Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 October 2023 Matthew 5:16.

09 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:16.       Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

And on this Thanksgiving Monday morning, all over this beautiful and blessed land of Canada thanks and praises are being offered up to heaven! And do we ever have a whole lot to be thankful for. The problem though is that those many blessings are not equally distributed throughout our land and our populace. And that sad state of inequality is unfortunately lowering the quality and level of our standard of living, and consequently causing much dissension, disunity and discontent in our society. 

Now that’s not rocket science, because wherever there is blatant and widespread inequality, there will eventually be serious ramifications and consequences. And right now we’re seeing those unwanted divisions and disruptions occurring more frequently and more violently, not only in our country, but unfortunately all over the world, for the inequality is prevalent all over the earth, and the downtrodden and  marginalized are crying out loudly for a fair share of the earth’s wealth, so that they can experience a reasonable standard of living. 

However, the powers that be; the rich and ruling classes are foolishly clamping down, trying to further devalue and bring even more devastation to the have nots. The rich are indeed getting richer, while the poor, if possible, are getting poorer. No wonder our world is currently buffeted by numerous wars, rumors of wars and overwhelming instability, and everyday a new theatre of dissatisfaction opens up with loud cries of injustice and degradation. And what’s the answer to our problem of inequality you ask? 

Obviously a more egalitarian society, where people are seen as, or considered equal and consequently deserve equal rights and opportunities. And until our world seriously and sincerely moves toward a much more equal situation, where the ten% of haves don’t possess 90% of the pie, while the 90% of have nots only possess 10%, that sort of ridiculous inequity will always be cause for rampant dissatisfaction, and eventually chaos. It’s so sad when our world contains truths like, man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn. And by the way, it’s no longer thousands, but millions that are mourning because of mankind’s greed, selfishness and inhumanity. 

And what’s so sad about the whole situation is that there’s more than enough to go around for all the have nots to be satisfied and the haves to still maintain a big portion of the pie, but certainly not 90%. And that’s where we believers in Christ come in. For if we don’t stand up for the poor, the downtrodden, the sick and the lame like our Lord and Leader did when He was here on earth, who else is going to stand up for them eh? Definitely not the evildoers of Satan’s fold. And until we Christians start to make some kind of serious efforts to right the wrongs of the world, things will only go from bad to worse. 

And contrary to our excuses, the job is not impossible, or as big as we claim. It’s just that it will take more effort than we are willing to expend. For if the majority of Christians were to behave like true Christians, our world will be a helluva lot better place than it currently is. Just a li’l kindness and help on our part, a li’l standing up for some injustice or evil deed would bring surprising change. But sadly, too many of us supposed believers don’t want to be bothered with the problems of those less fortunate than us, we just want to relax and be comfortable in our li’l cocoon, insulated from the dire state of our world. And the truth is that a comfortable Christian is indeed the worst kind of Christian there is! 

Jesus didn’t come and die so that we could be comfortable and don’t care about our fellow man. He was always concerned about the sick and suffering, those considered worthless by society, and so should we, His followers, be similarly concerned. But the material wealth of the world and the many amenities now available have killed our pioneering spirit and made us lazy and uninterested in improving things. We just want to sit on our laurels and enjoy the good life. But be it known, that any society which sits on its laurels and does not keep its standards high, will eventually finds itself in ruins, for it’s the standards of a society that make them prosper and keep them in a healthy situation. 

It’s obvious that these words of Jesus have fallen by the wayside in our modern times: ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour (flavour), wherewith (by what) shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men.’ (Matt. 5:13) And if we’re truthful, we’ll admit that we have lost our salty flavour, and that’s why so many are being trodden underfoot. 

The same goes for these words of our Lord and Saviour: ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle (lamp), and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick (lampstand); and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:14-16) 

Oh my people, there again we have sadly not shone as a bright light in this world. Whatever light we have is hidden under a basket, or we’ve never lit the candle in the first place. But whichever it is, it is not good enough. Jesus desires us to follow in His footsteps and bring some peace and LOVE to our inflamed and hateful world, and we can only do that if we get up off of our fat fannies, and renew or recapture our salty flavour, as well as light our candles and go brightly in this dark and evil world! Let’s promise ourselves to do just that nuh, for our children’s sake! And we can begin by most appropriately asking for heavenly help this Thanksgiving Day, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. 

