Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 September 2013 Joshua 1:8

14 Sep 2013 Leave a comment

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

Joshua 1:8.    This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall constantly be in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
 
Oh Friends, Friday the 13th is past, and nothing of any ill-repute has besieged us! So why do we yet hang on to these old wives tales bathed in evil eh? That’s surely not wisdom, especially when we have the Good Book and all the wonderful things and promises it contains. That’s why on this Saturday morn, we’re going to get into the scriptures with a vengeance, to arrest our recent backsliding and renew and refresh our troubled mortal souls. (smile)
 
And we’re getting into our Bit very early in the proceedings because it totally reflects God’s promises and either births our faith, or puts it on more solid ground. ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall constantly be in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’
 
Oh my people, those were the words of our God to Joshua after he became the official leader of the Israelites! Now let’s break down the Lord’s commands. First off, He told Joshua that he should be constantly talking of, about and from the book of Mosaic Law written by Moses. And a note from the scholars declares that ‘This verse indicates both the existence of the law by the time of Joshua and its Mosaic authorship. (cf. 8:31-35)’
 
Then secondly, Joshua was strongly advised to meditate on the word of the law. That’s read, study, contemplate, ponder and inwardly digest its inner workings. Why? Because by so doing, Joshua and the Israelite nation would become prosperous and successful in their endeavours.
 
Now Friends, isn’t that very simple and straightforward? It sure is! And when the Israelites practiced it, they were prosperous and successful. However, when they didn’t, their success and prosperity went downhill, often including attacks by their numerous enemies, even to the point of being taken away in bondage, like happened with Babylon. So why didn’t they learn their lesson eh? Only God Almighty knows!
 
But my brethren, since our everlasting God and His law don’t change, that means those prophetic words and awesome promise of God, still apply to us today. But sadly, just like the Israelites of old, this generation has refused to embrace the Lord’s law. No wonder our societies and our world are going through such trying, troubled and disastrous times.
 
Anyway, let’s get to the crux of today’s Bit. I decided to write on the meditation theme today because while going through some notes, I found something I had written down from one of Uncle Charles’ (Charles Stanley) sermons a few weeks ago. And to have it come up at a time when I wasn’t thinking of anything else in particular to write about, I took it as a sign that today was the day to share Uncle Charles’ thoughts on Meditating On God’s Word. (smile) Some of you might have heard and/or seen that sermon, but hearing these encouraging and enlightening thoughts again will only help us.
 
Here are the things Uncle Charles says that meditation on the Word does for us. ‘Quietens our spirit, Purifies our heart, Sharpens our perception, Clarifies our direction, Confirms or cautions our counsel, Increases our faith, Enlarges our view of God, Keeps us aware of God’s presence and power, and last but not least, Guides us to success.’  
 
And my fellow believers, if we seriously consider those conditions, we’ll discover that they’re all gospel truth! So why don’t we constantly meditate and ponder on God’s Word eh? I really don’t know. I guess it’s just man’s natural rebellious and stubborn nature, always wanting to do it his way, despite proven evidence of the disaster that follows from it.
 
Now let’s hear from Moses, who first instructed the Israelites on meditating on the Word, and this while telling them what to do when they entered the Promised Land and decided they wanted a king like the other nations around them. And we all know that day eventually came. (1 Samuel 8-10) Now that was just another nail the Israelites drove into their own coffin, and it broke God’s heart, for He considered Himself their king.
 
Anyway, this is what Moses commanded. ‘And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests and Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear (stand in awe of) the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.
 
That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren (become proud), and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.’ (Deut.17:18-20)
 
Oh my people, more simple, explicit and clear as day instructions! But all to no avail, for the Israelites, just like us, when they got prosperous and successful, in their own minds, simply forgot about God and went their own way. And they did indeed endure calamitous repercussions for their disobedience. Likewise calamity is befalling us today for our turning away from God.
 
