Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 November 2019 Job 4:8.

16 Nov 2019 Leave a comment

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

Job 4:8.    Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
 

Saturday… oh lazy Saturday! And I guess that after a rather trying week of labour and all that it entails, plus some negative weather situations, we all deserve to have a lazy day to wind down and release all our pent up frustrations and angst. (smile) And there’s no better day than Saturday for doing that. I can just hear the many sighs of relief as so many of us open our bleary eyes, look at the clock, then say, ‘Thank God is Saturday!’ then roll over and go back to sleep. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I got frustrated when I awoke around five and then tried to go back to sleep because all I did was toss and turn for over half an hour, before I finally gave up and got up. That’s why the Bit is a tad early. (smile) 

And since it’s Saturday, let’s have a gander at the quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he sincerely aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. Hear this first one: ‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.’ And isn’t that the awesome truth, as so many of us have found out over the years! We all have experiences we don’t pay much attention to at the time they are happening, but later on discover that they were indeed seminal moments in our lives. That’s why hindsight is 20/20! (smile) 

This next quote tells us: ‘Stay close to anything that makes you glad you are alive.’ Now I’m not so sure about that nuh, because there are so many things that make us feel glad to be alive, but in actual fact are not good for us. And we all know them; the misleading and deceitful things of the world. I guess it might be wiser to add something like ‘if it is Jesus’ will’ to the end of the quote. Then there’s this: ‘Inspiration comes from within yourself. One has to be positive. When you’re positive, good things happen.’ The first sentence is true a lot of the times, inspiration does come from within, when God places inspired ideas in our spirits, but one can also be inspired by external and outward circumstances  and situations. 

However, the remainder of the quote is definitely true. We have to be positive in what we do, since positive words, thoughts and actions produce positive results, while the negative aspects produce negative results. And there was never a more positive person that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. How yuh mean? Just think on it nuh: He had to be the master of positivism to have left a glorious spot in a glorious heaven, to come to this hellhole called earth, to die for a bunch of ungrateful sinners, who He knew would reject Him, then leave a mere twelve men to try and convert the whole world! But it all worked out as He planned. Glory Be! 

That leads us to ‘You must do the things you think you cannot do.’ And that’s ever so true, especially if you are a sincere believer in Jesus Christ, because He doesn’t advocate giving up. Those words don’t appear in His vocabulary at all. And furthermore, please remember the wonderful supportive scripture that says: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!’ (Phil. 4:13) Wow friends! That means anything that is in Christ’s will, He will enable us to do, we just have to buckle down and do it! So when things crop up that seem hard, or even impossible, let’s just remember that Christ will help us to do it, and better yet, remember Jesus’ words to His disciples, re a camel passing through the eye of a needle: ‘With men this is impossible: but with God, ALL things are possible.’ (Matt. 19:26) 

And I’ve left the best for last: ‘You get what you give.’ Oh my people, that is the very basis of God’s economy! We know it as you reap what you sow, and that’s the living truth! As the old people would say, you can’t sow peas and hope to reap corn, but many of us do just that. Now let’s look at some scriptures that point out the importance of sowing and reaping in God’s great universe. And Job’s friend Eliphaz puts it quite succinctly when he rebukes him. ‘Remember I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? Or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.’ (Job 4:7-8) 

The scholars tell us that Eliphaz was talking from personal experience, and since he meant that you reap what you sow, his point was Job must be suffering because of his sin. Now, although in this case that wasn’t true, all through the Good Book we are told that the doers of iniquity will be severely punished. And Cousin Sol gives us a couple serious verses to consider. ‘The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat (rich): and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.’ (Prov.11:25) And then: ‘He that hath a bountiful (generous) eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.’ (Prov.22:9) 

And Jesus said it thus: ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom (pocket). For with the same measure that ye mete (use) withal (with the same) it shall be measured to you again.’ (Luke 6:38) Jesus said it, therefore it must be true! 

