Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 July 2019 Luke 21:15.

24 Jul 2019 Leave a comment

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

Luke 21:15.    ​For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay (refute) nor resist.
 

So it’s Wednesday; the middle of the week, and everybody breathes a sigh of relief, saying: ‘Three down, only two more to go!’ Ah friends, what is it with us and work eh? The majority of people don’t like what they do for a living, and would rather not do it, but they have limited choices, so they acquiesce and do the job half-heartedly. And that includes Christians too! 

The only problem there is that as Christians we’re not supposed to be working unto man, but unto God, and if we have Jesus dwelling in us then we’re supposed to do as good a job as possible even if we don’t like it. And furthermore we’re supposed to be contented and grow wherever He plants us. 

So if you’re the lone believer where you work and get a lot of heat for it, then believe that’s where Jesus wants you at this time, so you can shine your light in that dark world of unbelief and allow your salt to spice up and make tasty the corrupt and corroded atmosphere! But hear what Jesus says will happen when we suffer for His name’s sake. ‘Take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say; for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.’ (Luke 12:11-12) 

Now here is an interesting explanation from the scholars. ‘12:12. The Holy Ghost shall teach: Remember that (1) these men had Jesus as a personal teacher; (2) these disciples being Jews, had a great command of Old Testament Scripture; and (3) the New Testament was not yet begun. 

This is not to say that Jesus’ promise has no application today, since the experience of persecuted Christians in this century proves otherwise. Yet it would be dangerous to presume on direct, supernatural guidance without doing all possible to avail oneself of means already at hand to learn of God and His ways.’ 

Yeh friends, they’re not saying that supernatural guidance is impossible, but it’s much easier for you to stand up strong in Jesus’ name when you know His Word and thus for the Holy Spirit to remind you of certain truths to use when you’re under the gun. 

And I like how Luke further puts it: Jesus tells them: ‘Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay (refute) nor resist.’ (Luke 21:14-15) 

Ah mih people, we don’t have to beat up ourselves as to what we ought to say when we encounter opposition, for the Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter, our inspiration and constant companion, will lead us to say the right things. But you have to know the Word so you can associate it with whatever and wherever He guides you. 

And we have this further assurance from Jesus: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace: In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) And if you’re a true believer that verse of scripture ought to quell whatever anxiety and worry that’s in your heart right now! 

That’s the wonderful thing about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; when you sincerely believe in Him, even in the midst of trials and tribulation we can have peace in our souls! No other faith can promise, guarantee and deliver such a wonderful situation! But friends, it doesn’t just happen overnight, you have to go through those trials so you can grow and mature in the faith. 

And I can testify to that because years ago, I was holidaying in California when my mother died unexpectedly up here. Obviously I was devastated by her unexpected death, but I clearly remember a surprising peace that suddenly came over me, and I was able to handle the situation with the necessary fortitude. But the people around me were also surprised at how cool, calm and collected I was despite the devastating news. 

It doesn’t mean that I wasn’t sad and didn’t cry and display all the other emotions associated with unexpected loss, but the important thing is that I didn’t fall apart and become useless to myself and those around me. And every time I look back at that situation, I can only smile and realize that it was indeed the goodness of God, the overwhelming peace of Jesus that got me through the situation. 

And what made that peace even more welcome is that I had disembarked in Las Vegas and driven to California, and the price to change my flight to leave from California was astronomical, so I had to drive all the way back through the desert to Las Vegas that took a fair amount of time. But though my heart was heavy, it was at peace, thanks be to Jesus! 

And yuh know friends, even during these last two and a half years of sickness and medical procedures, I was never worried about making it through, I was more annoyed than anything at having to go through all that stuff. (smile) And that’s because by then I had matured enough to believe God’s promise of if He puts me through it, He will bring me through it, stronger than before. And I am stronger than before! 

That’s my testimony and I’m sticking to it. (smile) Hope it does offer some encouragement to those of you who are going through serious problems right now. You just have to believe, despite the darkness of the situation. And the Lord might not change the situation, as He might just be testing you, but He will change you, so that you can handle the situation! 

