Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 March 2015 Psalm 10:4

14 Mar 2015 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 10:4.    The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God. God is not in all his thoughts. (All his thoughts are, there is no God).

Oh Friends, I’m cogitating, considering, pondering, thinking how to start the Bit on this spring-like Saturday morning! (smile) Obviously the brain isn’t coming up with anything that will grab my readers’ attention right off the bat, as a good author is supposed to do.

But in self-defence, I plead the fact that I’m a mere human, and thus liable to lapses and breakdowns in my mental functions, especially at my advanced age. In other words Friends, the ole fella’s suffering a brain cramp. (smile).

However though, on a serious note, I do have the perfect way to continue our discourse, and that’s by asking us all to pray for the healing and relief from pain of a friend and fellow church goer, who has recently been diagnosed with some form of stomach cancer. I won’t mention her name because she’s a very private person, and when she reads this – yes, she is a member of our Scrip-Bit family- I know she will be embarrassed.

But that’s okay, I don’t think she’ll mind too much if our prayers and good wishes help her to handle her tough situation with Christ-like courage and faith. I guess we can call her the Unknown Cancer Fighter, for she is a fighter, and the Lord in His great wisdom will know whom we are talking about.

Remember prayer is the most powerful force on earth, so please let’s use it to help alleviate her unfortunate situation. And what’s great about prayer is that even when our prayers haven’t been answered, just knowing that there are fellow believers out there caring, rooting and praying for us, that fellowship gives us a lift, boosts our emotional state. So please, let’s remember our Scrip-Bit family member, the Unknown Cancer Fighter in our prayers.

And for this Saturday morning we also have a quote to make us get up off our fat fannies. (smile) It’s one I received a couple of days ago from my friend Anselm, inspiring us for a better tomorrow. It says: ‘Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan a takeoff. Don’t just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply won’t happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you’ll love it up here.’

And that’s a challenge we all ought to accept my brethren, because we have become a lazy, slovenly, uninspired society, spoiled by the relative ease of life that we enjoy. And life will never improve, but just keep deteriorating, if we don’t get up and get a move on. Friends, that also goes for believers, because we too have been very lazy, wishy-washy and non-committal to our Christian tasks.

That’s one of the reasons why the dark and evil aspects of our society are currently in the ascendance over the good, Christian, spiritual forces. We can’t just sit down and expect things to get better my people. We have to do positive and constructive stuff to make them improve. And it’s only by bonding together, like the true church of Christ, not in small petty divisions, that we can wield real power and make a real difference, bring about much needed  improvements to our crazy mixed up world.

And why is our world in such a mess? Because the wicked are ruling it! And here is what the psalmist says about the wicked in Psalm 10, from which our Bit comes. ‘The wicked in his pride doth persecute (hotly pursues) the poor: let them be taken in the devices (plots) that they have imagined (devised).

For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous (greedy), whom the Lord abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in his thoughts. (All his thoughts are, there is no God)’ (Ps.10:2-4)

Oh Friends that’s true in one sense, but not so much in another. Yes, the wicked is too proud to seek God, and He doesn’t sit and meditate on His word, but God is in his thoughts in the sense that he is very aware of Him, of His might and power, and thus plots to destroy Him and all those who follow Him.

But as Bruh David declares in Psalm 14 – The foolishness of men: ‘The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy (corrupt): there is none that doeth good, no, not one.’ (Ps.14:1-3)

Oh my people, that’s a rather harsh judgement of our fellow man, but unfortunately there are too many who are wicked and live their lives doing evil instead of good. Corruption is the middle name for our world right now. And it is our job as believers and followers of Jesus Christ to break down those evil walls and systems of the wicked and corrupt.

But we won’t be able to make even a dent in the world of wickedness unless we become active rather than passive, and come together in true power, rather than in small, unable to do much alone divisions. Friends, our world is desperately crying out for a LOVE Revolution; the LOVE Revolution of Jesus Christ and His followers!

Are we going to move it along, or are we just going to rest on our laurels and let it stagnate and finally drift into oblivion? I do hope not, else Jesus’ death and all His ‘sufferation’ on our behalf would be a wasted effort.

And I’m sure that we don’t want to remembered as the generation that let Jesus down. So please, let’s get our act together nuh, remember there is strength in numbers, and let’s get going to retake our world. It’s the only way it will improve. Much LOVE!

…and He said unto them…go ye into all the world…and preach the gospel to every creature… (Mark 16:15)

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 October 2014 Mark 5:36B

29 Oct 2014 Leave a comment

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

Mark 5:36B.      Be not afraid, only believe.

Oh Friends, here’s the good news this morning; we’re winging our way heavenwards on a prayer and a song!
 
‘Oh we’re halfway through, we’re halfway through, halfway through our workweek! So don’t give up, just stand up strong! Though things may seem unbearable, don’t give in to them. For if we keep the faith, fill our hearts with eternal hope, Jesus will surely see us through!’
 
Yes mih people, that’s undiluted, undisputable gospel truth! Jesus promised it, and He ALWAYS keeps His promises! Remember that. So regardless of whatever is coming against us this Wednesday October morn, just hold on tight to the safe and secure helping hand of our Lord and Saviour, because that’s why He sacrificed His holy and sinless life for our sinful ones.
 