Ah mih people, there are so many scriptures on sowing and reaping and giving and receiving that I’m confused (smile) and running out of space. So here are the last couple. This from Bruh Paul to the Corinthians: ‘But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully (generously) shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity (compulsion): for God LOVETH a cheerful (joyful) giver.’ (2 Cor. 9:6-7) Just like in the real world your ‘return is determined by your investment.’ 

And please pay close attention to these immortal words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ (Gal. 6:7-8) That’s very in your face and to the point my people. So please, let’s spend some of this lazy Saturday pondering our sowing nuh. Forget about the reaping for now, because if we sow good seed, with a good heart, the Lord has promised that we will reap a bountiful harvest. And He is indeed faithful to His promises! Much LOVE!

…you reap what you sow…more than you sow…and later than you sow… (Uncle Charles – Charles Stanley)

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 December 2014 Ecclesiastes 11:6

04 Dec 2014 Leave a comment

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

Ecclesiastes 11:6.   In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which will succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

Well Friends, it’s Thursday 4 December – another glorious day in the life! (smile) But can you believe that it’s almost Christmas, and therefore almost the end of the year? Now 2014 has been a real tumultuous year in man’s history, but as true believers we stayed strong through the Holy Spirit of Jesus that indwells us.

That brings me to a question I haven’t asked in a long while – how successful have we been in keeping our New Year’s resolution of having a closer walk with Jesus?
 
We have to check on that now, my people, because another new year is upon us, and it just doesn’t make sense to get into a new resolution without having assessed our progress on the last one.
 
So please, in these last days of 2014, let’s get quiet with God, let’s get introspective, look inside and truly evaluate our attempts to know Christ better. And let’s not beat ourselves up, feel convicted yes, and ask for forgiveness if we haven’t done as well as we ought to.
 
Once we have been sincere in our efforts, Jesus will understand, and anyway, 2015 will provide us with another opportunity, since our major resolution every year is simply to come to a fuller knowledge of Jesus, our wonderful Lord and Saviour. Yes Friends, we must continue to grow closer to Christ, every day and every year!
 
Now let’s reaffirm this affirmation. (smile)  ‘I can do all things through Christ. God has new opportunities for me. I’m not settling for where I am now. I’m stretching myself, and pursuing what He has put in my heart. God’s plan for my life is greater than I could imagine, and I am determined to be who He wants me to be. This is my declaration of what I can do through Christ.’
 
And all God’s people gave a mighty shout of ‘Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!’
 
Yeh mih breddren, just remember that we can do all things through the empowerment of Jesus Christ! And we have to do, because if we don’t do, then nothing’s going to happen. Remember that Christianity is an action movement.
 
That brings us to our Bit, an action statement. ‘In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper (which will succeed), either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’
 
Yes Friends, that’s certainly an action Bit! And as we said yesterday, it’s just another take on God’s universal principle of sowing and reaping. You must sow to reap. And in particular, we have to sow good seed if we want to reap a good harvest. The old people would tell you that you can’t plant peas and expect to reap corn. So whatever you sow, that you shall reap.
 
And we have a couple of rather poignant and telling scriptures that address the subject. Listen to these wise words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
 
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:7-10)
 
Ah mih people, it’s all right there in black and white; we need to live good with everybody, especially our fellow believers! Now let’s check out some more detailed explanations from the scholars.
 
‘6:7. Mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): To disobey God’s commands and then escape divine punishment would be to outwit God, thus making a mockery of Him and His Word. Soweth means “does,” “practices.” Reap could also be said “be requited,” “recompensed.” Contextually, the Galatians cannot disregard the command to support their Christian instructors (v.6) and escape divine discipline.’
 
‘6:8. For expands the principle of verse 7 to wider applications. Soweth to his flesh means to conduct oneself by the evil dictates and desires of the sinful nature, thus practicing the deeds of the flesh (5:19-21). Such a person shall…reap corruption, that is, be requited with eternal destruction.
 
Soweth to the Spirit means to live by His enabling help in accord with the Spirit’s prompting and leading, thus cultivating the fruit of 5:22-23. Such a person shall…reap life everlasting, that is, be rewarded with eternal life.’
 