Enough sermonizing for today though! Let’s go home declaring (yeah!) our Wednesday Wail telling all and sundry our wonderful position in Christ! As one strong, sincere and enthusiastic voice now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! 

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

And please remember that if we stand strong and finish our race with vim and vinegar, that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…true faith…only comes and grows…by experiencing trials…and sincerely believing in…the faithful promises of Jesus…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 May 2015 Romans 12:2‏

15 May 2015 Leave a comment

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

Romans 12:2.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Well Friends, a hearty Friday morning to all and sundry!

And the boisterous and exuberant working crowd shouts back: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! The weekend’s here and it’s party time…party time…! Thank God is Friday yes, and the hard labour done for two days…no, not for two, but for three days, this long weekend of Victoria Day! Glory Hallelujah! We going to mash it up!’

Ah Friends, I know the feeling, the release and rush of excitement that a long weekend brings, especially in the northern climes. But as usual, we have to be very careful about our doings and not let our celebrations cause Lucifer to get a finger hold in our souls.

That means we have to exercise careful consideration in all that we do, do them with a modicum of circumspection, for the evil one only needs a little needle hole to find his way into our hearts, minds and souls. So to help us not give him that needle hole, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much sincerity and feeling.

As one now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.

Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’

Ah mih people, these weekends can be quite challenging to find the right balance between rest, partying, fellowship and the many other activities connected to the modern day family. But if anybody can do it successfully, it’s us, the Christian brotherhood, for we have a Saviour called Jesus Christ who enables us to do any and everything in His name. Glory to God!

But there are some things we first need to do, before we can invoke His help. Things like the sentiments in our Bit: ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’

Yeh Friends, when we consciously make up our minds to follow Christ, we have to transform our worldly thinking and worldly ways, and bring them into line with the tenets of Jesus, otherwise His Holy Spirit will not take root within us and bear good outward fruit.

And that is the whole purpose of our existence here on earth; to be a good witness and ambassador for Christ, and to bear much good fruit in His name.

So let’s stop fooling ourselves, stop patting ourselves on the backs for being such real good Christians, when in fact we’re more like a bunch of hypocrites with the selfish, ungodly behaviour we’re showing in these trying and difficult times.

For as James so wisely and staunchly puts it: ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy (makes himself an enemy) of God.’ (James 4:5)

And that right there is the cause for the downfall of Christ’s church; too many supposed Christians are still being led by the things of the world, rather than by the things of God. And until we curtail that lustful desire my brethren, our Christianity will always be shortchanged and lacking.

Hear what John says on the subject. ‘LOVE not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man LOVES the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.’ (1 John 2:15-17)

There it is Friends, quite plain and simple; if we embrace the things of the world, then God’s LOVE is not in us.

And the scholars duly note: 2:15. LOVE not the world is a command implying that action now in progress must cease: “Stop LOVING the world!” There is, of course, one sense in which Christians should LOVE the world, since God Himself did and does (John 3:16). But in the sense of pledging personal loyalty and devotion of one’s whole being and means, Christians are to “LOVE” God first and foremost. (Deut.6:5; Mark 12:30).’

And here is another interesting note from the scholars, re Temptation. ‘2:16. Though all people are tempted differently according to their individual weaknesses, temptations follow patterns. They appeal to three fundamental areas of life: (1) the lust of the flesh (physical desires); the lust of the eyes (personal desires); and (3) the pride of life (self-interests).

Illustrations: When Satan caused the fall of the race, he appealed to each of these areas of weakness (Gen.3:6). He also appealed to them when he tempted Christ (Matt.4:1-11), who defied Satan’s temptations by relying on the authority of the Scriptures.

Application: The Christian today should also depend on the Scriptures to defeat temptation: (first Ref. Gen 3:1-6; Primary ref. 1 John 2:15-17; cf. Rom. 5:12).’

And we’ll conclude with that most worthy bit of advice my people. Let’s use the scriptures to rebuke and refute temptation, like we ought to, for it is the wisdom of Jesus. Much LOVE!