Without His saving grace, like a snowball in the depths of Hades, we don’t stand a chance! But walking sincerely in the shadow of His awesome LOVE enables us to move mountains! As He says: ‘Only believe!’
 
And you know that’s the hardest part for most of us; letting go of our fears, our anxieties, our dreaded forebodings, and simply believing that Jesus is who He says He is, and will do what He says he will. But Jesus is so marvellous my people, that if we sincerely ask Him to help us believe, He will indeed do so!
 
Wow! What a magnificent Lord and Saviour! There’s truly none else like Him in the universe!
 
Yes Friends, I’m singing the praises of Jesus this morning because I know that they are true, since I experience them each and everyday! I’m not talking from hearsay, but from personal testimony, for everyday I see Him working for good in my life and the lives of those around me.
 
And I have absolutely no doubt that if you will only believe in Him, put your trust and faith in Him, surrender you lives to Him, He will work the same positive works in your lives too. All praise and glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit!
 
Ah mih people, how could I not LOVE Jesus eh? When I came down here just now, all groggy and miserable from lack of sleep – went to bed late obviously, and thus got up late too (smile) – I didn’t have a clue what I was going to write about, but within minutes, the little ditty at the beginning rose up in my mind and soul, and everything else just flowed smoothly from there.
 
Now if that wasn’t the ever-helpful, ever-faithful hand of Jesus, working magnificently in my life, then I don’t know what it was. I don’t even have a Bit yet; haven’t even touched the Good Book yet, and He’s already enabling me. Oh Friends and fellow believers, please give the Prince of heaven a loud and appreciative shout of thanks and praise.
 
And all God’s children boldly declared: ‘Thank you Jesus, thank you! You are indeed the Greatest! The ONE and ONLY Superstar! We LOVE you, we adore you, we praise your holy name, and sincerely thank the Father for sending you to sacrifice your sinless life to atone for our sinful ones!
 
Please help us to walk with you all day long, as we go about in this evil and ungodly world, doing your will, bringing the lost, the sick, the helpless to you for your saving grace, thus enabling your wonderful LOVE Revolution, and making a positive difference in these oh so troubled times. We sincerely bless and praise your holy name. Amen!’
 
Oh mih breddren, the ole fella’s chuckling here because though he’s still somewhat groggy with sleep – the caffeine hasn’t kicked in as yet  (smile) – the passion for Christ just seems to keep bubbling up from the depths of my soul this morning.
 
And believe you me, that’s just how it ought to be! We’re not supposed to be searching and fighting to find or reach Jesus, because He’s supposed to be right there with us, in our souls in the form of His Holy Spirit; our Helper, Guide and Comforter. Oh wow! Don’t get me started now nuh Friends; else I might just keep on writing and singing His praises all the livelong day!
 
Ah mih breddren, I do hope that this is bringing some joy with an amused chuckle to your souls, as well as comfort and encouragement, and also helping you to keep your focus on Christ, because that’s what it’s for, that’s what the Bit is all about. So please lighten up and enjoy the life set before you. It’s not going to be continually wine and roses, but once you have Jesus securely ensconced in your hearts, minds, bodies and souls, then everything will be all right.
 
Remember He has a good plan for our lives; one to give us hope and a future. (Jer.29:11) And He’s also promised to work everything out for our good in His own way and time. (Rom.8:28)
 
So even if we hold on to nothing else, let’s hold on tightly to the infinite promises of those two great scripture passages, and keep on keeping on with Jesus as our partner, our right hand man, our true confession, our redeemer, advocate and everlasting Saviour; the Truth, the Way, the Light and the Life!
 
Oh Friends, I do hope that what I’m writing here is making sense yes, because it’s all coming straight from the heart. And even if it doesn’t line up with all the rules and regulations of writing, I know for a fact that you all are smart and wise enough and heavenly guided to pick sense form nonsense! (smile) Oh how I LOVE writing these off the cuff Bits, which just flow unstructured from the passions of the soul!
 
Ah my fellow believers, the reality of it all is that I couldn’t be writing the Bit everyday for almost eight years now without divine help, assistance, guidance and encouragement.  That’s just the simple long and short of the story. It doesn’t have anything to really do with me, cause I’m just the conduit, the vessel through which the Word is noised about and abroad. In the long run, it’s simply all about Jesus!
 
So let’s praise and magnify Him, give Him eternal thanks, and glorify His holy name, as we ought to. And all this, we pray in Christ’s holy name. Amen…! And again we say…Amen! So let it be!
 
Got to go and find a suitable Bit now. Soon come.
 
Chuh! That didn’t take long at all nuh, because it’s a no brainer! The most appropriate Bit for this discourse are the comforting and true words of our Saviour to the ruler of the synagogue, who came to Him for help in healing his sick daughter, but then sadly heard that she had died before Jesus could lend a helping hand.
 
And my people, these simple words, spoken some two thousand years ago by that Messianic Jewish Rabbi, still echo down to us loudly through the ages, and still carry the same hefty and faithful promise of salvation and eternal life… ‘Be not afraid, only believe.’
 
Truly words to live by my people! So let’s go out and do it, today and everyday that there’s the breath of life in our mortal bodies, for it’s heavenly wisdom. Much LOVE!
 
