Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 March 2016 Philippians 1:29‏‏

23 Mar 2016 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 1:29.   For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.

Oh friends, the ole fella had a rather rough day yesterday, as I guess many of you also had. But yuh know what? Yesterday is dead and gone, and tomorrow never comes, so the only thing we have to deal with is today! 

And there’s nothing better than today when you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, because every morning that you awake your life is flooded with new mercies and blessings. No other faith promises, much less guarantees that! 

And all believers shouted ‘Glory to God in His high heaven, who looks after His wayward children with such care, compassion and LOVING-kindness! Bless His holy name!’ 

Yes my brethren, there’s none that can compare to Jehovah God! And in keeping with all that, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail nuh with enthusiasm and sincerity as befits the followers of Christ. 

‘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!’ 

Oh isn’t it just wonderful to be associated with Jesus my people! It surely is! With His breath of life flowing through our frail bodies we can do anything, even move mountains! All it requires is that we focus on Him and just keep looking straight ahead to the glorious life He has planned for those who believe and work on His behalf. 

And all God’s people loudly declared another joyful and grateful ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And I must apologize for the rather late Bit, but as usual, I went to bed pretty late this morning, consequently got up late, then had to go out the street to run a necessary errand. But I’m here now, all fired up with the Holy Spirit, ready to bend your ears with the Word! (smile) 

And what better way to begin than with our Bit. ‘For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.’ 

Ah friends, we cannot expect to have the good without the bad, as Job told his wife (Job 2:10) for that’s just life. So if we believe in Christ and receive all the benefits that flow from such belief, then we also have to accept whatever disadvantages spring from it. 

Now listen to Bruh Paul to the church at Rome. ‘For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature (creation) waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.’ (Rom.8:14-19) 

Oh my brethren what a blessed situation, if we only bear the problems that we do encounter with faith and steadfastness! Now let’s see what the scholars have to say about some of that. 

‘8:15. The Spirit of adoption: The Holy Spirit places the believer as a son in God’s family. Abba (Aramaic for “father”): This is the intimate name used only by members of the family. Its use here denotes the intimacy of the believer’s relation to God.’ 

How wonderful is that eh friends, to be on such an intimate basis with Almighty God, who so LOVINGLY adopted us when we became believers in His Son Jesus Christ! 

‘8:17. Joint-heirs with Christ: All believers share all the inheritance together. They also have the promise of glorification if their lives are lived devotedly and sacrificially unto the Lord.’ 

Mama mia! Our God is so wonderful that He adopts us when we become believers, and makes us heirs of the kingdom along with Jesus! Glory be! That happens in no other faith but Christianity, so why should I embrace any other eh! 

‘8:18. The sufferings of this present time: See 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. [You can look that up yourself, or we’ll deal with it tomorrow]. The glory which shall be revealed: The blessed hope of the Christian looks ahead with anticipation to this great moment. See also 1 Thess.4-15; Titus 2:13.’ 

Yeh friends, the suffering of this age cannot be compared with the glory to come, that’s why we have to keep our focus on the future, looking ahead to our glorious time with Christ! 

‘8:19. The creature, or creation, eagerly looks forward to the revelation of the sons of God in the Millennium (Christ’s thousand year earthly reign) because that is the time when the curse will be lifted and creation will be restored to Edenic conditions.’ 

Mama yo! What a time that will be my fellow believers, when we’ve gone back to living in conditions that reflect the Garden of Eden! I can’t wait for it. (smile) But we have to learn to handle the suffering down here first friends. 

So as everything tells us, let’s not focus on the rough times we endure down here right now, but instead, have our mind’s eye set on the time of glorious fellowship with Christ, when He comes back to reign here on earth and when all wrongs will be made right. That’s the only way to handle our troubles right now. Much LOVE!

…through our eyes of faith…let’s see the good times afar off…and let them help us to endure today’s suffering… 

P.S. Sorry, but I had another couple of distractions which made the Bit even later than it should have been. But as they say, better late than never. (smile) Much LOVE!

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 November 2015 1 John 5:21‏

24 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

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

1 John 5:21.  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Oh Friends, it’s Tuesday…a brand new day! That means new mercies and blessings soon come! Glory to God! Now that is God’s sincere promise, and if you truly believe in Him then you will believe His word and be waiting expectantly and patiently for the new mercies and blessings to rain down upon you. 