‘6”9. Since it is only a matter of time before Christians shall “reap” divine reward (v.8), then he is not to be weary in well doing.’
 
‘6:10. Owing to the certainty of being divinely rewarded (vv.8-9), believers are urged to seize each opportunity to do good. Contextually, doing good refers to the ministry of restoration (v.1), bearing one another’s burdens (v.2), supporting teachers (v.6), sowing to (living in accord with the leading of) the Spirit (v.8), and general perseverance (v.9). Believers are to minister first unto them who are of the household of faith (Christians), and second, to the rest of the world.’
 
Ah Friends, I thought it necessary to share those explanations because I want us to better understand the scriptures we read. And I do hope that they served the intended purpose.
 
Now let’s close with true words of wisdom from the prophet Hosea’s warning, re the punishment of Israel, words that are ever so applicable to our world today.
 
‘Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy (LOVING-kindness or faithfulness); break up your fallow (untilled) ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.’ (Hos.10:12)
 
Oh my people, truer words were never spoken and more applicable for these frightening times. Please, I implore us to get a move on with that programme RIGHT NOW, because it’s our only hope to avoid the divine repercussions that will befall us if we continue living the ungodly, disobedient, sinful and evil life that we’re currently living. It’s the wisdom of heaven, my brethren! Much LOVE!
 
…you can’t continually sow evil and disobedience here on earth…and expect to reap good rewards from heaven…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 July 2013 Proverbs 11:25

21 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 11:25.   The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Ah Friends, at last some decent summer weather! Yes, it’s still warm, but not hot and humid, now in the mid 20’s instead of the 30’s, with a cool, refreshing breeze to minimize the heat. That’s what we finally had yesterday, and are likely to have for the next few days. All the seasons have their good points, but it’s when they get to the extremes, that they lose the human affection. (smile)

Anyway, here’s a quote I read today in a Jamaica Gleaner Newspaper of two weeks ago. It’s taken from something called ‘The Hands of Poverty,’ by Oliver Lawrence. I don’t know if it’s a poem or a book, because I couldn’t find anything about the title or the author on the Internet.
 
The Gleaner had it under the heading of Today’s Gem. ‘Now from the hands of poverty, I have passed. But from the hands of God, I will never depart. For in Him, my sorrows turned to joy, and my needs, He gladly fulfilled.’
 
And that quote Friends, is indeed a real gem! Those few words tell us how our lives change for the better once we’ve willingly surrendered ourselves to the LOVING embrace of the living God Jehovah. On our own, we’re nothing, but linked to Jesus….oh my, my, then we can move mountains, do the naturally impossible.
 
And turning to our Bit, we glean more everlasting truth, re our association with the ONE TRUE GOD of the universe. ‘The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat (rich, prosperous): and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.’
 
All of that stems from one law that God designed the universe on; what you sow, the same you shall reap. Therefore my people, if we are generous in what we have and give, then the same generosity, oftimes double in God’s goodness and approval is returned to us.
 
Hear how Bruh David puts it in Palm 41; Abuse and assurance. ‘Blessed is he that considereth the poor (the helpless or powerless): the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing (of illness): thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness (restore him in his sickbed).’ (Ps.41:1-3)
 
Yuh see people, it’s not only material rewards we’re liable to receive, but also physical protection from our enemies and from sickness. And all God’s children declared a loud and thankful, ‘Praise the Lord!’
 
And yuh better believe Friends that He is definitely worthy of much praise, much more than we give Him!
 
Remember too, yesterday, the scholars mentioned Proverbs 22:9, re Bruh Paul’s statement that God LOVES a cheerful giver. (2 Cor.9:7) I don’t know if any of you took the time to look it up, but here it is. ‘He that hath a bountiful (generous) eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.’ (Prov.22:9)
 
And these other wise words of Cousin Sol also fall into that category. ‘He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.’ (Prov.19:17)
 
Yes my fellow believers, when we give generously and willingly, it warms the cockles of God’s heart, because that’s the kind of Being He is, and in return He rewards us for helping those less fortunate than us.
 
