Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 February 2014 2 Chronicles 15:1

25 Feb 2014 Leave a comment

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

2 Chronicles 15:1.    And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Happy Tuesday! And everybody looks at me like I’m crazy or something. Well it is Tuesday, and as true believers in Christ, we ought to be full of joy and happiness. So doesn’t that qualify today as Joyful and Happy Tuesday? Well to my simple mind it does!
 
Just having the breath of life flowing through us, being granted it so mercifully, graciously and LOVINGLY by an all- powerful God, is great reason to sing, shout, jump for joy, give much praise and be very thankful!
 
As the once popular song so truthfully advised: ‘Don’t worry, be happy!’ And that’s exactly what many of us supposed believers ought to be doing; concentrating on our wonderful and magnanimous God, instead of our unfortunate circumstances. 
 
For being worried and anxious about the circumstances is not going to solve them, but sincerely communicating with our great Creator and most generous Provider will help us do just that.
 
Oh by the way Friends, I also understand that today is Cuddle Day…Yeah! So please show someone or ones that you care by cuddling with them, not only today, but everyday, if possible, since there’s nothing that shows the LOVE of God, more than being close to, embracing another of God’s most beautiful creation.
 
Although, right now, through our boldfaced disobedience, rebellion and ungodliness, I’m sure He’s having second thoughts about us being His most wonderful creation.
 
However, to try and correct that opinion, let’s go out today and spread some LOVE nuh! Let’s radiate joy and happiness, while giving Jehovah God thanks and praise for all the undeserved goodness and LOVING-kindness with which He’s so generously blessed us.
 
And furthermore mih people, if we adopt that wise attitude and try to practice it on a daily basis, there’ll be such a wonderful improvement in our lives and the world around us, that we’ll be somewhat annoyed with ourselves for not adopting that friendly and godly attitude long before.
 
Now let me go and seek an appropriate Bit, because that rambling preamble is just what the Spirit filled me with as I came downstairs to begin writing. (smile)
 
Oh mih people, mih people, that didn’t take long at all! I just opened the Good Book at an arbitrary spot, and behold, the first words I read were: ‘And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded.’
 
Wow! What a faithful and helpful God! Not only nowadays, but from since the beginning of time! Back then though, under crucial and critical circumstances, He sent His Holy Spirit upon certain individuals, so that they could deliver His message to the people at large.
 
And today we’ll look at a couple of examples from the Old Testament, of the Lord working in that manner. And on the particular occasion referred to in our Bit, the Lord sent the king of Israel His warning through the prophet Azariah.
 
‘And he went out to meet (before) Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
 
Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.’ (2 Chr.15:2-4)
 
Oh my brethren, how many, many times do we read that in the Good Book eh? Whenever a sinful society sincerely sought the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, they ALWAYS FOUND HIM! But the operative word there is SINCERELY. 
 
Now Friends, I believe that’s a very significant sign for us in this godless world of today. We desperately need to SINCERELY seek the face and ears of our omnipotent God, before He destroys us for our wanton sinfulness, gross disobedience and unashamed ungodliness.
 
Now let’s check out another instance of God’s Holy Spirit coming upon an Old Testament individual. This is about the zigzag prophet Balaam, the one who tried to play both ends against the middle, to simultaneously work for God and Beelzebub. (Num.22-24)
 
And that we know is impossible as Jesus so wisely informs us. ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold (be loyal) to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.’ (Matt.6:24)
 
And we all ought to pay special attention to that my brethren, because oftimes, we are indeed trying to do just that, albeit unconsciously.
 
But getting back to Balaam. This time the Lord showed him the error of his ways, causing him to foretell Israel’s happiness to their enemies. ‘And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments (to use sorcery or enchantments), but he set his face towards the wilderness.’ (Num. 24:1) 
 
Ah Friends, yuh see how it is when we try to serve God and mammon at the same time.
 
And the scholars explain that verse thus: ’24:1. Saw that it pleased… went not as at other times, to seek for enchantments: He had not perceived “the angel of the Lord” standing in the way (Num.22:21-32), but he now perceived his enchantments were of no avail. At other times expresses what had been his habit, which extends to his lifestyle, not just the first two times in this account.’
 
Then the Good Book continues: ‘And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents, according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.’ (Num.24:2)
 
Now we won’t get into what Balaam said and did after that, because it would make the Bit much too long. (smile) But we will note how fortunate we are in these dangerous and wicked times to have God’s Holy Spirit continually dwelling within us, through Jesus’ sacrificial and reconciling actions.
 
Now please my fellow believers, let’s use it for the purpose for which it was provided; to lead and guide us in all righteousness and obedience to God’s will. That’s heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
 
…to divine God’s guidance for your life…listen closely to the voice of His Spirit within you…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 January 2014 Romans 13:12

26 Jan 2014 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:12.   The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  

And what is shaping up to be the second best vacation ever, keeps rolling along nicely! Yes Friends, it has indeed been a blessed and joyous eleven days so far on God’s Little Acre! But has it really been eleven days already? Let’s see. I arrived here on the 16th, and today is the 26th. Yeh people, that makes it 11 days inclusive!

Our magnanimous God has certainly shone His incredible favour down on me in those past 11 days. Almost everything I’ve wanted, I’ve been blessed with; from a clean, quiet, comfortable and spacious place to stay, to coconut tart, pigeon peas soup, curry crab and dumpling, sea, sand, salt and good times with old friends and new acquaintances. How can I ever complain eh?
 