…when Jesus fills your heart…your soul…your life…you don’t need anything or anybody else…cause He is indeed sufficient…He’s our be all and end all… 
 
P.S. Steups! Would you believe that with my already tardy self, just when I went to send the Bit, the ole computer froze on me. Ah Lord eh! When it’s not one thing, it’s certainly another! (smile) But that’s exactly where true faith in Jesus makes the difference. Much LOVE!

 

 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 September 2014 Job 14:14

07 Sep 2014 Leave a comment

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

  Job 14:14.   If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time (hard service) will I wait, till my change come.

Okay mih people, we’ve come full circle, it’s Sunday, the first day of the new week! Time to fellowship, worship, sing praises and give plenty thanks to our wonderful God!

Remember Friends, that the way we treat today, the way we prepare, will have an immense impact on the other six days of the week. If we prepare well, then the rest of the week will flow smoothly.  So let’s be sensible and get our priorities in order today nuh.

As the Good Book proudly proclaims: ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ (Ex.20:8) That means focusing on God, family, worship and rest, as much as possible today, given the 24/7 beehive-like activity of our current society.

Much as we would like to, we simply can’t shut down everything like the old days, but that doesn’t mean we can’t lay aside many of our supposedly oh so important activities. We like to claim that everything needs doing today, right now, but in reality that isn’t true. It’s just the natural go, go, go mentality of modern society that has us trained that way.

Just look at how we react when an emergency crops up; we immediately drop everything else and concentrate on that, leaving the supposedly so very important activities untended for hours, sometimes even days. Then when the emergency is over, we come back and pick up those activities where we left them off.

I guess then the best way to handle the Sabbath in the right way, is to consider it an emergency; an emergency to meet and greet our great Creator, so that we can refresh our attitudes, regain both our physical and spiritual strength to face the world without fear and trepidation for the following six days.

If God, in His omnipotence, could rest from His labour for one day after creating the universe, why can’t we feeble, finite humans do the same eh? And that’s all I have to say on the subject! (smile)

So let’s now turn to our Bit: ‘If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time (hard service) will I wait, till my change come.’  

Waiting, my Friends, waiting on Jehovah God is everything! As Bruh Paul said to the Galatians: ‘For we through the Spirit wait (eagerly wait) for the hope of righteousness by faith.’ (Gal.5:5)  

And the scholars’ explain that verse thus: ‘5:5. Through the Spirit means that by the Holy Spirit’s help, which is obtained by faith, believers wait for the hope of righteousness, that is, live the Christian life awaiting the consummation of their salvation.’

No doubt about it my brethren; if we believe in God, then we will wait on Him and His perfect timing. And as Bruh Paul also informed the church at Rome: ‘For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain (suffers birth pangs) together until now.

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for  (eagerly awaiting)  the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance) wait for (eagerly await) it.’ (Rom.8:22-25)  

What Bruh Paul is basically talking about here is the senseless pain we’ve been made to suffer through Adam’s fall from grace, and the waiting we’re doing for us to be redeemed in body.

And not only on heavenly things must we learn to wait, but also on earthly things. It takes time to build, to grow, to put together anything at all, and in the process there’s always a period of waiting, which this current society doesn’t do well at all, with its gung ho, always on the go, now for now approach. But that’s why patience, the art of waiting, is called a virtue, and why Job is called the Father of patience.

Now hear these wise and wonderful words of Bruh David from Psalm 62: God only is my rock and my salvation. ‘My soul (silently) wait thou only upon God; for my expectation (hope) is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved (shaken).

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.   Selah.’ (Ps.62:5-8)  

Words of absolute truth and wisdom my people!  Now listen to how the Lord instructed the prophet Habakkuk, when He told him to write the vision of his prophecy on stone tablets.  ‘For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’ (Hab.2:3)

Yes my fellow believers, all things promised by Almighty God WILL come, when He considers the time to be right! Our part is to do our best and hang in with hungry hope and expectant faith till the God appointed time.

And we’ll close with one of the most direct and important instructions of waiting in the Good Book; that from Jesus to the apostles before He ascended into heaven.

‘And being assembled with them (the apostles), commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.’ (Acts 1:4-5)

And we all know that some forty days later, at the feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended ‘from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:2-4)

And from that time on Friends, the Holy Ghost has indwelt EVERYONE who believes, who puts their trust and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. What more can I say eh my people?

It’s now up to us to follow through with a strong passion and focus on the things of God, led by the Holy Spirit, be the figurative salt and light of this ungodly and evil world, so that Jesus’ LOVE Revolution will prevail, and God’s great wish will come true – that ALL will come to salvation. Much LOVE!

…to every thing…there is a season…and a time…to every purpose under heaven… (Eccl.3:1)

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 August 2014 Matthew 5:20

18 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:20. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case (by no means) enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Arise oh Friends… arise oh Neighbours… arise oh Fellow Believers… the clock is ticking… Hear ye, hear ye, the bugler’s blowing reveille! That means it’s time to rise and greet this beautiful Monday morn! And remember, before rolling out of bed to give a li’l individual thanks and praise for being blessed to see another day, and ask for guidance to walk obediently on your way.
 
Now before the whining and complaining begin, (smile) let’s raise the roof of heaven with a miraculous and highly motivated rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. In full voice, as one harmonious body:
 
‘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!’
 
