Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 June 2014 Acts 3:18

11 Jun 2014 Leave a comment

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

Acts 3:18.   But those things which God before had showed (foretold) by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should (would) suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 

Wednesday, oh Wednesday! A rose by any other name is just as sweet! 

And likewise, though our paths today may be fraught with thorns and other obstacles, because of the divine and tender mercies and the abundant blessings of our omnipotent and most magnanimous God, we Christians will do right well! For His Holy Spirit WILL lead and guide us successfully through all the rough patches of this beautiful day.

And all God’s people said a loud, hearty and grateful, ‘Thank You Lord! You are indeed the GREATEST! That’s why we serve and worship and honour You with all our hearts, souls, bodies and minds! In Jesus’ name we declare this! Amen.’

Yes Friends, the opening portion of our day is ever so important in how the rest of it unfolds! If we begin it right, and that’s by acknowledging God the Father, we will be imbued with strength, courage and confidence to face whatever comes our way, each and every day that we draw breath on God’s great planet earth. We need to thank Him early on for that wonderful blessing of life, and ask for His wise direction, His will and His plan for our steps that day.

Now my people, let’s continue to look at some of the things that happened at that fateful Pentecost time when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon all believers, as faithfully promised by the prophets, and also by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I believe that until we understand the things that it wrought in the early days of Christianity, we will not fully comprehend what’s happening today in our walk of faith.

Now yesterday we left off where Peter and John had healed the lame man begging at the Beautiful gate of the temple, and how he held on to them and jumped for joy, praising the Lord. And all the people ran towards them at Solomon’s porch in great wonder and amazement.

Then Peter preached his second great sermon of Pentecost, again with his focus on Jesus Christ. ‘And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly (intently) on us, as though by our own power or holiness (godliness) we had made this man to walk?

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

And killed the Prince (Author) of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; wherefore we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him (comes through Jesus) hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

And now brethren, I wot (know) that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things which God before had showed (foretold) by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should (would) suffer, he hath so fulfilled.’ (Acts 3:12-18)

Ah mih breddren, there are so many people out there in the cruel, evil and ungodly world today who need to hear those words, so that they can do as Peter further contends: ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution (restoration) of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.’ (Acts 3:19-21)

Oh my people, as John the Baptist came out of the wilderness preaching so long ago: ‘And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (near).’ (Matt.3:2) And furthermore, as Jesus Himself, after His baptism by John ‘began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (near).’ (Matt.4:17)

So do we, in these last terrible days, need to get that most important message of repentance, of its urgency, across to this unbelieving world in which we currently live. Because without it, too many of God’s greatest creation will be sadly separated from Him for all eternity after Jesus returns to set up His glorious kingdom, to which all the signs point as fairly imminent.

And being ambassadors of Christ in these fateful times, it is our bounden duty to spread the word, to let people know what’s happening, by the words we speak, and the faithful way in which we live. But unfortunately, through fear, anxiety, or just plain ‘doh careness’ (smile) we are not doing the job to the best of our ability, and thus uninformed and misinformed people are suffering.

Unwisely, they are looking to the things of the world to give them succour, when we very well know that it’s only the LOVE of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit dwelling in us can do that on a long tem basis. So why aren’t we doing better eh Friends?

As I keep reminding us, it is ONLY we Christian folk who can bring some good changes to our wicked world. For even though the evil doers are very happy and contented with the situation, they are still working hard to make it worse, while we strong and invincible soldiers of Christ, sit around and moan and groan and complain about our rights and faith being curtailed.

Oh my people, I heard this saying on the television yesterday, referring to our upcoming Provincial Elections, and it also holds quite true of our faith situation. The caller declared that a citizen who doesn’t pray and doesn’t vote, is not entitled to complain.

The same goes for us supposed believers, who don’t do very much or anything at all to move the faith forward; we have no right to complain about what the evildoers are doing. And I’ll leave us to ponder on that thought for today. Much LOVE!

…he who is able to do…but will not do…is an abomination to the name and cause of Jesus…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 June 2014 Acts 14:22

05 Jun 2014 Leave a comment

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

Acts 14:22.     Confirming (strengthening) the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

So what’s happening this fine Thursday morning eh Friends? I do hope that we’re all prepared to receive the new blessings and mercies that our wonderful Lord has earmarked for distribution today to His faithful and obedient followers.
 
And all God’s people mouthed a most grateful, ‘Thank You Lord! We Love You and praise Your Holy Name!’
 
Now here is the second half of the I CAN DO statements, acclamations of faith to get us started on our journey of faith today.
 
Please affirm with me: ‘I CAN have victory in my life by dealing with the things that are keeping me from God’s best. I AM confronting my struggles head on so I CAN overcome them. God has given me the power to rise above.
 
He has given me the strength to focus on Him and push through. NOTHING will hold me back! This is my declaration of what I CAN do through Christ!’
 
Now my people, let’s take that seriously and get ourselves together and DO what we just affirmed that we CAN and WILL DO! It’s the only way to move forward successfully in this life! 
 
That brings us to our Bit: ‘Confirming (strengthening) the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.’
 
