Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 September 2012 3 John 4

18 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

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

3 John 4.     I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
 
And a blessed good morning to all you beautiful people out there in Scrip-Bit Land! It’s supposed to be cool and rainy in my neck of the woods today, (it’s already raining) but that’s of no importance. Why, you ask? Because just like neither sleet nor snow stops the mail delivery, so nothing stops the followers of Jesus on their earthly mission to spread the good news of the gospel to all and sundry. And what’s the good news? The peace, LOVE, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, truth, justice, wisdom, understanding, salvation and eternal life that’s found in Jesus and His humble but ever so powerful way! And all God’s people shouted a joyous: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ But the truth of the matter my Friends is that it’s not always easy to follow in Jesus’ path, for Lucifer and his evil minions have made believers the number one target of their wicked and ungodly fiery darts. Today though, I have a few words to share from the Hour of Power Devotional by Robert H. Schuller which will help us in repelling Lucifer and his evil works. The words are: ‘If you will learn how to be disappointed without being discouraged, you need never be defeated.’ What an awesome truth Friends! And when I read them today, a flashlight just went off in my brain, and I knew I had to share them. It’s a simple but powerful strategy, for what’s the first thing or thought we embrace when we experience disappointment? It’s discouragement, oftimes laced with a strong desire to just give up, to let it all go to waste. But my people, that’s the wrong attitude to adopt, for disappointment doesn’t always mean failure or defeat, and if we truly learn to endure disappointment without it making us want to throw away all our hard work, then we’re winning. Believers need to have what the old people called ‘a thick skin.’ That means not letting unimportant things get us down or all worked up. I’m learning that with writing this Scrip-Bit, because not everybody agrees with or like what I write. And believe you me, supposed believers can be the nastiest critics when they’re ready. However, please remember that giving up on Jesus is NOT an option in a believer’s playbook! Those words don’t exist in Jesus’ vocabulary, which means we have to stand strong and steadfast regardless of what or who comes against us. That’s why John so happily declared in our Bit: ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.’ He was exceedingly happy to hear that his buddy Gaius was standing strong and true in the faith. And he also expresses that joy in his second epistle, where he begins thus: ‘The elder unto the elect (chosen) lady and her children; whom I LOVE in the truth; and not I only, but also they that have known the truth. For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth (abides) in us, and shall be with us for ever.’ (2 John 1-2) Now the ‘elder’ there is John himself, and according to the scholars, the ‘elect (chosen) lady’ could either mean a personal friend and her family or a local church. Now, re the truth John speaks of, it will be helpful to have some explanation from the scholars. They declare that: ‘To LOVE in the truth means (1) truly, really to LOVE, and (2) to LOVE in a fashion consonant with the Christian meaning of that word. The truth which John and others have known is a combination of factual knowledge regarding the Word of God and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.’ Also, ‘John LOVES his readers for the truth’s sake or “because of the truth,” which likely has reference to the personal presence of Christ (John 14:6) The cardinal fruit of the Spirit of Christ is LOVE (Gal..5:22)’ Then a couple verses later, John states: ‘I rejoiced greatly that I found (some) of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.’ (2 John 4) Listen to the scholars here again: ‘Walking is a Jewish idiom for “living.” John is saying that we should “live by the truth,” or in accordance with God’s revealed word and will.’ That’s gospel my brethren! How else can we live for God if we don’t live by His Word and His Will eh? It’s just like living in any group, be it two or more; certain rules and regulations must be laid down and followed, if there is to be harmony and not anarchy in the group. Likewise if there’s to be harmony amongst the followers of Jesus, then we all need to live in close agreement and joyful practice of His dictates. And not to be outdone, when Bruh Paul couldn’t go to visit the Thessalonians, he also told them of his happiness at their steadfastness in the faith. ‘For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.’ (1 Thess.2:19-20) Yes my brethren, all believers should be filled with unspeakable joy when they hear of others walking steadfastly in the LIGHT and LOVE of Jesus, for that’s what this life is all about. And what better way to end than with the words of Jesus. When Pilate asked Him if He was a king, Jesus answered: ‘Thou sayest (rightly) that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice.’ (John 18:37) End of story Friends! So now, if we have indeed heard Jesus’ voice, then let’s go out and sincerely and energetically live that truth nuh! Much LOVE!…to truly LOVE Jesus…we must walk steadfastly in His way…just like He walked steadfastly in His Father’s… 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 September 2012 Psalm 89:15

09 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 89:15.    Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.