Rather, I’m giving thanks and saying ‘Thank You Lord! Thank You ever so much for looking after me! And I pray that as I continue to serve You to the best of my ability, You will keep on blessing me, so that I can bless others.’ Oh my brethren, that’s the only wise and sensible way to go on this evil and ungodly planet!
 
Right now though, at about two thirty on what has turned out to be a bright, sunny and windy Sunday afternoon, I’m having a cup of caffeine, struggling to come awake. Hn, hn! It’s already been a busy day. I was up and off to church for 7.30 this morning. And though it ran for almost two hours, it was interesting and soul searching.
 
I then came home and fed my face and had to catch up with some lost night time rest, for yesterday was hectic. That included a trip in the hot afternoon sun to the Windward side of the island, after my episode in Store Bay. Passing through villages and towns with historic names like, Hope, Mt.St.George, Belle Garden, Roxborough and Delaford, certainly brought back nostalgic memories of my youth on the island.
 
Because of time constraints, we stopped in Delaford at a beach called Kings Bay and hung out there for a short period. Strangely enough though, although the beach seemed fine, either through laziness to change my clothes and then change back again, and /or the movement of the Spirit, I just did not feel like bathing in the sea, and that surely says something.
 
Oh I just had a bit of delicious watermelon from my brother’s garden to cool the heat in the body. (smile) The winding hilly roads of my youth are still there, with very little been done to straighten or widen them. However the surface quality in many parts is crying out for serious fixing.
 
Then by the time I got home and rested some, my half-brother and his wife showed up with the curry crab and dumpling that they had promised to make. Mama Yo! Was it ever delicious mih people! I even got a new convert in the Duchess. (smile) She finally appreciates why I’ve always talked so highly of the exotic T&T dish.
 
And while we were here visiting with my brother and his wife, a party was simultaneously happening somewhere nearby in the compound, with plenty talk, laughter and hot soca riddims rocking through the atmosphere, accompanied at one stage by some brilliant fireworks.
 
At one stage too, a strong wind storm and driving rain erupted. But as anyone from these parts knows, a little wind and rain doesn’t stop the party. It only prevents one from going to work. (smile) Oh the wind and rain were hot to trot this morning too. The radio announcer was warning people not to leave home without their umbrellas, and I drove to church amidst intermittent showers.
 
And that my Friends, is where we stand at this most auspicious moment in time!
 
And for those of you who are fast and inquisitive enough to wonder what was our Number One vacation experience. Well it was a trip the Duchess and I took, what… possibly 20 years ago, to Jamdown, (sweet Jamaica) and stayed far from the madding crowd down in the Parish of Trelawney, renting a townhouse there and going on some guided tours around the island.
 
Now we’ve never been tour people, always wanting to do our own thing, in our own time, but the Lord must have guided us to that, because it was the BEST TIME EVER! The things we did and places we went, are etched indelibly in our hearts minds and souls. And try as we want, we’ll never be able to recreate that enthusiasm and energy that arises in such one in a lifetime occasion.
 
We were young, no younger and stronger then, and could handle the hectic pace that was necessary for those endeavours. Our honeymoon, right here in Tobago, forty odd years ago, has so far been batting number two, but it’s certainly getting a run for its money from this current experience.
 
For your info, it seems that another joyful gathering is taking place nearby in the compound. I can’t see anybody, but the sound of talk, laughter and sweet soca are circulating through the airwaves. It sure seems like a partying compound.
 
 And now that you know as much as I do, (smile) let’s see what out Bit has to offer. ‘The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.’
 
Yes my people, it’s certainly time for us believers to wake up and realize that the powers of darkness are smothering a lot of the world! Believers need to get serious about their Christian faith, to wake up and realize that Beelzebub is on a serious tear. And as Bruh Paul informs us, it’s only by putting on Christ’s armour of light, can we ever hope to beat back and eventually defeat those strong and evil powers that hide within the darkness of the world.
 
And the best way to bring that home to us, is by quoting Bruh Paul’s immortal, admonishing and ‘exhortatious’ (I just like how it sounds) advice to the Ephesians. ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil.
 
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers (world-rulers) of the darkness of this world (age), against spiritual (spiritual hosts of) wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Be ready for constant assaults from the wicked one).
 
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (one).
 
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph.6:10-18)
 
That says it all my brethren! I didn’t plan on quoting the last five verses which describe the spiritual armour, but I knew that very few of us would actually look it up, if I asked us to. So I decided to spoon feed us, (smile) so that we can get the full gist, the real importance of the subject.
 
It makes the Bit longer, but you can’t have it both ways. We need to get clothed, and stay clothed as long as possible in the strengthening and perceptive spiritual armour of God, if we want to bring the world to acceptance and conversion to Jesus.
 
So please, let’s go out and do that today, and every day, while there’s breath in our bodies nuh. That’s the wisdom of the age! Much LOVE!
 
…only as believers are filled with the redeeming Spirit of the Most High…will they be able to put up a good fight against the powers of darkness…  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 January 2014 Psalm 5:3

18 Jan 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 5:3.    My voice shalt thou hear in the morning , O Lord; In the morning I will direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Well Friends, the good news is that we’re somewhat earlier than we were yesterday, but we’re still not as early as I would like. Hopefully though, we’ll get better every day, and though I’m not making any promises because I’m on vacation – va-ca-tion – as the old pop song said, (smile) which I believe was sung by Connie Francis.