Oh Friends, true wisdom still entails meditating on God’s word, storing it deep in our souls, and then putting it into practice. Please let future generations say about us: ‘They constantly meditated on the Word, always had it at the tip of their tongues, and were thus successful!’
 
Don’t laugh, this is serious business my fellow believers. And it’s not too late to start, for remember, while there’s life, there’s always hope. Much LOVE!
 
…when one sincerely ponders God’s Word…it automatically raises the level of one’s faith and trust…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 August 2013 Psalm 27:14

28 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 27:14.   Wait (in faith) on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith), I say, on the Lord.
 
And here we stand once again Friends, in cold amongst the ingredients that it takes to make another day! Ingredients that according to their quantity, their mixing and matching, have the ability to produce anything along a continuum; from a very sad, depressing and negative day at one end, to one that’s full of joy, enthusiasm and positive energy at the other.
 
And the results we obtain, all depend on the amounts of each ingredient we use, and how we mix and match them. That’s why all of us have differing kinds of days.
 
Now here’s some sound advice on the subject, taken from the footnote of an old devotional, One More Day, Daily Devotions for People with Chronic Illnesses. And the advice is: ‘Life is an adventure of choices to be lived, not an ordeal to be survived. I choose optimism and joy.’
 
Yes my people, that’s the way it should be! Life was meant to be lived, not merely survived! So whatsoever ingredients we’re dealt today, let’s adjust the mix to bring us positive energy and joy in our spirits nuh. That’s only simple common sense. 
 
Regardless of how difficult or hopeless things might seem, or even actually be, there’s always a way for us to put a positive spin on them. And that’s especially true for believers in Jesus Christ, seeing that we have all those beautiful and bountiful promises and assurances from our generous, ever-faithful and ever-LOVING God!
 
And when we add the greatest sacrificial act ever done in the history of this world, Christ’s redemption of our abominable sins by His death on the cross at Calvary, how can we not be joyful and full of positive energy eh? 
 
And all God’s people gave out a deafening roar of ‘Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Praise His Holy Name!’
 
Yes Friends, that’s the kind of response we need! So please, let’s not go about moaning and groaning and complaining today, though our entire world might seem to be crumbling around us. Let’s stand strong in the Lord, as He’s asked us to do.
 
Let’s show the unbelievers and naysayers, by personal example, why we’re true believers in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Today, and everyday, we need to do as Bruh David so wisely advises in our Bit: ‘Wait (in faith) on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith), I say, on the Lord.’
 
Yes my brethren, after taking our problems to the Lord in prayer, we need to remain in patient and positive expectation for His godly answer. And I know that it oftimes takes a lot of courage, belly and backbone to do that sort of thing. But then again, as believers, we must remember that we can do all things through Christ’s help.
 
Yeh, it often feels like an ongoing, never ending cycle. We need courage and strength to deal with our problems. But that courage and strength can only come from close and sincere communion with Jesus Christ. And when we’re finally granted those attributes, we need to apply them to our problems. But having done that, the cycle begins again.
 
Ah Lord eh mih people! It might be rough, but there’s no need to be afraid, for our God has faithfully promised to look after us, once we walk obedient to His will. Now listen to this awesome promise God gave to the children of Israel, through Moses, when he anointed Joshua as his successor.
 
‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them (your enemies): for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’ (Deut.31:6)
 
Oh Friends, what an amazing promise! And while the Israelites walked sincerely with God, that promise was never broken. But here, to my mind, is one of God’s greatest promise moments in all of the Good Book. It was when He personally anointed Joshua. 
 
Now listen to our heavenly Father, as He reassures and energizes Joshua, to whom He’s given the unenviable and Herculean task of taking the Israelites over the River Jordan into the Promised Land.
 
‘There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance (you shall give as a possession) the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
 
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper (have success) withersoever thou goest.
 
This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall constantly be in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
 
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ (Josh.1:5-9)
 
And all God’s people declared in loud voice: ‘Wow! What a mighty and faithful God we serve and worship!’
 
