Today’s Scrip-Bit   17 December 2023 Luke 2:14.

17 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 2:14.      Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

My dear friends, it’s another Sunday in the life; albeit, a dark and rainy one! (smile) In fact, this is the penultimate Sunday before the big day of Christmas. Next weekend will indeed be a big one; Christmas Eve is on Sunday, then we go straight into Christmas Day on Monday, then Boxing day on Tuesday! Wow! 

That means, many of us won’t be working from Friday until Tuesday. That will truly be what we term a long weekend, as well as a spectacular one! And as we move merrily into the Advent and Christmas Seasons, we sing some special songs, that recreate some aspect of Christ’s birth, and today we’ll open our fellowship gathering with this golden oldie titled ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ an adaptation of a Latin hymn Adeste Fidelis, meaning “come you faithful ones.” 

The exact origins of the original hymn are not known, and several authors have been credited for it, but in modern English hymnals, the text is usually credited to John Francis Wade, whose name appears on the earliest printed versions. Apparently, Wade, an English Catholic, lived in exile in France and made a living as a copyist of musical manuscripts which he found in libraries and often signed his copies. In 1751 he published a printed compilation of his manuscript copies, including Adeste Fidelis. This is the first printed source for Adeste Fidelis. However, down through the years, there have been several additions and subtractions from the original, as people took poetic license with it. (smile) 

Today though, we’re going to sing what we believe are the four original verses. But before we sing it, listen to the words of this interesting commentary on the hymn. ‘This popular Christmas Hymn harkens to the biblical story of the birth of Christ. It is considered a reference to the shepherds, after hearing the angels singing, coming to Bethlehem to adore their new-born Saviour. Today this hymn signifies and celebrates our coming together in worship to adore the LOVING blessing of Jesus, as He sacrificed himself for our salvation.’ 

And that’s exactly what we’re doing today; coming together to worship and adore Jesus who sacrificed His sinless body and soul for our salvation. So, in full voice, with joyful and sincere hearts and souls, let’s offer up our sacrifices of praise to high heaven. Singing: ‘O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! (Chorus: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.) God of God, light of light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; True God, begotten, not created: (Chorus) 

O Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above. Give to our Father, Glory in the highest! (Chorus) Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.’ 

And we most certainly ought to do that because He gave us the best present ever; the gift of salvation through His selfless sacrifice! In this evil and ungodly world, there’s no greater gift that can be given. And, like all other gifts, we have to accept it, but unfortunately many of us unwisely choose to refuse it, and for that will suffer serious consequences at a later time. But we’re not here to day to chasten the unbeliever but to celebrate the birth of our wonderful Saviour. So, let’s read the scriptures that the song so beautifully describes. 

Luke writes in his gospel: ‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them (stood before them), and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore (greatly) afraid). And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes (cloths), lying in a manger (feed trough). And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:8-14) 

Oh friends, what a scary experience to have in the middle of the night out in the fields trying to keep your flocks safe, when, instead of earthly predators, heavenly angels suddenly appear and begin singing up a storm about this newborn baby – a Saviour Christ the Lord! But are we ever happy that those angels came to earth and announced the birth of Christ, because it was one of the most momentous days in the annals of man. And the scriptures continue the story thus: ‘And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even into Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered (marvelled) at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.’ Luke 2:15-20) 

Oh my fellow believers, that’s exactly what we’re doing right now; praising and glorifying our great and wonderful God for the awesome Christmas present He gave to us some two thousand years ago. A present which has so drastically and dramatically changed the world, that it’s never been the same since, and will never be the same again! So, as we prepare for the big weekend next week, let’s not forget the awesome and magnificent reason for the Christmas Season, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. 

And it’s only fitting that we go home with these uplifting words from this commentary. It says: ‘The encouragement to “come, all ye faithful, . . . to Bethlehem” situates the singer both among the shepherds who rushed to see Christ and in the great continuation of the “faithful” that have travelled to Bethlehem in a spiritual nature for over 2,000 years. Although today, we cannot actually witness Jesus in the manger, we can come to Bethlehem in a symbolic sense. We can be there in our imaginations as we allow the Christmas story to hearten our spirits.’ 

Yes friends, please, let’s allow the Christmas story to comfort and reassure us of God’s goodness, grace, mercy and His undying LOVE for us, His most important and cherished creation! Much LOVE!

