Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 August 2014 Matthew 6:15

05 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 6:15.    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
 

Ah Friends and neighbours, the party’s over, Caribana’s done with for another year! That means it’s time to get up and go to work, so you can earn some money for next year’s costume. (smile) Yeh, T.O. will return to some semblance of normalcy after the last four or five days of hectic gatherings. Praise the Lord!

 
And I sincerely hope that all those going back out to work today are not in too bad shape after all the partying and what not. In light of that, let’s boldly and confidently affirm this ‘I CAN’ affirmation.
 
‘I CAN have victory in my life by dealing with the things that are keeping me from God’s best. I am confronting my struggles head-on so I CAN overcome them. God has given me the strength to focus on Him and push through. NOTHING will hold me back. This is my declaration of what I CAN do through Christ.’
 
And if you believe all that Friends, then it’s doable! Remember Jesus said all we had to do was believe, for all things were possible through Him, if we simply believed.
 
In one particular aspect of our lives though, we seem to have a hard time believing, and that’s in the area of forgiveness. Please note what our Bit adamantly declares: ‘But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’
 
Yes Friends, it’s right there in black and white; if we don’t forgive our human brethren, then our heavenly Father will not forgive us. Why is that so difficult to understand eh?
 
Oh, I know that we’re living in a very selfish and grabby-grabby society that considers self to be of overriding importance, but if we’re confronted with such an important teaching, why, in heaven’s name, are we ignoring it to such a high degree?
 
Oh my people, we’re allowing the evil, ungodly world to intrude and have too much sway in our lives, only thinking about ourselves. On second thought though, this is one occasion when we should be thinking very much about ourselves.
 
Why? Because if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven either. And all of us have a whole lot of things that we need forgiveness for.
 
Now, as we noted yesterday, forgiveness isn’t always easy, in fact, most times it’s pretty difficult, and sometimes, depending on the particular situation, it can take a while to accomplish. But without a doubt my fellow believers, it’s a MUST in EVERY Christian’s life!
 
And Cousin Sol gives us a good idea of how forgiveness, or in this case, how unforgivness works. ‘Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.’ (Prov.21:13)
 
Ah mih people, once again it’s the simple principle by which our mighty God runs His universe: you reap what you sow. So if you sow forgiveness, then you’ll reap forgiveness. But if you unwisely sow unforgiveness, then that’s what you’ll reap in your time of need.
 
And let us get one thing straight here my brethren; the second most important thing about forgiveness is that it’s not about the other person or persons involved in the situation, but primarily about us.
 
It’s in our best interest to forgive, not only because then will we also be forgiven, but because forgiveness doesn’t allow all the hurt, anger, resentment, bitterness and the many other negative emotions that often crop up, to reside in our souls and make us rancid and sour, and lose God’s joy, and put hatred in our hearts rather than LOVE.
 
And I can tell you this from personal experience my people. You feel so much better, emotionally, physically and mentally when you forgive.
 
Think about it this way nuh: somebody does you wrong, be it on purpose or not, what’s their reaction eh? Some may say they’re sorry, and truly are, while some might just ignore you and go on about their business, and others might not even realize that they’ve wronged you.
 
But tell me Friends, how will your withholding of forgiveness hurt or disturb them eh? In no way really; for they’ve either apologized, or don’t know, or don’t care! They’ve moved on with their lives, and it’s only you that’s left holding the sorry bag of unforgiveness, eating yourself up over the wrong that’s been done to you.
 
That’s certainly not a wise move my brethren. Just look also at what Jesus said to Peter when he asked, ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but Until seventy times seven.’ (Matt.18:21-22)
 
Peter must have cried ‘Yikes!’ when he heard Jesus’ response. But that’s how important forgiveness is in Jesus’ circle my people; not just a few times, but numerous times. As the scholars wisely declare: ‘Unlimited forgiveness must characterize the true disciple.’
 
Then Jesus went on to elaborate, as He was wont to do, by telling them the parable of the servant who owed his employer oodles of money, but was unable to repay it, so he cried out for mercy, and his employer mercifully forgave him the entire debt.
 
But then, that same forgiven servant went out and found another servant who owed him a small sum, which he couldn’t repay at the time. However, when the servant cried out for mercy, he refused and had him thrown in debtor’s prison.
 
Remember the principle Friends; whatever you sow, you will reap. Now his fellow servants on seeing that unworthy reaction, went and told the employer of the forgiven servant’s unforgiveness.
 
‘Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst (begged) me. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?
 
And his lord was wroth (angry), and delivered him to the tormentors (torturers), till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.’ (Matt.18:32-35)
 
Oh Friends, that’s enough for today. Let’s take some time and ponder it all nuh, and see how our individual lives line up with God’s Word, then wisely ask Jesus to help us in those areas in which we’re weak, or tend to falter.
 
You know He will be only too glad to help, because He is indeed our Helper. Much LOVE!
 
…forgiveness is often more important to the forgiver than the forgivee…and that’s the gospel truth…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 June 2014 Acts 14:22

05 Jun 2014 Leave a comment

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

Acts 14:22.     Confirming (strengthening) the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

So what’s happening this fine Thursday morning eh Friends? I do hope that we’re all prepared to receive the new blessings and mercies that our wonderful Lord has earmarked for distribution today to His faithful and obedient followers.
 
And all God’s people mouthed a most grateful, ‘Thank You Lord! We Love You and praise Your Holy Name!’
 
Now here is the second half of the I CAN DO statements, acclamations of faith to get us started on our journey of faith today.
 
Please affirm with me: ‘I CAN have victory in my life by dealing with the things that are keeping me from God’s best. I AM confronting my struggles head on so I CAN overcome them. God has given me the power to rise above.
 
He has given me the strength to focus on Him and push through. NOTHING will hold me back! This is my declaration of what I CAN do through Christ!’
 
Now my people, let’s take that seriously and get ourselves together and DO what we just affirmed that we CAN and WILL DO! It’s the only way to move forward successfully in this life! 
 
That brings us to our Bit: ‘Confirming (strengthening) the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.’
 
Oh Friends, that’s exactly what we are endeavouring to do through the Bit; strengthen our souls so that we can continue strong in the faith, while keeping in mind the fact that we will suffer trials simply by being a follower of Jesus. So it’s all good stuff. (smile)
 
And though it can indeed be a struggle to live a good life, walking in Jesus’ footsteps, glorifying our heavenly Father, as faithful believers, we must do it, never giving up, persevering despite what ever comes against us, for in due time we will be well rewarded.
 
Now let’s continue where we left off yesterday, by looking at a couple of scripture passages that corroborate the second half of our Bit: ‘and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.’
 
I know it doesn’t cause much interest and excitement to think that we need to see troubles to enter God’s kingdom, but that’s what the Word says, and the Word doesn’t lie. However, it does promise great rewards if we stand strong in the testing of our faith.
 
Listen to Bruh Paul as he tells the church at Rome about living life in the Spirit. ‘So then they that be in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
 
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (give life to) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
 
Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 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 bchildren of god, heirs of god, 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 to us.’(Rom.8:8-18)
 
Yes my brethren, the only way to live this earthly life successfully is being led and guided by the Holy Spirit of God, and not by the fleshly lusts of our carnal bodies!
 
And as Bruh Paul says in the last verse there, the trials and tribulations we endure now, will be significantly outweighed by the rewards in glory later on.
 
And if you don’t believe Bruh Paul, then listen to Jesus, as He makes the same claim when talking to His disciples about who is great.
 
‘And there was also a strife (rivalry) among them, which of them should be accounted (considered) the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
 
(Scholars’ note: Benefactors: The underlying Greek word appears nowhere else in the New Testament. Middle-Eastern kings liked to rule with an iron hand, and then take on a title that extolled their benevolence. Christians should crave neither such power nor such acclaim).
 
But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief (leader), as he that doth serve. For whether (who) is greater, he that sitteth at meat (at the table), or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat (at the table)?
 
But I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto (bestow upon) you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto (bestowed upon) me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’ (Luke 22:24-30)
 
Ah mih people, the world judges greatness by the material things and power we possess. But it is not so in the kingdom of God. Jesus came to earth to serve, to be a servant for His heavenly Father, to help and save those in need, and likewise, that’s what He expects of His followers.
 
Now that doesn’t mean we cannot amass great wealth and power, but we must use them wisely in doing God’s will and work here on earth, not just lay them up for our sole benefit and sit and consider how well off and wonderful we are, otherwise we’ll end up like the fool in Luke 12:16-21, who was called home the same night he decided to eat, drink and be merry over his great earthly possessions. And thus ends today’s message.
 
Oh Friends, we all know that faithfully serving Jesus in this evil, ungodly world isn’t easy, especially when He requires excellence of ALL His followers, and excellence only comes with paying a price.
 
But please remember that Jesus promises to reward all those who faithfully serve Him with rewards of excellence too, rewards like salvation and eternal life with Him and the Father. And believe me people, there is nothing on this planet Earth that’s worth more than those two things!
 
So please hang in there my brethren, and let’s faithfully spread the LOVE Revolution of Jesus all over the world, as he requires, and do it with joy and excellence! Much LOVE!
 
…all that’s required of us on this earthly pilgrimage…is to LOVE OUR GOD…LIVE OUR FAITH…AND SPREAD GOD’S WORD…

 

 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 June 2013 Titus 3:8

26 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Titus 3:8:   This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
 
Oh Friends, All praise and honour and glory and thanksgiving be unto the Most High God Jehovah, our Creator and Provider! And I’m giving Him all that reverence and respect because my ‘trigger finger’ surgery appears to be successful. Glory Hallelujah!
 
I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but was told that I could still do my computer thing, which I am now doing, although I cannot feel the finger that was done, because it’s still somewhat numb from the surgery. In fact, I haven’t felt much pain, for the hand is still somewhat numb, must have been a real good anaesthetic. (smile). Anyway, thanks for all your prayers, let’s hope the recovery goes smoothly.
 
Now today we’re going to talk about affirmations. And according to Dr. Schuller in His Hour of Power Devotional: ‘Affirming – this is enthusiasm-generating faith. Great affirmations heighten the sense of expectancy and generate great enthusiasm. Affirm success and you will visualize yourself winning. When you imagine yourself winning, then that mysterious force of enthusiasm suddenly surges through your being.
 
Because enthusiastic people are happy people, they are energetic and ambitious people. So enthusiastic people are spirit-lifting, morale-boosting, talent-attracting, hope-generating people. It’s no wonder that affirmative people magnetically attract to themselves gifted people who generously offer their talent, time, or treasure to make the exciting dream come true.’
 
And that’s the gospel truth! Therefore Friends, it logically follows then, that if want to attract others to Christ, we need to be affirmative people.
 
Now here is the other half of the affirmations I recently shared with you, the one that I didn’t know where I got it from, and still don’t. But it sure is useful.
 
So please affirm with me now: ‘I can have victory in my life by dealing with the things that are keeping me from God’s best! I am confronting my struggles head-on so I can overcome them! God has given me the power to rise above! He has given me the strength to focus on him and push through! NOTHING will hold me back! This is my declaration of what I can do through Christ!’
 
And all God’s people delivered a loud and heartfelt, ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’
 
Oh yes Friends, we do affirm all those things in the name of Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and Saviour! By the way, the exclamation marks and highlighting in the above affirmations are mine. I thought they would lend a little more oomph, some more decisiveness to our affirming.
 
That brings us to our Bit: ‘This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.’
 
Yuh see mih people, affirmations have been around for a very long time. It’s not something recently developed by the supposed mental experts of today.
 
We find Bruh Paul in our Bit, wisely advising Titus to constantly affirm certain things in his ministry, so that those under his spiritual care will adhere to the good works that the affirmations encourage, because it’s ‘good and profitable’ to believers.
 
One word of caution though my brethren. We can affirm all we want, but as everything else, when we talk the talk, afterwards we need to walk the walk. Affirmations only set our minds on the right paths, give us the right perspective, so if they aren’t followed by some action(s) that will bring them about, that manifest them, then our affirmations are a waste of time.
 
Talk can say a lot, and also provide serious motivation, but it’s the action behind the talk that brings it all to fruition. So please don’t think that just because you affirm something with your mouth, that it will automatically come to pass, because it won’t. You will not see the true fulfillment until you put the proper procedures in motion, begin the actions to bring it to pass.
 
Now I don’t want to force my hand more than is necessary. I’ve written more than I expected, and I am starting to feel a little pain as the fingers thaw out, like a frozen piece of meat. Hn, hn! So we’ll close for today.
 
And wonder of wonders, you’ll actually get a rather short Bit! Wow! As the old people would say: Wonders never cease, but daily they increase! So you can’t complain that God isn’t good to you. (smile) 
 
Tomorrow though, if the Lord’s in favour, we’ll continue this topic, looking at some of the affirmations that Bruh Paul had in mind when he wrote to Titus.
 
Till then my beautiful fellow believers, please walk safely with God, and let’s allow His Word to rule in our hearts and minds, and go out and put all those affirmations we made above into action. That’s wisdom, LOVE and righteousness at their very best! Much LOVE!
 
…to affirm is wonderful…but to put the affirmation into action…now that’s heavenly…