Indeed we do Friends, because God kept His Word as long as Joshua held up his half of the bargain. The same applies to us today my people. Those very words have been spoken over us by Jesus Christ, which means we’re in covenant with Him, and once we do our part, He will definitely do His. But it all depends on us, being strong and courageous and keeping His laws.
 
So let’s get ourselves together nuh, let’s seriously meditate on His Word, be strong and take heart from it, so that we can be prosperous and successful in this evil, ungodly world. That’s not a remote possibility Friends, but a sure and definite promise of Almighty God to all who serve and worship Him in truth and sincerity.
 
Now my people, that’s what is termed awesome wisdom! Let’s grab hold of it and hang on tightly nuh! Much LOVE!
 
…standing…standing…standing on the promises of God my Saviour…standing…standing…I’m standing on the promises of God…

 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 August 2013 Psalm 118:14

15 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 is become my salvation.
 
Oh Friends, this Thursday morning the ole fella’s a bit tired. I’ve had a busy week and all that busyness has played havoc with my sleep. But like the mail, the Bit has to go out come sunshine, rain or snow. (smile)
 
Now today I want to touch on three incidents that happened in the past couple weeks, and together give us some insight into the sorry state of our world.
 
The first is a reported incident last week in Jamaica, where a 16 year old gay youth dressed up in women’s clothing and went out to a party in public. Now what was he thinking eh? He was sixteen years old, not six. He must have known that Jamaica is one of the most homophobic societies in the world. Therefore his actions were really akin to gross stupidity.
 
Knowing that there are even laws on the books against homosexuality, should make you keep your mouth shut and your actions closely guarded. The upshot of the story though, is that he was badly beaten and left by the roadside to die. How sad eh!
 
The next incident is one in Florida, where a man supposedly killed his wife, then posted the gruesome scene on Facebook or some such social medium, with a confession, then went and turned himself into the police.
 
Ah Friends, the damage that these social media forms are causing is daily increasing. And I don’t care about their sometimes usefulness, because they are doing more harm than good to our society, especially our children, since that’s all they know.
 
The nonsense that we’re putting out there, plus too much of our private lives, is being used and abused by criminals, ordinary people like ourselves, and also the powers that be. Everyday you hear about somebody getting in trouble because of something they said or did on one of the many social media platforms.
 
But the powers that be adore it, because it not only brings them more money, but also helps them keep closer tabs on us. When will we ever learn that more often than not, and especially in these troubled times, that silence is truly golden eh? 
 
And the third incident is that between a lowly sales clerk and the mighty Oprah Winfrey. Hn! I believe the confrontation took place in Switzerland, but definitely in Europe. The story goes that Oprah went into this store, I guess it was one of those upscale ones, she sees a bag on a high shelf that catches her interest and asks the clerk to take it down so that she can have a closer look at it.
 
Obviously the lady doesn’t recognize Oprah, one of the world’s wealthiest women, or rather persons. I believe her programs don’t air in that particular country. But that’s certainly no excuse for the sales clerk refusing to take down the bag and insisting that she looks at some less expensive stuff. Oprah wisely doesn’t make a scene, but simply walks out of the store.
 
Now I don’t believe in the adage that the customer is always right, because clerks are human too and should be treated as such, and some consumers can be really rude and nasty to the lowly clerks. But then again, where does this sales clerk get off telling, or intimating to somebody she doesn’t know from Adam, what they can afford? And to make the matter even more volatile, it’s a white woman intimating to a black woman. Ah Lord eh!
 
The annoying part is that when the story breaks the clerk tries to fight back by wondering why a powerful woman like Oprah should be picking on a poor sales clerk like her. Why? Because she’s a fool and a disgrace to store clerks all over the world! She was either too lazy to climb up and get the bag, and/or engaging in an act of racism, thinking that because Oprah was black, she couldn’t afford the thirty something thousand dollars the bag apparently cost.
 
