Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 November 2013 Matthew 5:12

02 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

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

 Matthew 5:12. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
 
Oh Friends, do you realize that in a mere 2 months we’ll be into the new year of 2014? This year of 2013 has really passed by quickly, and today I’m asking us to check on how we’ve done on the main New Year’s Resolution we made back in January; the promise to walk more closely and sincerely with Jesus than we did before. I’ve also been encouraging us to reflect on it every month rather than at the end of the year. That way we have time to catch up on and/or make amends to any aspect(s) on which we we’ve been lagging. 
 
And what about the resolution we made last week eh; the one to try and change the world a little bit everyday? Have we been doing anything about that? I surely hope so. And if you have, then you’re also working on the first one, because making a positive difference in this crazy, troubled world everyday, is indeed walking closer with Christ, since that’s exactly what He did, and also desires of us.
 
Anyway, your reactions and answers to those questions above are between you and our heavenly Father. I am just the messenger, so please don’t shoot me. (smile)
 
And today we’ve come to the last part of the Sermon on the Mount that deals particularly with the Beatitudes. Today’s Bit: ‘Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you,’ follows from yesterday’s.
 
That Beatitude informed us: ‘Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.’ (Matt.5:11) And we saw how many believers are being persecuted, even unto death, for just believing in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
 
Now none of that is easy my people, but Jesus is telling us that we should rejoice and be exceedingly happy when we’re persecuted for following Him. Why? Because our reward for standing steadfast and strong in faith down here on earth, will be great in heaven; also that’s how the heathen and false believers persecuted the prophets that came before us. 
 
Now that last part is certainly true as the Good Book records all the persecution the early prophets endured, including Jesus, and the general church after that. But Friends, standing strong in the face of persecution, especially if and when it’s unfair, is definitely not that easy. And the promised rewards way up in heaven at some later date, doesn’t make it any easier for most of us, because we’re still living by sight and not by faith as we ought to.
 
It’s only when we have a real strong, steadfast and mature faith in Christ, will we be able to truly consider those rewards in heaven, against the persecution here on earth. And that can only come with time, constant communication with Almighty God, delving deeply into His Word, writing it indelibly in our souls, then trying to live by it.
 
And Friends, we’re so lucky out here in the Western world to be able to freely worship the ONE TRUE GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob without any fear of serious repercussions, but many others in distant lands are not so fortunate. And please, please, I sincerely implore us not to get too lost in that freedom which we now take for granted, because if you haven’t noticed, it’s being slowly eroded by the evil powers that be.
 
At this juncture in our evolution, the LOVE Revolution, we need to stand up even firmer and stronger against the forces of evil, so that we don’t lose what our forefathers gave their very lives for; the right to worship in freedom and peace. And that’s no joke Friends, because more and more everyday, prayer and God are being removed from schools and public places.
 
Therefore it’s imperative that we stop being as complacent as we are about it, and instead be very vigilant and pro-active if we don’t want to lose those rights. For remember, whatever freedom that’s been won, can always be taken away, and the evil minions of Lucifer are just chomping at the bit to take away our freedom to worship.
 
Now listen to the scholars’ interesting take on our Bit. ‘5:12. Rejoice is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer. The phrase, ‘Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad’ means even more, exult! Great is your reward in heaven focuses attention on the eternal destiny of all things. If God is as real as He claims, if the Bible is true, if heaven is to be gained, then no temporary earthly trouble or persecution can dispossess the child of God of joy in the prospect of the eternal glory that lies ahead.’
 
And that’s gospel truth my brethren! But as we’ve said above, it won’t just happen automatically, we have to work seriously and consciously on it.
 
Now I have some scriptures to share, but they’ll make the Bit too long, so we’ll address them tomorrow, our great God in favour. In the meanwhile, please let’s concentrate on truly following Jesus, doing the things we know we ought to do, so that we can gain all those rewards laid up in heaven for us.
 
And may the Lord bless and keep us, cause His wonderful countenance to shine upon us, and give us His everlasting peace and divine wisdom, so that we can greatly glorify His Holy Name and further His glorious kingdom down here on this wicked, ungodly earth. Much LOVE!
 
…to successfully handle persecution…we must focus steadfastly on what Jesus has done for us…and on the heavenly rewards He’s promised…
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 October 2013 John 13:34

10 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

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

John 13:34.    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, I’m here to tell you a few wonderful things this beautiful autumn morn! First off, that God LOVES you unconditionally, and that He will give you everything your heart desires, provided it lines up with His will. I’m here to also let you know that you are indeed heading in the right direction by being a sincere follower of Jesus Christ.
 
Wow! What a rush that brings! (smile) And following as a direct consequence of all that, the action of God is now flowing through you in a pattern of success! Therefore, please make it a habit to be happy; practice LOVE, practice being peaceful, because no one, or nothing ever becomes successful or succeeds without much practice. And thus ends the sermon for today! (smile)
 
Ah mih people, life is hard enough without us making it even harder by having sour, miserable, fearful and anxious attitudes. We need to laugh and be comfortable in our own skin, look at ourselves in the mirror and like what we see, not in a narcissistic manner, for we truly can’t like other humans until we like the one that looks back at us in the mirror. It’s just a natural fact of life. If we dislike ourselves, we’ll simply dislike a whole lot of other people, for dislike will come more naturally to us than like.
 
And one more thing, let’s stop wishing that we were other people, for God made us to be who we are, not somebody else. Forget the material wealth, the physical good looks, the powerful positions, or the celebrity status that they may have. Their material and physical attributes won’t last forever.
 
And believe me, if you knew the real truth about their lives, how they got what they have, and the messy situations in which they’re embroiled, you won’t give up your bland and simple but godly life. Plus they all have fears, anxieties and problems like you, they just hide them better behind their public facades. 
 
