Today’s Scrip-Bit   16 November 2023 Proverbs 22:1.

16 Nov 2023 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 22:1.        A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING favour rather than silver or gold.

Oh, what beautiful days we’ve been blessed with all week in my neighbourhood. Even in my sickly state, and not being able to go out as much as I would like, I still appreciate the sunshine and pleasant temperatures! That’s because the sunshine uplifts my spirits and has me dreaming of when I can be hale and hearty again. Certainly hope that’s soon, for if it’s one thing I can’t stand is being sick for a long spell. Anyway, enough of my pity party, (smile) let’s see what the Good Lord wants us to talk about today. 

And it seems He desires us to dwell on these most truthful words of Cousin Sol writing in Proverbs, where he solemnly announces: ‘A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING favour rather than silver or gold.’ (Prov. 22:1) And that my fellow believers is the gospel truth! A good name is to be preferred over all the wealth of this evil world! Why? Because that’s just how it is! People accept a good reputation much more than all the wealth that is being bandied about today. 

Besides, many of the rich people today are veritable crooks and evil people. Just think about how many of the world’s wealthy you respect and think good of when their name is called eh? Very few, for there’s always some unfavourable aspersions cast against their names, be it true or not. And Cousin Sol reiterates the sentiment when writing as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes. He observes: ‘A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.’ (Eccl. 7:1) 

And most of us experienced that sentiment about a good name when we were growing up in our small towns and villages, where financially troubled people were much revered over the financially blessed because of the good name they had established in the community. And why are so many politicians despised and hated today eh? Because their names are tainted with greed, evildoing and self-aggrandisement. Now some are obviously worse than others, but just mention the word politician to the ordinary man in the street and watch his very negative reaction. 

Now listen to these truths of Cousin Sol from Proverbs, that pertain so much to the politicians of our day. ‘The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border (boundary) of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts (bribes) shall live.’ (Prov. 15:25-27) Oh my people, how I do wish the majority of politicians today could read those true words and take them to heart and change their ungodly character. But I guess that’s asking too much for so many of them are caught up in the lies, deceits and evildoings of today’s warmongering and greedy world. 

And why is it so hard for us to accept that: ‘Blessings are upon the head of the just (righteous): but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just (righteous) is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.’ (Prov. 10:6-7). Cousin Sol sure had a lot to say about the importance of a good name. The psalmist also said these things about the man who fears God. ‘Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour (is gracious), and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved (shaken) for ever. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.’ (Ps. 112:4-6) 

Yes my fellow believers, the names of the upright will live forever, thanks to our great God! Oh friends, the man who fears God: ‘He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed (steadfast), trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies. He hath dispersed (distributed abroad), he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn (strength) shall be exalted with honour. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved, he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.’ (Ps. 112:7-10) 

That’s for sure my brethren! It is the promise of our great God. So please, I plead with us to not get entangled in the wickedness and evildoings of this world, but rather to keep God first place in our lives and thus earn a good and honourable name in His sight. For all the wealth of the world is not worth tarnishing our names. And our God has been so great and generous that He’s bestowed undeserved blessings on us to help us do just that. We call them our Thursday Blessings, so let’s activate them by declaring (awright!!!) them out loud. 

As one sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those blessings, we’re now duty bound to go out and use them as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, to help others come to know Him and stand strong and steadfast in His most holy and blessed name! Much LOVE!

…he who steals my purse steals trash…but he who steals my good name…makes me poor indeed… (abbreviated quote from Shakespeare’s ‘Othello.’  

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ    

Today’s Scrip-Bit   24 August 2023 Job 38:36.

24 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

Job 38:36.       Who hath put wisdom into inward parts (mind)? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

And it’s another dark and cloudy day, but no rain, as of yet, on this Thursday morning. But that’s of little importance since we’re alive and kicking with Jesus and His Holy Spirit rooting for us, leading and guiding us into all truth and righteousness, keeping us securely on the straight and narrow path that leads directly to His heaven. And all God’s children said a loud and proud ‘All honour and glory be to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; King of kings and Lord of lords! Amen!’ 

Now yesterday we promised that if we saw another day of God’s awesome grace and mercy, we would continue talking about the well-tuned and most efficiently set up universe, that mankind has so unwisely disturbed that now it no longer functions in the definitive way it was made to function. We were also making the point that the universe was specifically set up by someone or something higher than mankind, and the most likely being to do so was Almighty God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

And there’s a lot of scripture that indicates that that is the gospel truth. I mentioned yesterday that if you wanted a good read on the subject, you check out Cousin Sol’s words in Proverbs 8:12-29, his soliloquy on Wisdom. And I know, very few of you, if any, did check it out, (smile) so let’s look at a few verses now nuh. The title of the section is ‘Wisdom Dwells with Prudence.’ And so it does, as Cousin Sol explains that wisdom was with the Lord before He ever began to create the world. 

‘The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields (the outer places), nor the highest part of the dust of the world (mountains). 

When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass (drew a circle) upon the face of the depth (deep): When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the foundations of the deep: when he gave to the sea his decree (its limit), that the waters should not pass (transgress) his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him (a master craftsman):and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.’ (Prov. 8:22-30)  

Yes friends, wisdom itself says that our Lord God created the universe and all therein, because he was there with Him before it was even set up, and helped Him create it. (smile) But now, let’s listen to some of the Lord’s own conversation with Job on the matter, after Job had asked a lot of questions during his time of severe tribulation. However, the Lord came not with answers, but with questions, which covered a wide range of the marvels of His creation. 