As one voice: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

Now, let’s get up and get a sincere move on nuh, so that we can be assured of divine help! Much LOVE!

…without the salt and light of Christians…the world is dark and flavourless… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   7 October 2023   1 Thessalonians 5:17.

07 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Thessalonians 5:17.       Pray without ceasing.

Awright, so the summer heat seems to be over, and though it’s somewhat chilly and pretty windy, on this first lazy-day Saturday of October, the sun is still shining brightly, and that’s the mark of a blessed day for me. Once the sun is shining, I’m contented, be it cold as ever. (smile) There’s something about the bright shining sun that lifts my spirit, that sort of says, all is not lost, the sun still shines. 

And our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer quiets my spirit. So, with the sun shining and our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer being spoken, all is right with my world! Well, not quite, because we haven’t yet spoken our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer. But let’s correct that situation right now by doing so. 

As one sincere voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

And my soul gets quiet…as my breathing deepens…my muscles slowly relax…and I feel God’s presence flowing around me in peace and LOVE! And all I can say is thank You Lord! Yes, friends, that’s the awesome power of prayer! When we’re sincere, it can do some amazing feats in our souls and spirits in an amazingly short time. 

That’s why Bruh Paul told us to ‘Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:17) It simply means keeping God first place in our minds, and every so often stopping to offer up a prayer, not necessary audibly; either for help in our activities, or simply giving thanks for the divine help we’re currently receiving. It’s an easy and simple way of keeping us focused on our great God throughout the day. 

And I guess that’s how Bruh Joseph must have gotten through all those unfair and unjust trials he faced during the early days of his sojourn in Egypt. But keeping his mind focused on the God of his forefathers, allowed him to handle the tribulation with a good attitude, and thus God gave him favour even in the midst of the trials! 

Oh my fellow saints, that’s the wonderful kind of God we serve! He looks after us even in the midst of our difficulties, especially when we keep a good and godly attitude, despite our problems. And so, we see how Bruh Joseph finally blossomed into the Grand Vizier or Prime Minister of Egypt through God’s skillful and dramatic machinations, eventually saving Egypt from destruction during the great famine, and also bringing his family down from Canaan to live and prosper in some of the finest lands of Egypt, and grow into the great nation, the seed of innumerable stars that God had promised his forefather Abraham. 

Now, after the famine had become so severe and Bruh Joseph had bought up all the land and the bodies of the Egyptians in Pharaoh’s name and made them tenant farmers, having to give the fifth of their produce to Pharaoh, life settled down for a spell. The Bible then tells us: ‘And Israel (the whole family) dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.’ (Gen. 47:27) Yes mih bredrin, when the Lord God Jehovah is on your side, you can grow and prosper at an amazing rate. 

And the Word of the Lord continues: ‘And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was and hundred and forty-seven years. And the time drew nigh that Israel (Jacob) must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not I pray thee, in Egypt: But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place. And he (Bruh Joseph) said, I will do as thou hast said. And he (Jacob) said, Swear unto me. and he sware unto him. And Israel (Jacob) bowed himself upon the bed’s head.’ (Gen. 47:28-31) 

Ah mih people, I’m chuckling here as I read about Jacob making Bruh Joseph sware not to bury him in Egypt but back in Canaan where his fathers were buried. And why am I chuckling? Because it reminds me of my request to my children to not bury me in Canada, but in sweet Tobago, the land of my birth. Now I have nothing against Canada, I consider it the best big country in the world and am proud to call myself a citizen. But there’s just something about my old bones spending eternity in this cold and unforgiving ground that doesn’t sit well with me. Call me foolish or whatever, but I simply want to be buried in the land of my birth. 

There’s a sentimentality about being born and buried in the same land that I like and desire to see happen. I guess the constantly warm and coddling soil of Tobago will serve my bones in better stead, and I’ll be able to revisit my childhood memories. (smile) And don’t go getting the wrong impression, because those childhood days were not always sunshine, lollipops and roses, but like the life I live now in Christ, they certainly were interesting and eventually very rewarding. 

So please, on this first Saturday in October of 2023, let’s all take a few lazy-day Saturday moments to reflect on our lives and promise ourselves, that from here on in, we’ll do our best to live the good and godly life that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ desires of us. It’s the least we can do in return for all the agony and suffering He experienced, so that we can enjoy God’s immense grace, through the gift of salvation and eternal life! Much LOVE!

