Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 September 2022 James 2:17.

29 Sep 2022 Leave a comment

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

James 2:17.         Even so faith, if it hath no works, is dead, being alone.

Awright my Scrip-Bit friends and family, we moving on! It’s Thursday, and it looks like it’s going to be a glorious day of sunshine, though not too warm, because the sun is steadily moving away from us towards the south, thus depriving us in the northern climes of its natural heat. But, be it hot or cold, we’ll take the sunshine over the clouds any ole day! 

And please remember, with Jesus as the light and guide of our lives, we can withstand anything that comes against us. Our safety and protection is entrenched in this awesome promise of our omnipotent God, as spoken by the prophet Isaiah. ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me, saith the Lord.’ (Is. 54:17) 

Oh what a glorious promise my faithful brethren! And since we’re believers in Christ Jesus, since He is our Lord and Saviour, Master and Protector, that means we are servants of His, and are therefore protected by that magnificent promise! Wow! How much better can it get eh? Not much! No weapon that is poised to come against us, or tongue that desires to scandalize and belittle us will ever prosper or do us any serious harm! Glory be my people! 

But do we truly understand what that means? I certainly hope so. It doesn’t mean we can do those things and get away Scot free because of God’s promise, but if we behave in the right way, in God’s will, those things will not harm us. Remember, our motto must always be to entreat evil with good, as Bruh Paul strongly advises: ‘Recompense no man evil for evil.’ (Rom. 12:17) 

Yes friends, it’s ofttimes difficult to turn the other cheek and go the other mile, as Jesus recommends in Matthew 5:38-40, but as His disciples and ambassadors, it is expected of us. Oh no, it’s not easy slogging, (smile) Jesus never promised that it would be either, but if we are to be agents of good, then we need to show goodness and not evil in our actions and doings. 

And we can only attain those heights of discipleship by dint of hard work and sincerity. That’s seriously studying the Word, constantly talking to the Father and fellowshipping with other believers, and putting the Word into action, so that we can grow in faith and discipleship. 

Remember these oh so important words of James, Jesus’ brother, re faith and works. ‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he that faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit?’ (James 2:14-16) 

Now that’s a very good question my people, and the sad answer is that it profits us, or those we turn away emptyhanded with highfalutin words of faith, absolutely nothing! And unfortunately, that’s what’s happening way too much in our current world; those that have are turning away empty handed those that don’t have. And I’m not talking about the filthy rich people, but ordinary, supposed Christian folks like you and I. 

The church itself is not as generous as it ought to be. It was founded to help those in need, but when those in need go to the doors of many churches they are unfortunately turned away, often for frivolous, selfish, man-made reasons. The church appears no longer to be a place for refreshment and replenishment to the poor and needy, both of soul and body, but now mostly caters to those who have and give to the church. No wonder our world is in such dire state of distress, with so many of God’s creations walking around hungry, homeless and destitute in countries of obscene wealth. 

And I know that most of us can’t solve the problems of our world, but we can all do something to help the poor and needy in our own communities through the church and other community groups, and even on a small individual basis. The important thing is to show our faith and the LOVE of Jesus by helping somebody in need. 

And James drives home this point as he continues: ‘Even so faith, if it hath no works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man can say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God, thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble But wilt thou know (do you want to know), O vain (foolish) man, that faith without works is dead?’ (James 2:17-20) 

Ah mih people, I believe that many of us supposed believers ought to sit down and rethink our faith and see how our works blend into it, because if we only talk faith but don’t do anything sincere and productive to put it into action, we are nothing but fakers, hypocrites and the like. And I like how the scholars put it: ‘If one does nothing to enact his knowledge of God, he is worse than the demons, for they at least tremble. (vs.19)’ 

Yes my fellow saints, too much talk and too little action is the downfall of our current society. And it’s not that there isn’t sufficient to ease the pain and suffering of many, but it’s the greed and selfishness which is so rampant that prevents us from doing better for those down on their luck. But thankfully, our God is so good and compassionate that He‘s bestowed undeserved blessings on those of us who sincerely desire to do His will on this earth. We call them our Thursday Blessings, and it’s imperative that we vocally declare them to activate their power. 

So 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 that we’ve activated those undeserved blessings, it’s our duty to go out and put them into action in the Lord’s name, so we can make some badly needed changes in our society! Much LOVE!

…talk without action is useless… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​           

Today’s Scrip-Bit   11 August 2022   James 2:18.