Splendiferous my brethren! Splendiferous!  That rendition was certainly earth shattering, and so powerful that it also raised heaven’s roof, like a hurricane attacking those of our earthly houses. The angels had to be quite quick too and grab it before it blew away. (smile) Yes my brethren, that’s what’s possible when believers get together and act as one true body in Jesus.
 
Now let’s take all that adrenalin and enthusiasm and energy and get out there and actively use it to further Jesus’ cause; His LOVE Revolution, so that the heathen, the infidel, may see and experience our Christ-like character and desire to come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour too.  
 
And our Bit today certainly amplifies that directive: ‘For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case (by no means) enter into the kingdom of heaven.’
 
And that’s an indisputable fact Friends! That’s Jesus, during His commenting on the Law of Moses, where he first explained: ‘Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.’ (Matt.5:17)
 
And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘5:17. Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statements of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not …come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament Law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law.
 
Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God.’
 
Oh Friends, unfortunately the same situation still exists today. Religion has built a set of rules and regulations that’s impossible for any human being to follow to the letter. And there are way too many of us making a big outward show of our supposed religiosity, like the Pharisees of old, when inside we’re big time hypocrites.
 
We don’t do half of what we say or pretend to do. Our actions are based more on superficial religious behaviour than true godly spiritual principles. Too many of us Christians are religious show boaters!
 
Oh Friends, there’s much more to be said on this topic, but we will leave that for another day, since I don’t want to weary us with too heavy a load today. (smile) But please, in the meantime, let’s ponder all that we’ve said, and try to figure out where we’re at individually, then wisely ask the Lord for His generous help to improve, to become more Christ-like. That’s one request He will NEVER refuse! Much LOVE!
 
…just like an honest man doesn’t need barriers…fences and doors…to stop him from stealing…likewise, the heart of a righteous man…doesn’t need numerous man-made laws to keep him righteous…
 
P.S.  Does it ever seem short today! (smile) I had to check it twice to see if that was really all. But that’s really all! So please be thankful for small mercies. Much LOVE!

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 August 2014 Jeremiah 6:16

15 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

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

Jeremiah 6:16.    Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
 

And this time the joyful shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ hit the roofs of numerous workplaces. You can literally feel the tensions ease as workers turn their minds to the weekend, away from whatever work that might then be frustrating them.
 
It’s always interesting and amusing to see the relaxed atmosphere in the work place on a Friday. I guess that’s a natural human reaction, looking forward to a day of no work and all the other strenuous activities it brings, lightens the stress.
 
Anyway, regardless of the reason or reasons for our lighter Friday attitude, let’s chant our Friday Chant so that we don’t gravitate to the other extreme and spend the weekend in total lethargy on the couch, in front of the tube, or unlimited earthly pleasures that distract our focus from Almighty God. (smile)
 
As one body in Christ, let’s chant. ‘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 mih people, we need to take a more God-centred than worldly lust attitude towards the weekend, because it’s not there simply for pleasure but even more importantly for the rejuvenation of our spirits.
 
And on turning to our Bit, we see that godly focus being reiterated and strengthened. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein.’
 
Yes Friends, the paths and ways that our great and wonderful God has laid down for us from the very beginning of time are the ones we ought to follow, not the man-made ones that are steadily leading us down an evil and ungodly path to death and destruction!
 
Humans these days seem to be getting lighter and lighter in the head, becoming sillier and less wise every day. We insist on trying man-made attitudes and ways that obviously don’t work, given the terrible mess our world is currently in.
 
But do you think, in light of that, we’ll even consider going back to the ways and paths of God which worked for our forefathers? Hn! Not on yuh life! Instead we foolishly continue to plod further along the unproductive, ungodly man-made paths that will eventually lead to death and total destruction.
 
Oh Friends, when are going to wake up and see the serious error of our ways eh? Everyday a new theatre of strife seems to open up in our already seriously troubled world, unfortunately without the ending of any of the previous ones, which we conveniently forget, as our focus is trained on the new ones.
 
Ah mih breddren, there are so many scriptures that warn about turning away from God, let’s look at a couple. The prophet Malachi in talking about the coming day of the Lord (the Great Tribulation), wisely warns us: ‘Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgements.
 
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.’ (Mal.4:4-6)
 
Oh my people, what are we waiting for to turn our hearts back to God eh, for Him to come and smite us with a curse? Now that isn’t too bright is it?
 
And hear the Lord again, this time through Jeremiah: ‘Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity (worthless idols), and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up (and not on a highway);
 
To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and wag (shake) his head. I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the (my) back, and not the (my) face, in the day of their calamity.’ (Jer.18:15-17)
 
Oh my fellow believers, why do we insist on treating God’s warnings as jokes eh, when we’ve seen them come to pass all throughout history? Why do we think we’re different eh?
 
Remember the Lord NEVER CHANGES; He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. So whatever He said yesterday still stands as gospel truth today! And if he says He’ll destroy nations for disobedience, then in His own time and manner, He will certainly do it.
 
My Friends, we’re playing with serious fire here, by so blatantly disobeying the Word of God, even to the point of mocking Him, and trying to remove Him from our society that was founded on His sacred Word. It’s a fool’s wisdom my people!
 
But sadly, we believers are the ones entrusted with the unenviable and mighty task of turning this foolish, selfish, greedy and evil world back to the paths and ways of Jehovah God. The heathen and the ungodly won’t do it because they are foolishly enthralled with the works and idols of man.
 
