Today’s Scrip-Bit   25 May 2023 Psalm 8:9.

26 May 2023 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 8:9.       O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.

‘Sunshine, lollipops and roses!’ That’s what it seems like on this bright, sunshiny but somewhat cool Friday morning! Now, that certainly adds some enthusiasm to our shout of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ And our God is most definitely in fine form this morning, for when I opened the Good Library just now to find something to talk about, it opened unto the Book of Psalms, in particular Psalm 8, which most appropriately celebrates ‘God’s Excellent Name.’ And so it should be. 

Bruh David writes: ‘O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who has set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings (nursing infants) hast thou ordained (established) strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still (silence) the enemy and the avenger.’ (Ps. 8:1-2) And that last verse might seem insignificant, but it was quoted by Jesus after His celebrated entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, when He cleansed the temple of all the money changers and the other evil-doings that were taking place there, then began healing the lame and the blind. 

The Bible reports it thus: ‘And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: have ye never read, Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings (nursing infants) thou hast perfected praise. And he left them and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.’ (Matt. 21:15-17) 

Ah friends, it must have been fun and eye-opening to walk around with Jesus and listen to His conversations with the ruling Jewish elite. He certainly didn’t mince words with them or cut them any slack, just put them in their place in a gentlemanly fashion (smile) And Bruh Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth takes that idea even further, when he says: ‘But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound (put to shame) the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound (put to shame) the things which are mighty; 

And base (insignificant) things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought (nothing) things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto (became for us) wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 1:27-31) And just for your information, (smile) that scripture about glorying in the Lord can be found in Jeremiah 9.23-24, and 2 Corinthians 10:17. Please look them up. 

So, we have ascertained that the Lord, in His unfathomable wisdom and awesome power has made that which the world considers wise or important to seem unwise and insignificant, so that none of His human creation can glory in what little success and power they might enjoy for the short time here on earth. But although He has made sure that man stays in his rightful place, it doesn’t mean that He doesn’t LOVE and cherish His most wonderful creation. 

Listen as Bruh David continues his theorizing on God’s incomparable and incomprehensible behaviour towards man. He says: ‘When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest (pays attention or cares for) him?’ (Ps. 8:3-4) 

Now those are very good questions my brethren. Why would such a magnificent and omnipotent being make us and then shower so many blessings on us eh? The answer’s simple: We are the only thing He didn’t speak into existence, but He formed us with His own two hands, from the very dust of the earth, then breathed His own breath of life into us. That means we are totally His, and He LOVES us like He LOVES nothing else that He’s created. 

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that He’s done what Bruh David writes: ‘For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and thou hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet. All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field. The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.’ (Ps. 8:5-7) 

And that should not surprise us, for after God made the physical universe and made man, the Good Library tells us: ‘And the Lord God took the man (Adam) and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress (tend, cultivate) it and to keep it.’ (Gen. 2:15) That was the beautiful and prosperous garden the Lord created to provide all the necessities of life for His wonderful creation, He so LOVINGLY termed, ‘man.’ No wonder Bruh David could end the psalm with this marvellous and magnificent verse: ‘O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.’ (Ps. 8:9) 

Unfortunately though, in these troubled and rather calamitous times the Lord’s name is not revered as much as it should be. In fact, it’s more blasphemed than ever, with a staunch, but foolish movement to rid our society of His presence. But we who hold him in awesome reverence know that that will never happen, because He long ago proclaimed that He will never give His power and glory to anyone, nor His praise to graven images.(Is. 42:8) And He has both the power and temperament to make that be true. However, in our current circumstance, we down here on earth do need a ton of help from Him to fix what’s wrong. 

Thus, let’s go right now to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant and ask for divine assistance. Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. 

So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to return backsliders to your fold, show them the error of their ways. 

And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’

Now, after all that pleading, let’s get serious and clean up our act, for that’s the only way we’ll ever receive divine assistance. Much LOVE!

…the Lord LOVES us with an undying LOVE…but He WILL NOT put up with…or reward constant disobedience…   

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 March 2021 Philippians 2:9.