…to pray to Almighty God…and yet to pray…it’s one of man’s greatest privileges…    

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 October 2023 Genesis 47:25.

06 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 27:45.       Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace (favour) in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.

And the rains came… Yes friends, at long last some rain fell in my area last night. And the beauty of it all is that this Friday morning has opened, clean, fresh, bright and sunshiny! And the temperature isn’t too bad either, in the high teens. So, when we say, ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ we have more to be thankful for than just the end of the workweek and the start of the weekend. Give our good God some praise and thanks nuh, for His excellent kindness to us, this first Friday in October 2023. And all God’s people said a loud and grateful, ‘Praise the Lord for His unfailing goodness, grace and mercy to the children of men!’ 

Now, let’s see what’s happening with Bruh Joseph and his family in the land of Egypt. In our last episode we saw where Jacob and his family came to Egypt during the famine, met Pharoah and got his permission to settle in the fertile land of Goshen, where Bruh Joseph provided generously for them. Meanwhile, the Bible informs us: ‘And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore (severe), so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted (languished) by reason of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn (grain) which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.’ (Gen. 47:13-14) 

Bruh Joseph was certainly a shrewd operator, a true son of Jacob’s loins. (smile) But that was not the half of it. For the Bible continues: ‘And when the money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? For the money faileth. And Joseph said, Give your cattle (livestock); and I will give you (bread) for your cattle, if money fail. And they brought their cattle (livestock) unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses (donkeys): and he fed (supplied) them with bread (in exchange) for all their cattle for that year.’ (Gen. 47:15-17) 

Now, you’d think that would have solved the situation, but no, it only intensified the drama, because as the Good Library tells us: ‘When that year was ended, they came unto him (Joseph) the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord hath also our herds of cattle (livestock); there is not ought (nothing) left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies and our lands. Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our lands? buy us and our lands for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate. 

And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharoah; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed (was severe) over them: so the land became Pharaoh’s. And as for the people, he (Joseph) removed (moved) them to the cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.’ (Gen. 47: 18-21) 

Bubba! Bruh Joseph was practicing a form of labour migration, moving people around for employment purposes, long before it before it became popular (smile). However, there was one exception to Bruh Joseph’s total ‘Pharaohanization’ of the land. ‘Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned (rations allotted) them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion (rations) which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.’ (Gen. 47:23) So, in all of Egypt, only the lands of the priests did not officially belong to Pharaoh. 

Now, I wonder what Pharoah was saying to all the accumulation of wealth and property and power that Bruh Joseph was piling up in his name? And I guess, since he was a human being with a selfish and greedy sin nature, that must have thrilled him. But neither Pharoah nor us, had heard or seen the last of Bruh Joseph’s accumulative and power building moves. 

Listen, as the Bible relates it: ‘Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones. And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace (favour) in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants. And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh’s.’ (Gen. 47:23-26) 

Mama oh Mama! Bruh Joseph might just have begun the feudal system in Egypt, a system whereby, in a simplified form, the lower classes worked the land and other industry for the upper classes in return for food and protection. One commentary says: ‘It can be broadly defined as a system for structuring society around relationships derived from the holding of land, known as a fiefdom or fief, in exchange for service or labour.’ And it’s a system that found great purchase during the medieval and middle ages in Europe. 

Ah friends, did Bruh Joseph turn out to be a saviour or a monster? Was that the plan he had in mind all along, or did it just happen as the circumstances were played out. Who knows? But it’s for sure that the teenaged Hebrew lad sold into slavery by his jealous and evil brothers, with the help of our great God, did have a major impact on the land of Egypt and the lives of the Egyptians, as well as laying the foundations for the birth of the Jewish nation, the seed of Abraham, promised to him so long before by his faithful and awesome God. 

And just like the Lord helped Abraham and his descendants back then, He still helps us when we go to Him in sincere and humble obeisance. So, let’s do that right now nuh, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking heavenly help for our earthly problems. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…   because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. 

Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

And if we hope to see divine changes, then we need to do as we said…wake up and smell the coffee! Much LOVE!

…the ONLY way to get divine help…is by being obedient to God and His Word… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 October 2023 Genesis 47:10.