So for our children’s sake, and the sake of all our descendants, I’m pleading with us to get serious about our bounden duty, and start working diligently on Jesus’ LOVE Revolution, which is the only thing that will save our world from total destruction, either through our own self-inflicted efforts, or those of Almighty God.
 
Please let godly wisdom prevail. Much LOVE!
 
…only LOVE can conquer hate…only faith can conquer fear…only true believers can turn our evil world around…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 July 2014 Psalm 42:1

30 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 42:1.   As the hart panteth after (the deer longs for) the water brooks, so panteth (longs) my soul after thee, O God.

Well a good Wednesday morning to all you wonderful Friends and neighbours in the ever growing Scrip-Bit family! Blessings and mercy, grace, LOVE and forgiveness from our heavenly Father to all those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ and walk obedient to His commands.
 
And all God’s people said: ‘Praise the Lord!’
 
Yes Friends, much praise is due to our most wonderful God, who daily meets all our needs on this troubled earth. We can NEVER thank Him enough for what He’s done, is doing, and has promised to do for us in the future. But that doesn’t mean we can’t shower or heap as much praise and thanks on Him as we can.
 
Unfortunately though, too many of us supposed believers don’t seem to have that serious attitude of offering thanks. Or as Bruh Paul wisely advised the Ephesians: ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Eph.5:20)
 
We seem to think that thanks is only due when we receive something, and something good at that. And even then, some of us offer it grudgingly, more as a responsibility to be carried out, than a true feeling of gratitude from the heart. And that is oh so wrong, my brethren. But I figure that that attitude derives, comes from a less than stellar longing for God.
 
How many of us, as we should in these evil and troubled times, truly have an intense longing for God as our Bit so famously states? ‘As the hart panteth after (the deer longs for) the water brooks, so panteth (longs) my soul after thee, O God.’  
 
Now a lot of us will say we do, but it’s definitely not evident in our words or actions. To too many of us my brethren, God is some ephemeral Being somewhere outside of our everyday existence, like far away in heaven. Our lives don’t give the impression of the Holy Spirit living in us, of Jesus being constantly involved in even our simplest decisions.
 
And therefore, as we were recently saying, our souls and our lives lack passion, lack enthusiasm for Jesus and the things of God, while the unimportant things of the world stoke our fires and hold our attention. But how can we be enthusiastic about a Spirit Being that we consider outside of our normal everyday lives eh, while we constantly encounter the physical things of the world that turn us on?
 
However Friends, when we’re really and truly into God, when He’s a real presence in our everyday lives, then we become passionate and enthusiastic about serving Him, and the tenor of our days take on a whole different meaning and feeling. And we can say like the psalmist: ‘My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?’ (Ps.42:2)
 
And when times are tough, and our enemies seem to be gaining the upper hand, then we can continue to pray and reminisce: ‘My tears have been my meat (food) day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
 
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday (a pilgrim feast). Why art thou cast (bowed) down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence).’ (Ps.42:3-5)
 
Yes Friends, even in our lowest moments, it is essential to still have hope in Almighty God and praise Him for His continual presence with us. Remember He’s promised never to leave nor forsake us. (Heb.13:5) And Psalm 42, a contemplation for the sons of Korah, is not the only psalm that highlights that intense longing, that driving thirst for God.
 
Listen to what Bruh David wrote in Psalm 63, when he was in the wilderness of Judah running from his enemies. ‘O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary (so I have looked for thee).
 
Because thy LOVING-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow (the best) and fatness (abundance); and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:’ (Ps.63:1-5)
 
Oh my brethren, our great and faithful God does satisfy the soul that thirsts for Him! And when we feel that satisfaction… oh, it just drives us to praise Him, regardless of the physical circumstances!
 
And our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ said it best in His famous Sermon on the Mount through the Beatitude: ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ (Matt.5:6) It couldn’t get any simpler or more straightforward than that my fellow believers.
 
So today I want us to ponder, seriously consider the state of our souls, whether we’re truly longing for Jesus, or simply going through the motions. Sadly, the latter option is being embraced by too many of us. That’s one of the reasons why Jesus’ LOVE Revolution is not much further along; for a revolution, whatever kind it might be, cannot succeed without enthusiastic, energetic, passionate followers intensely longing for change.
 
Please Friends, if we truly believe in Jesus, let’s try and adopt, embrace and live out that revolutionary attitude nuh. It’s the ONLY WAY we’ll ever proselytize the world! Much LOVE!
 
…a life lived without passion…especially if one claims to believe in Jesus…is essentially a wasted life…please, let’s not waste ours…

 

 

 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 July 2014 Mark 5:36b

20 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

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

Mark 5:36b.      Be not afraid, only believe.
 

Oh Friends, it’s Sunday; the Lord’s Day, so let’s be up and rejoicing nuh, giving thanks that we’ve been blessed to see it! And hopefully too, we are all getting ready to go out and worship Him in the sanctuary with other believers, singing songs of praise and thanksgiving for all His LOVING- kindness to us, because it is mete and right to do so.
 
And glorifying God not only warms the cockles of His heart, but it also invigorates us, strengthens our faith, as we exhort and encourage each other to keep on keeping on despite the trials and tribulations in our individual circumstances.
 