Oh Friends, I’m sure some of you laugh when I talk about not seeing our names in the obits. But unfortunately, I saw the name and picture of an acquaintance there today. We weren’t big time acquaintances, but every so often we’d meet at different functions, exchange a few words and ask about each other’s health. I never knew that she was sick, though if I remember correctly, the last time we met, she was walking with a cane. And most likely if I hadn’t been looking through the obits, I wouldn’t have known about her demise until some time long after. This is actually the third time that I’ve discovered the demise of an acquaintance through the obituaries. So it does pay to look through them, because you never know whose name and/or picture you’ll find there. One day though, you’ll surely see yours. (smile) I have two other points of interest to share. The first concerns the twin earthquakes and numerous aftershocks that struck south-western China on Friday, killing over 60 people, and injuring hundreds. Please, let’s pray for them in their time of disaster. It’s the least we can do, given our Christian faith. The next concern is a bit of good news. The Pakistani girl, Rimsha Masih, that seems to be her name, who was recently imprisoned for allegedly burning some pages of a holy Muslim book, has apparently been released on bail ($10, 500). She thus foregoes a lengthy stay in prison until her case is heard.  And all God’s people shouted up to heaven, a mighty ‘Praise the Lord!’ Yes Friends, our God is good and looks after His own. I implore us to pray for her and the millions of other Christians around the world, who are being unfairly persecuted simply because they fell in LOVE with Jesus and desire to serve and worship Him. That brings us to our Bit: ‘Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.’ Now that sure enthuses me because it has to do with praising God through song and dance and music. The last two days we’ve been checking out some instances where God commanded it, and where it’s been used in battle. Today, let’s check out some where His followers exalted Him thus, from the sincerity of their own hearts. Many of them are found in the Psalms, but one of my favourites is when Bruh David brought the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem. The Good Book says: And David danced (whirled about) before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.’ (2 Sam.6:14-15) Hear the scholar’s explanation:  ‘The ark, which had been placed in the house of Obed-edom, a Levite of the family of Korah (cf. 1 Chr.13:13-14) was now brought up to Jerusalem in the prescribed manner. It was done with careful forethought (cf. 1 Chr.15:1-20). The transferral of the ark was accompanied by sacrifices, pomp, and great rejoicing. David’s dancing or whirling about (v 14) was an expression of spiritual joy. (cf. 1 Chr.15:25-28) However, while Bruh David was dancing before the Lord, his wife Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked out a window and saw him carrying on and was less than thrilled. The Good Book says ‘she despised him in her heart.’ (2 Sam.6:16) She later reprimanded him. ‘How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain (base) fellows shamelessly (openly) uncovereth himself. And David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord. And I will yet be more vile (undignified) than thus, and will be base (humble) in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.’ (2 Sam.6:20-23) Oh Friends, I guess why I like that particular incident in Bruh David’s life is because I can certainly relate to it. Over the years I’ve been met with such adverse criticism from some of my family members. But like Bruh David, I just shrugged it off and continued doing my own thing; dancing before the Lord. (smile) That was when I was able to whirl and prance. Can’t do it now though, so there’s no more criticism. Hn, hn! Anyway, here’s how the scholars describe Michal’s behaviour. ‘Michal saw in David’s actions a conduct unbefitting a king. She doubtless neither appreciated nor entered into the spirit of the occasion. Accordingly David rebuked her and consigned her to separation from the king’s graces, a condemnation that left her childless. A negative and critical spirit born of spiritual shallowness and insensitivity is a dangerous thing!’ And isn’t that the gospel truth my people! We see such a lack of spiritual fervour in too many believers these days. They continually walk around sour and miserable, as though their parents had just died, with no sense of joy and fun in their hearts or their countenances. That’s why our Bit so staunchly declares that those who know the joyful sound of our God will show it in their faces, their hearts and their actions. And we’ll end with a continuation of the story of Bruh David bringing up the ark to Jerusalem from 1 Chronicles. ‘Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord… O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory (triumph) in thy praise. Blessed be the Lord of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.’ (1 Chr.16:7-10, 34-36) Oh Friends, what an appropriate way to end this Sunday morning! Much LOVE!…a soul full of thanks and praise…should show its light to the world…through a joyful countenance…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 August 2012 Galatians 5:1

30 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Galatians 5:1.    Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
 