…O come all ye faithful…joyful and triumphant…with glad tidings… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   11 December 2022 Luke 2:30.

11 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

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

Luke 2:30.        For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.

The Christmas season is ramping up friends. Only another two weeks and we’ll be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which actually occurred in a manger, an animal barn some two thousand years ago. But that occasion was so marvellous and so important to mankind that we’ve been celebrating it every year since then. And so it should be, because the birth of Jesus Christ was the promise of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, the Redeemer of man fulfilled. 

And though the ungodly world has made the Advent season more a time of gift giving and purchasing, of eating and drinking, of simply making merry, we faithful believers must continue to remember and advocate the real reason for this spectacular celebration; the incarnate birth of Jesus Christ. So, as we gather in the Lord’s sanctuary on this His day, let us remember that wonderful occasion through our song of worship, one titled ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’  

Yes friends, ‘This popular Christmas Hymn harkens to the biblical story of the birth of Christ. It is considered a reference to the shepherds, after hearing the angels singing, coming to Bethlehem to adore their new-born Saviour. Today this hymn signifies and celebrates our coming together in worship to adore the LOVING blessing of Jesus, as He sacrificed Himself for our salvation.’ So, let’s offer up our voices in sacrificial praise, in sweet harmony, in a mid-tempo, sincere and passionate version of the song. 

Singing: ‘O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! (Chorus: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.) God of God, light of light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; True God, begotten, not created: (Chorus) O Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above. Give to our Father, Glory in the highest! (Chorus) Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.’

Oh my faithful brethren, adoring our beautiful and ever-LOVING Lord and Saviour is exactly what we need to do! His name ought to be exalted from the highest hills for the all the wonderful things His humble birth made possible. And the words of the song do convey Christ’s majesty despite His being born in a stable. ‘God of God, light of light, Lo he abhors not the virgin’s womb. True God, begotten not created.’ 

Yes, that’s all true. Christ was begotten like a man, not created, with the sperm of God planted in the virgin’s womb by the Holy Spirit, growing and manifesting just like men. And he would live a life like ordinary men. The only difference is that He was the Son of God, without sin, that’s why He could pay our sin debt on the cross of Calvary later on in life. 

But He was indeed the true Light as John says in his gospel. ‘That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ (John 1:9) John the Baptist was not the true light, but was sent to proclaim the coming of the ‘true Light,’ Jesus Christ. 

And the scholars tell us that verse means that God’s revelation is universally available, but it does not signify universal salvation, because to receive salvation one has to believe in Him, as verse 12 tells us. ‘But as many as received him, to them gave he the power (the right) to become sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on his name. (John 1:12) 

Then the song talks about ‘Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing…’ More awesome truth my people. And John again informs of these most salient facts. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God…And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:1-2, 14) 

Yuh see friends, Jesus was in fact a part of the Holy Trinity, a part of the Word that created the world, then He became incarnate, a man, born of a woman, but sinless. And later on, we did behold His glory through His death and resurrection. And you’ll notice how the old priest Simeon and the old prophetess Anna gave praise and thanks when Jesus was brought to the temple on the eight day as was the custom. 

The Bible tells us: ‘Then took he him up (Simeon took up Jesus) in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all the people; A light to lighten (bring revelation to) the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.’ (Luke 2:28-32) Simeon had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah, (vs. 26) that’s why he was willing to go home after seeing Christ. 

Oh friends, the song is indeed a call for all Christ’s people to come and rejoice at this time of His birth. And though it’s an adaptation of a Latin hymn ‘Adeste Fidelis,’ its English translation has been sung down through the years and made popular by many well-known artists. And we’ll end with this commentary. Don’t remember where I got it from, but I like it. (smile) 

It says: ‘The encouragement to “come, all ye faithful, . . . to Bethlehem” situates the singer both among the shepherds who rushed to see Christ and in the great continuation of the “faithful” that have traveled to Bethlehem in a spiritual nature for over 2,000 years. Although today, we cannot actually witness Jesus in the manger, we can come to Bethlehem in a symbolic sense. We can be there in our imaginations as we allow the Christmas story to hearten our spirits.’ 

Truly, there’s no better way to get us into the Christmas spirit, than rejoicing in the Word and singing songs of gladness for Christ’s birth! Please, let’s do just that today! Much LOVE!

…Christ…the greatest mover and shaker…this world has ever known…and will ever know… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   12 December 2021 Luke 2:11.

