Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 July 2013 Proverbs 11:25

20 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 11:25.    The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
 
Oh Friends, ole Toronto and its environs experienced a wicked rainstorm yesterday evening! In a matter of minutes the sky suddenly changed from bright sunshine to cloudy darkness, the wind blew with a vengeance, and the rain came tumbling down in torrents, making it extremely difficult for drivers to see out their windshields, despite the best efforts of their wipers.
 
But we’ve been expecting that glut of rain, and needed it too, to cool down the hot and humid land. Some more rain began falling after midnight, but mostly drizzles. It’s the lightning that’s been playing out there for a couple hours, continuously lighting up the nightscape with its brilliant flashes.
 
Anyway, here’s a rather relevant prayer I recently found among some papers. I must have gotten it from my mother’s stuff, because I don’t remember it. And very appropriately it’s titled ‘Renew Toronto.’ But Friends, this prayer is desperately needed for our entire world which is undergoing so many negative changes and challenges that we’re powerless to keep up with them, even the odd time when we understand what’s happening.
 
Only with God’s help can we mange and hopefully overcome them. So please pray with me: ‘Gracious God, in your wisdom and LOVE You create us in your image and likeness, You call us to be your Presence in the world.
 
Let the Spirit of Jesus grow with us for this journey – inspire in us insight and vision for our Church community – ready our hearts and hands to bring healing to our sinfulness – move our feet to live the Gospel of Jesus with courage and joy.
 
Renew us, Gracious God. Renew us by your LOVING acceptance of us. Renew us to do justice, to LOVE kindness, and to walk humbly with you, our God, To renew the face of this earth. Amen.’ 
 
Yes my brethren, we do need God’s mercy and grace to help us renew and rebuild our world. And our Bit gives us some insight into one way to do it. ‘The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat (rich, prosperous): and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.’
 
And there’s plenty of truth in that saying Friends! The generous person shall be made prosperous, because that’s just one of God’s laws. From early times, He stipulated it thus: ‘Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.’ (Deut.16:17)
 
At that particular time they were talking about contributions to feasts, but fellow believers, our God wants that to be an ongoing feature, an everyday occurrence in our lives.
 
Listen to Bruh Paul as he talks to the Corinthians about God LOVING a cheerful giver. ‘But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully (with blessings) shall reap also bountifully (with blessings).
 
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity (compulsion): for God LOVETH a cheerful (joyful) giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.’ (2 Cor.9:6-8)
 
And that’s the living truth Friends! What we give and how we give it is terribly important in God’s domain, for He’s laid down the foundational law that we will reap whatever we sow.
 
Now here’s some info from the scholars on those verses. ‘9:6. One’s return is determined by his investment (cf. Prov.11:24, Luke 6:38; Gal.6:7) The expression (ep’ eulogiais) ordinarily translated “with blessings” here has the sense of “generously.” While it does not suggest indiscriminate giving, it does denote “unrestrained” giving. 
 
9:7 Cheerful giver: The giver is to have a willing heart and a sincere desire to participate in the offering. Paul is not so much interested in their money. Nor is God, for that matter, as the passage from Proverbs 22:9 indicates. The Greek term ‘hilaron,’ from which the English “hilarious” derives, is best rendered as the English text suggests, “cheerful.” Giving is not a joke. It is serious business, but it is a delightful experience all the same.’
 
And that’s just more truth my people! Giving is sometimes hard, but it always makes us feel better afterwards. Yes, you cheapskates. (smile) And please pay careful attention that last verse, where God will always enable you to have sufficient, so you can generously give away some.
 
So however you cut it my brethren, we can’t lose if we work with God out of a generous and cheerful heart. And we will close today with some most valuable words from Jesus on the subject.
 
 ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom (the fold in a garment used as a pocket). For with the same measure that ye mete (use) withal (with that same measure) it shall be measured to you again.’ (Luke 6:38)
 
Now Friends, if Jesus said it, then it must be true! So let’s go out and practice it nuh. It will certainly help us to renew the face of our planet earth as we prayed earlier on. Much LOVE!
 
…he who refuses to give…or gives unwillingly…will receive the same treatment…in his time of need…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 July 2013 Psalm 92:8

13 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 92:8.   But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore. 