05 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 47:10.       And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

Well, my dear friends, I’m sorry to report that the awesome sunshine and good weather that’s recently blessed my area looks like it’s reached the inevitable end. Chuh! And it was all going along so nicely… But this first Thursday in October has begun on a somewhat cloudy note, although temperatures will be fairly high. Then, if the forecasters are right, there’ll be some long-needed rain tonight, with more seasonal temperatures tomorrow, in the low to mid-teens. 

And we can’t say that we didn’t have an enjoyable extended summer! But it’s time to get back to reality now, with the cooler, less sunshiny weather. (smile) We always knew it would come eventually, but just not when. And isn’t that just like life…we never know when things will begin or end, which brings us to the amazing story of Bruh Joseph and the unlikely manner in which the Lord birthed the Jewish people. 

And doesn’t the Lord fittingly raise the drama potential by having the children of Israel begin life in Egypt on a deceitful note, reminiscent of their founder Jacob’s name and early life, by pretending to be more cattle herders than sheep herders, on the wise advice of Bruh Joseph? (Gen. 46:33-34) For sure, since it will be something that comes back to haunt them in later years. 

And we pick up the story where Bruh Joseph presents some of his brethren to Pharaoh. ‘Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen. And he took some of his brethren (brothers), even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh. And Pharoah said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers. 

They said moreover unto Pharaoh, for to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore (severe) in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen. And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee: The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity (competent men) among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.’ (Gen. 47:1-6) 

Ah friends, our God can soften any heathen ruler’s heart to give abundant favour to His people, although in this instance Bruh Joseph had done marvellous, in fact miraculous work, for Pharaoh in stemming the disaster of Egypt during the days of feast and famine. So, it was not totally favouritism, but mostly just reward. Then comes the big moment when Jacob was presented to Pharaoh. 

‘And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharoah: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage (sojourning) are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.’ (Gen. 47:7-10) 

Wow! Jacob, even in his old age, did have backbone and belly to be blessing the mighty Pharaoh twice as he did. And on those first ten verses, the scholars offer these explanations. ‘Joseph’s wise advice in 46:33-34 enabled his brothers to express their desires before Pharaoh, and to receive exactly what they wanted…permission to live in the fertile land of Goshen. Evidently Jacob was not intimidated by Pharaoh; and he blessed Pharaoh in verse 7and 10. When Jacob said his days were few and evil does not mean “sinful,” but “calamitous, constantly confronted by anger, anguish, distress, and tribulation.’ Just like the lives of so many of us today. 

The Bible then tells us: ‘And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph nourished (provided) his father and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread according to their families.’ (Gen. 47:11-12) What a wonderful son, brother and family member Bruh Joseph turned out to be. Even after all his unfair trials and tribulations! 

Can it be that we’re supposed to follow his example through our own trials and tough times?  (smile) Yes friends, it’s all a part of being a good Christian, a good and true disciple of Christ Jesus. And to help us do just that, the Lord has bestowed un us a number of undeserved blessings, which we call our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s declare and activate them right now! And, by the way, we did spell declare (steups) right the first time, but not the second. (smile)  

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those blessings, we are now beholden to go out and use them in the betterment of the lives of our fellow man, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them upon us! Much LOVE!

…how you end up…is much more important…than how you begin… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 October 2023 Genesis 46:30.

04 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 46:30. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.

Summer-time, summer-time, summer-time! Believe it or not, yesterday was hotter than many days during the supposedly real summer season. You could feel the heat of the sun, and it was humid too, not even a cool breeze blowing. It was surely a day for sunscreen, if you were going to be out in it for any length of time. And today seems like it’s going to be along the same lines, because it’s already in the mid-twenties. 

And we can’t even call it ‘Indian Summer’ because we haven’t experienced any cold spells as yet. That’s when we get unusual warm temps between cold periods late in the year. So summer-time goes on…enjoy it while it lasts, because it will suddenly disappear one day soon. (smile) 

Anyhow, let’s see what’s happening with the story of Bruh Joseph. Well, his family is now on their way down into Egypt. But before we get to what happens when they arrive, the Bible says: ‘And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons:’ Then it goes on to list the names of Jacob’s twelve sons and their sons. (Gen. 46:8-25) 

And finally, it informs us thus: ‘All the souls (people) that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were three score and six. And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob which came into Egypt, were three score and ten.’  (Gen. 46:26-27) 

That means that the nation of Israel began in Egypt with some seventy people total. However, there seems to be some controversy regarding the exact number, as the scholars explain. Per verses 46:8-27: ‘The phrase the children of Israel appears for the first time in reference to the family as a whole. (before that it was just about Jacob’s own children). The grand total of 66 in verse 26 -to which Moses added Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph’s two sons – makes the number 70, as in verse 27.  