Oh Friends, our world’s a mess; man-made disasters as well as God sent calamity. You name it, and we’re suffering it. And on a more personal level, millions of Christians are still suffering persecution in numerous places, simply because they believe in Christ, talk about Him and try to live by His Word and His will. One extreme example of that is the Christian teenaged girl recently imprisoned in Pakistan for supposedly burning some pages of a holy book. Now you cannot get a straight story about her age, what she actually burnt, or how it all came about, cause all they have left is ashes, but the Muslim people are all up in arms calling for her death, due to some vague and unenlightened blasphemy law that’s only being used and abused to satisfy personal agendas, and vendettas, especially against Christians. Hundreds of believers had to flee their homes as the Muslim mobs cried out for vengeance. And there’s no justice to be had for God’s people! Ah Friends, it’s not fair, but unfortunately it’s part of being a believer in some places. But remember though, that the name of Jesus is the most powerful and controversial name on all the earth. It’s the name to which all knees shall eventually bow and all voices make confession to. So there will always be those who want to engage in some kind of controversy over it. However, here is the true insight on the matter: ‘The action of God is flowing through us, through all believers in a pattern of success right now!’ Yes my people, regardless of our troubles, the Lord’s blessing us all today with a strength of purpose that will inevitably bring success. Jesus had it and was able to overcome His problems and so will we. But that success doesn’t just come without any effort on our part. We need to be strong and keep living by faith to see that success. That’s why our Bit encourages, exhorts and admonishes us to: ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.’ Words of impeccable wisdom that all believers ought to live by! Here’s what the scholars have to say about it. ‘The verse can be rendered: “For freedom Christ freed us. Therefore stand fast and do not again be subject to a yoke of bondage.” The “freedom” in view is freedom from the law, here called “a yoke of bondage.” Paul wants the Galatians to “stand fast,” that is retain their spiritual freedom.’ Likewise my brethren, believers in these turbulent times need to stand fast in their faith, retain the spiritual freedom that Christ died to give us, and not to become slaves to the law again. And Bruh Paul uses as an example the Jewish law of circumcision, which at the time was causing much friction between the Jewish and Gentile believers. He says that circumcision will not provide any special benefits, or bring you any closer to Christ, but it will enslave you to the law. It’s an external ritual or symbol, showing that you accept the law, and therefore are dependent on man’s legality to provide salvation, rather than on God’s grace. But by the same token, being uncircumcised doesn’t profit you anything either. ‘For we through the Spirit (eagerly) wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by LOVE.’ (Gal.5:5-6)  So whether we’re circumcised or not, we’ll not benefit spiritually from that physical state. Thus, if we try to be justified by the law, we will not have the favour, the grace of God that Jesus died for us to have. But through faith, instilled in and kept working in us by the Holy Spirit, believers can, and do find justification, and hope for the salvation promised by Jesus, in and through His sacrificial death. As the scholars declare: ‘Faith is man’s response to God who LOVES him, and this divine LOVE that produces human faith results in his justification.’ So my brethren, please let us not become too entangled with man’s law, which will only yoke us in slavery once again. Now listen to Bruh Paul’s exhortation to steadfastness to the church at Philippi: ‘Only let your conversation (conduct) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing (no way) terrified by your adversaries: which is to them and evident token (a proof) of perdition (destruction), but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.’ (Phil.1:27-29) And the scholar’s give us a good explanation on the meaning of fellowship to believers. ‘Fellowship, one of the keys to spiritual growth, occurs when Christians share their walk with God in an atmosphere of LOVE and respect. Fellowship occurs when everyone communicates in LOVE with other believers, and the whole assembly becomes strengthened as a result. Sometimes fellowship requires confessing our faults (James 5:16) as we strive to develop a unity of spirit and mind. Those who work to hinder the fellowship of the brethren practice a sin that is hated by God (Prov. 6:19) Illustration: The church at Philippi was particularly noted for its spirit of fellowship, but Paul’s warning to two women in the church reminds how we must constantly work to maintain fellowship (4:1-3). Application: Fellowship is so vital that we cannot live for God by ourselves. As we develop deeper relationships with others, we should remember that we come to resemble those with whom we fellowship. (Matt.18:19). Now, sadly, true fellowship is something that’s missing from Christ’s church today. I’ll rephrase that, because there is some. Let’s say it’s not as strong and united as it ought to be, otherwise there wouldn’t be all the divisions and divisiveness found in Christ’s body. Friends, please realize that only in unity is there strength, and we believers are fighting an uphill battle against the spiritual forces of evil and bondage, so it’s absolutely necessary that we stick together if we want to be successful. And today, let’s pray for all those who are suffering disaster, or being unfairly persecuted. Let’s send up plenty prayers to heaven, for the Lord to assuage some of our problems down here on earth. Much LOVE!…if the Lord hears the prayer of one righteous person…won’t He pay more attention to the prayers of plenty righteous people…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 August 2012 Jeremiah 50:6

29 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Jeremiah 50:6.    My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.
 
Oh Friends, is history going to repeat itself, as it so often does? We’re talking about Hurricane Isaac, which by passed Florida with some wind and rain damage, but is heading for poor Louisiana with its full force, like Hurricane Katrina did seven years ago to the day. And the answer seems to be a guarded and hopeful yes, because Isaac has already lashed the unfortunate state with some strong winds and rain. Ah Lord why eh! Why is it that so often the ones who can least handle the calamity, are the ones who get hit by it? Like Haiti, Louisiana hasn’t fully recovered from Katrina, and here comes Isaac! Steups! Anyway Friends, we have to believe that the Lord knows the who, what, why, when and where of the situation, and we need to hunker down and pray for those who will bear the brunt of the disaster, and then help them in whatever way we can after it’s passed. On a somewhat brighter note though, I have some good advice for us re the use of our time. It comes from the Hour of Power Devotional by Robert H Schuller, but apparently was written by an anonymous Irishman. Trust an Irishman to have such sense eh! (smile) That’s a play on my Irish name; O’Brien. And the advice is this: ‘Take time to work, it is the price of success. Take time to think, it is the source of power. Take time to play, it is the secret of youth. Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom. Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness. Take time to dream, it’s hitching your wagon to a star. Take time to LOVE, it is the highest joy of life. Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.’ Yes Friends, that advice is wisdom at its finest! And I believe that today, each of us should take each line and correlate it to our own lives, and see how we’re doing in the balancing of our time. It’s necessary to have each one of those things in our lives, but we also have to balance them carefully if we want to live a full and joyful life. And we mean a life that’s completely opposite to the one revealed in our Bit. ‘My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused (led) them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.’ Unfortunately though, those words that were true of Israel way back when, are also very true of us today. Too many of us are like lost sheep, wandering around from one worldly thing to the next, with no clue as to what we truly want or where we’re going. Consequently, we latch on to all the fads that crop up in this ungodly world and remain lost and unfulfilled. As Isaiah says: ‘All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.’ (Is.53:6) That was true back then, and it’s still ever so true now! The Lord laid our sins on Jesus, hoping that we’d wake up and see the error of our ways and repent. Hn! But two thousand years later we’re even more ‘own way,’ disobedient, rebellious and hungry for the lusts and pleasures of this evil world. Like the Israelites, our shepherds; priests, leaders, teachers and decision makers have led us astray, led us down the path of Beelzebub, away from that of God, because it suited their purposes. It enriched them with the things of the world, entrenched their power, and kept them running the show. But beware my brethren, Jeremiah’s curse upon the leaders of Israel, is still pertinent to today’s leaders. ‘Woe be unto the pastors (shepherds) that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.’ (Jer.23:1) My people, we have wandered every which way in these modern times, searching for peace of mind and soul, but have failed to find success, because those things don’t exist in any of the places to which we’ve been led. Now hear this scripture, re the results of our disobedience. ‘Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear (dread of me) is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts.’ (Jer.2:19) And that’s the living truth Friends, for all our wrongdoings are coming back to haunt us now! The wretched state of our technologically superior world is ample proof of that. Nothing has gone, or is going right in any facet of the world’s affairs. There’s nothing good we can shout for joy about, (except our still young LOVE Revolution) since everything else has negative connotations. Oh Friends, the ONLY solution to our problems is for us to remember our true resting place, and get back there as soon as possible. And where is that? ‘Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.’ (Jer.3:22) Yes my brethren, that place of rest is in the peaceful world of our Creator, the Lord God Jehovah, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Jeremiah says it best: ‘Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.’ (Jer.3:23) Not only of Israel my Friends, but of the entire world! Please pay serious attention, and if you have strayed, don’t be too proud to repent and turn back to the One who created you. He’s always extremely glad to welcome strays back to His fold. Seek Him today, while there’s yet time! Much LOVE!…the wise shall be quick to repent and return…but the foolish will continue in their foolish ways…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 August 2012 James 3:13