Mama Mia! Oh what a wonderful Lord and Saviour we serve and worship my brethren! Let your spirits be lifted high, because our God is still on the throne and still in control of this great universe that He created, and has promised that nothing, or no one can or will ever come between Him and us. Give Him some thanks and praise my people! 

Yuh know, recently I’ve been thinking that our God is so sweet and we are so stupid, or I believe the politically correct term is mentally challenged, (smile) because we’re not bright and smart enough to walk obediently in His will, even though we’ve seen the huge benefits that come from doing so. 

We know that our God LOVES nothing better than to receive our sincere and heartfelt thanks and praise, because that’s what He made us to do; to glorify Him with thanks and praise. But yet we refuse to give Him His just desserts. 

I don’t know about you all nuh Friends, but I just LOVE to give Him thanks and praise, for there’s nothing sweeter than listening to good music with worshipful lyrics and sending up declarations of sincere LOVE and thanksgiving to the Most High God Jehovah! Oh glory to our wonderful Creator and great Provider! 

If we were really smart, we’d be giving Him constant thanks and praise. As Bruh Paul says to the Ephesians: ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Eph.5:20) 

And again to the Philippians, where he confidently declares: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice.’ (Phil.4:4) 

And the scholars offer this bit of sage advice and explanation. ‘This command to rejoice at all times and in all circumstances is nothing less than a call to faith. For if the Christian believes that his life and all its circumstances are in the hands of a sovereign, wise, and LOVING God who is always working to accomplish good for him, then he can indeed “rejoice always.” 

That is gospel truth Friends! It’s a win-win situation, because God would be enjoying our grateful glorification, and so would we. Glory Hallelujah my people! And that’s the end of my rambling for today. (smile) 

Now let’s turn to our Tuesday Mantra and declare it like we really believe it. As one now: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world.  Amen.’ 

Glory to God my brethren for there’s nothing better in this world, especially in these challenging times than to be LOVED by God, be His child, and be a Friend of Jesus! 

Ah mih people, the ole fella is so worked up that he doesn’t know what to do with himself. (smile) I guess then we’ll finally turn to our Bit. ‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols.’ 

And what part of that don’t we understand eh mih people? For right from the very beginning, in the Ten Commandments, our God warned us about it. If you don’t remember, let me refresh our minds. 

The very first commandment is ‘Thou shalt have no other God’s before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them (worship them), nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that LOVE me, and keep my commandments.’ (Ex.20:3-6) 

Now where does He change that commandment eh Friends? Where does He say that we can put all sorts of other supposed gods, be they graven images or material things before Him eh? Nowhere? So why do we think it’s okay to put all the things we put in our everyday lives before Him eh? 

That’s not wisdom Friends. And the sad part is that Jesus promised, ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33) 

Yes, precious people, all the earthly things that we are running down and placing before Almighty God are available to us if we seek Him and His kingdom FIRST! 

Now doesn’t it seem somewhat foolish to be killing ourselves over stuff when we can have them without any fuss and bother, if we’d just make the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob our first priority? It certainly does my fellow believers! 

So please let’s ‘wisen’ up nuh Friends, and stop running down the things of the world, the very things that are causing us so much stress and strife, that are ruining our lives in our driving and never-ending pursuit of them! That is certainly not the wisdom of heaven…or really any kind of wisdom at all! Much LOVE!

…true allegiance to God… ought to be the believer’s first and main priority…  

P.S. Sadly my people, like LOVE and hate, late nights and early mornings just don’t agree. (smile)

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 July 2013 Matthew 25:35

06 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 25:35.    For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.

Oh my beloved Friends and fellow believers, welcome to another momentous day on God’s great earth! And you know it’s momentous just by us being alive, so you can imagine what it’s going to be like when we add the new mercies and blessings that are being prepared to flow like an open tap from heaven to lighten and brighten our day!
 
And all God’s children declared a loud and heartfelt ‘All thanks and praise be to Jehovah God, for His goodness and mercy towards us!’
 