12 Dec 2021 Leave a comment

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

Luke 2:11.     For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

And as that most momentous day draws nearer, the expectations rise, the preparations become more intense and anxiety filled! Will everything be done in time for the big day? Food and drink prepared, presents bought and wrapped, the house spruced up to reflect the joyful nature of the celebrations, with beautiful strains of appropriate music being heard in every corner. 

And are we shouting ‘Merry Christmas’ instead of ‘Happy Holidays’ to our friends, families and neighbours? Most importantly though, are we keeping Jesus in our mind’s eye as we rush around preparing to celebrate His Birthday? Remember, He, or His birth is the reason for the Christmas season, and thus we ought to have Him uppermost in our thoughts and words. 

But enough talk, let’s get to some singing as we open today’s session of praise, worship and thanksgiving, with rejuvenation of spirit, body and soul being one of the end products. And our song for today is one of our all-time Christmas favourites…an oldie, but a goldie, titled ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’ Mama Mia! What a beautiful hymn! 

They say it’s an adaptation of a Latin hymn ‘Adeste Fidelis’ and it harkens to the biblical story of the birth of Christ. ‘It is considered a reference to the shepherds, after hearing the angels singing, coming to Bethlehem to adore their new-born Saviour. Today this hymn signifies and celebrates our coming together in worship to adore the LOVING blessing of Jesus, as He sacrificed Himself for our salvation.’ 

So, without further ado, let’s offer up harmonious, soulful, heartfelt sacrifices of praise to our Lord and Saviour for coming to earth in our fleshly form. Altogether now: ‘O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! (Chorus: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.) 

God of God, light of light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; True God, begotten, not created: (Chorus) O Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above. Give to our Father, Glory in the highest! (Chorus) Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.’ 

Magnifico mih bredrin! Magnifico! There could be no doubt in heaven that we were serious about our sacrifice of praise to our Triune God! And I don’t remember which website I got this information from, but I like it (smile). It says: ‘The encouragement to “come, all ye faithful, . . . to Bethlehem” situates the singer both among the shepherds who rushed to see Christ and in the great continuation of the “faithful” that have traveled to Bethlehem in a spiritual nature for over 2,000 years. Although today, we cannot actually witness Jesus in the manger, we can come to Bethlehem in a symbolic sense. We can be there in our imaginations as we allow the Christmas story to hearten our spirits.’ 

So, let’s hear some of the Christmas Story as related in the Good Book nuh. We all know that Joseph and a pregnant Mary, Jesus’ mother, went up to Bethlehem to be taxed according to the decree of the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. And while there Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, because all the hotels, and B&Bs were full. The Good Book tells it thus: ‘And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger (a feed trough) because there was no room for them in the inn.’ (Luke 2:7) 

And for our information, the scholars tell us that ‘Swaddling clothes’ were bandage-like strips of cloth wrapped around an infant to ensure that the infant’s limbs would grow straight.  Not to swaddle a child would be a form of abuse (Ezek. 16:2-4) This wrapping would aid the shepherds in identifying Jesus.’  

Now the Good Book continues the story: ‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon (stood before) them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore (greatly) afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes (cloths), lying in a manger (feed trough). And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God, in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:8-14) 

Ah friends, what a wonderful worship session that must have been, with heavenly hosts singing down here on earth! And as we are all wont to do, after hearing some very interesting news, after the angels left, the shepherds decided to check to see if the story was true. The Good Book describes it thus: ‘And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 

And all they that heard it wondered (marvelled) at those things which were told them by the shepherd. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And all the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.’ (Luke 2:16-20) 

Now that was two thousand years ago, and remarkably, we are still glorifying and praising God for all the things that He has done through Jesus. That sure is wonderful! And we do need to keep on adoring and exalting Him, because He is the greatest thing, the greatest gift ever given to man! 

So, as we leave our worship services today, let’s remember the good news that the angels delivered on that first Christmas Day so long ago, and let’s take it to heart, behave as though it’s the first time we are hearing the story and allow it to fill us with adoration and exaltation for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Much LOVE!

…what would Christmas be without Christ eh…nothing…for it would not exist…                                                                                                                                                  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8      

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 December 2020 John 14:15.

13 Dec 2020 Leave a comment

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

John 14:15.     ​If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.