25 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

James 3:13.         Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
 
All hail Friends! The morning sun is rising to bring its light to a dark and evil world, just like the Son rose from the grave in everlasting brilliance to bring us salvation and eternal life! Please give Him some thanks and praise for that, and let’s show our eternal gratitude for His LOVE and selfless behaviour by endeavouring to live earthly lives that truly reflect His character and His desires, for that’s what true followers do. Now that’s a sentence worthy of Bruh Paul’s stylistic manoeuvrings! (smile) And one of the very important things we have to safeguard in this life as believers, is the distinction between true and false wisdom. There is a lot of the latter going around these days, and it’s leading many people down the wrong path – that which leads to death and destruction. So how do we figure out right from wrong wisdom eh? James, in our Bit today gives us a clue: ‘Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge (has understanding) among you? let him show out of a good conversation (conduct) his works (that his works are done) with meekness of wisdom.’ That means my brethren, that whoever is blessed with knowledge and understanding ought to conduct his or herself suitably, ensuring that their works are done in humility. In other words, the wise person must have godly wisdom and then exhibit that wisdom in a practical, humble manner, with truth as their watchword. The scholars claim that ‘One cannot teach what one does not live.’ James then continues: ‘But if ye have bitter envying and strife (self-seeking) in your hearts, glory not (do not boast), and lie not against the truth.’ (James 3:14) And right there is the crux of many our problems my people. We have too much strife; anger, resentment, selfishness, jealousy and greed in our souls, which obviously causes us to be short-sighted, short circuited and thus distort the truth. So we obviously won’t be able to impart the truth in true humility as we ought to. As James informs us: ‘This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish (demonic). For where envying and strife is (self-seeking exists), there is confusion and every evil work.’ (James 3:15-16) And isn’t that the living truth Friends? It sure is, as can easily be seen by the confused, evil state of our world. That’s why in these turbulent times my people, where information, both true and false, is so readily available and can be easily manipulated to suit anyone’s purpose, we have to be very careful to whom we listen, as well as what we listen to, because we can be so unwittingly led astray by sweet-talking lying lips and guileful, snake-charming tongues. ‘But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated (willing to yield), full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is shown in peace of them that make peace.’ (James 3:17-18) Yes Friends, those are some of the attributes we have to seek in a teacher, preacher or anyone who claims to have wisdom, and/or wants to spread the Word. I guess that includes me. (smile) Now I’m certainly not perfect, not at the top of the class either, but I do believe I have most of those attributes in sufficient quantity to do what I do reasonably well. And all praise to God, I’m growing and hopefully getting better with each passing day! As Sister Joyce, Joyce Meyer likes to say, I’m not where I want to be as yet, but I’ve surely come a long way from where I began. And that’s the gospel truth Friends, as some of you who have been with me from the early days can attest to. And that’s one of the things we believers have to recognize so we don’t get too frustrated; we don’t all begin at the same point in our walk of faith, neither do we all mature at the same rate. And we cannot mature unless we read and hear the Word, study it, and fellowship with other believers. No believer can exist in a vacuum all by themselves. That’s why Christ planted His Church, so that we can get together and help each other. Ah Friends, I didn’t mean to go off on that tangent, but it just seemed appropriate. Now getting back to our theme, let’s get some explanation from the scholars. They declare that: ‘Two wisdoms are expounded by teachers. The one from God is pure and promotes peace, ending in righteousness (vv 17-18). But the other is natural and demonic; visible in the teacher as jealousy and ambition (strife, Gr. eritheia). The result of such teaching is evil living and confusion.’ Now thank the Lord that I don’t have a jealous bone in my body! (smile) Oh, I might want what you have, but I won’t begrudge you it, or wish you ill because I don’t have it. And neither is my ambition that excessive that I will manipulate the Word to suit my own purposes. So Friends, you can rest assured that whatever I say, is what I believe to be the truth. Now we’ll end with some words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians, re our topic: ‘For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove (examine) his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.’ (Gal.6:3-5) Yes Friends, when we think ourselves above moral reproach, with no sympathy for the faults of others, then we begin to get swell-headed. As the scholars conclude; ‘Joy comes not from comparing one’s moral strengths with the weaknesses of others, but in realizing that one measures up to God’s standard by God’s help.’ Let us therefore stop judging and criticising others, as we are wont to do, and instead, help them to come up higher, as Jesus desires. Till tomorrow then, if we find favour with God, may we all go in the peace and harmony that comes from Him, and liberally blesses all who seek to serve and worship Him. Much LOVE!…please check your ego at the door…before entering the halls of God…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 August 2012 1 John 4:16