(And re the reference to Moses, remember he wrote the first five books of the Bible, the Torah). This agrees with Deuteronomy 10:22 and the Hebrew text of Exodus 1:5. Exodus 1:5 in the Septuagint (the early Greek translation of the Bible) however reads 75, which (the apostle) Stephen apparently quotes in his sermon (Acts 7:14) and which the Dead Sea Scrolls support. The number 75 probably includes five later descendants of Joseph.’ But be it 70 or 75, that was the small number of people from which the mighty nation of Israel was born. 

And per the Dead Sea Scrolls? ‘They were found in 1947 in the harsh and remote site in the West Bank, known as Qumran – comprising more than 800 documents made of animal skin, papyrus and even forged copper—deepened our understanding of the Bible and shed light on the histories of Judaism and Christianity. Among the texts are parts of every book of the Hebrew canon—what Christians call the Old Testament—except the book of Esther. 

The scrolls also contain a collection of previously unknown hymns, prayers, commentaries, mystical formulas and the earliest version of the Ten Commandments. Most were written between 200 B.C. and the period prior to the failed Jewish revolt to gain political and religious independence from Rome that lasted from A.D. 66 to 70—predating by 8 to 11 centuries the oldest previously known Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible.’ And obviously there is controversy over who wrote them and how they came to be hidden in the caves of Qumran. However, they do shed some light on the beliefs and practices of the people of those early times. 

But back to Bruh Joseph’s story. After listing the genealogy of Jacob, the Bible then continues: ‘And he (Jacob) sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face (give them directions) to Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.’ (Gen. 46:28—30) 

That must have been a real poignant reunion between Bruh Joseph and his father, who had thought him to be dead some twenty years earlier. The Good Library then goes on: ‘And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up and shew (tell) Pharoah, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me; And the men they are shepherds, for their trade (occupation) hath been to feed cattle (livestock); and they have brought their flocks and their herds, and all that they have. 

And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation? That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle (livestock) from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen: for every shepherd is an abomination (loathsome) unto the Egyptians.’ (Gen. 46:31-34) 

Now, I am a tad confused about Bruh Joseph’s use of the word ‘shepherd’ as the occupation of his brethren, although he goes on to claim that shepherds are an abomination to Egyptians. To my way of thinking, a shepherd is one who keeps sheep, but back then it must also have been used for keeping livestock or cattle. (smile) But you see the deception evident there, they can’t let Pharoah or the Egyptians know that they are keepers of sheep. And the words of Sir Walter Scott (1808) certainly ring true here: ‘Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.’ 

Yes friends, every deception creates another problem and builds a domino structure, that will cause untold disaster when it falls. But that’s what life is all about; you pay for how you live. But for those of us who desire to live for Christ and sincerely try to do so, let’s go home now declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ. 

As one voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And if we keep on enduring to the end with Christ, then it’s promised that the future will be even more glorious than we can even ask or imagine. So please, let’s make solid plans to meet then nuh! Much LOVE!

…if God is for you…who can be against you eh…NOBODY… 

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

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

03 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 October 2023   1 Corinthians 3:11.

01 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 3:11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

And a fine welcome to all you faithful believers in Christ Jesus on this bright, warm and sunshiny Sunday morning, the first day in the month of October! And what a day it is to join with other believers to praise and worship our great God! And to open our celebrations, today we’ll be singing an oh so important song, so relevant to these times of apostasy, of turning away from Christ, of significant bickering and division in Christ’s church. It’s aptly titled, ‘The Church’s One Foundation.’ So, with sincere, heartfelt emotions, let’s raise our sacrifices of praise to high heaven in a soulful mid-tempo version of this marvellous and ever important of our Christian hymns. 