Yes my people, we cannot be kind to, or LOVE others until we are kind to and LOVE ourselves, wherever and whatever we are. That’s what Jesus is saying in our Bit. ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.’
 
He’s asking that we follow His example; just the way He LOVED us, we ought to LOVE each other. And as He so wisely continues: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another.’ (John 13:35)
 
Ah Friends, that logic follows so logically, (smile) like the day follows the night, and vice versa. Jesus’ manifesto is LOVE! That’s what He came to earth to spread; the LOVE of our heavenly Father. He came to begin a serious LOVE Revolution, one that would revolutionize the entire world!
 
And as His followers, He expects us to continue building that LOVE Revolution, so that others will know we’re part and parcel of His world movement. But it’s obvious my brethren that we’re falling far short of Jesus’ expectations, because true or real LOVE is one of the hardest, if not the hardest thing to find in this wicked, deceitful, ungodly world.
 
And we’re not talking about romantic LOVE here, but a simple caring for each other, kindness to make sure that we all at least have the basic necessities of life. But Friends, we’re very very far from that utopian position, for too many are suffering from terrible want and abject poverty, while too few have too much, enough to last them several lifetimes, but they selfishly refuse to share with their unfortunate brethren in this life.
 
How sad eh! And that definitely doesn’t fall under Jesus’ directions. Remember too, when the Pharisees, in trying to entangle Jesus in His own words… What fools they were eh, how can mere mortals tangle up God! And sadly they’re plenty like them still around today.
 
Anyway, one of them, a lawyer – had to be – (smile) figuring he was so bright, asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment? ‘
 
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt.22:37-40)
 
There we have it again Friends: It’s all about LOVE, about sharing and caring and being kind to each other. First we LOVE the Lord God Jehovah, then we LOVE ourselves, and then we LOVE our neighbours as ourselves. But how can we LOVE our neighbours if we don’t LOVE ourselves? It’s not possible.
 
And unfortunately that’s what we’re seeing, that is the prevalent attitude in our world today. There’s a complete lack of real LOVE for self, but a selfishness that’s so great it cannot be measured. LOVING ourselves doesn’t mean being proud, arrogant and selfish, but strong, confident, caring, giving and faithful, walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
 
And we’ll end with some strong words from Bruh Paul to the Thessalonians, regarding his appeal for purity. ‘For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth (rejects), despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
 
But as touching (concerning) brotherly LOVE ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to LOVE one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more.’ (1 Thess.4:7-10)
 
Yes Friends, the Thessalonians were getting the message of LOVE for each other and putting it into action, but Bruh Paul just wanted them to increase that action, spread it further and further. Now that’s exactly what we need to do today too my people!
 
We claim to LOVE God, but hate our brothers. As John so aptly puts it, that makes us liars: ‘for he that LOVETH not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he LOVE God whom he hath not seen?’ (1 John 4:20b) That says it all my fellow believers!
 
So today, let’s turn back to God and live in true LOVE nuh. Let’s put aside all the foolish things that lead us away from God and true fellowship with each other. Our world is in serious decline because it’s sadly lacking in true LOVE. And the only way we can advance Jesus’ LOVE Revolution is by spreading LOVE, not the negative emotions that are currently predominating.
 
So let’s take off our blinkers, put on our 20/20 eyes of faith and get out into this wicked world and sow some, no lotsa LOVE, as Jesus desires of us. Remember, we reap what we sow. You can’t plant corn and expect to reap peas. Much LOVE!
 
…you can only reap LOVE and its wonderful benefits…when you first sow LOVE…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 July 2013 Mathew 13:22

16 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 13:22.    He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
 
Oh Friends, another day is blossoming in our beautiful but currently troubled and distressed world! But that’s no reason for us to just lie down and die, to meekly accept whatever comes our way. For we are believers in Jesus Christ, the ONE to whom all knees shall eventually bow, and all tongues shall readily confess that he is Lord, to the everlasting glory of God the Father! (Eph.2:10-11)
 
Wow! What a powerful declaration my brethren! But that means we’re supposed to be up and about doing the work of Jesus, with plenty passion, enthusiasm, trust and faith! In the words of the famous American poet and educator, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882): ‘Let us then be up and doing, with a heart for any fate.’
 
Yes my people, we ought to be getting involved in actions that bring glory to Jesus and the Father. It means taking some risks, stepping out of our comfort zone, not being content to simply wallow in mundane routine. Now there’s nothing wrong with routine, our lives must contain some for them to be orderly and stable, but for it just to be the same old, same old everyday, with no passionate highs, or chilling lows, is definitely unchristian.
 
Look at Jesus nuh. Everyday He went out and got involved in something or another. Not everyday was dramatic, but there were enough dramatic days to enlighten and enliven His earthly sojourn and make a difference in the world around Him.
 
So if we’re supposed to be following in Jesus’ footsteps, then our lives should also provide some enlightenment and enliven the world around us and thus make a difference. It shouldn’t just run along the humdrum continuum, as so many precious lives are unfortunately wasted doing.
 
We each have a part to play, a job to do for Jesus, and I’m sure that none of them are classified as sit on your laurels and fannies and do nothing. They all involve action that will eventually bring others to God. But please look around Friends, how many of us, out of the billions of believers, are actually doing that eh?
 
I can’t tell the exact numbers, but I’m sure that it’s no way near enough, because instead of turning to and warming up to God, too many people, unbelievers, as well as supposed believers, are turning away from God, for any number of reasons. But if we, the true believers were really living the kind of life that glorifies God, others would be turning to Him in droves, rather than the other way around.
 
A lot of the blame for the world’s ills lies with us, because we talk a very good talk, when we feel so inclined, but don’t walk the walk half as good. How then can we bring people to Jesus eh mih people, especially when our lives are filled with so much hypocrisy, deceit, resentment and ‘unforgiveness’?
 