22 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

1 John 4:16.      And we have known and believed the LOVE that God hath to us. God is LOVE; and he that dwelleth in LOVE dwelleth in God, and God in him.
 
Oh Friends, the word for today is LOVE! It is the supreme attribute and characteristic of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore it should also be the supreme characteristic of those who claim to follow Him. And how do we know that LOVE is the major attribute of our God eh? Because His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ told us so. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16) And Jesus later corroborates that feeling of LOVE by saying: ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.’ (John 15:13-14) And what did Jesus do shortly after that? He gave His sinless, holy life as a sacrifice on the cross at Calvary for His Friends, those who were doing as He instructed! Wow! What a champion my people! Just think about it nuh Friends, Jesus gave up His good life in heaven to come to earth and die for us, a bunch of unworthy sinners, so that we could be reconciled to The Father, and receive forgiveness of our sins, salvation and eternal life. Now if that isn’t the highest form of selflessness, which in this case denotes absolute LOVE, I don’t know what is. Jesus walked His talk! And so should we. But sadly Friends, our world is desperately lacking in that kind of selflessness. Instead everything begins and ends with ‘Me, My, I and Mine.’ In contrast to that, selflessness talks about ‘You and Yours,’ puts the other person’s welfare first. Can you imagine what our lives would be like if God, then Jesus, had said: ‘Chuh pool! They’re just a bunch of ignorant, disobedient, rebellious, lustful, fleshly, pleasure bound no goods. Leave them be, and let them fend for themselves. They think they know everything anyway. And if they want to follow that fool Lucifer, then let them. They’ll pay the price of death and eternal separation for their stupidity, just like he will.’ But no my brethren, the Lord God Jehovah made every one of us, and just like we LOVE even our most rebellious, disobedient children, He LOVES us the same way too! Please note when our children do wrong and end up in the courts, or prison, we still don’t give up on them, although they may justly deserve their punishment. No, we still pray for them, talk to them, and try to show them the error of their ways, notwithstanding that we’ve been preaching the same sermon to them from their youth. Friends, it’s the same way our great, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God felt, and still feels about us. As John says in our Bit: ‘And we have known and believed the LOVE that God hath to us. God is LOVE; and he that dwelleth (abides) in LOVE dwelleth in God, and God in him.’ Those are powerful words of truth my people! If God could do us such a great favour, we should also be able to do it to our fellow humans. And it doesn’t necessarily mean actually giving up one’s physical life, although in some cases it can, but it refers to more of a selfless attitude towards others, thinking about their well-being above ours, making sure they are well taken care of, helping them in any way we can. Oh my Friends, the basic premise of God’s LOVE is that we don’t only look out for ourselves, but also for others. As John asks earlier on: ‘But whoso hath this world’s good (goods), and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion (heart) from him, how dwelleth the LOVE of God in him?’ (1 John 3:17) It obviously doesn’t, my people! Now listen to Jesus, when Judas Iscariot asked how He would manifest Himself to the disciples and the world. ‘If a man LOVE me, he will keep my words; and my Father will LOVE him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode (home) with him.’ (John 14:23) It’s simple Friends, if we truly LOVE Jesus, we will keep His commandments. As the scholars say: ‘The divine indwelling (of the Holy Spirit) is conditional on LOVE, and obedience to Jesus’ words. The Word of the gospel is primarily (though not exclusively) in view here.’  And John tells it this way: ‘And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and LOVE one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.’ (1 John 3:23-24) Oh Friends, that’s the gospel truth! Please let’s ponder that scripture today and see how it works in our lives, so that we can better represent Jesus here on earth. More on this tomorrow, provided we’re still breathing. Till then, let’s all try and walk in as much LOVE as possible nuh. Much LOVE!…he who truly walks in LOVE…is a true reflection of Jesus…and truly pleases Him…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 August 2012 Psalm 37:8

19 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 37:8.     Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
 