Whatever her feelings, they were totally wrong and uncalled for. She was being paid to assist whatever customer came in the store, regardless of colour creed or race. Oprah should have gone out and bought the blooming store then fired her for her insulting behaviour.
 
What is the world coming to eh, when sales clerks determine what a customer can or cannot afford eh? It reminds me of the story where this old ‘trampish-looking’ white man enters a car dealership and enquires about one of the expensive cars in the showroom.
 
The sales clerk, this time a man, and white on white, behaves very rudely and snobbishly towards the old man, again intimating by the man’s looks that he cannot afford the car. The old man simply walks out, comes back later with a garbage bag full of money and buys the car cash. I only hope he didn’t buy it through that foolish, demeaning salesman.
 
And that’s my ranting for the day Friends! (smile) Please ponder those incidents and see what you think of them. I do hope that they will make some impression that will help us all to improve our social skills and general behaviour.
 
Let’s turn to our Bit now. ‘The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.’ Wow! What explosive truth there is in that simple, but powerful statement Friends!
 
And it follows that if all three perpetrators of the incidents above had had the Lord as their strength, song and salvation, they would never have found themselves in the uncomfortable, dangerous and life threatening situations in which they did. But obviously they were infatuated with the things of this evil, ungodly world, rather than those of the divine God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 
 
And, keeping in mind the length of the Bit, and our busy day, (smile) we’ll end today with some rather instructive words of Moses from his song of praise. ‘The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation (praise Him); my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.’ (Ex.15:2-3)
 
Oh my people, until our world learns that lesson, and conducts itself accordingly, in true reverence and worship to Jehovah God, it will continue drifting and sinking in the mire of quicksand that’s slowly engulfing it, as it becomes more evil, as it departs from the Word of the Creator and Controller of the universe and all therein.
 
Oh Friends, for our children’s sake, please, let’s make haste to get some serious action going to reverse our sad situation nuh, because it is only us, true believers, who have the power, the faith and the divine means to do so.
 
And who knows when the day of reckoning will come upon us? But just supposing it is tomorrow, or even today… What then eh? Too many souls would be lost to Lucifer for eternity. So let’s get a move on RIGHT NOW nuh! Much LOVE!
 
…only as the world truly embraces the Most High God Jehovah…will the powers of evil be destroyed…
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 July 2013 Jeremiah 1:6

04 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Jeremiah 1:6.   Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Thursday 4th July, and we’re wishing our U.S. neighbours a Happy 4th of July, as they celebrate their country’s birthday!
 
It’s going to be a big bash, as always, so please remember that drunk or sober, to mind your business, because Lucifer will be out in full force this weekend prowling for any stragglers he can find. And we surely don’t want him to find any chinks in our armour that he can use for his evil purposes!
 
But you know I was thinking recently about the U.S, it’s anomalous and unique position, one full of contradictions and exceptions. Those wishing to worship God in their particular way, founded it on godly principles. And because of those same godly principles, the U.S. rose to be the most prosperous and powerful country the world has ever seen.
 
But unfortunately, as so often happens, that same power and prosperity became foolish pride and worldly lusts, with reliance on their own efforts, conveniently forgetting that it was Jehovah God who had brought them to the dance. Then they began systematically removing Him from their society and individual lives. 
 
And they’re still working on it, even though the bottom bucket dropped out, and they’re now no longer cock of the walk, but are way down the totem pole in terms of economic power and prosperity. However they are either number one, or very close to it, in the category of sinful countries. As they say, how are the mighty fallen eh! 
 
Sadly though, their culture has been exported all over the world, causing so many others to turn to the wrong things, wrong people and the wrong way. But I must admit, that if any nation can successfully turn its fortunes around, it is the U.S. And my people, let’s sincerely pray that they wake up soon and find the God of their forefathers again, because even with their diminished power, still, as the U.S. goes, so too does the rest of our world. 
 
Now here’s our Bit: ‘Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child (youth).’ And I stuck with the same Bit from yesterday because I wanted to talk about some examples of men of great faith who, when initially called by God, offered all sorts of excuses.
 
And I guess the most famous one is Moses. When the Lord first called him from within the burning bush, Exodus 3, to send him to Pharaoh, here’s his quick retort. ‘And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ (Ex.3:11)
 
But as with Jeremiah, and with all His servants, the Lord provided Moses with full assurance. ‘And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.’ (Ex.3:12)
 
But that still didn’t satisfy Moses. ‘And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say unto me, what is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’ (Ex.3:13-14) 
 
But that only kept Moses quiet for a while. Later on he again complained: ‘And Moses said unto the Lord, O Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore (before), nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow (dull or heavy) tongue.’ (Ex.4:10)
 
And I like the Lord’s reply: ‘And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind” have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.’ (Ex.4:11-!2)
 
Moses though was still sceptical. ‘And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.’ (Ex.4:13)
 
‘And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
 
And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth (your spokesman), and thou shalt be to him instead of God.’ (Ex.414-16)
 
Yes Friends, God’s anger was stirred up Moses’ reluctance, despite all of His assurances. To alleviate the situation, He finally appointed Moses brother, Aaron, to be his spokesperson. 
 
But even after that, when the Israelites refused to listen to him, and the Lord sent him to Pharaoh, Moses tried to get out of it. ‘And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips (who doesn’t speak well)?
 
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge, (instruction) unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.’ (Ex.6:12-13)
 
Yeh mih people, the Lord finally got fed up and simply told them just go and do what He commanded, and forget the silly excuses. And yuh see the great things that Moses did in the Lord’s name!
 
Even when he got before Pharaoh, it was Moses who did all the talking; His slow speech, heavy tongue and uncircumcised lips didn’t stop him then, because the Lord inspired him in his time of need. Poor Aaron never got a word in edgewise. (smile)
 
Oh Friends, it’s the very same way that Lord works in all our lives, when He calls us to work for Him. He enables us with the strength, wisdom, faith and whatever other tools we need to do the job(s) He’s called us to do.
 
Unfortunately though my brethren, Moses took up all our space and time with his whining, so like we’ll have to continue this topic tomorrow, God in favour.
 
Till then, may the Good Lord bless and keep us, may He allow His countenance to shine upon us and give us His wonderful peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Much LOVE!
 
…if and when the Lord comes a-calling….to save time and worry…just say…Yes Lord…right at the beginning… 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 April 2013 Isaiah 40:18

21 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 40:18.     To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

Oh Friends, it doesn’t seem as though the ole fella has a preamble for this supposed spring, but feeling more like winter Sunday morning in the last half of April. (smile) All I can say is that those of us, who celebrate the Sabbath on Sundays, ought to find ourselves, if at all possible, in church, to fellowship with other believers, praising and worshipping our most magnificent God. That’s because only in true fellowship can we get that rejuvenation of spirit, that hope and confidence and faith we so badly need to make it through the days ahead. So please, let’s get out there today and show the Lord that we truly care, by raising the level of LOVE in our hearts for Him and for each other, and also raising the roofs of the places we congregate, with much joy, song, praise and worship. Ah mih people, our God truly amazes me everyday, especially when I come to write the Bit. Just now I didn’t have a preamble, but by His awesome faithfulness and help, there’s one now! That’s why I keep stressing the importance of looking for God in the bland, banal, simple everyday things of life, for that’s where He’s most active. Let’s stop looking for the big miracles, because those are few and far between nowadays. Instead, let’s focus on the many small ones that He performs everyday. And enough now with the ‘preambling’, (smile) it’s time for our Bit: ‘To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?’ And as we said yesterday, will say again today, and everyday if necessary, there’s NOBODY or NOTHING to compare to our most wonderful Jehovah God!!! That statement definitely needs more than one exclamation mark. Now today I want to look at a few instances of God’s greatness as expressed by people of faith from the Old Testament. And we’ll start with the plagues, in particular that of the frogs, which the Lord caused to overrun Egypt when Pharaoh refused to allow the Israelites to go and sacrifice to the Lord as He requested. (Ex.8:1-7) Pharaoh then tells Moses to ask the Lord to first remove the frogs, and then he’ll let the people go. ‘And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? And he (Pharaoh) said, Tomorrow. And he (Moses) said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.’ (Ex.8:9-10) And it was done exactly as Moses promised. The Lord removed the frogs from everywhere except the river, when Moses cried out to Him. (Ex.8:11-13) Oh my fellow believers, is there any other supposed Deity who has ever done, or can do such a mighty deed? Absolutely not! Only the great God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has such omnipotence! Next we’ll turn to the song of Moses. And if anybody had good reason to verify and glorify the might, power and faithfulness of the Most High God of Israel, Moses was certainly the one. Listen to some of his praise in song. ‘Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods (mighty ones)? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.’ (Ex.15:11-13) Oh Friends, there’s never ever been another situation like the Israelite Exodus from Egypt; with plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the slaughter of Pharaoh’s army, and the trek through the wilderness with manna, clouds and pillars of fire as guides, where clothing and shoes did not wear out for forty years. Hn! And only the ONE TRUE DEITY, the Creator of the universe and all therein could have successfully accomplished such a feat…our God! Now listen to the opening of Hannah’s song of praise, after she’d prayed for a child and the Lord opened her barren womb and blessed her with the prophet Samuel. ‘And Hannah prayed and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn (strength) is exalted in the Lord; my mouth is enlarged over (smiles at) mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none besides thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy (arrogance) come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.’ (1 Sam.2:1-4) So then my brethren, let’s put forth the Lord’s question again: ‘To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.’ (Is.40:25) And all God’s people proclaimed in a loud, strong, sure, and confident voice: ‘NOBODY or NOTHING!!!’ Yes Friends, only the Lord God Jehovah has the amazing and ultimate power to create and destroy as he desires or sees fit! So please, let’s all surrender our lives to Him, place our futures in His strong, capable, LOVING hands, so that we’ll live eternally with Him and not die, not perish in utter damnation with the evil Lucifer and his heathen hordes. Now that’s wisdom at its most excellent! Much LOVE!…in Him we live…we die…and are raised renewed…to fly on angel’s wings…till eternity…
 

 
 

 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 November 2012 1 Chronicles 17:16