Oh Friends, I don’t know how to begin today’s Bit nuh. I don’t have any bright ideas or smart-aleck stuff to impart, to preamble with. And I know that some of you are wondering if it’s possible that I don’t have anything to say. But unfortunately these things do happen occasionally even to the best and brightest of us. (smile)

 
And when I looked at the opening verses of Psalm 92, ‘Praises for the Lord’s goodness,’ from which our Bit is taken, something inside me said, you’re looking right there at the best intro.  That no doubt was the Lord, having seen my mental state, showering me with some LOVING-kindness. And who am I to refuse such favour eh?
 
So here goes: ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth (declare) thy LOVING-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery (lute or lyre); upon the harp with a solemn (harmonic or melodic) sound. For thou, Lord hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.’ (Ps.92:1-4) 
 
And that’s the living truth my people! There’s nothing better than to give thanks and praise to our Creator and heavenly Father! And why is that? Because He IS the source of all our mercies, grace, blessings and forgiveness, the four main things we need to live successfully in this evil, ungodly world.
 
Unfortunately though, too many of the earth’s population either don’t know about Jehovah God, or if they do know of Him, don’t believe in Him, but revel in the evil works of Lucifer, the prince of darkness. However, we, as true believers know that is utter nonsense, the height of stupidity. And as we saw yesterday, all of those wicked and foolish people will eventually be destroyed (vs. 6-7,9), but the righteous shall flourish like lush palm trees and tall cedars of Lebanon. (vs.12) 
 
And what’s our God’s position while all of that is happening? Our Bit rightly declares: ‘But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.’ The quintessential truth my brethren!
 
And today we’ll look at some other Old Testament scriptures that corroborate that fact, starting with words from Psalm 83, ‘A prayer for the destruction of Israel’s enemies.’
 
Listen as the psalmist Asaph confidently declares: ‘Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord. Let them be confounded and troubled  (ashamed and dismayed) for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah (Lord), art the Most High over all the earth.’ (Ps.83:16-18) 
 
And Friends, the Lord has indeed done that down through the ages, and is still doing it right now, so that the mighty amongst men are falling in shame and disgrace everyday. We only have to read the papers or watch the news to see how the mighty have fallen. So please pay careful attention to that my people, for when we sell our souls to Beelzebub to become mighty and wealthy in his evil world, our eventual reward will be total destruction from the Most High God Jehovah. And that’s no lie!
 
Now hear the psalmist from Psalm 93, ‘The Lord is clothed with majesty.’  He boldly proclaims: ‘The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved (shaken). Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh (adorns) thine house, O Lord, for ever.’ (Ps.93:1-2, 4-5) 
 
And from Psalm 113, ‘God’s mercies are many,’ come these words of universal truth. ‘The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!’ (Ps.113:4-6)
 
And the answer to that my people, is simply, NOBODY! Because there’s NO OTHER Being like Him in the entire universe!
 
And we’ll end with these potent words of the prophet Isaiah from chapter 57, where he condemns Israel’s idolatry. ‘For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite heart and humble spirit, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’ (Is.57:15)
 
Yes Friends, our Lord God is an exceedingly mighty Being, who dwells on high, as well as in the hearts of those who LOVE and revere Him! He’s so mighty that He sees all and knows all, which means we can’t run nor hide from Him, though some of us naively and foolishly try to do so.
 
Ah mih people, until we realize how truly omnipotent is our God, we’ll never be able to fully understand and appreciate His attributes of LOVE, mercy, forgiveness, blessing and grace, which we humans so desperately need in these troubled and disaster-prone times to make a successful go of it in this dark and evil world.
 
It is therefore of the utmost importance that we read, study, meditate, mark and inwardly digest His Word that was given to us as a guidebook for earthly living. And while doing that, it is also necessary to fellowship with other believers, so that our understanding, our joy, our faith and trust in the ONE TRUE God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will remain strong and grow to maturity. That should be the modus operandi of all believers. Much LOVE!
 