And sadly, as the individual members of Christ’s church go, so does the overall body. That means if we’re not going right as individuals, the church won’t go right as a body either, which is certainly happening right now.
 
But unfortunately, a lot of that has to do with our refusal to give up the fatal attraction for the things of the world. Thus in the parable of the sower, so many of us fall into the category that Jesus talks about in our Bit. ‘He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care (cares) of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.’
 
Yes my brethren, too many of us allow the cares of the world to restrict the Word of God in our hearts, therefore we cannot perform His work properly.
 
But please remember Bruh Paul’s famous admonition to the church at Rome: ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Rom.12:2)
 
And according to the scholars ‘Be not conformed’ literally means to stop conforming ourselves. We ‘are to resist being poured into the mould of the present thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world. This term is used only here and in 1 Peter 1:14.’
 
And since many of you won’t check that scripture, I’ll include it here. Peter is calling the people to Christian dedication. ‘Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind (prepare your mind for action), be sober, and hope to the end for grace (put your hope fully upon the grace) that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
 
As obedient children, not fashioning (conforming) yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct).’ (1 Pet.1:13-15)
 
Oh Friends, it couldn’t be put any simpler or more straightforward than that! Now we all know it’s difficult to resist and turn away from the lures of the world, but it’s doable, if we seriously and sincerely want to do it, especially when we’re guided by the Holy Spirit, which was expressly sent to give us good guidance and true direction in this wicked world.
 
So please, let’s raise our level of righteousness nuh, by seriously inspecting our lives and making whatever changes are necessary, and also helping those who come crying out for help. It’s only as a totally supportive and uniform body, can we ever hope to truly raise LOVE for Jesus, thereby bringing others into the welcoming and protective embrace of His LOVE Revolution, which is what we’re called to do, and expected to do. Much LOVE!
 
…a friend of the world…is no friend of God…and vice versa…
 
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 July 2013 Psalm 90:14

10 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 90:14.    O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
 
And then it was Wednesday Friends, hopefully a day of very little or no rain, so that the earth and all other things can dry out and return to some semblance of normalcy. Thankfully the rain wasn’t too bad yesterday, mostly drizzle and dark, cloudy skies, giving the flood waters some time to drain off.
 
But hear this interesting scenario nuh. Yesterday morning, after writing the Bit, I got myself together and went down to the hospital to have the stitches removed from my trigger finger surgery. I got there around nine thirty, traffic being stop and go most of the way.
 
But lo and behold, when I entered the appropriate section of the hospital, the waiting room was empty, that’s highly unusual, and the place looked a little dark and foreboding. The truth of the tale though is that the hospital had no power, just a little emergency lighting. There were no doctors or support staff, just a few nurses.
 
So see me there getting antsy, figuring that I had put myself out to travel all that distance in bad traffic to boot, then not have the stitches removed. But Friends, please remember that our God is a good and wonderful God, and He’ll never leave you in the lurch.
 
The nurses eventually took pity on me and carried me to a room with a big plate glass window, that provided enough light shining from the outside, so that they could see to remove the stitches. I obviously thanked them a great deal, and fifteen minutes after I arrived, I was winging my way back home.
 
Ah Lord eh Friends, when it’s not one thing in this life, it’s always another! But when we remain steadfast in God’s LOVE, He always finds a profitable way out for us.
 
And who knew this better than Moses, who wrote Psalm 90,’ From everlasting to everlasting thou art God,’ from which our Bit is taken: ‘O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.’
 
Yes my people, we certainly do need God’s mercy, if we’re to have true gladness and joy here on earth. Before we get into the Bit though, here’s some valuable info from the scholars on the origin and purpose of Psalm 90.
 
‘This psalm is the only one written by Moses and thus the oldest in the Psalter. From verses 7-12 we may judge that it was written at the end of the 38 years of wandering in the wilderness. It is a prayer for the new generation of Israelites who will enter the Promised Land.’
 
I guess Moses was on the verge of dying, and knowing his people’s penchant for turning away from God, he aspired to leave them something to keep them focused.
 
Now about our Bit. It’s a verse of the last part of the psalm, where Moses petitions God to give the Israelites one more chance to do His work; that is going in and capturing the Promised Land.
 
He begins the petition thus: ‘Who knoweth the power of thine anger? Even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (gain a heart of wisdom). Return, O Lord, how long? And let it repent thee concerning (have compassion on) thy servants.’ (Ps.90:11-13)
 
Yes my people, today, more than ever, we need to get wisdom and understanding, since our world has become unbelievably evil and ungodly. And if we’re ever to enjoy some good times here on earth, we also need the Lord’s mercy and compassion like never before, with all the strife and negative stuff that currently surrounds us.
 
And Moses wasn’t the only one to recognize the great need of God’s mercy and compassion for the people. Bruh David for one, declared it on several occasions. Hear him in Psalm 36, ‘The steadfast LOVE of God.’
 
‘How excellent (precious) is thy LOVING-kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness (fullness) of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.’ (Ps.36:7-9)
 
Oh my brethren, truer words were never spoken! That’s a most excellent description of our omnipotent and magnanimous God! 
 
And we’ll end with these words of Bruh David from Psalm 65, ‘God is powerful in nature,’ because I’m being very mindful of the length of the Bit today. (smile)
 
Here, he again confidently declares: ‘O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away (provide atonement). Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.’ (Ps.65:2-4)
 
Yes my brethren, all the goodness and mercy in our lives depend solely on the bountifulness and the magnanimity of the Lord God Jehovah! As we keep His Word and do His Will, so shall we experience His mercy and LOVING-kindness. No wonder our world is in such sad shape.
 
