my eyes are fixed straight ahead | SCRIP-BITS

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 August 2022 Proverbs 29:18.

31 Aug 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a good boot in the tail, a spirit of mirth, apostasy, cast off restraint, endure to the end, every man did that which was right in his own eyes, God has spoken to us through Jesus, Happy 6oth Independence T&T, he that keepeth the law; happy is he, Islands in the Sun, Jesus the last agent of God's revelation, LOVE, morality is based on adnerence to God's revealed will, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, not a law unto ourselves, not turning back, play mas, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the expressing of heifer dust, the people perish, the twin island republic, the word of the Lord was precious (rare), to a glorious future with Jesus, Trinbagonians, Trinidad and Tobago, Wednesday Wail, where there is no prophetic vision, with God's grace

Proverbs 29:18. Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast of restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

And on this 31^st day of August in the year of our Lord 2022, I want to wish a Happy 60^th Independence Day to that fabulous twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the land of my birth! Now, the Jamaicans think they are the biggest and hottest thing since sliced bread, and they are good, I can talk from personal experience because that’s where, as the old people would say, I turned man, some fifty something years ago, but friends, there’s a quality in Trinbagonians that no one else in the world possesses.

It seems like God put a spirit of mirth in the people of those twin islands in the sun! They have a sense of partying right at the front of their minds that no other nation has, always ready to make or play mas, and an instant camaraderie with anyone who wants to play along. It doesn’t take long to become friendly with a Trinbagonian. But their greatest gift is the expressing of heifer dust! Oh, nobody in this world could express heifer dust (S.T) like a T&T denizen! ( smile) Just go to any event, be it private or public, and once you hear heifer dust spilling out, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s a Trinbagonian! And if you have any Trinbagonian friends, you’d know that was the gospel truth.

I don’t know why, but that truth stands out for me in one particular situation. Many years ago, I went to a local football (soccer) game in New York City, and was never more amazed when I heard the same sort of B.S. spilling out of the upper stands like you would hear in places like the Queen’s Park Oval or any soccer pitch in T&T. I don’t know why that surprised me, since I know we carry our traits with us wherever we go. I guess because it sounded so refreshing and unusual to hear it in the big city of New York. (smile)

Anyhow, we all know that it’s been sixty hard years of slogging since independence, but we’ve made many improvements to the land and to the people, and let’s pray that with God’s grace we can do even better in the future. Now, please note I said with God’s grace, so that means we have to sincerely turn back to the God of our forefathers in worship and lifestyle, because we certainly cannot do it without Him on our side! Happy Independence Day T&T!

That brings us to this word of warning from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. ‘Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast of restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.’ (Prov, 29:18) And that’s more gospel truth my people! As the scholars explain. ‘Vision refers to the divine revelation received by the prophet. Morality is based on adherence to God’s revealed will.’

You see it in Moses being sent to teach the children of Israel how the Lord wanted them to live, and how quickly they moved away from the law while Moses was up on Mount Zion collecting the Ten Commandments. They found he was taking too long to come back down so they inveigled Aaron: ‘Up, make us gods (a god), which will go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of Egypt, we wot not (know not) what has become of him.’ (Ex. 32:1) And Aaron took all their gold jewelry and made them a molten calf to worship. And you can read how they displayed a complete lack of appreciation for God by worshipping the golden calf in the rest of Exodus 32.

Then, later on, there’s the significant difference as offered by the Good Book in 1 Samuel, where it states: ‘And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious (rare) in those day; there was no open vision.’ (1 Sam. 3:1) In nations where God’s law isn’t upheld, where there is no moral restraint, the people run amok, do their own thing, apostasy is rampant and encouraged, like we’re seeing in today’s world.

The scholars tell us, re that verse from Samuel. ‘The severity of Israel’s apostasy (cf. Judges 21:25) caused a dearth of God’s revelatory work. The condition was perpetuating and self-defeating (cf. Prov. 29:18). By God’s grace, the prophetic institution would receive renewed impetus and standardization in the person and work of Samuel. (cf. 3:21; 19: 20) It’s indeed terrible when a nation, a society, a people, don’t know and/or practice God’s word.

And that reference from Judges brings it all to light. It says: ‘In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.’ (Judg. 21:25) No wonder the country was in such a sad state. And, unfortunately, that’s the way our world is currently trending; everybody wants to do their own thing, there’s no absolute right or wrong, except what we choose to acknowledge. And we can’t truly say that there’s been no prophetic revelation in the land, because there has been. God made Jesus the revelation of His will and word for all time.

Listen to the author of Hebrews. ‘God, who at sundry times (in many portions), and in divers manners (many ways) spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (ages): Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged (cleansed) our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.’ (Heb. 1:1-3)

Yes friends, the Father has sent the Son to reveal Himself and His word to us. As the scholars explain: ‘The author immediately shows that Jesus Christ, as the agent of God’s revelation, is far superior to the Old Testament prophets. Their message was fragmentary and incomplete. It came bit by bit through visions, dreams, events, and direct communication as men were ready and able to receive it. Christ’s revelation is climactic and complete, because He is the Son and because His is the message for the last days. His incarnation initiated the end time, and it will be fulfilled when He returns to earth to reconcile and restore all things. (cf. Acts 2:16-17; 3:19-21; 1 Pet. 1:20).’

So, technically speaking, we don’t need any new revelation about God and His law, because we already have the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in His Son Jesus Christ! And then we have preachers teaching us His word, so what else do we need to live right eh? As someone once said; what we need is a good boot in the tail, to make us wake up and take notice of our sad and sorry lives. And believe me, if the current atmosphere of disease, economic distress, climate change, a scourge of natural disasters, and the many other problems we’re currently enduring, don’t make us wake up and turn back to God, then we’ll not only perish spiritually, but eventually, also physically.

Now, for those of us who are trying to live right, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And now, a gentle reminder, that if we endure to the end, that future we’re looking forward to, will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So please, let’s allow that to encourage us to stick with Jesus nuh! Much LOVE!

…we did not create ourselves…and thus cannot be a law unto ourselves…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 August 2022 Psalm 37:23.

24 Aug 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a man is not justified by the works of the law, catch our second wind, depart from evil and do good, endure to the end, halfway home, hands on the plough, he delighteth in his way, he is always merciful and lendeth, his seed begging bread, his seed is blessed, I have been young, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, I'm not turning back, Judaizers, keep his way, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, the breath of life, the first and great commandment, the law of God is in his heart, the Lord upholdeth him with his hand, the moral law of God, the mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, the perfect law of liberty, the physical law of God, the righteous shall inherit the land, the royal law, the seed of the wicked shall be cut off, the social law of God, the spiritual law of God, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, wait on the Lord, we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, Wednesday Wail

Psalm 37:23. The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Well, it’s Wednesday, the middle day of the work week. So how are we going my dear brethren in Christ at this point in time? Let’s hope that with Christ surrounding us that we are doing pretty good, catching our second wind and moving forward with faith, despite all the confusion and evil workings that currently have our world in grip.

And regardless of what’s happening in our lives right now, I believe it is of the utmost importance for us to believe these marvellous words promised by Bruh David on God’s behalf from Psalm 37. ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.’ (Ps. 37:23-24) Now, if we don’t believe that promise what hope is there for us then eh? None whatsoever!

And Bruh David drives home that amazing hope in Christ Jesus when he continues: ‘I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread. He is ever (always) merciful, and lendeth; and his seed (descendants) is blessed.’ (Ps. 37:25-26) Oh my people, how wonderful is that statement eh? Most wonderful! Why? Because when we walk faithfully with God, it ensures the goodness of God to our families after we are gone. And who doesn’t want that assurance?

But before it can happen, we must faithfully do certain things. Bruh David puts it simply, but it’s ever powerful in truth. ‘Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord LOVETH judgment (justice), and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever; but the seed of the wicked shall he cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.’ (Ps. 37:27-29) It couldn’t be put any simpler or more truthfully my people! The Lord, as it were, bends over backwards for the righteous, while He crushes the wicked without mercy.

And why would the Lord do that eh? Because ‘The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgement (mercy). The law of God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide (slip).’ (Ps. 37:30-31) Wow! What encouraging and reassuring scriptures! But then we talk about the ‘law of God,’ what exactly is that? Ah friends, the scholars give us a lengthy but very useful discourse on the subject. (smile)

They say, ‘The law of God is the extension of God’s nature and expression of God’s will in His creation. God’s law is expressed in different forms, relating to different areas of His creation. The physical law of God includes the laws of nature which govern the continuous physical existence of this world (Gen. 8:22; Col. 1:17). The moral law, also called “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:15), governs the immaterial issues of life (2 Tim. 3:17).

The social law of God affects interpersonal relationships and can be summarized by “the royal law” (James 2:8). The spiritual law deals with a man’s relationship with God. It is summarized in “the first and great commandment” (Matt. 22:37-38). And we all know what that is: ‘LOVE the Lord with all thy heart, mind and soul…etc. etc.’

Illustration: The purpose of the law is to reveal the sovereignty of God (Ex. 20:2), to place a restraint on the sinner (Ps. 68:7-8), to show the greatness and reality of sin (Rom. 3:19-20), and to lead the sinner to Christ (Gal. 3:24). The purpose of the law did not change with the gospel. When the Judaizers in Galatia sought to teach their erroneous view of the law, they failed to realize that the law has never been able to save anyone. Application: As Christians, we should be concerned to live decently and orderly. (First ref. Gen. 2:17; Primary ref. Rom. 7:7-14; cf. Ex. 3:13).’

Glory be my people! There’s enough scripture and other info there to keep us occupied for the rest of the day! (smile) And I expect us to look up those scriptures, so that we can get a better understanding of God’s law. Why? Because how can we live a godly life, one in tune with God’s law if we don’t know and understand that law eh?

Now, I believe there’s one thing, we need to further explain; that’s about ‘the Judaizers.” They were ‘a group of Jewish Christians who insisted that their co-religionists should follow the Mosaic Law and that Gentile converts to Christianity must first be circumcised.’ They considered that the Old Testament laws were still binding on all Christians.

But Bruh Paul made it quite clear otherwise in his letter to the Galatians. He begins by saying in 2:15: ‘We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,’ That was a derogatory term against Gentiles, who were considered synonymous with sinners, since they didn’t live under the Jewish law, which kept the Jews somewhat restrained in their own sinful behaviour.

Then Bruh Paul continues: ‘Knowing that a man is not justified (declared righteous) by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of (in ) Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.’ (Gal. 2:16)

Please remember that friends. It’s not by works we are saved but by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:8-9) And yes, we definitely ought to do good works, but those works don’t mean anything when it comes to saving us from hellfire and damnation. They may bring us rewards in heaven, but they will NEVER get us to heaven!

And since we began with the awesome words of Psalm 37, it only makes sense to end with some of them. (smile) And we can never go wrong when we follow this marvellous advice of Bruh David. ‘Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.’ (Ps. 37: 34) Yes, my fellow believers, waiting patiently and expectantly on our God is one of the best things we can ever do, for He will exalt us in His own time.

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do just that, let’s go home now declaring (oh yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one confident and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

Now my fellow saints, that means we must do whatever it takes to keep on keeping on. And don’t forget, that if we endure to the very end, that future with Christ will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Mama Mia! What an amazing life is to be had with Christ! Much LOVE

…only in Christ…can the real and true life be found…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 August 2022 James 4:7.

10 Aug 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a spirit that's never contented or satisfied, cleanse your hands ye sinners, death and damnation, draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you, eccentricities of the weather, endure to the end, giving us enough rope to hang ourselves, God giveth more grace to the humble, God resisteth the proud, halfway home, hands on the plough, it's easier to serve Satan than God, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, no man can serve two masters, not looking back, our improper attitude of enslavement toward wealth, our wandering hearts and minds, purify your hearts ye doubleminded, resist the devil and he will flee from you, revel in the sinful things of Satan, selfish desires, submit yourselves to God, the benefits of God far outweigh those of Satan, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the friendship of the world is enmity with God, the way of Mother Nature, to a glorious future with Jesus, turning a blind eye to the promises of Jesus, Wednesday Wail, who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, Ye cannot serve God and mammon, ye lust and have not, yet ye have not because ye ask not

James 4:7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

I don’t understand it nuh friends…and you’re wondering just what I don’t understand eh. (smile) Well, it’s how come today can already be the tenth of August when the month just began sometime last week. And you know what happens when August is done? September rolls in with its colder temps and we on the down track to that wonderful season called winter. (smile) It’s interesting to note how the supposedly good seasons finish much quicker than those we consider less amenable. But that’s just the way of Mother Nature, and if you want to live in the Northern Climes then you will have to learn to put up with the eccentricities of the weather.

And though you may be born and raised in the changing seasons, it’s still difficult for many people to adjust to it. I guess that’s because mankind was not really made to live in the cold, but because of our wandering hearts and minds we’ve ended up in some of the most inhospitable climates in the universe. Now, that wandering spirit that’s never contented or satisfied, also leads us to suffer other unnecessary pain and sorrow as we seem to revel in the sinful and ungodly things of Satan which only bring us death and damnation.