…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 April 2013 Malachi 3:10

04 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

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

Malachi 3:10.    Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, the ole fella’s up and about with surprising spunkiness this Resurrection Thursday morning! Yes my people, please remember that it’s only been a few days since our Lord and Saviour Jesus defeated that ole cowardly crook Lucifer, and triumphantly rose from the grave, which had no power to hold Him captive for long. And all God’s people declared a loud and grateful, ‘Glory Hallelujah! Blessed is the Lamb that was slain but rose again with absolute power and might, to whom all knees shall bow and every tongue confess that He is God!’ (Rom.14:11) Yes mih Friends, our Advocate, Deliverer, Leader, Prince of Peace, etc. etc. is riding high in the world this week. Please let’s keep Him riding high all year long, because that’s what He expects, desires and most assuredly deserves. The heathen will try to put Him down, try to make Him of no account, but we, His true believers and followers know that He is indeed the Most Wonderful Being in ALL the universe! Let’s make sure that others know it, and by our faithful words and actions, draw them into His ever increasing and most worthy fold, so that they too will experience the LOVE, the Brotherhood, the Salvation and Eternal Life that we’ve been guaranteed. And all God’s children said a loud and hearty. ‘Amen!’ Yeh mih breddren, the ole fella’s chuckling here because he certainly seems to be on a roll this morning. The Good Lord didn’t even give me a chance to ask for strength and guidance, but just got me going, jump-started me right away. No wondering what to write at all. And all I can say is a hearty, ‘Thank You Lord! You are so wonderful to me, that I don’t know what I’d do without You in my life! And thankfully I’ll never have to find that out, since You’ve faithfully promised never to leave or forsake me, but be with me all the days of my life, even into eternity. Thank You again Lord!’ Awright Friends, enough of that now, or else I’ll just get carried away and continue with much deserved thanks and praise to our wonderful God. (smile) And today we’ll continue with our Bit that deals with tithes. ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat (food) in mine house, and prove (test) me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.’ And that’s the living truth, my brethren! If we do as God declares, we’ll be so blessed that we won’t have room to store the great magnitude of blessings He’ll pour down on us. And remember, that’s not because of what or how much we give, but because of our obedience, which signifies that we hold the Lord in true sovereignty and reverence. Now let’s look at a true example of tithing bringing great blessing. It deals with King Hezekiah’s provision for priests and Levites in olden Israel. Having set the work assignments for both groups, he then made provision for them to concentrate on their numerous duties without having to worry about food and shelter too. ‘Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of (due to) the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in (devote themselves to) the law of the Lord. And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the first fruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps. In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps (lay them in heaps), and finished them in the seventh month. And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the Lord hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store (abundance).’ (1 Chr.31:4-10) Yes my people, the Lord is indeed faithful to all His promises! Now here’s some info from the scholars that I think is very important to us all. ‘Tithing is the practice of giving 10 percent of one’s income to the Lord. It is called “storehouse tithing” by some who require that the tithe be given to the Lord through the local church. Illustration: while some Christians disagree, the principle of “God’s place” for worship is the basis for storehouse tithing. (Deut.12) The temple in the Old Testament (1) was the central place characterized by God’s presence; (2) possessed the symbols of redemption; and (3) was where the man of God served. In the New Testament, these three attributes characterize the local church. Hence the principle of storehouse tithing continues into the church age. Application: Some people withhold their tithe from their local church because they disagree with its expenditure of funds. These Christians should join another church where they can wholeheartedly make their contributions in good conscience. Because our actual tithe belongs to the local church, giving to parachurch organizations should be in addition to the tithe. (First Ref, Gen.14:20; Primary Ref, Mal.3:10; cf. Matt.22:21) Ah Friends, I know that that will complicate some of our lives, including mine, but we’ll just have to step up to the plate as best we can. And please, let’s not beat ourselves to death if we’re guilty of not fully tithing. The Lord knows our circumstances and the state of our hearts, and once we do our best to repair the situation, He will still look down favourably on us. Remember His mercy and LOVING-kindness know no bounds. Now let’s allow Cousin Sol to take us home with some of his wise words on the topic. ‘Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov.3:9-10) And that my Friends is the gospel, gospel truth! So let’s try and catch up as best we can nuh, starting NOW! Much LOVE!…give to Caesar…the things that belong to him…and to God…the things that belong to Him… (Matt.22:21) 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 March 2013 Isaiah 51:12

26 Mar 2013 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 51:12.     I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass.