However Friends, having been cultivated with that wonderful grace of God, it’s our obligation to share it with others in less fortunate circumstances. And this quote from Helen Keller (1880-1968), the American author, political activist and lecturer, but also the first blind//deaf person to acquire a Bachelor of Arts Degree, gives us some insight into what happens when we seek excellence in living.
 
‘When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.’ And that’s gospel truth my brethren!
 
Generally speaking, we can never be sure of the effect our words and actions will have, both on ourselves and on others. That’s because of what’s known as the ripple effect; like when you throw a stone in the water, it doesn’t only disturb the water that it actually hits, but also a certain amount that surrounds it. You can see the ripples moving outward from the point where the stone made contact with the water.
 
The same goes for our words and actions Friends. They can have far reaching, far away effects on both ourselves and others, especially in these times of almost instantaneous and far flung communication. Whatever kind of stuff we send out, be it negative or positive, you can bet your bottom dollar it will breed the same reaction.
 
That’s why we’re always obliged to do our best, especially as believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ, whose motto is LOVE, framed with excellence, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. We definitely cannot afford to say or do things that reflect negatively on the body of Christ, His church.
 
But unfortunately it’s happening quite a lot. Many believers don’t take the time to consider how their words and behaviour affect the church, of how people perceive them when they talk and pursue various forms of action. It all boomerangs back on us, and on Christ’s overall body eventually.
 
That’s why the infighting and pettiness amongst the different religions draws such negative criticism from both believers and unbelievers. We’re supposed to be ONE body in Christ, but we surely aren’t acting that way. How can we spouting peace and LOVE to all and sundry, but living like cats and dogs with each other eh?
 
Jesus told us to go out and spread the gospel to the very ends of the earth, (Matt.28:19-20) but that doesn’t only mean talking it, but more importantly living it! As I keep reminding us, Christianity is an action movement, which should be buttressed by the talk, not vice versa. 
 
That brings us to our Bit and the verse after it. ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt.25:35-36)
 
Yes Friends, that’s what it means to be a true Christian; helping others, meeting their physical needs where possible, while sharing the good news of the gospel with them. That’s why God gave each of us talents, (re Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matt.25) to use them for good, to make a difference, to make the world a better place for all to live in, not to selfishly hoard them and use them only for our own benefit.
 
That’s why in Jesus’ parable, those who used their talents to bear increase, were given more, while he that hath little and hoarded it, lost it eventually.
 
The same goes for us today my fellow believers. We can’t see people suffering and don’t try to help in some form and fashion. We can’t be like the Jewish priest and Levite who passed by on the other side of the road when they saw their fellow Jew lying bruised and battered on the ground. Instead we have to be like the Good Samaritan, who, though he was his avowed enemy, nonetheless stopped and looked after him.
 
That’s what Jesus was, is, and always will be about; helping the poor and downtrodden. He didn’t come to earth to be served, but to serve, and that’s exactly what He also expects of us, His followers. And for those who adhere to that way of life, come the judgement day, they will be assembled as sheep on the right hand of Jesus. (Matt.25:31-33) 
 
‘Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matt.25:34)
 
But to those on His left hand, the goats: ‘Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.’ (Matt.25:41, 46) 
 
Ah mih people, regardless of how much we talk, what we do is even more important, because in the long run, that is what will get us into Jesus’ good books, that is what will earn us rewards in heaven. So please Friends, let’s cut back on the talk, and raise the level of true Christian action and activity nuh, for there’s too much suffering and misfortune in our world for us to just sit back and do nothing about it.
 
The evil doers like it so, but out Lord and Saviour Jesus doesn’t, and wherever we are, in whatever position, there are ALWAYS opportunities for us to do good, to help others, to live that true Christian life.
 
And I pray that today the Lord will allow His Holy Spirit to rise up in us, and we’ll forget all the petty, selfish, immaterial things that are keeping us apart, and we’ll truly become ONE body in Christ, and follow His motto of LOVE, framed in excellence, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. That’s undoubtedly wisdom at its highest level. Much LOVE!
 
…on which side will you be numbered…with the sheep…or with the goats…now is the time to make that monumental decision…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 June 2013 1 Thessalonians 3:12

30 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

1 Thessalonians 3:12:    And the Lord make you to increase and abound in LOVE one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.
 
