Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 February 2022 Hebrews 13:1-2.

10 Feb 2022 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 13:1-2.      Let brotherly LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Now can you believe it’s already Thursday, and only a few days ago we were wondering if and how we were going to handle Monday. (smile) But these days, though they be turbulent, evil, ungodly and anxiety filled, they certainly are not making joke to move along at top speed. But as they say, time waits on no one, and time is also one thing that never comes back, we can never recoup or recapture it, so we have to make the most of it right when it comes along. Yes friends, we must make the most of the present, because that’s all we have; the past is gone, and the future is promised to no one. 

So, on this damp, cloudy, Thursday morning, let’s look at the last few acclamations that I want to share. And the first one is familiar to us all. ‘I am above and not beneath. The head and not the tail.’ Now that’s exactly where believers are supposed to be; at the head and not the foot. But do we know where that comes from? It comes from a very significant scripture where Moses was informing the people of Israel on the blessings of obedience. 

‘And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto (heed, listen to) the commandments of the Lord thy God which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them (be careful to observe them). And thou shalt not go aside (turn) from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.’ (Deut. 28:13-14) 

Now please note that we only become the head and not the tail through obedience to God’s commandments, if we don’t stray from the straight and narrow path. So why do so many of us end up being the tail or the foot and not the head eh? It’s obvious: we don’t keep God’s commandments and allow the gods of this world, material stuff and other things to make us turn to the right and the left, and forsake the straight and narrow path for the wide and deadly one. 

And that really goes for every acclamation that we can make; if we don’t believe and live by God’s rules, they won’t any difference in our lives. The basis for acclamations to work is our basic faith and steadfastness in Jesus, doing our best to live the way He desires, otherwise we are just wasting our time. And if we live for Jesus, then this next acclamation will be mighty indeed! ‘I am more than a conqueror, through Christ who LOVES me!’ Now that’s the living truth! As Bruh Paul tells us from that magnificent and oh so encouraging and reassuring chapter 8 of Romans. 

‘Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that LOVED us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:35-39) 

Oh my people, that’s what it means to be all wrapped up and consumed by the LOVE of Christ! Nothing can separate us from it! That awesome LOVE causes us to become conquerors over anything that comes against us! That’s the kind of power we wield when we surrender to Christ and put all our trust and faith in His omnipotent hands and Being! 

Now this last acclamation has its basis in many scriptures, in fact we can say the entire Good Book, since it encourages us to do good from Genesis to Revelation. (smile) However, the acclamation itself is a compilation of sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer). She likes to acclaim: ‘Something good is going to happen TO me today! Something good is going to happen THROUGH me today!’ 

That certainly seems like something we all could declare over our lives every day that we draw breath. I like it because it’s a generous and unselfish prayer. We are looking for good things for ourselves, but like Jesus desires of us, we are also looking to share our good fortune with others. And it reminds me of that awesome scripture in Hebrews 13, which admonishes us thus: ‘Let brotherly LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’ (Heb. 13:1-2) 

And that’s no lie my faithful brethren! We never know who will come into our lives at some time and make a substantial difference. That’s why we need to be good to strangers, for who knows, we might be entertaining angels and we don’t know it. (smile) Remember our God likes to move in mysterious ways, and ofttimes our blessings come from the most unlikely source. 

Anyway, since it’s Thursday, we must declare what we call our Thursday Blessings, if we want them to take root in our lives, because a blessing is not a blessing until it’s declared. So as one strong voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

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

Oh friends, with all of those godly blessings, we now need to go out and use them for the benefit of others, share them just as generously with our fellow man as Jesus shared them with us. That was His awesome purpose behind all that generosity! Much LOVE!

…the mark of a true believer… the good actions…which sincerely come from their heart… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 July 2015 Hebrews 10:23‏‏‏‏

10 Jul 2015 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 10:23.   Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Oh Friends, it’s a brand new day in God’s great universe! And thankfully the ole fella’s feeling much better than he did yesterday, not as much doddering (smile). All glory be to God! And by the way, it’s also Friday…

‘Oh yes we know that. That’s why all morning we’ve been singing; TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend’s here at long last! This has been a rough week, for the slave drivers drove us harder than usual. But with God’s help we survived. Thank the Lord it’s Friday yes! We certainly going to enjoy this weekend.’

Yes my people, the weekend is there for us to enjoy, but we have to be careful about what we consider enjoyment and make sure it is not of a sinful, but rather of a godly nature. And to help us get the right perspective, let’s chant our Friday Chant with sincerity and truth.

All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.

Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’

Ah mih breddren, please pay serious attention to our Chant, and let it keep us on the straight and narrow path when we set out to have fun this weekend, for it’s ever so easy to fall into unrighteousness when we let our hair down.

And the wily enemy, the wolf in sheep’s clothing, the roaring lion is waiting ever so patiently to gobble us up when we diverge, stray from the straight and narrow path. So let’s not give him any satisfaction this weekend nuh.

That brings us to our Bit, which encourages and assures us that our faith is dearly worth holding on to. ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Yes my people, you definitely won’t find any human, or any supposed deity more faithful than the ONE and ONLY TRUE and LIVING God whom we serve and worship; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! That’s an indisputable truth!

But sadly, too many of us supposed believers loose faith as soon as something doesn’t go the way they want it to. We expect God to be there at our every beck and call and to give us what we desire. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.

We are the ones supposed to be at God’s beck and call and do His desire, which is first and foremost to tell others the good news about His wonderful Son and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and live the kind of life that will encourage others to come to Jesus in sorrowful repentance to receive His free gift of grace, which leads to salvation and eternal life.

Wow! Now isn’t that mouthful? It certainly is. But it’s also the glorious truth! Ah mih people, we can’t afford to loose our hard won faith as soon as things don’t go our way. We’ve got to be stronger and much more faithful than that. God has promised to look after us, but in His own way and time, and to eventually make everything work out well.

We might not always understand or appreciate His motives and ways, but remember He says that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, (Is.55:8-9) so His actions won’t always blend seamlessly with our desires. That’s where our trust and faith, surrender and confidence comes into play.

Now let’s look at some scripture, in particular from three men of faith, none of whom had it easy in doing God’s will, but they all declared His faithfulness with supreme confidence and assurance.

First up is Bruh David, the servant of the Lord, from Psalm 36 – The steadfast LOVE of God. Bruh David confidently declares: ‘Thy mercy (LOVING-kindness), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains (Lit. mountains of God); thy judgements are a great deep (ocean):

O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent (precious) is thy LOVING-kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness (fullness) of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.’ (Ps.36:5-9)

Oh Friends, after hearing such a glowing report on God, how can we not put our trust and faith in Him eh? Bruh David did not live an easy life, but he certainly lived a rewarding one by faithfully trusting the God of his fathers.

Now hear Isaiah as he declares the righteous reign of the branch of Jesse. ‘And righteousness shall be the girdle (belt) of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins (belt of his waist). The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.’ (Is.11:5-6)

Yes my people, such shall be the peace and harmony existing in the kingdom of the Messiah, of Jesus when He returns to rule the earth. We only have to look at the many predictions of Isaiah and see that most of them have already come true to realize the absolute faithfulness of Jehovah God.

And we’ll close with this popular scripture from the Lamentations of Jeremiah, another prophet who did not have an easy life, but who nonetheless extolled the faithfulness of his God. ‘It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:22-23)

And that is the gospel truth my brethren! It is only because of God’s compassion and faithfulness that we have not been consumed. He has shown us mercy, because of His great LOVE for us, and He is ever reliable and faithful to those who worship Him in sincerity and truth. Please remember that. Much LOVE!

…to recognize and appreciate faithfulness…one must also be faithful…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 April 2014 Proverbs 16:16

23 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

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

 Proverbs 16:16:      How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver.

 

Oh Friends, it’s Wednesday; a new day! I certainly hope you’re all looking forward to the new blessings, mercies, grace and forgiveness that our wonderful God has planned for us today!

 

And all God’s people declared a loud and lusty: ‘But of course! Everyday we look forward to our God’s new favour, as we try to walk in obedience to His Word!’

 

Oh what a great following we are my Friends. (smile) But by the same token, sometimes we get carried away by the ways of the world and stray from the straight and narrow path that’s connected to Jesus.

 

And as the Easter season begins to fade, many of us tend to either forget about what it means, or simply lessen its importance as the busyness of life gets in the way. That’s why this morning I was led to remind us that Jesus is wonderfully still alive, and also of what He’s done, currently doing and promises to do in the future in the lives of all His followers.

 

So here are the words of one of our favourite Resurrection Hymns, My Redeemer Lives. Let’s read or sing them aloud, so that they can take firm and solid root in our hearts, souls, minds and bodies, thus continually reminding us of the wonderful Lord and Saviour we have in Jesus Christ.

 

A Saviour so in LOVE with us, that He paid for our detestable sins with His shed blood on Calvary’s cross, and is still out there working, pleading and advocating on our behalf. Wow! What a giant of a man and God!

 

Now let’s sing, or read out loud, these beautiful, uplifting words; words to encourage and strengthen our faith. In perfect harmony now Friends.

 

‘I know that my Redeemer lives; What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my ever living Head. He lives to bless me with His LOVE, He lives to plead for me above. He lives my hungry soul to feed, He lives to help in time of need.

 

He lives triumphant from the grave, He lives eternally to save, He lives all glorious in the sky, He lives exalted there on high. He lives to grant me rich supply, He lives to guide me with His eye, He lives to comfort me when faint, He lives to hear my soul’s complaint. He lives to silence all my fears, He lives to wipe away my tears

 

He lives to calm my troubled heart, He lives all blessings to impart. He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend, He lives and LOVES me to the end; He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing; He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King. He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death:

 

He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there. He lives, all glory to His Name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives!’

 

Ah mih people, how wonderful is our Jesus! And I surely hope that that gave us all a mighty lift, as we focused on Jesus and His unparalleled actions on our behalf.

 

And wonder of wonders, it all flows so smoothly into the wise advice of our Bit: ‘How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!’

 

And my brethren, by now, there should be no doubt in any of our minds as to the absolute truth, the indisputable veracity, (smile) and the ultimate wisdom of those words!

 

Now hear another of Cousin Sol’s proverbs on the subject: ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.’ (Prov.15:33) More words of solid advice and truth my people!

 

And Friends, don’t for one moment believe that Cousin Sol is the only one who sings the praises of God’s wisdom. Listen to Jeremiah, as he too extols the power of wisdom in God’s arsenal of tools. 

 

‘He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.’ (Jer.10:12)

 

And mih people, Jerry thought that that was so nice, he wrote it twice. (smile) Chapter 51:15. In fact, Chapter 10:12-16, is exactly the same as Chapter 51:15-20. Please check it out.

 

And we’ll end this series of messages on the humongous importance of wisdom and understanding in a believer’s life, with these pertinent words from the Preacher.

 

‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl.12:13-14)

 

Oh my people, what a fitting end to this message. It’s all there in black and white (sorry – blue and white) for us to see, read, mark and inwardly digest!

 

Let’s not be like the foolish men of this evil, ungodly world and refrain from accepting and inculcating the foundation tools from which our Christian faith springs. Much LOVE!

 

…oh wisdom…oh understanding…please fill my heart today with your wondrous presence…so that I may stay always close to my Redeemer…my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 February 2014 2 Chronicles 15:1

26 Feb 2014 Leave a comment

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

2 Chronicles 15:1.    And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded.
 
Well Friends, it’s shaping up to be a beautiful sun-shiny day in my area, even though the high is scheduled to be around minus 10 degrees Celsius. But despite the chilliness of the weather, we’re still giving thanks and praise to Almighty God for all that we have. Thankfully there ought to be bright sunshine with no precipitation. And that’s the most important part; no precipitation! (smile)
 
So Friends, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, and whatever the weather is like, please thank and praise our heavenly Father for bringing you safely through another dark night into the day filled with the LIGHT of His most wonderful Son, Jesus.
 
And all God’s people loudly and gratefully declared: ‘All praise and glory be to the Lamb of God, who sacrificed His holy and sinless life for our sinful souls!’
 
And in doing so my brethren, Jesus set in motion the process for the third party of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, to come into our lives and dwell with us continually, as guide and adviser.
 
Unfortunately, the people in the Old Testament, those who came before Jesus, didn’t have that wonderful opportunity. In those times, when needed, the Lord chose special people to bless with His Holy Spirit, to enlighten His people on whatever He desired them to know or do. And our Bit tells us of one such occasion. ‘And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded.’
 
Now yesterday we saw where the Lord’s Spirit led Azariah to come before king Asa and the people of Judah, and tell them about seeking the Lord and finding Him, and being forsaken by Him, if they forsook Him. (2 Chr.15:2-4)  And that principle still stands today my people! If we forsake God, like we’re doing, how can we expect Him to bless us eh?
 
Now today I want to continue the scripture re Azariah’s warning to Asa and the people of Judah, because I think it’s very applicable to our current situation.
 
‘And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations (turmoil) were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of (by) nation, and city of city: for God did vex (trouble) them with all adversity. Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.’ (Num.15:5-7)
 
Yes my people, in our present time, there is little, if any peace amongst us. Too many of us are undergoing personal turmoil. Likewise our families are battling each other like never before. And we won’t talk about the turmoil within the different societies, neither that seemingly unending turmoil between societies. So in actual fact, our world is much more connected to a state of turmoil, than one of peace and LOVE.
 
Now that is definitely not a very good situation my brethren, however, as the last verse there stated, in spite of the worldwide turmoil, we believers ought to stand strong and steadfast in our Christian faith, for eventually, as Jesus has so generously and faithfully promised, our diligent work in His Name will be eventually rewarded.
 
So please my fellow believers, let’s write that deep within our souls nuh, in indelible ink, so that we don’t forget or mistakenly erase it, and simply keep doing what Jesus has commissioned us to do; LOVE our God, ourselves and our neighbours, SPREAD His Holy Word, and LIVE our Faith, by doing good and helping others.
 
I also want to revisit the other instance of the Holy Spirit coming upon an individual that we spoke of yesterday. That’s Balaam, the prophet who tried to serve both God and Lucifer at the same time, which is impossible. We saw yesterday, where he finally realized that his enchantments and sorcery weren’t working, they were no match for God’s awesome power.
 
‘And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.’ (Num. 24:2)
 
And the scholars’ explain that verse thus. ’24:2. And the spirit of God came upon him: Previously God had put a word in Balaam’s mouth (23:5,16). This phrase in verse 2 is not just a stylistic variation, but suggests that this time Balaam fell into a trance as verses 3 and 4 indicate.’
 
Now hear Balaam after that. ‘And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open (opened) hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
 
How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
 
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of a unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.’ (Num.24:3-9)
 
Yes Friends, Balaam finally saw the light with his ‘visionary predictions of Israel’s future settlement in Canaan, the rise of the monarchy, and victories over specific foes.’ (scholars’ note).
 
Oh my fellow believers, just like the Lord used His Holy Spirit to enlighten the fickle Balaam, He’s using it today to also enlighten us, re His plan and purpose for our lives, plus leading and guiding us along the rough pathways of life, so that we can fulfill the dreams He’s placed in our hearts, while walking worthy of Him.
 
Friends, please listen to that still small voice that speaks to us from deep within, for it is the Spirit of God. That’s wisdom, for now and all eternity! Much LOVE!
 
…when we listen to God’s voice within us…we won’t stray from the straight and narrow path…which to leads to heaven… and to Jesus… 
 
P.S. It’s a tad long and a bit late, but them’s the breaks, just grin and bear it. (smile) Much LOVE!