So today, I implore us to renew our efforts to walk worthy of our Creator and heavenly Father, so that we may once again be blessed and satisfied with His mercy, and thus rejoice and be glad during the rest of our days.
 
That my Friends, is not only the height of wisdom, but pure and unadulterated common sense, neither of which seem to be very prevalent in our world today, hence its continual degradation. 
 
But as true believers, we’ve been given the task and all the tools to turn it all around. So let’s get to it nuh, let’s get some godly action going, action that enhances and enables the LOVE Revolution of Jesus! Much LOVE!
 
…without God deeply involved in man’s life…his days will always be unfruitful…as he’ll be always encamped in the wilderness of life…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 July 2013 1 Thessalonians 3:12

01 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

 

1 Thessalonians 3:12.   And the Lord make you to increase and abound in LOVE one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.
 
Well Friends, it’s Monday once again… And a joyous shout comes from near and far: ‘Thank God it’s Monday; Canada Day and no work to go to! Happy Birthday Canada! Way to go! You’re still the best big country in the world to live in, bar none!’
 
Yes people, Canada Day celebrates the birth of our wonderful nation! On July 1 1867, one hundred and forty six years ago, the British Parliament passed the British North America Act, uniting the British North American Colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada, to form a federation of four Provinces, with the Province of Canada being divided into the French speaking Quebec and the English speaking Ontario.
 
And since that momentous day Friends, we’ve been on the rise as a godly and Christian nation, although now, like so much of the world, our claim to that title is fading fast away. But Friends, we all know that while there’s life there’s always hope, so it’s not too late for people like you and I to pick up the baton and run with it, then pass it on to our children, and so on down the line, till Jesus comes again.
 
Anyway Friends and fellow Canadians, have a happy Canada Day. Let’s make our country proud of us. Enjoy it, but remember, as Granny would say; drunk or sober mind your business. (smile) I had to put that in, because it’s in times of celebrations that that roaring, toothless lion Lucifer usually finds an unsecured spot in our spiritual armour and preys on our shortcoming. So let’s not give him even the smallest opportunity to invade our souls.
 
And now, for all those working stiffs elsewhere, who have to go to work today, (smile) let’s commiserate with them and sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in loud harmony.
 
All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
 
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
 
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
 
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
 
Let’s go out today and truly fight with vim and vigour my people!
 
And now it’s time for our Bit: ‘And the Lord make you to increase and abound in LOVE one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.’
 
That my brethren, is Bruh Paul praying for the church at Thessalonica, encouraging them to increase in LOVE and Christ-like behaviour. And do we ever need a lot of prayers for the church today, as we seem to be slumping, to be losing the fight against the evil powers of this dark and devious world. 
 
Oh my fellow believers, we most definitely need an upsurge in the spiritual fortunes of Christ’s body, for there’s currently so much evil activity, like fraud, deception, anger, resentment and gossip-mongering going on that it boggles the mind. I’m sure that Jesus must at times shake His head up there in heaven and wonder why He ever sacrificed His holy, innocent life for a bunch of ingrates like us.
 
But what’s done is done. There’s no going backward now, but it’s all straight ahead! And though many of us can’t do anything about the unchristian-like activities in the church, we can certainly pray for it though, like Bruh Paul prayed for all the churches with which he was affiliated.
 
Listen to his prayer for the church at Philippi: ‘And this I pray, that your LOVE may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement (discernment); That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ (Phil.1:9-11)
 
Yes Friends, prayer is our strongest weapon, let’s not be afraid to use it nuh, especially in furthering Christ’s church!
 
Now here’s some scholarly info on those verses. ‘1:10: Things that are excellent means “things that really matter.” This refers to important issues. As the Philippians’ LOVE increases in knowledge and discernment (v 9), they will be able to accurately distinguish the vital and worthwhile things in life from those that are not. Contextually, the readers’ LOVE for Paul vexes them as they are anxious over his imprisonment.
 
He (on the other hand) wants them to perceive his imprisonment as being among those “things that really matter” because of the good that God will bring out of it. The purpose for such discrimination is that ye may be sincere (or, morally pure) and without offense till the day of Christ. 
 
1:11: This verse could be translated, “Filled with the fruit that is righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ for the purpose of glorifying and praising God.” The believer who is pure and without offense before God (v 10) has divinely developed in him a practical “righteousness” or daily moral life that measures up to God’s standards in character and conduct. The ultimate purpose for this “righteousness” is to glorify God.’
 
Oh Friends, we couldn’t end on a better note! Please remember that our main purpose on this earth is to glorify our wonderful Creator, through our behaviour and our spreading of His Word. Sadly though, we’re not doing a good enough job of it, hence the wickedness so prevalent in the world, and the lack of LOVE.
 
So please, I implore us to rise up, to light a fire under us and those close to us, as we ought to, and glorify our God, as He expects and rightfully deserves. That is indeed true wisdom, so that when He asks us on that fateful day, why we didn’t do more and/ or better than we did, we won’t be left stammering and shaking, unable to give a coherent answer. Much LOVE!
 
…to truly glorify God…one must work diligently and painstakingly…to promote the LOVE Revolution of Jesus…
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 June 2013 Philippians 1:12

23 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 1:12:    But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.

 Oh Friends, at long last my kitchen sink is operational again! Glory Hallelujah! But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. First off, the plumbers were supposed to arrive around 10 a.m. So I got up, got myself together and waited for them. But eleven o’clock came and went, then twelve, without any action or news. 
 
So I eventually called the office, only to learn that they’d been sent out on an emergency call earlier in the day, but they would be there as soon as possible. Steups! That asap though was two p.m.
 
Obviously I wasn’t happy because I had wasted four hours of my time that could have been used much more constructively than just hanging around waiting for them. The plumber wasn’t happy either because he figured that the office had called me about the delay. On top of that, by the time they arrived it was raining intermittently. 
 