Sunday morning’s come down friends! And we’ll do what we do every Sunday morning, be it sunshine, rain or snow; get together and praise, worship and give thanks to Almighty God, our Creator and Provider! Only thing is that these days many of us are worshiping and giving thanks through virtual technology because of the pandemic lockdown. Yes mih people, they may stop us from gathering together physically, but they can’t stop us from giving thanks and praise! And all of God’s people said a loud and proud: ‘Praise be to God!’ 

And with the Christmas season upon us, when we celebrate the earthly birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I thought it would only be right to open with a timely song, a Christmas carol we all know and LOVE; ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’an adaptation of a Latin hymn Adeste Fidelis. It’s rather appropriate for this time as it ‘harkens to the biblical story of the birth of Christ. It is considered a reference to the shepherds, after hearing the angels singing, coming to Bethlehem to adore their new-born savior. Today this hymn signifies and celebrates our coming together in worship to adore the LOVING blessing of Jesus, as he sacrificed himself for our salvation.’ 

So let’s worship nuh, in strong soulful, harmonious voice. ‘ O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! (Chorus: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.) God of God, light of light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; True God, begotten, not created: (Chorus) 

O Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above. Give to our Father, Glory in the highest! (Chorus) Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.’ 

And is Christ ever worthy of our adoration my people! For no one has ever done what He did; give up His heavenly position and come to earth in manly form, for the main purpose of sacrificing His sinless life so that we could become children of God, with all the wonderful benefits that entails. Mama Mia! What a Lord and Saviour! 

But what does it really mean when we sing about ‘faithful’ eh? First let’s look at some definitions from the Merriam Webster dictionary. ‘1: steadfast in affection or allegiance : LOYAL – a faithful friend. 2: firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : CONSCIENTIOUS – a faithful employee. 3: given with strong assurance : BINDING – a faithful promise. 4: true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original – a faithful copy. 5: obsolete: full of faith.’ And you’ll notice what they say about the last one; that it’s obsolete, but a lot of people still believe that’s what it means, and who’s to say them nay eh? (smile) 

So you see all the different meanings ‘faithful’ can have. They left out one word though; integrity, for you can’t be all or any of those things without integrity. And I like how Wikipedia explains it: ‘Faithfulness is the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something, and putting that loyalty into consistent practice regardless of extenuating circumstances. It may be exhibited by a husband or wife who, in a sexually exclusive marriage, does not engage in sexual relationships outside of the marriage.’ 

Therefore, in our case we can say ‘faithful’ means that we remain unfailingly loyal to Christ, regardless of the prevailing circumstances. And that’s not an easy thing to do, especially in these rather turbulent and topsy-turvy times. But if we seriously want to be a faithful follower of Christ, then we must buckle down and do the things He commands us. Listen to His all-encompassing statement to the disciples, and consequently to us: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) 

Typical Jesus, plain and straightforward. No beating around the bush. And that’s what it means to be faithful; do the things that the person or organization to which you are faithful requires of you. And don’t forget this other requirement of being faithful to Jesus. ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his soul shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.’ (Matt. 16:24-25) 

That means friends, all that wonderful singing we did above does carry serious consequences if we truly want to observe and honour Christ’s call and be faithful. That’s not to say we should not enjoy the merriment and festivity of the season, but we should also consider the job we have to do, after all the merriment is over. Note, after the shepherds went and saw Jesus, they went back to guarding their sheep, though with a more joyful heart. Likewise, our hearts should also be joyful, as we go through this season of Advent, contemplating the importance of Christ’s birth and what it means to us in these modern times. 

And we’ll end with these appropriate words, but please don’t ask me where I got them from, because I don’t remember. (smile) ‘The encouragement to “come, all ye faithful, . . . to Bethlehem” situates the singer both among the shepherds who rushed to see Christ and in the great continuation of the “faithful” that have traveled to Bethlehem in a spiritual nature for over 2,000 years. Although today, we cannot actually witness Jesus in the manger, we can come to Bethlehem in a symbolic sense. We can be there in our imaginations as we allow the Christmas story to hearten our spirits.’ 

Yes precious people, let’s raise our spirits, be faithful and joyful in this Christmas season, despite the many troubles in our world. For that’s what Christians – faithful, steadfast and loyal believers in Jesus do, especially when one of His commands is to be of good cheer, because he has overcome the world! Much LOVE!