Remember too, our God is very interested, is a big booster of the poor, the stranger, the widow, the orphan, the sick, the needy, the powerless and helpless. And anyone who goes out of their way to help any of those unfortunates will be richly blessed by God.
 
But note though, the motives, the state of our hearts must be right, and we mustn’t be only doing the good deeds to get rewards, but feel a genuine need to help the needy.
 
Now hear Bruh Paul as he talks to the Galatians on the subject. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
 
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). And as we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:7-10)
 
Oh my brethren, those words spoken so long ago, still hold true even today! That’s because our God and His basic philosophy doesn’t change! From day one, He’s decreed that what we sow, we’ll reap, and that principle will continue until eternity.
 
So please, let’s wise up and start sowing good seeds out of pure and blameless hearts nuh. It’s the only way we’ll bring others to Christ and thus further His kingdom. And just in case you didn’t know or realize it, that’s one of our major purposes here on planet earth. (smile)
 
So let’s get the passion, the LOVE, the enthusiasm, the goodness, the mercy, the forgiveness and all the other positive attributes of Jesus going nuh Friends! For then, and only then, will we become worthy of the title…wise. Much LOVE!
 
…blessed are the merciful…for they shall obtain mercy…  (Matt.5:7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 January 2013 Psalm 126:5

22 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 126:5.     They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
 
Oh Friends, like the old Jamaican music icon Prince Buster says in his song: ‘I feel so mash up today.’ Unfortunately though, it’s not from excess sexual activities, as he means (smile) but from the ravages of a cold and fever that’s been attacking my ole body for the last two days. And sadly it’s still not done yet. Ah mih breddren, I haven’t had a cold like this, what the ancients would call a real fresh cold, with my nose constantly blocked up but yet running, since I don’t know when. And I haven’t had a fever for even longer than that. Subsequently I’ve forgotten how lousy and miserable they make you feel. The fever was a real eye opener yes! I ached and pained in places I didn’t even know I could ache and pain in. Hn! Sometimes I didn’t even know whether I was coming or going. I’ve seen how it affects the duchess, but as they say, you never know what something is really like until you experience it yourself. Internally, I felt as cold as ice, while externally my body felt like it was on fire. Chuh! And obviously when I enquired of the Lord as to the purpose for this unexpected suffering, I got no answer. But I was lucid enough between my moans and groans to give Him thanks and affirm that though I didn’t understand or like what was happening, I was confident that it would pass – the problem though was how soon – and He would eventually work everything out for my good as He has promised in His Word. But Friends, I must admit that the Lord was merciful in one respect. He didn’t allow the cough to come on too. Otherwise that would have been the end of me, for the few times I chucked, it felt as though my head would split open. And the coughing would only have brought on my asthma. So at least I have that to be thankful for. (smile) Anyway, enough of my problems, some people have plenty worse ones. Let’s turn to our Bit: ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.’ Yes my brethren, that’s the Lord’s promise to those who believe in Him and faithfully walk His path regardless of whatever comes against them. Now let’s continue to look at some scripture that reflects that promise. We’ll begin way back in the days of Ezra, when some of the Jews returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon and began rebuilding the Lord’s sanctuary. ‘And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests (the priests stood) in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in (responsibly) praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice, and many shouted aloud for joy; So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. (Ezra 3:10-13) Oh my brethren, yuh see how great was the joy of the people, especially the old folks who had known the old temple and never believed they would live to see the foundations of a new one laid. You couldn’t even discern the shouts of joy from that of the weeping. They had sown in tears of faith in their long exile and captivity in Babylon, and eventually the Lord had worked on the hearts of the pagan kings to give them permission and provision to return to their homeland, so they were able to shed tears of joy at the rebuilding of the Lord’s house. Our next scripture comes from Galatians, where Bruh Paul warns the believers: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:7-10) Oh Friends, in truth, what we sow, we shall surely reap. But hear the greatest promise of all nuh. It comes from Revelations, where John sees the new heaven and the new earth. ‘And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle (presence) of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and he shall be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.’ (Rev.21:3-4) Oh my people, if we stay faithful and strong, sowing good seed even in our time of misery and disaster, all those tears of sorrow, will be replaced by ones of Joy, when Jesus returns to claim His kingdom. So please, let’s hold on tightly to that most magnificent promise, and stay rooted and purposed in Jesus, whatever comes our way. Remember, the smart money is on Jesus. Much LOVE!…whatever the problem…we can overcome it…through steadfast faith in Jesus…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 June 2012 Acts 1:5