Ah Friends, it’s another day in the life, in the spring of 2013. Only thing is we haven’t seen any of that spring rain yet, a whole week after its official declaration. And though the temps are above freezing during the day, the nights are still fairly chilly, and there are still mounds of snow all over. One would have thought that all the snow would have melted away by now. But unfortunately that hasn’t happened. The only true indication of spring so far, is the joyful singing of the birds as they offer up their thanks and praise to the Creator in the early morning hours. Hope we supposed sensible humans are doing the same. Anyway, as true believers, we just have to press on and have the faith that sooner or later, hopefully sooner, we’ll see all the lovely attributes of spring; no snow, some blessed rain, that will cause green grass and beautiful flowers to pop up from the refreshed and regenerated ground, with the trees excitedly showing their rejuvenation through budding leaves on their now naked branches. Oh Friends, spring is such an awakening in these parts, that only a real hardhearted fool doesn’t appreciate it. Oh by the way, I want to make a point here, re believers and followers of Jesus Christ. I believe I read it in the In Touch Devotional yesterday. According to Uncle Charles, Charles Stanley, there is a huge difference between mere believers and awesome followers. Believers, believe in Jesus, are saved and will go to heaven. But followers are believers who in addition to believing, follow, or do, or obey God’s commands. The difference my people could really be substantial. So please let’s all aim to be steadfast followers rather than mere believers. Let’s get the action going in Christianity, let’s move the mountains on behalf of Christ and His church! And now we’ll turn to our Bit: ‘I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a (mortal) man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass.’ Yesterday, we began dissecting it by looking at the first of the three parts, ‘I, even I, am he that comforteth you:’ that’s the comfort that our God both promises and faithfully delivers. Today we’ll continue the dissection by looking at the other two parts; fear of man and his lifespan. As pertaining to the fear of mortal man, ‘who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a (mortal) man that shall die…’ let’s look at some reassuring scriptures from the Psalms. The first one comes from Psalm 118; Thanksgiving for the Lord’s salvation. The psalmist boldly writes: ‘The Lord is on my side, I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. (Re the scholars, that’s the middle verse of the Bible). It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.’ (Ps.118:6-9) And all of that is the living truth my people! There’s no better place to put our trust and faith than in Almighty God! And Bruh David concurs with that in Psalm 56, a confident prayer for help, when he ran to his enemies, the Philistines in Gath, away from his own people, who wanted to do him in. He confidently declares: ‘When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. In God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.’ (Ps.56:9-11) Oh my brethren, those words certainly convey the gospel truth! For what can mortal man do to us if we are truly ensconced in the powerful arms of Jehovah God eh? Absolutely nothing! And the final scripture on the fear of man is a biggie, one we all know and like to spout, but from our actions, don’t seem to as strongly believe in our hearts. Bruh David boldly and proudly proclaims: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Ps.27:1) And as always my people, the answer to that question is a big and bold, ‘NO ONE!’ And Bruh David goes on to further state: ‘When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up (devour) my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host (an army) should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.’ (Ps.27:2-3) Oh Friends, that’s the kind of awesome confidence we should have in our mighty, ever-LOVING and ever-faithful God! So please, let’s stop allowing the mortal man like ourselves to make us afraid, even though he be evil. For just like us, he’ll one day return to the dust from which we all were formed. And though some may have a bit more power than us here on earth, eventually we all have to answer to Jehovah God. That brings us to the last part of our Bit: ‘and of the son of man which shall be made as grass.’  Isaiah describes this in spades when talking about comfort through trust in God. ‘The voice said, Cry (out). And he said, What shall I cry (out)? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness (loveliness) thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit (breath) of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.’ (Is.40:6-8) Oh Friends, what words of godly assurance! And there’s no better way to end than on them. So please remember all that we’ve learned; namely, God is our comfort and strength, therefore we shouldn’t be afraid of mere mortals like ourselves, even the evil ones with earthly power, because they too shall wither and die like the grass and the flowers, taking nothing with them. ONLY the WORD of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will last forever. Much LOVE!…true logic declares…fear not the creation…but rather…fear the Creator of the creation…  P.S. You can blame some of the lateness of the Bit on my daughters who skyped me a while ago and had me talking, while yet complaining that the Bit was late. Ah Lord eh! You can’t please people nuh. (smile) Much LOVE my fellow followers of Christ!
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 February 2013 Job 34:21