24 Nov 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

1 Chronicles 17:16.     And David the king came and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
‘Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday dear Randy! Happy Birthday to you!’ Oh Friends, today is the ole fella’s 65th birthday! Glory Hallelujah! And does our God ever move in mysterious ways, for the last birthday I spent in T&T was my 25th, that’s 40 years ago. Wow! And I couldn’t think of a better place to spend my 65th than in beautiful Tobago, the land of my birth. ‘Thank You Lord! You are so wonderful to me, that I don’t know what else to say.’ Yes my brethren, I can only follow in the footsteps of great men of faith, like Bruh David in our Bit, who when the Lord made the covenant with him, was so overwhelmed, that he could do as the Good Book declares: ‘And David the king came and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto (this far)?’ Now obviously I’m not in Bruh David’s class re the strength of his relationship with the Lord, but I’m trying. And as the scholars so rightly explain of verses 16-27, which we all should read: ‘David again shows himself to be a man of spiritual sensitivity, who was always ready to go to God in prayer, thanksgiving, and praise.’Ah Friends, that’s the hallmark of a true believer: one who’s always ready to humble him/herself before their Maker, regardless of the circumstances. The fact of the matter is that God LOVES ALL His children, but sadly, His children don’t reciprocate that LOVE enough. We’re quick to come to Him when times are tough, when we need something, but in the good times, too many of us forget Him. Bruh David’s actions here are also recounted in 2 Samuel 7; and the words similar to our Bit, in verse 18. But let’s look at two other instances where men of great faith wondered about their worthiness to receive God’s favour and do His work. The first one deals with Jacob, when he was about to reconnect with his brother Esau, years after he’d stolen his birthright. (Gen.27) ‘And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies (LOVING-kindness), and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands (companies).’ (Gen.32:9-10) As we all know, Jacob was an ole crook, a fraud and con artist of the highest order, before the Lord called him to do His bidding. Even in this meeting with his brother Esau, he set up two separate groups of his people, so that if Esau came in foul mood to exact vengeance, one group would be able to escape. But that’s the Lord’s style. He usually calls the most unworthy in man’s eyes to do His work. We see that quite clearly in Moses’ case, an exiled murderer called to lead the Lord’s people to freedom. So when God called him at the burning bush to send him to talk to Pharaoh, his response was one of unworthiness. ‘And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token (sign) unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God on this mountain.’ (Ex.3:11-12) And after that, nobody did any greater work than Moses to glorify God, until Jesus came. Ah Friends, though most of us in the natural feel unworthy to do God’s work, be sure that He knows what He’s doing. And as He told Moses; ‘Certainly I will be with thee…’ the same way He will be with you, for He never gives you a job to do without the requisite tools and His invaluable help. I can vouch for that from personal experienced, for when He floated this Scrip-Bit idea, I laughed and told Him I couldn’t do it because I didn’t know enough scripture. But over the years, He’s certainly shown Himself faithful and has helped me everyday, to grow and to write the Bit. I could never have accomplished the little I’ve done so far in His Name, without His help. Yesterday was a perfect example of that. I went into the mighty metropolis of Scarborough, (smile) to get my Birth Certificate authenticated, so I can renew my T&T Passport, cause I’m not ever giving up my T&T citizenship. Anyway, this was around noon with the temp at 34 C, and I suspect that was in the shade. However, as I entered Scarborough, I found myself in a traffic jam, of all things. But through God’s great mercy, I managed to extricate myself from it and ended up at Fort King George, overlooking the town. Ah my brethren, the old fort not only provided protection from invaders in olden times, and has now been restored to some of its original splendour, but it also provides possibly the best scenic view in all of Tobago; that of Scarborough and its environs, surrounded  by the lovely blue waters in the bay. Then I visited a friend and a family member, whom I hadn’t seen in many years, before going back down town to the Birth Certificate place. Within ten minutes of getting there, I walked out with a new electronically generated one, but had to wait an hour and a half to get an affidavit signed. Then down the hill to the bay road, with more Friday afternoon traffic. Chuh! I guess all over the world Friday afternoons create real traffic problems. By the time we got home, it was almost dark, and the Duchess and I were too tired to walk to Store Bay, so we drove. And don’t worry, I gave my thanks floating cross-like on my back, but this time there was no half moon to be seen in the darkened sky, but instead showers of blessing began falling on my face. Just like playing mas in rain provides a different dimension, so does bathing in the sea in the rain bring a different dimension to the experience. The rain didn’t last long, but it was certainly enough to energize and renew our spirits, so that we could go and hang out later on in Lambeau, with the two wise men, drinking a li’l tequila, to ease the arthritis. (smile) So how can I ever complain eh Friends, when I’ve never done any great works in the Lord’s name, and yet He’s blessing me abundantly? By the way, please pray for one of our Scrip-Bit family, my schooldays chum Harry, who seems to be having some serious heart problems and suffered some complications yesterday. I spoke to him earlier on today, and he was doing better. But a little prayer never hurts, and often helps. That’s it for today Friends. Hopes it makes sense, but as I keep saying, true believers know how to pick sense from nonsense. (smile) Should have been finished long ago, but I’ve had more diversions than normal sitting out here on the porch of my cosy cottage in Store Bay. But since Today is my birthday, I am inclined to be generous. Much LOVE!…three things the Lord LOVES…and expects from His children…sincere prayer, unselfish good deeds, and genuine thanks…   P.S. God just moved in one of His mysterious ways and had my half brother, Haymer, whom I haven’t seen in almost forty years, show up at my cosy cottage. Even more reason to give plenty thanks. Much LOVE!

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