Oh Friends and fellow believers, welcome to a brand new day! And though it may seem the same as any other day, I can guarantee you that it’s not. No day in God’s making is ever the same, because He creates them anew, right from scratch every 24 hours. He lays in new mercies and blessings for us to enjoy, new paths for us to follow, new people to meet, new things to do, plus new trials to go through and overcome that will make us grow and mature in our faith.
 
Therefore, let us give Him some thanks and praise this Sunday morning, for bringing us safely through the dark, fearful night of yesterday, into the bright and sparkling sunshine of today, a today filled with a multitude of opportunities for our personal growth, as well as the furtherance of His glorious kingdom.
 
And as we are wont to say, let’s say it loud and clear: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we will most certainly rejoice and be glad in it!’
 
And for all of us who believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour, I hope that we will go to His sanctuary sometime this weekend, whenever we celebrate the Sabbath, and have joyful fellowship with other believers. That’s because the Lord’s house is where His children should find the utmost comfort, confidence and renewal of spirit with others of like mind.
 
Unfortunately though, for one reason or another, many believers don’t find comfort and a welcoming spirit in their churches, and that’s rather sad.  For if you can’t find comfort and solace in God’s house, amongst others like yourself, where else are you going to find it eh?
 
Oh my brethren, God’s house, from the most broken down, run of the mill church building, to the most beautiful modern sanctuary, in fact wherever two or three are gathered together in His Name, those places are supposed to be the most welcoming and encouraging places on God’s great earth!
 
And if they aren’t, then we, Christ’s supposed followers are not doing our jobs. Some churches are so cold, unresponsive and unwelcoming that I don’t know how they expect people to come there and worship. Nary a smile you see, or a chuckle you hear in some of them, while others take it to the other extreme, have it like it’s simply a party affair.
 
But Friends, it’s essential that we have a fine blend in our churches; a blend and balance of seriousness and levity to evoke both aspects of our human nature. One extreme is just as bad as the other.
 
That brings us to our Bit: ‘And the Lord make you to increase and abound in LOVE one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.’
 
Bruh Paul is here praying for the church at Thessalonica, as he habitually did for all the churches. ‘To the end (so that) he may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father (our God and Father), at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.’ (1 Thess.3:13)
 
Yes Friends, we definitely ought to do better in our churches, so that when Jesus comes again, He’ll find us fairly blameless, not the nest of vipers that we’ve recently become.
 
That led Bruh Paul to open Chapter 4 with an appeal for purity. ‘Furthermore, then we beseech (urge) you brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.’ (1 Thess.4:1)
 
There he begins exhorting them on the essence of living a practical Christian life. And you can read verses 2-12, where he talks about staying away from sexual immorality, the passion of lust, fraud, vengeance, deceit, etc. Instead though, we should be seeking things that pertain to and promote brotherly LOVE, as we ‘are taught of God to LOVE one another.’ (1 Thess.4:9b)
 
Ah mih people, are we finding those positive actions and attributes in our churches today? To some extent I guess. But sadly we have too much of the negative aspects, that’s why there are so many denominations and sects, divisions and divisiveness in the supposed one body of Christ’s church. We’re not different religions, but ONE CHRISTIAN BODY!
 
And we’ll close with some encouraging words of Bruh Paul in his second letter to the church at Thessalonica. ‘We are bound to thank God always for you brethren, as it is meet (fitting), because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity (LOVE) of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.’ (2 Thess.1:3)
 
Oh Friends and fellow believers, that is the goal to which we should all be working and striving towards, so that Christ’s church here on earth can truly reflect His wonderful, LOVING character and make unbelievers greatly desire to become a part of it. That’s one of our stated purposes, as we see from Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus told His disciples to go out and spread the Word to the whole earth.
 
We’re surely not doing too good a job at it right now, and until we do, Christ’s church here on earth will not progress as it should, and there’ll be no one to blame but ourselves. Do we want to have that black mark against our earthly watch? I doubt it very much.
 
Oh Friends, we have all the tools we need to do it lying dormant and unused within us. And you know the saying if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. That’s exactly what’s happening to us.
 
So let’s follow the leading of the Holy Spirit nuh! Let’s allow it to ramp up our passion and energy and LOVE for Jesus and go out there into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us and get the job done! That’s truly following in Christ’s footsteps! Much LOVE!
 