Singing: ‘The Church’s ONE foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord, She is His new creation By water and the Word: From Heav’n He came and sought her To be His holy bride, With His own blood He bought her And for her life He died. – She is from every nation, Yet one o’er all the earth; Her charter of salvation, One Lord, one faith, one birth; One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food, And to one hope she presses, With every grace endued. -The Church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, To guide, sustain, and cherish, Is with her to the end: Though there be those who hate her, And false sons in her pale, Against both foe and traitor She ever shall prevail. – 

Though with a scornful wonder Men see her sore oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed: Yet saints their watch are keeping, Their cry goes up, How long? And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song! – ’Mid toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war, She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore; Till, with the vision glorious, Her longing eyes are blest, And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest! – 

Yet she on earth hath union With God the Three in One, And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won, With all her sons and daughters Who, by the Master’s hand Led through the deathly waters, Repose in Eden land. O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we Like them, the meek and lowly, On high may dwell with Thee: There, past the border mountains, Where in sweet vales the Bride With Thee by living fountains Forever shall abide!’ 

Ah mih people, that was a wonderful rendition of the song, but do we ever for a moment stop and truly think what it’s all about and how it came to be written. Let’s answer the last part first. ‘”The Church’s One Foundation” was composed as a primary answer to the division within the Church of South Africa generated by John William Colenso, first Bishop of Natal, in the mid-19th century, who denounced much of the Bible as untrue.’ There we have it again, foolish divisions within the church, just like we are having today. Now, if a Bishop of Christ’s church can say that the Bible, on which the faith is built is untrue, what do we expect from ordinary believers eh? 

‘When Bishop Colenso was dismissed for his teachings, he pleaded to the higher religious authorities in England. It was then that Samuel Stone became included in the discussion. It sparked him to draft a set of hymns based on the Apostles’ Creed in 1866. He titled it, Lyra Fidelium; Twelve Hymns on the Twelve Articles of the Apostles’ Creed. “The Church’s One Foundation” is based on the ninth article, The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints. Music by Samuel Sebastian Wesley 1810-1876.’ So that’s how the hymn came to be born. 

And what’s it about? ‘”The Church’s One Foundation” is a Christian hymn written in the 1860s by Samuel John Stone. This hymn describes the church’s relationship to its “foundation” being Jesus Christ. The church is represented as the collective Christian fellowship of the earth as it is wholly united by its Saviour, the Son of God.’ And that’s the gospel truth friends! Yes, we all know that the Church is ONE BODY…at least it’s supposed to be. And whom is it supposed to be built on? Obviously Jesus Christ, the one who founded it! 

Remember Jesus’ statement to His disciples when He asked who they thought He was, and Peter admitted ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (Petros – little rock), and upon this rock (Petra – large rock) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ (Matt. 16:16-18) 

And we all know the controversy as to whether Christ was referring to Peter himself as the rock, although in the original Greek it seems to use two different words, Petros and Petra, meaning small and large rocks. The important thing though is that Christ was going to build Himself a strong and powerful rock-like church, in which Peter and the other apostles would play a large part. 

And I like how Dan Doriani puts it in his article on the subject. ‘Jesus blesses Peter’s confession, “for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” God’s revelation gives Peter “holy joy.” Jesus continues, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. Jesus will build his church on Peter’s confession… Thus, Jesus is saying that hell’s defenses will not thwart the church’s progress. The church will advance and prevail through the confession that Jesus is Messiah and Son of God. Jesus is the church’s founder and builder, yet Peter has a role.’ 

And on that solid rock we stand my fellow saints! And furthermore, Jesus also made it clear that His church would not only be for the Jewish people, but for the Gentiles as well, when He said: ‘And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (flock), and one shepherd.’ (John 10:16) And that’s why Bruh Paul taught that ‘The Christian church is like a human body. It is one individual organism made up of many different parts that serve a wide variety of functions. All those functions matter.’ (1 Cor. 12:12-14) 

And that’s what we have to understand and accept friends, that we all are important in our own way, but our ONE devotion is to build Christ’s church. And how we do that? By using Christ our founder and leader as our cornerstone. Thus, as Peter filled with the Holy Spirit declared (yesss!!!) to the Jewish council that had arrested him and John for preaching Christ crucified and healing a lame man: 

‘Be it known unto you all, and to the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of (rejected by) you builders, which is become the head of the corner (the chief corner stone). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:10-12) 

Oh my people, how I wish that in these evil and ungodly times we could be as bold, brave and courageous as Peter was back then, and stand up strong for Christ. And we ought to be, because we have the same Holy Spirit dwelling in us that enabled Peter to stand up before the Jewish Council, who had authority to put him away and even kill him. But no such body exists today in our society, so why are we so passive and uninterested in standing up for Jesus eh? Why are we allowing Christ’s church to fall apart eh, with so many divisions and disunity, when we’re supposed to be ONE, united body, built on one foundation, as Bruh Paul writes to the Corinthians. ‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor. 3:11) 

Please friends, let’s remember that as we go about our business this week and do our best to bring unity back to Christ’s church, if we sincerely want the gates of hell not prevail against it! Much LOVE!