06 Feb 2013 Leave a comment

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

Job 34:21.     For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Wednesday, and the sound of the pre Lenten celebrations are all around. But next week this time, the partying will be over, and we’ll be doing ashes instead, as the Lenten season of praying, fasting and close encounters with Almighty God proliferate. Now isn’t it surprising how at that particular time of the year, how so many of us can turn to God and behave in a somewhat more appropriate fashion? Why can’t we do that through more of the year eh? Partying and seeking God are not mutually exclusive things. In fact, seeking God leads to more joy and happiness in one’s life. So let’s see if we can’t raise the level of our relationship with the Father all through the year nuh, and not just during the Lenten season. Anyway, here’s a little something I want to share. I saw it just now on a 3 x 5 card at the front of my desk. Yes, it’s one of those things I pass everyday, but very seldom see. It says: ‘God’s tape measure goes around hearts, not heads.’ And isn’t that the living truth Friends! God doesn’t measure our heads, otherwise He wouldn’t have a tape measure big enough to go around the many extremely swollen heads that are running around right now. Instead, He measures our hearts; how full, or big they are with true LOVE and adoration for His Son, Jesus, and how obedient we are to His will. And it’s so sad that too many believers will get small measurements when God measures our hearts, because our motives, LOVE for God and each other are not as strong and pure as they should be. That brings us to our Bit: ‘For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.’ Yes mih people, we talk a big talk about our omnipotent, omniscient, omni-present God, then go out and do nonsense; stuff that doesn’t fit who we are as believers. Now if our God is so powerful, all-knowing and all pervasive, isn’t He going to see and know our wrong doings? Of course! But I guess we don’t think about that when the evil Beelzebub gets in our hearts and minds and leads us astray. The time to think Friends is before the deed’s done, not after, when the possible consequences stare us in the face. And despite all the evidence to the contrary, some of us still genuinely believe we can fool God and get away with it. Hn! How wrong, how naive and foolish that is my brethren! For as Elihu, Job’s buddy, continues after our Bit: ‘There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. For he will not lay upon man more than right (need not further consider a man); that he should enter into judgement with God (go before God in judgement). He shall break in pieces mighty men without number (inquiry), and set others in their stead (place). Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth (overthrows) them in the night, so that they are destroyed (crushed). He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only (alone): That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.’ (Job 34:22:30) Yes Friends, there is no hiding from our mighty, merciful, but just God! In His time He will set justice upon all who deserve it. Our only hope is to trust in Jesus and follow His lead as best we can, otherwise the Lord will eventually call us to account for all our wrongdoing. And it’s obvious that there’s way too much wrongdoing in all aspects of our lives, all over God’s earth! Do you imagine He will let it all go unpunished? Absolutely not! Even as we speak, He’s in the process of righting some wrongs, and meting out the appropriate punishment. We need to remember that our god is a God of LOVE, but also a God of justice. And justice must be done in His kingdom. Why do you think He went to such extraordinary lengths to lay our sins on Jesus, then sacrifice Him? So that justice could be done, and we wouldn’t have to pay the hefty price of death, eternal separation from Him. That’s why Bruh David warns in Psalm 34 – The Lord hears the righteous. ‘What man is he that desireth life, and LOVETH many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (deceit). Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off (destroy) the remembrance of them from the earth.’ (Ps.34:12-16) Yes my people, our God doesn’t sleep, neither is He tired. He rules His creation, our universe and all therein with a mighty hand! Just listen to what He spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, against His chosen people Israel, when they went a whoring after other Gods. ‘Behold I will send for many fishers (fishermen), saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes. And first I will recompense (repay) their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.’ (Jer.16:16-18) Oh Friends, though the Lord will eventually bring His chosen back to the Promised Land, they will pay for their disobedience. Please, let’s remember that today, and consider our own lives, and repent from any known disobedience, so that we won’t suffer the rightful justice we deserve, but will instead be blessed by His forgiving mercy and grace. That’s wisdom at its highest level. Much LOVE!…continual disobedience may bring big rewards in Lucifer’s world…but in God’s righteous and just kingdom…it brings sure punishment…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 December 2012 Psalm 135:5