And I’m going to keep the preamble short because I want to get in a lot of scripture, so that I can finish the messages on this Bit today. But there’s no guarantee on that, since who knows where the Holy Spirit will lead me. (smile)
 
But as Jesus says: ‘Be not afraid, only believe.’
 
Anyway, we left off yesterday where Martha, Lazarus’ sister declared her unswerving belief that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. (John 11:27) Now later on, when they had taken Jesus to Lazarus’ tomb, and He told them to roll away the stone from the tomb’s entrance, Martha was aghast and ’saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
 
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I know that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.’ (John 11:39-42)
 
Yes my brethren, Jesus was doing all that stuff so that the people could believe. Why? Because mankind is so unstable, doubting and fearful that we tend to believe more readily when we actually see physical evidence of what is being proposed to us. Unlike our physical sight, our eyes of faith don’t come automatically, they have to be developed through experience and understanding.
 
And we see that Jesus’ strategy worked, because after He called forth Lazarus from the opened tomb, and he came out alive and kicking, the Good Book declares: ‘Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.’ (John 11:45)
 
Glory Hallelujah, my people! But as we just said, man’s fear is usually his downfall. For as the Good Book continues: ‘But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
 
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we (shall we do)? For this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone (alone like this), all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.’ (John 11:46-48)
 
Ah Friends, the Jewish rulers were sore afraid that if Jesus was left to His own devices, the people would believe that He was indeed the Messiah, and the Romans would come in to halt the LOVE Revolution that He’d set in motion, and they would lose their positions of power and influence.
 
Now here is some interesting info from the scholars. ’11:45-48. The Pharisees had tried to kill Jesus on several occasions, always by the orthodox Jewish method of stoning. The Sadducees were willing to accomplish it through their political union with the Roman power. Thus prophecy was fulfilled (Ps.22:1-18).
 
Of course the Sadducees were particularly agitated by Lazarus’ resurrection, since they did not believe in the resurrection. However, their main concern with Jesus was that He might cause a messianic uprising (v.48). Unlike the Pharisees, their interests were political, not theological: blasphemy or healing on the Sabbath did not particularly disturb them.’
 
So both power-broking groups of Jews had a lot to lose if Jesus was allowed to freely continue His ministry. Ah Friends, belief is truly the nemesis of fear yes; for fear cringes in the presence of belief, as we can see from the behaviour of the ruling Jewish classes.
 
And we’ll close with one more passage of scripture from Jesus, a rather significant passage, this when He was teaching a group of Greeks who had come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast.
 
At one stage He told them about the Son of man being lifted up: ‘This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?
 
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knowest not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children (sons) of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.’ (John 12:33-36)
 
I don’t give Jesus wrong at all for getting away from them nuh, because listen to the next verse. ‘But though he had done so many miracles (signs) before them, yet they believed not on him. (John 12:37)
 
Oh Friends, what is wrong with us eh, why are we so hardhearted and refuse to believe despite all that Jesus has done and is still doing for us?
 
Anyway, my brethren, let us not be like those people of old nuh, we have many more facts and figures than they had, so please let us believe. For it is the wisdom of heaven! Much LOVE!
 
…just like light covers and consumes darkness…so too does belief strangle and kill fear…it’s therefore wise to walk in light and belief…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2014 1 Peter 2:2

07 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

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

1 Peter 2:2,     As newborn babes, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

Oh Friends, it’s a brand new day – Monday – the first day of the new work week. And for whatever reason, I’ve been guided to take a brief inventory of the state of our world.

And it’s in a real sorry state at the present time –  what with a variety of strife, wars, terrorism and other violent acts dominating the landscape of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, spawned mainly by greed, lust for power, racial, religious and ethnic and economic  tension. And in many of those same places where the violence is taking place, there is famine, drought, flooding, sickness and extreme poverty.

Meanwhile, on this side of the pond, in North America, the confrontations are not as violent, though racial, religious and ethnic tensions are also on increase. There is plenty dissension and the continuing economic fallout is causing poverty, homelessness and sickness to be more rampant than ever, especially in such an affluent society. But that’s because the greed and non-social conscience of the rich are causing them to get richer, while the rest are certainly getting poorer.

And besides that we’re simply having floods in the Western Canadian Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, while several violent tornados have recently ripped through the U.S Midwest and Southern Ontario, and this past weekend Hurricane Arthur deluged the U.S North East Coast and the Canadian Maritime Provinces with tons of rain. But then states like Texas and California are enduring extended periods of drought.

But down in South America, where poverty and strife are always present in large amounts, the supposedly ‘beautiful game,’ soccer is having its World Cup expose in Brazil amidst large demonstrations and unhappiness at the amount of money spent to build new, white elephant stadiums to host the games. But the games are being doted on and bet on by billions around the globe.

What’s going to happen after the finals this week eh? The already wealthy clique that controls the game will walk away even wealthier, leaving the poor and downtrodden in Brazil possibly even worse off than before. And before long we’ll certainly hear about some unnecessary violence committed in the name of the football gods.

Ah Lord eh! And that Friends is only a brief overview. So what sort of picture does it paint of our world eh? Certainly not a pretty one! And though there’s serious unrest and tension all over, there’s not much any of us individuals can do, except to try and keep our immediate families and friends as safe and secure as possible, and free of those negative influences.