…behold …I lay in Zion…a chief cornerstone…elect (chosen) and precious…and he that believeth on him…shall not be confounded (put to shame)… (1 Pet. 2:6) 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit    28 September 2023 Genesis 44:18b.

28 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 44:18b.       and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.

Another beautiful day in my neck of the woods my brethren! And although this one is tinged with a bit of cloud, the strong winds will hopefully blow away the cloud cover eventually, and just leave the sun shining brightly. Now it’s certainly nice to have bright and sunshiny days, but that then means there’s no rain to water the land, and we haven’t seen any rain around here for almost three weeks now, so the land is parched and dry, and the Duchess is carrying up my water bill by watering the grass more than normal. But what to do eh? You can’t have all good and no bad, and I’ll just have to grin and bear it when I see the next water bill. (smile) 

And here’s a li’l reminder for us to keep us on the straight and narrow path. ‘The Bible is God’s word to us, still fresh through all the ages. And if we read it, we will find God’s wisdom in its pages!’ Wow! What good news! And do we ever desperately need God’s wisdom in these evil and ungodly times my people! So please, let’s get back to reading, studying and living the Bible nuh, because that’s the ONLY way we will ever make any serious and lasting headway in these troubled and disaster-filled times! 

Now let’s see what’s happening with the intriguing tale of Bruh Joseph and his brothers. Yesterday we stopped where he had set up Benjamin for stealing his silver cup, then told the other brothers that only Benjamin would remain with him as his slave, ‘and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.’ (Gen. 44:17) But can you imagine the consternation that caused amongst the brothers. How could they go back to their father Jacob without his youngest son eh? Especially since he’d made such a fuss about sending him in the first place and was still suffering the loss of his other son Joseph. And thus the intrigue, the simmering drama reaches another level. 

The Bible then tells us: ‘Then Judah came near unto him (Bruh Joseph) and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.’ (Gen. 44:18) Can you believe it, Judah simpering before his brother, even praising him to be like Pharaoh? I wonder if that stirred any vengeful desires in Bruh Joseph, seeing his older brother bowing and scraping and begging before him, after the infernal treatment they had meted out to him? 

As a normal human being it must have felt good, but as we’ve seen earlier on, the brothers seemed to have had a change of heart, and the revenge factor in Bruh Joseph had also lessened. Then Judah went on to recount to Bruh Joseph their conversation the first time they came down to buy food, how he asked them about a father and a brother? ‘And we said unto my lord, we have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father LOVETH him. And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. 

And we said unto my lord, the lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die. And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my Lord. And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food. And we said we cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man’s face, except our youngest brother be with us.’ (Gen. 44:20-26) 

I wonder how Bruh Joseph took all of that, knowing Jacob’s age and his great LOVE for his departed mother Rachel and her children. But Judah didn’t give him much time to contemplate the situation as he continued: ‘And thy servant my father said unto us, ye know that my wife bare me two sons: And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since: And if ye take this (one) also from me, and mischief (calamity) befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.’ (Gen. 44:27-29) 

Now, hearing the sad state of his father, surely must have wrapped some strings of sorrow around Bruh Joseph’s heart. And Judah continued to reason with him. ‘Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad’s life; It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.’ (Gen. 44:30-31) Oh friends, unknown to Judah, he was shooting some stealthy and dangerous darts into Bruh Joseph’s heart. 

But here comes Judah’s final plea. ‘For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then shall I bear the blame to my father for ever. Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide (remain) instead of the lad a bondman (slave) to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.’ (Gen. 44:32-34) 

Ah my people, the awesome power that is found in words, especially heartfelt ones. Judah had certainly put Bruh Joseph in a spot between a rock and a hard place; did he want revenge on his brothers so badly that he was willing to cause his father’s death? We’ll see how the drama plays out tomorrow, if God spares life. (smile) In the meanwhile here’s this gem of explanation from the scholars. They say that ‘Judah’s statement, let thy servant abide instead of the lad, indicates that God had changed the hearts of the brothers, His plea reminds one of the great Servant born to this tribe – the Servant, (our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ) who offered Himself for the transgressions of His people.’ 