07 Mar 2021 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 2:9.     ​Wherefore God also hath exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Aloha…Shalom – LOVE, peace, hope, happiness and joy, my Scrip-Bit friends and family! It’s the first day of the week! Yes, Sunday morning has come down and that means ‘gatheration,’ (smile) worship, praise, thanksgiving and all the other good benefits we derive from getting together to offer Almighty God the reverence He so richly deserves. And though the ‘gatheration’ is still mostly through technological means, with the various lockdowns still in place because of the Corona virus pandemic, the physical aspect or site of our worship isn’t as important as the fact that we are indeed worshipping. 

So let’s get a move on with our song of praise for today which is titled ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.’And isn’t that of the utmost importance to us believers in Christ? It certainly is, because there is immense power in His name; power like there is in no other name in the universe! Wow! That already raises the passion in my soul! (smile) 

It’s a popular hymn sung by many Christian denominations, and is often called the “National Anthem of Christendom.” The lyrics were written by Edward Perronet (1721-1792) a prominent British Pastor, at one time affiliated with the Wesley’s of the Methodist persuasion, but afterwards became a pastor of a dissenting congregation. Just goes to show that there have always been divisions between leaders of the church which have unfortunately brought about way too many denominations and cliques and have consequently led to the disunity and weakness of the church. 

But enough talk, time for the raising of voices in sacrificial praise; strong, sincere and passionate ones, in an up-tempo beat, like we really joyful in singing about the power of Jesus’ name. ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed of the fall, Ye ransomed of the fall, Hail him who saves you by his grace, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. 

Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball, On this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. O that with yonder sacred throng We at his feet may fall; We at His feet may fall; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Yes, crown him, crown him, crown him, crown him Lord of all!’ 

Oh friends, oh friends, our heavenly Father has indeed crowned the first born Son, Lord of all! Hear the scriptures tell it nuh, through these magnificent words of Bruh Paul to the church at Philippi. ‘And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself , and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:’ (Phil. 2:8-9) 

Yuh see that precious people, yuh see what a magnanimous God we worship? He highly exalted Christ for His humility and obedience and selfless sacrifice on the cross at Calvary! So what do you think He would do for us if we were humble, obedient and selflessly sacrificial eh? Exalt us in His own way and time too! 

And the Father didn’t merely exalt Jesus with a high name, but hear this: ‘That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil. 2:10-11) 

Yuh see how our God moves in mighty ways mih people! He didn’t just give Jesus a big name, but the biggest name after His, one where in the fullness of time, the whole heaven, earth and everywhere else in the universe, would have to fall on their knees and worship Christ and proclaim that He is Lord over all! Mama Yo! 

And Peter, in his famous Pentecost Day sermon did wax eloquent in talking about Bruh David’s seed that the Lord would raise up to sit on his throne. ‘He (Bruh David) seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.’ (Acts 2:31-33) 

Yes friends, Peter was telling them that Christ through the promise of God had sent the Holy Spirit down and filled them with new life and understanding that made them able to speak in various languages. Now hear Bruh Paul again, this time to the church at Ephesus, as he prays that they may receive knowledge and understanding. 

‘That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set (seated) him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world (age), but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.’ (Eph. 1:17-23) 

Oh friends, we don’t have time nor space to get into all the ramifications of those scriptures, but suffice it say that Bruh Paul prayed that the Ephesians would be given the disposition to see and understand God’s wisdom and revelation. First as it referred to them; the certainty of their heavenly destination, the priceless value of their salvation and the priceless treasure they are to God, which would all lead to a divine strength in their daily walk. 

And then, as it referred to Christ, whom He raised from the dead, seated Him at His right hand, and gave ultimate power over all the angelic hosts of heaven and made Him the head of the church, through His great intimacy with that body. And I do hope that I’ve convinced you that there’s power in Jesus’ name and that you’ll look to Him for help from this time forward. Much LOVE!

…our saviour’s name is so powerful…that when trials assail us and we need help…all we have to do is cry out…JESUS… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 July 2020 Ephesians 1:18.

26 Jul 2020 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 1:18.     ​The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints
 

And the summer days pass by…steadily and stealthily. Meanwhile the situation in our world seems to be getting worse rather than better. The pandemic is resurging in places where it seems to have been brought under control while ratcheting up its profile in other areas. And the strife and protests in our streets…well they continue unabated. Hn! So what’s a body to do eh? 

The first thing is to stop being afraid, worried and panicked because the Creator of the universe still sits upon His throne and has everything under control! And in His good time our problems will be solved. Don’t ask me how or when? (smile) I just know that like all problems these too will pass at some juncture. In the meantime, it’s our job to pray and be strong, fruitful, generous and encouraging, and do whatever is necessary to stay safe. 

So this Sunday morning let us have church nuh. Come let us worship the Lord by any means possible, either individually or corporately. Let us sing out our sacrifices of praise. And today’s song is a li’l soulful ditty I discovered this week, although it seems to have been around for some time. It’s titled: ‘Drinking From My Saucer.’ So in soulful harmony with sincere hearts, let’s allow our praises to rise to heaven on high. 

‘I’ve Never Made A Fortune And It’s Probably Too Late Now Oh but I Don’t Worry About That Much Cause I’m Happy Anyhow And As I Go Along Life’s Journey I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow, I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches And Sometimes The Going’s Rough But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus And That Makes Me Rich Enough I Thank God For all His Blessings on me And The Mercies He’s Bestowed, I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. 

I Remember Times When Things went Wrong And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke And the Sun Peeped Through Again So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed, I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. 

And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living When The Way Grows Steep And Rough I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings I’m Already Blessed Enough And May I Never Be Too Busy To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes Lord, thank You, My cup has overflowed…’ 

Oh my people, are those ever-true words for so many of us! I know they’re very true for me because I’ve been so blessed despite the hard times I’ve been through. And many of us will acknowledge it too, if we seriously sit and consider all the dark times we’ve experienced but how the Lord brought us safely through them with renewed strength and even greater faith. And I just LOVE the analogy, drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed. A lot of young people won’t understand that because they don’t know anything about cups and saucers. 

In my day, you’d never give a person a cup of anything without placing it in a saucer – a small plate. That was just the way it was done. It was also a good way to catch any spillage or overflow. Some people even drank from their saucer if the liquid in the cup was too hot. But unfortunately, nowadays saucers have gone the way of the dinosaurs; extinct. We no longer use the small, dainty cups and matching saucers, but talk instead about mugs, etc. Now I need to find a scripture passage to tie that all together… Soon come. (smile) 

Oh friends, I’m back, after about five or six minutes…and I’m not sure if this is the most appropriate scripture, but it’s the one that keeps speaking to me. (smile) So here goes. It’s Bruh Paul’s prayer for knowledge and understanding for the Ephesians. ‘Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and LOVE unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you making mention of you in my prayers; 

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him ( a disposition consisting of wisdom and revelation in knowing Him): The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set (seated) him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world (age) but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.’ (Eph. 1:15-23) 

And what does all of that mean, you ask? The scholars offer some explanations. ‘1:18-19. When the figurative terms are removed from the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, the clause means that “your mind’s understanding may be fully enlightened.” This clause further explains verse 17. That ye may know signifies that the believer comes to know three things upon being enlightened: 

(1) what is the hope of his calling; that is, he realizes how sure and certain is his heavenly destiny; (2) what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; that is, the illuminated Christian recognizes more and more both the priceless value of his salvation, and what a priceless treasure he is to God; and (3) what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe: perceiving how God’s power has changed him since conversion, he experiences to a greater extent this divine strength in daily living.’ 

Ah friends, the long and short of the story is that the Father has raised Christ above everybody and everything except Him, and it’s only when we become illuminated believers, mature Christians, that we truly understand the importance of Christ in both our lives and the world, and can thus turn to Him in ALL situations, be they good or bad, full-well knowing that He will look after us, and allow us to drink from our saucers because our cups are overflowing. (smile) Much LOVE!

…Jesus is the fixer of any and every problem…call on Him at any time…