04 Jun 2012 Leave a comment

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

Acts 1:5.     For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Monday; back to labouring for massa’s crumbs! And don’t fool yuhself, if he has his way, we’ll soon be labouring for crumbs! But hopefully we’ve used the weekend wisely, so now we’re ready, set and able to go out into Lucifer’s cruel, evil world and give him heck. And to further boost our enthusiasm and strength of purpose, let’s proudly sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much gusto! All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And now for the last time, (smile) let’s turn to our wonderful Bit; prophetically promised by Christ, then so amazingly fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, and since then, down through the ages, in each new believer, in so many different ways. ‘For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.’ And in Bruh Paul’s case, none more mysterious and miraculous, who, after being a serious persecutor of the early Christians, through the intervention of Christ’s Spirit, became the most famous, zealous and expert authority on the subject. Though, as the scholars point out, he was commissioned to work in Christ’s name by a God-appointed disciple, Ananias (Acts 9:15-17), by contrast, his apostolic authority did come directly from Christ, not by succession through one of the apostles. As he says at the beginning of Galatians: ‘Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.)’ (Gal.1:1) Unlike the other apostles, he received his call from the resurrected, glorified and exalted Jesus. Wow! Yes Friends, in Bruh Paul we certainly see the amazing and mysterious workings of our God. He didn’t know Jesus in the flesh, but yet wrote most of the New Covenant (Testament) that Jesus made with man. How? Through the workings of the Spirit, revealing God’s desire and intent to him. It’s amazing that he preached and wrote about the workings of the Spirit more than all the other apostles, even those who personally walked with Christ on earth. He certainly impacted the lives of the Gentiles, to whom he was commissioned to preach the gospel, with the importance of the Spirit. Today, I just want to highlight some of his extraordinary, but oh so truthful remarks on the ways of the Holy Spirit. And we’ll begin with when he talks about ministers in the New Testament to the Corinthians. ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able (sufficient as) ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.’ (2 Cor.3:5-6) He’s talking here about the difference between the external ways of the Old Testament, as opposed to the internal approach of the New. Bruh Paul bombards both the Galatians and the Ephesians with much talk on the Spirit, but unfortunately we only have time and space for a few of the more famous ones. In Galatians it’s Chapter 5, re walking in the Spirit: ‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.’ (Gal.5:16-18) Then there’s oft the quoted one later on in the same chapter. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law…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.5:22-23, 25-26) And the last one from Galatians: ‘For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ (Gal.6:8) From Ephesians comes first a prayer for inner growth: ‘That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.’ (Eph.3:16)  And re the armour of God; ‘And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ (Eph.6:18) And in Colossians, re false teaching he reminds them: ‘For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your (good) order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.’ (Col.2:5) Oh Friends, Bruh Paul talks about the Spirit so much in his writings, that you’ll have to look up the Concordance of your Bible to see them all. However, we’ll end this series of messages on the Holy Spirit with a rather appropriate reminder from Ephesians: ‘And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation); but be filled with the Spirit.’ (Eph.5:18) Yes my people, if we have to be filled with, be under the influence or controlled by anything, please let it be the Holy Spirit of Jesus which will leads us aright. And in closing, I sincerely hope that our conversations on the Spirit have been useful, have increased our knowledge and will benefit us immensely in the future. Much LOVE!…remember…it’s the Spirit…the worker bee of the Holy Trinity…that’s been commissioned to lead and guide all believers…but He can’t do it without your conscious permission…