Oh Friends, yesterday was one of the many perfect summer days we’ve recently experienced in the Greater Toronto Area; bright sunshine, a cool breeze and a multiplicity of  (plenty, plenty) LOVE and JOY floating all around! (smile) And speaking of LOVE and JOY, I also discovered an amazing truth: nobody can party like Christians when they truly let their hair down and decide to party. In actual fact, logic dictates that by reason of our overwhelming LOVE for each other and the abundant JOY that dwells in our souls, both so freely granted by Christ, the Master of LOVE and JOY, we ought to be the heartiest partiers around, since partying is a direct derivative of those two outstanding emotions. ‘Elementary, my dear Watson!’ as the renowned British sleuth, Sherlock Holmes would say to his sidekick. (smile) And I proved it yesterday, when my local church had a boat cruise out on Lake Ontario. Oh Friends, a day cruise on a lovely summer’s day around Toronto’s harbour is a joy to experience. To the waterfront side, you have the daily increasing concrete jungle cluster of high-rise buildings lining it as far back as you can see, with the C.N. Tower, towering majestically above it all. Meanwhile, out on the water, the many sailboats and different kinds of watercraft dance all around on the beautiful but deceitful and treacherous waters of Lake Ontario, weaving in and around the outlying islands which all have their own activity. I even saw one lone, brave sailor paddling his little canoe over the swells, way outside. Better him than me yes! The only thing that possibly beats that sight is a night time cruise, which shows up the sparkling lights of the buildings and the outlying islands. And believe me, yesterday between 12 and 4 p.m. the St. Francis congregation, our friends and families, we mash up the T.O. harbour on the Riverboat Gambler, an old paddle wheel cruiser! Chuh mih people! I didn’t see any of the many other boats out there, big or small, with a party as hearty as ours! Even the broken and lame, like myself, were hopping and rocking! Ditto for several people who were in wheelchairs! To tell you how good it was, I sat next to a grandmother soon to be ninety seven years old. Yes Friends, 97 large ones, and she was as aware and sprightly as a young doe! (smile) Well just a little exaggeration really. She reminded me of my ole mother Mols, who’s partying somewhere up in heaven now. Anyway mih brethren, the food was good, the beverages wet and refreshing, and the music was most excellent! It was strictly ‘big people music,’ as Dr. Jay, a local D.J. calls it. None of the chupidness that the young people nowadays call music. Call it ole school, or whatever, but when the rockers, the soca and the funk cascaded across the deep, dark green waters of Lake Ontario there wasn’t a foot not tapping or a finger not drumming to the scintillating riddims! I never knew that some of those people who look so serious and sedate in church could step that well. And the best part is that it was all led by our partying leader, our very own Pastor Jeff. He definitely set the tone for the afternoon’s proceedings right from the very start. And it’s amusing that as we were leaving the boat, one of my faithful readers told me that he was sure to read about it in Today’s Bit. At the time though I wasn’t even thinking about the Bit, but concentrating on my aching knees and what the later hours would bring. But it seems like you were right Scottie. And James, you missed an excellent gathering of God’s people, dancing, singing and giving praise to their Creator. So yuh see Friends, that’s why people ought to come to know Jesus. Not so much for. the partying, which is surely interesting, but for the abundant LOVE and JOY He instils in the hearts, minds, bodies and spirits of His followers. And that’s exactly why Bruh David so strenuously and sincerely warns us about the true state of the wicked in our Bit: ‘Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm).’ Now that’s undoubtedly gospel truth mih breddren! And here’s why: ‘For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider (look diligently for) his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.’ (Ps.37:9-11) Oh Friends what better life can you desire, and above all, also get on earth, than that which Jesus promises… no, not only promises, but also faithfully delivers to all those who wisely choose to put their belief, faith and trust in Him eh? NONE WHATSOEVER! So why are so many of us so reluctant to accept the abundance of LOVE, JOY and PEACE He offers here on earth, then SALVATION and ETERNAL LIFE with Him when we depart this evil and troubled earth? It surely boggles my mind. Many even become angry and violent, at the very mention of His Name. There must be something awfully powerful about Jesus yes, if He could bring out such contrasts in humans. No other name in history has ever caused, or will ever cause so much controversy. Oh Friends, just reading the gospel stories about Jesus, His humility, His LOVE for mankind, especially the poor, the downtrodden, sick and needy, His constant willingness to help, the way He bore His burdens, including the physical cross and the sacrifice of His sinless life on it without a whimper, how can you not feel close to Him, not LOVE him eh? Only if your heart, mind and spirit are wrapped up in evil, false pride, selfishness and greed could you fail to understand and comprehend His great gift and selflessness to mankind. And as we like to do whenever possible, we’ll end with some definitive words on the subject from Jesus. ‘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. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:10-11) Nuff said my people! More on this tomorrow if God favours us with the breath of life. Till then, please let’s seriously consider the true state of our lives nuh, ensuring that we embrace Jesus, so that it will be well with us. That is certainly wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!…as for me and mine…we’ll most definitely follow Jesus…hope you and yours…come to the same wise conclusion too…
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 August 2012 Proverbs 13:12