Anyway, we put aside our unhappiness and did what was necessary to get the job done. There was a fair amount of grease in the drain, but not enough to cause any serious problems, and by four p.m. we were done. And the price was just a mere eleven hundred and forty something dollars! (smile) What else can I do but grin and bear it eh?
 
Much to my surprise though, I discovered that it included a charge for an hour’s travelling time…the ole crooks and them! And though I knew they didn’t travel anywhere close to an hour to get to my house, I didn’t argue over it. I was just glad to get the problem fixed, also reasoning that if I was being robbed, I’d let the Lord deal with it, since He says that’s His department, He’ll right the wrongs done to His people. (Deut.32:35; Rom.12:19)
 
Oh, I need to make one correction from yesterday, where I stated that the tax rate was 15%, it’s actually 13%. So my life is back to normal again. Thank the Lord! But those three days of inconvenience really brought home to me how unappreciative we are of our favoured society status, with all our modern conveniences. Not until we have to do without them for a period of time, do we truly see how they impact out lives.
 
We complain about the hard and rough olden days, but the places that we got water from then, the stand pipe or the river never got clogged. The clothes line in the backyard never jammed, or the scrubbing boards and the river stones break down, neither did the outhouse back up. (smile) We never had the problems we have now with these supposed modern conveniences. But we’ve become so lazy and pampered, that many of us can’t operate unless we have all the conveniences.
 
Anyway, let’s turn to our Bit now: ‘But I would ye should understand (want you to know), brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out (turned out) rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.’ It’s the same as yesterday, because I thought there was some more important scripture there for us to address.
 
Now yesterday, we saw where Bruh Paul’s imprisonment, unlike normal expectations, worked to further the spreading of the gospel amongst the unlikely Roman praetorian palace guards, and also emboldened the Roman Christians to get up off their frightened fannies and preach the Good News of Christ with zest and enthusiasm.
 
Oh that more of us today would do likewise my brethren, because the preaching and sharing of the gospel is very badly needed in these evil, ungodly, trying and troubled times! And we have nothing to fear, except fear itself, unlike the early Christians who faced serious persecution for their beliefs.
 
However, listen to Bruh Paul from where we left off yesterday. ‘Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention (selfish ambition), not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds (chains): But the other of LOVE, knowing that I am set (appointed) for the defense of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.’ (Phil.1:15-18)
 
And that’s an awesome fact Friends! Some people were preaching for the wrong motive, merely for self-aggrandisement, and sadly, many are still doing the same thing today.
 
But, per the scholars: ‘The right motivation is LOVE- LOVE for God, for Paul, and LOVE for unbelievers. Improper motives are envy, strife (v 15), and selfish ambition. Some egotistical Christians were jealous of the apostle and rejoiced over his imprisonment, for it gave them opportunity to be in the limelight. Supposing to add affliction to his bonds: They hoped that when Paul learned of their being the centre of attention, his chains would become particularly galling to him.’
 
But no such luck! Instead he gloried in the fact that the gospel was being preached, and his chains didn’t bother him one bit! Oh my people, are we thus conditioned, that whatever our circumstances we’re glad to hear the gospel preached? I surely hope so, because then we’ll truly be on our way to becoming mature Christians. 
 
Per the scholars: ‘Paul was so selfless and so concerned for Christ that, whether the preaching came from proper or improper motives, he rejoiced in the truth being proclaimed. To be sure, he was grieved over the wrong motives of some, but to him motivation was secondary, while propagation of the truth was primary.’  
 
Ah Friends, the gospel of Christ is so powerful that it causes even those with selfish, ulterior motives to preach it! However, since we are true believers, let’s all go out and preach it with the right motive nuh, that of LOVE: LOVE for God and LOVE for all mankind. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Much LOVE my brethren!
 
…spreading the Good News of Christ…from a heart of LOVE…is the only thing that will bring about the much needed…LOVE Revolution…
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 June 2013 1 John 4:8

09 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

1 John 4:8.    He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE!
 
Oh Friends, family, neighbours and enemies, this is Sunday, the day when many of us go to church to worship God! But that doesn’t seem to be helping us nuh, because our world is still going to the dogs, and very quickly too.
 
Obviously one day a week is just not sufficient for us to pour out praise and thanksgiving, for every day there’s more talk about the escalation of ongoing wars and rumours of new wars starting up. There’s plenty of strife, anger, hatred, greed, pride, persecution, suppression, oppression and all the other negative things – but NO LOVE!
 
And that’s just unacceptable my people. Our world needs a LOVE Revolution in the worst way! My brethren we need one bad, bad, bad – and right now too! And the sad part is that it won’t take much LOVE to straighten out most of the problems nuh. But unfortunately we can’t seem to find any true LOVE at all. 
 
Remember what B.J. Thomas says in his song?  ‘A little bit of LOVE is better than no LOVE at all.’ So all we’re looking for to start us out on the right foot Friends is just a l’il bit o’ LOVE. And we’d be surprised at the substantial change that just a l’il LOVE would make. But for some reason we can’t seem to get around to that, however we do seem to find the time and effort to revel in the inappropriate evils of the world.
 
Oh my people, yuh see what our Bit says: ‘He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE!’ And that’s the undeniable truth!
 
So if, as we claim, we believe in God, then we ought to have LOVE for God and also for each other. And not only have LOVE, but more importantly SHOW it! My family will tell you that one thing I’ve always tried to drill into their heads is that you just can’t talk LOVE, you have to SHOW it, because just talking it does no good to the hearer, they need to feel it too, for true Christianity is simply LOVE in action. 
 