…God’s Holy Word…is the BEST guide for earthly living…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 May 2014 Luke 21:19

17 May 2014 Leave a comment

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

Luke 21:19:        In your patience possess ye your souls.

Oh Friends, it’s Saturday morning and the ole fella’s brain seems tired. Chuh! I was doing some reading before I got to the Bit, and now the old brain refuses to function properly. Hn, hn, hn!
 
I’ve asked for heavenly guidance, but the Lord hasn’t seen fit to provide it just yet. Oh there’s no doubt that it will come eventually, in the Lord’s own time, that’s why I’ve decided to put pen to paper, although I don’t know what direction I’m going to be going in. It’s just that Lord’s time lines and mine differ. I want the guidance now, but He seems to be of a different mindset.
 
Ah mih people, that’s one of the biggest problems we believers face – waiting on God. The world is constantly championing now for now actions; it’s ominously tilted towards immediacy, and waiting is a word that is fast fading from our vocabulary.
 
But unfortunately, that’s not our God’s style. He values patience, perseverance and endurance over immediate satisfaction, which the ungodly world is ceaselessly trying to get us to buy into. Therefore, when things don’t go our way immediately, and we are forced to wait, we get all flustered and angry.
 
However my brethren, waiting in faith, with patience and perseverance is one of the things the Lord desires us to accomplish. That is, if we truly want to develop a character very much akin to Jesus’. But unfortunately, too many of us Christians are giving in to, or have given in to the world’s desire and mad rush for immediate gratification.
 
But Friends, our Bit, in the memorable words of our Lord, Saviour and Leader, Jesus Christ, gives us the best advice on the subject. ‘In your patience possess ye your souls.’
 
Oh Friends, as always, Jesus is simple and straightforward! And that pertinent Bit of advice pops up when He’s telling the disciples about the end times. Let’s hear what Jesus said before He uttered our Bit, so that we might better understand the context.
 
‘Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in divers (various) places, and famines, and pestilences, and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these they shall lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake: And it shall turn to you (be an occasion) for a testimony.
 
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay (refute) nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.’ (Luke 21:10-19) 
 
So yuh see my fellow believers, even when the end times are drawing close, as they are right now, Jesus still desires us to keep our peace, be patient and persevering, and keep looking to Him, for He will tell us what to say; stuff so wise and strong that the ungodly won’t be able to dispute or refute it.
 
And do we ever need that kind of promise in these very difficult, confusing and trying times! Granted, it’s all much easier said than done, but when we have a heart and soul that’s full of Jesus, and led and guided by Him, we can do all things in the power of His strength.
 
A good example of that, an occasion for a testimony (smile) is my beginning to write the Bit this morning, having no idea where I was going, but putting the utmost faith in God to lead and guide me to something He wants us to consider.
 
And my fellow believers, we shall close with another promise of Jesus that bears out His message of leading and guiding us in our words. Listen to Him talk to the disciples about the Holy Spirit.
 
‘Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself (on his own authority); but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine (what is mine), and shall show (declare) it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.’ (John 16:13-15)
 
And Friends, EVERY BELIEVER has been gifted with that powerful Holy Spirit, so we have no excuses for not doing what Jesus desires, as prompted by His Comforter. Oh my people, it’s all a matter of true faith, trust, belief, acceptance, surrender and then most importantly putting that all into practice, into action, like I did here this morning.
 
And I can testify to my words, because when I first began writing the Bit, I wouldn’t, and most likely couldn’t do that, simply because my faith wasn’t strong enough. But over the years, having seen how the Lord has worked in my life, I can now testify to His wonderful LOVE and guidance. And our Lord does move in mysterious ways! I never thought I’d be testifying this morning. (smile)
 
But Friends, we have to get serious and do what He says…and not in a wishy washy manner either, but steadfast and strong, always seeking excellence, as Jesus desires in His followers. So today, let’s all promise ourselves to get really and truly serious about Jesus nuh, and consequently do our best to come up higher, and thus make His selfless sacrifice on our behalf, all worthwhile. That’s heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
 
…if you don’t believe in something…you’ll fall for anything…and Jesus is most definitely the best bet…the best choice…in a world full of inferior choices…