03 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 13:12.     Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday! Caribana Friday to boot! So you can imagine the numerous ‘TGIF’s!’ and ‘Thank God it’s Friday!’ that are reverberating around this wonderful city of Toronto. In fact, T.O has been hopping with Caribana fever for the past week. And the fever will only get hotter and sweatier (smile) as the days progress. Even the ole fella’s enthusiasm has risen a few notches, just knowing that my Auntie Anne and Uncle John will be in town from New York for the celebrations. Mamacita! Hope to play a mas with them tonight in the Pan Competition at Lamport Stadium. And since my Uncle John is an ole pan man from back in the days of Highlanders with their high pan, when plenty people ridiculed them, it’ll be interesting to hear his take on the quality of the pan up here. I remember liking Highlanders from day one, and every time I’d go down the Bay in Scarborough, I’d play their famous single ‘Let every valley be exalted’ on the jukebox in Scobie’s parlour. And I’ve lived to see the day when high pan is now the norm, rather than the exception. Just goes to show what hope and faith in your God-given desires can accomplish. The leaders of Highlanders could have just allowed it to die as so many people were against it. But they didn’t. I guess that’s the way we humans are; we resist change, resist getting out of our comfort zone, even if it’s for the better, because change is usually disruptive and disconcerting. However, on a personal level, it seems like the Good Lord might be putting a spoke in my wheel, or perchance issuing a warning, since my knees have been pain free all week, until last night when one of them began hurting. Hn! And if that continues, then there’s no way I’m going to the Caribana Parade on Saturday. But Friends, the good news is that our God’s a great, good-hearted, LOVING and healing God, and if He wants me to go, He can heal me in time to do so. Praise the Lord! That’s what Christianity is all about Friends; a strong hope, trust and faith in our Lord God Jehovah, Creator and Controller of the universe! Now to get a proper perspective on this celebratory weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant in loud voice and most excellent enthusiasm. Thought I’d forgotten it nuh. (smile) As one divine choir 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.’ Yes mih people, celebrate, but remember to mind yuh p’s and q’s, and also don’t forget, as Granny says, that drunk or sober to mind yuh business, because we don’t want to give the enemy even one iota of space to invade our souls. And as you can see from our Bit: ‘Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life,’ that we’re going to stick with the topic of Hope today, because it’s such an integral and vital part of our belief system and too many believers, for one reason or another are either losing hope completely or experiencing a sad lessening of it. And when the seed of hope doesn’t flourish in us Friends, it also means our trust and faith in God, as well as His joy are decreasing too, because they are all intertwined. And that’s never a good thing. Living for Jesus is not a one and done thing, but like plants and babies, our growth is a continuous process, where we move from strength to strength. It’s like going to school too, where we can’t move up to a higher grade until we pass the tests of the lower one. As Bruh Paul says, we first need to drink spiritual milk, before we can eat solid spiritual food. (Heb.5:11-14)  And HOPE is the emotion that fuels all our spiritual endeavours. It’s like the gas that a car needs before it can run. Hope makes believers run. So let’s go home now with some scriptures that impart hope to our hopeful souls. And we’ll begin with words from a contemplation of Bruh David, where he’s seeking preservation and blessing. ‘I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope.’ (Ps.16:8-9) Yes Friends, if we set the Lord before us in all our doings, as our be all and end all, both our spirit and our flesh will experience oodles of hope. Then the author of Psalm 119 say is thus: ‘Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.’ (Ps.119:116) Oh my people, we’ll never be ashamed of our hope if it’s centred in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour! Meanwhile this verse on hope from Zechariah just thrills me. Talking about Zion’s future king, he solemnly proclaims: ‘Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render (restore) double unto thee.’ (Zech.9:12) Oh Friends, I certainly hope that we all belong to that august group, ‘the prisoners of hope.’ For as I said yesterday, we’re lost and done like dinner without it. And finally Jeremiah, in his Lamentations, truthfully declares: ‘It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lam.3:26) Please my brethren, let’s follow that sage advice of Jeremiah nuh, so that our lives will be greatly enriched with all the good things of God; hope, faith, trust, surrender, forgiveness, mercy, unconditional LOVE, salvation and eternal life. This I pray on the precious blood of Jesus spilled for us at Calvary! Amen. Much LOVE my people!…to hope…to hope…and yet to hope…that is the way of the true believer…

 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 May 2012 Acts 10:38

16 May 2012 Leave a comment

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

Acts 10:38.      How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
 
Oh Friends, we’ve been granted another new day of life! Praise the Lord! A new day with new mercies and blessings raining down from heaven on us, undeserving children of men! But our heavenly Father LOVES us so much, without any attached conditions, that He just can’t stop blessing and protecting us. Oh what a wonderful God we serve and worship my people! Now here’s our Bit: ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.’ And when we check it out, we realize that one of God’s greatest gifts is that of His Holy Spirit, which comes to dwell is each of us when we sincerely believe and accept His only Son Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, and the fact that He sacrificed His life on the cross at Calvary to pay for all our sins. And a mighty shout of thanksgiving went up from all God’s people: ‘Oh thank you, thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for LOVING, redeeming and bringing your unworthy children to salvation and eternal life! We bless you and praise your Holy Name! Amen!’ Yes mih breddren, the free gifts of salvation and eternal life are available to all who truly desire them. ‘For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any many should boast.’ (Eph.2:8-9) And all the leg work in that is done by the awesome, diligent but gently leading and guiding Holy Spirit, in the same manner as our Bit illustrates. When we believe, we’re anointed with the Holy Spirit of Jesus, which gives us power to do God’s will, which, as was the case with Jesus, is to go about doing good, helping the less fortunate while spreading the good news of the gospel. And the same way God was with Jesus, He’s also with us when we’re doing His will. Now let’s check out some fantastic scriptures about the amazing power of the Holy Spirit, which show just how important it is in the working of the Trinity. And one of the most profound and prophetic scriptures on the Holy Spirit is found in Isaiah 61; Good tidings of salvation to Zion. ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath appointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek (poor); he hath sent me to bind up (heal) the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto (console) them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.’ (Is.61:1-3) Yes Friends, wonderful promises, made known to Isaiah by the hard working Holy Spirit! Promises my people that were all fulfilled by the coming of Jesus, the Messiah! Listen to His teaching that momentous Sabbath day in His hometown of Nazareth: ‘And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and the recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (oppressed), To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’ (Luke 4:17-19) And after reading that prophetic scripture, Jesus turned to the eager congregation and made this monumental statement: ‘This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (hearing).’ (Luke 4:21) Another instance Friends of seeing that the Good Book is not just a collection of random stories, but a total and cohesive record of God’s promises, their fulfillment, and the infallible truth of His awesome Word that He put in the mouths of His prophets, so that we can know and understand Him. What an amazing Deity! Oh my people, are we being led and guided by the Holy Spirit? Are we allowing it to guide us on the straight and narrow paths that our God has set out for us? I sure hope so! Otherwise our faith is not being fulfilled. Today, please lock into the riddim of that awesome Spirit which dwells so richly in us, so that we can enjoy the wonderful benefits available to true believers! More on this tomorrow, provided we see the light of day. Till then, may the Good Lord bless and keep you as you walk with Him. Much LOVE!…if we don’t follow where the Holy Spirit leads…then we’ll end up in Lucifer’s land…Hades…  
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 May 2012 Psalm 69:30

09 May 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 69:30.  I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Oh Friends, a nice, cool breeze is blowing in over the hills this Tuesday morning as I sit on the balcony of the little mansion in Mo Bay to write to you. I’m admiring the lush garden down below me, while sipping a concoction of sorrel and pineapple. Now don’t get any ideas, there’s no alcohol in it. (smile) It’s simply a cold, refreshing drink. However, I did hit the daily double yesterday; a nice physical day at the beach with the Duchess at Doctor’s Cave, then later in the night, at a restaurant in the city, I revived it with an exotic cocktail also called ‘a day at the beach.’ And was it ever delicious! Just the thing to round off the day! Oh, sorry, I forgot about the wonderful goat-belly soup that I had in between! I know some of you are wrinkling up your faces in disgust, but that’s your misfortune. I came here to get strong and healthy and that’s the kind of food that performs that function. Consequently, I had to change my first choice of a Bit today, because it was too sad and beggy-beggy; (smile) a cry of distress. And right now I’m certainly not in distress. After all my good fortune, blessings and mercy, with being granted another sunny day on God’s wonderful, bountiful earth being the most exciting and enthralling, I had to give praise and thanks, thus our much more appropriate Bit: ‘I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.’ That’s for sure Friends! The Lord’s praise has continually been in my mouth since I hit the goodly shores of J.A. But overall, His children ought to give Him much more praise and thanks, and magnify His glorious Name much more than we normally do. We shouldn’t only praise Him when things are going well, but also in the rough times. I recently read a book where the author insists that praising God for the misfortunes in our lives, enables Him to work faithfully and turn those situations around. In other words, instead of griping when trials and troubles come our way, we should thank and praise Him for allowing them into our lives. Yes my people, whatever the situation, good or bad, praise and thanks is always the best way to handle it. It shows that we have the utmost faith and confidence in our God to make all things right, if it suits His purpose. It’s time we stop the everlasting whining and complaining about our mostly petty troubles, and instead just keep on doing God’s bidding and being thankful. Being thankful also has an added psychological effect, in that when we concentrate on giving thanks, we tend to forget or ignore our problems. The mind just concentrates on the good aspects of our lives, of which there are many. Like Bruh David in Psalm 13, where he begins by crying out and asking the Lord how long He’ll forget him and hide His face (Ps.13:1) but ends up: ‘But I have trusted in thy mercy (LOVING-kindness); my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.’ (Ps.13:5-6) Yes Friends, we tend to forget all the good things the Lord’s already done for us when new troubles come upon us. We ought not to though, for if we truly believe that our God is faithful and powerful, can do all things, then why should we think that He’s forgotten us? We should be claiming, like Bruh David: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.’ (Ps.28:7) I have to chuckle yes people, because the two psalms of Bruh David I’ve quoted here, all begin with crying out for help and mercy, but both end up with praising, glorifying and admitting trust and faith in God’s power and LOVING-kindness. And that’s how it should be with us my brethren; when we cry out for help, it should always be with confidence and trust that it will be given, which ought to lead to the eventual giving of thanks for the sure coming of relief. And Bruh David does it again in Psalm 69, a cry of distress, from which our Bit is taken; he begins by bemoaning his unfortunate plight, but ends up with praise and thanksgiving. Because: ‘This shall also please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.’ (Ps.69: 31-34) Please mih people, let’s make it our priority today to adopt that praise and thanksgiving attitude, regardless of what comes against us nuh. It will endear us to the Father and thus give Him more reason to cherish and bless us. Much LOVE!…the lips of all God’s creatures…should be constantly, continually dripping with His praise, thanksgiving and glory…

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