29 Dec 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 135:5.      For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
 
Ah Friends, welcome to another day in the life! One filled with plenty blessings, mercy and forgiveness from our heavenly Father, Creator and strong Provider. For His undeniable LOVING-kindness to us undeserving children of men, we ought therefore to be very thankful, and in return show Him the utmost honour, reverence, respect and worship He so richly deserves. But on the other hand, being the true ingrates that we are, too many of us expect to experience and bask in that LOVING-kindness, but refuse to give Him the glory that’s rightfully His. That’s a very unwise move though Friends, because the Lord is greater than the useless idols to which so many of us bow down. Our Bit puts it quite succinctly and truthfully: ‘For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.’ And that’s the living truth Friends! How do we know that? Listen to the next two verses. ‘Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in the earth, in the seas, and all deep places. He causeth the vapours (water vapour) to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.’ (Ps.135:6-7) Yes my brethren, the entire universe is the work of His hands and His imagination. Like a potter creating pottery from scratch, He created the universe, doing whatever He pleased with His creation. So how then can any of these other supposed gods be stronger and greater than Him eh? NO WAY! And today we’re going to get into some scriptures that justify our contention…sorry, it’s not a contention, but a definite fact. We’re going to begin with Moses, a man who certainly experienced God’s greatness in his life; what with forcing Pharaoh to set the Israelites free, then parting the Red Sea for them to cross over on dry land, while swallowing up the Egyptian army, then leading a bunch of miserable, ungrateful people, their animals and their belongings through the wilderness to the Promised Land of Canaan, promised many years before to their father Abraham. Moses could therefore rightly state in his song: ‘Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods (mighty ones)? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?’ (Ex.15:11) And the definitive answer to all those questions my Friends is, ABSOLUTELY NOBODY! None of the other supposed deities can hold a match to the candle of our God; the ONE TRUE GOD; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! And later on, when Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought Moses’ wife and two sons to meet him in the wilderness and heard about the wonders the Lord had done on behalf of His people Israel, he too was forced to concede: ‘Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt (behaved) proudly he was above them.’ (Ex.18:11) Even Cousin Sol, when he was planning to build God’s temple, he was so overwhelmed by the magnitude of his task and the awesome power of God, that he declared in wonder: ”And the house which I build is (will be) great: for great is our God above all gods.’ (2 Chr.2:5) And my people, those men not only heard about the great God of Israel, but more importantly they experienced His greatness personally. So there is absolutely no reason to doubt them. And I daresay the lives of many of us modern day believers are also filled with the mystical, miraculous works of God. So why then do we still doubt Him eh? I guess because we’re just naturally fickle and fainthearted, wanting everything easy and now for now. But sorry Friends, that’s not how our God operates. We need to do His will first, and in His time, He will reward us. Remember, He’s the Creator, and He runs the show, not us, the created. And now, turning to Psalm 95, listen to the psalmist declare the Lord’s omnipotence. ‘Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto him, with psalms (songs). For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand (possession) are the deep places of the earth: the strength (heights) of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.’ (Ps.95:2-5) Meanwhile, in Psalm 96, the writer confidently proclaims: ‘Declare his glory among the heathen (Gentiles), his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.’ (Ps.96:2-6) And in Psalm 97, we read: ‘For thou Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.’ (Ps.97:9) And last but not least, hear Bruh Paul’s proclamation on the subject. ‘For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we  in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we (live) by him.’ (1 Cor.8:5-6) And that my brethren is the gospel truth! So today, please, let’s rethink our priorities, and give praise and thanks where praise and thanks are due – to Almighty God! That’s true wisdom. Much LOVE!…no other supposed deity…has the power of the Lord God Jehovah…for they are mere idols…creations of man…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 November 2012 1 Timothy 6:10

