Today’s Scrip-Bit   19 March 2024 Deuteronomy 29:29.

19 Mar 2024 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 29:29.         The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Climate change, oh climate change! What are we going to do about you eh? And that’s certainly a winning question this chilly, Tuesday morning in mid-March, with a sprinkling of  heaven’s white precipitate (snow) on the rooves and on the lawns. (smile) We behave as though spring’s here, having had spring-like conditions for a few days, but then, uncharacteristically, we revert to the chilly, snowy times. Back and forth we go, round and round, like a tumbling tumbleweed blowing around aimlessly, which ever way the strong desert winds blow it. 

And if we’re suffering now from inconsistent weather conditions, it’s all out fault, for having upset God’s perfect timing of His wonderful universe with our deadly, man-made pollutants. The problem is that we don’t know when to leave well alone, but always figure we know best, better than the Lord God Jehovah, who made the universe and all therein, which includes us. That’s why we always get ourselves into a dreadful mess, and then we philosophically wonder why. (smile) But it all stems from foolish pride and disobedience. 

Because God made us the supposedly most intelligent being on the planet, and gave us free will, we seem to think that we know all there is to know and can handle anything that comes against us. And the sad part is that although down through the ages we have much proof that says otherwise, we still cling to the false, prideful belief that we are wise and invincible. How many foolish wars, plagues, economic recessions, and all the other negative things that stem from our sinful and proud selves, will it take for us to wake up and smell the coffee eh? What will it take for us to become seriously aware that we’re not all we think we are, but simply a creation of a greater being than us, namely Jehovah God, and that without Him, we’re nothing at all? 

And for whatever reason, it seems like we are also unable to learn from the mistakes of others. And what better people to learn from than the Israelites, God’s supposed people, who after four hundred years of bondage in Egypt were set free by the Lord their God. In so doing, they saw numerous miracles, both big and small, like the parting of the Red Sea so they could walk over on dry land, the pillars of cloud and fire which led them by day and night, the heavenly manna which they received for food, that rained down every day except on the sabbath. 

But in all that, they were still hardhearted and disobedient, and the Lord punished them several times during the forty years they spent wandering in the desert. But they never learned. Thus, except Joshua and Caleb, none of those who came out of Egypt, not even Moses, ever set foot in the Promised Land, only those born in the wilderness ever entered therein. And even when they entered the Promised Land, conquered it and became prosperous, they forgot the Lord their God and believed that it was their own prowess that brought them such prosperity. 

They conveniently forgot the warning words of Moses. ‘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 fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God.’ (Deut. 8:18-20) 

And so said, so was it done! For the Lord does not make empty promises. The Israelites rebelled against God several times and each time paid a hefty price for their disobedience, which is exactly what’s happening to us today, many ages later. We are paying a mighty price of strife, inhumanity, sickness and economic deprivation for our greed, disobedience, and pride. Sadly, even with Christ’s coming and showing us the true and better way, nothing much seems to have changed. The devil and his evil worldly schemes are still deeply engrained in too many of our hearts and souls, and we need to uproot those devilish desires, if we intend to see God’s smiling face. 

Recently I read this interesting scripture at the end of Deuteronomy 29, where Moses is warning the Israelites of the many dangers that lie in turning away from God. He says: ‘The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of the law.’ (Deut. 29:29). Yes friends, the prophets came and revealed a whole lot to us, then Jesus came and revealed everything to us, meaning that the ball is now in our court. We can’t claim that we didn’t know anything since it’s been all revealed to us. And if we don’t keep the Lord’s law, then we will pay the price for disobedience. 

And like the Israelites who suffered famine and drought, captivity and destruction of their land for their disobedience, we’re now enduring the same things on a world wide basis for our foolish pride and disobedience to God’s holy will and law. And still, we insist on ignoring our Triune God despite the widespread strife, natural disasters like hurricanes tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, famine and drought, that have recently engulfed our world like at no time before. 

Many of us chalk that up to being the signs of the beginning of the last days, and they might just be right, but the fact of the matter still remains that unless we lessen the greed, jealousy, strife, hatred and anger of our world, and return to a time of greater peace and LOVE as our God desires, we will continue the suffer irreparable damage to ourselves and our planet. Is that what we truly want? I don’t think so. And it’s surely not what the Lord our God desires for us. But He will not intrude on our free will. Thus it’s left completely up to us what will come to pass. 

And for those of us who desire better, and are doing our best to make it happen, lets’ go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. As one 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 we meet, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do, and make our world a much better place to live! Much LOVE!

…free will is a choice…a choice…to choose the wise way…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   12 March 2024 John 20:29b.

12 Mar 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 20:29b.       blessed are they that have not seen, and have yet believed.

Then it was Tuesday, another sunny, spring-like day in my neighborhood. And recently we’ve been having so many of them, that I’m puzzled. But then, this morning, I beheld a few buds on one of the tress in my front yard and that almost made me believe that we’re really having spring in early March. Almost…but not quite… (smile) Ah Lord eh! This climate change situation is playing such havoc with God’s fine tuning of His universe. But we only have our foolish selves to blame. I don’t know why we unwisely thought that we could abuse the planet and it’s finely tuned eco-system for ever and not pay a heavy price. 

