Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 November 2020 John 10:11.

29 Nov 2020 Leave a comment

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

John 10:11.     ​I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Oh friends, the Lord’s Day has rolled around once again, but sadly, this time His house, His sanctuary is desolate because of the Coronavirus lockdown. Thankfully though, that doesn’t mean He can’t bless us and make His face to shine upon us, because we’ll still be gathering to sing and praise and worship Him, though through virtual means, through the wonders of technology. 

And because of all the strife, confusion, upheaval and discontent that’s currently running rampant in our world, I decided that we needed a real thankful and joyful song to open our worship today, something to lift our spirits and remind us of our God’s goodness and LOVING-kindness. And I’m sure you’ll all agree that there could not be a better song than this one to do it. I’m talking about ‘Oh Happy Day!’ 

Yes mih people, up on point today is that 1967 gospel music arrangement by the Edwin Hawkins Singers of the 18thcentury hymn written by clergyman Philip Doddridge, which in the intervening years has certainly become a gospel music standard. Just check out YouTube and you’ll see the many different versions. And today we’re really going to get into it, giving it the full gospel treatment, with lots of hand clapping, the music rich and soulful and scintillating, with the tambourines jangling and the call and answer response right up front, for that’s what really lends the song its verve and chutzpah. (smile) 

So altogether now, in full voice, letting heaven know that we’re serious and sincere: ‘Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) (Repeat) 

He taught me how (He taught me how) To watch and fight and pray Watch and pray And live rejoicing every day Every day Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day) Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) 

He taught me how (He taught me how) To watch and fight and pray Watch and pray And live rejoicing every day (Good God) Every day Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, it’s a happy day (Oh, happy day) Oh, Lord (Oh, happy day) Mmm, good God (Oh, happy day) Oh yeah (Oh, happy day) Mmm, oh (Oh, happy day).’ 

Yes mih bredrin, that was an awesome version! Heaven had no doubt that we were sincere! And this time, Jesus couldn’t just sit smiling shyly by the Father’s side…how could He when all heaven was dancing, singing and clapping too eh…including the Father? Jesus had to get up and do a li’l two step to acknowledge the praise and worship. And believe me precious people, Jesus deserves all of that adoration and reverence for the willing sacrifice; crucifixion on the old rugged cross at Calvary, that He made on our behalf! 

Wow! What a day it truly was when He washed our sins away, when He paid the Father’s steep price to cleanse and save us from hellfire and damnation! It was indeed the happiest day that mankind had ever experienced, and the best gift ever given to us after the Lord breathed His breath of life into our forefather Adam’s nostrils! As Jesus so rightly said of Himself: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) And that’s exactly what He did; gave His life for us on the cross, so that we could be reconciled to the Father and live…live forever! Glory be people! 

How amazing and sacrificial is that eh! And hear Him later on nuh: ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck (snatch) them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck (snatch) them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.’ (John 10:27-30) Mama Mia! What beautiful words of reassurance? 

And the scholars express it thus: ‘10:27-29. Never perish: These verses declare the assurance that all believers will be utterly safe from any creature that might wish to destroy them.’ Can any other faith sincerely promise that? Absolutely not! And what’s so great about Jesus is not that He just washed our sins away, but He also taught us to how to watch and fight and pray! Glory Hallelujah! What a giant He is! 

And to add to all that, He taught us how to live rejoicing every day too! So why wouldn’t we proud of Him eh? And revere and adore and worship Him; as well as call Him Lord and Saviour? No reason whatsoever to do otherwise my fellow saints in Christ! 

But unfortunately I have to muddy the waters here, cause not all of His followers walk the talk that they talk. Too many of us don’t watch and fight and pray, nor live rejoicing every day, although our sins have been washed away and we’ve been guaranteed eternal life. Now isn’t that a crying shame, because it just makes Jesus’ sacrifice of no account if we keep on living that joyless, ungodly life. Remember what He also said: ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10) That means we’re supposed to enjoy our earthly lives if we’re true believers, not live downtrodden and dismal existences. 