Oh Friends, that’s exactly what we are endeavouring to do through the Bit; strengthen our souls so that we can continue strong in the faith, while keeping in mind the fact that we will suffer trials simply by being a follower of Jesus. So it’s all good stuff. (smile)
 
And though it can indeed be a struggle to live a good life, walking in Jesus’ footsteps, glorifying our heavenly Father, as faithful believers, we must do it, never giving up, persevering despite what ever comes against us, for in due time we will be well rewarded.
 
Now let’s continue where we left off yesterday, by looking at a couple of scripture passages that corroborate the second half of our Bit: ‘and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.’
 
I know it doesn’t cause much interest and excitement to think that we need to see troubles to enter God’s kingdom, but that’s what the Word says, and the Word doesn’t lie. However, it does promise great rewards if we stand strong in the testing of our faith.
 
Listen to Bruh Paul as he tells the church at Rome about living life in the Spirit. ‘So then they that be in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
 
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (give life to) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
 
Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bchildren of god, heirs of god, beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
 
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.’(Rom.8:8-18)
 
Yes my brethren, the only way to live this earthly life successfully is being led and guided by the Holy Spirit of God, and not by the fleshly lusts of our carnal bodies!
 
And as Bruh Paul says in the last verse there, the trials and tribulations we endure now, will be significantly outweighed by the rewards in glory later on.
 
And if you don’t believe Bruh Paul, then listen to Jesus, as He makes the same claim when talking to His disciples about who is great.
 
‘And there was also a strife (rivalry) among them, which of them should be accounted (considered) the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
 
(Scholars’ note: Benefactors: The underlying Greek word appears nowhere else in the New Testament. Middle-Eastern kings liked to rule with an iron hand, and then take on a title that extolled their benevolence. Christians should crave neither such power nor such acclaim).
 
But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief (leader), as he that doth serve. For whether (who) is greater, he that sitteth at meat (at the table), or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat (at the table)?
 
But I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto (bestow upon) you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto (bestowed upon) me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’ (Luke 22:24-30)
 
Ah mih people, the world judges greatness by the material things and power we possess. But it is not so in the kingdom of God. Jesus came to earth to serve, to be a servant for His heavenly Father, to help and save those in need, and likewise, that’s what He expects of His followers.
 
Now that doesn’t mean we cannot amass great wealth and power, but we must use them wisely in doing God’s will and work here on earth, not just lay them up for our sole benefit and sit and consider how well off and wonderful we are, otherwise we’ll end up like the fool in Luke 12:16-21, who was called home the same night he decided to eat, drink and be merry over his great earthly possessions. And thus ends today’s message.
 
Oh Friends, we all know that faithfully serving Jesus in this evil, ungodly world isn’t easy, especially when He requires excellence of ALL His followers, and excellence only comes with paying a price.
 
But please remember that Jesus promises to reward all those who faithfully serve Him with rewards of excellence too, rewards like salvation and eternal life with Him and the Father. And believe me people, there is nothing on this planet Earth that’s worth more than those two things!
 
So please hang in there my brethren, and let’s faithfully spread the LOVE Revolution of Jesus all over the world, as he requires, and do it with joy and excellence! Much LOVE!
 
…all that’s required of us on this earthly pilgrimage…is to LOVE OUR GOD…LIVE OUR FAITH…AND SPREAD GOD’S WORD…

 

 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 May 2014 Proverbs 11:14

23 May 2014 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 11:14.   Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

And finally it was Friday… Glory Hallelujah! At long last the big day – the harbinger of the weekend is here! And all work shall cease, and the people shall rest their weary souls and bodies from slaving for massa!

And a loud cheer went up from the workers: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’

Yes Friends, let’s thank our great and wonderful God that it’s not only Friday, but a new day! A new day of life has been granted to us here on planet earth, where His blessings, mercies and forgiveness will pour down on us, as He so generously does, each and every day!

And all God’s people declared a loud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’

Now to continue bolstering our spirits this Friday morning, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much sincerity. ‘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, please let that be our guide for handling the weekend, for those two simple days off are very important in the general scope of our lives. How we handle them will dictate and determine what our new workweek will generally be like. So if you want to have a good workweek, you have to begin with a good weekend. End of sermon! (smile)

Now let’s see what our Bit has to say. ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.’

What undeniable wisdom Friends! For as the scholars tell us: ’11:14. The wise man gets advice from many people of good judgement before making a decision.’

However my brethren, there is one caveat, or rather two caveats to that statement, as well as our Bit. The first thing to beware of is advice from ‘many people.’

The problem there is that advice from too many people tends to be overwhelming, sluggish and all over the place. Sometimes it’s also incomprehensible, simply because of the number of voices giving advice.

So we need to winnow, to scale down the number of our advisers to a select few; a handful, or not much more, so we won’t have too many voices and opinions ringing in our ears.

And the second, but even more important thing to be very careful of, is that we recruit people of ‘good judgement’ to give us advice. That’s the crux of the problem right there Friends! Too often we end up with people of poor judgement, even though they may be Christians.

Remember, not because someone claims to be a Christian that they possess sound judgement. Now it’s always desirous, or preferable to get advice from Christians with good sense, but the good judgement aspect is more important than the Christian part.

And we see the perfect example of this in the Good Book, in 1 Kings 12. At that time Cousin Sol’s son, Rehoboam was made king of Israel and the people came to plead with him for mercy, because Cousin Sol had laid a heavy yoke on them, in order to support his vast enterprises.