And while we’re having spring in early March, this winter has also been the warmest one on record. A sad tale for the many businesses based on snow and cold weather. And since all the changes did not happen overnight, they will not be fixed overnight either. If we ever get around to seriously fixing them, what with so many of us believing that climate change is a fraudulent theory set up by conspiracy theorists. But if you have lived in these parts for at least twenty years, and have any common sense, you will notice that the weather patterns have indeed changed over the years. And if you’ve lived here for over fifty years, like I’ve done, then it’s a cinch for you to notice serious climate changes from the earlier times, unless you prefer not to see or admit them. 

But it all goes right back to the simple theory that our parents taught us; if you don’t hear, you will feel. And that’s exactly what we’re doing right now; feeling the pain of climate change and all that it entails, because we were too proud and haughty to think that our marvellous machinery would ever cause us climate problems. But how long can you go on spewing all the smoke filled with the many different toxins in the atmosphere, and spilling the many toxic chemicals in the waterways without it coming back to bite us at some stage eh? We’re simply getting our just deserts. 

And since so many in power don’t believe it’s really happening, or say they don’t, fixing the problems are not happening, or are not going to happen with the urgency it deserves.  But yuh know what, all of that is secondary if we sincerely believe in the grace and goodness of Almighty God! And I just opened the Good Library to an interesting scripture from the gospel of Mark. It’s at Jesus’s trial before the high priest, where that august hypocrite, asked Jesus: ‘Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.’ (Mark 14:61-62) 

Now, Christ’s reply incensed the high priest, made him tear off his clothes, and declared it the height of blasphemy, with the appropriate condemnation of death. However, for us believers, that answer was more than sufficient. It gives us confidence and keeps our faith strong in knowing that our Lord and Saviour is sitting at the God’s right hand and will eventually come back riding the clouds with His glorious army to take His people home at the Rapture of the church, then in the last days, after the Great Tribulation, His Millennial reign on earth! 

That’s why HOPE and FAITH are so important in our Christian walk, for without them, we don’t have anything to hold on to. And what are those two things eh? Well, according to the 20th century Danish American Psychologist, Erik Erikson, ‘HOPE’ is necessary to life as the air we breathe. Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the state of being alive. If life is to be sustained, hope must remain, even where confidence is wounded, trust impaired.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth friends! If there’s no hope, then you might as well be dead. And it’s also important to note that without HOPE, you cannot have FAITH; because HOPE is a prerequisite of FAITH. It’s the former that enables you to have and continually sustain the latter. And what’s FAITH? The Bible tells us that ‘FAITH is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1) In simple language, faith is hoping and believing for something that you don’t see at the present time, but expecting to get it at some later date. 

It’s like Bruh Paul wrote to the church at Rome: ‘For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for (it)? But we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance, determination) (eagerly) wait for it.’ (Rom. 8:24-25) Yes friends, it’s all about HOPE and FAITH! And how do you get them? By sincerely believing in Christ Jesus, then studying God’s Word and living it in close fellowship with other believers. 

Oh my people, belief is extremely important, for in God’s kingdom you don’t see it until you believe it, while in the world’s economy you have to see it before you believe it. That’s why HOPE and FAITH are so vital to Christianity. None of us have ever seen Jesus in the flesh, but we believe that He walked here on earth some two thousand years ago, and was who He said He was, the Messiah, the Son of God, and did the things they say He did, and will do the things He promised to do. 

That’s why when His disciple Thomas refused to belief that Jesus was resurrected from the dead unless he personally saw Him and could touch His nail scarred hands and put his hands in His side, Jesus appeared to him and told him thus. ‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless (unbelieving), but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have yet believed.’ (John 20:27-29)  

And that’s us, my fellow saints, who haven’t seen Jesus in the flesh but yet, through hope and faith, believe that He is real and will continue to look after us to our dying day…and even beyond. Now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere 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!’ 

And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) it’s now our duty to go out and the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…only believe…with the help of hope and faith…only believe…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 January 2024 Luke 9:62.

30 Jan 2024 Leave a comment

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

Luke 9:62.       No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

And on this penultimate day of January 2024…but can you imagine that? January’s finished already! Anyhow, on this last Tuesday in January, where the computer tells us that it will be mostly sunny, and so far it’s been mostly cloudy… Oh, I now see they’ve changed their minds, saying that it will indeed be cloudy. (smile) Poor weather forecasters, it must be extremely difficult to keep up with the constant changes in the recent unusual weather patterns. The sad part is that all of life has now become unusual, eccentric and inexplicable. 

And what a good thing that we have Jesus to keep us well grounded, constant, stable and steadfast, and without much fear! And all God’s people gave a proud and grateful shout of ‘Thank the Lord for Jesus! He is indeed our Lord and Saviour, and without Him, we’d be nothing at all!’ And is that ever the living truth my people! For without the sacrifice of Jesus, and the Father’s saving grace, we’d be headed straight for hellfire and damnation, plus eternal separation from Almighty God, which is definitely the worst thing that can happen to a human soul. 