‘Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man (prepare thyself); for I will demand of (question) thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare if thou hast understanding.… Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the cornerstone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 

Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place (set my limits for it), and set bars and doors, and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed (must stop). Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring (dawn) to know his place;… 

Have the gates of death been opened (revealed) unto thee? or hast thou seen the shadow of death? Hast thou perceived the breath of the earth? declare (steups!!!) if thou knowest it. Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,… Who hath put wisdom into inward parts (mind)? or who hath given understanding to the heart?… Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions. When they couch (crouch) in their dens, and abide in the covert (lurk in their lairs) to lie in wait? Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young one cry unto God, they wander for the lack of meat (food).’ (Job 38: 1-4, 6-12, 17-19, 36, 39-41) 

Ah mih bredrin, according to the scholars, those are some of the ‘questions in chapter 38, which easily ranks it as the chapter with the most questions in all the Bible. When added to the 20 questions in 39:1- 40:2, the total comes to 59 questions that God asked Job in the first cycle of interrogation. The second cycle (40:6 -41:34) contains another 24 questions. The significant thing about these questions is that Job cannot answer a single one! God was driving home the point that Job must let God be God, the sovereign and omnipotent Creator who answers to no one.’ 

And sadly, my fellow saints, neither can any of us answer a single one of those pertinent questions the Lord put to Job. That therefore means we also have to let God be God and rule this universe the way He sees fit. Our only concerns must be obedience to His Word and LOVE for all He has created. And I do hope that those scriptures reignite our passion and our faith and trust in Almighty God, for we badly need His reassurance and confidence in these very troubled times. 

Meanwhile, let’s remember these reassuring words of Bruh David from Psalm 24: ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods (rivers).’ (Ps. 24:1-2) Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Thursday Blessings. 

As one strong voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! 

I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those blessings, it’s now our duty to go out and use them generously in fruitful and good works on God’s behalf. Much LOVE!

…Almighty God is the Creator of the universe…the Bible proves it without a doubt… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ     

Today’s Scrip-Bit   20 July 2023 Romans 10:14a.

20 Jul 2023 Leave a comment

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

Romans 10:14a.       How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?

Now Thursday hasn’t opened as nicely as Wednesday did. Oh, it’s fairly sunny and cool, but there’s a bit of cloud cover which Wednesday did not have, and that has therefore lowered it in the spectrum of summer sunny days. (smile) But life is still good, we’re alive and thankful to our great and wonderful God for allowing us to see another day on His wonderful planet Earth. And believe me, many people did not get that opportunity to see today, so we’d better had be really thankful, for who knows if this might be our last one. 

And furthermore, the Lord allowed us to see today because He has kingdom work for us to perform. Yes friends, that’s one of the reasons we’re here, in this place and time, to do God’s will, the plans He’s prepared for us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb. That means we’re not just random figures, but important pre-planned workers for God’s kingdom, labourers in the harvest of the lost and sinful, a harvest that is now exceedingly ripe and ready for reaping. 

So, it behooves us to get out there and begin reaping the harvest, instead of just lolling on our fat fannies, talking nonsense, gossiping and complaining like so many of us supposed kingdom labourers are doing. Remember Jesus’ words on the subject to the disciples? ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth the labourers into his harvest.’ (Matt. 9:37-38) 

Yes my brethren, the lost and sinful were in great numbers in Jesus’ time here on earth, but with more people on the earth now, the numbers are even greater than before, and unfortunately look to be increasing, as more people seem to be leaving Christ’s church than are joining it. And who’s fault is that? Ours obviously! Because we have been ever so reluctant, lazy, afraid and whatever to get out into the world and live sincerely for Jesus. 

But that’s our job. That’s what Jesus commissioned us to do. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:19-20) 

And that’s our raison d’etre my people, our purpose for being on planet earth right now, to win souls to Christ, to reduce the numbers that will be lost when Christ comes again. Remember Peter’s words on the subject? ‘The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’ (2 Pet. 3:9b) So who knows, the Lord might just be waiting for us to get out there and get busy, being the true salt and light of the world, bringing more people to Him in sincere repentance, before sending Jesus back. 

And to bear out the truth of that statement, Jesus promised: ‘And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.’ (John 6:39-40) So you see both the Father and Son are very much interested in saving as many souls as possible, but they are depending on us to be the guiding light that brings others to them. 

That brings us to one of my favourite scriptures; the way Bruh Paul voices the dilemma of bringing people to Christ in his letter to the church at Rome. ‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. …So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom. 10:14-15, 17) 

Ah my fellow believers, that says it all! People can only hear about the gospel of Christ if others go to them and tell them about it; others there meaning we believers. They will never know the glad tidings of good things that Jesus’ gospel of peace holds until we step up to the plate, in whatever capacity, preacher, comforter, friend, and tell them about it. That’s why the overflowing and abundant harvest that’s ever so ripe for harvesting will only be reaped according to the effort that we labourers, we believers put into it. 

And let’s remember that if we don’t get up and do a good job, asap, that many souls will be lost to Christ, be eternally separated from Almighty God, the worst fate that can ever befall a human soul, and the fault for many of them being lost will lie right on our lazy, uninterested and weak shoulders. And when the Lord asks why we were not more diligent in seeking souls for His kingdom, what answer will we give eh? We didn’t think it was our job, or we were just lazy and disinterested. Those answers won’t hold any water my people. So please, please, let’s get busy and do our bounden duty nuh, so that no souls will be lost when Christ returns. 

Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Thursday Blessings which were so generously bestowed on us by the Father, so that we can go out and do the very work we’re talking about. As one voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having activated those blessings, it’s our duty to now go out and share them just as generously with those we meet, so that Christ’s kingdom can be furthered! Much LOVE

…a harvest will only be successful reaped…if there are enough willing harvesters… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ         

Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 July 2023 Romans 13:12.

06 Jul 2023 Leave a comment

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

Romans 13:12.       The night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

And so we come to Thursday, desperately looking forward to Friday, so that we can rest our tired souls and bodies from all the hectic birthday celebrations on both sides of the border. (smile) Yes, there’s nothing as hectic as birthday celebrations, even when they are marred by negative situations. And now that those celebrations are over, I do hope that saner minds will prevail and we will see the destructive path down which we’re travelling and come together and do something serious and productive about our problems, so that by the time the next birthday rolls around, we’ll be living in a more peaceful, LOVING and godly society. 

Oh my people, that’s the ONLY way we will survive eventual destruction! If we continue down the same negative, broad and winding road, destruction is inevitable! Why is it so difficult to realize that and do something proactive about it eh? His satanic majesty certainly has a strong grasp on our minds and souls, if that’s the way we chose to go. But let’s think about our children’s children for a moment nuh. Is that the way we want them to live, amongst death and destruction? 

I doubt it. We’ve already spoiled it for our children, please, I’m pleading with us to get together in godly harmony and change the direction in which our world is currently going, that’s down to hell fire and damnation. For our grandchildren’s sake, let’s turn it around and put it back on the straight and narrow path that leads to Jesus and heaven, where it’s supposed to be. And we can do it if we truly desire to do so, because we have all the parts and power through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to make whatever changes are necessary. We just have to seriously decide to get up and do it. 

Oh my fellow believers, what’s it going to take to develop harmony and unity in Christ’s church eh? What’s it going to take for us to wake up and see the dangerous and evil stuff that’s happening right under our very noses? Sadly with our help and participation too? But just like Bruh Paul warned the church at Rome, we need to be warned today. 

‘And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly (properly), as in the day, not in rioting (revelry) and drunkenness, not in chambering (licentiousness) and wantonness (depravity), not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 13:11-14) 

Oh friends, there’s no more timely warning than that, for all it says is true! Our world is being consumed by strife and all the other fleshly lusts named above. The godly aspect of our lives has either been completely thrown out or hidden in the innermost recesses of our hearts and souls. And the sad part of the whole situation is that only believers in Christ Jesus can change the way our world is currently operating. But if we’re behaving just like the heathen, the unbelievers, the sceptics an atheists, what hope is there for a righting of the ship eh? None whatsoever! 

And though we don’t know when Jesus is returning to earth, we do know that His return is closer than when Bruh Paul wrote that warning to the Corinthians, thus we need to wake up and make some serious changes both in our own lives and the world, for we don’t want Jesus to come back to a world where there’s no faith. Definitely not! It would mean that we have failed in our duty. And to successfully right ourselves, we have to begin by doing what Bruh Paul warned the Romans earlier on in his letter. ‘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.’ (Rom. 12:2) 

Yes my fellow saints we cannot change our world until we change our thinking and stop conforming to the ways of the evil and ungodly world! As the scholars tell us, we are ‘to resist being poured into the mold of the present thinking, value systems and conduct of this world.’ That should be obvious to us all, but for whatever reason, too many of us have chosen, and are still choosing not to be transformed. We seem to like the attractions of hellfire and damnation, of eternal separation, more than those of heaven and eternal life. 

But nonetheless, we will keep on trying to turn us around, because Christ says that we must pray and not faint or give up. So here’s some more scripture that will encourage us to turn from evil and get up and fight the good fight. Hear these fighting words that Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians. ‘This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind… That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts: 

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph. 4:17; 22-32) 

There we have it my brethren, simple, practical ways in which to transform our minds, to turn our lives around so that we can also turn this evil, ungodly world around. That’s what we’ve been placed here at this particular time for. And to help us do our bounden duty, the Good Lord has generously bestowed on us numerous blessings that we call our Thursday Blessings. So to activate them, let’s declare (chuh!!!) them right now. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! 

I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

Now, let’s get out into the evil world and generously use those blessings to help others and thus win the world for Christ! Much LOVE!

…only as Christians change their mindset and thus their lives…will any positive changes be made in the world  

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ  

Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 June 2023   1 Corinthians 10:10.

29 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 10:10.      Neither murmur ye (grumble, complain), as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

And then it was Thursday, our penultimate day of the work week, with promises of it being mostly sunny…and hopefully no smoke like yesterday. It’s amazing the way the smoke from those wild forest fires is spreading all over the continent and causing so much inhalation and sight problems. But what to do eh, we are suffering from our own lack of foresight in the climate change arena. So we’ve just got to grin and bear it, while doing our best to make what changes we can to improve the situation. 

And as promised, today, since the Lord gave us life (smile) we’ll continue looking at that human phenomenon we term complaining. And whatever the reason(s) for it, complaining has become a serious cancer in our society, causing much controversy, negativity and heartache. Now, yesterday we saw what continuous complaining did for the Israelites; all those who came out of Egypt, except Joshua and Caleb never made it into the Promised Land, and furthermore, they wandered forty years in the wilderness until they all died. 