And there’s no doubt whatsoever about the servanthood of Christ, but there’s plenty about ours. And that’s all the more to our detriment since the Lord has bestowed on us, undeserved blessings, which we call our Thursday Blessings, to help us do His earthly work. So please, let’s activate them now by declaring (steups!!!) them in loud and sincere voice. 

‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those many wonderful blessings, it’s time for us go out and use them generously for the benefit of others, as the Lord so desires! Much LOVE!

…revenge can sometimes be sweet…but it can also break your heart… 

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

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

26 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Today’s Scrip-Bit    25 September 2023 Genesis 43:28b.

25 Sep 2023 Leave a comment

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

Genesis 43:28b.       And they bowed down their heads and made obeisance (prostrated themselves).

Oh my my, it’s Monday! So what? It’s just another day, except that most of us have to get up and go back out to work after a relaxing and/or a party-hearty weekend. (smile) But that’s nothing new, it’s been happening ever since the devil was a li’l boy, so I don’t see why we get anxious about it every week. With Jesus and His Holy Spirit as our Guide and Leaders, plus the fires of confidence built up in our bellies from Sunday worship, it’s a sure thing that we can handle any and every Monday like the champions we were made to be. So, let’s get out there and do just that nuh! End of Sermon! 

Now let’s reconnect with the exciting and intriguing story of Bruh Joseph. We last saw him when his brothers came down the second time with his younger brother Benjamin. And when Bruh Joseph saw Benjamin, he told his steward to take them to his house, for they would have lunch with him that day. Now the Good Library describes the situation thus: ‘And the men (Joseph’s brothers) were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time we are brought in: that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us as bondmen (slaves), and our asses (donkeys).’ (Gen. 43:18) 

And there’s definitely nothing wrong with that reasoning under the prevailing circumstances. But being Jacob’s sons, they were not quite innocent in the games of life. The Good Library continues: ‘And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house, And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food: and it came to pass when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand. 

And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks. And he (the steward) said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon (the brother that was in jail) out unto them. And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he gave their asses (donkeys) provender (feed). And they made ready the present against Joseph came (for Joseph’s coming) at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.’ (Gen. 43:19-25)

 Oh friends the suspense as well as the fear must have been very palatable around them, for although they now knew how the money got in their sacks, they still couldn’t fathom the reason behind it, nor why they had been invited to lunch, at Bruh Joseph’s house, and all they could probably see were further problems down the line. But they had no choice but do like Portia and face up to life. That’s a reference to an old radio soap that ran many moons ago in T&T called: ‘Portia faces Life’ (smile) 

‘And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.’ (Gen. 43:26) Yes friends the great dramatist, Jehovah God, reminds us one more time of the truth of Bruh Joseph’s dream, with his brothers again prostrating themselves before him. Bruh Joseph must have had a small inner chuckle at that, because it was the same dream that got him sold into slavery in Egypt some twenty years previously. And I believe that’s just the Lord’s way of telling us to never refute someone’s dream out of hand. 

‘And he (Joseph) asked them of their welfare (well-being), and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads and made obeisance (prostrated themselves).’ (Gen. 43:27-28) There we have that bowing down again. The Lord just won’t let us forget it. (smile) 

‘And he (Joseph) lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. And Joseph made haste for his bowels did yearn upon his brother (his heart did yearn for his brother); and he sought where to weep; and he entered his chamber, and wept there.’ (Gen. 43:29-30) And it’s quite understandable that Joseph’s heart yearned for his brother, his mother’s other son, for when he left home at around seventeen, Benjamin was a young pup, but now he was a big, strapping man in his twenties. 

Ah mih people, life hands us so many unexpected twists and turns that it’s only with the help of the Good Lord that we can ever expect to navigate them successfully. That’s why it’s necessary for us to go to the throne of grace right now, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to seek God’s divine help with our many earthly problems. So as one sincere voice: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

Oh, my fellow saints, we just said it ourselves; if we want to receive divine help, then we’ve got to turn from our evil ways and sincerely seek God’s face. That’s the only way! Much LOVE!

…when the storms of life surround us…turn them over to Jesus…for He is the only true Storm Calmer…  

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