Yes, I know I keep saying that, but it’s very important that we keep hearing it, so that we can recognize and realize the utmost importance of having Jesus as a strong and serious part of our lives. And to bring home to us how real and serious the situation is, I’ll share this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, aptly titled, ‘The Time Is Now!’ Please read with me: ‘Lord I see with startling clarity That life is never long enough To put You off Until tomorrow. The things that are before Are all too soon behind. I can never pick up The years I’ve put down. If I intend To walk with You tomorrow I must start today.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth my brethren. If we intend to walk with God tomorrow, we most certainly need to begin today. It’s not wise to put it off until tomorrow, for tomorrow never comes, every new day is always TODAY, and if you keep waiting to find God tomorrow, then you’ll be waiting for your entire life and end up never finding Him. And how sad that would be! As the poem so rightly says, all that’s in front of us right now is so quickly gone, like the days of the week, the weeks of the months, the months of the years, even the years themselves. They keep becoming history as quickly as we behold them, sometimes even quicker. (smile) 

And the truth of the matter is that we can NEVER regain the time we’ve lost, that’s why we simply cannot afford to procrastinate and put off things to the never coming tomorrow. Besides, the most important thing in any human being’s life it the receiving of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour! We cannot emphasize that enough, especially in these rough and tumble times of history. And it’s not only me who’s emphasizing the importance of following Christ, but Christ Himself did it, when speaking to the people about the high cost of discipleship. 

The Bible informs us: ‘And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where (nowhere) to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer (allow) me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee: but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’ (Luke 9:57-62) 

Yes friends, those seem to be somewhat harsh words from our Saviour, but He’s only emphasizing the fact that when you make life’s small matters more important than God’s work, you are of little use to Him. God must always be our number one priority. Thus that famous proclamation from Jesus: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Oh my people, the importance of those words can never be over emphasized. 

And as the scholars explain about Jesus’ strong reply to the fellow who possibly wanted to stay at home until his father died, ‘Let the dead bury their dead,’ wasn’t meant to be as harsh as it sounded, ‘but rather to emphasize that the time to be about the heavenly Father’s business was now.’ And is that ever the indisputable truth my fellow believers! The time for us to be about the Lord’s business is certainly RIGHT NOW! There’s no time for dilly-dallying, or putting it off for tomorrow, because the devil and his evil cohorts are not dilly-dallying or putting off anything for tomorrow, they are making hay while the sun shines, and that’s RIGHT NOW, and so should we supposed believers in Christ Jesus! 

But, unfortunately, we’re not working as hard and fast as we should, that’s why we keep falling behind the evil doers who are now in strong command of our world. Friends, I don’t know how else to put it, but to say, right up front, we are not doing the job Jesus desires of us as well as we can, and ought to. We are too comfortable in this uncomfortable world. And the worst kind of Christian is a comfortable Christian! That’s because we lose all the enthusiasm to do Christ’s work, especially the part about sacrificing our desires for His wellbeing. And sadly, if we continue along such a wide and destructive path, then crapaud smoke we pipe! That’s all there is to it. 

Now, for those who are trying their best to live sincerely for Christ, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one 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!’ 

And having made that glorious proclamation, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with all we meet, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   23 January 2024 Psalm 46:1.

23 Jan 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 46:1.       God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in trouble.

And may the grace and mercy of our wonderful God be on all of us this snowy winter’s Tuesday, my Scrip-Bit friends and family! And do we all ever need His LOVING-kindness and compassion in these troubled and frenzied times. For, instead of getting better as the days go by, our world seems to be getting more angry, violent, hateful and strife filled. Who knows why? Some of the players may have even forgotten why they got involved, and are just acting out for acting out sake. But for sure, it’s not a good scene we’re currently witnessing. 

And though most of us cannot do anything to change matters on the big stage but pray for godly wisdom and guidance for our leaders, on the smaller stage of our individual lives we can certainly do our best to show the LOVE and compassion of Christ in our own neighbourhoods, and thus lessen the tension at the grass roots level. So to help us do that, let’s turn to our biggest privilege and our number one source of help, PRAYER, as we go to our heavenly Father with these words of prayer from the January In Touch Devotional. 

Please pray with me: ‘Father, there is so much noise in the world: voices shouting in anger, crying in pain at one another and at You. We pray for clarity, to hear through all the commotion the pleas of the hurting, to recognize suffering underneath the veil of anger in each other and in ourselves. Lord, soften our hearts. Let compassion and gentleness be our first instinct. May You be near to every aching person, and may every aching person feel heard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’ 

Oh friends, the sentiments in that prayer are ever so necessary and needful in these uncertain times. And yuh know what? It’s the times of uncertainty that cause us the most worrying concerns. At least that’s the way it is with me. If I am certain about something, then, although the outcome might be unpleasant and hurtful, I don’t worry about it nearly as much as if I am not sure of the outcome. I believe the devil nags and niggles us a li’l more in those times of uncertainty to get us to lose our cool and not trust our Lord and Saviour the way we ought to. 