That’s why unbelievers view us as a bunch of hypocrites, because we only talk the talk, but don’t walk it. Just look at how Jesus showed His LOVE for us nuh; by selflessly sacrificing His sinless life for our sinful ones.
 
The Good Book describes it thus: ‘In this was manifested the LOVE of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is LOVE, not that we LOVED God, but that he LOVED us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.’ (1 John 4:9-10)
 
And if that’s not real true LOVE Friends, then I don’t know what is.
 
And hear this next verse nuh mih people. ‘Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought to LOVE one another.’ (1 John 4:11) And therein lies the crux of the matter my brethren. Too many of us out there in the world, in the body of Christ’s church claim to LOVE, but sadly, we don’t show it.
 
And here’s what the scripture says about that: ‘If a man say, I LOVE God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that LOVETH not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he LOVE God, whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who LOVETH God LOVE his brother also.’ (1 John 4:20-21)
 
And yuh know what my people, Jesus isn’t asking us to die for anybody, although that could be a very LOVING and Christian thing to do. All He’s asking of us is a l’il thoughtfulness, a l’il caring, a l’il decency, a l’il compassion, a l’il mercy and a l’il forgiveness, which, when all put together, equals a L’IL LOVE! 
 
Oh my fellow believers, what’s so hard about that eh? And it doesn’t even have to be anybody outside, although it’s good to treat strangers decently, for unawares we might just be entertaining angels. (Heb.13:2) But we can begin right in our own family, for as the old people were won’t to say, ‘Charity begins at home.’
 
And that is the gospel truth! For if you can’t LOVE the people closest to you, how can you LOVE somebody you don’t know anything about, although it’s quite possible in true Christianity. 
 
So my brethren, what do you all have to say about all that eh? Are we going to do this LOVE Revolution thing?
 
I vote very vociferously that we should, because it’s a perfect win-win situation. We have absolutely nothing to lose, and absolutely everything to gain. So come on nuh, please join with me, starting today, in fact RIGHT NOW, let’s pledge our LOVE and allegiance to the LOVE Revolution in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, our Emmanuel, our Advocate, and don’t forget our High Priest… Wow!
 
So let me put it to you this way then mih people; if a man with all those awesome and amazing titles – and I’m sure I’ve left out some – gives up His innocent life for your evil one, then plays all those rather important roles in your life, why wouldn’t you want to associate with Him eh? Especially if when you associate with Him from a right and decent heart and motive, He will lift you up, exalt you more that you can ever expect or imagine. The Bible terms it: ‘unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.’ (Eph.3:20)
 
Oh Mama Mia! How could I not want to be a part of all that nuh! No way José! I want to get in on the ground floor of that LOVE Revolution, because it’s the BEST THING this world has to offer!
 
So let’s say this pledge together nuh Friends. ‘Oh Jesus, today I pledge my allegiance to You and Your LOVE Revolution! I promise to do my very best to work towards the high standards of excellence you seek for those who desire to join your movement. Please help us to fulfil all your desire. We pray this in Your Name and on Your sacrificial blood. Amen.’
 
So we’re all official members of the LOVE Rev. Club now people! (smile) Therefore, let’s go out into the world and let our light shine, be the salt of the earth, show them what real LOVE is all about, what Jesus is truly about, by helping and serving those in need. For that was Jesus’ purpose here on earth; to serve, not to be served. And we’d do Him proud by continuing in that same humble and righteous vein.
 
So let’s glorify Him by both walking and talking the Christian talk. And all God’s people cried a loud ‘Amen!’ Much, much LOVE mih breddren!
 
…if God is LOVE…and shows LOVE…then God’s children should be LOVE…and show LOVE too…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 May 2013 Matthew 22:36

29 May 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 22:36.     Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
 
Oh Friends, it looks like today will be another rainy one in my area. In fact there hasn’t been much relief from the showers of blessing since they began yesterday morning. But if that’s our biggest problem, then we surely can handle it.
 
However some water from heaven is the least of our problems right now. And I’m saying that because yesterday morning I got a zeppo, a message that says it’s time for Christians to rise up, rise up in the LOVE REVOLUTION! It’s time for Christianity to take over, to rule the world!
 
Yes Friends that’s the very serious intention and purpose of our great and wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And He’s saying, loud and clear, it’s time for us to get a move on.
 
But unfortunately, we His followers can only successfully do His bidding if we unite and live in peace and LOVE with each other and our God. All the divisions, dissensions and foolish fighting amongst ourselves is hurting the Saviour’s cause.
 
Remember what Jesus said when the hypocritical Pharisee asked Him our Bit. ‘Master, which is the great commandment in the law?’
 
‘Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt.22:37-40)
 
Yes my people, it’s so simple. There are only two laws we have to worry about; LOVING God and our neighbour, which includes LOVING ourselves, since we can’t truly LOVE anyone else until we have some decent regard for ourselves. And from those two simple commands flow all the other good stuff. It’s the way a true believer ought to live!
 
So please my Friends, neighbours, enemies, whoever you are, all mankind, please for the LOVE of God, let’s get together and stop all the foolish wars of jealousy and greed, stop the senseless hate and violence that only deteriorates to and breeds murder and mayhem, with NO LOVE, NO JOY, NO PEACE.
 
Oh my people, is that the way we truly want to live? Is that the dream our God, our Creator, the great and LOVING Artist put in our hearts? And the answer is a resounding NO!
 
So please let’s do what is right nuh, it’s so simple and easy. When we LOVE and obey God, we prosper. When we don’t, then we suffer the severe consequences, like we’re doing right now. Is simple common sense mih breddren. Oh sorry… I forgot that common sense is no longer in style, it’s not the current vogue of mankind.
 
Nowadays we’re only interested in the foolish and senseless things of Mammon. But remember what happens to those who revere Mammon and his sinful ways. The Good Book says they will surely suffer, pay an exceedingly high price for their disobedience.
 
