Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 February 2017 1 Samuel 30:6b.

22 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

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

1 Samuel 30:6b.   …but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

Ah mih people, I don’t know what to say nuh, except that the best laid plans of mice and men usually go astray. (smile) My schedule yesterday was unexpectedly busier than I foresaw, and consequently I fell behind in accomplishing all that I wanted to. 

But even then, I never expected to rise this late, because I had gotten some sleep in between.  It just goes to show that I’m still not accustomed to this new me, what with all the different medications I’m taking, and I can’t judge the needs of my body correctly. Apparently I’m not as strong as I seem to think I am. Ah Lord eh! 

But nonetheless, we’re here now and motoring on. And we’ll do so with a positive, uplifting prayer from Gramps Schuller’s (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) Hour of Power Devotional. Many of us have prayed it before, but it’s ever so appropriate for the foggy day that’s happening in my area. 

Please pray with me. ‘Thank you, Father, for the beautiful surprises you are planning for me today. So often in my life, when it looked like the day would be dismal, depressing and dark, an unexpected burst of golden sunshine exploded through a black cloud sending inspiring shafts of warm, beautiful sunshine into my life. 

Father, it is happening now! I can already feel the power of your LOVE, through Christ my Lord. Amen!’ 

Ah friends, I’m certainly feeling the power of God’s LOVE now! I certainly hope that you are too. And I’m not joking. Just typing that prayer raised my spirits a whole lot. And my people, do we ever need stuff to positively raise our spirits in this selfish, evil, wicked and war-mongering world! 

Consider Bruh David nuh, when his previously loyal people wanted to stone him, after they discovered that the Amalekites had burned their city of Ziklag and carried away all their families and goods captive. 

He was alone. No one sat with him. No one seemed concerned that he had lost his family too. How was he going to proceed? How was he going to prevent the imminent disaster that stared him straight in the face eh? 

But before we answer that, let’s ask ourselves, how would we have handled that situation, and how do we handle similar situations in our lives; the ones where we seem to have no avenue of escape, and it all depends on us? 

I sincerely hope that we do like Bruh David did in our Bit: ‘ …but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.’ 

Yes my brethren, that’s the first reaction to all our troubles! Or at least it should be the first one. And it’s all a matter of faith, of true and sincere belief my friends!

But unfortunately, before we can get to that state of maturity, before we can develop such strong faith we have to undergo many trials and tribulation, because it’s only those negative situations that build our faith. 

Most likely, if Bruh David had not been dealing with the Lord on a personal basis for a long time and remembered his awesome works in his life, he would have fallen apart, even perhaps given up. But that strong trust in the God of his forefathers caused him not to fall over and be consumed by the anger and resentment of his hitherto loyal followers. 

And I contend again friends, that in this disloyal, untrustworthy and hateful world, we need that kind of strong, trustworthy, unbreakable relationship with our heavenly Father, if we want to successfully walk this earth. 

And many of us have it, but when the rough times come, we simply forget about all the other times when the Lord bailed us out of trouble, and instead we moan and groan and gnash our teeth, wondering how we’re going to get out. 

My precious people of God, please remember we serve an ever-faithful God, and if He bailed us out before, there’s no reason He won’t bail us out again. And furthermore, if He’s the Creator of the universe, the most powerful Being therein, then whom else better to turn to in times of trouble eh? NOBODY! 

Now listen to this uplifting story of strengthening and brotherly LOVE. On one of the many times Bruh David was out in the wilderness hiding from Saul, the Good Book tells us: ‘And Jonathan, Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God (encouraged him). 

And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next to thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And the two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.’ (1 Sam.23:16-18) 

Ah mih breddren, those are the kinds of relationships we should ideally have, but sadly, they are very few and far between, thus the necessity of turning to almighty God, FIRST and FOREMOST! If He wants us to turn to people, then He will direct our steps in that direction. 

And since it’s Wednesday, let’s end by wailing our Wednesday Wail in all truth and sincerity. All together now: ‘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!’ 

Much LOVE my precious people of God!

…remember…FIRST God…then man…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 May 2015 Psalm 46:1

11 May 2015 Leave a comment

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

 Psalm 46:1.  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in time of trouble.

Well Friends, Monday morning is here, time to get up and get rolling! Let’s hope that yesterday’s celebration of Mother’s Day wasn’t too incapacitating, and consequently you’re shaking it somewhat rough this morning. (smile)

I sincerely hope that Mothers all around the world were suitably revered and appreciated, but please, please, let’s keep up that adoration, respect and affection all the year round nuh. It doesn’t have to be with physical gifts, but simply spending more time than usual with them, more phone calls or visits and nicer words when they tell us something we don’t like.

Most mothers don’t want anything from their children but simple appreciation, in whatever form they can manifest it. So let’s try and do that nuh, for then we’ll be keeping one of God’s major commandments and also buoying the spirits of our mothers throughout the year, rather than one day in the month of May. We would all be much happier too, for the LOVE of Christ would then be truly spread abroad.

However, it’s now time to face the outside world once again, so let’s get the show on the road by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with as much verve and gusto as we can manage.

Altogether 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!’

Ah Friends, that rendition wasn’t so hot this morning nuh. You could hear the crustiness and hoarseness in the voices as a result of too much partying yesterday. (smile) But we won’t let that stop us from going out and facing the music, the ungodly clamour of the unruly heathen, for Jesus is our most able Field General and goes before us.  

And furthermore, in the encouraging and uplifting words of our Bit, the Sons of Korah truthfully proclaim: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in time of trouble.’

Oh my people, my people, those awesome words of wisdom and absolute truth ought to just lift our spirits and have us walking around like Superman; being able to do every and anything in the strength, power and majesty of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! (smile)

And somebody says, ‘Hold down brother, hold down. Don’t get carried away now.’ But Friends, that’s not getting carried away, but simply acknowledging the facts of this life. We can indeed do any and everything though Christ Jesus who strengthens us. The Good Book says that, (Phl.4:13) and the Good Book doesn’t lie.

So please let’s get excited and stirred up by the Holy Spirit which indwells us, as we go out there to face the traffic jams, the bad weather, the rude and ungodly co-workers, or whatever comes against us today! That’s the ardent desire of our Leader, Jesus Christ.

And since God is our refuge and strength, then like the Sons of Korah continue: ‘Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (the heart) of the sea. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.   Selah.’ (Ps.46:2-3)

Oh my brethren, those positive words just raise the level of faith and belief in my soul, and I hope they do in yours too. For you know our major problem in this life is the thing we call fear; technically speaking, the opposite of faith. But as Bruh Paul so wisely and truthfully told Timothy; ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind.’ (2 Tim.1:7)  

Oh what inspirational words of gospel truth!  And shouldn’t that just have us fighting fit and ready to have a go at the enemy, anytime? It surely should my brethren. With the omnipotent Creator of the universe on our side, we shouldn’t be afraid of anything or anybody! 

And we’ll end with this uplifting warning from Jesus. ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt.10:28)

And my people, the good news is that only Almighty God, our heavenly Father has the power to kill our souls and send us to Hades. So if we obey Him, we won’t have to be worried about that. Now let’s go out there and do brave battle for and with Jesus, because that’s what He expects of His loyal followers. Much LOVE!

…there’s no need to fear anything at all…because you and all-powerful God are a majority…

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 August 2014 Luke 23:34a

07 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

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

Luke 23:34a.    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful summer’s day in my area! Only problem is that I’m suffering from the after effects of a beautiful summer’s night! (smile) That means I was up till the wee hours of the morning, consequently my rising was a tad late. (smile)
 
It’s summer Friends, so I have to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will soon be gone, and I won’t be able to do things like sit on my front porch in the early hours of the morning, clad only in shorts and T-shirt, enjoying the quiet beauty of nature and communing with my Maker.
 
And it is surely refreshing and reassuring to know that our great God is still on His throne controlling things, which means, all is well. Praise the Lord!
 
Yes Friends, blessings and mercy, grace, LOVE and forgiveness are still being showered down on us in great abundance each and every day, through the Lord’s LOVING-kindness.
 
And I sincerely implore us to gracefully and gratefully receive them all with thanksgiving, as we continue on our pilgrim’s journey on earth today. It’s the only WISE way to live!
 
Now some of you might be wondering how come we still have a Bit on forgiveness, when I said that yesterday was the last day? Well don’t blame me Friends, for I am just the messenger. That was the Lord’s idea. And it’s pretty interesting how He communicated it.
 
Last night, while watching Uncle John (John Hagee) preach a sermon on self-control, which in today’s selfish society is almost nonexistent – some of you may have seen it – he mentioned Jesus’ crucifixion as being one of the greatest moments of self-control displayed in human history.
 
The reasoning being that if Jesus had so desired, He could have called down legions of angels to disrupt and take over the whole proceeding. But fortunately for us, He didn’t, thus allowing His Father’s will to prevail and subsequently our salvation and eternal life to be assured.
 
However, the idea, the awareness it raised in my mind was that that most cruel, unforgettable occasion was the greatest act of forgiveness ever made!
 
Just think about it nuh people: Jesus was sadistically ridiculed, disgraced and totally humiliated by Pilate and the Roman soldiers in all the ways possible, emotionally, mentally and physically. And to add insult to injury, audaciously crucifying Him between two common criminals.
 
But mih breddren, that physical abuse was truly something else yes: the whipping, the scourging, the crown of thorns, forced to carry His own cross, then being cruelly nailed to it, in a manner guaranteed to cause the most suffering over the longest period possible, spearing Him in the side, giving Him sour vinegar to drink when He cried out for thirst, plus the host of snide remarks and disrespectful acts as reported by the Good Book.
 
‘And they parted his raiment (divided His garments), and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided (sneered at) him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
 
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar (sour wine), And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew. THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
 
And one of the malefactors (criminals) which were hanged railed on him (blasphemed), saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss (wrong).
 
And he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in heaven.’ (Luke 23:34b-43)
 
And yet my fellow believers, in spite of all the sadistic humiliation and physical torture, as He hung limply and almost lifeless on the rough and rugged wooden cross, Jesus was still able to rise above it all, to prove that He was indeed someone special, someone come to perform a most, or rather the most important event in man’s history, after his creation.
 
Yes my brethren, as He hung there dying, as the lifeblood slowly seeped out of His bruised and battered body, Jesus magnanimously declared the awesome, heart-rending words of our Bit: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’
 
Now my people, if Jesus could utter those miraculous words of forgiveness, after the way in which He was so inhumanely treated, abused with such withering force and callousness, who are we not to forgive our fellow man of the mostly petty wrongs that they do to us eh?
 
None of us have suffered, or will most likely ever suffer one iota of Jesus’ pain or the terrible injustice that was meted out to Him, but He was man enough to forgive, because that was His way.
 
And since He is the author and finisher of our faith, our Lord and Saviour, Leader, Teacher and Spiritual Master, as His true and loyal followers, we’re also expected to follow the same path – that of forgiveness.
 
Oh Friends, I don’t know about you all nuh, but for the last few years, having come to realize the great cruelty and insane torture that Jesus suffered on our behalf; the terrible gouges in His tattered flesh from the whip shrewdly embedded with pieces of metal and other flesh tearing particles, the huge, crude nails driven into His tender hands and feet, then left to bleed to death in the hot, noonday, desert sun…
 
Steups! Ah Lord eh! I can’t truly fathom it all nuh Friends, but it has certainly given me a new sight, a new appreciation of Jesus. And every time I consider the terrible circumstances of His crucifixion, it brings to mind this prayer that I’ve shared before with you.
 
‘Amazing Grace – how sweet the sound – that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. Thank you Father for my new sight in Jesus. Amen.’
 
Oh my people, I do hope that we’re all taking Jesus’ suffering seriously… No that was more than suffering- it was more like ‘sufferation,’ and allowing it to fill our hearts with LOVE and grateful appreciation, which will thus enable us to have a new outlook, a new sight in what Jesus has so selflessly done for us.
 
It is undoubtedly the highest and wisest form of wisdom to which mankind can ever attain. Much LOVE!
 
…if Jesus can forgive man for the excessive cruelty meted out to Him…then man can certainly forgive man for their less excessive wrongs to each other…