But if our faith is strong enough, we can successfully run him off with some overruling scriptures like these powerful verses of faith from Psalm 46, where the Sons of Korah write: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (heart) of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.’ (Ps. 46:1-3) 

Yes my faithful brethren, that’s a good example of strong faith with which to deter the devil’s evil lies and deceptions. We won’t be afraid even though the world is falling down around us, because our omnipotent God has promised to protect us in each and every situation. He is always present in our lives. And as the saying so truly goes: ‘When uncertainty abounds – cling to God.’ There can be no greater truth than that my people! Now, I’m chuckling here because I just got the bright idea to make today’s Bit one chocked full with scripture verses that talk about handling fear and anxiety. 

And why not eh, since our world is currently filled with so many of those negative emotions? So let’s continue with this magnificent verse from the first epistle of John, which exhorts: ‘There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casteth out fear: because fear hath (involves) torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in LOVE.’ (1 John 4:18) And that says so much about God’s LOVE, how strong and potent it is, that it can even sustain us in our darkest times, and drive away our fear and anxiety. 

Then we have these verses from Isaiah, where our God ascertains His help in times of trouble. ‘For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.’ (Is. 41:13-14)  Oh my bredrin, isn’t that wonderful? It surely is! Just imagine Almighty God promising to help us nuh. As this commentary so rightly says: ‘God’s promise is to comfort and help us amid our worry. This Bible verse about fear holds the power to give us peace during the most uncertain of times. The Lord will take your hand and journey with you through the storm.’ 

How true that is! For with Christ as our Pilot and Guide, there’s no storm that conquer us! And we all know this next verse that drives away fear. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) Now that’s a verse we all should have indelibly written in our hearts, souls and minds. For as this commentary reminds us: ‘We know we will face troubles in this life, but one of the Bible verses about fear that can sometimes be the most comforting is John 16:33. When you consider all Jesus faced — His torture and death — and how He overcame, it offers us profound comfort. Remember this among the Bible verses about fear and worry when you reflect on difficult times.’ 

Yes friends, we definitely need to remember that our Lord and Saviour has already overcome the world and all the evil therein, it’s just for us to faithfully live out the days till He returns in victory and takes us home. And with that promise uppermost in our minds, we can do it without fear of Satan and his evil doing consorts. And although there are many more notable verses of scripture that tone down fear, unfortunately, we only have time and space for one more. And it’s this marvellous one from Bruh David’s most famous writing. ‘Yea, though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ (Ps. 23:4) 

Now that’s a certain fact my faithful brethren. And I like how this commentary explains it. ‘God will not abandon you. Bible verses about anxiety remind us that we do not need to fear evil or uncertain events, because God will walk with us through these valleys. He LOVES us and wants the best for us. The Psalmist knew that the peace of God would be with him wherever he went and whatever situations he encountered. Know that God is right beside you during those difficult times.’ 

Yes my fellow saints, let’s go home with that comforting thought as we declare (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. As one 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, it time to go out and do just that; share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…FAITH…the only thing that can successfully drive out…FEAR…                                   

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   16 January 2024 Matthew 6:21.

16 Jan 2024 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 6:21.       For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Oh friends, it’s a cold, snowy Tuesday in my neck of the woods. That means we probably won’t see any of the bright sunshine we experienced over the last two days. Chuh! It’s so nice seeing the sunshine reflect off the white snow. If we must have snow, then we do need sunshine to brighten it up. The sun can shine even while the snow is falling. That’s not too difficult for the Lord to do eh? (smile) Absolutely not! For nothing is impossible with our great God! As Isaiah says: ‘Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear.’ (Is. 59:1) That means there is no limitation or weakness in God’s ability to save anyone or do anything! 

As Isaiah also said earlier on: ‘Behold the Lord God will come with strong hand (in strength), and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:10-11) Wow! What a powerful scripture my brethren, speaking of Christ’s coming and gathering His people like a shepherd gathers his flock. It shows us both the Lord’s strength and His never ending LOVE and compassion for His sinful creation called human beings. 

And I like how this commentary puts it. ‘When the Bible talks about God’s right arm, it refers to His powerful, ruling arm—His justice, His holiness, and His strength. God is like that. He is all that and more.’ No doubt about it my fellow believers! In His omnipotence, omniscience and omni-presence, our majestic and magnificent God embodies ALL that there is, and can ever be! That’s why it’s so foolish and unwise for us frail, fickle and finite human beings to turn away from Almighty God our Creator, Controller and Protector. 

For as Jesus so rightly said: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same shall bring forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5) And that’s gospel truth my people, for without Jesus in our lives, our ability to do much of anything productive is severely limited. Remember that God gave us free will so that we could choose His Will, not the will of Beelzebub or any of the many other false gods existing in our evil world. And when we don’t choose God’s will, then we suffer the negative consequences of disobedience and rebellion. It’s as simple as that. 