…the joy of the Lord is our strength… (Neh. 8:10) 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 December 2015 2 Chronicles 26:5‏

23 Dec 2015 Leave a comment

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

2 Chronicles 26:5.  And he sought God in the days of Zechariah who had understanding in the visions (fear) of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

Well mih precious people, we down to two days now! Yes, only two more days to that wonderful and marvellous day called Christmas, when the Christ-child, our Saviour, Lord and Redeemer was born! So in honour of that most auspicious occasion let’s give some sacrificial praise and thanksgiving nuh, by singing this beautiful carol. 

All together, in full voice now: ‘O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant Oh come ye O come ye to Bethlehem; come and behold him born the King of angels; Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. 

God of God light of light Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Very God begotten not created: Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ The Lord. 

Sing choirs of angels sing in exultation Sing all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God in the highest: Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ The Lord. 

See how the shepherds summoned to his cradle, leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear we too will thither hend our joyful footsteps; Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.’ 

Oh Friends, I do hope that brought some Christmas cheer and joy into our spirits as we sang about the imminent birth of Jesus. We need to be continually reminded that Jesus IS the reason for the season! Glory to God! 

And since it’s Wednesday, we also need to proclaim our Wednesday Wail. Again, as ONE, in full voice. ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. 

My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And isn’t that the glorious truth my brethren! We’re all glad to be alive, with our hands fixed securely on the plough, looking towards the wonderful future with Jesus that’s ahead of us. Give Him some well-deserved praise my people for what He’s done so selflessly and sacrificially for us! 

Now let’s turn to our Bit. I believe today is the final day for it, but it’s something we should mark indelibly in our hearts minds and souls so that we can wisely do what it says. 

‘And he sought God in the days of Zechariah who had understanding in the visions (fear) of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.’ 

Now that’s truth in spades friends! Whenever we seek the Lord in sincerity and truth, He will allow us to prosper in all facets of life. But if we don’t, then we’ll pay the price. 

Yesterday we saw how Uzziah got ahead of himself when he tried to burn incense in the temple, when he full well knew that that was the priest’s job, and he was immediately felled with a lifetime of leprosy. 

Today, we’ll look at another king Asa, who also thought he was above God’s power and presence, and after starting out good, ended up poorly by not taking all his problems to God, but tried fixing then himself. And the Good Book tells us that after Asa straightened out Judah, with the Lord’s help obviously, there was no more war for thirty-five years. (2 Chr.15:19). 

However, thereafter, Baasha, the king of Israel, the other Jewish kingdom, made war against Judah, but unwisely, instead of turning to the God of his fathers for help, Asa made a treaty with Benhadad, king of Syria. And although with the help of the Syrians, Judah won the war, the Lord’s displeasure fell on him. 

The Good Book reports it thus: ‘And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore is the host (army) of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? 

Yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward (at peace with, or loyal to) him. 

Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.’ (2 Chr.16:7-10) 

Oh friends, how come we so quickly forget what the Lord has done for us eh? So much so that when we get strong, we become too big for out britches and turn away from the Lord. 

And the sad part of the story is that even after Asa was shown his fault, he never remembered that God had caused him to be all that he was, and was so angry with Hanani that he threw him into prison and began oppressing his people. 

Now contrast that attitude with Bruh David’s when the prophet Nathan draped him up over his behaviour with Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. His response was to cry out to God for mercy and forgiveness instead of getting on his high horse like Asa: 

‘Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy LOVING-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.’ (Ps.51:1-3)  

Yes my fellow believers, that’s how we are to react when the Lord convicts us of our transgressions, not like Asa. And the Lord forgave Bruh David in his humble repentance. But listen to Asa’s fate for his foolish pride. 

‘And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not the Lord, but to the physicians.’ (2 Chr.16:12) 

Oh how sad my people! Even in the time of his tribulation, he refused to turn back to God! What happens to our minds when we get strong and powerful eh? How can we ever forget that it’s God who brought us to the dance and who will also take us home? 

There must be something about strength and power that curdles our minds like milk gone sour and bad. I guess like the man says, ‘power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ 

Please my people, let’s never forget where all our blessings and mercies and grace and forgiveness come from, so that we won’t have to be cut down to size by our heavenly Father. Now that’s wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!

…it is the Lord who gives us power to get wealth…the Lord also removes that power…therefore…the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh…please remember that…

P.S. Sorry about the lateness of the Bit Friends, but it was one of those late nights and thus late mornings. (smile) Much LOVE!