Now, I’m sure that our constant complaining is also causing us problems that we can’t even define. And throughout the Bible we find scriptures warning against gossip (Rom. 1:29, 2 Cor. 12:20) and slander, busybodies and those who won’t work (1 Tim. 5:13, 2 Thess. 3:11). It’s all a part of the same problem; we do and say what we should not, words and behaviour that are unfitting for Christians. James tells us right up front. ‘Grudge (grumble) not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned, behold the judge standeth before the door.’ (James 4:9) 

Yes friends, the Lord’s right there listening, no wonder Bruh Paul warned the Corinthians in his first letter, using Israel’s History as an example of complaining and ungodly behaviour when they came out of Egypt and were making their way through the wilderness. He writes: ‘But with many (most) of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown (strewn) in the wilderness. Now these things were (became) our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication (sexual immorality), as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt (test) Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye (grumble, complain), as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.’ (1 Cor. 10:5-10) 

Oh my fellow believers, all the misfortune that happened to the Israelites in the wilderness was because of their infidelity and complaining against the merciful God who had brought them out of four hundred and odd years of slavery in Egypt. They were so accustomed to the comparatively easy life in Egypt that they couldn’t handle the trials of the wilderness, which is the exact reason that the Lord took them the long way, so that they could build some belly and backbone. 

But the old folks fumbled the ball, died in the desert, and only the young ones walked through the Promised Land. And I’d encourage us to pay close attention to this next verse, because it is of the utmost importance to us today. Bruh Paul writes: ‘Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (examples): and they are written for our admonition (instruction), upon whom the ends of the world (ages) are come.’ (1 Cor. 10:11) 

Ah mih people, please understand that all that’s written in the Bible is for our instruction and understanding, to give us wisdom and knowledge in every possible circumstance. The Bible wasn’t just written because God wanted something to do, but so that His wonderful creation could know about Him and how He desires them to live in close and familial communication with Him.  

Now let’s look at a couple of other facts about complaining. And this first one contemplates why we should not complain. The commentary suggests that  ‘A focus on not complaining creates a happier and more positive environment. This leads to everyone being a bit more fulfilled with every day of their lives, not needing to or being tempted to engage in negative discussion around any given topic.’ And that’s certainly true, for if we don’t complain and thus revel in negativity, then our lives will obviously be less stressful and more pleasant. 

Then there’s this treatise on how and why we complain and the physical effects it causes. ‘Some factors that play a role in complaining: Emotional regulation: Sometimes people complain as a way to manage their emotions. By venting their feelings, they hope to lessen the severity of these distressing emotions. Mood: People may be more likely to complain when they are experiencing negative moods. Complaining Rewires your Brain for Negativity, Pessimism, and Unhappiness. 

The human brain loves familiarity and efficiency – so what you feed your brain it will settle for it and seek more of it. In other words, the more you complain, the more you make this the default mode of your brain’s operation. Complaining is a way they have learned to attempt to get this. They use complaining as a form of control, hoping to guilt others into giving them the attention, caring and compassion they seek. Complaining is a “pull” on other people.’ And I’m sure we’ve all experienced some of those things, either as the complainer or the one being complained to. (smile) 

But here’s the best part of the whole program; ‘7 ways to stop complaining: Learn to accept changes. …Think about how you affect others. …Remind yourself to be grateful. …Don’t associate with negative people. …Exercise. …Stop being judgmental. …Lead by example.’ Voila! There we have it! The end to complaining! But unfortunately, some of us will keep complaining because we just like it, and it’s useful for our nefarious purposes. But please remember the fate of the Israelites and too much complaining. Eventually it will come back to bite you in the rump. 

And we’ll end with this magnificent and immortal scripture on the subject, from Bruh Paul to the church at Ephesus. ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph. 4:29-32) 

There could be no better end to complaining than that my brethren! Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Thursday Blessings that have been generously bestowed on us to do Christ’s earthly work. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

It’s now our bounden duty to take those blessings and go out and share them generously with those we meet, so that they can come to know the LOVE of Christ and His marvellous free gift of salvation! Much LOVE!

…complaining will only get you so far…before it brings negative consequences… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ          

Today’s Scrip-Bit   22 June 2023 Isaiah 44:18.

22 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 44:18.       They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.

And so, we’ve come to Thursday, somewhat cloudy, but another milestone day in our work week, because it’s the day before our beloved Friday! But have you ever noticed that every day of the week is a milestone day? Yes. Monday is the hard day when we go back to work. Tuesday lets us know that we’ve successfully gotten through the Monday that we dreaded. 

Wednesday is the day we catch our second wind. Thursday lets us know that Friday is near. And blessed Friday, the one we all pray to reach, means that the work week is ending. Meanwhile Saturday is our lazy day, and Sunday the day we gather in fellowship to praise our wonderful God! Wow! Every day serves some purpose, though they might be somewhat simple-minded. (smile) 

So what shall we talk about on a serious note today eh? I don’t have a clue. But the best way to find something is to open the Good Library and see where it leads us. So, here goes! 