16 Nov 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Timothy 6:10.     For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Oh Friends, it’s Friday, the day we’ve all been anxiously waiting for!  And according to our old nursery rhyme, Friday’s child is LOVING and giving! Now that’s the truth of not only those born on a Friday, but even more so of all Jesus’ followers. And in light of all the recent disasters, Sandy et al, the tone of Friday celebrations has been lowered somewhat. Not as many people are joyfully shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ And those who are, their joy is a tad subdued, because they know or can appreciate the feelings of those undergoing the sad ‘sufferation’ that’s gripping so many parts of our world. Now that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the life the Lord’s provided for us, but out of our plenty, we have to share with the less fortunate, and even more importantly pray for them. Ah mih people, if ever there was a time that mankind desperately needed prayer, IT’S NOW! As we said a couple days ago, prayer is the most potent weapon we have. So please, please, let’s get on our knees, or whatever position best suits us, and offer up, serious, diligent, heartfelt prayers for our world and any individuals we know that are really experiencing an unusually rough time. Oh my brethren, we need prayers so rich in honesty, compassion, mercy and righteousness that the Lord has no other option but to grant them, to help His hurting children down here. That’s one of the great benefits and privileges of being a believer. Now let’s chant our Friday Chant as loudly as we can, but also with a truly prayerful heart. As one exceptional choir now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Yes Friends, that’s to set the tone for the weekend; not too high or low, but with a heart full of joy, understanding and LOVE. That brings us to our Bit, hopefully the last message based on it. (smile) Don’t blame me, I’m only the messenger. I had planned to write one message on it, but obviously the Good Lord in His infinite wisdom thought we needed more on one of the topics that is driving our world into the ground, and its people into the evil arms of Lucifer. Bruh Paul was ever so right when he warned Timothy that: ‘For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds of) evil: which while some coveted after (in their greediness), they have erred (strayed) from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’ And we all know that’s the living truth, though many of us don’t have the parts to admit it. Today though, I want to share one more gospel story about money and the serious problems it can cause. This story happens in Acts 8, when Philip (the evangelist, not the apostle) went down to Samaria and preached Christ to them. However, the great joy that followed Philip’s preaching seriously cut into the business of one Simon ‘which beforetime in the same city used sorcery (practiced magic), and bewitched (astonished) the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.’ (Acts 8:9-10) As unlikely as it seems, Simon became a believer, and hung out with Philip, being amazed at the miracles and signs that were happening in the Christian community. Finally, when the brethren at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had become a hot bed of repentance, they sent Peter and John, ‘Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.’ (Acts 8:15-16) The scholars describe the situation thus: ‘The ministry of Peter and John must be understood in the light of the unique historical situation. As at Pentecost, God is initiating a new work – the beginning of the church amongst a distinct ethnic group. The Samaritans were Jews of mixed blood whom the other Jews despised. At Pentecost, no human instrument was involved in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Here God delays the outpouring until after the arrival of Peter and the laying on of his hands. Thus the Jerusalem church and the Samaritan church are united into one work, one body. Without Peter’s involvement, this work may not have been accepted by some Jews. Thus schism was avoided from the start.’ Chuh! If we could heal some of the serious schism we now have in Christ’s church eh! Anyway, to continue the story: ‘Then laid they (Peter, John) their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot (portion) in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of (poisoned by) bitterness, and in the bond of (bound by) iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.’ (Acts.8:17-24) Ah Friends, once again money raised its ugly head, causing Simon to think he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit with man made wealth. And the scholars have a very good word on that. ‘Simon the sorcerer made an outward profession of faith (v.13), but his response demonstrates his lack of spiritual life. Early Christian writings substantiate this fact. Simon, like Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, (2 Kin. 5:20-27) sought to use God’s miraculous gift for his own benefit.’ And don’t laugh or criticize Friends, because today many of us still believe we can buy anything with money, which is a complete fallacy. So please, in closing, let’s stop making money our number one priority nuh. Let’s write it indelibly in our hearts and minds, that though money is important, it is definitely not as important as worshipping and serving Almighty God. It NEVER WAS, and NEVER WILL BE! Much LOVE!…money can buy many things…but not the MOST important…LOVE…Salvation…and Eternal Life…
 
 

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