 
Anyway, at long last, on my third day in Paradise, I finally got the salt water that I’ve been so avidly desiring. I never rushed into it, partly because of the internet problems I was having, and also because I’ve learned my lesson from the time I went to California a few years ago.
 
That time I was real hot to trot, and though the sea was some distance away, and everybody else was too busy to accompany me, I jumped in the car and headed for the beach. Disappointingly, I ended up on a dismal patch of sand on the Pacific side, with cold, rough water, lost my wedding ring of thirty something years, then also lost my way back home.
 
But as always Friends, the Lord sent a couple of good Samaritans to help me out, and I returned home safely, having given my family some anxious moments. So now, with that lesson in mind, a rather expensive one, I’m trying my best not to fight against His will. Hn! Hn! I even ended up on two obscure beaches today since I didn’t feel like handling the crowds on the popular beaches.
 
The first, Arnos Vale beach, was a little too rocky and unpredictable underfoot for my liking. So after having a dip there, we hit Grange beach, which had better footing. And though they were both less than calm, I enjoyed Grange more because of the more sandy and predictable footing.
 
But brother, this area I’m in always seems to have a strong breeze blowing. Around 3 a.m. this morning, I was outside on the balcony and the wind was blowing so powerfully, that you would have thought a storm was blowing. It reminded be of the winds back in the North Country – only this wind was warm! (smile)
 
And as I was telling the Duchess earlier on, I feel somewhat guilty, because since I’m down here I don’t even remember the cold up in Canada. But as she so wisely said, I’d better forget the guilt and enjoy it, because we’ll soon be back in the cold. So I’m going to listen the duchess – as I always do anyway. (smile)
 
However my people, let’s cut to the chase and get into the Bit. I’m expecting some friends to come by and visit later, and today I intend to take my own advice; drunk or sober mind your business. Unfortunately I didn’t do that yesterday, so the Bit didn’t get done till very late, and I’m not going to allow it to happen again today.
 
So here goes: ‘My voice shalt thou hear in the morning , O Lord; In the morning I will direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.’
 
Yes my brethren, prayer is our lifeline, our umbilical cord, our connection to our heavenly Father! And the good thing about it is that we don’t need any man-made devices to call on Him, just a right heart and a clean spirit.
 
So what scriptures pertaining to the importance of prayer in a believer’s life are we going to look at today? Let’s start with Psalm 63, where Bruh David talks about God satisfying  the thirsty soul. That’s something he wrote while hiding out in the wilderness of Judah from his enemies.
 
And he begins it with this powerful verse: ‘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 there is no water.’ (Ps.63:1) 
 
Then not satisfied to stop just there, he continues to pour out his heart to his God. ‘To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary (so have I looked for thee out here). 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.63:2-5)
 
Oh my fellow believers, is that the way we feel about our God? Is that the way we hunger and thirst for Him and His righteousness? And are our souls contented with His grace and mercy, so that we can praise Him with joyful lips? That is how it ought to be my brethren! And if we aren’t doing and feeling those things, then we’re foolishly missing out on a lot of God’s good blessings.
 
As the scholars say: ‘Psalm 63. The location of the writing of the psalm is described generally as in the wilderness of Judah. Unlike many of the psalms written in these dire situations, however, this psalm is overflowing with thanksgiving rather than lament and petition. David declares his longing for spiritual renewal (vv.1-2), he expresses his thankful mood (vv.3-6), he gives voice to his trust in God (vv.7-8), and he announces his hope for the future (vv.9-11). Enemies are mentioned only in passing (vv.9-10).’
 
Oh mih people, would we have been able to show such trust, desire and LOVE for God under such dire circumstances? I truly doubt it. We find it difficult to praise and thank Him when things are going well, much less when they are rough. But Friends that’s the attitude true believers ought to be able to display. In rough times we ought to have enough confidence in our omnipotent and magnanimous God not to whimper and turn turncoat.
 
And that’s the biggest problem with Christians today; we talk the good talk, but  when the rough times crop up, we don’t run to the one place and person who can truly provide refuge and sustenance; our wonderful God. Instead we quickly turn to the cheap, perishable man-made devices and seek help from powerless, fallible men like ourselves. That’s not wisdom Friends.
 
So I’m saying to us today, that the first place we must turn in ANY kind of situation, is to Almighty God, our Creator, Provider and Protector!
 
That’s what He is there for. He prides Himself on being able to help His children, and if we don’t turn to Him FIRST, He feels very disappointed and offended. If He wants us to turn to other men for help, then He will direct us to them, after we talk to Him.
 
And that my people is one of the reasons why we and our resultant world are in such bad shape, we simply don’t talk seriously and enough to Father God. I’m therefore asking us today to try and change that unwise attitude by turning to Him for help and guidance in every situation, through constant, genuine, heartfelt prayer, for that is wisdom at its finest. Much LOVE!
 
…only sincere prayer to our heavenly Father…can set the captive’s soul free…  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 December 2013 Ecclesiastes 12:14

20 Dec 2013 Leave a comment

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

Ecclesiastes 12:14.   For God shall bring every work into judgement with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
 
And then it was Friday – a wintry Friday! There’s already some precipitation on the ground in my area – not much, but precipitation nonetheless. And who knows what’s going to follow eh; snow or freezing rain, or a combination of both? Anyhow we cut it, if the weather people are right, today’s going to be a dangerous day.
 
So please people, let’s all take very good care as we go about our business outside, for the weather conditions will not be ideal… Hn! And we don’t want any accidents or misfortunes just before Christmas. So if you don’t HAVE to go out, then DON’T GO OUT! Words of true wisdom Friends. (smile)
 
I also noticed that the weather warning somewhat dampened our usually glorious shout of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ But with prayer and care, we ought to make it safely through another winter’s day.
 
And to top it all off, let’s chant out Friday chant, with joy and gladness, simply because we’re alive and kicking, have jobs to go to, and live under the umbrella of a mighty, magnificent and magnanimous God!
 
So my brethren, 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.’
 
Now let’s get that perspective firmly grounded in our beings, so that we can live it out over the weekend. And do we ever need stuff like that to keep us on the straight and narrow, especially when we have a Bit like today’s: ‘For God shall bring every work into judgement with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’
 
Yeh mih people, all our words and actions WILL indeed be judged on the big day! But as the saying goes; to be forewarned is to be forearmed. So now that we know what’s going to eventually happen, we have no excuses for making bad, or wrong, or evil decisions and choices.
 
Yesterday we saw the Preacher telling us to sow diligently in the mornings, then in the evenings, hold out our hands expectantly, in faith, because we don’t know which seed that we planted will prosper. But then again, in our rejoicing, we also have to pay attention to the many dark days of trial and struggle that will surely come during our lifetimes. It’s a fine balancing act my brethren! That’s what life is.
 
Now hear this wise advice from the preacher to the young. Oh if many of us had heard it when we were young!
 
‘Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways (impulses) of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes (as you see to be best): but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement. Therefore remove sorrow (vexation) from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth (prime of life) are vanity.’ (Eccl.11:9-10)
 
And isn’t that the awesome truth my people! When we are young, we feel the world’s our oyster, and we can do whatever we want to, without fear of repercussions or consequences. But that’s a deceitful conception, propagated by evildoers, for as we are seeing, God will one day judge all that we ever did here on planet earth.
 
And please note the scholars’ take on the situation. ‘Once again the exhortation to enjoyment is put in the imperative mood. Here the appeal is particularly addressed to the youth to admonish him to enjoy life before the onset of the feeble years described in 12:1-7.
 
Verse 9 can hardly be taken in a hedonistic sense, because the controlling factor in the youth’s enjoyment is said to be God’s judgement. Rather, it is a warning against a life misspent in self-indulgence.’
 
Oh Friends, the sooner we learn these lessons, the better off we’ll all be! For yesterday we saw Jesus declare the truth of the judgement day. (Matt.12:35-37) Now listen to Bruh Paul in his first missive to the church at Corinth, talking about real judgement.
 
‘For I know nothing by (against) myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest (reveal) the counsels (motives) of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.’ (1 Cor.4:4-5)
 
Ah mih people, more words of divine truth, which will do us a lot of good to hear and inwardly digest! 
 
And here’s an interesting note from the scholars’. ‘4:4. I know nothing by myself (lit. “I know nothing against myself”). This sort of total commitment gave Paul the authority to make such a statement as “be ye followers of me” (cf. 1 Cor.4:16; 11:1).’
 
Yes Friends, let’s be followers of Bruh Paul nuh, as he was a follower of Jesus! We certainly can’t go wrong if we follow his example. Much LOVE!
 
…and the heavens shall declare his righteousness…for God is JUDGE himself…  Selah (Ps.50:6)
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 December 2013 Psalm 89:1

13 Dec 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 89:1.  I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday…Friday the 13th! Now does that raise fears in your spirit, re it being an unlucky day? I surely hope not, because there’s absolutely nothing to fear from a Friday that falls on the 13th day of the month.
 
It’s just a bunch of superstitions dating back to who knows when and where! They can’t even decide where it originally came from. So we’ll repeat, there’s nothing to be afraid of on this Friday 13th December 2013, or any other Friday 13th at all!
 
And that’s especially so if you’re a true believer in Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and Saviour. He’s faithfully promised to save us from any evil, so there’s nothing to be afraid of. And just in case you’re one of those who have difficulty handling a Friday 13th, then you’re probably suffering from ‘Paraskevidekatriaphobics.’
 
Yes Friends, it’s a big word for a fear that ought not to exist! So please keep joyfully shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ because whether it’s called black, or misfortune, or unlucky Friday, it’s still the day before the weekend, and there’s no labour for two, whole, big, long days! (smile)
 
And to keep us on the right track, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much affirmation nuh. ‘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.’
 
Now that’s the right way to view the weekend my people! And in conjunction with our Bit, we shall certainly stand strong this weekend.
 
Our Bit comes from Psalm 89, which deals with God’s sure promises to Bruh David. It’s a contemplation written by Ethan the Ezrahite, a man of much wisdom, (1 Kin.4:31) and also one of the singers in Bruh David’s band. (1 Chr.15:19)
 
So he was well qualified to declare in the opening verse: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.’
 
And this Christmas season my brethren, is certainly a time to sing of and make known to all and sundry, the great mercies and the everlasting faithfulness of our omnipotent and magnanimous God!
 
Look, He promised to deliver us from sin and its ravages, death eternal, and in response sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to do it, thus giving us the two greatest gifts ever known to man; salvation and eternal life! Wow! Now how can we not jump and shout for joy at those two life saving and life giving situations eh?
 
And as the psalmist continues: ‘For I have said, Mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations.  Selah.’ (Ps.89:2-4)
 
And all of that is gospel truth my Friends! And if you don’t believe me, then listen to these scriptures which declare and establish that LOVING-kindness and faithfulness of our eternal God.
 
Psalm 102, a cry in distress, puts it thus: ‘Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure (continue): yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
 
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed (descendants) shall be established before thee.’ (Ps.102:25-28)
 
Who says our God isn’t merciful, LOVING, faithful, omnipotent and true eh! He certainly is my people, as all of us can attest to in so many aspects of our lives!
 
And we’ll end today with this outstanding verse from Isaiah, where the faithful are called to courage. ‘Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax (grow) old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished (broken).’ (Is.51:6)
 
Oh my people, please hang on tightly to those words of our ever-faithful God, because it’s in His words, His promises, that we find courage, perseverance and steadfast faith to bear our burdens as pilgrims on this evil, ungodly earth!
 
And we’ll have more corroborative scripture on this topic tomorrow to boost our spirits, provided the Lord’s in favour, of course.
 
But till then my Friends and fellow believers, please, please, let’s stand steadfast and strong, and sing staunchly and proudly of our God; of His mercies, His LOVING-kindness, His forgiveness, His grace and all the other wonderful stuff that He’s so faithfully and LOVINGLY provided to help us on our short sojourn here on earth. Much LOVE!
 
…when God’s people stand strong…in faith…LOVE…and mercy…the whole world takes notice…and stands up in respect, in veneration…of His awesome majesty…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 December 2013 Matthew 6:25

07 Dec 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 6:25.    Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for (do not worry about) your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink: nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat (food), and the body more than raiment (clothes)?

Oh Friends, at last Nelson Mandela, ‘the Son of Africa, father of freedom’ as the newspaper termed him, has gone home to be with his Maker. His early days on earth were filled with poverty and struggle in a racist, apartheid South Africa, then his middle years with lonely incarceration on a barren island, from which though he arose like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes to lead his nation to democracy.  

And although his last days on earth were filled with sickness and family dissension, he will always be remembered as a giant of a man in personality and decency, whom the whole world gathered around to fight poverty and racial injustice.

Oh my people, if our troubled world only had a few more decent, upstanding leaders like him, then it would be a much better place to dwell. And though his country, South Africa is still riddled with problems, his name will always stand at its masthead as being the one who finally set it on the right path.

Nelson Mandela, you will always be remembered as a statesman extraordinaire. We mourn your passing, but it was time for you to rest from the problems of this world, to finally go home.

We LOVE you, and will always think fondly of you, as we write your name indelibly in the history books of life.  And that’s as it should be Friends, because he gave people hope for a better future. Wish the same could be said of the leaders who remain.

Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for (do not worry about) your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink: nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat (food) and the body more than raiment (clothes)?’

Gospel truth my brethren! As Jesus proved to us yesterday, showing how nature is taken care of by our wonderful Creator, with the flowers of the fields even better dressed than Cousin Sol in his Sunday best. And since we’re much more important than they are, why wouldn’t He look after us in an even better manner eh?

Jesus then ended by pointing out that our problem stemmed from a lack of, or only a small amount of faith in our heavenly Father. (Matt.6;26-30) And we know if Jesus said that, then it must be true.

Today we’ll continue with Jesus’ discourse on the subject, where He sincerely advises us: ‘Therefore take no thought (do not worry), saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.’ (Matt.6:31-32)

And Friends, if the God that we serve and worship is truly our Creator, then we shouldn’t need Jesus to tell us that.  We claim that He’s omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, can do anything at all, and above all else, WE ARE His children. So what are we saying then when we don’t depend on Him, that He’s an absentee, unsupportive father, like so many of us mortal fathers?

It would seem so, by the way we try in our own strength, and that of our fellow man, to get the material things of life, idolizing them so much that we often suffer from debilitating stress and abnormal anxiety in our rush, our impatience, to acquire them. And though we know the pratfalls of running down material things, yet we still do it. That’s certainly not wisdom my people.

Now let’s hear the wise way as declared by Jesus. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33) 

Wow Friends! That’s more plain, simple and straightforward talking by our Lord and Saviour! Again, to be considered His true followers, we need to live by His dictates, which unfortunately too many of us aren’t doing, and thus we are experiencing all kinds of problems in our lives.

And now that we know why we’re experiencing so many problems, (smile) let’s smarten up and take His divine advice nuh. ‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow (therefore do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt.6:34)

More words of absolute truth from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! When are going to listen to Him eh, to take Him seriously?  When it’s too late? Oh my fellow believers, please let’s stop running down the material things of the world, especially if we can’t truly afford them and have to almost literally kill ourselves to get them!

Now let’s end with some thoughts form the scholars on those last two verses, perhaps something they say will get through to us. (smile) ‘6:33-34. This portion of the Sermon on the Mount is summarized by the statement seek ye first the kingdom of God. The disciples who have pledged their allegiance to the King must continue seeking the kingdom and its righteousness.

The present imperative form of the verb (Gr. zeteo) indicates a continual or constant seeking. The contrast between the spiritual and the material is again emphasized. The believer is to seek first the righteousness that is characteristic of God’s kingdom and then all these things (material things) shall be added to him. When our priority is spiritual, God will take care of the material, for where God guides, He provides.

We need not worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (v.34). This means that each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.‘

So my people, having heard all the reasons for not worrying and truly depending on our magnanimous God to take care of our daily needs, let’s get serious and cut back on the worrying and running down the things of the world, for we can only use so much stuff at any one time, and even more exasperating is that we can’t take any of it with us.

Please, let’s ponder those words today, and ask God for His divine help. You know He will never say us nay. Much LOVE!

…the fear of man bringeth a snare (trap)…but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe …secure…set on high… (Prov.29:25)

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 October 2013 Matthew 5:6

25 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:6.    Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
 
Oh Friends, one more day, one more day we’re alive and kicking on God’s bountiful earth, filled with hope and faith!
 
And we’re filled with so much hope and faith in the wonderful promises of Jesus Christ and Almighty God, that we can truly call ourselves lifelong prisoners of hope and faith!
 
Wow! What a wonderful body, the church of Christ, we belong to eh! And the best part of it all is that today’s Friday, the last day of the workweek before the upcoming glorious weekend.
 
And to that news, there’s a sterling shout: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday yes, and massa work soon done! Thank God for Friday and the weekend! Glory Hallelujah!’
 
And Friends, before we run off and spoil the weekend by doing too many ungodly and worldly things, let’s chant our Friday Chant, which will hopefully keep us in check, show us the way, and light our path.
 
As one grateful voice now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
 
Yes my people, we need to have a general modicum of circumspection in life, but especially on the weekends, where we tend to get easily lost in and taken up with fleshly lusts.
 
Oh, and please remember that resolution we made over the last couple days, to try and change the world in some form and fashion, each and every day. We really shouldn’t have to be reminded of it, because it’s our bounden duty, for some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples was to go out and evangelize the world.
 
And He gave them this Great Commission: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt.28:19-20)
 
And there you have our basic purpose on this earth my brethren! So trying to change the world is not a new thing. And in any case we can’t change much, if anything, without the desires and emotions contained in our Bit, truly beating in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’
 
Yeh people, it’s the same Beatitude from yesterday, because there were a few scriptures I wanted to include and couldn’t, for it would have made the message exceedingly long. Yuh see mih people, all yuh see how I’m looking out for your best interests, keeping in mind your busy schedules! (smile)
 
And the first scripture I want to share comes from Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Even as a young girl, but filled with the Holy Spirit, she knew about hungering and thirsting after righteousness. We see that after she was told about her upcoming spiritual pregnancy and went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, only to find her, who was once considered barren, pregnant with John the Baptist.
 
Thereafter, in her song of praise,  ‘The Magnificat,’ she proudly and confidently proclaims: ‘He hath put down the mighty from their seats (thrones), and exalted them of low degree (the lowly). He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen (helped) his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.’ (Luke 1:52-54)
 
Ah Friends, even when we don’t remember or deserve God’s mercy, it’s still there held out to us!
 
Meanwhile, Isaiah, in God’s free offer of mercy to all, enthusiastically declares: ‘Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.’ (Is.55:1)
 
Oh Friends, our God is unmatched in His generosity! From way back when He’s been offering those who were spiritually hungry and thirsty to come to His magnificently laid table and feast on His scrumptious delights FOR FREE!
 
What a most magnanimous God we serve and worship, my brethren! His mercy and salvation are open to all; you just have to believe and accept it. No other supposed deity has ever offered, or can ever offer such a wondrous opportunity for fallen man! 
 
And we’ll close with some more poignant, but grave warning words from Isaiah. ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl (wail) for vexation (grief) of spirit.’ (Is.65:13-14)
 
Oh Friends, I can’t put it any simpler or better than that. As the old people would say, the Lord’s reading and spelling for us there. And sadly, nothing has changed after so many thousands of years; man is still rebellious, possibly more so, especially with his new found technological toys.
 
But wonder of wonders, our great God is still holding out the carrot to us, it’s now up to us to take it and show true wisdom. Please, let’s all do that today nuh. Much LOVE!
 
…when divine mercy is held out… is offered for free…a prisoner of faith and hope…wisely grasps and holds on tightly to it…holds on for dear life… 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 August 2013 Psalm 118:14

16 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 118:14.    The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation.

 
And then it was Friday again mih people; the eve of the weekend, the short weekly reprieve from massa’s labour.
 
And all the working people joyfully declared: ‘Thank God is Friday yes! This labouring business getting too hard now oui! What with all the layoffs and cutbacks, we doing even more work now than before, for the same measly pittance. Is time for a four or three day workweek yes! Why we have to work more than twice the amount of time we rest eh?’
 
Good question Friends, but one that I can only guess at an answer. That being, is so the oppressive and greedy owners of the capital see it. And we lucky to be even getting two days off a week, because many people around the world still labouring seven days a week for not even a liveable wage.
 
That’s just the way world is set up, where the strong, the rich and powerful fix things to suit their own selfish ends and purposes, with little, if any regard or respect for the wishes and feelings of their fellowman. Anyway, the whys and wherefores are now elementary, we just have to live with it and say, the Lord be praised.
 
But in addition to that we can chant our Friday Chant, which gives us a bright and true perspective on the weekend and its uses. So let’s all chant with loud, sweet, harmonious voices. ‘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.’
 
Now that’s how we ought to face the weekend my people! And furthermore, let’s add our Bit to the mix. ‘The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation.’ That gives us an even better perspective, since we’re all better off when the Lord God Jehovah is our rock and high tower, our strength and our fortress.
 
And the psalmist was so moved by our Bit, that he continued in full adoring and reverent voice: ‘The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles (tents) of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.’ (Ps.118:15-17)
 
Yes Friends, all of that is the absolutely incontestable, irrevocable truth! For rejoicing and salvation is indeed found wherever the righteous gather! 
 
And as for the Lord’s right hand…Hn! It’s just mighty and magnificent to whatever purpose it’s put to; whether as a tool of justice, war, basic strength or mercy! That’s why it’s so exalted!
 
And as true believers, we will certainly not die, but live joyfully declaring the awesome works of the Lord to all and sundry, all over the world.
 
Oh my brethren, what an important role we have to play in the bringing of lost souls to Jesus! It’s actually the most important role of each believer’s earthly life. All others are subject and secondary to that one.
 
And that great man of God, Isaiah, felt it so forcefully and completely that he couldn’t help but make this profound proclamation. ‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he has also become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
 
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings (deeds) among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.’ (Is.12:2-6)
 
Oh mih breddren, what lovely praise and exaltation on behalf of our wonderful, magnificent, majestic and magnanimous God! 
 
There’s nothing I can say to add to or better that, except possibly this last sentence from the scholars’ explanation. ‘With beautiful imagery, Isaiah closes this section of prophecy with a triumphal doxology of praise.’
 
And that’s gospel Friends! So please, today and everyday henceforth, let’s find some way, regardless of how small it might be, to make a positive difference in our troubled, calamitous, evil and godless world. 
 
For without our righteous action in Jesus’ holy name, our badly guided world will continue to wallow in the mire of greed, evil, oppression and deceit, and will eventually end up in hell in a hand basket.
 
Remember though, that out job is to prevent such a disastrous thing from happening. So let’s get some serious action going along those lines my people, so that our heavenly Father can look down on us and be pleased, and not regret that He ever sacrificed His One Son for our abominable sins.
 
Remember too, that any time we don’t walk in the Father’s will, we’re making a mockery of Jesus’ death. And we definitely don’t want to do that. Nuff said.
 
Now let’s go out and put our hands to the plough. And remember – don’t ever look back. Much LOVE!
 
…the pilgrim’s earthly journey is rough…but with Jesus first and foremost in his heart…the endless miles pass away like nothing…under his divinely guided feet…  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 August 2013 Acts 9:16

11 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

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

Acts 9:16.   For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
 
Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in God’s great world! And all God’s children declared a loud and joyous,’ Praise the Lord, for He is indeed a wonderful and most LOVING God!’ And He surely is brethren, no ifs ands or buts about that!
 
Anyway, to begin, I want to share these words from an introduction to a little booklet called, ‘A Journey of LOVE – Walking with St. Therese of Liseaux.’ That’s the patron Saint of the Society of the Little Flower run by the Carmelites. The intro is written by Fr. John F. Russell, and he says of St. Therese: ‘Her spirituality focuses upon the twofold commandment of the Judaeo- Christian tradition: LOVE for God and LOVE for neighbour.
 
To live out these commandments requires patience, perseverance, sacrifice and self-emptying LOVE in the manner of Jesus Christ. The outcome is holiness of life marked by joy, peace, maturity and courage, all characteristics of opening one’s heart to God’s grace. St. Therese’s story reveals a heart available daily to the LOVE and the call of Jesus Christ.’
 
Oh my people, all those things greatly concern us too, but the million-dollar question is if our hearts are ‘available daily to the LOVE and the call of Jesus Christ?’ Let’s hope so. And if they aren’t, then let’s come humbly before the Lord and sincerely ask for His help to make them so.
 
Now hopefully today will be the last day for this particular Bit. Hn, hn! But I’m not making any promises, (smile) since according to the Good Book it’s better not to promise than to promise and not make good on it. (Eccl. 5:5)
 
At times our Lord can definitely be a hard, but always fair, taskmaster, as He says of Bruh Paul: ‘For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.’
 
And Bruh Paul did undergo a lot of ‘sufferation’ in his most valiant and awesome efforts to spread the good news of Christ’s gospel, as we’ve been seeing over the last few days. Today though, I want us to focus on some of his personal feelings and sentiments towards that ‘sufferation.’ And we’re going to start in 2 Corinthians, where he talks about the thorn in his flesh.
 
‘And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet (beat) me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought (pleaded with) the Lord thrice (three times), that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength (power) is made perfect in weakness.
 
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities (weaknesses), that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.’ (2 Cor.12:7-10)
 
Mama Mia! Ah my fellow believers, can we echo Bruh Paul’s sentiments there? I don’t think many of us can. I certainly can’t. But I do know about the thorns of the flesh business, because over the years I’ve been plagued by several long term illnesses, like asthma, back and knee problems. And though the severity of each thorn eases up after a while, they don’t ever go away, so I’ve learned to be careful and don’t do certain things to aggravate them, or do them sparingly.
 
Now here are some interesting comments from the scholar’s on Bruh Paul’s problem. ‘Paul’s thorn in the flesh is characterized further as a messenger of Satan. Just what Paul means by this is not clear. Among the views suggested are (1) temptations from the Devil, (2) Paul’s opposition from his adversaries, (3) some intense bodily pain, (4) a recurring physical affliction such as eye trouble, or (5) even some form of mental or psychological distress.
 
Whatever the case, it was a tool of Satan, it was painful (‘thorn’), and it was accompanied by shame or embarrassment to the apostle. A fairly strong argument can be sustained in favour of the view that it was eye trouble (opthalmia). See also Acts 13:9; 23:1; Galatians 4:14-15; 6:11.’
 
Aye Friends, yuh think it easy living for Christ? Not really nuh, but it’s all very possible if we are serious about it and invoke the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. And by the way, I don’t think my thorns were, or are Satan induced, (smile) but more like the Lord’s doing to keep me under control, away from stuff that would spoil my testimony and show His strength in my weakness. 
 
But my brethren I think we’ll stop here for today, since the rest of what I had planned to say will make the Bit too long, having in mind our busy lives and short attention spans. (smile) In any case we already have enough stuff to chew on, enough food for thought today. So please read, mark, meditate and inwardly digest the info so that we can raise the level of our maturity in Christ. And that is undoubtedly wisdom for all the ages; those past, present and yet to come!
 
It also looks like I was wise not to promise that today would be the last one for this Bit. (smile) So Friends, the Lord in favour, tomorrow we’ll continue with it. Until then, may our magnificent and magnanimous God bless and keep us safely under His protective umbrella, and may He grant us His peace that surpasses all human understanding, till we meet again, here on earth, or in the hereafter. Much LOVE!
 
…though it’s not easy to live for Christ…the fact of the matter is…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 August 2013 Philippians 4:13

06 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 4:13.    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella actually went out yesterday afternoon. Wow! Strange things do happen at times yes! (smile) My young daughter came and picked me up in her fancy SUV and took me down to a Calypso showcase of local talent at Harbourfront, a multiple events place on the Toronto Waterfront.
 
Oh, it felt so good to be chauffeured for a change, and in style to boot, instead of always being the chauffeur. Some of you might be able to appreciate and understand the feeling, as you’re in the same boat. But it’s nice to be able to gaze around and see the myriad of things that you don’t, or shouldn’t see when you’re driving.
 
Anyway, I missed the first half of the show, but what I experienced was excellent and it had a good and appreciative crowd. The backing band, Ossie Gurley, was nice and tight, but as it should be, the reigning Calypso Monarch of Canada, Macoumere Fifi, stole the show with her rendition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a caricature of the Mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, and his brother Doug, who seems to be the de facto Mayor, as he cleans up, or tries to clean up his brother’s mistakes.
 
They behave as though Toronto is their personal fiefdom, but sadly have become a laughingstock around the world because of their unwise shenanigans, and consequently the city has suffered a serious decrease in believability.
 
But as they say, you get the government you deserve, and where there’s no prophetic vision, the people perish, because they cast off all restraints and do their own thing. And that is exactly what’s happening in the good city of Toronto today. The leaders are behaving like buffoons, being more divisive and argumentative and involved in power struggles, rather than doing the jobs they were elected to do. 
 
Anyway, we’ll pray for them and leave them in God’s hand, because only He can change the hearts and minds of those He created. And furthermore, He’s decreed that today be a day of Biblical Affirmations; pieces of scripture that we can write indelibly in our hearts and souls that will help us fend off Lucifer when he attacks us, or just generally in times of trouble.
 
Remember we had affirmation day a few weeks ago. Now we’ll run through some more scriptures that are useful to keep us strong and steadfast in faith. And we’ll begin with our Bit, which generally correlates all our endeavours. ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!’
 
Now Friends, that is undeniable truth! That’s simply because it is the power of Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit working in us that enables us to handle all and sundry situations, regardless of what they might be. Without that power of Christ’s Spirit enabling us, we wouldn’t last very long in this evil, dog eat dog world.
 
And listen to these words of ultimate wisdom from Cousin Sol nuh. ‘Commit thy works (roll on the Lord thy works), and thy thoughts shall be established.’ (Prov.16:3) Now there’s no doubting the substantial truth in that verse my brethren.
 
And what about this reassuring verse from Jeremiah eh? ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’ (Jer.29:11)
 
Oh Friends, from that we ought to draw immense assurance, because the Lord has spelled out His plans for us, plans which are full of hope and a bright future.
 
Next up is this powerful verse from Hebrews. ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)’ (Heb.10:23) Ah mih breddren, how can that not calm our souls re the Lord’s faithfulness eh!
 
And we also need to hear this other verse from Hebrews, which deals with our faith and faithfulness. ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb.11:6)
 
And that my people, is the gospel truth of all gospel truths! For if we don’t have faith and believe that God is who He says He is and does what He says, then we’ll be shut out of the Lord’s mercies, blessings and LOVING-kindness.
 
Now hear these words of Bruh Paul to the Corinthians, based on Is.64:4 and 65:17. ‘But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that LOVE Him.’ (1 Cor.2:9)
 
Wow! Oh my fellow believers yuh hear that? We can’t begin to understand or even imagine what our mighty, magnanimous and LOVING God has prepared for those who LOVE and serve Him with reverence and awe!
 
And we’ll end with this most appropriate scripture from Romans: ‘What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:31)
 
And the answer to that question my Friends is a loud, defiant and definite ‘NOBODY!’
 
Now my people, let’s ponder those scriptures and write them in our hearts, so that in the day and time of need, we can raise them up and find the strength, wisdom, faith, assurance and courage to stand tall and walk proudly on this our pilgrim’s journey here on planet earth.
 
For that my brethren is the absolute wisdom of and for these perilous times! Much LOVE!
 
…to believe in Jesus…is certainly more assuring and heart-warming…than believing in the things of the world…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries