Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 March 2014 Isaiah 55:1

29 Mar 2014 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 55:1.      Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
 
Oh Friends, we’re going to begin this morning by giving our wonderful God some thanks and praise for His infinite wisdom and LOVING-kindness to us up here in the northern climes, in particular Toronto and its environs. Why you ask?
 
Remember how we’ve been complaining about the terrible winter weather and the great amounts of snow piled up all around, wondering where we’d put it if any more fell, and also about spring taking long to come?
 
Well mih people, spring still isn’t here on a consistent basis, but there’s been method to the Lord’s madness, meaning that there’s hardly any snow on the ground now, and the Lord in His wisdom, compassion and consideration for us did it slowly. That’s why we’d have a day of warmish weather, then some cold ones.
 
All to allow the snow to melt a little at a time, because if He had allowed it all to melt at once, we’d surely be adding floods to our litany of woes; abundant ice and snow and bitterly cold temps for far too long. Some people and places have not even fully recovered from the ice storm, can you imagine if there were floods to add to their tribulations.
 
So all you people who live in the snow belt, please give the Lord a big thumbs up for bringing us down easy after such a horrific winter. And all God’s people uttered a huge sigh of relief, then let loose with an astounding voice of praise. ‘Thank You Father for looking after us! You are indeed the GREATEST! We LOVE You Lord and bless Your Holy Name, today and for ever more! Amen!’
 
Yes my brethren, I don’t know about you all nuh, but I am eternally grateful, for with the three or four feet of snow on my back deck, my backyard and by the side of my driveway, I don’t know what I would have done if it had all melted at once. At least I can now see some of the grass in my backyard, and some of the floor boards on my deck.
 
That’s why Friends it’s so disturbing and mind-boggling that people constantly ignore, and even heap abuse on our magnanimous God and His free gift of grace as outlined in our Bit. ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.’
 
Today’s the last day for this Bit, and I’m not going to get into any arguments over it or try to change anyone’s mind. We have done enough of that over the last few days, and if people aren’t wise enough to accept God’s invitation, then too bad for them. We shouldn’t have to brow beat people, or molly-cuddle them. The Lord gave us all the ability to make choices and also showed us what’s right from what’s wrong. We’ll just have to live with the repercussions of our decisions.
 
Today we’ll just quote a few more scriptures that deal with the living water, the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promises to every one who believes in Him. And the first scripture comes from Jesus’ opening parry with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. She obviously was most surprised when Jesus, a Jew, asked her, a Samaritan for a drink, since Jews despised Samaritans and had nothing to do with them.
 
‘Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.’ (John 4:10) And we already know how that story eventually panned out.
 
The next scripture comes from Isaiah, some chapters before our Bit, where he is also promising that the Spirit of God would be upon Israel. ”Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground:
 
I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring; and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord (write with his hand, the Lord’s), and surname himself by the name of Israel.’ (Is.44:2-5)
 
Then in Revelation, where the numberless multitude stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clothed in white robes, holding palm branches, serving the Lord day and night, having borne great tribulations, (Rev. 7:9-14) John reveals: ‘They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on (strike) them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (shepherd) them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears (every tear) from their eyes.’ (Rev.7:16-17)
 
And finally, from Revelation again, John concludes: ‘And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst (thirst) come. And whosoever will (desires), let him take the water of life freely. for I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
 
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things (Jesus) saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.’ (Rev.22:17-21)
 
Oh Friends, that says it all! It’s a serious warning against distortion and subtraction of God’s Word!
 
And per the scholars: ‘Anyone who wilfully distorts the message of the Book of Revelation shows himself not to be a genuine believer and will not participate in eternal life or the blessings of the New Jerusalem.’
 
So please my brethren, consider ourselves warned. Much LOVE!
 
…to believe or not to believe…that is the question…and the choice must be made NOW…for when Jesus comes again, it will be too late…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 May 2013 Revelation 22:14.

28 May 2013 Leave a comment

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

Revelation 22:14.    Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city.

Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s been a long and arduous night…of sleep! Hn, hn! My body had its way with me. That’s what happens when you try to burn the candle at both ends simultaneously. (smile) But hopefully, now that the ole bod has had its fill of sleep, it will be able to do the Lord’s work properly, with much vim and vigour.

Anyway, let’s get rolling with a poem of prayer from Dr. Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional. And it’s truly amazing, that though I’ve been reading the Devotional for several years now, most of the stuff I share from it seems entirely new to me. This poem titled ‘Fill Me!’ falls into that category. 
 
Please read and pray with me. ‘O Lord, like the thirsty deer which goes to drink from the mountain spring; like the growing flower which turns hungrily to the satisfying sun; like the empty pitcher which is carried to the fountain to be filled; so I come, O God, knowing that in this time of prayer my soul will be filled with your LOVE and truth. Thank you! Amen.’
 
And I certainly hope that all our souls will be filled with God’s LOVE and TRUTH,  as we go out this rainy Tuesday morning to do His awesome bidding, securely backed up by His amazing faithfulness.
 
And all God’s people declared a mighty, ‘Praise the Lord!’
 
Yes Friends, let’s keep on praising His glorious Name, for He is indeed most worthy of all that praise, and infinitely more than we can ever come up with or imagine.
 
Now let’s turn to our Bit: ‘Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city.’
 
Ah mih people, that’s a warning we should all take very seriously and heed immediately! For as we saw yesterday, the adversity and unfixable tribulation of the opposite action, disobedience, is certainly not to be desired. Being on the outside looking in, is definitely not where you want to be at the end times.
 
And today, I want to look at some appropriate scriptures which corroborate our Bit. And we’re going to start out on a positive note, with the blessings administered for doing right.
 
John tells us in his first letter: ‘And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and LOVE one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.’ (1 John 3:23-24)
 
That’s plain and straightforward Friends!
 
And as per ‘the tree of life,’ Cousin Sol describes it thus in Proverbs 11: ‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed (rewarded) in the earth: much more than the wicked and the sinner.’ (Prov.11:30-31)
 
Now hear Jesus’ warning and promise on it. ‘He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.’ (Rev.2:7)
 
Straight from the horse’s mouth my brethren, so it has to be true! 
 
Now as regards  ‘the gates of the city,’ of the New Jerusalem, listen to John’s revelation: ‘And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
 
And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh (causes an) abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.’ (Rev.21:24-27)
 
And all God’s people said a loud and thankful ‘Amen!’
 
So there we have it Friends, in black and white. If your name’s not written in the Lamb’s book of life, then you won’t be allowed into the New Jerusalem. And the ONLY way to get your name in that awesome book, is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then obey His commandments in this earthly life.
 
So now the choice is ours. Let’s hope we make the right decision right now, for remember when the end times arrive, there’ll be no chance to change our minds. It’s certainly NOW or NEVER!
 
So please, please, my brethren, let’s be wise for once in our lives and choose Jesus nuh, for He is the ONLY answer to whatever ails us. Much LOVE!
 
…I choose Jesus…because He first chose me…and that says a whole lot…
 
   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 May 2013 Revelation 22:14

27 May 2013 Leave a comment

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

Revelation 22:14.    Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Oh Friends, it’s Monday…. And I get a rather rude response from some of my U.S brethren. ‘Oh shut up about it being Monday nuh! We doh care because we don’t have to go to work today. Is Memorial Day, so we just going back to sleep now, then get up and party later.’
 
And sadly Friends, that’s the kind of selfish attitude which is so prevalent in our world today. Last Monday when we celebrated Victoria Day, we got up and helped to boost their Monday morning adrenalin, but now that the shoe is on the other foot, it’s a completely different story. But such is our Christian heritage and maturity that we’ll forgive them, for we know that they are only human and thus still liable to resort to a sinful nature.
 
So for all of us who have to get up and go out to labour, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with a whole lot of enthusiasm, even though we don’t feel it. But we’re working on the premise that if you fake it, eventually it will become real. (smile) With one harmonious voice now, let’s raise our voices to the heavens.
 
‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
 
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
 
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
 
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
 
That was good Friends! There was joy in heaven. But I have to laugh at how the Lord shamed our U.S. brethren into finally singing along with us. Don’t ever doubt His mysterious and righteous ways!
 
And now, turning to our Bit:  ‘Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.’
 
Oh my brethren, that’s a most significant piece of scripture, for it’s the last warning we get at the end of the Good Book! Only by keeping the Lord’s commandments will we be assured of a place in the New Jerusalem, a place with God until eternity.
 
Now listen to how the verse after our Bit characterizes those who are not welcome there. ‘For without (outside) are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers (sexually immoral), and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh (practices) a lie.’ (Rev.22:15)
 
And here’s the scholars’ explanation of all that: ‘They that do his commandments are believers (cf. 12:17; 14:12; Matt.7:13-21); 1 John 3:10). The tree of life indicates immortality and divine blessing (cf.2:7; 22:2). To be able to enter in through the gates into the city is to have heavenly citizenship in the eternal dwelling place of God and redeemed mankind.
 
All unbelievers are without (outside) the city (i.e., in the lake of fire -cf v.15; 21:8,27). The dogs are impure and malicious people (cf. Deut.23:17-18; Phil.3:2). Sorcerers are those who practice witchcraft (Gr. pharmakos). Whoremongers are those who practice all kinds of sexual immorality (Gr. pornos; cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-10). Lie: See 12:9; Proverbs 16-19; 12:22; John 8:44.’
 
Oh Friends, that last part doesn’t sound like a place we want to be found at the end times nuh! So then, the only other option available is to do as our Bit wisely advises, follow the Lord’s commands. And please read the references given above, because they are for your benefit, your edification, not just for the scholars to seem knowledgeable.
 
You can’t really learn the scriptures unless you read and study them for yourselves. But that is such a difficult task to get believers to do on a consistent basis, because we’re still guided and dominated by the now for now, quick fix of today’s busy world.
 