Oh my wayward friends, although we know better, somehow or the other we just can’t refuse the lure, the clarion call of the enemy’s deceitful and empty promises. Meanwhile, we’re turning a blind eye to all the marvellous, magnificent and true promises that Jesus is offering, free, gratis, and for nothing! Promises of hope, faith, forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with our Creator, salvation and eternal life in heaven, where there are no tears, no pain, no sorrow and above all no death!

Our brains must be badly muddled and addled if we consciously choose the disastrous and painful life that comes to those who follow the evil Beelzebub; things like hell, death, damnation and eventual interment in lake of fire, instead of the wonderful halls of heaven. No wonder James, the brother of Jesus wrote this tough passage on worldliness and pride to his fellow believers.

He sagely begins by asking: ‘From whence come wars (conflicts) and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts (desires for pleasure) that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill (murder), and desire to have (covet), and cannot obtain: ye fight and war (battle), yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (pleasures).’ (James 4:1-3)

Wow! What wisdom, what insight into our ungodly behaviour! And re those verses, the scholars tell us: ‘Chapter 3 ended by stressing the peace that results from heavenly wisdom. Now James emphasizes the strife common among his readers, stemming from their unsatisfied, selfish desires. Instead of wrestling with God in prayer, these believers are striving with one another.’

And would you believe that nothing much has changed in our society since then, except that we’ve gotten even more lustful, sinful and more interested in pleasures than the righteousness of God, with the avowed intention to kick God out. But just for the record, that’s NEVER going to happen, because God is still in control of His universe and will always be. He’s just giving us enough rope so we can hang our own selves and not blame Him when our paper houses with such beautiful facades come tumbling down. Hn!

And I like how James doesn’t let up on the unfaithful believers. He continues taking them to task: ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses (those unfaithful to God), know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be (wants to make) a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God.’ (James 4:4) Yes my brethren, we cannot be a LOVER of the world and a LOVER of God at the same time.

Jesus said it loud and clear: ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal to) the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (worldly riches).’ (Matt. 6:24) But friends, unfortunately, when it comes to whom we are serving, many of us have a spiritual double vision. (smile) However, try as we might, ‘total loyalty to God cannot be divided between Him and one’s material possessions.’ And the having of material possessions is not wrong in itself, but it’s ‘our improper attitude of enslavement toward wealth’ that causes the problem.

And James continues to lay into his readers. ‘Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.’ (James 5-6) Ah mih people, our natural spirits do yearn after jealousy and covetousness, but God gives us much more grace that we can overcome the attractions of the world. And there, when James talks about God giving more grace to the humble, he is quoting Cousin Sol in Proverbs 3:34.

Now don’t think that James is done with his fellow believers or us. Not by a long shot! He’s now getting into the parts that we so badly need, as he strongly advises: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Be afflicted (lament) and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness (gloom). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:7-10)

Oh my fellow saints, I don’t think we can get a better prescription than that for what currently ails us nuh! First off, we must submit ourselves to God, who’s response is always positive and welcoming towards us. Then He will give us the grace and strength to resist Satan. Not to fear or flee from him, but to stand strong against him. And per the cleansing of our hands and hearts, that means our lives need to be cleansed ‘both by outward deeds and inner thoughts.’

And on that subject, the scholars give us this marvellous reference to Psalm 24. ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity (an idol), nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.’ (Ps. 24:3-5)

Yes friends, when we come before the Lord with true confession and repentance, He will gladly lift us up. So, for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Him in these perilous and ungodly times, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most wonderful position in Christ Jesus.

Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

Now, let’s not forget that if we endure to the very end, that future with Jesus is going to be even more glorious than we can even ask or imagine! Wow! So, let’s use that as encouragement to keep on keeping on to the very end nuh! Much LOVE!

…it’s possibly easier to serve Satan than God…but the benefits of God far outweigh those of Satan…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 July 2022 Psalm 36:7.

27 Jul 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a pure river of water of life, abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house, bare twelve manner of fruits, Be merciful unto me O god, drink of the river of thy pleasures, endure to the end, eternal sustenance and immortality, hands on the plough, how excellent is thy loving-kindness, I am halfway home, in thy light shall we see light, let not the foot of pride come against me, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my soul trusteth in thee, New Jerusalem, not turning back, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the children of men put their trust, the endurance of our faith will decide our rewards, the healing of the nations, the leaves of the trees, the most wonderful Father, the steadfast love of God, the tree of life, the workers of iniquity, thy righteousness to the upright in heart, to a glorious future with Jesus, under the shadow of thy wings, under the weather, until these calamities be overpast, Wednesday Wail, with thee is the fountain of life, yielder her fruit every month, zeppo

Psalm 36:7. How excellent (precious) is thy LOVING-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Oh friends, I don’t know how to begin this Wednesday morning nuh… The truth is that I’m a tad under the weather. Went into the big city of T.O. yesterday for a medical appointment, and, as always, that spoiled my daily schedule. Then I went to bed late and didn’t have a restful night, so obviously I got up late, feeling like you know what. (smile) But since we have the most wonderful Father, and Comforter in this whole wide world, I turned to Him for help, like He said we should when we’re out of our depths.

And since He’s so awesomely faithful, I am expecting some good news, some help very shortly. I don’t know about you all nuh, but I take Him seriously when He says that sort of thing, and cry out to Him for help and guidance when I don’t know what to do or where to go. And He has not failed my yet. So why should He this time eh? No reason whatsoever!

And here comes the good news now! Wow! Didn’t have to wait too long. Glory be! That’s why Bruh David could faithfully declare in Psalm 36 – The steadfast LOVE of God: ‘How excellent (precious) is thy LOVING-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.’ (Ps. 36:7) Yes friends, those who truly know the Lord our God, has no hesitation in placing their total trust and surrender in Him, in His marvellous grace and mercy.