And I won’t even bother to quote any scripture to that nuh, since on almost every page of the Good Book, and sometimes several times on one page, it reminds us to be obedient, because disobedience only causes havoc, destruction and unnecessary suffering. The world will give us enough suffering. We don’t need to create anymore for ourselves.
 
I’ll quote one scripture here though, and it’s a big one, one that we all know, but few of us really follow. And we’re talking about when Samuel accosted Saul, after he disobeyed God’s directive to totally destroy the Amelakites. (1 Sam.15:1-21)
 
‘And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (divination), and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’ (1 Sam.15:23)
 
Yes Friends, Saul lost everything because he had not obeyed. And that’s exactly what is happening to us today, we’re losing everything; our joy, peace and prosperity because we haven’t obeyed the dictates of Almighty God. And we’re committing an even greater sin by trying to remove, to totally eradicate Him from our society. Ah Lord eh!
 
Oh mih people, there are so many examples of great societies that floundered and eventually fell because of their disobedience, why do we think ours will fare differently eh? Not very likely!
 
So let’s wake up and smell the roses nuh! Let’s reignite our passion for God, unite and live in PEACE, LOVE, UNDERSTANDING, TRUTH and JUSTICE, for once in our long and foolish existence nuh, for that’s wisdom at it’s finest! 
 
Oh Friends, I sincerely pray this in Jesus’ Name; in the blood that flowed from His bruised and battered body on that fateful day on Calvary’s Cross, when He selflessly gave His holy and sinless life in exchange for our unholy, sinful souls.
 
And for that, we thank Him more than words can ever say. But when He reads our hearts, He’ll surely see and know how much we truly LOVE Him.
 
And all God’s people declared a long, loud and glorious, ‘Praise the Lord! Amen! And again we say, Amen! Praise the Lord!’
 
Much, much LOVE, my beautiful fellow believers!
 
…to not truly live for and obey God…especially in these troubled times….only makes us look real foolish…and Jesus’ sacrificial death…a sad and sorrowful waste…
 
       
 
 
      

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 April 2013 1 Corinthians 1:22

17 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 1:22.     For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek wisdom. 
 
And then it was Wednesday! Oh Friends, we’re already halfway through the week. The days sure are moving quickly. And before I can catch myself, the enemy decides to throw a spanner in the works. My computer freezes while I’m trying to get going. Chuh! Didn’t anybody tell Lucifer it was too early to get on my case? Obviously not! But thankfully though, through strength and patience granted by Christ, after some fiddling and rebooting, it finally decided to do what it was meant to do. Now doesn’t that remind us of our own behaviour, re following Jesus? It sure does! We’re often just as stubborn and obstinate, refusing to do what we know we’re supposed to do in our Christian walk. That’s why I’m not as enamoured of computers as so many people are. They do have some useful purposes, but in general they’re too finicky, and choose not to respond, or respond negatively, at the most inopportune times. But unfortunately our world has placed its already feeble and watered-down lifeblood in the computer’s treacherous and nebulous hands. We’re even computing in the clouds now. (smile) Ah Friends, we’re placing way too much trust and control of our lives in the hands of machines and virtual reality networks often controlled by unscrupulous men, for my liking. It’s creating too many problems that we’re not in a position to solve. One simple glitch in some distant part of the world can cause untold loss to millions of people. But who am I to dispute the wishes of the people eh, or rather the powers that be, who are enticing us with fanciful stuff that we are lapping up like dogs lapping water? I’m just like a lone voice crying in the wilderness with no one to hear, or nobody’s listening to, because they’re too busy doing exactly what I’m crying out against. But that’s life in this modern world. I just have to grin and suck it up. And I’m doing just that. (smile) That’s enough of my crying for today though. Now here’s our Bit. ‘For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek wisdom.’ I decided to use the same Bit as yesterday to dig a little deeper into Bruh Paul’s contention about the Jews requiring signs. There are stories of signs throughout the entire Bible, but for our purposes, we’ll concentrate on some controversy in Jesus’ time, re signs. Possibly the most famous of Jesus’ disputes on signs occurred after He’d preached on good and corrupt fruit. ‘Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days in the whale’s (great fish’s) belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgement with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the south (Sheba) (1 Kin.10:1-13) shall rise up in the judgement with this generation, and shall condemn it; for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater than Solomon is here.’ (Matt.12:38-42) Ah mih breddren, don’t you just like how Jesus could lambaste and put down the hypocritical Jewish leaders? But they were either so dumb, steeped in their man made traditions, or too egotistical and taken up with their own authority and power struggle to appreciate Jesus’ words. Here He’s making them sound even worse than the people of Nineveh, who repented after Jonah spoke to them. And He was greater than Jonah. The same goes for the Queen of Sheba, who journeyed far to come and listen to the pearls of Cousin Sol’s wisdom. And Jesus was also greater than Sol, but yet they refused to listen to Him. How sad it is when we’re too busy to pay serious attention to matters that concern us, or simply think we know better than those sharing the information. And that’s exactly what’s still happening today my brethren, two thousand years after Jesus preached those words. We’re still too busy, too caught up in the web of deceit and evil of the lustful world to sit down and try to fathom Jesus’ words. And then there are also the naysayers, who simply cast Jesus aside and put their faith in science and man. Ah mih people, when will we ever learn that Jesus is the answer to all our problems eh? I certainly hope we do so before it’s too late. And we’ll end with some pertinent info from the scholars. ‘The word adulterous means unfaithful to God. It was a metaphor frequently used in the Old Testament for spiritual “adultery.” The prophet Jonah: Jesus uses Jonah’s burial in the fish for three days and three nights as an illustration of the three days and three nights that Christ would spend in the grave Himself. The reference to whale’s belly in verse 40 of the Authorized Version is unfortunate. The Greek word “ketos” means “a great sea creature,” not necessarily a whale. The Old Testament references are to a “great fish” (Jon.1:17). Notice that the Lord placed this entire account on the same level of historical reality as that with which He Himself was dealing.’ Oh Friends, unfortunately not much has changed in man’s thinking and doing since Jesus’ time, at least in regards to the eternal rest of our souls. We’re still being enticed by the flim flam things of man and the evil prince of darkness. But please don’t give, up, for remember where there’s life, there’s always hope. So let’s just keep on doing what our Lord and Saviour asks of us: to LOVE our God, LIVE our Faith, and SPREAD His Holy Word. That’s precious little to ask, when compared to His sacrifice. So let’s get to it nuh. Viva la LOVE Revolution! Much, much LOVE my people!…it is better to trust in the Lord…than to put confidence in man… (Ps.118:6) 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 April 2013 John 21:21