11 Aug 2022 Leave a comment

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

James 2:18.      …show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

Well, we on the homestretch now friends; it’s Thursday and we counting down to that day we all so look forward to, Friday and the exciting possibilities of the weekend. But we have to get through Thursday before we ever arrive at Friday, so let’s just concentrate on doing that nuh, and let the chips fall wherever they please when Friday comes. As Jesus so wisely said: ‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow (do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34) 

Ah mih bredrin, unfortunately though many of us worry about what will happen tomorrow and thus don’t pay sufficient attention to today. We don’t live a full life on the present day because our thoughts are slanted too much to tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. But yuh know what, some wise person once said, ‘tomorrow never comes.’ And that’s the indisputable truth, for when the day we call tomorrow comes, it comes as today. So, in actual fact, we never live the tomorrows we dream of, it’s always the todays. (smile) 

And the scholars offer this very perceptive explanation. They say: ‘When our priority is spiritual, that’s “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” God will take care of the material, for where God guides, He provides. We need not even worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. This means that each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.’ 

Yes friends, when we think too much about what might happen tomorrow, we are not able to give enough attention to the things that are happening today. And if you’ve ever sat down and contemplated the number of times those troubles you expect to happen tomorrow actually take place, I’m sure you’ve noticed that they are certainly not as many as we expected. 

So a lot of the stuff we’re concerning ourselves about is merely our projection, our anxiety and worry, and Jesus has already commanded us not to fear or worry. ‘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) Then, later on He reiterated the very same sentiments. ‘’These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) 

And if we are true followers of Christ then we ought to listen to and believe what He tells us, because He only speaks truth. But too often in this confused and evil world, we allow the enemy to deceive us into thinking that things are so bad that we cannot handle them, or they will never get good and all our fears will come to pass. However, the truth is that as a believer in Christ we can handle ANYTHING that comes against us! For Jesus has promised never to leave nor forsake us, and also that we can do anything through Him, because He strengthens us to accomplish His will! 

But we must truly believe all of that stuff and then put it into action into our lives, otherwise it’s of no real use. We’re talking here about faith in action! And that’s really the only kind of faith there is! You can talk all the talk you want and don’t engage your talk, then it’s not faith. As James, Jesus’ brother so correctly points out. ‘Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.’ (James 2: 17-18) 

Oh my fellow saints in Christ, we must remember that Christianity is simply faith in action! It’s more of a doing, a helping and caring rather than talking concept. Note how Jesus got up every day and went out and did stuff; helped people, healed the sick and suffering, and generally spread His LOVE around to those who needed and wanted it. But He was always doing or going somewhere to do something, except when He was teaching. And remember Jesus also told us that if we had even a li’l bit of faith as a mustard seed, that we could move mountains. (Matt. 17:20) 

But we first have to believe it, then put it into action. And that’s where our Christian faith is falling down. There is not enough action on our part in our society. I’m sure you’re seeing how the evil doers, the iniquity workers are doing their best to control the world, while too many of us supposed believers are merely sitting on the sidelines, scared, or just not interested enough to make a positive difference. But we spout a whole lot of foolishness about being Christians. Steups! 

We clap and shout and sing ‘Praise the Lord’ in church, but outside of the church in the rough and tough places where we’re desperately needed, we’re nowhere to be found. Read the Good Book friends. Jesus didn’t just sit around talking, He was out there in all the places where the hypocrite Pharisees thought He shouldn’t be. But that’s because He came to save the lost, the sick and suffering, not the righteous. And you can’t save people unless you go where they are or have them come to you. 

And that’s exactly what He did, and what He expects of us, His supposed ambassadors down here on earth. And why do you think He was so generous to give us what we call our Thursday Blessings eh? Because we deserved them? Obviously not, but that we could use them to do His work, to help others, teach them of His grace, goodness and mercy, so that they too could come to Him, like we did, and find salvation and relief for their souls. 

So, right now, let’s activate those blessings by declaring (yesss!!!) them out loud. 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, it’s our bounden duty to go out and share those blessings with others, just as generously as Christ shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…Christians need to stop talking so much faith…and instead…begin doing plenty more faith… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​        

Today’s Scrip-Bit   11 June 2022 Psalm 119:9.

11 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 119:9.      Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.​

Can you believe it friends, Friday actually remained bright and sunny for the entire day, and Saturday, our lazy day, has also opened with bright sunshine. Let’s hope it stays that way all day though. (smile) But with the contrariness of the weather system these days, who knows. Anyway, as we rest and contemplate life, let’s also ponder on these quotes that our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. 

And the first one tells us: ‘Always desire to learn something useful.’  Now that’s certainly very good advice, because learning useless things will not enable us to handle the difficult and scary situations we will all face in life. And the best place to begin learning useful things is from the Word of God; His undiluted, unadulterated Word found in the majestic and marvellous book we call the Bible! And if you don’t believe me, then listen to this outstanding advice from Psalm 119, where the author confidently declares: ‘Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.’ (Ps. 119:9) 

Yes, my fellow believers, if God’s word found in the Bible is our guidebook for living, then that’s the best place to find useful knowledge. And remember what Cousin Sol says in the first chapter of Proverbs. ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ (Prov. 1:7) Oh yes, acknowledging the sovereignty, awesome power, majesty and goodness of God is where all wisdom, understanding, knowledge and wise counsel begins, for He is the fountainhead of it all! 

And one of the ways the Good book teaches us to live and operate is highlighted in this next quote: ‘The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.’ Now is that ever so true. And one thing we Christians are very good at is talking, but we’re not so hot when it comes to walking our talk, especially in the tough times. We talk a whole lot about God and faith when things are good, but when problems arise, too many of us jettison or forget the faith we spoke of when things were going well. 

We get angry with God, wonder where He is, and why He allowed such nasty things to happen to us? But friends, in the tough times is exactly when we got to go to God, cry out to Him for help, show the true colours of the Christian faith we profess, not blame and blaspheme Him, like so many of us do in those difficult times. 

But even on a worldly level, the best way to get started on anything at all is to cut down on the talking and get some action going. You’d be surprised how action … can’t find the word I’m looking for (smile) but once you begin doing, it sort of just continues on its own accord. It’s one of the principles involved in building, in growing…the first step is always the most difficult. Thereafter it gets comparatively easier. And it’s ever so important that we believers stop the plentiful talking for which we’re known, and begin doing more action, for which we are not so well known. 

James, Jesus’ brother says it quite well when he talks about faith that works in his epistle, James 2:14-26, which can be summarized by ‘show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.’ (James 2:18b) Oh friends, one of the ways to know true believers is by the works they do based on their faith. As Jesus said: ‘Wherefore by their fruit ye shall know them.’ (Matt. 7:20) 

And the next quote says: ‘It’s almost always possible to be honest and positive.’ I guess that contains a certain amount of truth, but we need to remember that positivity doesn’t work for honesty alone, it also works for dishonesty. The most evil people in our world are some of the most positive, totally believing in the rightfulness of their cause. And in the kind of evil and fraudulent world in which we are currently living, it’s much harder to be honest and positive, for everywhere we turn lies and deceit greet us with opened arms. 

But this next quote will hopefully help us to handle that last one. It tells us to ‘Find joy in the simple things.’ And that’s excellent advice, for our world has also become so complicated recently with so much information and knowledge available on so many different things, that many of us have a hard time understanding it all and thus making good decisions which bring us satisfaction and a joy in living. However, if we concentrate on the simpler things of life, it’s easier to find satisfaction and joy in them. We don’t have to get into all the convoluted stuff that’s going on around us. A basic understanding of it is quite sufficient. 

To tell the truth, that’s how I try to live my life these days. I endeavour to know what’s happening, but I don’t let it all get into my soul and spirit. I choose the parts or aspects that are necessary and just concentrate on those. Thus, I have much less confusion and dismay in my life. However, don’t ever forget that Jesus must be an integral part of it all, otherwise you won’t be successful. 

That brings us to this last quote. ‘Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.’ Again, there’s lot of truth in that statement. We ought to live the dreams that the Lord has put in our hearts. As Bruh David so rightly said in Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked. ‘Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.’ (Ps. 37:4) However we do need to remember that sometimes the Lord allows problems into our lives to test and push us forward. 

As they say, problems are a method of growth, of advancement. And whenever we solve a problem, it automatically increases our understanding and helps us to grow. And you better believe that in going after our dreams, we will encounter problems, so it’s necessary to keep an open mind when it comes to problems, for they can be very useful in our growth and Christian walk of life. Much LOVE!

…Jesus had plenty problems here on earth…but He solved them through faith, works and the Father’s help…and so can we… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​