Unfortunately though, Rehoboam listened to the group of his peers, the young men, rather than the group of older and wiser men.

The latter advised patience and mercy: ‘And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him. And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?

And the young men that were grown up with him, spake unto him saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins.

And whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.’ (1 Kin.12:7-11)

And the scholars give us this info: ’12:11. Scorpions means the multi-tailed whips to which barbed points or hooks were attached. Their sting was as severe as that of a scorpion.’

Ah Lord eh! Man’s inhumanity to man is surely a great instrument of moaning and mourning!

The long and short of the story though Friends, is that Rehoboam cracked the whip even harder than his father did, because of advice from people with poor judgement. And their advice was bad, not necessarily because they were young, because the young can be wise and the aged unwise.

But obviously they were revelling in their youth, their wealth and new-found power. And believe me Friends, those latter two things, wealth and power can work very negatively in the hands of the young, can cause them to bring destruction on themselves and those they rule or advise.

And what happens eventually? Like it always does when people are oppressed beyond measure. Israel rebelled, overthrew Rehoboam and replaced him with Jeroboam. Rehoboam lost it all because of a lack of common sense and mercy on his and his young advisers part.

So my brethren, I surely hope that this teaches us a valuable lesson. For as Cousin Sol declares later on in Proverbs: ‘Without counsel purposes are disappointed (plans go awry): but in the multitude of counselors they are established.’ (Prov.15:22)

It’s indisputable truth! But again my people, please beware of that word ‘multitude,’ and make sure that your advisers are people, preferably Christians, of sound judgement. That’s wisdom of the highest order! Much LOVE!

…the way of a fool is right in his own eyes…but he that hearkeneth to counsel…is wise… (Prov.12:15)  

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 May 2014 Jeremiah 16:12

02 May 2014 Leave a comment

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

Jeremiah 16:12. And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination (stubbornness) of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me.

And then it was Friday…! ‘Friday… already?’ Some questioned. Yes, Friends, it is indeed Friday! This week has passed very quickly.

Then all those who were too busy working to notice that it was Friday, rose up with a mighty shout of joy: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes! Things must be real good when we don’t even realize that it’s Friday. All praise and thanks to our great God for His many mercies and blessings that are going to flow this weekend! Thank God the work week finish!’

Yeh mih people, life has to be good when we don’t even know it’s Friday. But as always, let’s chant our Friday Chant to help us keep the right perspective on the upcoming weekend.

All together 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.’ 

Now that ought to help keep us on the straight and narrow path that leads to Jesus. So let’s turn to our Bit: ‘And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination (stubbornness) of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me.’

Ah mih people, those words are so very true of our society today that it makes my heart terribly sad. What is our problem eh? When God was our leader and adviser we lived such good lives. But now that Lucifer and his evil cohorts are running the show, our lives have turned sour and most miserable.

The basic foundations of our society are falling apart. The economic system is a mess, with thousands of jobs been lost everyday, all in the name of profits. That corresponds to the big outsourcing, where jobs are being transferred to countries with lower wage costs, thus the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer.

The best we can do is offer part time, menial, underpaid work in the service industry. Our children are graduating from school and can’t find jobs to match their qualifications, so they take whatever they can find, if they can find anything, and wonder how they’re going to pay back the large debts they incurred to get that unfruitful education.

All of that unfortunately brings back the horrors that we tried to eradicate with a higher standard of living. That means poverty, the abject kind is on the rise. Don’t even talk about homelessness. The situation in the supposed first world nations is possibly worse than in the third world countries. That’s how bad it is.

And sadly, the inefficient, corrupt, greedy governments that we’ve elected over the last couple decades couldn’t care less about the downtrodden members of their society. All they talk about is business, business and more business, when the business people are the biggest crooks in the world, just siphoning off the cream from the society so that they can lead ever more decadent and degrading lives. Steups!

But yuh know Friends, whoever said that you get the government you deserve was quite right! And until we elect godly, efficient, people with belly and backbone to stand up against the evil rapists of our society, things will never improve. But it’s all got to start with us my people, with the true believers in Jesus Christ!

Why? Simply because we are the only ones who give a damn about the downtrodden! At least we’re supposed to. Unfortunately though, too many of us are also trying to make it in the material world, storing up treasures for ourselves down here on earth, rather than in heaven.

And if we believe in the Good Book at all, we’d take very seriously these words of our Creator to the people of Judah, way back when.

‘Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in (the strength of) man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath (shrub) in the desert, and shall not not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.’ (Jer.17:5-6)

Oh my brethren, those words are slowly coming to pass as our society moves further and further away from Almighty God! Famine, floods, drought and all sorts of natural disasters, as well as man made ones, are levelling our planet while we behave like Nero did while Rome was burning – indulging in lusts of the flesh!

What’s wrong with us eh? Why can’t we see and understand the folly of the choices we’re making to embrace the materialistic world that’s now controlling almost every aspect of our lives?

As believers in Jesus we can certainly resist the temptations that come against us. We have His awesome power dwelling in us – the Holy Spirit that’s meant to lead and guide us into all truth and righteousness. But we are letting the evil powers continue to remove God from our lives. Ah mih people, how sad!