As Uncle Charles (Dr. Charles Stanley) liked to say: ‘You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow.’ And that’s an indisputable fact! It’s just the way the Lord’s kingdom is set up. Meaning that if you sow evil, you will eventually reap evil, and if you sow good seed, you will eventually reap good fruit. And the best way to ensure that we are sowing good seed is by accepting and living by these momentous and oh so true words of Jesus. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

Yes my brethren, that’s the basic root of our faith: keeping God first place in our lives, making sure that all, or most of what we do and say falls into the realm of His godly will! Then, all that we need to live this earthly life will be added to us. As Bruh Paul so confidently said to the Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) Yuh see how it all falls into place my fellow believers? We acknowledge God as El Numero Uno, or Number One, and He looks after all our basic needs through His wonderful Son, Christ Jesus! It couldn’t get any better than that. 

But some of us mistakenly and foolishly have decided to follow the will of the evil Satan, to whom we sell our souls to get the same earthly stuff that we can quite easily get from Almighty God. The big difference is that when you follow Satan all your earthly treasure will be left behind when you descend into hellfire and damnation, and eventually eternal separation from God, which is the worst predicament in which a human soul can find itself. However, when you sincerely seek Christ and His kingdom, though your earthly treasure is still left behind, you are able to store up treasures in heaven that you can enjoy while spending eternity with our Triune God! 

Now isn’t that a much better scenario? It certainly is! And if you don’t believe me, (smile) then listen to Jesus explain it. ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon 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 nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt. 6:19-21) And that’s the indisputable truth friends! Wherever our treasures are stored, that’s indeed where our hearts and most of our attention will be focused. 

And we’ll just add these two verses from 1 Peter as extra fodder for our souls. (smile) Peter writes these words of encouragement to the Christian diaspora, those spread abroad from their homeland, and undergoing tough lives with a lot of undeserved persecution. ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.’ (1 Pet. 1:3-4) Please be reassured my fellow saints, that if we sincerely live for Christ, then there will be rewards awaiting us in heaven. 

Now, for those of us who believe it and are trying our best to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) 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!’ 

And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) we must now go out and share the amazing LOVE  and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too may come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…earthly treasure only lasts a lifetime…while heavenly treasure lasts for eternity… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 January 2024 Psalm 146:5.

09 Jan 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 146:5.       Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord God.

Now, how crazy can this weather scene get eh? Right now we’re having snow filter down from the heavens, but this afternoon we’re expected to have rain. Please explain that to me. Isn’t it usually the opposite way? Oh, who knows what’s happening in our world these days but our One True God! With all the violence, inhumanity, greed, natural disasters, economic deprivation and unusual weather patterns that are currently dominating our world, ONLY Jehovah God truly knows and understands what’s going on! 

And because our puny, finite minds cannot comprehend the reality of our society, the Lord expects us to surrender our all to Him, to put our sincere trust, our whole lives in His strong and faithful hands! Why? Because He is the ONLY ONE who can guide us safely through all the commotion and confusion that’s occurring.  And if we’re wise, that’s exactly what we’ll all do, for as Psalm 146 wisely warns us: ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man (a human being), in whom there is no help (salvation). His breath goeth forth (his spirit departs), he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.’ (Ps. 146:3-4) 

Yes friends, that’s the gospel truth. It’s not wise to trust influential people, because they cannot truly help you, since they are mere mortals like yourself. It’s also unwise to put your trust in human leaders; for no human being can save you. So what am I to do then, you ask? Who can save me if mankind can’t? That’s a very good question, and we also have a very good answer for it! As the psalmist wisely proclaims: ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord God.’ (Ps. 146:5) Now that’s the indisputable truth my people! 

But why is that, you doubtfully and hesitantly ask? Again the psalmist gives us the answer. For He is the God ‘Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgement (justice) for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth (gives freedom to) the prisoners: The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord LOVETH the righteous. The Lord preserveth (watches over) the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down (makes crooked).’ (Ps. 146:6-9) 

Now that, as far as I’m concerned, is sufficient reason to surrender my all, to put my entire trust in Almighty God! For no human being can do those things that the Almighty did and still does! And if you have some person or persons who can do better than the Lord does, then please show or tell me about Him or Her! But my faithful brethren, we all know that there’s NONE like our God Jehovah, so why beat about the bush eh? Stop wasting precious time and simply turn to Him; give your heart, mind, body and soul to Him, for He is trustworthy and faithful to keep them in good order for you down here on earth, then receive you to His glorious salvation when you depart this earthly life! 

And there’s NO ONE else who can make that promise and keep it! For as the psalmist ends: ‘The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.’ (Ps. 146:10) Yes my fellow saints, our omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present God shall reign FOREVER! There’s absolutely no doubt about that, for there’s none strong, wise and all seeing like Him! So why not put your trust in Him today eh. Receive His wonderful self-sacrificing Son, Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour today, right now, before it’s too late. 