However as a group, a group of true believers in Jesus Christ, we can do something to lessen those negative influences. And we can begin by being thankful and responsible this Monday morning; by getting up and going to work without whining and complaining, especially after the 4th of July long weekend, for we are living better than three quarters of our world.

So in appreciation of that, and homage to our wonderful God, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with great gusto. As one powerful army cum choir of God, let’s sing. ‘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!’

Now that might suffice for today my people, but what happens tomorrow eh? We have to turn to the wisdom of our Bit: ‘As newborn babes, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.’

We need to grow in the Word of God if we hope to make a positive difference in this world. And you can see from our overview that our world is in bad shape, which means we have to get a move on sooner, rather than later if we want to stop its slide into total destruction. And this section of Scripture from Hebrews, where the author wants to talk about Jesus the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, brings home that point.

‘Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered (explain), seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time (though by this time) ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles (sayings) of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat (solid food)

For every one that useth (partakes of) milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat (solid food) belongeth to them that are of full age (mature), even those who by reason of use (practice) have their senses exercised (trained) to discern both good and evil.’ (Heb.5:11-14)

Yes Friends spiritual immaturity is holding back the body of Christ. Many of us, who should be teachers by now, are still immature in the faith. We can’t cause a LOVE Revolution through immaturity. We need to be versed in the Word and then put it into practice.

Now listen to how Peter describes us: ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people (God’s special people); that ye should show forth (proclaim) the praise of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.’ (1 Pet.2:9) 

Yes my brethren, that’s what we’re supposed to be, chosen of God, special! That also means we have to be behave like royalty! So please let’s get with the programme nuh, let’s seriously study the Word and thus not be fooled by the wiles of the enemy. It’s only through maturity we can do that, and also be able to teach others. That’s what Jesus desires of us.

Much LOVE!…it’s high time believers stop allowing the carnal lusts of the world to rule their lives…and turn to the things of the Spirit and of God instead…

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 May 2014 Psalm 67:4

26 May 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 67:4.   Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth.   Selah.

 

Oh Friends, it’s Monday…! And much to my surprise, my people began sweetly singing: ‘Monday, Monday! Oh how I LOVE that day! Monday, Monday, don’t ever go away! For whenever Monday comes, it finds me bright and eager, full of joy, peace and LOVE!’

Okay Friends, so I’m dreaming. But isn’t that why God made dreams; so that we can have those big, bright, beautiful visions? For sure! And I’m still living with hungry hope and expectant faith, that I’ll yet see the day when the majority of God’s people will greet Monday with the joy that they are supposed to, instead of the petty complaining and the disgusting negative attitude that prevails today.

If we only knew the staggering amount of the world’s six billion people who would give their eye teeth – long time I haven’t heard that – just for a taste of the jobs and standard of living that we so unappreciatively enjoy, we wouldn’t treat our jobs so don’t care and cavalier.

However, it’s time to put aside the dream. Please note I didn’t say kill it, but merely leave it simmering in our unconscious selves, and return to real reality. And to help us do that, to jump start our motors, to get us going in the fashion that Jesus desires of His followers, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with the exuberance worthy of true believers.

And to those of you in the U.S. who don’t have to work today, who are celebrating Memorial Day, in honour of the many who have fallen in the long and arduous struggle for freedom, please raise your voices loud and clear to help your less fortunate comrades who have to go out and face the ungodly world.

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!’

Not bad mih people, not bad at all! But it’s obvious that some of you are already in your cups, while others haven’t recovered from theirs as yet. (smile)

Ah my people, all we’re trying to do here is what our Bit advises: ‘O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth.   Selah.’

Yes Friends, contemplate that for a moment nuh. There’s a whole lot of truth to that statement – and not only truth, but also wisdom of the highest order. We all know that our God is a God of justice and righteousness, and He can do nothing else but judge justly and rule righteously. So once we live according to His rules, we have nothing whatsoever to fear.

No wonder the psalmist begins by invoking God’s mercy: ‘God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us.   Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health (salvation) among all nations.’ (Ps.67:102)

Yes my people, we need to know God’s ways and vigorously apply them to our everyday lives. And the only way to do that is by reading and studying His Word; the Bible and getting proper guidance from those who are more enlightened than us. That’s why it is ever so important for us as individuals to constantly delve into the Good Book and try to fashion our lives around it.

As the Lord so emphatically told Joshua when He appointed him leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses: ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh.1:8)

Oh Friends, that is so straightforward and simple that there’s nothing to question in it. If you want to have success and be prosperous, then read and constantly meditate on the Word. But we the creation, the created, have gotten so big and bumptious with ourselves, that we now think we know more than our Creator. What arrogance, pride and stupidity my brethren! That’s why our world is snowballing downhill faster and faster every day.

And the psalmist is also trying to show us the right way, when he declares after our Bit: ‘Let the people praise thee O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase (give her produce); and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.’ (Ps.67:5-7)

Ah Friends, I don’t know what to say nuh, what will make us change our evil and foolish ways. We’re so stubborn and pigheaded, that though our world is going to hell in a hand basket, especially since we’ve begun removing God from being an integral part of our lives, we simply refuse to turn back to Him.

Man’s leadership is only bringing negative things like war, hate, greed, corruption, immorality, and ungodliness to our nations. Every day a new battleground of strife and enmity arises, while none of the ongoing ones are quelled.