And we’ll close with some more true words of scripture. ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see (fear, be anxious) when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful (anxious, worried) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.’ (Jer.17:7-8)

Oh Friends, there’s nothing to compare in those two readings. The last one is obviously the only one that makes any sense. So please please, in Jesus’ Name I’m pleading with us to let go of the absurd materialism that’s clouding our senses and turn instead to the godliness and righteousness of our forefathers, so that future generations will be blessed and not cursed by our foolish decisions in this present age.

It’s the only thing that makes sense in this senseless world! Much LOVE!

…if you don’t hear…at some stage you’re certainly going to feel…and feel very hard too…


Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 April 2104 Lamentations 3:32

25 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

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

Lamentations 3:32.    But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

 Oh Friends, oh Friends, glory be! Yes, it’s another new day in paradise! Another marvellous and wondrous gift from our magnanimous Creator!

Oh my people, it just stirs me up so much when I consider the wonderful God we serve and worship!

 

Wow! Which other supposed deity gives His people new mercies and blessings every single morning eh? Who shows such undeserved compassion each and every day eh? NONE but our omnipotent God, my brethren!

 

That’s why we ought to give Him enormous thanks and continually praise His Holy Name. Remember, He doesn’t have to do what He’s done and doing for us, neither do our puny efforts deserve His LOVING-kindness. But it’s His unsurpassed unconditional LOVE that causes Him to bless us so richly, in spite of our sinful nature and behaviour.

 

And please remember too, that while we were yet stooges and slaves of Beelzebub, He sent His ONLY Son Jesus to die for us, so that we could be made justified, righteous, and all the other wonderful things that Jesus’ selfless, sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension accomplished.

 

So there are indeed numerous reasons for us to be thankful and grateful! Therefore, instead of trying to belittle Jesus’ importance, or take God out of our society, as we are allowing the evil powers that be to do, we ought to be jumping and shouting, beseeching and pleading, picketing and protesting, advocating and exhorting, to raise up the name of Jesus, just like the Father did after His triumphant victory over death and the grave!

 

We ought to be encouraging ALL knees to bow, and ALL lips to solemnly and sincerely declare that Jesus is indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

 

Oh Friends, we ought to be filled with such a hungry hope and expectant faith, that we can clearly see, totally envision through our eyes of faith, a saved world; a world where Almighty God and Jesus Christ are once again at the forefront of our society!

 

Oh my people, my fellow believers, that’s the ONLY WAY our society will once again prosper, both spiritually and materially. If we don’t feel that way, don’t envision it happening, then we’ll just continue the downward spiral in which we’re now totally engaged.

 

Oh my brethren, the quicksand in the evil and ungodly mire of the world is slowly sucking away our lifeblood, unfortunately causing us to drift further and further away from the ONE TRUE GOD, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and if we don’t soon put a stop to it, then our children, and their children too, will be the ones to suffer the real pangs of misery and defeat, since we’ll already be dead and gone.

 

Now is that the legacy we want to bequeath to our children, whom most of us LOVE like the Lord LOVES us? I sincerely doubt it.

 

However Friends, it’s also necessary to remember that though we are currently a very sinful people, and that sometimes the Lord will take us to task for our sins, He will not cast us off forever. (Lam.3:31)

 

And all God’s people loudly declared: ‘All glory, praise, thanks and honour be to our magnificent and magnanimous God!’

 

Yes Friends, those are indeed wonderful sentiments, but we need to not only mouth them, but even more importantly put them into action!

 

And as our Bit so wisely and rightly states: ‘But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.’

 

Ah mih breddren, it gives our God no joy, no pleasure to punish us, but as a just and righteous Deity, He has to keep things right. Now listen to the words of Jeremiah, as he laments the state of his people Israel, which very much approximates to our current state.

 

‘For he doth not afflict willingly (with delight), nor grieve the children of men. To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth. To turn aside the right of (justice due) a man before the face of the most High. To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.

 

Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil (woe) and good (well being)? Wherefore doth (how then can) a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?

 

Let us search and try (examine) our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.’ (Lam.3:33-41)

 

Oh Friends and fellow believers, that bit of scripture both highlights our current situation, and also points the way to our salvation!

 

Please, let’s accept the challenge with a strong faith, and ask God to ‘reignite His image in our hearts, and rekindle His fire in our souls,’ so that we can turn this evil and ungodly world around, and once again walk in the steadfastness of His abounding grace and undying LOVE!

 

Now that my people, is truly heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!

 

’…the walk of faith is ultimately…a journey of HOPE and LOVE…’

 

P.S.  Those words in inverted commas above, have been taken from a devotional booklet on healing, based on the writings and actions of St. Therese, the Saint of the Little Flower.

 

Please, please, my people, let’s use them to truly reignite the flame and fire of God’s LOVE within us nuh, and thus bring some much needed change to our badly drifting and listing world!  Much LOVE!

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 April 2014 Psalm 145: 20

01 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 145:20.   The Lord preserveth all them that LOVE him: but all the wicked he will destroy.
 
Well a hearty good morning to all you Scrip-Bit family members this first glorious morning in April! Wow!
 
And I’m not trying to make April fools of us all. (smile) But we have indeed been blessed to see another marvellous day in God’s great universe! Now isn’t that something special? It surely is!
 