01 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

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

John 21:21.       Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Oh Friends, it’s Monday, Easter Monday! And suddenly there’s a joyous shout of ‘TGIM! Thank God is Monday yes! Thank God is Easter Monday and we don’t have to go to work! Thank You sweet Jesus!’ Hn, hn, hn! Yes Friends, that joyful shout was more because Easter Monday is a holiday in many countries around the world, than that we’re ecstatic to go back to work. And I hope that we all had an enjoyable Easter Sunday, with uplifting fellowship and worthy gatherings of friends, families and neighbours, many of which will continue today. Just remember Granny’s warning though: ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’ Yeh mih breddren, we need to do that all the time, but more so in times of celebration. And usually the greater the celebration, the greater the potential for Lucifer and his band of evildoers to find a chink in our spiritual armour and exploit it. Anyway, today’s not only a day of wine and song, because many of us still have to go out and labour. So to give them that spiritual boost, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in full voice with them. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ That was good Friends, though I suspect that the loudest voices were those that did not have to go out and battle the forces of evil today. (smile) And by the way, did you realize that today’s April 1; April Fool’s day, or as we call it back in the West Indies, All Fool’s day, where practical jokes are played on unsuspecting individuals. I don’t believe it’s such a big thing now, but in my youth, it was, and consequently often led to inflamed tempers and the odd fisticuff. Please be careful what jokes you run today, because with the recent sudden explosion of communication possibilities, they can more easily lead to serious problems. Now let’s see what our Bit is about. ‘Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do (what about this man)?’ Ah mih people, that’s certainly an interesting Bit, and involves a negative principle that still greatly reverberates with us two thousand years later. Let’s get some background on it. It comes from from John chapter 21. The scene’s set in the early morning on the beach, the third time Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. That night, seven of them, like lost lambs, had gone fishing, the only thing they knew how to do. They hadn’t caught a thing, and on drawing close to shore, they saw this man standing on the beach, but didn’t know it was Jesus. He asked if they had any fish, and when they answered no, He then told them; ‘Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.’ (John 21:6) They obeyed, and caught so much, they could hardly drag the net to shore. Then John realized that it was Jesus and pointed it out to Peter. To cut a long story short, after they had wrestled the catch to shore, Jesus invited them to dine with Him. After that, He got on Peter’s case. Using his old name of Simon, not his new spiritual name of Peter, three times Jesus asked if he LOVED Him. Three times He got the same affirmative reply, and three times He told Peter to feed His sheep. (John 21:15-17) The scholars claim that Jesus used Peter’s old name and repeated the question three times to coincide with the three times that Peter had earlier denied Him. After the third time, Jesus continued: ‘Veruly, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.’ (John 21:18-19) That’s when Peter turned around, saw John and asked the question in our Bit. But lo and behold, ‘Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry (remain) till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.’ (John 21:22) Oh Friends, in plain speaking terms, Jesus told Peter to mind his own business. What happened to John was no concern of his. Peter should just concentrate on doing what he was called to do. And sadly my people, that’s exactly what’s happening to a great extent in our society today. We’re too taken up with what others are doing, and not paying enough attention to our personal calling. It’s a major problem in Christ’s church, where there’ are too many cliques, too much watching and sou-souing, (smile) and criticizing, instead of getting on with our own jobs. It brings to mind 3 Canal’s advice in their song: If you don’t have a business, then find one, and stop minding other people’s. The sad fact though is that today minding other people’s business is big money business. Note the rise of the paparazzi, the tabloids, the shows like Entertainment Tonight. There’s no real entertainment, just gossip and other people’s business. The sad part is that we, the general population lap it all up like a thirsty dog. We don’t have any lives of our own, or what we consider interesting lives, so we have to live through other people’s. And unfortunately we can’t, or refuse to see the mess that most of these supposed celebrities and important folks make of their own lives. Followers of Jesus should not indulge in this foolish celebrity passion because it’s essentially idol worship. The Lord gave us all different things to do, and that’s what we should be concentrating on, not what other people are doing. If we were doing that, our affairs, personal, national and worldwide, wouldn’t be in such a mess. Anyway my people, the moral of the story is that of today, this Easter Monday of 2013, let’s stop worrying about what others are doing and start paying closer attention to what we’re supposed to do. If the Lord chooses to let our paths coincide, then fine. But otherwise, please let’s concentrate on walking the path, working the plan, the Lord has set out for us as individuals. That way we’ll be able to do so much more profitable work in Jesus’ name, with less confusion, dissensions, divisions, gossiping and all the other negatives that minding other people’s business brings. Then we can truly further Jesus’ glorious kingdom as we’re expected to do. It’s the only way that the LOVE Revolution can be successful. Much LOVE!…only as we follow the Lord’s plan for our lives…can we ever hope to truly become like Jesus…
 

 

 

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