And Bruh David was so sure of that, that in Psalm 57 – a Prayer for deliverance – when he was fleeing the deadly pursuit of King Saul, he declares the same reassurance. ‘Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast (have passed by).’ (Ps. 57:1)

Oh my fellow believers, I do hope that we are of the same strong faith as Bruh David and without a moment’s hesitation run to our great God for protection, guidance, comfort, succour and whatever else we need in this life. Because He is the ONLY ONE who can provide it ALL for us. And Bruh David explains this as he continues in Psalm 36: ‘They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness (fullness) of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.’ (Ps. 36:8-9)

That’s it all right there in a nutshell my people! Under God’s jurisdiction, all our needs are satisfied, for He is both the giver of life and light; the fountain head of all good things! And as Bruh David again reassures in Psalm 65 – God is powerful in nature. ‘Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of the holy temple.’ (Ps. 65:4)

And if you don’t believe Bruh David, then please listen to John, the Revelator as he saw the New Jerusalem in his vision. He opens the last chapter of the Good Book thus: ‘And he (one of the seven angels) showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst (middle) of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.’ (Rev. 22:1-2)

Now, here’s the scholars’ interesting explanation. ‘These verses depict the abundant life and continuous blessing of the New Jerusalem. One river, containing water of life (cf. 7:17; 21:6; 22:17), comes from God’s throne and waters the entire city (cf. similar millennial blessings in Ezek. 47:1-12; Joel 3:18; Zech. 14:8). The tree of life pictures eternal sustenance and immortality (cf. vs. 14; Gen. 2:9; 3:22). Both the variety and abundance of fruit are emphasized. The healing of the nations may indicate physical healing during the Millennium (cf. Ezek. 47:12) or (figuratively) the blessings of God in the eternal state.’

Wow! What a time that will be my fellow saints, when the New Jerusalem comes to town! (smile) And by the way, it would be a very interesting and enlightening enterprise for us to check out the references the scholars shared in their explanation. I just took a couple of minutes and did it, and it does reinforce what the scholars claim. There have been too many other prophecies about the New Jerusalem and the Millennial Age for them not to be true.

That brings us right back to Bruh David and the steadfast LOVE of God in Psalm 36, where he writes: ‘O continue thy LOVING-kindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me (drive me away from you). There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.’ (Ps. 36:10-12)

And yuh better believe that people, when the Lord casts down the iniquity workers they will not rise again! So please, let’s not be numbered amongst them nuh, but instead be counted amongst the righteous and upright in heart, so that we can experience the wonders of the New Jerusalem in that golden age to come. And for those of us who sincerely believe and are doing our best to further God’s kingdom, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.

And just in case you didn’t know, if we endure to the very end, that future with Jesus will be even more glorious than we can even ask or imagine. Yes, that’s the zeppo that’s recently come down from on high. So please, let’s allow that to encourage us to endure to the very end nuh! (smile) Much LOVE!

…the endurance of our faith…will decide our rewards…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 July 2022 John 13:35.

20 Jul 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a new commandment I give unto you, broken work system, by this shall all men know that ye are my disiciples, fight Satan mano-a-mano, going great guns, he that despiseth despiseth not man but God, heifer dust, I am halfway home, I'm not turning back, if ye have love one to another, if ye love me keep my commandments, increase more and more in love, Jesus' trademark is love, LOVE, masquerading under the façade of Christ, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, no group can survive chaos without obedience, our world will never be the same again, power-hungry dictators, that ye love one another as I have loved you, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the devil is strong in the world, the master template of love is obedience, the poor keep getting poorer, the rich keep getting richer, this is love that we walk after his commandments, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, work with your own hands

John 13:35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE to one another.

Come get to Wednesday friends, the leveller of our work week. Yes, by Wednesday we ought to be in full swing, in total work mode, going great guns! (smile) Ah, but how many of us really get into full work mode these days eh, with the broken work system caused by the pandemic and all the other problems we’re currently facing?

Not as many as it ought to have, for the fairly steady world that we knew a few years ago, no longer exists. Everything is now in upheaval, fragmented, one isn’t sure whether one is coming or going., we’re all trying to figure out where our future lies. Some of us are even standing still, notwithstanding those of us who have disastrously fallen through the many holes and cracks in the system. One thing is sure though; our world will never be the same again.

And what’s interesting and very disturbing is that throughout the worldwide pandemic, greed, selfishness and warfare never took a break, in fact they have intensified. The rich keep getting richer, the poor keep getting poorer, our world keeps falling apart, and more power-hungry dictators are being exalted every day! Instead of the pandemic bringing us together, it sadly forced us apart, brought out some of our worst traits.

I tell you friends, the devil is strong in this world, and if we don’t get up and fight him mano-a-mano, with all the tools, all the armour of our Christian faith, he will eventually have all of us eating out of his hands. Now, that’s not to frighten us, but to warn us. For when all over the world we have the same basic problems and we keep drawing further apart, rather than coming closer together to try and solve them, when supposed Christians are fighting supposed Christians, then things surely are in bad shape.

Note, I said supposed Christians, for if we are constantly fighting each other then we don’t belong to Christ and don’t deserve His name. We obviously have forgotten, or simply chosen to ignore His very important words. ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) And what was His commandment, you ask? ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have loved you, that ye also LOVE one another.’ (John 13:34)

Yes my people, those who LOVE each other aren’t constantly at war with each other. And some of us might be wondering why Jesus even bothered to give us that commandment, but it was very important, because as He further says: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE to one another.’ (John 13:35)

It’s simple friends, Jesus’ trademark is LOVE, and if His supposed followers don’t show LOVE, especially to each other, then they are not truly His followers. We’re just a bunch of ingrates, hypocrites and iniquity workers, parading, or rather masquerading under the façade of Christ! And that’s totally unacceptable.

Oh my bredrin, not only did Jesus teach us that LOVE for God and each other are the main priorities in our lives, but so did others. Like Bruh Paul and John. In Bruh Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, when talking about immoral conduct and the purity necessary in a Christian’s walk, he said: ‘For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth (rejects), despiseth (rejects) not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

But as touching (concerning) brotherly LOVE ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to LOVE one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet (aspire to live a quiet life), and to do (mind) your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly (properly) toward them that are without (outside), and that ye may have lack of nothing.’ (1 Thess. 4:7-12)

Yuh see there mih people, although the Thessalonians were doing a decent enough job of showing LOVE in action, Bruh Paul was still encouraging them to get even better at it. To mind their business and develop a work ethic that would allow them to earn a decent living. All of those virtues are sadly lacking in today’s society. With the advent of almost instantaneous communication, we’ve become the biggest liars and gossipmongers the world has ever seen. And don’t talk about the work ethic aspect, because that’s almost non-existent. But yet we claim to be Christians! Heifer Dust!

And if you don’t believe me, then listen to John in his first epistle. He writes: ‘And hereby we do know that we know him (Jesus), if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the LOVE of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.’ (1 John 2:3-6)

And how did Jesus walk, you ask? Listen to Him. ‘If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my LOVE; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his LOVE.’(John 15:10) Jesus only did what His Father commanded. And if by now you have not realized that the master template of LOVE is basic obedience, then let me tell you, IT IS!