Therefore, let’s give our heavenly Father some thanks and praise for that nuh. Let’s lift our heads, hearts, hands and eyes heavenward and sincerely say: ‘Heavenly Father, thank You for this new day! We know that You are going to shower us with new mercies and blessings, more than we can ever ask for or imagine.
 
Please help us to appreciate them and share them with others less fortunate, because that’s what You desire of us. And in that way, we can walk in the big footsteps of Your BELOVED Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! We pray this in His Holy Name, and give you all the glory! Amen!’
 
Yes Friends, when we start out on the right foot, giving the Father His deserved thanks and praise, our path for the day usually runs a little smoother. Or if not, then we have the parts, the strength, faith and courage to handle whatever comes against us.
 
Now here’s a fitting corollary to all of that, a quote from Ed Howe – couldn’t figure out which one, because there are so many. Anyway, I believe I’ve shared this quote some time ago, but it’s one of those things that we need to be constantly reminded of in this crazed and troubled world.
 
And Ed says: ‘If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you grow old.’
 
And that’s as true a saying as you can get Friends! For laughter is not only a free medicine, it’s also the best one we can employ in ALL our circumstances. That doesn’t mean we don’t take life, or the things in it seriously, but that we don’t get too overwhelmed by our problems.
 
The truth is, when we get too worked up over our problems, we lose the energy and focus necessary to handle them. So let’s lighten up, loosen up nuh! Life might be rough, but if you’re a true believer in Jesus, then you’ll know, with everlasting certainty, that in God’s own time and way, He will help you solve the problem(s). Not always how or when you want, but surely better than you could have done on your own.
 
And as our Bit proclaims with such wisdom and certainty: ‘The Lord preserveth all them that LOVE him: but all the wicked he will destroy.’
 
And that’s the unvarnished, indisputable truth, my brethren! So please believe it; let it sink right down into the very depths of our souls, to give us the strength and encouragement we so badly need in these troubled times.
 
For as Bruh David says just before our Bit, in this psalm; the Lord is gracious: ‘The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy (gracious) in all his works. The Lord is nigh (near) unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear (reverence) him: he will also hear their cry, and will save them.’ (Ps.145:17-19)
 
And that’s more unvarnished, indisputable truth my fellow believers, as many of you can attest and testify to!
 
That’s the great thing about our wonderful God; He never leaves his faithful followers in the lurch! Thank You Lord for that faithfulness! Though, as we’ve said earlier, He might not solve the problems how and when we want them, His awesome and powerful hand of grace, mercy and forgiveness is always there working on our behalf!
 
What more can we ask eh? Nothing really, my people! 
 
And since we already know the Lord’s faithfulness, it now behoves us to believe it, and then return that faithfulness, so that we can engender a win-win situation and relationship with our mighty Creator.
 
Oh my brethren, believe me, there’s nothing better than having a win-win relationship with Almighty God! Mama Mia! It sure is beautiful!
 
Now, please note that I haven’t even bothered touching on the situation of the wicked, because that will just muddy the waters, invite negativity, stuff that we can well do without. Suffice it to say, the Lord will destroy the wicked in His own way and time.
 
Let’s concentrate on the positives here, and do as Bruh David so sincerely declares in Psalm 31; titled ‘In thee O Lord, do I put my trust.’
 
And what better personage is there to put our trust in, eh people? NONE WHATSOEVER!
 
Now hear Bruh David’s outstanding proclamation: ‘O LOVE the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth (fully repays) the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.’ (Ps.31:23-24)
 
There’s no more to say Friends! So please, let’s accept that heavenly wisdom, that gospel truth, so that we can bring some much needed peace, LOVE and joy to our anxious and burdened hearts, souls, bodies and minds, and above all, to our evil, ungodly and troubled world. Much LOVE!
 
…unless we sincerely believe in something…preferably Jesus Christ…then we’ll fall easily for anything…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 March 2014 Romans 12:9

11 Mar 2014 Leave a comment

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

Romans 12:9.    Let LOVE be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave (cling) to that which is good.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s time to rise and shine and give thanks to our great and merciful God for bringing us safely through the dark night of our senses, and graciously illuminating our day, brightening our spirits with the everlasting LIGHT of His wonderful Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow!
 
And on top of that, the weatherman’s promising a temperature today of plus 11 degrees Celsius, with bright sunshine! Mama Mia! What a magnanimous and magnificent God we serve and worship my people!
 
And all God’s people gave a loud and rejoicing shout of ‘Praise the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Praise Him with singing and loud shouts of joy, for He is indeed worthy to be praised! Amen!’ 
 
Yes mih people, our majestic God certainly deserves all the praise we shower on Him – and even more. Unfortunately though, since all of His human creation don’t believe in and worship Him, He is being short-changed in His praise and thanksgiving.
 
And though the Lord LOVES to hear and receive praise and thanksgiving, please remember that He DOESN’T NEED IT, but WE NEED the mercies, the grace, the goodness, the LOVING-kindness, and forgiveness that flow from such praising and thankful behaviour. 
 
It’s a good time to remember that the Lord made us to be in relationship with Him, but if we choose not to, though He will be disappointed, it won’t destroy Him. However, WE WILL BE DESTROYED if we don’t form that personal relationship and then keep it going.
 
That’s just to remind us that God isn’t there to be our servant and to bend and bow to our every petty and selfish whim. But rather, HE IS OUR MASTER, OUR CREATOR, AND WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BOW TO HIM AND FOLLOW HIS DICTATES.
 
Just thought I’d throw that in there because many supposed Christians only turn to God in desperation for some worldly thing or purpose, and expect Him to deliver or answer them right away. Nuff said on that for now though.
 
Let’s turn to our Bit: ‘Let LOVE be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave (cling) to that which is good.’
 
Words of absolute truth my brethren! Without TRUE LOVE and a sincere purpose to do good, the whole edifice of Christianity, of Christ’s church crumbles, because those are the mainstays of its foundation.
 
Now yesterday we looked at scriptures that dealt with the first half of our Bit; having a true heart of LOVE, and not one of hypocrisy, like the Pharisees of old had.
 
Today, we’ll check out scriptures that deal with the second half of our Bit; of clinging to good and forsaking evil. 

And we’ll begin with some awesome words of truth from Bruh David, as he asks in Psalm 15: ‘Lord, who shall abide (sojourn) in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy Hill?
 
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up (receives) a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned (despised); but he honoureth them that fear the Lord.
 
He that sweareth to this own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.’ (Ps.15:1-5)
 
Oh Friends, I’m chuckling here because I never intended to quote the whole psalm, but after reading it through, I found that there was no right place to stop until the very end. For it all deals with goodness and truth; the necessities of character of one who hopes to dwell on God’s holy hill, in His holy sanctuary, to be welcomed into His presence.
 
Yes my fellow believers, if we hope to dwell with the Lord, goodness and truth must be firmly embedded in our spirits, our character, and our earthly behaviour, per the Lord’s commandments.
 
Meanwhile, the prophet Zechariah, in promising the restoration of Israel declares: ‘These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgement of truth and peace (for justice, truth and peace) in your gates.
 
And let none of you imagine (think) evil in your hearts against your neighbour; and LOVE no false oath: for all these are things I hate, saith the Lord.’ (Zech.7:16-17)
 
Oh Friends, that spells it right out in perfect simplicity! There’s nothing there that the least of us cannot understand. And we couldn’t write on truth and goodness without quoting these famous words of Bruh Paul to the church at Ephesus:
 
‘And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.’ (Eph.4:23-25)
 
Ah mih people, more clarification on our earthly status! We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and as such ought not to lie to each other, but to speak the truth at all times, because that is what our God and our Christian faith are all about.
 
And we’ll end today with some more treasured words from Bruh Paul to the Ephesians. ‘Peace be to the brethren, and LOVE with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that LOVE our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.’ (Eph.6:23-24)
 
Oh Friends, I couldn’t say it any better, so please receive that blessing as though it was just spoken over us all. Much LOVE my Christian brethren!
 
…one cannot be a true believer in Jesus Christ…unless one sincerely walks in…LOVE…TRUTH…and GOODNESS…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 March 2014 Psalm 103:1

09 Mar 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 103:1.    Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
 
Well Friends, it’s a mild Sunday morning, compared to those of the recent past. Yuh better believe that! The clock has also been set forward one hour, to begin the confusing strategy of Daylight Savings Time. Hn!
 
To tell the truth, I really don’t know who it benefits from it, if anybody. And it’s been recently proven that there are some negative aspects to the time change. But somebody, or bodies in power, must believe that whatever positive aspects contained therein, do outweigh the negative ones. So us menial folk just have to go along with the idea, whether we like it or not.
 
And it both amuses and disconcerts me in one respect; when we go forward, like today, we end up on T&T time, but when we go backwards at year’s end, we end up on Jamaican time. So before calling friends and family in those locations, I have to first consider what time schedule we are on, so that I don’t call down there too early, or too late.
 
Ah Lord eh! But them’s really small potatoes, mih people – wish that was our biggest problem – and there’s no need for us to worry, because we strong, steadfast and true believers can handle anything that comes against us, for ‘we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.’ (Rom.8:37)
 
And furthermore, as Bruh Paul so emphatically states to the Philippians: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil.4:13) Never forget those two scriptures Friends, because they embody total truth for all the ages.
 
And I’m chuckling while I’m adlibbing here, because I don’t have a Bit as yet, and no clue how to continue this rambling preamble. (smile) But I am assured, because of those two statements above that the Lord will eventually strengthen and guide me, and cause me to write a most wonderful Bit. (smile)
 
Well it’s certainly in His best interest to do so, since it’s His Word that I’m writing about, and I’m sure, like me, He doesn’t want me to write nonsense.
 
And lo and behold, to prove His faithfulness and wisdom, He just guided me to a rather appropriate Bit for this Sunday morning: ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.’
 
Yes my brethren, we can never find a better thing to do than to bless the Lord and His Holy Name! And that surely was Bruh David’s forte, as we can see from all the stuff he’s written, especially from this Psalm of praise and thanksgiving for God’s great and abundant mercies.
 
Now hear how he continues after that first verse. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with LOVING-kindness and tender mercies;
 
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.’ (Ps.103:2-7)
 
And nothing my people, nothing whatsoever in those verses can be disputed, for down through the ages, they have been proven to be factual, many times over! Any problems we have with those words stem from us, from our lack of faith, our lack of true belief in the great I AM.
 