However my people, that will never cut it. You can listen or read whatever pastors and people like me tell you, but until you read the Word consistently for yourself, you’ll never truly understand it.
 
And with that admonition, I think we’ll close for today, because the rest of what I have to say will make the Bit too long for our short attention spans. (smile) And we do have enough stuff to ponder already. So until tomorrow, our great God in favour, please, let’s all try to walk the straight and narrow path and keep the Lord’s commandments as best we can. It will serve certainly serve us in good stead in the upcoming end times. Much LOVE!
 
…to obey is better than sacrifice…and to hearken than the fat of rams… (1 Sam.15:22b) 
 
   
 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 December 2012 Psalm 89:48

15 Dec 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 89:48.     What man is he that liveth, and shall not see (experience) death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand (power) of the grave?   Selah.
 
Oh Friends, when will it end eh? When will we learn that those who live by the gun, die by the gun? The U.S. is so proud of its gun culture, that in some states people legally walk around with guns plainly showing in their waist bands, and it’s easy as pie to buy firearms down there. Unfortunately, another massacre, this time of 20 elementary school children and some 8 adults took place at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut yesterday. It seems like the 20 year old shooter first took his mother’s life at her home, then did his evil deed at the school, including his own life. Oh people, what does it say about our society when it’s the youth, the young people who are committing such atrocities? Not a hell of a lot! We obviously are not raising them right. And yet the criminal, but very powerful gun lobby in the U.S spends millions of dollars every year to keep gun control off the law books, rationalizing it with their right to bear arms. Steups! This past year they even sent representatives and money to lobby the Canadian Government when those fools were intent on repealing the Gun Registry law, despite the call of all law enforcement agencies and the majority of citizens for it to stay in force. But with the Conservative majority in Parliament, that law is now history. Even the data, the Feds want to destroy. And with their culture being the biggest U.S. export, the lax gun laws down there are obviously contributing to our gun problems up here, where smuggled guns are now fairly cheap and easily obtained, where in this past year we’ve seen several daylight shootings in public places, with no apparent fear of, or respect for the law. And again it’s mostly young people committing these crimes. I don’t understand the Feds up here nuh; they claim to be coming down harder on gun crimes, but are killing legislation that helps to keep the guns somewhat in check. It seems that it’s only when the families and friends of the gun manufacturers, the gun dealers, gun enthusiasts and greedy, spineless politicians are gunned down by some disturbed person that we’ll wake up and realize the stupidity of it all. Anyway, on a less fearful note, but still on the subject of death, here’s a quote I planned to share even before I heard about the terrible tragedy in Connecticut. The quote is attributed to American socialist philosopher, Corliss Lamont (1902-1995), and says: ‘The wise man looks at death with honesty, dignity and calm, recognizing that the tragedy it brings is inherent in the great gift of life.’ Oh Friends, the statement makes sense, because we all know that one day we will meet our Maker, but nonetheless death is a subject we still can’t handle and try our best to ignore. Believers in Jesus Christ though should not fear death, because it’s after this earthly demise that the real good life and living begins, in the company of the Holy Trinity for eternity. No wonder Bruh Paul, given a choice would have opted for being with Christ in the spirit, rather than on earth in the flesh. And as our Bit says: ‘What man is he that liveth, and shall not see (experience) death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand (power) of the grave?  Selah.’ The answers Friends are NONE and NO! Nowlet’s look at some scriptures re death, that inspire us and give us hope. The psalmist in Psalm 116, Praise for deliverance from death, says it thus: ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.’ (Ps.116:15) And every believer knows that to be the undeniable truth! Meanwhile Isaiah staunchly proclaims: ‘He (God) will swallow up death in victory (forever); and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’ (Is.25:8-9) Gospel truth Friends, pure gospel truth made real in the person of Jesus! ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation (judgement); but is passed from death into life.’ (John 5:24) And all of that led Bruh Paul to make his famous pronouncement, quoting Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14. ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’ (1 Cor.15:54-55) Then we come to the final times in Revelation, where Jesus having overcome death, and speaking from His spot of power at the right hand of the Father, tells John: ‘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 death.’ (Rev.1:17-18) And all God’s children breathed a sigh of relief and intoned a heartfelt; ‘Thank You Jesus!’ Then in His message to the church at Smyrna, Jesus says to them: ‘Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried (tested); and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death.’ (Rev.2:10-11) And that second death is the eternal punishment, separation, when Lucifer and his cohorts are cast into the lake of fire. (Rev.21:3-4) That means if you aren’t saved, you’ll suffer eternal separation from Jesus, a thought too terrible to even contemplate. Then Friends, shall the great day come, when the New Jerusalem, the New Earth is brought into being, and with it, this wonderful news. ‘And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’ (Rev.21:3-4) Oh my brethren, it can’t get any better than that, but to enjoy it you must be saved, with your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. So please turn to Jesus today, RIGHT NOW, unless you want to be cast into the lake of fire at the final judgement. Jesus gave up too much for us to act so cowardly and foolishly. Much LOVE!…in death with Jesus…there’s life for ever…Glory Hallelujah…
 

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