Now listen to John from his second epistle, where he writes to a lady and her family: ‘And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we LOVE one another. And this is LOVE, that we walk after (according to) his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.’ (2 John 5-6)

And I like how the scholars explain that last verse. ‘For some, LOVE has little to do with obedience. Yet John, following Jesus, stresses that to LOVE is to obey. As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, John would have heard the Master raise the question, “And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)’

Now that’s a very good question. Why call Jesus Lord when we don’t do as He desires of us eh? I’ll leave that for us to ponder and answer in our own time and manner though. (smile) Instead, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.

And if by chance you’ve forgotten, let me remind you that if we endure to the very end, then that promised future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s hold on to that nuh, and endure right down to the very end! The rewards will be well worth it! Much LOVE!

…no group of God’s creations…be they man, beast or organism…can survive chaos…without obedience to a central tenet…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 July 2022 John 17:15.

13 Jul 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a future more glorious than we can ask or imagine, a productive child of God, all these things shall be added unto you, as you sent me into the world, catch our second wind, crucified to the world, endure to the end, hypocritical ninnies, I am halfway home, I do not ask that you take them out of the world, I'm not turning back, in the world but not of the world, infiltrate Satan's kingdom, Jesus doesn't ask us to do anything He wouldn't do, keep them from the evil one, may be in them and I in them, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are fixed securely on the plough, not of the world but sent into the world, raised to new life, release the captive being held in darkness, sanctify them in truth, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, sent back to free others, so have I sent them into the world, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the love wherewith thou hast loved me, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, you are a child of God first and foremost, your word is truth

John 17:15. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

And then it was Wednesday, the middle day of our workweek, when we ostensibly catch our second wind. (smile) Now that only applies to some of us, because many of us never catch a second breath, since the week is usually over by the time we do that. (smile) It’s amazing how some of us allow work, our jobs and positions to dictate all that we do and are. But it ought not to be so, for our main purpose in this world is being a grateful and productive child of God, and our jobs are only incidental to that.

We must not allow what we do to become who we are for that’s the way of the world. In other words, the world says what you do gives you the importance, power and meaning to your life. But in God’s kingdom it’s entirely different. There you are a child of God, first and foremost, everything else is icing on the cake. That’s why Jesus advised and encouraged us to ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33)

Yes friends, if we are children of God, then our focus should always be on the things of God and not the things of the world. That brings us to the Christian saying that we are in the world, but not of the world. However, I do like how the article on the subject in the desiringgod.org website revisits that slogan.

And they quote John 17:14-19. ‘ I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.’

It’s obvious that Jesus doesn’t want us to be a part of the world, however, as the article continues: ‘But notice that for Jesus being “not of the world” isn’t the destination in these verses but the starting place. It’s not where things are moving toward, but what they’re moving from. He is not of the world, and he begins by saying that his followers are not of the world. But it’s going somewhere. Jesus is not huddling up the team for another round of kumbaya, but so that we can run the next play and advance the ball down the field.

Enter verse 18: “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” And don’t miss the surprising prayer of verse 15: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” Jesus is not asking his Father for his disciples to be taken out of the world, but he is praying for them as they are “sent into” the world. He begins with them being “not of the world” and prays for them as they are “sent into” the world. So maybe it would serve us better — at least in light of John 17 — to revise the popular phrase “in, but not of” in this way: “not of, but sent into.”

The beginning place is being “not of the world,” and the movement is toward being “sent into” the world. The accent falls on being sent, with a mission, to the world — not being mainly on a mission to disassociate from this world.’ Now, hopefully that gives us some food for thought, (smile) and makes us realize that as disciples of Christ it’s our bounden duty to go into the world and make others want to come to Him.

For, as the article concludes: ‘Jesus’s true followers have not only been crucified to the world, but also raised to new life and sent back in to free others. We’ve been rescued from the darkness and given the Light not merely to flee the darkness, but to guide our steps as we go back in to rescue others.’ And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! And I’m chuckling here because that wasn’t where I intended to go, although I’m not sure where I intended to go. (smile) But that’s the interesting thing in writing on scripture; you end up in places that often surprise you.

Anyway, I believe the article is interesting, and the points very valid. Jesus doesn’t just want us to stay away or get out of the world, for how then would we make disciples of the world? It’s more like we are to dig deeper into it, using all our protective armour and the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit to infiltrate Satan’s kingdom and release the captives being held in the darkness there. That’s why we’ve been given all the tools we have. Not just for us to prance around like hypocritical ninnies and claim we are Christians, but to actually do the work we have been called to do!

And I don’t know how we cannot truly live for Jesus when He and His words are ever so beautiful. Just listen to how He closes out that prayer nuh. ‘O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: But I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. and I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the LOVE wherewith thou hast LOVED me, may be in them, and I in them.’ (John 17:25-26)

Now aren’t those extremely beautiful sentiments? Yes! And they are all in our favour, on our behalf! So how could we not LOVE and worship Jesus eh? Only if we are sinful, ungodly ingrates! But for those of us who are just the opposite and do our best to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And lest we forget, if we endure to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Now, please let that encourage and reassure us to endure to the very end! (smile) Much LOVE!

…Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything…He didn’t or wouldn’t do…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 June 2022 2 Timothy 3:1.

22 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: apostasy will characterize the final days of the church age, arrogance, Christ has already won the victory, denying the power thereof, endure to the very end, from such turn away, God has our best interests at heart, God is not a man that he should lie, happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, having a form of godliness, he returneth to his earth, his breath goeth forth, I am halfway home, I even I am he that comforteth you, I have the keys of hell and of death, in that very day his thoughts perish, in the last days perilous times shall come, in whom there is no help, looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus, LOVE, men shall be lovers of their own selves, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, nor in the son of man, not turning baack, pride, put not your trust in princes, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the church must maintain that victory on earth, the Immutability of God, the son of man which shall be made of grass, the universe is unfolding as it should, this know also, traitors, Wednesday Wail, whose hope is in the Lord his God

2 Timothy 3:1. ‘This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come.

And then it was Wednesday, another hot and sunshiny day in God’s world, with temps again somewhere in the thirties, and we are all enthusiastic to be alive to see and experience all the wonderful things God has in place for us today! Glory Hallelujah! For as the man says in his song: ‘No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.’ And of that we can be very sure because our God is the very beat planner there is, ever was, or ever will be, and nothing that He plans ever goes awry. (smile) That’s how much confidence and assurance we have in Him! For He has never let us down, and we believe He never will.

Why, you ask? Because He is God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent and can do ALL things. So why would He promise something that He can’t do eh? Remember too that there is NOTHING He cannot do! And as the false prophet Balaam said to the Balak, the king of Moab. ‘God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?’ (Num. 23:19)

And I like how the scholars explain that verse. They say: ‘The immutability (unchangeability) of God is stated. The word repent is parallel to lie and is coloured in tone by this very association. Here His repenting is related to falsehood. The concept of the truth of Yahweh is related to immutability. Since God is truth, He does not lie; in fact, He cannot lie. He is unchanging. God is utterly different from man. Something that comes far too easily for many men is impossible for Almighty God. He cannot lie.’

And that’s where our God wins out over all the other supposed gods! He doesn’t change, He doesn’t behave like fragile and unstable, unreliable men. He is stable, the foundation of all we hold dear, thus we can put our utmost trust in Him. That’s why the psalmist warns us in Psalm 146 – The blessedness of trusting God: ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man (a human being), in whom there is no help (salvation). His breath goeth forth (spirit departs), he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.’ (Ps. 146:3-5)

Yes friends, that’s the awesome truth! And possibly the biggest reason why our world is in such a confused and evil mess. We don’t trust the Lord God Jehovah like we use to do, even one generation ago. We’ve now placed our trust in princes, leaders, human beings who by their very nature are unstable, unreliable, untrustworthy and most important of all die, return to the dust from which they were created, ofttimes suddenly and without notice, and then are of no use to us.

However, the great God, I AM, has been around since everlasting, and will be around till the end of time, and is all powerful and all knowing, therefore we can put our trust in Him! As He says through the prophet Isaiah: ‘I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man (mortal man) that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass.’ (Is. 51:12)

Ah mih people, why then are we so intent on ridding our society of Almighty God who only has our best interests at heart eh, and who is the ONLY ONE we can ever turn to with assurance and certainty in our time of need? Because we are listening to the workers of iniquity, the disciples of the devil, leaders and false prophets who only want to cause harm and strife amongst God’s people. It’s pride and arrogance, self-importance and self-aggrandizement that’s currently driving our world and unfortunately too many of us are listening to, believing and doing what those evil, ungodly leaders are putting forth.

Remember what Bruh Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy about the coming apostasy (turning away from God). ‘This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers (irreconcilable), false accusers (slanderers), incontinent (without self-control), fierce (brutal), despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady (reckless), high-minded (haughty), lovers of pleasures more than (rather than) lovers of God: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (mere religion without spiritual power): from such turn away.’ (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

Oh my fellow saints, it’s like if Bruh Paul is living with us right now, for all that he’s said in those few verses have become reality in these last days! The scholars tell us that ‘The last days began with the birth of Christ and will culminate in His return to earth to set up His kingdom. The prediction of perilous times indicates that apostasy will characterize the final days of the church age.’ And only if you are completely out of your mind you won’t realize the truth of the sadly fallen, and still falling standards of our society. We are no longer respecters of men nor God!

Unfortunately, the devil and his evil minions are now ruling the roost, but that doesn’t mean they will eventually gain the victory, because Jesus has already assured us of that. As one commentator on the agodman.com website writes: ‘The Lord Jesus has already won the battle – He has won the victory, and now our work as the church on earth is to maintain Christ’s victory. Hallelujah, the victory has been won, and we can apply it, stand in it, proclaim it, and make it real to the enemy wherever we are and wherever we go!’

And that’s the gospel truth friends. So, let’s allow these upcoming scriptures to fill our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. The first says: ‘…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.’ (1 John 3:8) Yes friends, when Christ rose from the dead, it meant He defeated Satan, hell, death, and the grave. And, as He said to John in the Book of Revelation. ‘Fear not; I am the first and the last. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.’ (Rev. 1:17-18)

Please let those verses reassure us of Christ’s victory, never forgetting though that we still have to work hard to retain that victory. Consequently, we can now go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ, that we are indeed keeping the battle going in His mighty name.

And please, never never forget that if we endure to the very end, that that promised future will be even more glorious that we can ever ask or imagine! Wow! So, let’s make sure we endure to the very end nuh! Much LOVE!

…only in and through Christ Jesus…is salvation and eternal life possible…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 June 2022 Mark 4:40.

01 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a little faith is better than no faith, endure to the end, God is my salvation, great is the Holy One of Israel, how is it that ye have no faith, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I will trust and not be afraid, I'm not looking back, I'm so glad to be alive, Jesus takes us from the classroom to the laboratory, looking forward to a glorious future, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, O Lord I will praise thee, peace be still, stir up fire in our bellies, test our book knowledge in real life, tested and found wanting, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song, the sacrificial death of Christ atoned for our sins, thine anger is turned away and thou comforted me, tho wast angry with me, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, why are ye so fearful, without faith it is impossible to please God

Mark 4:40. And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Here it is my people, a somewhat cloudy and rainy first day of June, the sixth month of the year! Can you imagine it, May, which just recently begun, is now finished and we are into June? Brother! The days sure are flying past with speedy wings. The good thing though is that it brings us into some good summer weather! Glory be! But we must realize that the summer days fly faster than the winter ones and try to put the brakes on the next couple of months, because if they fly just as fast as the earlier part of the year, then we’ll soon be back to winter again. And that, we surely want to forestall for as long as possible. (smile)

But come what may, let’s remember, as Bruh Paul so nicely puts it in his letter to the Philippians: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!’ (Phil. 4:13) And that’s the gospel truth my people! Once whatever we need to do is in God’s will, then we will be given the wherewithal to do it. Our part is simply to believe it, then put it into action. Unfortunately though, both believing and activating our belief is not always easy, and it’s only as we go through the tough times of life, which we all face at some time or other, that we are able to understand and acquire the right perspective.

Now, I do believe that the following passages of scripture, where the Good Book opened this morning, were meant for us to read and ponder upon and bring some measure of reassurance to our weary souls. In it, Isaiah talks about ‘Thanksgiving for God’s mercies,’ something we certainly ought to give on a regular basis. So please read with me. ‘And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedest me.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings (deeds, 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. 12:1-6)

And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren! The Holy One of Israel, the Lord God Jehovah is indeed mighty in our midst! Who else is like unto Him eh? NOBODY! That’s why we ought to LOVE and treasure Him, glorify, worship and exalt His Holy Name! Continually sing His praises, for He alone is our salvation and our strength. Yes, He gave us His salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus Christ, which atoned for our sins, paid our sin debt in full! For that alone we ought to bow down and worship Him, glorify Him like there’s no tomorrow. And it’s only because of Jesus’ death that we have the option for a tomorrow, and a glorious one at that!

So why do so many of us talk one thing and then do another eh? Why do we talk about faith and then when the time comes to put into action, to prove it, we falter and disappoint our Saviour eh? And I’m talking particularly about the last couple of years when the pandemic and much unrest in the streets were plaguing our world. Where was the church, the supposed body of Christ eh? Where were we the supposed faithful believers, the mighty Christians? Definitely not as front and centre as we ought to have been. Too many of us believers were tested and found to be wanting.

And why was that eh? That’s because we don’t truly believe, we still have too much of the world in us, we don’t fully trust and surrender ourselves to His will, And until we do that, whatever faith we claim to have will be useless. Oh, we do talk a good talk, but when the chips start to fly, and we are required to come up strong, to come up higher for Christ, we run and hide. No wonder one of Jesus’ continual comments was on faith. Some about great faith, some about little faith, some about no faith. But He always homed in on the faith of those around Him.

And this scripture is possibly one of the best examples of that. We talking about the time Jesus and the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and a terrible storm arose, battering their boat until it even began to take in water. Obviously, the disciples were afraid, but Jesus slept calmly on a pillow in the stern of the boat through all the commotion.

When they couldn’t stand it anymore, they awakened Him, saying: ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this (who can this be), that even the wind and the sea obey him.’ (Mark 4:38-41)

Oh my people, it could only be the one who created the winds and the seas in the first place. Who else would they listen and react to so quickly eh? And though we decry the disciples for their lack of faith back then, many of us are no better right now, when we know even more than they did. And I like how the scholars describes the passages of scripture from Mark 4:35 to 5:43.

They say: ‘Jesus takes His disciples from the classroom to the laboratory. Having just taught them that God’s power will cause His kingdom to grow to worldwide proportions and influence (4:30-32 – the parable of the mustard seed), Jesus now performs four miracles that demonstrate this divine might. God’s power is seen in overcoming (1) the danger of a storm (4:35-41); (2) demons in a victim possessed (5:1-20); (3) disease in a woman physically ravished (5:21-34); and (4) the death of a little girl (5:35-43).’

And that’s exactly what’s been happening to us in these last troublesome years. Jesus has taken us from the classroom to the laboratory to test our book knowledge in real life. Remember friends, we were born for a time such as this; meaning that we were born to shine bright in this particular time. So please let’s pick it up nuh. I truly believe that none of us have yet realized our full potential, which means that even the best of us can do better. And remember, since we’ve been bought with the precious blood of Christ, that we are no longer working for ourselves, but for Him. That ought to stir up some passion and fire in our souls and bellies. (smile)

Now, for those of us who are indeed trying, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

Please note too, that if we endure until the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Now, that ought to put a smile on our faces and give us cause to endure right to the end. (smile) Much LOVE!

…a little faith is better than no faith at all…for without faith…it is impossible to please God…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 May 2022 2 Timothy 3:5.

25 May 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: be of good cheer I have overcome the world, boasters, Christ is our everything, clap our hands for Jesus, covetous, denying the power thereof, endure to the end, faith is made for the rough times, false accusers, fell flat on our faces with fear and doubt, from such turn away, having a form of godliness, I am halfway home, I'm not looking back, in the world ye shall have tribulation, Jesus can truly promise and deliver peace, Jesus is the only sane and sensible option, Jesus our mediator and intercessor, let not your heart be troubled, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, men shall be lovers of their own selves, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, never easy living for Jesus, not as the world giveth, Peace i leave with you, prince of peace, raises my level of peace, sinless sacrifice at Calvary, thank God, Thank God for Jesus, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the joy of the Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail

2 Timothy 3:5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Oh brother, is it really the 25th of the month already? We just celebrated May Day a li’l while back. Chuh! Time is flying so fast these days. At least it seems so, with all the ruckus that’s going on in our world: wars and rumours of wars, famine, drought, pandemic, economic insecurity, poverty, natural disasters, climate change etc. etc. There seems to be no peace and/or LOVE in our world, everything is just in a crazy uproar, havoc seems to be the order of the day.

But thank God for Jesus yes! For He seems to be the only sane and sensible option right now. And why is that, you ask? Because He is the only one who can truly promise and deliver peace and LOVE to our confused and stricken hearts, souls, bodies and minds. As the song says: ‘Let’s clap our hands for Jesus!’ Of course, because the Lord is good, and blessed is the man that trusts in Him. Those who look on him are radiant, and they will never be ashamed.

Yes, those are words from Bruh David in Psalm 34, where he declares that the Lord hears the righteous. And yes, I’ve gotten away from what I wanted to talk about, that’s the peace and LOVE that Jesus brings, but I can’t help it when the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is singing one of my favourites, Psalm 34 in the background. (smile) It just raises my level of peace, trust and excitement. And so it should, if you are a faithful believer. Because God is worthy to be praised, Jesus is worthy of much praise and honour and glory for all that He’s done for us, and is still doing as our mediator and intercessor at the right hand of the Father.

And besides saving us through His sinless sacrifice on the cross at Calvary, Jesus has also given us that much need peace we need to live in this frenzied and strife-filled world. Listen to Him nuh: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) Now if our Lord and Saviour tells us that He’s giving us a peace that’s so unlike the world’s, wouldn’t, shouldn’t we believe Him and act accordingly, let not our hearts be troubled and afraid?

And if, like we claim, He’s our strong tower, our refuge in times of trouble, our Prince of Peace, in fact our EVERYTHING, shouldn’t we take His promises much more seriously than we’re currently doing? But no, instead we’re allowing the foolishness of the world, the enemy’s lies and deceitful schemes to usurp the Word of God from our hearts. What does that say about our supposed trust and faithfulness in Him eh? Not a whole lot!

We should be totally ashamed of the way we’ve behaved over the last couple of years. When we should have showed ourselves strong in the Lord’s Word, we fell flat on our faces with fear and doubt. What’s the point of having faith if when the time comes to use it we don’t do so eh? Faith is made for the rough and troublesome times, not the days when everything’s going right.

And Jesus encourages us once again with these marvellous words on the matter at hand as He declares: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) And if we are true believers, then we ought to believe Him, and try our best to do accordingly. No, it won’t be easy. It’s never easy living for Jesus, but the rewards are certainly worth it.

The life that Jesus lays out for us is always exciting and adventurous though often difficult. Just look at the lives of all the great saints and prophets; none of them had it easy, but they all had very interesting lives, living for Jesus. And if that’s what we say we want to do, then we‘ve got to come up to the plate and live out the rough times with His awesome help in peace and LOVE, trusting Him to look out for us, because He always helps those who sincerely trust in and live for Him. And it’s not like we don’t know these awesome scriptures, but we allow the doubt and fear that the world engenders to steal the joy of the Lord that’s been implanted in our hearts and souls.

That brings us to these prophetic words of Bruh Paul to Timothy about the eventual apostasy or turning away from God. ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers (irreconcilable), false accusers (slanderers), incontinent (without self-control), fierce (brutal), despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady (reckless), high-minded (haughty), lovers of pleasures, more (rather) than LOVERS of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.’ (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

And we certainly cannot deny that that’s the kind of world in which we are currently living. Yes, there are so many false teachers and preachers, who merely have a kind of religion, but no real spiritual power, and those are the ones who too many of us are following, no wonder out testimony and lives are not worth much, if anything, to the kingdom of God. Oh my people, I don’t know what else to say but to plead with us to do better. To let our faith rise up and overwhelm the world for Jesus, for that’s the best purpose for living!

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home now declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and confident voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And let’s remember too, that if we endure to the very end, then the future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. Now isn’t that something to look forward to? It certainly is! So, let’s get out into this ungodly world and live sincerely and successfully for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Much LOVE!

…successful living is all about…sincere belief and faith in Christ Jesus…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 May 2022 Psalm 119:60.

18 May 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: as a burning fire, bounden duty, catch our second wind, delayed not to keep thy commandments, disobedience -not doing what the Lord says when He says, endure to the end, his delight is in the law of the Lord, his word was in mine heart, I am a companion of all them that fear thee, I am halfway home, I know that my Redeemer lives, I made haste, I thought on my ways, I was weary with forbearing, in his law doth he meditate, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are fixed securely on the plough, not turning back, obey God and leave all the consequences to him, shut up in my bones, standeth in the way of sinners, stubborn goats running around wild, teach me thy statutes oh Lord, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, them that keep thy precepts, thou artmy portion oh Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, turned my feet unto thy testimonies, walketh not in the council of the ungodly, Wednesday Wail, without a purpose, yet in my flesh shall I see God

Psalm 119:60. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

And the days surely are moving briskly along; we’ve already reached Wednesday, the middle of the work week. Time to stop for a moment and catch our second wind, so that we can finish the race of the week almost as strong as we began it. Unfortunately though, we can’t do that without the Lord’s help, without meditating on His Holy Word and obeying what the Word puts in our hearts and souls.

Yes friends, only our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has the awesome power to rejuvenate our souls and spirits, anytime and anywhere, and without Him, we’re just lost and stubborn goats running around wild, without a purpose, in the arid land that’s Satan’s world. Remember He clearly stated; ‘without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5)

That’s why the wise author of Psalm 119, could declare with confidence. ‘Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words. I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. The bands (cords) of the wicked have robbed (bound) me: but I have not forgotten thy law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgements. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy (LOVING-kindness): teach me thy statutes.’ (Ps. 119:57-64)

Now my fellow saints, that just corroborates what I’d said earlier. It is through meditating on and obeying the Lord’s Word that we get relief from the pressures of this earthly life. Many of us have indeed promised the Lord to keep His Word, but sadly have not done so, yet we’ve sought for His mercy. That’s not wise or logical my brethren. We can’t make a promise to God, but break it, then be boldfaced to seek His mercy. Promises, to God or anyone else, ought to be kept. I like how the psalmist puts it: ‘I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.’ (Ps. 119:59)

Now that’s what many of us need to do in these tough and terrible times; consider our sinful ways and then turn to the Lord God of our forefathers in repentance. And these are possibly the most important words of the whole passage of scripture: ‘I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.’ (Ps. 119:60) Oh my people, our keeping of the Lord’s Word is so important that as Uncle Charles (Dr. Charles Stanley) likes to say: ‘Do it when He says it, and how He says it. Any thing less is disobedience.’ We can’t procrastinate to do the Lord’s bidding until we feel good and ready, or do it how we feel it should be done. Otherwise, we’re not obeying His commandment.

And it’s important too to note as the psalmist points out, that though the wicked had him bound in cords, he didn’t forget the Lord’s Word. That’s how it ought to be with us my brethren. It ought to be like Jeremiah says when he was being persecuted for speaking the Lord’s Word. ‘Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing (of holding back), and I could not stay (endure it). (Jer. 20:9)

Ah mih bredrin, once the Lord’s Word gets seated in our hearts and souls it’s real difficult, if not impossible, to get it out, because, like Jeremiah experienced, it just keeps burning like a fire in our bones, with its truth, grace, mercy and the amazing promises of salvation and eternal life! Glory be!

That’s the power that true faith in God brings. We need to be like Job, who despite his many trials and tribulations could still stand up and confidently declare: ‘For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day (the last day) upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.’ (Job. 19:25) Oh my people, how many of us are so thoroughly convinced of that eh, even though we have seen the Redeemer, Christ Jesus come to earth and save us? Unfortunately, not enough of us to make a real difference in our world.

It is also imperative that we spend quiet time with the Lord, as the psalmist proclaims: ‘At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgements.’ (Ps; 119:62) Yes friends, we cannot learn and keep God ‘s Word without His help, without talking to Him about our problems and giving Him thanks for the many undeserved blessings He’s showered upon us.

And fellowship with other believers is also another important aspect of our faith, like the psalmist acknowledges: ‘I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.’ (Ps. 119:63) We need to hang out with others like us, others who believe in Christ Jesus and are committed to keeping His commandments. We ought to be like Psalm 1 says: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder) day and night.’ (Ps. 1:1-2)

That says it loud and clear friends! Too much association with the workers of iniquity does not become a child of God, because their iniquity is liable to rub off on us. Anyway, by now we ought to get the right picture. (smile) And for those of us who have gotten it, and are doing our best to practice it, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!

As one loud and proud voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And please believe me my faithful brethren, those of us who endure right down to the end, will discover that the future is even brighter than we can think or imagine. So please, let’s endure right to the end nuh, for that’s our bounden duty. Much LOVE!

…living for God is quite simple…obey His Word…then leave all the consequences to Him…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8

SCRIP-BITS

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 August 2022 Proverbs 29:18.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 August 2022 James 4:7.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 July 2022 Psalm 36:7.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 July 2022 John 13:35.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 July 2022 John 17:15.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 June 2022 2 Timothy 3:1.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 June 2022 Mark 4:40.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 May 2022 2 Timothy 3:5.

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 May 2022 Psalm 119:60.

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