And if you don’t believe me, then listen to some more of this wonderful psalm. ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness). He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
 
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING-kindness) toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame (He understands our constitution); he remembereth that we are dust.’ (Ps.103:8-14)
 
Now Friends, anyone who tries to dispute any of those declarations is either a liar or a fool, or both, because without the Lord’s abundant mercies and forgiveness, we would have been all condemned long ago to death, for our numerous sins, and exiled to Hades to dwell with the evil one.
 
‘But the mercy (LOVING-kindness) of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.’ (Ps.103:17-18) 
 
More gospel truth my fellow believers! The Lord has made special preparations for those who walk obedient to His dictates. And Jesus, in telling the disciples that He was THE WAY to the Father, promised it thus: ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
 
In my Father’s house are many mansions (Lit. dwellings): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ (John 14:1-3)
 
Oh mih people, mih people, what a most marvellous promise! And we all know that lies and untruths, by His very holy nature, CANNOT proceed from Jesus’ mouth and Spirit. Thus, when we walk in sync with our Creator and heavenly Father, our eternal destiny is set in stone!
 
Therefore we all have great cause to exclaim, proclaim and declare like Bruh David: ‘Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers (servants) of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.’ (Ps.103:20-22)
 
And all God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of ‘Praise the Lord God Jehovah! Praise Him for His goodness to the undeserving children of sinful men! Praise Him for ever and ever! Amen.’
 
Yeh mih people, we certainly can’t go wrong in praising and giving thanks to our ever-LOVING, merciful, forgiving and most gracious God! Please put that in your pipe today and smoke it! (smile) Much LOVE!
 
…praise and thanks are two of the most important elements in worshipping Almighty God… 
 
P.S. Yuh see Friends, as I told you, through faith in God’s mercy and unswerving help, the Bit didn’t turn out too bad at all, now did it. (smile) Much LOVE!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 October 2013 Psalm 19:14

08 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 19:14.    Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength (my rock), and my redeemer. 
 
Oh my beautiful Friends in Christ, I’m here to remind us that this glorious, but somewhat chilly Tuesday autumn morn in early October, is being brought to us courtesy the Almighty God Jehovah; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
 
And furthermore, He’s also the God who causes His bright and shining light to surround us; His unconditional and everlasting LOVE to enfold us; His omnipotent power to protect us and His supernatural presence to keep careful watch over us.
 
So with all those important aspects of life being taken care of, there’s absolutely no need to fear what the evil Lucifer and his evil cohorts can do to us, for our great God is ALWAYS with us, and that means, all is well.
 
And all God’s grateful children shouted: ‘Thank You Lord! We LOVE You and praise Your Holy Name! Amen!’
 
And remember too my people, that it’s the Lord God Jehovah who also gives us new mercies, blessings, forgiveness and manna every single day! He’s also the ONE who cause us to be prosperous, to get wealth, to beget children; children who will be strong in the land, children that will stand at one’s gate and rebuke and resist the enemy!
 
And above and beyond all that Friends, the Lord God Almighty is the ONE who created us, and also redeemed us from purgatory, where our abject sins had us headed, by sending His most holy and innocent Son, Jesus, to be sacrificed on that old, rugged cross at Calvary.
 
He selflessly and LOVINGLY did it all, so that we could be reconciled to Him, to be considered holy in his sight, worthy to come before Him, not of our own accord, or of our works, but because of the innocent blood of Jesus, shed at His crucifixion!
 
And all God’s people, all true believers in Jesus Christ, rose up, and boldly declared with a mighty shout of joy: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, we praise and worship You in sincerity and truth! We bless Your Holy Name, and give you eternal thanks for the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ, to whom we bow in all honour and glory! Amen!’ 
 
Oh my fellow believers, it seems that this morning the Holy Spirit is intent on awakening us to all that our great and wonderful God and Creator has done for us since time immemorial, is still doing, and will continue to do throughout eternity.
 
So with all those things forthcoming from a gracious, merciful and ever-LOVING God, how can we, mere mortals that we are, not be overwhelmingly thankful and grateful eh? It’s impossible, if we truly believe in Jesus Christ!
 
And to show our true belief and gratefulness, let’s look at our Bit, which acts as a heavenly catalyst for our earthly endeavours. ‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength (my rock), and my redeemer.’
 
Ah Friends, what positive, inspiring and encouraging words!
 
Remember we recently did some messages on meditation and found it extremely helpful, if not absolutely necessary, in our walk of faith and LOVE with Jesus? For it’s when we truly sow the Word of God in our hearts, and can bring it to mind in times of need, that we become real powerful, steadfast and true believers.
 
As we meditate on God’s Word, doing more time as prisoners of hope, we grow and mature in faith. And therefore, our words, which contain much power, either for good or evil, are wholly suitable for a believer to utter.
 
And throughout all of Bruh David’s writings, you’ll find him either alluding to, or asking God to enable him to have godly thoughts, and thus speak appropriate words. And as followers of Christ, we ought to do the same my brethren.
 
Now listen to this passage of scripture from Psalm 51, a prayer for cleansing, after the prophet Nathan nailed and chastised Bruh David for the murder of Uriah the Hittite, and then his unsavoury relationship with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.
 
He pleads with heartfelt repentance: ‘Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.’ (Ps.51:14-15)
 
Yes Friends, we must ask the Lord to cleanse us of all unrighteousness, so that we can truly sing forth His praise, and with accompanying right actions, cause the unbeliever to come to Him.
 
For as Bruh David continues in Psalm 51: ‘For thou desirest not sacrifice; else I would give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’ (Ps.51:16-17)
 
Oh my people, that’s the God-awesome truth! Our God doesn’t desire or delight in burnt offerings and other material sacrifices! What He needs from us is a truly repentant spirit and sorry heart! And once He sees that, He’ll be only too happy and willing to grant us the desires of our hearts.
 
We can’t find a better example of God’s largesse and forgiveness than with Bruh David. So today, please, let’s all open our hearts to Almighty God in prayerful and sincere contrition, so that our hearts, minds and spirits will be in agreement with His Word, and consequently the words that we speak, and the actions we do, will bring Him great glory, glory that He so rightfully deserves.
 
Yes my fellow believers, let us all go out today and be fruitful in God’s name, as is our bounden duty. Much LOVE!
 
…to obey is better than sacrifice…and to hearken than the fat of rams… (1 Sam.15:22b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 October 2013 Psalm 109:5

06 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 109:5.    And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my LOVE.
 
Oh Friends, as the psalmist so wisely and rightly proclaimed eons ago: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps.118:24) Please, let’s all do that today nuh, this first Sunday in October 2013.
 
And all God’s people joyfully declared: ‘We shall, yes we will rejoice in this day our great God has made for us to enjoy! A new day of new mercies, blessings, manna and forgiveness to revive our spirits! It is mete and right for us to enjoy the Lord’s LOVING-kindness and glorify His Holy Name!’
 
And since we’re so into God this morning Friends, (smile) what better time than now to check out that New Year’s promise we made, some nine months ago, to walk closer and more faithfully with Jesus, and to add our two bits worth to His glorious LOVE Revolution.
 
Now have we improved the strength of our relationship with our Lord and Saviour, and consequently with our fellow believers? And what about the unbelievers, the unwashed, the angry and resentful? Have we been more understanding and tolerant?
 
Oh my people, I surely do hope that ALL our answers to the foregoing questions are in the affirmative! And if by chance they’re not, then I’m strongly urging us to go to God today, and ask for His help in making them so. That’s provided we’re seriously interested in becoming true, strong and steadfast followers of Christ. For you know He will NEVER refuse our requests, if we come to Him in sincerity and truth.
 
Remember, we can always fool ourselves and our fellow man, but we can’t fool Jehovah God, because He sees right down into the deepest, darkest, hidden recesses of our souls, and unearths our true motives.
 
And with all that godly wisdom laid out before us, (smile) let’s turn to our Bit. ‘And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my LOVE.’
 
Now Friends, all we’ve said above greatly impacts the way we handle situations like that encountered by Bruh David in our Bit. Do we return evil for evil, and hatred for hatred? We certainly ought not to, for Jesus doesn’t subscribe to, or embrace that philosophy.
 
Listen to His pronouncement on the subject. ‘But I say unto you which hear, LOVE your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you.’ (Luke 6:27-28)
 
Ah mih breddren, we all know that’s not an easy philosophy to adopt and then put into practice. And we’ll never be perfect at it, but we must try our best to execute it, if we truly want to grow and mature in our LOVE for, and faithfulness to Jesus.
 
Now let’s turn to a scripture where the prophet Jeremiah encountered that rendering of evil for good. He’s telling God: ‘Then said they, Come and let us devise devices (plans) against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and let us smite (attack) him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
 
Give heed to me, O Lord, and hearken (listen) to the voice of them that contend with me. Shall evil be recompensed (repaid) for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul (life). Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for (concerning) them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.’ (Jer.19:18-20) 
 
Yes Friends, Jeremiah suffered intense persecution for his efforts on God’s behalf. But like Bruh David, though he too cited what he’d like to see happen to his enemies, (Jer. 19:21-23) he left the actual revenge up to God. And so too should we, because vengeance doesn’t belong to us, but to Almighty God. (Deut. 32:35)
 
And I like how Bruh David puts it in this verse from Psalm 38, the prayer of a penitent heart. ‘They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.’ (Ps.38:20)
 
Yes my brethren, once we try to do what is right in the sight of the Lord, we’ll always encounter opposition, sometimes even physical hurt. But we can’t allow that to stop us. Please look at all that Jesus innocently suffered on our behalf. The least we can do is put up with a little anguish to help Him build His wonderful kingdom. (smile)
 
And we’ll close with these few, simple, but oh so powerful and productive words of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome. ‘Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom.12:21)
 
Oh Friends, those truly are exceptional words, undoubtedly words of godly wisdom! So let’s take them to heart, bury them deep in our consciousness, and go out and put them into practice today nuh. It’s what Jesus desires of us. Much LOVE!
 
…the negative emotions of evil, anger and hatred…can NEVER be more powerful and productive…than those of peace, LOVE and goodwill…because they come from the Most High and omnipotent God…
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries