadership of Samuel, Israel’s last judge.’ 

Mama oh Mama! If we could only have someone like Samuel today to stand before us in godly leadership! Our world would not be such an ungodly and evil place. But my fellow saints, we do have ourselves and the strength and direction of Christ Jesus, through the wondrous work of the Holy Spirit, so please, let’s do what we can in our own small sphere to improve the godliness of our wonderful world. That’s our bounden duty. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, let’s go out now and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…our evil and disaster filled world…needs ALL believers…working sincerely to turn it around… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   8 August 2023 Hebrews 11:6a.

08 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 11:6a.       But without faith it is impossible to please him:

So friends, Caribana done now! And a good thing too, because Tuesday has opened somewhat sunny, but cool and very windy; on the verge of what can be called a windstorm. But life goes on, we’ll still make hay when the sun shines, and when it doesn’t, we’ll do whatever the Lord asks us to do. (smile) Yes friends, we going right down to the wire with Jesus! Let’s never allow that to be a questionable situation! It’s Jesus ALL THE WAY! And all God’s people gave a loud and sincere shout of ‘Jesus! Jesus NOW and FOREVER!’ 

And it’s ever so easy to talk it mih people, but in these rather uncertain and trying times we cannot afford to just talk Jesus, we have to LIVE Him! Sincerely do the things He commanded us to do: Be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Matt. 5:13-16) Accept His Great Commission and go forth into all the world and make disciples of all nations, so that the world can know Him and come to Him for help and refuge that we all so badly need. (Matt. 28:19-20) 

And then there’s LOVE!  Yes mih brethren, the Agape or Brotherly LOVE of Christ, that needs to pour out of us in all our dealings with our fellow man. Remember, unless that LOVE is forthcoming, we’re not His true disciples, because He purposely stated that it’s only through the great and sincere LOVE we show to each other, that will mark us as His true disciples. (John 13:35) In truth my fellow believers, the mark of LOVE for Jesus is our chief identifying characteristic. Like the Bible talks about taking the mark of the beast, the Evil One, so we Jesus believers are supposed to take His mark, that of LOVE for each other! 

And it’s so sad, that that LOVE which our world so badly needs right now is in such an abysmal shortage, while the things of the Evil One are flourishing like never before. I don’t know if our world has ever seen a time like this; one of immense greed, selfishness, hate, anger and resentment. A time of widespread self-aggrandizement and power-hunger, where numerous dictatorships are being birthed through evil ramifications and a foolish, doh-care, not interested, led astray populace. A time when there’s war and rumours of war all over the globe, and in almost every nation, a state of dissatisfaction and disenchantment runs high. 

And there’s so much variation in our thinking that it boggles the imagination. There’s thinking running from the extreme left to the extreme right and all the way in between, making the voices so raucous and disunited that only chaos can be the eventual result. That is unless we Jesus’ people step up to the plate and make a significant difference. Do the job that Jesus purchased us with His sinless blood to do; that’s live right and show others the way to Him and eternal life. 

That means living a responsible and diligent life; one of excellence and sincerity; following His example the best way we can, taking suffering and hard times in stride, like He did, learning obedience through the hard knocks like He did, fully knowing that our Lord God Jehovah will never leave nor forsake us, (Heb. 13:5) will be with us through whatever tough times we go through, will make a way for us where there seems to be no way, and eventually will work everything out for our good! (Rom. 8:28) 

Now those are the things, the scriptures we need to take to heart and inculcate in our daily lives, because we know that our God is faithful, and never reneges on a promise. And I guess that’s where it all starts my fellow saints, with our level of trust, of faith and of surrender to God’s clarion call! And I believe these scriptures from Hebrews, clarifies it all. This first one in the chapter on the heroes of faith like Enoch and Noah, Abraham and Moses, specifies the necessity for strong faith to walk sincerely with God. 

‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) That’s the first aspect of the situation friends, true belief in Almighty God. Then this second scripture from Hebrews enlarges and enlightens on the first. 

‘And having an high priest over the house of God (Jesus): Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering: (for he is faithful that promised,) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10: 21-25) 

Oh my people, those scriptures just put it in a nutshell for us: the importance of true belief in God and His everlasting faithfulness, especially right now, when the last days seem to be upon us. Then having Jesus as our high priest, our advocate and intercessor in heaven, we stand strong, never wavering, behind Him and all that He desires of us, through gathering together and encouraging each other to live in LOVE and do good works in His majestic name. The name that’s higher than every other name! That’s the ONLY WAY to truly live the Christian life my brethren! 

And now that we’ve retaken Christianity 101 (smile) and our spirits have been lifted and refreshed, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, let’s get out into the evil and ungodly world and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…without true belief and strong unwavering faith…one cannot live sincerely for Jesus… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 August 2023   2 Corinthians 3:5.

01 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

2 Corinthians 3:5.       Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.

Now, whether you believe it or not, it is indeed the first day of August, a beautiful Tuesday; cool, sunshiny and without a trace of a cloud in the bright blue sky. Ah Lord eh, the good days just fly by so quickly while the cold and ugly-looking ones take their own sweet time to move along. But that’s life, and like all the other aspects of our earthly days, we just have to learn to accept and handle them, obviously with the help of the Holy Spirit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our guide and comfort. 

And I know that talk is cheap, while actions cost a lot more, but worrying and agonizing over the things of life we cannot control won’t make them improve or go away. However, with Jesus in your life, you have the assurance that He will help you handle whatever comes against you. Not that He won’t give you more than you can handle, as so many people mistakeably dispense. For all throughout the Bible you can find passages where the Lord gave His servants more than they could humanly handle. 

Take for instance when Elijah fought and slew all the 450 prophets of Baal, then faced the wrath of Queen Jezebel, who threatened to kill him, he ran for his life a day’s journey into the wilderness and sat down under a juniper tree, and requested of the Lord that he would die. But as it says in 1 Kings 19:1-8, the Lord fed him through ravens and allowed him to rest. 

‘And the angel of the Lord came again a second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat (food) forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.’ (1 Kin. 19:7-8) It’s obvious then that Elijah reached a stage where he just couldn’t handle it anymore, but the Lord looked after him. And that’s what He’s promised to do, for all who sincerely worship Him. 

And I like the examples this commentary by Ron Edmonson gives. ‘David, the great war hero and man after God’s own heart, told the Lord that “troubles without number surround me” and “I cannot see”. He couldn’t see clearly, because he was overwhelmed with the storms of life! Another time David said, “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.” (Oh how I identify with David there!) Jehoshaphat prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chr. 20:12) It sounds like he was facing more than he could handle on his own.’ 

So it’s not that God won’t give us more than we can handle but what the scripture says is: ‘There hath no temptation taken (overtaken) you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear (endure) it.’ (1 Cor. 10:13) 

What that verse says is that God won’t allow Satan to bring  more temptation or enticement to sin than we can handle, and when we are tempted or enticed to sin, He will make a way for us to resist it, because He doesn’t want us to fall into Satan’s clutches, but to live the holy life that Christ desires of us. But He will allow stuff to come on us greater than we handle in our own right, because He wants us to come to the end of our rope and realize that He’s our ONLY HOPE! 

And in Bruh Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, he tells them of his deliverance from suffering and death in Asia. ‘For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble (tribulation) which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure (burdened), above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.’ (2 Cor. 1:8-10) 

Wow! That time of trouble certainly caused Bruh Paul to keep His focus on Almighty God and not himself. And anytime we get into problems we cannot handle, it should also cause us to do the same! Yes friends, our hope lies only in Christ Jesus! For as Bruh Paul later writes: ‘And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.’ (2 Cor. 3:4-5) 

And until we truly believe and action those sentiments my brethren, we’ll always have problems that cause us unnecessary worry and overwhelming anxiety, instead of the quieting peace of Christ. It’s like Christ says: ‘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 15:5) And there’s never been a truer word ever spoken my fellow saints! 

So please let’s take it to heart and place all of our trust in the sinless ONE, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, so that we can handle all the vicissitudes of this interesting but eccentric life. (smile) Now let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. In sincere harmony: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, it behooves us to go out and share that amazing friendship and LOVE of Christ with those we meet, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…trust not in fragile and deceitful man… but in the awesome faithfulness and power of Jehovah God…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   25 July 2023 Matthew 13:57b.

25 Jul 2023 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 13:57b.       A prophet is not without honour, save (except) in his own country, and in his own house.

Well Tuesday doesn’t seem like it’s going to be much different weather wise than Monday was; somewhat cloudy with li’l sprinkles of rain, here and there, then the sun coming out for a while. And you know, not even the rain falls like it used to, we now get mostly drizzles, not full showers of heavenly blessings. But I guess we should be very thankful that’s all we get because some places are getting way too much resulting in terrible floods, while others are getting no rain at all and experiencing terrible drought. And everybody’s getting heat waves that are becoming record temperatures. 

That’s 2023 for you! A year of severe weather fluctuations! And although the weather changes make life somewhat uncertain and inconvenient, we’re not worried, because we have Jesus, the great weather controller, on our side. And all God’s people declared (yesss!!!): ‘Praise the name of Jesus!’ We also have the awesome privilege and power of prayer that takes us straight to the throne of grace and mercy as true believers in Christ. So, let’s use some of our prayer power right now nuh. It’s the prayer found in the July edition of the In Touch Devotional. 

Please pray with me. ‘Lord, help me to know You in a fresh way – to see you with renewed perspective. Forgive me for letting familiarity with You lead to being complacent about walking with You. Forgive me for mistaking my own lack – my dissatisfied and distracted mind – for a lack in You. Help me now to let go of any expectations, habits, or routines, that make my heart wander from You, my true home. Help me now to notice again the way You surprise me with the grace of your attention and care. Kindly dismantle whatever limits I’ve placed on You and open my eyes to see You as You truly are. Amen!’ 

Wow! What a timely prayer my people! I don’t know about you, but I see some of myself in there, that I never saw the first time I read it. The part where we get complacent about our walk with God. I think that stems from our maturity. The more we mature, the more we take things for granted, and lose the sense of wonder and openness the new believer has on beginning their walk with Christ. We behave as though God is an old friend and we can take some liberties like we do with our old human friends. 

But though God welcomes our friendship, we still need to know our place; He is indeed Father and Friend, but He is also Almighty God, and thus deserves a tad more reverence than we sometimes give Him. And the lackadaisical attitude we sometimes adopt because of our familiarity poisons and retards our advancement in the things of God.  So what does it mean to be too familiar with God eh? let’s look at some commentaries and scriptures on the subject. 

This first commentary explains it thus: ‘It means that God has met you by grace. It means that he has opened the eyes of your heart to what, without him, you would not see or understand. He has drawn you close to his side. But familiarity often does bad things to us. Often when we become familiar with things, we begin to take them for granted.’ And isn’t that the awesome truth! This commentary further explains: ‘Familiarity is used especially in the expression familiarity breeds contempt to say that if you know a person or situation very well, you can easily lose respect for that person or become careless in that situation.’ 

And don’t we always do that! We tend to get careless with our good friends, more than we do with our new associates or acquaintances. And it’s fairly easy to do that with God when we reach a certain level of maturity. The scriptures tell us that ‘God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.’ (John 4:24) That means whatever we do with or for God must be done with a right heart, and not in a wishy-washy, complacent manner. And there’s a good example of that found in the Book of Malachi, chapter 1, re the Israelites not taking God seriously. 

The priests were dishonouring God by not doing their duties in the temple, offering polluted bread, offering the blind for sacrifice, etc. Meanwhile, the people were giving blemished offerings in a half-hearted manner. God chastised them for profaning His name. ‘But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is polluted (defiled); and the fruit thereof, even his meat (its food) is contemptible. Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed (sneered) at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye have brought that which was torn (stolen), and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord.’ (Mal. 1:12-13) 

Obviously not! One commentary explains Israel’s behaviour this way. ‘The offerings Israel made at this time were not done with a right heart. They were becoming indifferent toward God and the way they conducted their lives. They were treating the commands of God with familiarity and carelessness. They came to look upon them as simply ordinary. Thus, He says that He has no pleasure in Israel and would not accept their offerings.’ And one of the best examples of that familiarity breeding contempt is Jesus’ return to His hometown of Nazareth. 

‘And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? when then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in (at) him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save (except) in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.’ (Matt. 13:54-58) 

And that’s how it is my people, we don’t give those close to us the honour or notice they really deserve because we feel our knowing them doesn’t call for any hero-worship on our part. But the truth is that heroes desire, place a higher value on the hero-worship of those close to them, than on the general public. And nothing breaks their hearts like when their own families and friends just pass them off as nothing important. 

And we’ll end with a test. Please read this commentary with me. ‘Have I become too familiar with God? Do I treat Holy Things as Holy? Do I still believe in the power of prayers or am I just praying for the fun of it? Do I still have the fear of God in me? Do I invite visitors to my church only for the visitors (non-believers) to be the ones telling me to keep quiet in church? Am I hooked in a sinful life all because I take God for granted? Do I value the Bible or treat it as just one of those books?’ 

Please take a few moments and consider how those words shape up in our own lives nuh Are we over-familiar with God, take Him too much for granted? And if so, let’s make any corrections that are necessary. (smile) Now it’s time go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel, bought for a huge price by the precious blood of Jesus. 

As one voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

That means we must now go out and share the awesome friendship and LOVE of Jesus with others. so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…God is indeed our friend…but first and foremost He is God…and must always be treated as such… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   18 July 2023 Daniel 9:3.

18 Jul 2023 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 9:3.       And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

And it looks like it’s going to be a glorious summer Tuesday in my neck of the woods! Praise the Lord! Except that I have to drive into the big metropolis of Toronto this afternoon for a doctor’s appointment. Chuh! Usually, I would take the Government’s Go Bus and enjoy a cool, quiet and stressless ride, and do the same thing coming back. But unfortunately, some wise Alec, and I’m being nice and Christian there, decided to change the bus route for their own convenient purposes and threw a lot of people out of convenient transportation. 

And they didn’t even have the good manners to ask for queries or inform the public that it was going to happen. They just threw it up unexpectedly. And it’s not like it wasn’t a profitable route, because the bus was always well stocked with commuters, especially students going to school in Toronto. One friend who’s been taking the bus for several years now, summer, spring, winter and fall, don’t know how she did it, now has to stay all week in Toronto with her daughter and be away from the rest of her family because what’s available is now too inconvenient. 

And to top it all off, the mighty city of T.O. doesn’t want people driving into its congested, under construction and badly paved roadways, but yet they are allowing convenient, profitable bus routes into the city to be discontinued. As the man would say, ‘beat me down yes!’ (smile) But that’s my rant for today. Now let’s see what the Lord has to say about it all. And the Good Library opened today unto the Book of the prophet Daniel at this particular spot where he was about to pray for His people Israel during their seventy year captivity in Babylon. 

It states: ‘And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful (awesome) God, keeping the covenant and mercy (LOVING-kindness) to them that LOVE him, and to them that keep his commandments. We have sinned and committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgements: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings and princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.’ (Dan. 9:3-6) 

Now my fellow believers, unless we are the devil’s own children, we will agree that our society is very reminiscent of the one Daniel was referring to way back then in Israel! For we have indeed rebelled against the rules of God and committed such iniquity, iniquity that’s never ever been seen before in all the days of mankind on the earth. And I just have to sadly shake my head when I think of some of the stuff that routinely goes on in our most wonderful and enlightened society. Steups! I hope you caught the sarcasm. 

Like mankind is just going out of his way to search for the worst kind of iniquity possible. Instead of seeking for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, we’re adamantly seeking for the kingdom of Satan and his evilness. It seems like the most depraved, vile, nefarious, pernicious and corrupt situations are what we are consistently after. It must be, if we have no place for God in our hearts and are demanding He be driven out of our society. 

But as the Good Library and I keep saying, that’s a fool’s wisdom, something that will NEVER happen, because the Lord God Almighty, Creator and Controller of this mighty universe, will not allow himself to be kicked out of what He created. Now, He might allow a lot of sinful and iniquitous nonsense to go on for a time, like how a cat plays with a mouse before it finally delivers it from its torture, but the day of the wicked and its purveyor of wickedness Satan are numbered. 

The Good Library tells us in the Book of Revelation, that after the Millennium reign of Christ, during which time the devil will be locked up and unable to tempt anyone, he will be released and continue with his stupid actions, causing the wicked to fight the saints of God. But then, after the last battle, here’s what happens. ‘And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.’ (Rev. 20:10) 

Oh my people, however you want to put it, the simple fact is that Satan and his minions, any who are foolish enough to follow his deceitful and evil ways, will eventually be destroyed. That’s the long, short and in between of the story. And it’s been repeated over and over throughout the whole of the Good Library. So, I don’t understand how we can continue with the foolish and unwise action of listening to Satan and doing his evil deeds, when certain destruction is in the offing for evil doers. 

And as Daniel said way back then: ‘As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.’ (Dan. 9:13) Yes friends, despite all the evil both in and around us, we still refuse to take our problems to the God of the universe who has faithfully promised to help us in every and any way necessary, so that we can live righteously, for Him and His kingdom. 

Apparently, the lure of Satan and his fake and fancy baubles and bangles are greater than the imperishable rewards that will be stored in heaven for the righteous. As usual, with our greedy lust of the eyes, we want to see it before we believe it. But I definitely don’t want to be there when those who fall for Satan’s lies and deceptions see their promised destruction coming upon them. Now, let’s hope that what we’ve said has gotten home to all of us, and will deter us from turning away from Almighty God and keep us revelling in His awesome grace and mercy. 

And for those of us who are intent on doing just that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. As one voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now let’s get out into the evil and ungodly world and share that awesome and amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with all we meet, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…it’s time for Christians to stop talking…and instead get to doing some serious action for Christ… 

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

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