For if Christ returns to earth or you die before receiving Him, then you’ll never see the pearly gates of heaven or speak to the Father face to face. Your sorry lot will be eternal separation from the One who created you, and that’s the worst thing that can ever happen to a human soul! So please, let’s get wise and acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour nuh, so that our names will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and eternal life assured. And just in case you are still doubtful about the psalmist’s claims, then listen to these other warnings on the subject from other righteous brethren. 

Bruh David said it thus in Psalm 108 when he cried out to the Lord: ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps. 108:12-13) And Bruh David knew what he was talking about, after his long experience with the Lord. And Isaiah, who also knew the power of the Lord, reasoned it thus: ‘Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of (why should he be esteemed)?’ (Is. 2:22) 

And the prophet Jeremiah puts it as plainly as possible. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man (man’s strength), and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath (a shrub) in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted  by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see (fear) when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful (anxious) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.’ (Jer. 17:5-8) 

That says it all my people; trust in the Lord and your life shall be blessed, regardless of the circumstances that come against you. And for those of us who have sincerely done that, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere 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!’ 

And having proclaimed our wonderful heritage, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…why trust in the created and not the Creator…that’s not wisdom… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   2 January 2024 Isaiah 43:2a.

02 Jan 2024 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 43:2a.       When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee,

And then it was Tuesday; still a holiday for many, because the New Year’s holiday fell on a Monday, a regular work day. I do hope that we all have recovered from the numerous festivities of the last couple of days, although I know that some of us are still celebrating, milking it to the very last drop. (smile) But please ensure that you can go to work tomorrow in good health and spirits and so start the work year off on a good footing. Glory be! End of Sermon! 

Now, on this second day of the year, the Lord has guided me to a most appropriate poem for these difficult times, from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s simply titled: ‘The Pain of Growth.’ I believe I have shared it before, but unfortunately, we all need to grow and mature in Christ and growth always involves some kind of pain, that’s just the way it is. We cannot grow without some discomfort to our souls, minds, bodies and circumstances. Therefore, every so often we need to refresh our perspective on the subject. (smile) 

So, please read with me. ‘O God Growth is a painful process. I frankly confess I am a coward about pain. I don’t like it. Lord, I never pray for it Or get excited over it. In fact, I often resist it. The pain of emotional trauma So overwhelming So baffling and crushing. The deep-cutting pain Of a broken relationship. Physical pain that goes on and on Until my entire body screams. The pain of cruel cutting words. The pain of loneliness, rejection Of financial ruin. The pain of being misunderstood. 

Lord, the very thought of pain Frightens and unnerves me. Yes it is true – Again and again it is true. My greatest spiritual growth Has come through pain. Through heartache and anguish. And very often in my suffering When I sadly thought You were doing absolutely nothing At that very moment You were doing more within me Than I ever dreamed or hoped.’ 

Yes mih bredrin! That’s the way our Lord works! Ofttimes when we think He’s doing nothing, or the devil is excessively on our case for no good reason, it’s actually the Lord working in us to move us along the continuum of maturity, allowing the devil to push us into temptation, so that He can test our faith. And when we refuse that temptation, no matter how tempting it might be, that’s when we grow spiritually. Ah mih people, there’s no shame in been afraid of pain, because it does traumatize us in many different ways. But it is necessary that we learn to bear it as best we can, be it physical, emotional or any other way that pain afflicts us. 

Now, the good thing about pain is that every time we bear it, the next time it’s not so difficult to bear, and that signifies growth in whatever area of pain we’re enduring. And the Bible verses that correspond to that poem are also appropriate verses taken from Psalm 119. They read: ‘I know Lord, that thy judgements are right (righteous), and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness (unfailing LOVE) be for my comfort, according to thy word (promise) unto thy servant.’ (Ps. 119:75-76) 

Oh friends, it’s never easy to bear pain, regardless of what kind it is, but with the Lord’s help we can always handle it. Remember His promise that He will never leave nor forsake us? (Heb. 13:5) And that great promise from Isaiah, ought also to enable us to bear our pain. ‘O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon (scorch) thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…’ (Is. 43:1-3) 

And we know the Lord is faithful in His promises, as shown by the waters not overflowing the Israelites who walked through the Red Sea and the Jordan River on dry land, and the three Hebrews boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were thrown into the burning flames, made seven time hotter than usual, but still came out of it, not even smelling of smoke! Wow! That’s the mighty hand of our great God working His miraculous power. And if He could do that for others, He can also help us to bear our pain. 

However, there’s one proviso, (smile) yes, one li’l thing we need to remember, that’s the pain involved in the chastisement or discipline of God. And the author of Hebrews reminds us of it in very fine fashion. ‘If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastenenth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers (sinners deserving discipline), then are ye bastards (illegitimate) and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence (respect): shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure (as seemed best to them); but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby. Wherefore lift up (strengthen) the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way (dislocated), but let it rather be healed.’ (Heb. 12:7-13) 

Yes friends that’s the truth of the matter. I know that none of us likes to experience any kind of pain, but sometimes it’s necessary, like in times of growth and the Lord administering discipline. Thus, we need to endure the chastening, the discipline of the Lord without much complaining for He’s only doing it for our benefit. Oh my fellow saints, until we realize and accept the fact that whatever the Lord does is ALWAYS  for our benefit, then we’re ALWAYS going to have a very difficult time accepting His pronouncements. 

Now, let’s wake up in this new year of 2024 and truly accept the Lord for who He is: our Creator, Controller and LOVING Father, who desires us to be the best version of His Son Jesus Christ, that we can be. Therefore, 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 and sincere 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, it’s our bounden duty to go out and share that awesome LOVE  and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…we cannot escape pain…for it’s a byproduct of this evil world…but thankfully…in the new life it will be absent…Glory to God… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   26 December 2023 Matthew 11:28.

26 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 11:28.  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

And then it was Tuesday, the day after Monday, the day after Christmas day, making it Boxing day! Yes friends, the big day has now come and gone, and I hope that you all had a good time celebrating with your families and friends. I know I did with my family. And as always, the food was excellent, but too much for the few celebrants. And, unfortunately, in this Christmas season of lavish and extreme preparations, a lot of good food will be thrown away, despite the fact that there are many hungry people in our society. 

However, in these days of excessive litigation, people are afraid to give away and also accept food, as those who receive the food can get sick and cause all sorts of problems. What a contentious, cantankerous and fearful society we’ve become, that allows so much good food to go to waste in a time of serious hunger, simply because of possible lawsuits. And another note, remember when Boxing Day was the big sales day? Well that’s no longer the case, the Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays, around the time of Thanksgiving are now the big sales days! 

Ah Lord eh! We’ve taken every holy and/or religious day and made them so commercialized, that many don’t even remember the true reason behind all the activity. So, now, the Boxing Day sales are merely shadows of their earlier selves. And anyway, I don’t know how many of us would like to go shopping on a wet, drizzly, cloudy day like today. In fact, the whole Christmas weekend has been wet and dark, leaving many of the outdoor enthusiasts saddened by the absence of the white stuff (snow) for them to frolic in. I guess that’s just another effect of the climate change that’s currently bewildering our world. 

But the most important thing to remember, especially in this Christmas season, is that we have Jesus; our End All and Be All – our answer to every problem – our Go to Guy! That’s why He came to earth as a man in this season; to eventually sacrifice His sinless life and save us from our sins and be the One we turn to when the storms of life batter and besiege us. And there’s no better example of that than Jesus’ Great Invitation, where He invites all and sundry to ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me, for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30) 

What a marvellous invitation my people, one that we refuse to our own detriment. But let’s make one thing perfectly clear, Jesus is not promising the easy life. No! He’s promising one that’s easier and more bearable than that offered by Satan and the world. Note that He also has a yoke, but that’s much easier to bear, and His burden is lighter that what you’ll find if you refuse His offer. This world is full of sin, trials and tribulations that we cannot escape, but with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we can mitigate the circumstances and handle them in much better fashion that without His help. 

Jesus Himself said it; twice to boot. Listen up: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) Yes friends, Jesus’ peace is an entirely different kind to that which the world offers, and consequently we ought not to be afraid or worried. As Bruh Paul wrote about it to the Philippians. ‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 4:7) That means when we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour we will experience a peace, God’s peace, that surpasses all human understanding. And who wouldn’t want to have that kind of peace in these turbulent and evil times eh! 

Now, here’s the next statement of Jesus that we should pay attention re peace and fear. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) Ah mih people, what reassuring, encouraging and true words from our Lord and Master! And has He ever overcome the world, defeating Satan, hell, death and the grave when He rose triumphantly on that first Easter morning, showing that He is indeed the resurrection and the giver of eternal life! 

As Bruh Paul says in Romans: ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.’ (Rom. 8:37) For sure! That conquering Spirit of Jesus is indwelt by all His followers, and if we live the way He desires, we’ll overcome all that’s necessary to be overcome. And John adds his bit to the subject in his first epistle, when he truthfully informs us: ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4) And isn’t that the glorious truth my brethren! It certainly is! For Christ is indeed greater than the enemy, the evil fallen angel, Satan! 

However, my fellow saints, to achieve all that Jesus offers we need to continuously keep Him first place, uppermost in our lives. As He so emphatically warned: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) Our omniscient God knows all that we need to live this life at a high standard and He will provide them if we revere and exalt Him the way we ought. It’s as Bruh Paul wrote to the Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) 

And for good measure, (smile) let’s just remind ourselves that we cannot get to the Father except through Jesus. And He said it loud and clear too: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) Please friends, let’s keep that uppermost in our minds this Boxing Day, as we continue celebrating the birth of Christ. Now, let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong lock, stock and barrel. 

As one sincere 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!’ 

And having made that momentous declaration, (yesss!!!) we’re now obligated to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Jesus with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…Jesus is the Answer….Jesus is the answer…Yes…Jesus is the Answer to EVERYTHING… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   12 December 2023 Luke 1:12.

12 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 1:12.        And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

And another Monday bites the dust, as we move along with joyful expectation in this Advent season, eagerly working our way to that bright and glorious time we call Christmas, when we celebrate the awesome incarnate birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And all of God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of Glory Hallelujah! All hail to Him who was born in a manger in Bethlehem to be the propitiation for our sins! 

Ah friends, that just shows the great LOVE our wonderful God has for us, sending His sinless Son, born of a woman to intercede on our behalf, to bear all our sins, so that we could have the option of coming back to Him from our sinful ways. Please note, it’s only an option, we still have to use our free will to choose it, and if we don’t, we’ll just continue along our sinful path down to the fires of hell and damnation with Satan and his other evil cronies. 

So please, we urge you to accept that once in a lifetime option of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour RIGHT NOW, so that you would be set free from the bondage of sin that Satan has us in, and spend eternity with Jesus in heavenly places. Believe me, that’s the wisest decision you’ll ever make in this earthly life! End of sermon! (smile) 

And today, we want to look at the very different reactions of two people whom the Lord spoke to back in olden times. We’ve already seen the positive reaction of Mary to the angel Gabriel’s news that she would bare the Son of God. Without a whole lot of questions and doubt, she simply responded: ‘Behold the hand maid (handmaiden) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ (Luke 1:38) 

Now, before the angel went to Mary, he had gone to an elderly priest named Zacharias. The Bible tells us that as he was doing  his duty, burning incense in the temple, with a whole lot of people praying outside: ‘And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.’ (Luke 1:11-12) 

Right there friends, we have the first big difference between Zacharias and Mary’s angelic visit. Mary was troubled, but the Bible didn’t say that fear came upon her, like it does with Zacharias, and one would expect the elderly priest to be much more in tune with the godly aspects of life. ‘But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias (Elijah), to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ (Luke 1:13-17) 

Now that was also a big godly promise, but not as big as Mary’s where she would become pregnant without knowing a man. So what was Zacharias response to all that eh? The Good Library tells us: ‘And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man and my wife well stricken (advanced) in age.’ (Luke 1:18) 

There I think we have Zacharias’ mistake; doubting the possibility of him and old wife having a child through the auspices of the Lord. As a priest in the Lord’s employ, Zacharias ought to have known the story of Abraham and Sarah having Isaac at the respective ages of one hundred and ninety, so there shouldn’t have been any doubt of it being possible for him and his wife Elisabeth, neither of whom were as old as Abraham and Sarah. 

Thus this unfortunate happening. ‘And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God, and am sent unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings (this good news). And, behold, thou shalt be dumb (mute), and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season (own time).’ (Luke 1:19-20) 

Yes mih bredrin, there is a price we all pay for doubt and disbelief, especially if we are fairly mature believers. I guess we could cut Zacharias some slack because of the surprise factor and his advanced age, but he was supposed to be an experienced man of God, while Mary was just a young child. But there we have the two different reactions to supposedly good news. So what happens after that eh? 

The Bible continues: ‘And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried (delayed) so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.’ (Luke 1:21-22) Can you imagine the confusion amongst the people when their hitherto very vocal priest suddenly couldn’t speak to them? 

But what of Zacharias? God’s Word informs us thus: ‘And it came to pass that, as soon as the days of his ministration (service) were accomplished (completed), he departed to his own house.’ (Luke 1:23) Apparently on the day his duties ceased, that’s the offering of incense in the temple, he was free to return home. And according to the scholars the offering of incense in the temple would be a sacred moment in Zacharias’ life, for no priest could offer incense more than once in his lifetime, and many never even got the chance at all, since there was an estimated 18,000 priests at that point in Jewish history. So, most likely, this was a God-inspired occasion, so that the good news could be shared with Zacharias. 

The scholars further tell us that ‘Zacharias’ speechlessness serves to chasten him for his apparent skepticism. One may think it a harsh measure, but God who dispensed this judgement knew his heart. And the promise remained secure. Zacharias was merely prevented from easily spreading the news around.’ But however we look at the decision, it was God’s doing and has to be accepted as such. 

The Bible then says: ‘And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.’ (Luke 1:24-25) And as the scholars remind us: ‘Jewish women regarded childlessness as a severe reproach. Elisabeth may have hid herself out of a sense of consternation before God and man. She came to be thankful, but the initial shock of the unexpected (and in human terms quite impossible) must have been considerable.’ 

No doubt it was my brethren. But it all shows us how our great and wonderful God moves in ways we don’t understand, and therefore we need to submit to His plans without doubt and fear. And No, as we keep saying, that’s not always easy to do, even when we consider ourselves to be very mature believers. But we just have to keep on trying and learning and asking for God’s help to understand what He needs of us; it’s all a lifelong process. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one sincere 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, it behooves us to go out and share that LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…belief doesn’t stop doubt and fear from coming…but we have to be strong enough to refute them…

P.S. Yes, it’s long, but oh so good! (smile) Much LOVE! 

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