…how can we say we LOVE Jesus…when we’re not doing as He desires eh…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 January 2013 Proverbs 1:10

15 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 1:10.     My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
 
Well a good Tuesday morning to all you beautiful people out there on Planet Earth! I’d first like to reassure us that the Lord God Jehovah is still in control of all things universal from His throne in the high heavens. And as always, He’s beginning this new day with new mercies and blessings for His BELOVED children. And all God’s children exclaimed a loud and grateful: “Praise the Lord! Amen!’ Yes Friends, our God is indeed great and worthy to be praised, so please let’s do it with this beautiful poem prayer from Dr. Robert H. Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional. It’s simply titled: BEAUTY. ‘Thank you, Father, for filling the world with beauty. I thank you for the beauty of life, the beauty of LOVE, the beauty of children, and the beauty of old people. I thank you for the beauty of Christ and for the beauty of any life when Christ is invited through the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father, that you have made my life beautiful too. Amen.’ Oh my people, whenever I come upon such interesting, energizing, encouraging words as those, I feel a sudden thrill, a compelling desire to share it with you. Why, you ask? Because it’s that kind of humble, but yet positive and confident prayer that we need in our prayer lives today. Remember Friends, prayer should be alive and bold. As the author of Hebrews advises: ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb.4:16) Not in a sad, sorrowful, wishy-washy manner, though yet with humility and contrition. And I like the scholars’ comment on that verse. ‘Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest. The figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed.’ Ah mih people, how with all that goodness, LOVE, mercy, forgiveness and compassion, could we not LOVE and revere Jesus and our heavenly Father eh? But enough of my ramblings, (smile) let’s get to our Bit, which today enshrines in it a very important warning and piece of advice from Cousin Sol. ‘My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.’ Oh my brethren, that’s a scripture passage all mankind ought to have constantly held up right before their very eyes, so that we don’t get in as much trouble as we do, straying from the straight and narrow path that Jesus desires us to follow. And all that basically means is that when evildoers come around encouraging us to do wrong, we should refuse their entreaties. The scholar’s have this to say about it. ‘The wise son rejects the invitation of criminals who promise wealth without work (v.13). The verse stresses the individual’s responsibility to avoid the tempter’s snare. (cf. James 1:14,15). And since I had intended to share those verses from James with you anyway, I’ll share them now. ‘But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust (desires), and enticed. Then when lust (desire) hath conceived, it bringeth forth (gives birth to) sin: and sin, when it is finished (full grown), bringeth forth death. Do not err (be deceived), my BELOVED brethren.’ (James 1:14-16) And that’s gospel truth people! ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through (in) Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom.6:23) There again Friends, we have every right to LOVE our Holy Trinity, because instead of giving us what we truly deserve for our abominations, death, they give us life, that is life forever, through grace, with all our sins having been paid for by the most wonderful Son and Saviour ever, Jesus Christ. Oh mih people, the ole fella’s on a roll this morning! (smile) And would you believe that when I began, the only thing I had to write was the poem, BEAUTY. That just goes to show how truly marvellous, faithful and helpful is our God, when we sincerely try to walk His pathway and do His bidding. As Bruh David so rightly says in his prayer for self-understanding. ‘And now Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee.’ (Ps.39:7) Yes, fellow believers, that’s the best, and should be the first place we to turn for help! And we’ll end with a wonderful example of not being enticed by sinners. We’re talking about Bruh Joseph with Potiphar’s wife. ‘And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes (longing eyes) upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth (knows) not what is with me in the house (what is in the house, except through me), and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand: There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’ (Gen.39:7-9) Good question Friends? And please note, that Bruh Joseph, though he was concerned about breaking Potiphar’s trust, he was more concerned about sinning against his God. Unfortunately though, all his good efforts were in vain, as we know how Potiphar’s wife set him up, crying rape. And though Potiphar might have been somewhat leery of the accusation, he had no choice but to jail Bruh Joseph, which was all a part of God’s overall plan. But that just goes to show Friends, that even when we follow the tried and true path, the evildoers can still sometimes thwart us. And whenever that happens, sad and unfair as it may be, we still need to stay strong and faithful – possibly even more then –  because our God has promised that whatever comes against us, if we stand strong and true like Bruh Joseph, He will bring us through the fire, sometimes unscathed, but always stronger and more like Jesus character wise. And that’s my sermon, no, sorry, my lesson for today. (smile) More on this tomorrow, provided God’s in favour. Until then, let’s be careful not to fall into any enticements of the enemy, and if by chance we do, let’s quickly repent and turn to the Lord for help. Much LOVE!…be sober…be vigilant…because your adversary…the devil…as a roaring lion…walketh about…seeking whom he may destroy… (1 Pet.5:8) 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 June 2012 Ephesians 6:13

28 Jun 2012 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 6:13.    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
 
Oh Friends, can you feel the LOVE pouring down from heaven with the new mercies and blessings on this new bountiful day? Wow! What a wonderful God we serve! It always amazes me how He protects and provides for us anew each day! I sure hope that all you believers realize this and appreciate it, because if you don’t, you’re missing out on a lot of good stuff. And I’m not merely talking about physical and material possessions, although the Lord does bless us with them, but I mean the personal relationship with Him that just boosts all parts of us, and helps us live a righteous life in this evil world. Oh my people, please get up close and personal with Jesus, so that He can set you on the right path. It’s the ultimate wisdom! And now a bit of sad news; re the floods in Florida from tropical storm Debby and the forest fires burning out of control in Colorado. Ah Friends, please let’s pray some mighty prayers for those unfortunate people involved in those calamitous natural disasters. Whatever the cause or reason for them, let’s ask our kind, LOVING and merciful God to help them bear up under the serious adversity that’s befallen them. That brings us to our Bit: ‘Wherefore take (up) unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ Yes Friends, if there’s ever a time we need to do that it’s right now, for we’re living in very evil times. That means we’ve got to be clothed in our spiritual armour at all times and then stand strong because the enemy is moving against us with a mighty push to get us to break down and repudiate our Christian heritage. That must never happen though! And the only way to ensure that it doesn’t is to be always prepared; dressed in your helmet of salvation, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, sandals of peace, armed with your shield of faith, waving your mighty spiritual sword in earnest prayer. Now yesterday after reading Bruh Paul’s description of the armour of God, I gave you a brief description of them. Today though I want to share a more in depth perspective, re how the terms came about back in the olden days, courtesy of the scholars. Here goes: ‘The whole armour of God consists of six pieces. (1) Truth (v.14a) is a knowledge of the truth of God’s Word. The ancient soldiers loins (waist) were girt about with a leather belt which held most of the other pieces of his armour in place. Similarly, the other pieces of the Christian’s armour depend on, and are held in place by, his spiritual ‘belt’ or his knowledge of the ‘truth’ of Scripture. (2) The breastplate of righteousness (v.14b) may be read ‘the breastplate which is righteousness.’ It represents a holy character and moral conduct. Obedience to the ‘truth’ known produces a godly life (righteousness). (3) Preparation of the gospel of peace (v 15) means ‘eagerness that comes from the gospel of peace’ That is, as the Roman soldier wore special shoes called ‘caligue’ on his foot, enabling him to advance against his enemy, so the Christian must have on his feet (possess) a sense of ‘eagerness’ or ‘willingness’ to advance against the devil and take the fight to him. Such ‘eagerness’ to contend with Satan ‘comes from the gospel of peace.’ The gospel gives peace to the believer, freeing him from anxiety though he advances against such a powerful opponent. (4) The shield of (which is) faith (v 16) means taking God at His word by believing His promises. Such trust will protect one from doubts induced by Satan. (5) The helmet of salvation (v 17a): Since the readers are already Christian they are not here urged to be saved. First Thessalonians 5:8 describes this helmet as ‘the hope of salvation’ that is, the certainty (assurance) of salvation. (6) The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (v 17b): The Greek term rendered ‘word’ is not ‘logos’ referring to the whole Word of God, but ‘rhema’ referring to certain portions of selected verses of Scripture. Praying (v 18) is grammatically linked to ‘stand’ in verse 14. Without prayer God’s armour is inadequate to achieve victory. Prayer is indispensable. Always (v 18) means ‘on every occasion,’ that is, when Satan attacks. In the Spirit signifies that with the Spirit’s help such prayer for divine aid is to be made. Watching thereunto means ‘being vigilant in this very matter’ of prayer. They are to pray not just for themselves but also for all saints; spiritual combat is both an individual and corporate matter.’ Oh Friends, I hope those thoughts from the scholars either provided some new knowledge or reinforced what you already knew about spiritual warfare. But whatever stage you’re at, this spiritual warfare is indeed a serious matter, so please let’s take it as such and ramp up our knowledge and practice of it, because it’s becoming more important with each passing day in these evil, troubled, confused and calamitous times. We can never know enough about the powers of darkness and their evil intention to allow us to sit on our laurels. We must always be diligent, in possession of all the accoutrements of battle and praying with great fervour and sincerity. That’s the only way to defeat Beelzebub! Much LOVE!…to battle, to battle…we all must go…dressed in our spiritual armour…earnestly praying…and bravely battling the foe…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 May 2012 Isaiah 42:1

24 May 2012 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 42:1.    Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles.
 
Top o’ the morning to all you godly Friends and neighbours in Jesus Christ! I sure hope this missive reaches you all in good health and wealth. And if perchance it doesn’t, then when you read it, you will be buoyed by the good news it brings, and the Holy Spirit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus will course through your mind, body and soul to bring healing and cleansing. This is my prayer for all of us this beautiful Thursday morning, as new mercies and blessings rain down from heaven through the exceptional grace and unconditional LOVE of our Creator, Provider and Holy God. Now, without further ado, let’s turn to our Bit; one of the most powerful and prophetic prophesies (smile) found in the Good Book. ‘Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect (my chosen one), in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement (justice) to the Gentiles.’ Yes Friends, it’s all about Jesus; His coming to earth to save our sinful souls. Listen to the scholars’ take on it. ‘My servant is identified here as a person rather than a personification of the nation of Israel. With all the traits of King, Prophet, and High Priest. He is none other than the Messiah, Jesus Christ Himself. He is also called mine elect (bechiri; set apart for a definite purpose) and the One in whom I have put my spirit. The New Testament quotes this prophecy as being fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt.12:8-21) The ministry of the Servant of the Lord will be to bring forth judgement (or justice) to the Gentiles and in the earth. His kingdom knows no barriers of nationality or race. Of all the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah saw this fact the most clearly. While Jesus’ early ministry was to the house of Israel, His ultimate commission extended to the Gentiles as well.’ What a truly wonderful God we serve my people! It boggles my mind when I think of how His LOVE for us was so great that He sacrificed the holy, sinless life of His only Son to bring redemption and reconciliation to our worthless, sinful souls. And all God’s people raised their voices heavenward in a mighty shout of joy, praise and gratitude: ‘Oh thank You heavenly Father! Thank You for sending your Son Jesus to shed His precious blood as a sacrifice, so that our sin debt could be pain in full! We praise You, and bless Your Holy Name! Amen!’ Ah mih people, the story of Jesus, Holy God, coming to earth and doing what He did, is the most awesome and amazing one ever told and also fulfilled. Wow! And Jesus was the sure personification of that prophecy, as Matthew 12:17 declares: ‘That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying…’ And Matthew goes on to quote Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:3, as evidence for the fulfillment of the prophecy. (Matt.12:18-21) Now let’s touch on the first important point in our Bit: ‘Behold my servant…’ Yes Friends, that word ‘servant’ is ever so important in our Christian faith, because that’s the way Jesus came a calling; as a humble servant. ‘And whosoever will be chief (first) among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many.’ (Matt.20:27-28) That definitely means, my fellow believers, that we should ALL have that spirit of servanthood in us, if we’re true believers! And if we don’t, then our faith is false, it’s not a true reflection of the character of Jesus. Now let’s close with this definitive statement on the matter from Bruh Paul to the Philippians: ‘Let this mind be in you, (keep thinking this, constantly maintain this attitude) which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God (didn’t assume God-like qualities); But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil.2:5-8) Friends, oh Friends, it’s that kind of humility which our world so sadly lacks and so badly needs today! Instead of everybody wanting to be el numero uno, the first, the most powerful and popular, and sitting at the highest seat, let’s bring back the true spirit of Jesus nuh, where He desires to see us graciously and humbly serving each other, not always jockeying for the top spot. That way others will truly see His wonderful character shining out from us like the bright Morning Star which He so avidly personifies, and will come to LOVE and serve Him just as much as we do. Oh my brethren, that’s how we should be winning souls for Jesus! More on this tomorrow, the Lord willing. Till then, please let’s come down off of our high horses and walk the humble walk of Jesus. Much LOVE!…without the attributes of humility and servanthood…no man can be a true believer in Jesus…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 May 2012 Psalm 139:1

22 May 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 139:1.    O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
 
Oh Friends, another day has dawned bright and beautiful in the north country! Praise the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised! Are you feeling the excitement, the enthusiasm and the zest for life that a new day brings? I sure hope so, because otherwise you’ll be missing out on God’s goodness, the new mercies and blessings He’s planned for us every day. It’s a simple matter Friends; if we’re alive, then we might as well enjoy life, especially since that’s one of the reasons Jesus died: ‘The thief cometh not but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10) That means Christians ought to be generally speaking, joyful, happy people, both internally and externally, starting right down here on earth, not waiting until we get to heaven! We should definitely not be the dragging, sad, poor me one, head down caricatures that so many of us are. Why would anybody want to come to Jesus if His followers demeanour and disposition is sad and sour eh? So please pluck up my people! Remember the joy of the Lord is our strength, (Neh.8:10) therefore let’s display a sunny disposition to all and sundry, so that they can wonder why we’re always so pleasant and gracious even in times of despair. That’s the attitude that draws others to Jesus! And we’re able to display that wonderful attitude because of the everlasting presence and power of God abiding in us. Thus Bruh David could truthfully declare in our Bit: ‘O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.’ That’s true of all practicing Christians! The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. And as Bruh David continues: ‘Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandeth my thought afar off. Thou compasseth (comprehendeth) my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it all together.’ (Ps.139:2-4) Yeh Friends, the Lord made us and knows everything about us – from our very beginning to our very end! Now let’s hear some interesting commentary on Psalm 139 from the scholars. ‘Certainly one of the grandest psalms in all of the Psalter. It is also one of the richest theologically. It combines and exposition of the greatness of God’s character with the reality of human experience. From verses 19-22 we find that David wrote the psalm during a time of opposition. It therefore contains truths that were meaningful to him during these troublesome times. They may be summarized under four key thoughts as David addresses the Lord: You know me (vv. 1-6), You are with me (vv.7-12), You created me (vv.13-18), and Your cause is my cause (vv.19-24)’ And that’s the gospel truth Friends! The psalm is definitely rich in the ways of our God, His attributes and the wonderful way in which He interacts with His sinful children! But getting back to the core of our Bit; about searching and knowing the heart of each child, let’s hear some other scriptures describing God’s detailed involvement and interaction with us in every facet of our lives. And there’s no better place to start than with Job’s immortal statement of faith: ‘But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.’ (Job 23:10) Yes my friends, the Lord knows us inside out, and will test us through trials and tribulations to gauge the strength of our faith. It’s definitely one of the ways He uses to get our attention, and consequently to build our faith. I can attest to that from personal experience. It’s not always easy, but it’s certainly worthwhile! Meanwhile, Jeremiah in his complaint about the prosperity of the wicked and the happiness of the treacherous, also declares: ‘But thou, O Lord, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried (tested) my heart toward thee…’ (Jer.12:3) Ah mih people, walking with Jesus will bring constant tests and trials until the day we breathe our last breath and go over yonder to meet Him in glory! So please don’t despair when troubles come your way. It is merely our great God testing us, putting us through our paces to see how real, right and true our hearts are towards Him. And remember too, He never gives us more than we can bear, and always provides the tools we need to do what He asks. That’s why He’s such a wonderful Deity! And in recognition of His ‘wonderfulness’ (smile) all God’s people, with unspeakable joy and gratitude declared a mighty ‘Amen!’ More on this tomorrow Friends, if we wake to see another brilliant sunrise. Till then, let’s truly LOVE our God, with all of our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, and our neighbours as ourselves. Much LOVE!…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…just to be with Him awhile…makes it all worthwhile…