The Ukraine has just started up, while Syria has been ongoing for about three years, and we have now forgotten that Libya is still a lawless, ungovernable country. And we won’t even talk about the many theatres of strife in Mother Africa.

So unless we want our children’s children to pay the terrible price for our ungodliness, then we’d better make a positive move RIGHT NOW my people! The evildoers are quite happy with the status quo, since they are profiting quite handily from it, so it’s up to us, true believers, to turn this world around.

And we can only do that by repenting and turning back to the omnipotent, but merciful, forgiving, just, righteous and merciful God of our Fathers. Consider ourselves warned, my brethren! Much LOVE!

…only the rapid spread of Jesus’ LOVE Revolution…can save our world…from total destruction…and that’s no lie…

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 May 2014 Proverbs 17:1

24 May 2014 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 17:1.     Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.

Oh Friends, the ole fella’s physically tired this Saturday morning… but the brain is as quick-witted as ever! (smile) And that’s no thanks to me, but to our heavenly Father. In His vast wisdom, He’s enabling my mental faculties so that I can write a decent Bit, glorifying His Holy Name. And my humble response to that is a lusty: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’
 
And what do we have on tap for this glorious day eh? Well good stuff as usual. And today we’re going to talk about the family, starting with this quote attributed to Randall Jarrell (1914-1965), an American, poet, author and literary critic. Here is Randall’s observation: ‘The dark, uneasy world of family life – where the greatest can fail and the humblest succeed.’
 
Words of indisputable truth my brethren! For we all know supposedly great and successful people in the world in various professions and walks of life with very terrible family histories.
 
Success in the world doesn’t automatically transfer to success in family life, but more often than not success in family life can translate into a successful walk in the world. That’s because when a family is tight, is standing together and supporting each other, without petty resentments and jealousies, then the individuals are free to rise up without the weight of those negative emotions.
 
How many wealthy families are brought to their knees by poor family relationships eh? Countless numbers!
 
Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that poor families are always a tight knit and supportive group either. But it is possible for poor families to have very strong relationships. It just goes to show that material wealth doesn’t always mean good family ties. In fact it’s usually the opposite.
 
I guess a lot of that can be attributed to the fact that we choose our friends, while God chooses our family for us. Unfortunately we don’t have much choice in the situation, so we just have to put up with whom He’s given us, or, as so often happens, live estranged and hateful family lives.
 
No wonder, Cousin Sol in our Bit, so wisely and warily informs us: ‘Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices (sacrificial meals or feasting) with strife.’
 
And that’s the living truth my people! However, in these modern times where the family is no longer the bulwark, the strong fortress of our society, strife is sadly rampant in too many of our families. The dysfunctional family seems to be more the norm today than the exception. It certainly seems as though Jesus’ statements, re signs of the end times, are coming true.
 
Mark puts it this way: ‘Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.’ (Mark 13:12)
 
Meanwhile Luke says it thus: ‘And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.’ (Luke 21:16)
 
Oh Friends, how true that is in this ever more strife torn world. Families are falling apart daily because of the stress and strain being put on them by this busy, ungodly world. So where are we to find help eh my people?
 
Cousin Sol gives us an idea: ‘Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith.’ (Prov.15:16) Now that’s the gospel truth! Only in strong, serious and sincere communion with Almighty God can families withstand the pressure to fight and strive against each other in these treacherous times.
 
As the scholars in great wisdom tell us: ’15:16. Spiritual riches are better than material riches.’
 
Oh Friends and fellow believers, I know that many of you don’t think so, and thus are still striving after much material wealth, but please stand back for a moment and take a look at what that is doing to your family life nuh.
 
If you’re constantly working that means you don’t have much time for your family, and you’re continually stressed, short-tempered and irascible. Some members of your family might even be afraid to approach you on important matters because of those negative elements. And relentlessly pursuing your material dreams will undoubtedly affect your health at some stage of the game.
 
And what will you have to show for it then eh? Just a few material things, but nobody to console you. As somebody once said, when our time comes to go to the other side, we don’t ask to see our possessions nuh, we ask to see people. Whichever way you cut it my brethren, seeking material gain above all else is a fool’s wisdom. Please get that buried deep in your conscience.
 
And all those materially wealthy people, those who built great empires at the cost of a poor family life, where are they now? Either sick and suffering and lonely somewhere, fighting with family over their possessions. Or they have passed on to the next side and left the much prized possessions for the family to fight over, and foolishly have most of it end up in the hands of greedy and crooked lawyers.
 
You see and hear about those kinds of stories every day, but yet still we run behind the things of the world, rather than the things of God. Let’s wake up and smell the roses nuh my people, and stop running down the inferior and destructible things of the world, and instead concentrate on storing up treasure in heaven, where moth nor rust can destroy it, nor thieves steal it.
 
And we’ll end with another wise saying from Cousin Sol on the subject. ‘Better is a dinner of herbs (vegetables) where LOVE is, than a stalled ox (fatted calf) and hatred therewith.’ (Prov.15:17)
 
That’s indeed heavenly wisdom Friends, so let’s try and attain unto it today nuh. Much LOVE!
 
…only through a return to godly family life…can we ever hope to fuel the LOVE Revolution…and right our wrong leaning world…

 

 

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