Oh my people, heaven begins here on earth if you’re a follower of Jesus, and we ought to be the happiest and most joyful group of people on the planet because of all that He’s done and promised to do in the future. So let’s get with the programme nuh, let’s change our attitudes, lift our heads and give God the glory through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for that’s why He sacrificed His sinless life! Much LOVE!

…if you’re a true believer…then you ought to be joyful…for the joy of the Lord is your strength… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 September 2018 Matthew 7:14.

28 Sep 2018 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 7:14. ​Because strait (how narrow) is the gate, and narrow (difficult or confined) is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

 

Awright friends, it’s bright and sunshiny out there, so let’s get with the thanks and praise, as we all joyfully declare: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it!’ 

And we’d be very foolish and ungrateful not to do so my brethren, because that’s why the Lord made the beautiful day – so that His precious people could enjoy it. Glory to our Most High God, whose kind, gracious and LOVING thoughts are always upon us, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’ (Jer.29:11) 

Yes my dear brethren in Christ, our God only has our best interest at heart, but we foolishly screw it up when we don’t pay Him His much-deserved obeisance and obedience. Anyway, He’s also overflowing with forgiveness, so when we realize the error of our ways and come to Him in sincere repentance, He WILL have mercy on our poor human souls, and forgive us. That’s just how magnanimous and generous He is! 

And that’s why the workingman, even in his somewhat mislead agenda, can cry out in thanks and appreciation this Friday morning to the Most High: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! MamaYo! The weekend is at hand; the time to celebrate life is upon us. So what we waiting for eh? Let’s celebrate life! 

We alive and kicking, and the wisest man ever, Solomon, said that it was good for a man to eat drink and enjoy the fruits of his labour! So leh we do that nuh, celebrate the end of another back breaking week of slave-like labour, as we give thanks for Fridays and weekends!’ 

Ah friends, as always, I have no complaints re the workingman’s song, except that he takes the celebrating thing a little too far, so that he opens wide the door for Lucifer and his evil minions to get a foothold in his soul. And that’s why, as believers, our Friday Chant is somewhat different; still exuberant and enthusiastic, but with tighter boundaries and a li’l more circumspection. So let’s chant up a storm now nuh, as we declare our thanks for the weekend to Almighty God. 

‘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 people, we have to be careful to not go too far out on the limb of freedom, so that we don’t allow the enemy to muddy our clean, clear waters. And remember too, that not because a wide door or path has been opened to us, that we have to go through or take it, for oftimes, it is the enticement of the enemy. 

That’s why Jesus warned us: ‘Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at. Because strait (how narrow) is the gate, and narrow (difficult or confined) is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.’ (Matt.7:13-14) 

 And that’s the God awesome truth friends! Living and working for Jesus, does take away some of our wiggle room. (smile) Meanwhile, Luke puts it thus: ‘Strive to enter in at the strait (narrow) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.’ (Luke 13:24) Yes my brethren, the way to eternal life is narrow and fraught with difficulty, and only those who sincerely seek it and are willing to pay the price will find it. 

And it’s not only narrow, but there’s only ONE WAY, that through Jesus, as He succinctly informed doubting Thomas. ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) Right there you have that narrow, one-way street to eternal life my people! Jesus didn’t mince words; He told it exactly like it is: ONLY through Him can one get to the Father and bypass eternal damnation with Lucifer in the lake of fire! 

So what’s it going to be eh: eternal salvation in the amazing company of our Triune God, or hell fire and damnation with the fallen angels? It’s a decision each individual has to make for themself; nobody else can make it for you. They can suggest it, or even lead you to that narrow path, but it’s always going to be your decision to tread or not to tread it. 

 Let’s hope today my people, that we all make the wise decision; that to follow Jesus on the narrow but difficult and self-sacrificing path to victory and everlasting life. It’s the best and wisest decision we can ever make in this lifetime! And we will never regret it, all the way through eternity! Much LOVE!

…if Christ…who cannot lie…says He is the ONLY way to the Father…then it must be true…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 January 2015 Psalm 143:8

08 Jan 2015 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 143:8.   Cause me to hear thy LOVING-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Ah Friends, it’s another bitterly cold and windy morning in my neck of the woods! Wow! Like winter is finally here to stay! But at least we can be thankful that there is no precipitation to further muddy the already muddy waters! (smile)

As usual though, all we can do is grin and bear it and continue with whatever tasks God has put before us. Don’t forget that He WILL empower us to do whatever He asks of us. So there is no real need to worry or be afraid. And it’s just a little cold weather, no big thing. (smile)
 
Now this morning I have a rather interesting and most likely very appropriate story to share with you. It comes from the One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin.
 
This one is titled ‘Another Year’ and says: ‘Another new year! How did it steal in so silently? How did it arrive so quickly? So many things I determined to do in January of last year are still completely undone. So many notes and letters still unwritten. Friends I planned to entertain were never invited.
 
The books I planned to read haven’t been opened. The cupboards and drawers I hoped to clean are still cluttered with things I don’t need or use. Clothes I no longer wear still crowd my closet. I planned to have coffee with our neighbours, but often I managed no more than a quick wave between errands.
 
If only I could have held on to the old year a little longer! But the old year is gone. I must put it away with all its failures and broken resolves. There is no way I can reclaim even one week of last year. I see that the road to good intentions is wide and circular. I’ve walked around it until I am utterly exhausted.
 
I confess my failures, my procrastination. I know God, in his graciousness, will forgive me. I have one more request. I pray for God’s power to keep my forgiveness up-to-date.’
 
Oh Friends, how true that story is of so many of us who are caught up in the busy lifecycle of this busy and fractured world! After reading that yesterday I just couldn’t pass up sharing it with you. And I’m sure that many of us, to whom it so appropriately applies, are now chuckling at its wisdom and truth.
 
But I want to point out two very important things in it. Firstly, that despite all her foot dragging, the author acknowledges God’s graciousness and knows without a doubt, that she will be forgiven for it. And secondly, her prayer for God’s power to keep her forgiveness on track.
 
Oh my people, many of us badly need to come to God for all kinds of forgiveness but are hesitant and afraid to do so for whatever reason. But until we surrender all our worries and problems to Him, our lives will not be as full and prosperous as they can be.
 
Now the promise attached to that story was ‘Let me hear of your unfailing LOVE to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.’ (Ps.143:8) That’s the version from the New Life Translation (NLT), but we will use the King James Version as our Bit this morning.
 
I don’t know why, but I’m just partial to the King James Version in most of the scriptures. (smile) Anyway, the KJV spells it out this way: ‘Cause me to hear thy LOVING-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.’
 
Oh Friends, that just sounds more poetic and soulful to me than the NLT version, which sounds sort of commonplace and pedestrian. (smile) But that’s just me.
 
The important thing though is that we get the essence of the scripture, which is basically crying out to God for His grace, mercy and direction, as we put our whole and entire trust in Him.
 
And remember my people, until we do that, our lives will never be completely fulfilled. There will always be a little something missing that just nags at us and makes us uncomfortable.
 
And we’ll check out now, a couple of scriptures that verify our Bit. The first one comes from Psalm 46 –God is our refuge and strength- which He is indeed.
 
‘There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles (dwelling places) of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved (shaken): God shall help her, and that right early (at the break of dawn). (Ps.46:4-5)
 
Yeh Friends, our great and wonderful God is wherever we are, and will certainly help us in our time of need, and very early at that. That’s His promise, and we can be assured that He will fulfill it!
 
Now listen to Moses as he warns the Israelites. ‘For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.’ (Deut.23:14)
 
Oh my people, our God is always around us, but we need to be obedient, humble and reverent if we want to enjoy the full scope of His blessings!
 
And we’ll end with this most encouraging scripture from the prophet Isaiah, re Thanksgiving for God’s mercies. ‘And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings (deeds, works) among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
 
Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.’ (Is.12:4-6)
 
Oh my fellow believers, I couldn’t say it any better than that! However, I’m asking us to sincerely embrace that worshipful attitude and trust in Almighty God this new year of 2015, so that our lives can be more fulfilled and prosperous, as He would have them. That, my people, is indeed true wisdom! Much LOVE!
 
…whatever the problem…call out to Jesus…don’t be afraid…for He is there waiting to help us…but WE have to  call…

 

 

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…