And lo, and behold, the good Library opened unto the 44th chapter of the Book of Isaiah. And I was pointed to these verses on the foolishness of worshipping idols. Please read with me. ‘They that make a graven image are all of them vanity (useless); and their delectable (precious) things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not; nor know; that they may be ashamed. Who hath formed a god, or molten (moulded) a graven image that is profitable for nothing?’ (Is. 44:9-10) 

And those are very good questions my faithful brethren. Who can form a god or molten image that is profitable eh? Nobody, because those things have no value, are utterly worthless. They are made by man, for man, so how can they be gods? Then Isaiah lays into the people, the workmen who make those graven images, the smith and the carpenter. 

And the scholars give us a good explanation of the scriptures. ‘44:9-20. This expose of idolatry is the most taunting in all of the Bible. The prophet Isaiah, serving as the spokesman of Yahweh, reveals the utter foolishness of polytheistic pagan idolatry (worshipping more than one god). The graven image (carved idol) is called vanity (nothing). Delectable things refers to the adornment of idols with gold, silver, and precious stones. 

The prophet announces that the idols themselves are their own witnesses. They see not, nor know. Therefore these inanimate objects are profitable for nothing. Isaiah then berates the workmen  (artisans) for designing and constructing their idols in the figure of a man. He exposes the basic fallacy of idolatry, a god made in the image of a man. Thus the prophet’s criticism of one who would worship an idol carved from the same tree that he would use for firewood is that he feedeth on ashes.’  

Oh yes my people, Isaiah does a good job on those workmen. From verse 13-17, he ridicules them about cutting down a tree, using it to make a god-like image of man, then from the same tree, he burns some to keep himself warm, then uses some to bake bread. ‘And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto (before) it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, deliver me; for thou art my god.’ (Is. 44:17) 

Wow! How wise is that eh? The same stuff you use to warm yourself, cook with, you also bow down to! That’s why Isaiah then spoke of a deceived heart. ‘They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part (half) of it in the fire; yea, also I have beaked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?’ (Is. 44:18-20) 

Ah friends, unfortunately that same misfortune has befallen many of us in this supposed enlightened day and age. Many of us have had our hearts deceived by the lying, untrustworthy enemy into turning away from God, our Creator and Provider. We have been so bamboozled that we can’t realize we’re believing a lie, when we say, there is no God. And that’s why our society is steadily falling into the mire of darkness and destruction. We are imploding, destroying ourselves from within. 

The Lord doesn’t need to destroy us for our wicked and ungodly behaviour, we are doing it ourselves. He just has to sit back and watch us foolishly destroy the wonderful planet and all therein that He made and gave to us. Things have gotten so bad that instead of destroying us for our wickedness, the Lord will have to save us again from ourselves, for with each passing day we draw nearer to a nuclear holocaust, with the increase in the manufacture and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the unbridled hate and resentment overflowing in our world. Let’s hope and pray that the Lord intervenes before it’s too late. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Thursday Blessings, generously bestowed on us, so that we can do our part in avoiding the holocaust. Altogether now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

Now friends, it’s our bounden duty to take those blessings and go out and use them just as generously with those we meet, so that they can wake up from the enemy induced stupor, come to Christ and stop worshipping Satan and/or foolish man-made idols. Much LOVE!

…how can a man worship the image of a man…when that same man…in the twinkling of an eye… returns to the dust from whence he came… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   15 June 2023 Matthew 6:24b.

15 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 6:24b.      Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches, money).

Well, we’ve moved on to Thursday, the second to last day of the work week, and in my area it’s slated to be mostly cloudy, somewhat cool and windy. And I must say the last few days have been more spring-like, with cooler temps and some cloudy periods with rain, than it was earlier in the month with all that sunshine and warmth. But that’s how it is with life; what you don’t get now, you’ll get later, and vice versa. (smile) And no, I haven’t forgotten that we are supposed to continue talking about the value and importance of learning how to handle money, as prescribed in the Good Library. 

Now I don’t know if this is true, but someone once said that Jesus talked about money more than anything else in His earthly ministry. But He did talk some about money, so let’s see what He had to say on the subject. And the first and possibly the most important of Jesus’ sayings about money is this: ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will hold to (be loyal) to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches, money).’ (Matt. 6:24) 

And that’s the gospel truth friends! We cannot serve God and run down material wealth too, although many of us are trying to do just that. God wants to be involved in EVERYTHING we do, so we can’t leave Him out to pursue money, then come back to Him when we feel like. 

And here are possibly the two most important quotes in the whole Bible about money and material wealth. The first are the opening words of Psalm 24, as Bruh David says it loud and clear. ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods (rivers).’ (Ps. 24:1-2) Yes friends, that tells us in no uncertain terms that the earth and all therein belongs to God Almighty, who created it and still controls it. So whatever we have doesn’t really belong to us, we are just stewards, managers of it on this earth. 

And maybe this verse from right at the beginning of creation might help us to remember who’s the real BOSS! ‘And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ (Gen 1:26) Please note that God made it all and gave us dominion, or charge over it, He did not say it was ours. 

And the next verses we should hallow or think on, when we consider getting earthly riches, are these two spoken by Moses to the children of Israel. He warns them about getting swell headed when they get prosperous. ‘And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish (confirm) his covenant which he sware unto thy father, as it is this day.’ (Deut. 8:18) So there we have it, we don’t get wealth by our power, but through the Lord’s, because it all belongs to Him anyway. 

Now let’s get back to some of Jesus’ teaching on money. And just before He spoke about not being able to serve God and mammon or money, He warned. ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves do not break through and steal.’ (Matt. 6:19-20) 

Now there’s wisdom for the ages! When you accumulate earthly wealth a lot of it deteriorates with age, or the possibilities are great for thieves to steal it, but in heaven there’s neither moth nor rust nor thieves, so if you desire to accumulate treasure, the best place to do so is in heaven! And in His teachings on worry right after that, Jesus also declares (yesss!!!): ‘Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for (do not worry about) your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not life more than meat (food), and the body more than raiment (clothing)?’ (Matt. 6:25) 

Now that’s a good question. If we don’t worry about food and clothes how will we survive, and we need money to provide those things for ourselves and our families. And to further make His point, Jesus points out how the birds fly around without sowing or reaping, but they eat and live well because God looks after them. Likewise, the lilies of the field, they don’t toil or spin, but they’re even more beautiful than Cousin Sol in all his glory. and Cousin Sol was sure a sight to behold! (smile) 

Then Jesus reasons that if the Lord looks after those things of His universe that are not as important as us, why wouldn’t He also take good care of us, since He knows all that we need. Then He comes to the proviso, the thing necessary for that to happen. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’  (Matt, 6:33) Now that’s the big one friends. If we want all that God has to offer, then we need to seek Him and his righteousness first, and keep it first place always. And it isn’t that we ought not to work, we should, as 2 Thess. 3:10, and 1 Tim. 5:8 tell us, but that we should stop worrying and learn to trust God. 

Now, we only have space and time left for one more of Jesus’ pronouncements on money. And this is indeed a hard one, where He says to the rich young ruler who had everything and kept the law as best he could, but was seeking eternal life. ‘Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:21) It’s obvious that the young man went away sad because he had a lot of wealth. Then Jesus went on to tell the disciples how it was hard for a rich man to enter heaven and it was easier for a camel to pass through the eyes of a needle, and with God all things are possible. etc. (Matt. 19:23-30) 

But what we’re concerned with here is why Jesus said those tough words to the young man. And this commentary explains it well. ‘These words of Jesus were not given as a general command to all His followers. Rather, they were spoken to a certain rich young ruler who wanted to inherit eternal life. But that doesn’t mean they don’t apply to us today. Jesus’ concern had to do with the grip the man’s wealth had on His heart. If He couldn’t let it go, then He could never really surrender everything to God. What about you? If Jesus asked you to give up everything, would you be able to do so?’ 

And isn’t that a marvellous question, which all of us are hoping that Jesus never asks us to do, since we all have a fair amount of earthly stuff, to which we’ve become fairly attached. (smile) But that’s a thought for another day, right now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Thursday Blessings which have been given to us to do Christ’s earthly work. 

Altogether now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And it’s now our bounden duty to get out into the evil and ungodly world and share those blessings just as generously with others as Christ shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…money can buy earthly things…but it cannot buy the things of heaven…let’s remember that… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ     

Today’s Scrip-Bit   23 May 2023 Galatians 5:25.

23 May 2023 Leave a comment

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

Galatians 5:25.         If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

And then it was Tuesday; a mostly sunny day as my computer tells me, with temps in the high teens. Now that’s not too bad for the penultimate week in May, but obviously we’d prefer some warmer times so we can get the real summer programme going. (smile) That hasn’t stopped the walkers, the runners, cyclists or the convertible tops from coming out and the lawn mowers from barking every day. But that’s how it is in these northern climes after a long, cold winter, we’re just dying to get outside in shorts and t-shirts and enjoy the bright, warm, summer weather, not worrying about snow and cold and dressing up warmly. 

Now some people might not appreciate the changing seasons, but it does have its own attractiveness. And I hear some murmurs: ‘What blooming attractiveness has winter got eh?’ (smile) Well for some winter enthusiasts that’s the best time of the year; they can go skiing, skating, and all the other fun things they do in the winter. And just for your information, I’m not one of those. (smile) 

Anyway, today I believe we should continue looking at the lusts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit that we began looking at yesterday. And, we had decided that carnality, or our inherent human nature did not fit in with the law of God’s Spirit, which was very evident from all the stuff that Bruh Paul listed under carnality. (Gal. 5:19-21) Now, I guess it’s only fair that we should discover what’s the opposite of all those evil and heart-wrenching things. (smile) 

Bruh Paul calls them the fruit of the Spirit. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness (kindness), goodness (generosity), faith (faithfulness, dependability), Meekness (courtesy and consideration of others), temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.’ (Gal. 5:22-23) And there you have it friends, the fruit of the Spirit; the things that Christians ought to allow to flourish in their lives, not the evil and insane things that our flesh causes us to lust after. 

Now here are some interesting and important words from the scholars on the fruit of the Spirit. ‘In contrast to the works (plural) of the flesh, which any individual is capable of performing, the fruit (singular) of the Holy Spirit can be produced only by God. Christian character thus results from “Christ living in me” (2.20). For this fruit to develop, all nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit must mature. 

Illustration: The character of Christ is the fullest manifestation of this fruit in the New Testament. Though Jesus did not recognize the traditions of men, His enemies were unable to prove any charge against Him. Application: So today, Christians should allow the Holy Spirit to develop this character within them, so they might be blameless before others and not hinder the testimony of Christ.  (First Ref. Ex. 35:31; 36:2; Primary Ref. Gal. 5:22-23; cf. Phil. 1:6).’ 

Yes friends, the best way for us to manifest the character of Jesus is by developing the fruit of the Spirit…all nine of them. And remember it’s singular ‘fruit’ not plural ‘fruits.’  That’s when our light will truly shine and our salt will be saltier than ever! And since I know that very few of us will read those scriptures referenced above, (smile) the first two from Exodus are about the Lord filling certain workmen with the Spirit of wisdom to do His work. You already know the third reference, to the fruit of the Spirit.  

And the last are these words of comfort and assurance from Bruh Paul to the Philippians: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus.’ (Phil. 1:6) That means if the Lord begins working on the flourishing of the fruit of the Spirit in you, He will not stop it, until He takes you home, or Christ returns. 

Now here are some more interesting words from Bruh Paul to the Galatians after telling them about the fruit of the Spirit. He says: ‘And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections (its passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory (conceited), provoking one another, envying one another.’ (Gal.5:24-26) Yes, my faithful brethren, those acts of the flesh simply destroy or not allow the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in us. 

And James, Jesus’ brother gives us a very good example of how these things kill our witness and draws us away from God, rather than towards Him. He thus asks: ‘From whence come wars (conflicts) and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts (desires for pleasure) that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill (murder), and desire to have (covet), and cannot obtain: ye fight and war (battle), yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (pleasures). 

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be (wants to be) a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)? But he giveth more grace (greater grace than the world’s attractions). Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hearts ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye doubleminded.’ (James 4:1-8) 

Now that’s excellent advice my people. We have to draw near to God, especially in these very turbulent and confusing times, for He is the true source of our power. And neither can we refute James’ argument at the beginning when He says that our basic human lusts cause many of our problems. We either don’t ask for what we want, or we ask for the wrong things; things to use to satisfy those lustful pleasures. We all know that our God detests the proud spirit of man, so He wants us to come to Him humbly and ask for the right things; things that will uplift us, make the fruit of the Spirit flourish in us, and thus grow our testimony for Christ. 

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do just that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now friends, it’s our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with all those we meet, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…though Christians must live IN the world…we are not supposed to live LIKE the world… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ          

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 May 2023 Isaiah 55:12a.

04 May 2023 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 55:12a.       For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:

Ah Lord eh! Another day of wimpy sunshine and dark clouds…but at least it’s dry! And as they say, one out of three ain’t bad. (smile) Yes friends, the almost constantly drizzling rain, the feeble sunshine and dark clouds do get a bit bothersome and annoying after a while. You’ve got to remember though that it’s spring; springtime when the land is watered after a long, dry, cold spell of winter where everything went into hibernation, and now they need the water to moisten their systems so that they can regain that freedom of life and living once again. 

Yes, but what’s happened to the strong sunshine that they also need to grow and refurbish themselves? Why isn’t that making a more regular appearance eh, and not the feeble stuff we’ve been recently receiving? Who knows? We just need to remember, believe and conduct ourselves with the confidence that the Good Lord, the Creator and Controller of the universe is still there running things, and that whatever happens it’s for the best. Remember His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, (Is. 55:8-9) and thus we’ll never understand everything He does, that’s why He is God. If we understood everything He said and did then we’d be like Him and therefore have no need of Him. 

That brings us to this interesting scripture right after that passage on His higher thoughts and ways, which seem directed to my contention above, (smile) while describing and setting us clear on His power and intentions towards us. The prophet says on God’s behalf: ‘For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.’ (Is. 55: 9-11) 

Oh friends, the Word of God is amazingly powerful. Remember that’s what He used to create the universe. The only thing He didn’t speak into existence was mankind. And remember too, how the author of Hebrews describes it: ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12) 

Yes, my fellow believers, that’s the incomparable power of God’s word, which He uses to do His omnipotent will, as well as scrutinizing our lives, and telling us the necessary things, attributes, characteristics. etc. that we need to know about Him. That’s why it’s ever so important to know the word, to read and study it. We can’t know anything about our great God unless we seriously delve into His word, because that’s what He uses to communicate a lot of His desires and demands to us. And that’s how we come to understand what we know about our magnificent Creator. 

However, as the scholars tell us: ‘While God may certainly be known by men, He is still incomprehensible in the totality of His person and purposes. Therefore, He reveals Himself to men by His word, which shall not return to Him void (in vain). The Word of God, therefore, accomplishes His purpose in announcing salvation to all mankind.’ And the beauty of our God is that He promised salvation to all mankind long before Jesus ever came to bring the promise to fruition. As Bruh Paul says of God to the Roman church: ‘…he calleth those things which be not as though they were.’ (Rom. 4:17) 

Yes, our God has that awesome power to talk about things that have not yet happened as though they have already happened, because He is the source of all the happenings in the universe. But getting back to the early promise of salvation. Listen to Isaiah detail it. ‘For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you with singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir (cypress) tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.’ (Is. 55:12-13) 

Now that’s what God promised His people Israel a long time ago, and in due time, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to fulfill the promise by sacrificing His sinless life on the cross of Calvary to pay for our sins. As Bruh Paul said in his second letter to the church at Corinth: ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Cor. 5:21) That’s how much God LOVED us and still LOVES us: putting the weight of all our sins on the shoulders of His sinless Son, so that we could be set free from the bondage of sin, from the hellfire and damnation that are the natural rewards of sin. 

And this most outstanding verse from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Romans, says it all. ‘But God commendeth (demonstrated) his own LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) Ponder on the enormous importance of that statement for a few moments my brethren. God didn’t wait for us to change; He made the first move. That, if nothing else, ought to prove how much He truly LOVES us. All other supposed Gods wait for their followers to come to them, hat in hand, but our most wonderful Father took it upon Himself to get down to our level and show how much He truly cared for His wonderful creation, though we really didn’t deserve it. 

But with Him, it’s not about our deserving anything, it’s about Him wishing to give good things to us. And talking about giving good things to us, here is a marvellous example, the undeserved blessings, we call our Thursday Blessings, that He’s so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. So let’s declare (yesss!!!) and activate them right now nuh. 

Altogether: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

Now it’s our bounden duty to go out and use those blessings in a generous manner to promote Christ’s everlasting kingdom! Much LOVE!

…the word of God…has the awesome power of life and death…  

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ     

Today’s Scrip-Bit   13 April 2023 Romans 5:8.

13 Apr 2023 Leave a comment

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

Romans 5:8. But God commendeth (demonstrated) his (own) LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

Here’s looking at you with LOVE and great expectations, the first Thursday after Easter! You’ve opened so bright and sunny, and so warm too, about 19 degrees Celsius, that for the first time in many a month I can open my windows and allow the cool fresh air to flow through the house! Wow! What a pleasure! Only those who have ever experienced it, know the wonderful feeling of being able to open windows instead of keeping them tightly shut. But it’s all a part of living in the northern climes, and it does provide for some variable and interesting though not always pleasant times. (smile) 

And in my neck of the woods this is definitely a day to say, with grateful truth: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) Oh friends, it seems like spring is truly and finally here…Praise the Lord! The birds are singing their songs of joy and praise, while flitting about their own lives, and the flora is beginning to turn green again, awaking from its long winter snooze, and let’s hope that that new life is also blossoming in us believers, especially since spring has sprung right at Easter time, when we celebrate the triumphant resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who, having defeated hell, death and the grave, now has the keys to hades in His nail-pierced hands! 

And all God’s people gave a joyful shout of: ‘Hallelujah to the Lamb that was slain for us, whose blood was shed to pay for our iniquity! Sing Hallelujah to His precious and glorious name!’ Yes, my fellow believers, we ought to be so grateful to Jesus for the selfless, sacrificial work He did on our behalf at Easter. No one else could have done it…even if they felt so inclined, for He was the only sinless soul, who could pay for our abominable sins. And yuh know what? We haven’t even spoken of the Father’s great LOVE for us as yet, which caused that marvellous debt repayment. 

Oh my, my! It was indeed the Father’s unconditional LOVE for His sinful creation that got the wheels rolling, and then Jesus’ obedience to, and LOVE for the Father, that eventually made it happen. And oh how great was that rolling of wheels that rolled on to our redemption, forgiveness, justification, reconciliation and sanctification! Ah my fellow saints, that certainly deserves another Wow! Just imagine nuh, that the death and resurrection of one individual could cause all those marvellous things to happen in our lives nuh. And if you don’t believe me, then let’s look at some scriptures that prove it. 

As per redemption, listen to Peter pontificate on the subject. (smile) ‘Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible (perishable) things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (aimless conduct) received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest (revealed) in these last times for you. Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.’ (1 Pet. 1:18-21) 

And all of God’s people said a loud, proud and grateful: ‘Hallelujah! Glory to God in the Highest! Amen!’ And as per forgiveness, Bruh Paul says it loud and clear in Ephesians, speaking of the Father through Jesus. ‘Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children (as sons) by Jesus Christ in himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (bestowed grace or favour) upon us. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded to us in all wisdom and prudence (understanding).’ (Eph. 1:5-8) 

Yes friends, Almighty God with wisdom and understanding, through His awesome grace, forgave our sins because the shed blood of Jesus paid the requisite up-scale price for them. No one, or nothing else could have paid the horrendous high price involved. So please let’s show our eternal gratitude by living sincerely and enthusiastically for Jesus nuh. He’s sacrificed so much for us. And the scholars offer this interesting note on forgiveness. They say, ‘The word forgiveness literally means “to send off or away.” In Scripture this means separating the sinner from his sin. God accomplishes forgiveness by transferring our sin to Christ on the cross and judging it there. When an individual receives Christ as Saviour, he is forgiven by means of this transfer.’ 

And, as per justification, listen to these marvellous and oh so encouraging words from Bruh Paul to the church at Rome. ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time (at the right time) Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth (demonstrated) his (own) LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more then, being now (having been) justified (made right) by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more, (having) being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation).’ (Rom. 5:6-11) 

Ah mih people, what a wonderful God we serve! Now which other supposed god would ever make their only Son die for his followers’ wrongdoing eh? NONE whatsoever! Only the mighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has the ability and the LOVE for His people to perform such a miraculous, amazing and LOVING feat! And we should be everlastingly grateful for it, not the offhanded, unconcerned manner so many of us supposed believers exhibit. Anyway, we still have two things to go, reconciliation and sanctification, and since time and space are in short supply, we’ll tackle them tomorrow, God willing, of course. 

And no, the mention of reconciliation above, was not the scripture I want to share. Meanwhile, for those of us who truly are trying to live for Jesus, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Thursday Blessings, which have been so generously bestowed on us to do God’s earthly work. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And now, having activated those blessings, we’re duty bound to go out and share them with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…if it wasn’t for God’s great LOVE for us…we’d certainly be S.O.L… crapaud would certainly be smoking we pipe… (smile) 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ           

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries